Vol 20, No. 13 - March 30 - April 5, 2015

March 30 - April 5, 2015 | Vol. 20, No. 13 | Php 12.00/copy : balikasonline@yahoo.com |  0912.902.7373 | 0926.774.7373 A proud member of:

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‘Exempt OFWs from airport fee & travel tax’ - Abu >>>NEWS...P/3

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US Defense Company to open factory in Batangas: 60,000 jobs expected >>>BUSINESS...P/12 Rising from the Tide: The Calumpang Experience >>>READ FULL STORY.... P/10

 JOENALD

MEDINA RAYOS

LIPA City -- A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) emerged as Top 4 in the 2014 Bar examinations while eight (8) more graduates of Batangas’ three (3) law schools will be with him joining the roster of Batangas lawyers.

Atty. Reginald L. Laco, CPA brings home again the bacon. Before landing in the Top 4

amongst the 1,126 bar passers, he first land Top 2 in CPA Board Examinations in 2009.

“He made us more proud of him. That is my dream (of becoming a lawyer), but since I had no opportunity, his success is our success, too” said his father Eduardo. “We hope that he will have the opportunity to help more people, especially the less privilege,” her mother Zenaida quipps.

With Laco, two more new lawyers hail from pioneer batch of DLSL-College of Law graduates – Atty. Krisandra Ann D. Malaluan and Atty. Ismael T. Serrano Jr. “We really didn’t expect it, since this is the first ever bar examinations for our law graduates and we have no sophisticated bar operations (compared to other law schools),” said Br. Joaquin Martinez, FSC, President of DLSL. “Passion ko talaga ang magturo. Gusto kong tumulong sa mga bata para maging CPA din,” Attorney Laco said.

>>>TOP... turn to P/4 ...........................................................................

Sabili, Palacio named Superbrand’s MOMA 2015

Modest Job. This “Payong Repair Sapatos” man became the father of four (4) engineers and a teacher.| AP PHOTO

TRUE-blooded Batangueños are real born leaders. And two local chief executives prove that there are Batangueño leaders are worth of continued support and by their constituents.

This, after the prestigious worldwide organization Superbrands Marketing International (SMI) hail Mayor Meynardo Sabili of the City of Lipa and Mayor Sophia Palacio of Calatagan town as among the ten Most Outstanding Mayor Awardee (MOMA), Wednesday at the Makati Sports Club.

The mayors personally received the recognition from the SMI officials headed by president Harry Tambuatco and chairman Karl Maclean.

The Most Outstanding Mayor Award (MOMA) promotes the works of the mayors for their singular or collective efforts toward nation building.

SMI said that the awardees’ programs on social services, projects on climate change, biodiversity education, housing, peace & order, health, infrastructure, income and livelihood are worthy of the title “outstanding.”

>>>AWARD... turn to P/5

Awarding ceremony for Batangas City schools’innovative project slated, Mar 30 MAYOR Eddie B. Dimacuha will recognize 39 School Division Finalists on March 30, 2015 at the Batangas City Convention Center starting at 8:00 AM. Now on its 3rd year,the Search for Most Innovative Environmental School Projects is being supervised by the Technical Working Committee of the City Solid Waste Management Board, same group that takes charge of the Gawad Punong Lungsod Patimpalak Pagandahan ng Sitio sa Barangay.

The criteria is as follows: Environmental Impact40%; Creativity-30%-Uniqueness-20%; and Documentation-10% or a total of 100%.

The contests as incentive program for the barangays and schools and recently for the hospitals, are still part of the Clean and Green Project which was launched in the 1990s by Mayor Dimacuha.|

New PBB. A garden house with fence gives new meaning to PBB -- Plastic Bottle and Bamboo House.| PALAKAT PHOTO

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2015

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NEWS

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NASubukan nang liderato, dadalhin sa kapitolyo:

Ona, kumpirmadong tatakbo CALACA, Batangas – Kumpirmado nang tatakbo sa mas mataas na posisyon sa 2016 Synchronized National and Local Elections si dating Mayor SOfronia ‘Nas’ Ona ng bayang ito.

Ito ang inihayag ni Kagawad Deovic Ontangco, opisyal na tagapagsalita ng dating alkalde sa isang panayam noong Huwebes.

Ayon kay Ontangco, noon pa mang buwan ng Pebrero ay inihayag na ni Ona ang kaniyang balakin na tumakbo at makapaglingkod sa mas mataas na posisyon sa taong 2016.

Ayon pa kay Ontangco, bagaman at hindi pa pormal na idinedeklara ni Ona kung anong posisyon ang tatakbuhan nito, hindi umano ito nalalayo sa pagiging bise-gobernador, at hindi pa rin tiyak kung sino ang makakatambal nito. “Ang natitiyak po natin ay, si Mayor Ona ay hindi magiging pabigat sa kaniyang makakatambal, sapagkat naka-set siyang magtrabaho sinuman ang kaniyang makatambal sa halalan,” pagdidiin pa ni Ontangco.

Kilala sa kaniyang natatanging liderato na hindi nabahiran ng anumang usaping pulitikal o labag sa pamantayan Leadership by Example. Kuha sa camera ng Pahayagang Balikas ng pamamahala, taglay ni Ona ang natatanging rekord bilang si dating Mayor Nas Ona habang nakapila sa mgaBatangas kauna-unahan at kaisa-isahang naging alkalde ng bayan ng Provincial Police Office (BPPO) sa pag-aaply ng kaniyang License Calaca na nakatapos ng tatlong (3) terminong sunud-sunod. to Own and Possess Firearms habang ang ibang mga opisyal ay nasa VIP Lounge. Hindi napansin ng dating alkalde na nakunan Kilala sa kaniyang mga programang naghatid ng ibayong siya ng larawan.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS serbisyo sa mga Calaqueño, gaya ng Nas-Nas Barangayan o binayaran ng dating kontratista ng Batangas Coal-Fired paglalapit ng serbisyo gobyerno sa mga barangay, at iba pa.

Kinilala rin ang kaniyang liderato nang maging pangulo Thermal Power Plant (BCFTPP) at National Power Corpong League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Batangas ration (Napocor). Dahil sa malaking kabahaging buwis na ito Chapter, at kauna-unahang LMP President mula sa Unang ipinatayo kaagad ni Ona ang isang modernong Calaca Distrito. Hindi pa rin napapantayan ng sinumang naging Municipal Hall. Ito ang pinakamalaking bahay-pamahalaang punumbayan sa Lalawigan ng Batangas ang naging serbisyo bayan sa buong Lalawigan ng Batangas na naitayo nang niya sa pambansang konseho ng Boy Scouts of the Philippines. walang anumang naging utang ang pamahalaang bayan sa Matatandaang matapos ipanalo ni dating Congressman pagpapatayo.

Mula sa halos P49-M annual budget, naitaas ito ni Ona sa at Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas ang kaso laban sa FELS Energy, Inc., hindi sinayang ni Ona ang oportunidad na mahigit pang P200-M matapos ang agresibong kampanya sa mapakina-bangang lubos ng mga taga-Calaca ang nakuhang pagbabayad ng real property taxes.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS share ng bayan ng Calaca sa real property taxes na bultuhang ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................

236 iskolar ng lunsod, nagtapos sa CLB MAY 236 na estudyante ng Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas na may kursong ICT, Business Administration Major in Marketing at Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education ang nagsipagtapos ngayong ika-27 ng Marso sa Batangas City Convention Center.

Sa pananalita ni Hon. Marvey Mariño, Board Member ng 2nd District ng Batangas at panauhing pandangal, pinapurihan niya ang dedikasyon ng mga kabataang nagsipagtapos

na sa kabila ng kahirapan ay naipagpatuloy ang pag aaral.

Gayundin ang mga taong nagpursigi para bigyan sila ng magandang kinabukasan.

May 13 achievers ngayong taon. Sila ay sina Grace Alcazar, Mhatiel Garcia, Aldrin Rosales, Redgelyn Dimayuga, Ellarie Cunag at Jocelle Fallarcuna na nagtapos with distinction.

Maylene Baes at Marie Rose Oesman na kapwa Cum Laude, at Magna Cum Laude naman sina Leonawen Almazan, Lea Rayos. Luisa Zara, Katrina Macatangay at Stephanie Ivy Acuña Alarcon.

Pinasalamatan ni Alarcon sa kanyang talumpati ang pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas sa pangunguna ni Mayor Eddie B. Dimacuha na nagtatag ng institusyong ito. Ayon pa rin sa kanya, hindi hadlang ang kahirapan para makapagtapos... hindi hadlang ang pagkakaroon ng brocken family para magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan.

Dumalo din sa nasabing pagtitipon si Mayor Eddie Dimacuha, Former Mayor Vilma Dimacuha, Atty. RD Dimacuha, Engr. Januario Godoy, Atty. Teddy Deguito, Dr. Rose Barrion, Mrs. Fely Adarlo, Dr. Maria Elena Boongaling, Mrs. Leonor Garcia, mga konsehales, mga guro at kawani ng CLB.|

KUHA NI RUSSELL LALUCES

ALVIN M. REMO

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Bayan ng Balete, humihiling ng firetruck BALETE, Batangas – “Bawal na bawal po ritong magkasunog sapagkat wala po kami ni isang firetruck!”

Ito ang pahayag ni Mayor Leovino Hidalgo ng bayan ng Balete sa panayam ng mga kasapi ng Batangas Press kamakailan.

Anang alkalde, isang malaking suliranin ng kaniyang bayan ang kawalan ng kahit na maliit o segundamanong firetruck na magagamit sa

sandaling sumiklab ang isang sunog sa kaniyang bayan.

“Lubha po naming napakalayo namin sa bayan ng Malvar at Lunsod ng Lipa kung sa kanila pa lagi namin iaasa ang pag-apula sa apoy sakaling may masunugan dito sa amin”, sambit pa ng alkalde.

Nakapanghihinayang aniyang hindi pa natutugunan ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)

Go away from drugs....

Harness your talents at

ang paglalaan ng kahit isang firetruck a kaniyang bayan. Nanghihinayang rin aniya siya sa pagpanaw ni dating DILG secretary Jesse Robredo sapagkat ng unang makipagpulong ang dating kalihim sa mga punumbayan ng rehiyon ay si Hidalgo umano ang kanunaunahang naghayag ng pangangailangang mabigyan ng isang firetruck.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

Inter-Island News Collated By RONALINA L. ELARMO

Basic tourism statistics training ng DOT, isinagawa sa Occ Min SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro – Isinagawa sa mga bayan ng San Jose at Sta Cruz ang tatlong araw na Basic Tourism Statistics Training (BTST) ng Department of Tourism (DOT) mula Marso 24-26.

Dinaluhan ito ng mga opisyales ng turismo ng 11 munisipyo at ng mga establisyemento, gaya ng hotel at resorts, na kaagapay ng lokal na tanggapang panturismo sa pagtatala ng mga dumarating na bisita o turista sa bawat bayan sa lalawigan.

Ayon kay Maria Isabel Castillo, tagapamuno ng Provincial Tourism Office (PTO), ang BTST ay malaking tulong upang maturuan ang mga establisimyento sa pangangalap ng datos at pagsasagawa ng interpretasyon nito na makakatulong sa kanila. Gayundin naman, ang mga datos na makakalap ay maaring magsisilbing batayan kung umuunlad ba ang turismo sa lalawigan. “Mula sa mga datos na makukuha ng bawat establisyemento ay ipapasa ito sa Municipal Tourism Office ng lokal na pamahalaan at pagkatapos ay sa amin (PTO)”, paliwanag ni Castillo.

Pinangunahan ni Ramil Basuel, Officer of Tourism Planning Research and Information Management ng punong tanggapan ng DOT, ang pagtuturo kung paano gamitin ang mga software mula sa DOT na makapagbibigay ng maasahang datos.| VOLTAIRE DEQUINA ........................................................................................................

Ika-44 Araw ng Taraw, ipinagdiwang PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan — Ipinagdiriwang sa lungsod ngayon ang ika-44 pagkakadeklara ng Puerto Princesa Subterranean River bilang National Park na may temang: PPSRNP44 Green and Growing.

Marso 26, 1971 nadeklara ng pamahalaang nasyunal ang Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park o PPSRNP na mas kilala bilang Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR).

Matapos ang deklarasyon ito ay tinaguriang Araw ng Taraw ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Puerto Princesa. Ang Taraw ay ang bundok kung saan nakahimlay sa ilalim nito ang underground river.

Ang PPSRNP ay sumasakop sa apat na barangay, ito ay ang mga barangay ng Cabayugan, Tagabinet, Marufinas at New Panggangan na nakikinabang sa kinikita ng PPUR. Ang pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Taraw ngayong taon ay nagsimula noong araw ng Martes, Marso 24 na kinapapalooban ng iba’t ibang aktibidad. Pangunahin pa rin dito ang pangangalaga ng kalikasan kung saan 700 iba’t ibang punong kahoy ang naitanim sa Brgy.

Marufinas at Brgy. Cabayugan sa isinagawang tree planting activity.

200 marine turtle hatchlings o anak ng pawikan ang pinakawalan sa Sabang Beach noong Marso 2425. Ang mga pawikan ay ilan lamang sa mga endangered species ng mga lamang dagat kung kayat ipinagbabawal itong hulihin.

Nagkaroon din ng coastal and river clean-up activity sa Sabang Beach at Cabayugan River.

Ilan pa sa mga aktibidad kaugnay ng pagdiriwang na ito ay ang blood letting, larong pinoy, ball games, wall climbing, frisbee competition, singing and dancing competition, painting contest, quiz bee at marami pang iba. ........................................................................................................

NFA assures Marinduque of enough rice supply BOAC, Marinduque -- The National Food Authority said Marinduque has enough supply of rice for the dry season.

NFA Provincial Manager Maria Lewina A. Tolentino made the assurance after holding a suprise inspection at the Boac Public Market to check if the traders or accredited retailers are selling NFA rice grains at prices set by government.

NFA rice is solld at P27.00/kg for regular milled rice and P32.00/kg for well-milled rice.

The inspection likewise aims to see if traders are complying with NFA rules and regulations such as the required facility, tag prices, sign boards. Diversion and adulteration of NFA rice are prohibited.|

* Rehearsals * Rentals * Tutorial *Band Service

D’ BLADES JAMM

We welcome home-grown bands, ................................................................................................................................................................

We also offer: students, amateur jammers. <<<TRANSPORTASYON... mula sa P/1 Photobooth Service for all occasions.

Call: 0926.774.7373

Panukalang coal-fired power plant, tinututulan

BLADES Centre, Guades Comp., Purok 3, Calicanto, Bats. City For inquiries and schedule, Call of Text 0912-902-7373.

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2015

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NEWS

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Mendoza, colleagues donates P5.3-M for beneficiaries of SAF 44, wounded soldiers BATANGAS 4th District Congressman Mark Llandro Mendoza joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives to collectively raised a total of P5.3 million in financial assistance for beneficiaries of the Special Action Force (SAF) 44 heroes, 15 SAF survivors and 15 soldiers wounded in the January 25, 2015 Mamasapano clash.

The fund drive was done after lawmakers adopted House Resolution No. 181, in consolidation with House Resolution 186, last February 3, 2015.

The resolution authored by the Speaker provides that as an expression of gratitude for their sacrifice in the service of their country, the House extends financial assistance to the families of fallen policemen who were killed in the line of duty.

The assistance will be funded by the voluntary contributions pledged by House members thru a one-time donation of P10,000 to be deducted from the lawmaker's monthly salary according to the resolution. Many lawmakers, however, individually donated more than P10,000.

>>>ASSISTANCE.... turn to P/5

Safety Riding. Batangas’ 2nd District Representative Raneo Abu models safety riding in a summit held in Batangas City earlier this month, with Honda Philippines, Inc. president Yasushi Okamoto, Congressman Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona of Romblon and Congressman Mark Llandro Mendoza (Batangas’ 4th District).|

Solon wants OFWs exempted from airport fee & travel tax A NEOPHYTE lawmaker from Batangas is seeking to exempt Overseas Filipino Workers from paying the International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC).

Hon. Raneo E. Abu In House Resolution 1918, Rep. Raneo E. Abu (2nd District, Batangas) urged the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to completely uphold the rights of the OFWs under the law to be exempted from payment of travel tax and airport fee.

Abu specifically called on MIAA to recall the memorandum circular it issued until after MIAA and other concerned government agencies have found the appropriate computer system that will automatically exempt OFWs as well as other locally-recognized exempt passengers from the payment of IPSC or airport terminal fee.

He noted that in the present implementation of the memorandum circular, there is no automatic system that clearly and distinctly recognizes the exemption of OFWs and other exempt passengers from payment of the IPSC. “There is really a need for the soonest adoption of a computer system that will allow recognition of the exemption of OFWs or online verification of documents showing exemption of the OFWs and other locally-recognized exempt passengers,” Abu stressed.

Abu said Section 35 of Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, as amended by Republic Act

Valuing Filipino Workers Abroad. Batangas’ 2nd District Representative Raneo Abu delivering his sponsorship speech for the passage of House Resolution No. 1918.| 10022, exempts OFWs exempted from paying travel tax and airport fee.

Despite this, Abu said MIAA issued a Memorandum Circular No. 8, Series of 2014 it issued requiring international passengers, including the OFWs, to pay IPSC. “The charging of IPSC to OFWs is a blatant violation of the specific provision of R.A. No. 8042 as amended by R.A. 10022,” declared Abu, vice chairman of the House Committees on Housing and Urban Development, Interparliamentary Relations and Diplomacy, Public Order and Safety and Ways and Means.

According to Abu, OFWs have significantly and continuously contributed to the country's economy and

there are laws protecting their interest and welfare.

He said Article XIII, Section 3 of the Constitution states that the State shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all.

“I adhere to the clear mandate of the 1987 Philippine Constitution concerning protection being granted to our OFWs, and in consonance with the law granting exemption to OFWs from payment of travel tax and airport fee, it is legal to really exclude OFWs from imposition of IPSC,” Abu stressed.

BALIKAS NEWS TEAM

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2015

4

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On Passing the Bar AGAINST other people’s better judgment, I did not enroll in any Manila Review Center. ChanRobles Bar Review Center offered me a scholarship and I decided to take it. I reviewed online. If not at home, I could be found in the UB library or coffee shops around town.

I had no review materials coming from different schools or fraternities in Manila. The only reviewer I got was the one Mary Chua lent me...san beda law reviewer in Labor Law [thanks, Mary!] I made my own notes, which I am hereby bequeathing to my best friend in law school, Melodie C. Tumambing Marquez [I hope she can deal with my poor handwriting] and when worn out from reading, I listen to audio lectures uploaded online. When my mom asked me what else I needed inside my bag, I remember saying “MY NOTES” At 3am on the day of the bar exam itself, a lot of materials will come out...but you hardly have time to read them, though they help just the same.I am sharing this story so that those who were thinking twice about taking the bar exam this year due to financial constraints would not lose heart. You ca review at home, in your own pace and time. Rely on yourself and always think that your able professors in law school had taught you everything you need to know...it’s just a matter of recall.

To my friends who had to face this monster of a bar exam again, I am with you in your fight! Ohana means family. Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.| --- Atty. Maria Claribel M. Ochoa

<<<TOP.... from P/9

Another Batangueño in Bar’s Top Passers Atty. Reginald Laco follows the footsteps of a fellow Batangueño, Pepe Diokno, who also topped both the CPA Board and the Bar. He, however, shared with two other passer in Top 4 slot with 84.550% — Atty. Mark leo P. Bejemino of University of the Philippines and Atty. Gil Li E. Garcia of Ateneo de Davao University.

On the other hand, University of Batangas (UB) has four new lawyers now, namely, Atty. John Rafael Dela Cruz, Atty. Noel Nuestro, Atty. Claribel Ochoa and Atty. Mikko Paolo Perez.

UB College of Law holds the distinction of being home to 2013 Bar Top 3 in the person of Atty. Rudy Ortea, himself a Top 1 Criminologist.

Third law school in the province, Batangas State University (BSU) has two new lawyers – Atty. Gerard M. Castillo and Atty. Jesus Francisco Lasquite.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Diosdado M. Peralta, Chairperson of the 2014 Committee on the Bar Examinations, announced on Wednesday at the Supreme Court the results of the 2014 Bar Examinations held in October 2014 at the University of Sto. Tomas. According to Justice Peralta, a total of 1,126 out of the 5,984 who took the 2014 Bar Examinations passed. This represents 18.82 percent (18.82%) of total examinees.

The announcement came after the Supreme Court met en banc today in a special session to approve the release of the results of the bar examinations and to determine the need to lower the passing percentage, as may be recommended by the Chairperson of the bar examinations committee.

Under the Rules of Court, a bar examinee is “deemed to have passed his examinations

successfully if (he/she) has obtained a general average of 75%.”

However, the Supreme Court En Banc has the discretion to lower the passing grade, upon recommendation of the Committee Chairperson. For two consecutive years, the Court has lowered the passing grade; it was lowered to 70% for the 2012 Bar Examinations and to 73% for the 2013 Bar Examinations.

Justice Peralta disclosed that, on his recommendation, the Court En Banc, lowered the passing grade to 73%.

The oathtaking of the successful examinees will be held on April 24, 2015, Friday, at 3:00 in the afternoon at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The 2014 bar passers may secure their clearances from the Office of the Bar Confidant beginning April 6 until April 23, 2015, from 8:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon.

The illustrious Jose W. Diokno holds the distinction of being the only one who placed 1st in both the CPA board exams & the Bar Exams. Diokno took the CPA Board Exam in 1940 while he was on his second year in law school and placed No. 1.

In 1944, he petitioned the Supreme Court to take the Bar Exams without a law degree. The Supreme Court granted his petition and he took the Bar Exams in 1944 and tied with the Class Valedictorian of U.P. for the 1st Place with a grade of 95.3.

In 2007, the first Batangueña to top the bar is Atty.

Mercedita Ona of San Jose, Batangas. She is the 2 nd Filipina to be Top 1 in the bar, the first being Tecla San Andres-Ziga of the University of the Philippines who placed No. 1 in the Bar Exams of 1930 with a grade of 89.4.|

DOST IV-A RSTL conducts Water Sampling and Testing in Lobo as part of CEST intervention on Water and Sanitation THE Department of Science and Technology Region IV-A (DOST IV-A) Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) conducted water sampling and testing in seven (7) barrios of Barangay Balibago, Lobo, Batangas on March 6, 2015 as part of Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) intervention on Water and Sanitation.

Mr. Jake M. Villanueva of DOST IVA RSTL together with Engr. Mhark Ellgine A. Libao of DOST Batangas, Barangay Councilor Romelo Dagos, Health and Sanitation Officer Juvy A. Romero, BHW Head Florentina Gonzales, and Municipal Midwife Maxima Manalo went to seven (7) remote barrios of Barangay Balibago namely: Sitio

Lumbangan, Sitio Malagundi, Purok Masagana, Purok Maligaya, Purok Pagasa, Sitio Punas (Labac) and Sitio Punas (Main), to collect water samples from the main sources and households.

Water samples were also collected from the Health Center and Day Care Center of the barangay to ensure that these service centers will be providing safe drinking water for the barangay residents, adults and children alike.

According to Ms. Juvy A. Romero, LGU Lobo’s Health and Sanitation Officer, the main water sources of Barangay Balibago are springs.

“Yung pinuntahan po natin na pitong sitio, iyon po ang mga main water sources sa buong barangay. Halos lahat po ng mamamayan sa buong barangay

ay doon po kumukuha ng inumin, at mangilan-ngilan lamang po ang may kakayahang makabili ng mineral water.”

Ms. Romero added that there are low cases of diarrhea in the barangay.

And despite these low cases, DOST IV-A still aims to completely eradicate diarrhea through CEST intervention on Water and Sanitation.

The collected water samples fresh from Lobo were tested by Ms. Jenny Bronburac of DOST RSTL on the same day based on the microbiological and chemico-physical parameters. The results will then be the bases in identifying further S&T intervention on Water and Sanitation that will be provided to the barangay by DOST.| SARAH HAZEL D.R. MARANAN

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BSU conducts series of fora on GAD TO celebrate the Women’s Month, the Gender and Development (GAD) Office of Batangas State University conducted related activities on selected days this month. GAD office held series of fora that focus on the different women’s role in the society. Dubbed as ‘Babae at Mga Talakayan,’ the said series started with a forum on Women in Community Leadership, Power and Decision-making, March 10, 1p.m. to 3p.m. at the Amphitheater in CITE building, Main Campus I. Batangas City Councilor Aileen Arriola-Montalbo, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. Program Manager Olivia Mamisay and Coalition Against Trafficking in Women in Asia Pacific (CATW-AP) Education, Training and Organizational Development Offiver Clydie Pasia were the panel in the said forum.

Moreover, a forum on Women and Media was held on March 20, 1p.m.to 3p.m. at the Amphitheater in CITE building, Main Campus I. The forum aimed to locate women in media as well as on how women are portrayed in the media. The panelists were Sunstar People’s Courier Publisher Vicky

Women in Family Decision-Making, March 24, 2015.

Florendo, Brigada News FM Broadcast Journalist Jaimelee Perez, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Advertising Faculty member Genesis

Women in Community Leadership, Power and Decision-making, March10, 2015.

Merano and GMA News TV Headwriter Edmalynne Remillano. Lastly, GAD Office conducted a forum on Women in Family Decision-Making on March 24, 9a.m. to 12p.m. at the Amphitheater at CITE building, Main Campus I. The said event is part of the Charter Day Celebration of the University. The women who were able to talk about the role of women in family decision-making were Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas Executive VicePresident Dr. Ma. Julieta Wasan and ATIKHA Overseas Workers and Communities Initiative, Inc., Deputy Executive Director Aileen Constantino – Penas.

In addition, GAD Office also opened a song writing contest for students, employees andfaculty members in all campuses of the University. The said activities were based on this year’s Women’s Month celebration theme, “Juana,Desisyon mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!”.|

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2015

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Peace & Order Update Collated By JACK L. AQUINO

PNP calls for new applicants

World TB Day 2015. Lubos ang pasasalamat ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto na napili ang Lalawigan ng Batangas ng Department of Health, sa pangunguna ni Secretary Janette Garin, na maging host ng World TB Day 2015 dahil sa magandang record nito bilang most improved province sa Region IV-A pagdating mataas na detection at treatment success rate ng probinsya sa pagsugpo sa sakit na TB. Ayon sa gobernadora, ang pagkilala sa lalawigan ay dahil sa pagtutulungan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa mga munisipyo at siyudad na bumubuo dito para mapalawak ang kaalaman ukol sa TB na mahanap ang mga may sakit nito at alalayan silang gamutin at pagalingin hanggang sa tuluyang mawala ang TB.| KRISTINA MARIE JOY B. ANDAL / LHOUIE HERNANDEZ

United Front vs. TB, pinagtibay sa Batangas ”Tuberculosis: Hanapin, Gamutin, Pagalingin” BATANGAS City -- Tagumpay na ipinagdiwang sa Lalawigan ng Batangas ang sama-samang pagsugpo at paglaban sa sakit na tuberculosis sa isinagawang World TB Day Celebration noong ika-23 ng Marso 2015.

Ang pagtitipon, na may temang: “Stop TB - Hanapin, Gamutin, Pagalingin,” ay pinangunahan nina Department of Health Secretary Jannette L. Garin, Gov. Vilma Santos Recto, Vice Gov. Mark Leviste, World Health Organization’s Dr. Woojin Lew, at USAID mission director for the Philippines Ms. Gloria Steele. Dumalo rin ang mga organisasyong kasapi ng Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT) na binubuo ng mga local health organizations and medical professionals na nagpapatupad ng programa upang sugpuin ang naturang karamdaman.

Naging tampok sa okasyon ang pagbibigay ng kaalaman sa nakahahawang sakit sa mga tampok na panauhin na kinabibilangan ng mga mag-aaral, kawani ng gobyerno, rural health units personnel, ganun din ang

mga kinatawan ng Burea of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

Binigyang-diin ni Secretary Garin ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng healthy lifestyle upang siyang maging panangga sa TB na karaniwang iniuugnay sa nakakasamang mga lifestyle habits, tulad ng paninigarilyo at pagpupuyat na nagdudulot ng panghihina ng resistensya ng katawan.

Tinalakay din ang kahalagahan ng pagpapatuloy ng TB DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short Course) program o pagtutok sa loob ng anim na buwan na gamutan sa mga indibidwal at komunidad na nakapagtala ng sakit na TB. Ipinaliwanag din ni Secretary Garin na, hindi tulad noong unang panahon, mayroon nang sapat na kakayahan ang bansa upang tuluyang sugpuin ang nakakahawang sakit.

Ipinihayag naman ni Governor Vi ang kanyang lubos na pasasalamat sa pagkapili ng DoH at PhilCAT sa lalawigan bilang maging host pro-vince para sa worldwide fight against TB.

Isang prayoridad ng mga programa ng kanyang administrasyon sa Lalawigan ng Batangas ang pag-sugpo ng mga ganitong uri ng karamdaman na mabilis na kumakalat at walang pinipili bata man o matanda.

Isang patunay dito ay ang pagbuo niya sa Provincial Multi-Sectoral Alliance versus TB, na pinangungunahan ng Provincial Health Office kasama ang mga government and private medical institutions.

Nasaksihan din sa programa ang ceremonial Turnover of Bedaquiline (gamot sa TB) sa USAID ng pharmaceutical company Johnson and Johnson-Janssen, ganun din ang rekognisyon ng USAID sa DOH bilang advocacy champion versus TB. Nagpakitang-gilas naman ang limang kalahok sa isinagawang World TB Cheer Dance Competition, kung saan tinanghal na kampeon ang Batangas Nurse Deployment Program at sinundan ng De La Salle Health Sciences Institute mula Dasmariñas, Cavite.| EDWIN V. ZABARTE

............................................................................................................................................................... <<<AWARD.... from P/9

Sabili, Palacio named Superbrand’s MOMA 2015 “This award is not because of just one man, this is the result of collaborative efforts in our local government,”the mayor said as he noted that “awards, for me, are gauges to measure how the government serves the people.”

Other awardees are mayors Joseph Estrada of Manila; Herbert Bautista of Quezon City; Esterlina Aguinaldo of Praxedes, Cagayan Valley; Emmanuel Alejandrino of Arayat, Pampanga; Celso Dator of Lucban, Quezon; Bernard Dy of Cauayan, Isabela; Faustino Dy III of San Manuel, Isabela; Napoleon Edquid of Candelaria, Zambales; Gerald Galvez of San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Shierre Palicpic of Pagbilao, Quezon; Edgardo Pamintuan of Angeles City; Reynaldo Parojinog of Ozamis, Misamis

MAYOR PALACIOS

MAYOR SABILI

Occidental; Ferdinand Sales of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte; and City

Mayor Edwin D. Santiago of San Fernando, Pampanga.|

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CAM VICENTE LIM -- The leadership of the Philippine National Police-Region IV-A CALABARZON is calling interested qualified applicants to apply for the service.

The announcement released by teh Human Resource Development Offcie revelas that the new quota allocates 1,000 slots for the CY 2015 PO1 Recruitment Program.

The Recruitment Secretariat is now accepting PO1 Recruitment application form for initial screening on the basic qualification standards and evaluation on the completeness of document’s requirements.

Applicants who are interested to apply must possess the following general qualifications: A citizen of the Philippines; a person of good moral character; and must have passed the psychiatric/psychological and physical tests to be administered by the PNP or by any NAPOLCOM accredited government hospital for the purpose of determining the applicant’s physical and mental health.

Must also possess a formal baccalaureate degree from a recognized learning institution; must be eligible in accordance with the standards set by the Commission.

Must not have been dishonorably discharged from military employment or dismissed for cause from any civilian position in the government and must not have been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude.

Must be at least one meter and fifty seven centimeter (1.57 cm) for female and one meter and sixty two centimeter (1.62 cm) for male. Must weigh not more or less than five kilograms (5 kg) from the standard weight corresponding to his/her height, age and sex; and must not be less than twenty-one (21) nor more than thirty (30) years of age.

An applicant shall be considered to be 21 years of age on his/her 21st birth date and shall be considered more than thirty (30) years of age on his/her 31st birth date.

Appropriate eligibilities for Police Officer 1 (PO1) are those acquired from the following: (1) NAPOLCOM PNP Entrance Examination; (2) Civil Service Professional Examination; (3) R.A. No. 1080 (Bar and Board Passers of Baccalaureate Degree); (4) P.D. No. 907 (Granting Civil Service Eligibility to College Honor Graduates); or (5) R.A. No. 6506 (Licensed Criminologists).

For inquiries, applicants must visit the Regional Personnel and Human Resource Development Division (RPHRDD) PRO CALABARZON, Camp Vicente Lim, Brgy. Mayapa, Calamba City with telephone number (049) 530-8104; (0916404-8602)-Globe; (0919-6909-738)-Smart Or, the Batangas PPO: (043) 980-0400 or 09278163492.|

<<<ASSISTANCE.... from P/3

Mendoza, colleagues donates P5.3-M for beneficiaries of SAF 44, wounded soldiers A symbolic turnover of the fund collection was held at the session hall which was participated in by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and officers of the Philippine National Police namely Police Director for Comptrollership Rolando Purugganan, Budget Division Chief, DC, SSupt. Emmanuel Luis Licup and Finance Service Deputy Director SSupt. Lurimer Detran.

“We thank our colleagues, the House secretariat, staff and employees who voluntarily raised this amount,” said Belmonte.

The breakdown of the P5.3 million donation is as follows: P4,889,000 from 285 House members; P100,000 from Party List Coalition Foundation, Inc.; P225,800 from Secretariat officials and employees; P65,100 from congressional staff; and P20,100 from contractual employees.

The Speaker and Filipino boxing icon Rep. Emmanuel D. Pacquiao (Lone District, Sarangani) each donated P500,000, while Rep. Alfredo B. Benitez (3rd District, Negros Occidental) gave

P200,000, Rep. Mark Llandro L. Mendoza (4th District, Batangas) P150,000 and Reps. Enrique M. Cojuangco (1st District, Tarlac) and Douglas S. Hagedorn (3rd District, Palawan) P100,000 each.

The Speaker said the donation will be deposited directly to the bank accounts of each of the 44 beneficiaries of the SAF 44, 15 wounded soldiers and 15 SAF survivors.

The P5.3 million will be earmarked to the following: P4.4 million for the beneficiaries of the SAF 44; P600,000 for the 15 wounded soldiers; and P300,000 for the 15 SAF survivors.

The Speaker further said that each of the SAF beneficiaries will get P100,000, while each of the 15 wounded soldiers will get P40,000 and each of the 15 SAF survivors will get P20,000.

Members of the PNP-SAF were in Mamasapano, Maguindanao to serve warrants of arrest on Basit Usman and Zulkifli Bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” both with alleged links to the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah.|

6

OPINION

SOME 19 years ago, PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS was born in Southern Tagalog. It passes through different hands but the thrust of the first publishers remains the guiding principles in its voluminous issues throughout the years.

This paper have the distinction of being the ONLY Batangas-based newspaper that is a member of the prestigious Philippine Press Institute (PPI), the National Association of Newspapers in the Philippines.

PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS boasts itself as the most awarded community newspaper in Southern Luzon for being cited as the 2008 Best E d i t e d C ommu ni ty Newspaper ( W e e k l y Category) and the 2001, 2002, 2007 & 2008 Best in Science and Environment Reporting (Weekly Category) - both by Philippine Press Institute (PPI), the Konrad Adeneur Foundation (KAF) and the Coca-Cola Export Corporation.

As the paper celebrates its 19 th Anniversary, we also officially debut as PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS, INC. As we mature in the industry, we recommit ourselves with enthusiasm to carry on serving the reading public guided by our philosophy – “Sharing Good News, Bridging Communities... Towards Development.” We are then venturing to a bigger picture of community newspapering with more developmental information for a broader content and wider circulation.

To our advertisers, subscribers and to the reading public, our gratitude for the support and patronage. We hope that you will keep our company and remain as your partners in shaping public opinion and help develop a wellinformed and educated community. We will always strive to be of best service to everyone.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinong Pamamahayag!

Message THIS month is another milestone for “PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS” as it marks its 19th Anniversary. That the publication has survived the test of time is enough testimonial that it has kept faith with the noble traditions of journalism and a vanguard of what is true.

We at the Philippine Press Institute are proud of the newspapers’ achievements.

We hope “Pahayagang Balikas” will continue to be a key and courageous player in providing accurate and credible information and opinions to our reading public.

There are challenges we now face as a people. I trust the publication will be true to its noble calling.

Again, congratulations!

ATTY. JESUS DUREZA PPI Chairman

A bilingual weekly newspaper of general circulation published by the PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS, INC., a corporation duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Certificate No. CS201401804.

Member:

Like us: www.facebook .com/Balikas

CBCP online

19 Full Years of Service

........................................................................................................................................................

Post-BBL scenarios AMIDST the grim picture that the government and the MILF are painting, should the BBL failed to pass in Congress is the question of whether people should fear the post BBL possible futures. Fact is that there cannot be only one BBL possible future. The present situation and the seeming impasse on the BBL debates are likely to lead to different, even conflicting, tendencies. What the future will be depend on many factors, the passage or non-passage of the BBL being only one of these.

Of course, the warning of MILF Central Committee Vice-Charman Ghadzali Jaafar that a full-blown war will be in the offing should Congress failed to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is a major cause of concerns. His statement constitutes not only a prediction of what will likely happen and a threat at the same time. Considering the controversies confronting the BBL, the basic law is becoming another point of contradiction between the Philippine government and the MILF. The administration is not to be undone by the warning of its counterpart. It has warned earlier that the alternative to the BBL is war and as such, Congress must buckle down in its work to immediately pass the certified BBL version. Up to this day, President BS Aquino continues to charge us with the question of whether or not we should be choosing war instead of peace that the BBL promises. We have been warned several times and unless the BBL is enacted into law, these warnings shall never cease.

Contrary to the claim of both the administration and the MILF, war is not the only option left to us should Congress trash the BBL. In fact, the most probable post-BBL future is one where the government

Editorial & Business Office: ZENAIDA ARCADE, M.H. Del Pialr St., Brgy. Pob. 2, 4200 Batangas City, Philippines  0912.902.7373 | 0926.774.7373 E-mail: balikasonline@yahoo.com | www.facebook.com/pages/Balikas Lipa City Office: San Sebastian St.,Barangay 10, Lipa City, 4217, Philippines Batangas League for Alternative Development & Services (BLADES), Inc.

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and the MILF starts anew peace negotiation even in the presence of renewed fighting between the military and the rebel fighters. To set things in proper perspective, the risk of armed confrontations between them is always high even with the concluded peace pact. The conclusion of a peace agreement did not end the armed conflict between the government and the MILF. Until the MILF finally lay down its arms, the threat of armed assaults against the government in the region is always real. As such, the government should be mindful that it must always be ready to deal with all contingencies with or without the BBL. Instead of echoing the threats of armed coercion given by the MILF to force Congress into passing the basic law, the government should make sure that it can contain the violence that the post-BBL future entails.

Nobody can discount the change that the BBL will bring in the region. It is certain that the enactment of Bangsamoro Basic Law will result to change, even radical change, in the cultural, social and political landscapes in Mindanao. However, it cannot be certain whether such change will be for the better or for worse.

Whether the people of Mindanao, not only the Bangsamoro, will benefit from the new political regime is unclear. What we have before us now are power point presentations of different imagined futures.

Unfortunately, recent events have placed doubt on the ability of our political leaders to engage in purposeful political imagination.

Nobody can hurry up peace. History teaches us this. Peace will come only when the time is ripe. And unless we are ready to accept the terms and conditions of a just peace, its time will never come.|

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Atty. Roberto Iñigo Sanchez Legal Consultant

Melinda R. Landicho |Minerva Padua Sarah Joy Hernandez News Reporters

Jack L. Aquino | Jessie delos Reyes Jerome Jay C. Sapinoso Contributors

Joenald Medina Rayos

Gerry M. Zamudio | Atty. Jesus Dureza Atty. Jose Sison | Atty. Ramel C. Muria Benjie Oliveros Columnists Janlei Benedict G. Rayos | Cartoonist

Ronalina B. Lontoc Special Project Editor

Leo Magnaye Circulation In-Charge

Nicetas E. Escalona

Cecille M. Rayos-Campo Mary Jean Rentosa

Lifestyle Editor

Official Representatives - Lipa Office

Ang pangalang “BALIKAS” ay hango sa mga salitang ‘balik’ at ‘kalikasan’. Hangad ng pahayagang ito na maging kasangkapan sa paghahatid ng mahahalagang impormasyon upang maibalik ang dating anyo ng ating inang kalikasan.|

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2015

7

OPINION balikasonline@yahoo.com

The neoliberal bane and the 3Ps (Peace talks, People’s pope, People’s war)

“Never having to say I’m Sorry”

LAST PART OF 2-PART SERIES

“NEVER having to say I’m sorry” is a title, by the way, of an old favorite song. That reminds me of this growing call for the president to say “I’m sorry” for Mamasapano. If you ask me, I do not think President Aquino will say “I’m sorry” in spite of this clamor. And in spite of the fact that the illustrious members of the so-called Hyatt 10 group now surround him in his Cabinet. If we recall, the Hyatt 10 were the ones who prevailed upon former President Arroyo to say “I’m sorry” for the Garcillano issue. I know this because I sat in the Arroyo cabinet when the issue was discussed. The president herself intentionally skipped attending that session day to allow the whole cabinet to freely and openly discuss the pros and cons. We were deeply divided.

Majority did not agree for PGMA to say "I'm sorry". But one faction with Secretaries Dinky Soliman, Ging Deles, and Cesar Purisima as leaders argued that the president must apologize openly to the nation to save her government. When PGMA did what they advised her to do, the next thing they did was treacherously abandon her. They resigned en masse from the Cabinet, wrongly believing that her government would then collapse.

That's all behind us now. Coincidentally (or by stroke of fate), they are all now cozily seated in the Aquino cabinet. Question: are they also similarly advising P-noy to say "i'm sorry"? My unsolicited advise to President Aquino: don't listen to them Mr. President. Look what they did to the former president! And yes, it's a bit too late in the day to apologize. That would have been done on Day One.  CAB STILL STANDS --- I heard the MILF leadership got together recently in Camp Darapanan and discussed the "worst case scenario" of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Good move. It is expected that if the BBL is not approved by Congress or if it is so "mutilated" that it will not be acceptable to the MILF, the signed and sealed Comprehensive Agreement for the Bangsamoro (CAB) , including the earlier Framework Agreement for the Bangsamoro (FAB) will still stand and remain and will continue to be binding between the government and the MILF. Unless of course someone brings the issue of the CAB to the Supreme Court and it is declared unconstitutional. But the fact is, the BBL is only an implementing mechanism of the peace agreement and whatever happens to the BBL will not affect the CAB.  WAIT FOR BETTER TIMES --- I am of the view that if the conditions today are not conducive to pass an acceptable BBL, it may be best to wait for better times and not force the issue now, lest the consequence may be dire and irreversible. My impression is that there is a clear indication that the MILF leadership will walk the proverbial extra mile for peace. Yes, there will be factions or elements in the MILF who will disengage from the mainstream and resort to other means -- violent or otherwise. We must expect this to happen as we all know and have seen by our very own eyes how Mamasapano exposed the realities on the ground. Nonetheless, given MILF Chairman Kagi Murad's unflinching commitment to peace ( I know whereof I speak as I have dealt with him personally for 3 years, both of us as chief negotiators), things will not be that inscrutable as many predict.

Having said that, it may be best that Kagi Murad exercise more leadership than what we have observed before. Given all this, it may be best for the "war mongers" on our side to take a cue from this. Then things may ease up a bit. But bottom line is: let's all be patient. There is always a way. Maybe not now but later.  BLACKMAIL -- Those who threaten the public by saying that the alternative to a "no BBL" scenario is war are dead wrong. Or are blackmailing us. Let us not force the issue. We may only put to total waste the gains of the peace process if we are not prudent. Let the issues of Mamasapano be first resolved and the heat cools down. Then we can re-visit from where we left off when an enabling environment prevails. I trust the MILF sees the situation today in this light.  CIVIC JOURNO -- I was able to catch up on the 2nd day of Mindanao media workshop on civic journalism of the Philippine Press Institute in General Santos City the past few days under the sponsorship of NICKEL ASIA Mining Corporation. I was glad I did, although it was a close call having to be in Surigao del Norte and Butuan before that and then rushing back to Davao City. Civic journalism is simply all about looking at day to day concerns or stories, even of ordinary folks. It's about the foibles of life that ordinary folks face and writing about them for all to know about. This is apart from the usual stories and headline items about corruption, governance or featuring or quoting spokesmen or popular talking heads like public officials. By doing civic journalism, the print media bring to public view what we usually take for granted or at times ignore and by so doing somehow bring relief or remedies or just stir public awareness of events that otherwise do not usually see print or get reported. We all know that human interest stories warm the cockles of the heart.  DRY SPELL --- Enroute to the PPI event, when our plane circled General Santos City and South Cotabato province to land, I could see from the plane window the vast, brown and arid land below endlessly stretching from the sea to the mountains beyond. The dry spell had taken its toll.

Only the Del Monte plantations and some oil palm and banana lands retained their greenery but all the rest wilted for lack of rain for sometime.

ONE only has to read statements issued by the revolutionary youth of the Philippines and Colombia (countries with longest running armed conflicts in the world) to realize a significant characteristic of the protracted people’s war in the 21st century. In particular, the way in which the revolution has gained strength, wisdom, and experience in the span of a relatively long period of time. From this angle, protraction becomes a necessity rather than a product of contingent circumstances such as missed opportunities and other external factors.

The bloody transition from feudalism to capitalism did not happen overnight. Revolutionary movements against capitalism worldwide rely on their subjective force, i.e., their own fighting strength to gauge how near or far is the approach to victory. A cultural worker once remarked that the people’s protracted war for national liberation toward socialism has brought together a multi-generational crop of revolutionaries.

The old ones are tempered like steel or cast iron. The young ones are surging and striking like molten lava expelled after an eruption.

In short, the people’s war continues. In fact, after the 1994 Peace Talks, Wilma Austria who was freed to negotiate for peace was captured yet again in March last year. She was arrested together with six others, including Benito Tiamzon, while they were working on the relief operations for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

People’s War and People’s Pope Perhaps there is no greater tragedy like the loss of thousands of lives in a super typhoon that can move leaders from all kinds of persuasion and social commitment to act like nothing else matters.

To hear of public figures like Pope Francis, Wilma Austria, and Benito Tiamzon minding the victims of typhoon Yolanda is initially puzzling and disarming: Why does this weigh heavily on these people when they are supposed to be in control of perhaps more consequential matters for the movements they lead?

Apparently, for these figures and for the movements they lead, there is no other matter more pressing at the moment than the dispossessed of Tacloban and other parts of the Visayas.

Nothing can be more humbling than witnessing how influential people respond to a very simple social obligation: not to allow any human being to suffer when one has the chance to do so. The Yolanda survivors are still suffering. But that they need not suffer, and that thousands did not have to die the way they did is a compelling message that has by now reached its discomfited addressee—the Aquino regime.

That is why it is hard to imagine an event timelier than a papal visit to happen in a Catholic country whose political leaders are looting the people. In their own scoundrel time, the elite has turned stealing into a legitimate game that politicians play. And this is not in spite but precisely because of their need to heed the marching orders of US imperialism. Before, during and soon after the event, progressive organizations, even the Communist Party of the Philippines expressed positive vibes on the papal visit.

An alliance between Christians and MarxistLeninists might sound counter-intuitive for people of secular sensibilities.

But if one considers how the rapacious logic of capitalism deliberately subjects millions of people in utter misery vis a vis thou shall not kill and thou shall not steal, then that “there are 10,000 times more coincidences between Christianity and communism than between Christianity and capitalism” is not hard to imagine.

That is Cuban Communist leader Fidel Castro talking to Brazillian priest Frei Betto of the Domincan order in 1980. In the same interview, the Dominican priest observed that for the commander of the victorious 1959 Cuban revolution, “the alliance between Christians and Marxists is not just a matter of tactics.” Castro himself expressed that “We would like to be strategic allies, which means permanent allies (1986: 13-14).”

It is easy for reactionaries to dismiss Castro’s “He who betrays the poor betrays Christ” as merely instrumentalist or, a way to deceive Christians and shepherd them into “totalitarianism.” Never mind that historically, no less than landlords and capitalists continue to exploit religion to legitimize inequality

>>>RAYMUNDO....turn to P/8

........................................................................................................................................................

Moralidad at kagandahang-asal PROCESS server si Jun sa Metropolitan Trial Court sa isang probinsiya. Nagmamayari si Jun ng isang boarding house para sa mga empleyado ng gobyerno. Madalas nakikitang naninigarilyo si Jun sa paligid ng Korte at umaalis sa puwesto niya kahit oras pa ng trabaho.

Noong Nobyembre 30, 2006 mga 11:55 ng umaga, umalis ng Korte si Jun at umuwi sa bahay niya para mananghalian. Bago kumain si Jun at si Kim na isa sa boarder niya at nagtatrabaho bilang agricultural officer, ay uminom ng tig-isang bote ng Beer Grande. Nang dumating si Ely na kasamahan ni Kim sa opisina, nagorder pa si Jun ng isang long neck ng Gran Matador brandy. Nagluto si Ely ng kanilang pananghalian.

Pagkatapos kumain, uminom pa rin sina Jun at Kim ng isang boteng whiskey.

Mga alas kuwatro ng hapon, bumalik na si Jun sa Korte malapit sa opisina ni Lita na isang court stenographer. Nang nag-alisan na ang ibang empleyado maliban kay Jun at Lita, hinalikan ni Jun si Lita sa labi na medyo lasing pa sa mga oras na iyon at sinabihan si Lita ng “I love you”. Ayon kay Lita madiin daw ang halik na yon kaya namula ang ibabaw ng kanyang labi.

Inireklamo ni Lita si Jun ng “acts of lasciviousness” sa kasong administratibo at kriminal. Bilang aksyon, inatasan ng Office of the Court Administrator ang Regional Trial Court Executive Judge ng probinsya na imbestigahan, gawan ng ulat at magbigay ng rekomendasyon ukol dito.

Sa imbestigasyon, ikinaila ni Jun ang mga paratang laban sa kanya. Isinumite ni Jun ang kanyang apidabit na siya ginamit din niya sa criminal complaint sa kasong acts of lasciviousness kung saan sinabi niya na sila’y magkaibigan ni Lita. Nang hapon na iyon, sinabi ni Jun na inalok pa nga siya ni Lita ng meryenda at wala namang naganap sa kanila.

Ngunit matapos ang imbestigasyon, pinaniwalaan ng Executive Judge ang testimonya ni Lita laban sa pagtanggi ni Jun. Ang konklusyon ng Huwes ay di lamang base sa testimonya ni Lita kung di sa mga salaysay ng iba pang mga testigo lalo na ng Clerk of Court na nagsabing habang pinaguusapan nila ni Jun ang performance rating niya, inamin ni Jun na totoong hinalikan niya si Lita.

Nabanggit din ni Ely sa kanyang salaysay na nagiinuman nga sila Jun at Kim noong hapon na iyon.

Kaya napatunayan ng Huwes na nagkasala nga si Jun ng aktong panghahalay at pinalala pa ng pag-inom niya habang may trabaho pa na madalas naman niyang ginagawa. Inamin din ni Jun na naninigarilyo siya sa paligid ng Korte at umaalis kahit sa oras ng trabaho.

Kaya inirekomenda ng Huwes na suspendihin si Jun ng anim na buwan. Tama ba ang Hukom?  TAMA. Ang aktong panghahalay o pambabastos at pagiging lasing sa oras ng trabaho ay inamin ni Jun pati na rin ang paninigarilyo niya sa paligid ng Korte at pag-alis ng opisina sa oras ng trabaho ay paglabag sa Supreme Court Administration Circular No. 9-99.

Ang isang empleyado ng Korte na nanghalay o nambastos ng isang kasamahan sa trabaho ay nagkasala ng gross misconduct at imoralidad na makakasama sa interes ng serbisyo. Ang gross misconduct at imoralidad ni Jun pati na ang paglabag niya sa SC Circular ay mga dahilan upang matanggal siya sa trabaho. Ang mataas na pamantayan ng moralidad at kagandahang asal ay kailangan para sa mga opisyal at empleyado ng Korte. Kung ito’y masisira, mawawala ang tiwala ng tao sa hukuman. (Dontogan vs. Pagkanlungan Jr., .A. P-06-2620. October 9, 2009.

603 SCRA, 98).|

>>>DUREZA....turn to P/8

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2015

8

OPINION balikasonline@yahoo.com

Will these questiones be answered?

DURING the time when the Aquino government was defending the signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the US, it repeatedly claimed that the increased presence of US troops in the country would ‘protect’ the country in the event that the territorial dispute with China escalates into a shooting war.

During his speech at the commencement ceremonies at the Philippine National Police Academy, Pres. Benigno Aquino III again refused to apologize for the bungled operations that left 44 SAF police officers, 18 Moro rebel fighters, and five civilian dead and asked instead for “understanding.” He said he was fed the wrong information by people he trusted, referring to then suspended Police Chief Alan Purisima and then Special Action Forces commander Getulio Napeñas.

He also explained that the reason he did not join the families in receiving the dead bodies of the 44 SAF men is that he wanted them to mourn alone and that he wanted to face them only when he had all the answers. (Well, that is the worst thing to do to families of the dead, especially the ones who have many questions.)

President Aquino also declared that this is the last time that he would talk about the issue. (When 79 percent of Filipinos are not satisfied with the Aquino government’s explanations on the Mamasapano fiasco?)

There are three nagging, critical questions that the Aquino government has been evading so far.

First, why did the Aquino administration conduct a military operation that would endanger the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front? And it was no ordinary law enforcement operation as it involved 392 men from the elite unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Special Action Force. The BOI report mentioned that the effect of Oplan Exodus on the peace talks was never considered and never brought up even by President Aquino.

Second, why is suspended Police Director Alan Purisima heading such a critical operation? Why is President Aquino communicating only through him when Purisima was already suspended and relieved of his duties?

Third is the issue that even the Board of Inquiry created by the Philippine National Police and the Senate investigation did not delve much into. During the Senate Committee hearing, when some senators began asking questions about it, Napeñas and the senators were cut short by no less than Justice Sec. Leila de Lima, reminding them that it is an issue involving foreign relations and national security.

What is the role of the US in the Mamasapano operations?

The BOI report dedicated chapters to the Mamasapano operations, from the previous failed attempts to capture Marwan and Usman to the events leading to the formulation of Oplan Exodus. It even discussed the preparations that the main forces – the Seaborne and the 55th SAC – undertook.

However, in the chapter regarding the US role only this much was written: 1. US “counterparts” had been providing technical intelligence information about Marwan and Usman, which facilitated the formulation and execution of Oplan Exodus.

2. Six American nationals were at the Tactical Command Post in Shariff Aguak on the eve of the

operations providing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) support to the SAF troops.

They did this with the use of special technical equipment and aircraft (drones), which they themselves operated.

3. US forces helped in the medical evacuation of the wounded SAF troops by providing the helicopters, which US forces at the tactical command post piloted.

4. Napeñas ordered that the DNA sample (the finger) taken from Marwan be turned over to US personnel.

The Senate report provided more damning evidences of US “participation” in Oplan Exodus, which are as follows: 1. Napeñas brought 3 Americans into the Army Brigade HQ. A helicopter arrived and 3 more Americans came into the HQ and joined Napeñas at his worktable.

2. One of the Americans, identified by Napeñas as Mr. Al Kantz, supposedly handled the training of the Seaborne.

3. One of the Americans ordered [Major General Edmundo] Pangilinan to fire the artillery. However, Pangilinan refused and told him “Do not dictate to me what to do. I am the commander here.”

4. The Americans provided surveillance in the area through their ISR. The Americans brought in TV monitors to the HQ. 5. Napeñas admitted that a “US counterpart” was involved in intelligence cooperation, training and equipment provision, including providing the maps used for the operation.

The Senate report also read: “Working with an ally such as the United States apparently gives us access to information and access that have assisted us in our local operations.”

“However, the question is, what must we give in return? Are there any consequences to working with the United States in pursuing its global war on terror?

Obviously, in the Mamasapano operation, the consequence of that mission is to get Marwan and Usman was the death of a large number of Filipino soldiers and civilians.” “ The second consideration is, ‘Who is driving the cart?’ Was the Mamasapano operation authored by Filipinos? It must be remembered that the US offered a reward of USD 5 million (approximately P200 million pesos) for Marwan. Clearly, the staggering amount could have enticed law enforcers to conduct operations to support the interests of others despite the high risks involved.”

(This may be the reason why in the BOI report, it was mentioned that all joint operations of the PNP and AFP to neutralize Marwan and Usman failed, because either the AFP backed out of its commitment or Marwan was able to escape. The AFP even did an operation against Marwan on its own.)

President Aquino never did try to explain these things. In his supposed last speech on the issue at the PNPA graduation ceremonies and his two nationwide addresses what he tried to explain was why reinforcements from the Armed Forces of the Philippines were late. He never did explain the real purpose of the military operations, the question of command and Purisima’s role, and the participation of the US and its impact on our country’s sovereignty.

Perhaps, the search for the answers to these questions would take no less than an investigation that is not being led by the Aquino administration.|

Benjie Oliveros

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<<<OLIVEROS.... from P/7

“Never having to say I’m Sorry” It reminded me of the famine due to the EL NINO that visited highlanders of Central Mindanao in1998 during the time of former President Ramos. We provided emergency supply of rice to the hungry population of about 1 million residents. It was not easy. We had to quell some unrest of hungry and angry farmers and barrio folks.

Today, we are still on the onset of summer but the dry spell is starting to rear its ugly head. Government must prepare for a similar scenario.

In the meantime, we need a gathering storm badly to bring temporary relief.  SUFFERINGS --- This reminds

me. I wonder how the thousands of "bakwits" in Maguindanao and nearby areas are coping as military operations against the bad guys are on-going. We know that human tragedy always takes place when fighting erupts between the military and the armed groups and the first victims for sure are the noncombatants or those who are not involved at all one way or the other in the conflict. Even the families of fighters, their women and children, suffer the brunt. Government must be there to attend to them. Never mind if we also give assistance to the families of combatants who fight government. I recall during my time doing Mindanao work for the

government, some government relief workers complained that the bags of supplies that we distributed in evacuation centers were usually found in overran and captured camps of the rebels. Of course, we should expect that family recipients of goods would find ways and means to help their husbands, sons and relatives fighting out there. In humanitarian work, we do not distinguish. In fact, if government responds well and gives assistance, it will win the hearts and minds even of those who fight government and the established order. But if it becomes a humanitarian disaster due to government's incompetence or callousness, then we breed more

<<<RAYMUNDO.... from P/7

The neoliberal bane and the 3Ps through their monopoly and defence of private property. After all, reactionaries are not interested in understanding philosophy. They instead insist on what Armando Hart points out as their “beloved dogma of the impossibility of an understanding between Christians and communists [which], “comes tumbling down when you have a deep understanding of both doctrines (4).”

On May 16, 2013, Pope Francis expressed a thoughtful observation and a tough critique of our times: “While the income of a minority increasing exponentially, that of the majority is crumbling.” Wealth and poverty are viewed from a relational perspective, one that easily disputes the political elite’s higher stakes on the role of big business in the nation’s economic development through public-private partnership programs. It also hits at a conjunctural phenomenon that functions as a strategy of containment in the context of the crisis global monopoly capital and the human face it tries so hard to assume: corporate social responsibility. Wealth and poverty are not mutually exclusive conditions; some people are wealthy because many are poor.

The pope does not stop at observations and criticisms of various aspects of the system. He cleverly goes beyond culturalizing the current crisis by not limiting his analysis to human greed and consumerism. Almost saying that “it’s the political economy, stupid!,” Pope Francis points to the prevailing economic system—capitalism—as the culprit. He even goes as far as to expose the much-vaunted trickledown theories that frame the exploitative alliance between states and markets: “Some people continue to defend trickle-down theories which assume that economic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world…This opinion, which has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naive trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system.”

To prepare for the Papal visit, street children homeless people were either jailed or brought to resorts out of town to undergo seminars on government’s dole out programs with a special focus on toilet training.

This arrogant and poisonous swill reaped fierce censure from the

...................................................

dissenters and increase the number of those who rebel and fight government. We will see how the ongoing military operations cope with the needs of the affected and suffering civilians. However, what we saw and how things were handled in the Zamboanga siege was tragic.  Editor’s Note: Lawyer Jesus G. Dureza is the former Office of the President Assistant for Peace Process (OPAPP) and also served as Press Secretary during the administrations of former presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria MacapagalArroyo. He is now the Chairman of Philippine Press Institute of which Pahayagang Balikas is a member.|

public. Yet the same pig filth was strongly defended by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman and Malacanang spokesperson Abigail Valte.

As Pope Francis would set foot on our country and make his way to the Apostolic Nunciature through a motorcade along Manila’s main roads, thousands of Filipinos welcomed him with indefatigable cheers. Their shouts were powerful enough to make one marvel at the consequences of belief without doubting the moment’s certainty.

No doubt there was hope, solidarity, and a sense of triumph that was at once abiding and fragile.

There was all of that no matter how the Aquino regime turned the event into a garrison. It installed men in uniform who brandished their long firearms amidst a community of believers who expectantly waited to see their shepherd. There were snipers positioned in rooftops that were ready to strike anytime it was “necessary.” Lining up for a police search on his way to see the Pope along Ayala Bridge, an organizer from the labor movement was manhandled and almost arrested only because, and as he reflected on the incident much later, he “looks a certain way.” The message of the police assault was very clear: We want no Muslims here!

Nonetheless, the leftists persisted and joined the succeeding activities of the papal visit. Indeed, a humble and thoughtful recognition is in order: Marxist revolutionary movements worldwide and Christianity have both suffered the consequences of the fragmenting logic of global capitalism that comes with the slogan of globalization as “the brutal imposition of the unified world market that threatens all local ethnic traditions, including the very form of the nation-state (Zizek, 2000:12).”

The alliance between Christians and Marxists finds its basis not so much on a shared utopian future but on shattered hopes.

Our present is also “the outcome of the crushed potential for the future that was contained in the past” (Zizek,2000:90).

There is one thing that the papal visit, the peace talks vis a vis people’s war, and the neoliberal bane have in common: they provoke that unmistakable and desperate now or never spirit, at least for this activist.

That one has to bear witness and get active on these matters does not confirm anything out of the ordinary. When certain situations present underlying and/or other possible situations in all their magnetic promise, the bones can only feel and know this deeply as they move the body out of stupor. (http://bulatlat.com) __________________ Sarah Raymundo is a fulltime faculty at the University of the Philippines-Center for International Studies (UP-CIS Diliman) and a member of the National Executive Board of the All U.P. Academic Employees Union. She is the current National Treasurer of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and the External Vice Chair of the Philppine Anti-Impeiralist Studies (PAIS). She is also a member of the Editorial Board of Interface: A Journal for Social Movements.

9

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Legal Notices:P140/col. cm Subscription Rate: 1 year - P1,200 6 months - P 600

BUSINESS New science park could make Malvar highly industrialized 100K+ local jobs in the offing soon MALVAR, Batangas – “The development of about 260 hectare property here into a combined industrial-residential estate could transform this small town into a highly urbanized community in the next decade.”

Thus, Secretary Gregory Domingo of the Department of Trade and Industry was quoted remarking the on-going development of the Light Industry and Science Park IV (LISP IV) by the Science Park of the Philippines (SPPI).

SPPI has been developing the LISP IV since late 2013 and is already on 60% completion.

Some companies have already started building production facilities and hiring is expected to start in the next few months.

The LISP IV is the biggest among all industrial parks developed by SPPI. With its 200-hectare industrial zone and 60-hectare residential and commercial land, the site will be both economic and tourist zone according to Domingo.

Since the beginning of construction more than a year ago, more than 500 foreign investors have been to the site and expressed interest. Among possible locators are America’s Apple, Intel, General Dynamics,

Boeing, and Hewlett-Packard. Japan’s Lexus, Toyota, Nikon, and Sony are also among major possible tenants.

According to Guillermo Luchangco, CEO of SPPI, LISP IV could accommodate 40 to 50 manufacturing plants that can provide up-to 120,000 manufacturing and office jobs.

The 60-hectare commercial and residential zone can also provide an additional 10,000 jobs according to the developer.

To ease traffic congestion, the industrial zone will use two exits of Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR). The north gate will be at Malvar Exit while the South gate will be at San Juan Exit, still in the town of Malvar.

“Batangas province is already a home of four industrial parks providing more than 300,000 jobs. The addition of LISP IV will only push Batangas to one of the richest provinces in the Philippines and students who are still in college will surely benefit this development,” Domingo said.

The SPPI Group is also the developer of the following economic zones: 178-hectare LISP I located in Cabuyao, Laguna; 65-hectare LISP II, in Calamba, Laguna; 109-hectare LISP III in Sto. Tomas, Batangas; 162-hectare Hermosa Economic Zone, in Hermosa, Bataan; and 62-hectare Cebu Light Industrial Park in Mactan, Cebu.|

With FANNY JALACJAC .................................................................................................................................................................

Food Security and Livelihood Opportunity. This eggplant farmer is just one among the many farmers assisted by the City Government thru the Office of the City Veterinary and Agricultural Services (OCVAS) by providing technical inputs and marketing assistance for their produce .|

PALAKAT PHOTO

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Ground Breaking. Calatagan Mayor Sophia Palacio (left) and Solar Philippines president Leandro Leviste break ground for the Batangas solar project.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Solar Philippines to build largest solar farm in Luzon CALATAGAN, Batangas – After pioneering the nation’s first large-scale solar rooftop projects, Solar Philippines claims a new frontier with the launch of the largest solar farm in Luzon.

At the ceremonial groundbreaking of the 50 MW project in Calatagan, Batangas, attended by officials from the local and national government, Solar Philippines President Leandro Leviste marked the event as a turning point for renewable energy in Batangas, which is home to both the nation’s largest number of fossil fuel plants and various eco-tourism destinations.

The ground-mounted system will comprise over 150,000 solar panels, covering over 75 hectares of land owned by the company. Once completed this year, it shall generate enough energy to power the majority of the entire province of Batangas. Over three decades of operation, it is expected to offset over 1 million tons of CO2, equivalent to planting over 5 million trees.

Solar Philippines will develop, co-finance, design, and construct the project, the first time that any local company has taken an integrated approach to solar farm development – allowing Solar Philippines to complete this project in record time.

“This is the first of many solar farms that we shall launch this year, and are in discussions with landowners across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” said Leviste.

“Taking the same approach as for our rooftop projects, we’ve integrated development, financing, and construction all-in-one, allowing us to move faster in meeting the Department of Energy’s solar targets for 2015.”

Leviste took the occasion to issue a call to action to other landowners: “This is the year to convert unproductive lands into solar farms. What we have done to the rooftops of malls and factories, we shall do for solar farms, and we welcome all willing partners to join us in finally turning this vision into a reality.”

The company plans to complete no less than 200 MW in 2015, and has secured over a dozen Renewable Energy Service Contracts to develop projects near major cities across the country.

Earlier this month, Solar Philippines made Robinsons Place Palawan the world’s largest solar-powered “off-grid” mall.

In a statement, the solar provider said Robinsons Place Palawan features 4,710 solar

>>>ENERGY....turn to P/13

Tawag na sa Pahayagang Balikas Telephone No. 0926.774.7373 0912.902.7373 para sa inyong pagpapalathala.

10 “No matter how much falls on us, we keep plowing ahead. That’s the only way to keep the roads clear.” ¯ Greg Kincaid

Rising from the Tide: The Calumpang Experience HE third week of January gives a new hope for all Batangueños – commuters and businessmen alike, who are gravely affected by the collapse of the Calumpang Bridge. This was after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) formally issued the “Notice to Proceed” to JBL Builders and William Uy Construction Join Ventures for the rehabilitation of the bridge.

T

The JBL Construction and William Uy Joint Ventures to whom the project was awarded is actually the only contractor who participated in the public bidding called for the project. That’s actually the third in row, after there are no bidders that participated in the first two failed public bidding.

Assistant Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Ronaldo Geron, in an exclusive intercview with balikas said that the Bidding Committee has strictly observed the guidelines which provides that the participating bidder/s must have concrete basis or proof of their qualifications to join the bidding.

Moreso, they must accompany in their bidding documents supporting

papers that proves that they have built the same type of bridge in the recent period.

It can be recalled that the Calumpang Bridge has collapsed in the morning of July 16, 2014 at the height of typhoon Glenda.

On that very morning, City Administrator Philip Baroja categorically said that the said bridge is under the jurisdiction of the national government, although weeks after its collapse, the DPWH released their inventory of bridges where the Calumpang Bridge is nowhere to be found.

This caused Usec. Geron to ask President Benigno S. Aquino III thru the National Dissaster and Risk Reduction Management Council

(NDRRMC) to act on the Resolution passed by the City Council calling for the immediate rehabilitation of the fallen bridge.

Last January 28, officials of the city government of Batangas City mayor Eduardo B. Dimacuha and 2nd District Congressman Raneo Abu led by

personally appeared to DPWH head office at Port Area, Manila to verify the status of the funding for the rehabilitation of the bridge.

The delegation is also a joined by DPWH Batangas 2nd District Engr.

Carlito Jose, and representatives of heavy industries affected by the collapsed

“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” ¯ Steve Maraboli

‘Putol na Ugnayan, Putol na Kabuhayan.’ The airea

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MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2015

BUSINESS balikasonline@yahoo.com

Pier reinforcement. Boring activity is underway for the installation of reinforment posts to support the existing piers.| BALIKAS PHOTO

of the bridge, namely: Pilipinas Shell, San Miguel Corporation, JG Summit Petrochemical Corp. ang Lafarge Cement, among others.

Secretary Singson assured the delegation that the project was already awarded a week earlier to the JBL Builders in the amount of P63,478,735.04 which fund shall be charged to the Calamity Fund in the 2014 General Appropriation Act (GAA) and is expected to be completed in seven (7) months.

In recent development, the contractor has speed up the rehabilitation efforts nad are now working 24/7.

“Ginagawa namin ang lahat ng aming makakaya para mapabilis ang aming trabaho. Pipilitin namin na matapos ang konstruksyon bago mag pasukan sa Hunyo at madaanan na ito. Lahat naman ng mga tao namin ay masisipag at kumikilos.”

Thus, Cesar Lubid, Officer-in-

Charge ng JBL Builders and Wilson Yu Construction Joint Venture said.

As of this writing, the putting up of new piers has already commenced as the old piers have to be reinforced and the remaining portion of the collapsed bridge be retrofitted.

“Makakaasa naman kayo na matibay at safe itong tulay kasi nilalagyan namin ng tukod at proteksyon ang ilalim ng tulay,” (The public are assured that the new bridge will be very sturdy and safe because we are putting up reinforcement posts underneath it), Lubid added.

Since last February 26, the contractor has implemented a 24-hour work cycle with more than 30 workers being employed.

With the commitment of the contractor to have the project done even before the target date of completion, the public is very hopeful that the new bridge will be opened in June in time for the opening of the new school year.|

al view of Batangas City with the collapsed bridge at the center.|

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Call/txt us:

0912.902.7373 0926.774.7373 0927.320.2003

11

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2015

12

BUSINESS balikasonline@yahoo.com

Top US Defense Company to open mega factory in Batangas: 60,000 jobs expected SOME four months ago, it was published in Tokyo, Japan that the Chinese Government was in panic mode following the announcement of Admiral James Elroy, Commander of the Pacific Fleet, that a top US Defense Contractor has acquired 50 hectares (123.5 acres) of land somewhere in Southern Luzon, the Philippines.

“I want to make clear that the American goal is to give manufacturing jobs to Filipino people and not to arm the country. The facility will be the biggest outside US mainland and will produce 40% of our military equipment parts, electronic warfare, and software technologies. The main assembly remains in Seattle, Washington and our facilities in Norfolk Virginia”, Adm. Elroy explained during the press conference in Yokusuka on board USS George Huffington, sometime in October last year.

Some Filipino political analysts and activists who are aware of the plan voiced out their concern as it could heat-up the tension with China and could sever the already deteriorating relationship between China and Philippines.

JUDICIAL NOTICE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF BATANGAS BRANCH 13, LIPA CITY PETITION FOR CORRECTION AND/OR CANCELLATION OF THE NAME OF FAT HER (ABEL PAPASIN) IN T HE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF SHIELA ANN MARIE CARANDANG PAPASIN TO UNKNOWN AND TO ALLOW HER TO USE THE FAMILY NAME OF HER MOTHER “CARANDANG” SHERYL C. CAGASCA, Represented by her Attorney-in-Fact, GLORIA CARANDANG Petitioner, - versus - SPEC. PROC. CASE NO. 10-2014-0871 SHIELA ANN MARIE PAPASIN ABEL PAPASIN - Father’s name appearing in Certificate of Live Birth EPITACIO CARANDANG - Spouses grandparents GLORIA CARANDANG - Mother side TEODORO PAPASIN - Spouses grandparents DALISAY MONTALBO - Father side LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR, and NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE, LIPA CITY x——————————————x ORDER Before the Court is the Amended Petition dated January 27, 2015 filed by the petitioner Sheryll C. Cagasca through her Attorney-in-Fact Gloria Carandang respectfully praying that after due hearing, a decision be rendered ordering the change of the name of the father ABEL PAPASIN appearing in the Certificate of Live Birth of SHIELA ANN MARIE CARANDANG PAPASIN into UNKNOWN; allowing the child SHIELAANN MARIE to use the family name of the petitioner, her mother, “CARANDANG” and declaring SHIELA ANN MARIE CARANDANG as illegitimate child of her mother Sheryll C. Cagasca, herein petitioner.

Finding the said Amended Petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing on April 16, 2014 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning on which date and time, any interested person may appear and show cause why the petition should not be granted.

The Branch Clerk of Court is directed to furnish the Office of the Clerk of Court with a copy of this Order for publication once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Batangas, at petitioner’s expense.

Let copies of this Order and the Amended Petition be furnished of Office of the Solicitor General, 134 Amorasolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, and the office of the City Prosecutor, Lipa City; Likewise, let copies of this Order be sent to the Office of the Civil Registrar General, Manila, the Office of the Local Civil Registrar, Lipa City and counsel.

A file photo of the US Defense Department somewhere in the Pacific.| Ronald Snowen, the famous American Whistle Blower who exposed thousands of CIA and NASA documents to journalist Flenn Greenland said in late 2012 that America has secret plan to counter China’s growing power and that, the US will seek help from one of its allies in Asia to build its equipment.

According to the report published in Greenland’s book “No Place to Run”, the main goal is to give South Korea and Japan easy access to military supplies but it was not specified what the host country is. And it turned out to be the Philippines.

The location is believed to be inside the newly-developed 200-hectare Science Park IV in the town of Malvar, Batangas.

The facility will include six huge buildings, executive houses and a single lane runway for small aircraft.

Earlier last year, Scopolous, the architectural firm that designed the Philippine Arena in Bulacan announced on their website that they acquired another “one of a kind” contract in Philippines and it is believed that populous was referring to this defense manufacturing project.

When asked why Philippines, Elroy said the country has the best strategic maritime location that has access to Pacific Ocean and that, US and allies’ ships can sail directly to continental US, Japan, Korea, and even Australia without serious maritime threat.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Construction will start on June 2016 and more than 5,000 construction workers will be needed. The unnamed company will be expected to start its first manufacturing operation on January 2018 and 60,000 factory workers, engineers, and IT specialists are expected to join. published until October last year following the official announcement from US Military. The top 5 US Defense Contractors are Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and Raytheon Company. Boeing is suspected to be the company. Boeing produces sophisticated air defense systems, missiles, and radars used by

>>>LOCATOR....turn to P/13

AUCTION REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF BATANGAS FOURT JUDICIAL REGION LIPA CITY OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF EJF CASE NO. 2015-0010 SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended by Act 4118 filed by MALARAYAT RURAL BANK, INC., mortgagee, with principal business address at G.A. SOlis St., Lipa City against SPS. VERGIL V. MOJARES and NERIZZA F. MOJARES, mortgagors, with residence and postal address at B4 L3 Plantacion Meridienne, Brgy. Cumba, Lipa City, Batangas, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of February 06, 2015 amounts to Php 821,270.34 including/excluding interest and other charges agreed thereon and other expenses in connection with this sale, secured by the mortgagee, the undersigned Deputy Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Office of the Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Sheriff, Lipa City, will sell at public on MAY 19, 2015 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Marauoy, Lipa City, to the highest bidder for CASH and in the Philippine Currency, the described real property/ies and its improvements thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-145804

SOORDERED

Batangas, Island of Luzon. Bounded on the NE., along line 1-2 by Lot 39; along lines 2-3 by Lot 40, both of Blk. 4; on the SE., along line 3-4 by Lot 2, Blk. 4, both of the consol. subd. plan; on the SW., along line 4-5 by Road Lot 22; and on the NW., along line 5-1 by Lot 4, Blk. 4, all of the consol. subd. plan. x x x x x x x x x containing an area of ONE HUNDRED SEVEN (107) SQUARE METERS, more or less.

Prospective buyers and bidders are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title herein above described and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

In the event that the Auction Sale should not take place on said date, it shall be held on May 26, 2015, without further notice and re-publication.

“All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and place.”

Lipa City, March 19, 2015.

(Sgd.) ARSENIO D. LORZANO Sheriff IV DULY RAFFLED: HON. NOEL M. LINDOG Executive Judge AURORA B. MANGUBAT OIC-Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Sheriff Copy furnished: All parties concerned.

Lipa City, February 17, 2015.

(Sgd.) NOEL M. LINDOG Presiding Judge Pahayagang BALIKAS | March 23, 30 & April 6, 2015

“A parcel of Land (Lot 3 Block 4 of the consol. subd. plan, Pcs-04-015787, being a portion of Lot 1 and 2, Pcs-4965; Lots 3403, 3404, 3406, 3395 & 3394, Cad-218, Lipa Cadastre, LRC Rec. No. 1293), with all the improvements erected thereon, situated in the Brgy. of Cumba, Lipa City, Province of

WARNING: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this notice on or before the date of sale.

UNDER PENALTYOF LAW Pahayagang BALIKAS | March 30, April 6 & 13, 2015

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2015

13

BUSINESS balikasonline@yahoo.com

First Gen’s Avion gas-fired plant ready this summer $150-M PROJECT SEEN TO EASE TIGHT POWER SUPPLY THIS YEAR FIRST Gen Corp. (First Gen) said it is set to complete the $150-million, 97-megawatt Avion open cycle natural gasfired power plant by this summer, in time to add much-needed capacity to the Luzon grid.

Avion is one of the power projects the company is seeking to fast-track to help address power supply concerns in Luzon next year.

In the previous report to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the company said it has chosen a Slovakian contractor for its power plant.

The Avion plant is targeted to be completed and operational by April 2015, and will help provide additional power supply at that time.

First Gen said that, through its wholly owned subsidiary Prime Meridian Powergen Corp. (PMPC), it executed supply contracts with the Istroenergo Group (IEG) for the Avion plant project. IEG is an engineering contractor from Slovakia experienced in the construction of aeroderivative gas turbine power plants.

The Avion plant will use

General Electric’s LM6000 PC Sprint aeroderivative gas turbines and have the capability to burn natural gas or liquid fuel.

The Avion Power Plant is located adjacent to First Gen’s 1,000-MW Santa Rita and 500-MW San Lorenzo natural gas-fired power plants in Batangas City.

Presently, the power situation in the summer of 2015 is the subject of debate on whether the government should be given emergency

Brazing the Demand. The Department of Energy is pressing the Congress for the granting President Benigno S. Aquino II of an Emergency Power to address the increasingd emand of electricity.| PHOTO GRAB FROM GMA’S 24-ORAS powers to address the power gap.

First Gen has said it is speeding up its gas-fired power plant projects in Batangas province with the

............................................................................... <<<ENERGY.... from P/9

Solar Philippines to build largest solar farm in Luzon panels and 39 inverters using German technology over 15,000 square meters.

Robinsons Land president Frederick Go and Solar Philippines president Leandro Leviste launched the project on Thursday.

The 1.2 MW plant will provide 25 percent of the mall’s energy needs, a way to ease the power shortage in Puerto Princesa. It is also expected to offset an estimated 40,000 tons of CO2.

Palawan is the largest island in the country not serviced by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, due to its location. This means consumers have to pay among the highest power rates in the country for diesel-

powered generation.

Robinsons Solar Plant is expected to earn a payback of just 5 1/2 years for an investment to last over 25 years.

Solar Philippines, however, is the country’s No. 1 solar provider and Southeast Asia’s largest developer of rooftop power plants. The country’s first all-in-one solar financing, design, and construction company, it installs solar on rooftops at zero cost, supplying electricity at below utility rates. With a team of 125 veterans from the solar, construction, and power industries, the company is growing fast to meet the need for affordable, clean, distributed generation.| BALIKAS NEWS TEAM

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<<<LOCATOR.... from P/12

Top US Defense Company to open mega factory in Batangas: 60,000 jobs expected the US military and its allies.

Mixed reactions But like any other investment of foreign principals, it earns mixed reactions from the public.

Jay Fortaleza Campillan said that some 15-20 years ago, there are plenty of American companies sprawling the country like Acer, Reebok, Fedex, and those semiconductor electronics companies but they moved to China by reason of

cheap labor that caused the tremendous economic boom in China. This development of putting up a military manufacturing company will greatly help address the increasing workforce in the country today.

Bernie S Noriega of Batangas asked the public to pray that it will push through, that it will benefits not only the region itself, but the whole nation.| BNT

“We have a very tight construction phase and we are going as fast as possible,” Puno said, adding that the company is working on formalizing negotiations for the engineering, procurement and construction contract.

“After thte commissioning of the plant by our contractors, w are set to fully operate it to help ease the increasing demand in power supply in the Luzon grid,” First Gen VP for Corporate Social Responsibility Ramon Araneta told Pahayagang BALIKAS.|

JUDICIAL NOTICE

Clean Energy. First Gen VP for Corporate Social Responsibility Ramon Araneta during an interview with Pahayagang BALIKAS publisher Joenald Medina Rayos assures the public of the clean energy that Avion will be producing in the near future.| DHALENZ R. LANDICHO

JUDICIAL NOTICE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BATANGAS CITY OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE JUDGE IN RE: PETITION/S FOR RE-APPOINTMENT AS NOTARY PUBLIC

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 87 ROSARIO, BATANGAS PETITION FOR INSCRIPTION OF FULL AND CORRECT TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IN O.C.T. NO. P-9096 IN REPLACEMENT OF THE GRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION WITH INCREASE IN THE TOTAL LAND AREA FROM TWELVE THOUSAND FIFTY SEVEN (12,057) SQ.M. TO TWELVE THOUSAND SEVENTY TWO (12,372) SQ.M. DIEGO C. AMADA, and herein represented by FILOMENO U. AMADA, as Atty-In-Fact, Petitioner, - versus - LRC CASE NO. 2014-235

ADM. MATTER NOS. 2015-37 and 2015-38 ATTYS. EDGAR L. MENDOZA and DANICA A. BAUTISTA-BUCCAT, Petitioners x——————————---————x ORDER Two (2) separate verified petitions having been filed by petitioners, Attys. Edgar L. Mendoza and Danica A. BautistaBuccat (for re-appointment), praying that after due publication and hearing, they be re-appointed as Notaries Public. It is hereby ordered that said petitions be set for summary hearing on April 15, 2015 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the session hall, Branch 3, Regional Trial Court, Pallocan West, batangas City before which date and time, any interested person may file opposition to the instant petition/s.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioners in any newspaper of general circulation in the City of Batangas and the Proince of Batangas. Likewise, the Court Sheriff is directed to post a copy of this Order in the Office of the Executive Judge and the Clerk of Court.

SO ORDERED. Batangas City, March 18, 2015.

(Sgd.) RUBEN A. GALVEZ Executive Judge I hereby certify that copy of this Order has been sent to Atty. Edgar L. Mendoza and Atty. Danica A. Bautista-Buccat, this 18th day of March 2015.

(Sgd.) RUSSELL B. DALISAY

A file photo of a fighter plane in the helipad of a US Defense ship somewhere in the Pacific.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

first facility—the Avion peaking plant—to operate this year to help ease power supply concerns in Luzon.

First Gen president Francis Giles B. Puno has said that Avion, the first of the so-called San Gabriel gas power plants, is targeted for opening this summer next year and will operate mainly as a peaking plant to help address the Luzon grid’s peak energy requirements.

The plant will run on Malampaya gas and will have the capability to burn liquid fuel as backup.

Clerk of Court VI Pahayagang BALIKAS | March 30, 2015

REGISTER OF DEEDS OF THE PROVINCE OF BATANGAS, Respondent x——————————————x ORDER An Amended petition has been filed by the petitioner through counsel praying the Court that after due notice, publication and hearing, an Order be issued for the inscription of full technical description and increase of area of OCT No. P-9096 from TWELVETHOUSAND FIFTYSEVEN (12,057) SQUARE METERS TO TWELVE THOUSAND SEVEN TWO (12,372) SQUARE METERS and that the correct Technical Description be inscribed in the Title and the Graphical description replaced by the former, and that the Register of Deeds of Batangas be directed to inscribe correct area and replace the graphical description with the Technical Description as indicated in the Conversion Plan of Lot 466, Cad-476-D, Taysan Cadastre as surveyed for Diego Amada, after payment of the fees prescribed by law.

NOW THEREFORE, finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, notice is hereby given that this case be set for hearing on April 27, 2014 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning before the session hall of this Court, on which date, time and place, all interested persons may appear and show cause why the petition should not be Granted.

Let copy of this Order be published at least once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Batangas, prior to the scheduled date of hearing at the expense of the petitioner.

SOORDERED Rosario, Batangas, December 15, 2014.

(Sgd.) DORCAS P. FERRIOLS-PEREZ Assisting Judge Pahayagang BALIKAS | March 23, 30 & April 6, 2015

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MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2015

BUSINESS balikasonline@yahoo.com

Solons want VAT exemption of system Government, business loss charge component in electricity sale sector must continue to empower women

TWO lawmakers are seeking the valueadded tax (VAT) exemption of the system loss charge component in the sale of electricity by distribution companies and electric cooperatives to lower the cost of electricity.

Bayan Muna Reps. Neri J. Colmenares and Carlos Isagani T. Zarate raised the proposal, citing that the system loss charge comprises about eight percent of the total electricity bill based on the study of independent thinktank Ibon Foundation, and worse is subjected to the VAT coverage which further drives electricity bills up.

According to the lawmakers, system loss charge is that part of one’s electric bill representing the cost of electricity lost during transmission, pilferage and due to technical and administrative inefficiency.

Even pilfered power and the electricity used by the distribution companies, among them the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and electric cooperatives are passed on to consumers, hence the people are made to pay more than the cost of electricity they have actually used, according to the solons.

Colmenares said this practice of imposing VAT even on pilfered power and electricity used by distribution companies is baseless and unlawful because the people are taxed for goods or services they have not actually used.

“As a tax on consumption, the VAT ought to be imposed upon the goods and services people actually buy and consume. By its very definition therefore, the imposition of VAT upon this system loss charge is unfounded and illegal as

the people are taxed for goods or services they have not actually consumed,” said Colmenares, a Senior Deputy Minority Leader.

In 2013 for instance, Colmenares cited that based on Meralco's tariffs, which averaged 24 US cents per kilowatt hour, the price Filipinos pay for their electricity is the fifth highest in the world.

It also showed that electricity in the Philip-pines costs nearly twice that of Thailand and about five times that of Indonesia.

Colmenares explained that VAT is a form of sales tax and is an indirect tax.

“It is shifted or passed on to the buyer, transferee or lessee of goods, properties or services. Being a pass-on tax, the burden of paying the VAT is therefore ultimately left upon the shoulder of the final consumers ---- the consuming public,” he said.

Hon. Carlos Isagani T. ZarateZarate said a study conducted by the International Energy Consultants (IEC), a Perthbased consultancy firm, and commissioned by Meralco showed that the rates in Luzon rank as the ninth highest electricity tariffs among 44 countries surveyed.

Per the IEC study, Zarate said the primary reason for such higher power rates as compared to those of other countries is the absence of government subsidies for electricity, unlike in countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, where the government subsidizes electricity rates. He said these subsidies comprise a large part of these countries’ public budget.

In Indonesia, for example, energy

subsidies account for 24 % of its 2013 public expenditure plan.

“Against this backdrop, along with the rising prices of consumer goods and commodities, fuel, education and medical costs, worsening inflation, and unabated sinking of the purchasing power of the peso, it is high time that the Congress devise means which could readily help in keeping the pockets of Filipinos, especially those coming from the lower income class, from completely running dry,” said Zarate.

In House Bill 5543, which is now pending at the House Committee on Ways and Means, the lawmakers sought the further amendment of Section 109 (1) of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, as amended by Republic Act No. 9337 and RA 10378. Section 109 pertains to transactions covered by VAT exemptions.

The amendment provides that the system loss component in the sale of electricity by distribution companies and electric cooperatives shall be VAT exempted.

Another amendment is that the "Sale or lease of goods or properties or the performance of services other than the transactions mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, the gross annual sales and/ or receipts do not exceed the amount of One million five hundred thousand pesos (P1,500,000.00): Provided, That not later than January 31, 2009 and every three years thereafter, the amount herein shall be adjusted to its present value using the Consumer Price Index, as published by the National Statistics Office (NSO)."

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DHL Express invests S$140 million in South Asia Hub, supporting trade across Southeast Asia SINGAPORE –DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, today unveiled the blueprint of DHL Express South Asia Hub, a 24hour express hub facility located within Changi Airfreight Center at Singapore Changi Airport. The new facility, in line with DHL Express’ global investments to bolster our network connectivity, boasts a total investment of S$140 million (€85 million), the largest infrastructural amount invested

by DHL Express in Singapore, to better support regional businesses operating in and out of Singapore.

Speaking at the unveiling event, Mr Jerry Hsu, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific, said: “The DHL Express South Asia Hub reinforces our global multihub strategy by leveraging the unmatched regional connectivity provided by Changi Airport and Singapore. In Asia Pacific, DHL Express’ four hubs– Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore – link to over 70 DHL Express Gateways located throughout the region. With the continued growth of the Asia Pacific economies, the South Asia Hub will provide the necessary logistics capabilities to support the growth of trade within the region.”

The South Asia Hub reinforces DHL’s multi-hub strategy to strengthen its market position in Asia with major investments in infrastructure and services. DHL’s network is served by a comprehensive air network of over 40 aircraft covering 40 countries and territories, and utilizing approximately 690 commercial flights per day in Asia Pacific.

Occupying a land area of 26,200

square meters and a total floor area of 23,600 square meters, DHL Express South Asia Hub features the first fully automated express parcel sorting and processing system in Singapore and South Asia. Upon completion, the facility will be able to handle a cargo throughput of more than 628 tonnes per day when at full capacity and process shipments at the speed of 14,000 shipments per hour. In comparison, the manual processing system in the current facility handles up to 225 tonnes per day at a speed of 2,400 shipments per hour.

DHL Express has been working with Changi Airport Group (CAG) on its expansion plans since 2013, and will move its South Asia Hub to a bigger premise at CAC, a 24-hour Free Trade Zone managed by CAG. Changi Airport is currently connected to more than 300 cities across 79 countries, with over 100 airlines operating about 6,500 flights every week. Changi Airport’s strong global connectivity, especially across Southeast Asia, coupled with the additional flights on the DHL network will provide more choices and capacity for DHL Express to serve the region in the long term.

Mr Yam Kum Weng, Executive Vice President, Air Hub & Development, Changi Airport Group, said: “CAG is delighted that DHL Express has chosen Singapore as its preferred location for its South Asia Hub which further anchors Changi Airport’s position as a key cargo and logistics hub in Asia. The new facility, which has improved capabilities and three times more capacity than that of DHL’s existing facility, allows air express parcels to be shipped or transshipped within an hour.

CAG will build on our collaborative partnership with DHL Express to see to the successful completion of DHL Express’ South Asia Hub.” Besides support in the areas of infrastructure and connectivity, CAG has also actively assisted its cargo partners such as DHL Express through innovative and proactive measures to provide cost relief over the past years, such as landing fee rebates for scheduled freighter services.

“DHL has pioneered the logistics sector in Singapore for over 42 years, building market leadership through innovation, service excellence and commitment. The South Asia Hub is a strong statement of DHL’s long-term growth plan for Singapore to continue to be one of DHL’s strategic air cargo hubs in Asia,” said Mr Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President &Managing Director, DHL Express Singapore. “The facility is designed with the vision to deliver top-notch productivity and operational efficiency to benefit our customers with improved speed, reliability and flexibility. With the widened global network and increased flight frequency, we will be able to offer businesses faster access to international markets.”

The latest development comes on top of a recent series of plans to bolster DHL Express’ network infrastructure in the region. This includes DHL Express’ Central Asia Hub in Hong Kong which boasts the region’s largest throughput, the North Asia Hub in Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and a new gateway in Tokyo slated for completion in 2016.| ADVT.

AS the country observes Women’s Month this March, state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies released two timely policy notes on women entre-preneurs as outputs of the APEC 2015 Research Project commissioned by the Depart-ment of Foreign Affairs. The author and PIDS consultant, Lucita Lazo, explores the different obstacles women entrepreneurs face in the Philippines. Her policy notes outline challenges and oppor-tunities for policymakers to help women entrepreneurs scale up their business ventures in the backdrop of the ASEAN integration and freer trade.

Even with the Philippines coming ahead in interna-tional gender indices and local literacy rate surveys, affirming that Filipino women outperform Filipino men, experts say that trans-lating these capabilities into business and leadership opportunities is still a work in progress.

There are more educated Filipino women, yet men’s employment still exceeds women’s significantly. The Philippines boasts of having the highest ratio of female-to-male business leaders, yet experts believe that oppor-tunities for women continue to be held back by oppressive conditions, and most of all, by persistent economic inequality.

Challenges In the first policy note, “Challenges in the economic participation of women as entrepreneurs”, Lazo cites a survey by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in 2009 showing that women make up 54 percent of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are known to be the foremost economic vehicle for generating employment. She also cites the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Survey in 2006-2007 ranking the Philippines second highest for having entrepreneurially active women.

Lazo warns that the growth of these positive recognitions are hindered by several factors, namely, access to resources; the sustainability of their businesses; lack of a business discipline, preparation and readiness for changing economic outlooks; lack of women representatives on decision making levels; lack of access to health and socio-legal protection; and a simple lack of information for a nuanced understanding on the part of leaders and policymakers.

Despite all the govern-ment projects targeted to provide information, service facilities, technology, and innovation to women in SMEs and microenterprises, access is weakened by a network of problems.

Women are most vulne-rable to cultural and economic hindrances that often force them to choose their families over their businesses. Their indepen-dent access to finance is restricted without their husband’s consent, as indicated by the Family Code. More women register businesses, according to the DTI citation, but more men renew licenses. Women’s decision are affected the most by health risks, economic instabilities and catastrophes, making them altogether less able to sustain their busi-nesses.

The lack of organization and representation of women entrepreneurs and bureau-cratic firewalls only exa-cerbate the situation.

Recommendations Lazo presents her policy recommendations for both the national and regional level in a follow-up policy note titled “Promoting women’s participation in the APEC economies: some recommen-dations”. She argues that merit often predominates all other judgment, and pur-veyors don a “blind” attitude toward gender issues.

“Where agency heads perceive gender as incon-sequential or unrelated to their respective agency mandates, the talk of gender will not walk far enough to reach the frontlines where it matters,” says Lazo. “If policymakers see the link between gender and national productivity and wealth creation, the case for gender will become a more attractive position.”

Lazo identified three goals for policymaking at the national level: empowerment, enhancing competitiveness, and ensuring sustainability and resilience.

Leaders can empower women entrepreneurs by eliminating barriers to accessing resources, skills, protection, and other oppor-tunities that allow women to build up the readiness, sustainability, and compe-titiveness of their businesses. Local leaders play an important role if they can provide services such as financial services, counseling, and strengthening linkages through trade fairs and training seminars.

Getting women entre-preneurs organized is essential, not only to help them share the wisdom and knowledge of doing business with other women in their category, but also making it easier to inform each other of the opportunities and challenges affecting them. Lazo specifically recommends incentivizing business registration with access to “the supply chain of government procurement programs”.

It is also worth globalizing women’s business outlook, by making them aware of the economic and geopolitical environment in which they operate.|

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2015

15 Barakahan ng Padre Garcia, pinakamalaki pa rin sa bansa BUSINESS balikasonline@yahoo.com

NANATILI pa ring progresibo at pinakamalaking barakahan o cattle auction market sa bansa ang Barakahan ng Padre Garcia.

Ito ang masayang ibinalita ni Mayor Abraham Gutierrez sa panayam ng mga kasapi ng Batangas Press Club nitong nakalipas na linggo.

Ayon kay Gutierrez, umaabot sa P120,000 ang kinikita ng naturang barakahan linggo-linggo o kabuuang humigit-kumulang sa P8-milyon tauntaon.

Nabatid pa na umaabot na ngayon sa 95 baka linggo-linggo ang nabebenta sa naturang barakahan, patunay na nananatili ap rin itong pinaka progresibo at pinakamalaki sa bansa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tiniyak nating may disiplina sa loob ng barakahan at may sistemang sinusunod dito,â&#x20AC;? pahayag pa ni mayor Gutierrez. Aniya, upang masigurong walang mga palusot at anomalya sa pagrerehistro ng bakang binibenta rito ay ginawang isa na lamang ang daang-labasan ng mga bakang

ibinebenta rito. Ipinatupad umano ito upang matiyak na lahat ng bakang dito ay naibebenta ay nakapagbabayad ng sapat na taripang itinakda ng punusipyo.

Samantala, mula sa 25 heifers o alagaing baka sa dairy farm ng munisipyo sa Barangay Cawongan, 23 na rito ang nakapanganak.

Sa naturang bilang, umabot na sa may 200 day care pupils ang nailigtas sa malnutrisyon sa pamamagitan ng pagpapainom sa kanila ng sariwang gatas araw-araw sa loob ng 120 araw.

Kaugnay nito, mayroon ding isang ektaryang taniman ng damo ang munisipyo kung saan ay may 10 indigent families ang kumikita sa pagtatanim at paggagapas ng nape year, isang uri ng damong galing Thailand na mataas sa protina at pangkumpay sa kanilang gatasang baka.

Sa nalalapit na hinaharap, plano ng munisipyo na magpatanim pa ng mas maraming nape year sa kanilang bayan na makapagbibigay ng dagdaghanap-buhay sa mga Garciano.|

Arko ng Kapatiran. Pormal na isinagawa ang groundbreaking at laying of cornerstone ng Arko ng Kapatiran na siyang tanda ng maayos na ugnayan ng bayan ng Pagre Garcia (Batangas at bayan ng Tiaong (Quezon).|

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Share with us Special Moments in your LifeTimes! Email your photos and details to balikasonline@yahoo.com

16 LIFETIMES

“Prayerful beekeeping to alternative healing” The Story of Compassion of the Benedictine Nuns of Lipa City  JOENALD

OT everyone knows the service and charism of the cloistered nuns of St. Benedict Monastery in Lipa City, but it’s a good discovery that this tiny religious community evolved from prayerful beekeeping to alternative healing.

“Guided by our congregational charism, i.e., ora et labora, our life is dedicated to prayer and work. Living in monastic environment, our daily life is characterized by prayer and labor, that we work for a living, according to the rule of St. Benedict of Nursia.” Thus, Sr. HambelineRigodon, OSB, shared.

Humble beginning St. Benedict Monastery is a community ofa handful nuns in a 3.6-hectare property along National Highway at SitioPulo, Brgy.

Pinagtong-ulan, Lipa City. The congregation, known as the Order of St. Benedict (OSB), was founded by Sr. Mary Catherine Virray, OSB, with only two recruits by the invitation of His Eminence, Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal,

N

dubbed as the ‘King of Bitters.’ Despite its bitter taste, it is widely sought after by diabetics because of its efficacy to lower blood sugar. This herb can be taken by itself or mixed with food to lessen the bitterness.

To date, the community is producing the all-pure honey available in the ministore of the monastery maintained by a

MEDINA RAYOS

then the Ordinary Bishop of Lipa Diocese in 1983. Sr. Catherine, OSB, who hails from Vigan, Ilocos Sur, was with another congregation of Benedictine nuns in Germany in late 70’s but went home later and settled in Ilocos Sur. At home, she found herself living the virtues of St. Benedict in a monastic way all by herself.

But later on, few good women joined her and they started the community in Lipa City.

The community found it hard to grow, that the present congregation is composed of only five (5) nuns.

Producing the best honey in town Known for their pure honey, the Benedictine Sisters maintain a specialized beekeeping fields in their backyards. A commercialized variety that produces honey that is available in the market is separated from the stingless variety that produces a specialized honey polen.

Sister Hambeline said that at the start, they found out that there are lots of bees within the confines of their monastery as there are lots of flowering plants growing therein.

Being new to honeybee keeping, their

Ora et Labora. The life of all cloistered nuns under the Order of St. Benedict are known for their Charism -- Prayer and Work. Above: the beekeeping activity; Right: Tilling the soil; Below: baking bread.

Superior sent her to the Univerity of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna, to undergo training and the rest is history.

In an educational visit of selected media practitioners from different provinces of Luzon, Sister Hambeline toured the group to the facilities within the monastery compound Holy Place. Nearby communities and pilgrims have the opportunity to join the five (5) that include the bee houses, the organic farm, cloistered nuns in the masses being offered in this Church of St. Benedict, the center- and a garden that grows the Serpentina herbs. piece of the Monastery of Benedictine Nuns in Sitio Pulo, Pinagtong-ulan, Lipa City.| The Serpentina herb is a medicinal plant

handful lay people helping the congregation in some corporal works that include baking. Also available in the minis-store are some medicines made from organic herbs, organic soaps, vinegars and other farm produce.

Aside from maintaining the beekeeping activities, the Benedictine nuns are also into alternative healing ministry using magnets. In the process, there are big numbers of patients whoi testified that they have fully recovered from their illnesses after undergoing treatment at the monastery.

“It’s not about the material crown that we commonly see in pageantry and thrones that keeps our faith. It’s the hands of the Almighty healing our patients, keeping our bees multiply and produce honey, and His immortal grace that keep us,” Sr. Hambeline said.|

A LIFT ‘FROM RAGS TO RICHES’:

“Payong Repair Sapatos” man became a father of 4 Engineers and a Teacher A 52-year old Batangueño father who has been repairing shoes and umbrella for 35 years, have something to tell when it comes to managing a household budget.

Emannuel “Manny” Lat, a native of Malvar, Batangas is an outspoken hero to his five children. The hard-working father who refuses to stop repairing shoes told TPP his secrets and how his five children managed to finished college.

All of his four sons finished engineering courses at Batangas State University, while the youngest and only daughter finished Teacher Education at De La Salle Lipa.

Manny said the secret is correct budget management.

For 35 years, Manny walks everyday within the Malvar, Lipa City, and Tanauan City area yelling “payong repair sapatos” repeatedly to attract customers’ attention.

“Minsan sa isang upuan lang nakaka 600 to 700 pesos ako” (Sometimes, in just one spot, I earn 600 to 700 pesos), Manny said. When asked about his average daily net income, he said he never earned lower than 500 pesos. It is always in between 600 to 900 and sometimes as high as 2,000 pesos.

“Pag tag-ulan malakas dahil sa payong” (During rainy season, there are lots of umbrellas to repair), he said. Five hundred pesos is his benchmark and any excess amount is considered additional savings.

Let’s take a look at Manny’s household budget during the time when his younger daughter was still going to school a year ago. Although his four sons were helping him, his budget remains the same.

All of his sons are living with their own families so only his daughter and wife are left home and included in their daily budget.

Daily net income of 500 pesos (three-adult household) Daily budget Food – P180 (5,400/mo) Utility Bills – P60 (1,800/mo) School Allowance – P100 (300/mo) Clothing – P50 (1500/mo) Savings – P80 (2,400/mo) His pocket money – P30 (900/mo) The above figure may seem impossible to someone who work and spend daily but Manny and his family managed to survive and even sent his children to college.The above budget is for 500 pesos earnings only. If Manny earns more than 500 (which is happening almost every day as he said his average earnings if computed is about 800 pesos), all excess goes to savings.“We have P1,800 monthly budget for utility but in fact, our electric bill is only around P1,100 and water is just around P240 – so we still have an excess of P460.”, Manny said.

“We have P1,500 monthly budget for clothing but most of this money were spent only to our daughter. Me and my wife seldom buy clothes. P1,500 is enough for our daughter’s monthly clothing”, he continued.

“Our food budget is always in excess because my wife goes to public market every three days spending only around 500 each of the time. We always have an excess of around 200 pesos from our food budget”, Manny explained.

“Savings should be a part of budget and not should be taken from excess. We never actually had a savings of 2,400 a month due to excess. We always have at least 5,000 a month and my pocket money has always at least P300. I never smoke

Modest Job. “It’s my daily exercise. I do this just to make my own money.| AP PHOTO and I drink only occasionally with my sons, so my daily pocket money budget is also accumulated from time to time”, Manny continued.

Mr. Lat also noted that all of his sons’ tuition fees before were taken from long-time daily savings When asked if the family also spend money on recreation, Mr. Lat said that ever since his oldest son got a job, the whole

>>>MODEST JOB....turn to P/19

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2015

17

LIFETIMES balikasonline@yahoo.com

BSU celebrates its 14th Charter Day BATANGAS State University celebrated its 14 th Charter year, March 23-24. The said event is significant to the community in remembering the institution’s becoming a full-pledged state university.

With the theme, “BSU: Gearing for the ASEAN Challenge of Excellence,” the two-day celebration hosted various events and competitions.

The first day kicked-off with a thanksgiving mass which was attended by the University administration, faculty and students.

After the mass, street dance contest was held. Different campuses of the University such as San Juan Campus, Rosario Campus, Main Campus II and Main Campus I competed in the said event. In the end, San Juan Campus garnered all the first places of the Best in Costume, Best in Street Dance and Best in Final Exhibition categories. The other winners in the Best in Costume category were Main Campus II (2nd place) and Rosario Campus (3rd place).

Meanwhile, in the Best in Street Dance category Main Campus II (2nd place) and Main Campus I (3rd place) were the other winners.

Lastly, Main Campus I (2 nd place) and Rosario Campus (3 rd place) were hailed as the other Best in Final Exhibition winners. In this category, the winners received trophies and cash prizes such as Php10,000 (1 st place), Php7,000 (2nd place), and Php5,000.

In the afternoon of the first day of the Charter Day celebration, the Faculty Choir competition was held simultaneously with the Battle of the Bands. The said contests were also attended by different campuses in the University. The winners in the Faculty Choir Competition were Main Campus I (1 st place), Malvar Campus (2nd place) and Lipa Campus (3 rd place). On the other hand, the winners in the Battle of the Bands were Malvar Campus (1 st place), Main Campus I (2nd place) and Lipa Campus (3rd place).

During the evening, the 2nd Gawad Pablo Borbon and Ten Outstanding Students Awards Night were held at the University Gymnasium.

The said annual event recognizes the exemplary contributions of different student organizations and the outstanding students of the University.

State Quality Education. Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, BSU president, proudly relays the readiness of the state university to the challenges of ASEAN Integration.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The second day of the Charter Day celebration was packed with numerous activities. In the morning, the Job Placement Office held a Job Fair at the University gymnasium. On the other hand, the Gender and Development Office conducted a Forum on Women in Family Decision Making at the CITE Amphitheater.

While the said events were unfolding, the Pistahang Bayan was also happening in the Galauran Drive. This event showcased the delicacies of the different municipalities of Batangas Province where the University has a satellite campus.

The exhibits were also judged to know the best booth. The winners were Lemery Campus (1st place), Main Campus I (2nd place) and Main Campus II (3rdplace). The winners received a trophy and cash prizes.

In the afternoon of the

second day of the celebration, an Echo Seminar for Student Leaders was conducted at the CITE Amphitheater. It was attended by the officers of the student organizations of the different campuses of the University.

Also, the 10 th Student Research Forum was simultaneously happening at the Multimedia I and II of the CITE building. The said event is an annual competition that showcases the best student researches. The students competed for the Best Research Paper (Science and Technology/Non-Science and Technology category) The Best Developmental Paper (Science and Technology/ Non-Science and Technology category), Best Feasibility Study and Best Poster.

The Charter Day celebration was ended by the President’s Cup Basketball and Volleyball Championship.|

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ANG tinanghal na Battle of the Bands Champion - ang BSU Malvar Campus kasama ang mga hurado na sina Jose Alvin Palas, Arnel Magpantay at chairman of the board na si Guillermo Petoral.| ALVIN M. REMO

Our Bread of Life BEFORE the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.

The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over.

So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.

He took a towel and tied it around his waist.

Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.”

Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”

Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.”

Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed,for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.”

For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?

You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.

If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.

I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.

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PAHALANG 1 Pagpapahid ng langis 5 Tiyuhin 10 Igi 11 Uri ng prutas 13 Lalaki: Ingles 14 Bayan sa La Union 15 Bitag 16 Network Address Telephony 17 Tunisia: daglat 18 Arka: Ingles 19 Din 20 Batakin: ingles 21 Desisyon 22 Panaghoy 23 Yaman 24 Low pressure area 26 Tunay ba!

27 World Outreach 28 Bayan sa Laguna 29 Pinaikling kaibigan 30 Humingal: Ingles 31 Laman-loob 32 Pangalang panlalaki 34 Pansamantalang pagtirasa ibang bahay 35 Kuwelyo

36 Dagat-dagatan PABABA 1 Panginorn 2 Sinasaka 3 Dating gobernador ng Cavite 4 Salagimsim: Ingles 5 Uri ng punungkahoy 6 Beautiful sa Tagalog 7 Ano (sinaunang Tagalog) 8 Ire 9 Norway: daglat 12 Karneng baboy o baka na gniling at nilahukan ng sari-saring pampalasa 15 Ms. Thompsom, swimmer 17 Masamang salita 19 Amoy na hindi sariwa 20 Tingin sa itaas 25 Pangalan ng isang santo 28 Piyansa: Ingles 29 Uri ng punungkahoy 30 Popular Nasserist Organization 33 Enchanted Kingdom 33 Isang Zodiac sign

Aries (Mar. 21 - Abril 19) - Nasa magandang pag-uusap ang pagresulba ng problema. Ang panlalamig ng kabiyak o minamahal ay sariling kasalanan. Hanapin ang paraan para maibalik ang dating tamis at init ng pagmamahalan kung nasa kalooban na ayaw ng broken home o broken hearted. Lucky numbers at color ay 1, 9, 29, 40 at mocca.

Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) - Marami ang makakapuna sa pagbabago ng ugali.

Huwag ilagay sa ulo ang natamong suwerte o katanyagan dahil babawiin kung paiiralin ang sama ng ugali.

Magpakumbaba, alalahanin na laging nakasuporta ang mahal sa lahat ng pangarap. Lucky numbers at color ay 6, 15, 26, 41 at shocking pink.

Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) - Kung inaakalang hindi tama ang gagawing pagsagot sa manliligaw, makakabuting pag-isipan muna ng maraming beses bago magdesisyon. Hindi ang opinyon ng ilang kaibigan tungkol sa pag-ibig ang dapat sundin dahil sarili ang nakataya.

Kung bukal sa puso ang gagawin, walang dahilan para patagalin. Lucky numbers at color ay 24, 27, 33, 39 at forest green.

Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) - Maging mahinahon at mapagpasensiya kung may hindi pagkakaunawaan na biglang susulpot sa kasamahan o sa tahanan.

Lalong lalala ang hindi pagkakaunawaan kung idadaan sa dahas o init ng ulo. Lucky numbers at color ay 5, 19, 22, 41 at cannary yellow.

Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - Ang gawaing mental ay inaayunan ng panahon. Huwag magmalabis sa gawaing pisikal dahil kalusugan ang bibigay. Ang binabalak na sosyalan ay hindi makakatulong sa hinahangad at mag-aaksaya lamang ng panahon. Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 10, 16, 33 at indigo.

Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Maganda ang personalidad na aakit ng oportunidad at mga kaibigan. Tanggihan at hindi panay oo sa gawain o alok na hindi gusto o labag sa loob. Sa pag-ibig, ang may inisyal na B o V ang may lihim na paghanga at malamang magtapat ng saloobin.

Lucky numbers at color ay 7, 20, 37, 39 at dollar green.

Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) - Isang suliranin na matagal nang bumabagabag ang mareresulba. Malaki ang pasasalamat ng minamahal dahil sa ginagawang tulong.

Maaaring magkaroon muli ng ibang suliranin ngunit walang maaasahang tulong mula sa iba. Lucky numbers at color ay 17, 24, 31, 38 at violet.

Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - Huwag palawakin ang alitan sa kabiyak para hindi mauwi sa walang imikan. Ang kaunting bagay na dapat pag-usapan ay huwag idaan sa pagtatampo o sa pagwawalang imik. Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 26, 36, 42 at midnight blue.

Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) - Iwasan ang magdamdam kung sakaling hindi matupad ang pa­ngako. Alamin ang dahilan bago magdesisyon. Huwag basta magalit kung walang paliwanag ang kabilang panig. Lucky numbers at color ay 2, 4, 33, 41 at jade green.

Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Huwag umasa na sasagutin ng iyong nililigawan dahil marami kang kaagaw. Ang katangian na maalalahanin, mapagbigay at maunawain ang magbibigay ng malaking kredito sa binabalak. Lucky numbers at color ay 8, 13, 25, 36 at scarlet.

Aquarius (Ene. 20 - Peb. 18) - Nakatakdang mabuo ang isang relasyon sa pagitan ng kasamahan sa trabaho. Bagay kayong dalawa kaya’t walang magiging problema. Kung tiyak ang sarili, walang dahilan para tumanggi. Tanggapin ang inaalok kung inaakalang ikaliligaya. Lucky numbers at color ay 16, 27, 35, 41 at magenta.

Pisces (Peb. 19 - Mar. 20) - Hindi makakabuti kung paiiralin ang init ng ulo sa pagharap ng problema. Dahil hindi makakapag-isip ng magandang solusyon. Alalahanin lagi na nakasuporta ang mahal kaya walang dapat ipangamba.

Gulo ang mangyayari kung idadaan sa dahas ang gusto. Lucky numbers at color ay 6, 25, 38, 42 at fuchsia.|

18

Ronalina B. Lontoc, Special Project Editor

F.E.S.T.

>>>FESTIVALS & FEASTS..., EVENTS..., SHOWBIZ & SPORTS...TRAVEL & TRENDS<<<

BSU Dance Company grooves for twenty years and beyond  ELMER

L. DELEN

T’S more than two decades now since BSU Dance Company caters the students the best dances at all times.

As part of the cultural group of Batangas State University headed by its resident choreographer, Mr. Alvin M. Remo as a pioneer member, the dance company remains as the leading dance group in the university. With its 50 active members at present, they participate in different competitions and live performances across the Philippines.

I

Since 1991, the group serves as the oldest cultural group of the university with its unique techniques in ballroom, modern jazz, hiphop, lyrical and contemporary dances.

In upholding Batangas State University’s continued commitment to excellence, the group is a consistent awardee since 1999 to 2012 of CCYA Modern Dance Competition hosted by the City Government of Batangas. It is also performing at the PASINAYA Open House Festival of the Cultural Center of the Philippines for five years now.

Among other awards bagged by the group are as follows: bronze awardee of the National Green Cross Funky Fragrance Dance Competition (2002), champion

group’s activity considering as it as their second family.

Assistant Professor Normelinda M. Arias gives her hundred support from the beginning and until now that she is the Director for Culture and Arts of the university.

At the BSU Dance Co., members do not just enjoy a healthy lifestyle but also benefit scholarships, grade incentives, public participation, popularity and bigger opportunities in dancing arena.  The group extends its deepest gratitude and thankfulness to the university administration for the continued support and assistance.

As the academic year ends, the group is hoping for more students who will be interested in joining and conquering the audition for the new sets of trainees as they wave congratulatory message for the graduates of the group this year.|

on Penshoppe Dance Lab (2003), Globe GenText Dance Invasion (2004), Kotex Cool Groove (2005), Extreme Groove Dance Competition at Studio 23 (2005), Grand Finalist, You Can Dance at ABS-CBN (2009), Monthly Finalist, It’s Showtime ABS-CBN, Inter-town Edition, the official representative of Batangas City (2012), Regional Finalist, Smart Jump In Dance Off (2013) and the 1 st Runner-up in the Regional STRASUC Contemporary Dance Competition (2014).

“Hangga’t may mga estudyante na willing matuto, i-enrich ang kanilang kakayanan sa pagsasayaw at makibahagi sa lahat mga activities ng Dance Co., hindi ako titigil na magturo at magrender ng service sa BSU”, Mr. Remo said.

Moreover, alumni members of BSU Dance Co., are now experiencing the greener pastures in their chosen fields. Some of them are now licensed engineers, teachers, and an architect. Others are in the field of medicine, dentistry, business, technology, pageantry, and other working fields.

They continue to get back and participate to the

> Wanna be featured here? Please contact us at 0926.774.7373 | 0912.902.7373 | for inquiries.

MARCH 30 - APRIL 5, 2015

19

F.E.S.T.

balikasonline@yahoo.com

Road Safety Buddy participants, kinilala ng Shell, BSP-BC Council MAY 24 na miyembro ng Boy Scout of the Philippines Batangas Council ang pinagkalooban ng Certificate of Commendation at Merit Badge sa isinagawang Recognition Rites ng Road Safety Buddy ng Pilipinas Shell Malampaya Foundation noong March 21 sa Teachers Conference Center.

Ang mga high school students na ito ay sumailalim sa masusing pag sasanay tulad ng Road Signs and Signals, Commuter/Passenger Safety, Bike and Motorcycle Safety, General Road Conduct, Basic First Aid, Basic Concepts in Defensive Driving, Batangas City Traffic Rules and Regulations at Vehicle Permits and Licensing.

Binigyan din sila ng pagkakataon i-aktwal ang kanilang natutunan. Nagkaroon din sila ng libreng pagsasanay tungkol sa pagiwas sa mga road accidents na syang pangatlo sa listahan ng dahilan ng kamatayan.

Bahagi rin ng programang ito ang pag bibigay ng kaalaman sa mga kabataan na maging handa at responsable sa pagresponde sa anumang kalamidad.

Ayon kay Jay Javier Program Development Manager ng PSFI, sinasabi sa statistika na apat na

beses na mas malaki ang bilang ng kabataang nasa edad na 16 hanggang 19 ang namatay dahil sa aksidente sa daan kung ikukumpara sa mga naaksidente na may edad 25 hanggang 69.

Pinakamataas din aniya ang bilang ng mga kabataan na 16 hanggang 17 taong gulang sa crash fatality rate per 100,000 population sa loob ng anim na buwan matapos nilang matanggap ang kanilang drivers license.

Kalimitang dahilan ng mga aksidente ang mga reckless driving, sobrang bilis ng pag mamaneho, pag gamit ng phone habang nag mamaneho at kalasingan o pag gagamit ng bawal na gamot.

Ayon naman kay Mark Lopez ng University of Batangas, malaking tulong sa kanila ang kanilang natutunan sa Road Safety Buddy partikular ang pagsasaayos ng trapiko at pag-iwas sa mga road accidents na syang dahilan ng kamatayan.

Dumalo sa naturang okasyon ang mga ahensiyang katuwang ng Pilipinas Shell at Malampaya Foundation sa pagtataguyod ng iba pang proyekto tulad ng TDRO, DEPEd, BSP at pamahalaang lunsod.| LIZA PEREZ DE LOS REYES

TUMANGGAP ng Certificate of Commendation at Merit Badge sa isinagawang Recognition Rites ng Road Safety Buddy ng Pilipinas Shell Malampaya Foundation ang may 24 na miyembro ng Boy Scout of the Philippines Batangas Council, March 21, sa Teachers Conference Center.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

.................................................................................................... <<<MODEST JOB.... from P/16

“Payong Repair Sapatos” family together with in-laws is having a family reunion every May in the beaches of San Juan, Lemery, or Mabini, Batangas.

He also said that they spend family Christmas party and spend some money from their savings. His youngest son also brings the three of them to fast foods every end of the month according to his wife, Elenita Lat. “We are living in not-so-luxurious but happy life. Our younger daughter is becoming spoiled because her brothers are always giving her something, but I always remind them not to give her money.

She has to earn it and now she is doing it now. She just passed the board exam and just started working as a substitute teacher”, Mrs. Lat said. The family is living in above poverty line, but Mr. Lat still refuses to stop working.

“It’s my daily exercise. I do this just to make my own money. They all have jobs and they are all earning.

I have to earn for myself and for my wife. I return home early at 10 AM so it is not really a big hassle”, Manny concluded.

There are a lot of people, even single people who are earning more than the Lat family, but because of uncontrolled spending, they struggle to survive.

This story only reminds us that whatever amount one is earning, with proper budget management, one can survive, and can even have a little success in the future.

Mr. Lat also mentioned that his close friend (kumpare) who was also a shoe repair man and sells taho (sweetened soybean and sago pearl) in the morning, now owns a junk shop and 2 passenger Jeepneys.| ROSEMARIE TAGLE/ APB

New People’s Champ. NABF super bantamweight champion NonitoDonaire both impressed the Filipino crowd by stopping Brazilian William Prado, Saturday night in Quezon City.|

Nietes, Donaire, Pagara

make clean sweep in Araneta LINEAL world light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes and newlycrowned NABF super bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire both impressed the Filipino crowd by Saturday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Nietes, the longest reigning world champion in Philippine boxing history, was able to overcome the tough and game Gilberto Parra of Mexico after some back and forth action in the early going.

Nietes’ hard and accurate right straight would tell the story of the fight as he managed to open a cut on top of Parra’s left eye as early as round 4.

Nietes then started digging the body from round 5 onwards, mixing up his punches on top and the middle section. The hard-hitting Parra never stopped throwing punches with bad intentions, backing the Filipino from time to time.

A well-timed right hand to the face in round 8 dropped Parra for the first time in the bout. Parra would beat the ten count, but only

ran up until the round ended drawing boos from the crowd.

A series of hard right straights enlarged Parra’s cut in round 9.

International referee Jack Reiss stopped the contest upon the advise of the ringside physician before the start of round 10.

The win was Nietes’ sixth successful defense of his WBO world light flyweight title, improving his record to 35-1-4 with 21 knockouts while Parra dropped to 19-3 with 17 knockouts.

In the co-main event, Nonito Donaire (34-3, 22KOs) made a successful comeback and won the vacant NABF super bantamweight title by making a quick work out of Brazilian William Prado (22-5-1, 15KOs).

After a feeling out round in the first, Donaire went to an all-out attack in the second round, quickly sending Prado to a shell and turning his face to a bloody mess. International referee Bruce Mctavish promptly stepped in and stopped the fight after a series of unanswered punches, earning Donaire a

technical knockout victory at the 2:16 mark of round two.

In the undercard, Albert Pagara proved once more why he’s one of the hottest prospects in the Philippines today by displaying superb technique and power against Rodolfo Hernandez of Mexico.

Pagara’s promising talent were on display as early as round one when he dropped Hernandez with a sneaky right uppercut followed by a right straight.

Pagara was confident and never hurt throughout the fight despite Hernandez’s remarkable punching power, underlined by the fact that the Mexican has stopped 24 opponents in his 26 victories.

Hernandez didn’t come out of his corner for round 5 citing a right hand injury, giving Pagara a fourth round technical knockout win to successfully defend his IBF intercontinental super bantamweight title. Pagara remained unbeaten as he improved his record to 23-0 with 16 knockouts while Hernandez fell to 26-6-1 with 24 knockouts.

- WITH RAF, GMA NEWS

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Chinese multi-arts group wows Batangas City THE Jilin Provincial Art Troupe, a multi-arts group from northeastern China, recently performed before enthusiastic audiences at the Batangas City Convention Center as part of the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Philippines – China Diplomatic Relations.

The group’s performance tour consisted of different presentations from Chinese excerpts of stories, dramas, adapted through dances, traditional music, opera performance and other art forms.

The Troupe’s performances were made possible through the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines through its Cultural Exchange Department, Department of Foreign Affairs, City Government of Batangas, National Parks Devel-

opment Committee, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. and The Theatre at Solaire.

The Luzon leg of the performances of the group included shows beginning March 1 at the Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Main Theater, and at The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino.

In the Visayas region, troupe performed at the White Gold Club, Cebu City and in Davao at the SMX Convention Center, Lanang Davao City.

Jilin Provincial Art Troupe is composed of selected best performers from all across Jilin Province. Its programs represent the highest level of Jilin stage art.

The group has been in the spotlight of the Spring Festival Gala produced by the China Central Television (CCTV) for 17 consecutive years,

becoming one of the famous art brands in China.

In recent years, Jilin Province has been striving to build brands of folk songs and dances, Jilin Opera and other stage art programs with local and ethnic features.

The group has performed in world-class art halls in Russia, France, Italy, USA, South Korea, North Korea, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

The said troupe represented China in the art competition in Kazakhstan, international dance festivals in Turkey and Jordan, special art performances of informal meetings of leaders of APEC, at the Shanghai Grand Theater to perform for People's Republic of China president Xin Jinping and 46 other leaders of states and international organizations.| PNA