Vol. XIX, No. 26 | June 30 - July 6, 2014 by Pahayagang BALIKAS

>>Construction through the Lens of Development

> Business. ...P/6

Vol. 19, No. 26 | June 30 - July 6, 2014 E-mail: balikasonline@yahoo.com Telephone: (043) 417.1662 Smart/TNT: 0912.902.7373 Globe/TM: 0917.512.9477 Php 12.00/copy

Sharing Good News.. Bridging Communities.. Towards Development

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IPINAG-UTOS ng pamahalang lokal ng Lunsod ng Batangas ang pagsuspinde ng operasyon ng naphtha cracker plant ng JG Summit Petrochemical Corporation (JGSPC) sa Barangay Simlong, lunsod ng Batangas bunga ng kakulangan sa mga environmental permits and clearances.

INVESTMENT VS. POLLUTION. Bahagi ito ng ng dating Wawa Beach na puno ng isang uri ng mangrove na tinabunan at pinagtayuan ng kontrobersyal na naphtha cracker plant. Inset: Ang maitim at mabahong usok na ibinubuga ng planta na ayon sa mga residente ay nagdudulot ng paninikip ng dibdib, pagkahilo at malaking epekto sa mga alagang halaman dulot ng polusyong hatid ng planta, dahilan upang petisyuning ipasara ang planta.| LINA ABALOS

Matataandaang pinetisyon ng mga residente ng mga barangay Pinamucan at Simlong ang konstruksiyon ng naturang planta at ang operasyon nito bunsod ng malaking banta nito sa kapaligiran at sa kalusugan ng mga mamamayan dito.

>>>KAPALIGIRAN...sundan sa P/2

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Housing Development, tampok sa PDC General Assembly PINANGUNAHAN ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto ang isinagawang Provincial Development Council General Assembly na ginanap sa Provincial Auditorium, Hunyo24. Kasama ni Governor Vi sina Provincial Administrator, Atty. Joel Montealto, Provincial Assistant for Community Development head Jun Dijan, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, Benjie Bausas sa nasabing pagpupulong upang pagtalakayan ang Annual Investment Plan ng ibaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ibang departamento ng kapitolyo para sa taong 2015. Tampok din sa pagpupulong ang tala-

kayan sa Local Housing Programs sa pangunguna ni Ms. Mylene Rivera, HUDCC Director for Regional Operations na naglatag ng mga guidelines para sa epektibong pagpapaganap ng housing program sa lalawigan. Sa pagtalakay ng mga programang pabahay, ipinaliwanag ni Rivera ang mga hakbang na pagpipilian ng mga empleyado ng gobyerno na nagnanais na magkaroon ng sariling tahanan sa pamamagitan ng affordable housing loans sa ilalim ng HUDCC. Ilan sa mga guidelines na ito na inilatag ng HUDCC ang maging alitutunin ng

>>>PABAHAY... sa P/7

THE sea of devotees and merry-makers paraded ang enjoyed dousing of water along the main thoroughfares of Balayan town in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parada ng Lechon, a thanksgiving festival in honor of San Juan Bautista. Read full story on page 8.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Checking the market PCA, sisikapin mapigilan ang pagkalat ng cocolisap sa Mimaropa p. 2

Miscalculations...

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Ayuda sa mga biktima ng sunog, p. 3 p. 4 inihanda ng pamahalaang lunsod

p. 5

NEWS

Balikas

PCA, sisikapin mapigilan ang pagkalat ng cocolisap sa Mimaropa MAGPUPULONG sa Hulyo 1 ang mga opisyales ng Philippine Coconut Authority – Regions I-III & IV-B at ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Oriental Mindoro para talakayin ang kampanya kontra sa cocolisap. Target ng PCA na mapigilan ang pagkalat ng cocolisap na Aspidiotus rigidus na siyang nanalasa sa mga niyugan ng Calabarzon. Napaulat na mayroong cocolisap na

nakita sa mga niyugan ng Baco, Mansalay, San Teodoro, Bulalacao at Socorro subalit nilinaw ni PCA-Region I-III & IV-B Officer-in-Charge Marvi Marasigan na ang mga ito ay nabibilang sa Aspidiotus destructor na mas madaling makontrol ang pagkalat. "Pero yung Aspidiotus regidus ang delikado", paliwanag ni OIC Marasigan. Ngayon, lalo pang nagpupursige ang mga kawani ng PCA at iba pang kaanib

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Groups raise alarm on the dangers of mining operations in Sierra Madre’s watersheds MEMBERS of Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance (SSMNA) expose the rampant but unregulated small-scale gold mining industry in major headwaters of Angat and Marikina Watershed and raise concern on the dangers posed by these extractive operations in the environment and public health. “Small-scale gold mining operations are scattered in different watersheds and river systems of Sierra Madre. Since no government body has been monitoring these mining operations, miners are releasing toxic mercury into the waters. Mining also causes heavy

siltation and erosion and increases hazards and disaster risk especially to riverside and low-lying communities,” said Elizabeth Carranza, chairperson of Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance (SSMNA). In a report released recently by SSMNA in collaboration with Philippine Pollution Monitor (PPM), it was identified that artisanal and small-scale gold mining operations exist in major head rivers of three critical watersheds of Luzon - Angat, Umiray and Marikina Watershed. Angat Watershed is the

>>>ENVIRONMENT....turn to P/7

na samahan sa mga barangay para maipaliwanag sa mga tao kung paano makakatulong sa kampanya kontra sa mapaminsalang cocolisap. "Nasa ground kami ngayon para kahit hindi pa tayo apektado ng cocolisap na naka-apekto nang husto sa Calabarzon. Binabantayan natin ito para hindi makalipat para hindi kumalat dito sa Mindoro at sa Mimaropa. Nagkaroon na ng mga training doon sa mga PCA personnel na tatao sa mga checkpoint, yun ang importante para yung mga lumalabag at nagdadala ng cocolisap ay ma-regulate kaagad,"sabi ni OIC Marasigan. Ang PCA ang ahensiya na may awtoridad na magpalabas ng permiso o permit to transport sa paggalaw ng mga planting materials ng niyog sa alinman lugar. Para maprotektahan ang industriya ng niyugan, gumawa ng mga hakbang ang pamahalaan para mapigilan ang pagkalat ng cocolisap. Kabilang sa mga hakbang na ito ay ang leaf pruning, paggamit ng mga organikong pestisidyo at paggamit biological control agents o mga natural na kaaway ng cocolisap, ang pagtatayo ng checkpoints at quarantine stations. |

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WALANG IEC! Ipinaliliwanag ni Engr. Adonis Tomaro ng DENR-EMB Region IV (naka-striped polo shirt) ang paglabag ng JG Summit sa start-up operation ng bagong tayong naphtha cracker plant sa isinagawang committee hearing sa Sangguniang Panlunsod, Hunyo 18. [Kaliwa pakanan: Laudermir Salac-CENRO, Batangas; Oliver Gonzales-City ENRO; Luisa Garcia-DENR-Batangas; at Engr. Sonny Godoy-CPDO. ]

ELMER ZARASPE

<<<KAPALIGIRAN...mula sa P/1

Naphtha cracker plant ng JG Summit, ipinasara! Nabatid na nasa third phase na ng plant commissioning ang kumpanya nitong kalagitnaan ng buwan ng Hunyo nang diumano’y magka-aberya ang sistema nito at magbuga ng malaking maitim na usok at apoy na tumagal ng tatlo o apat na araw. Naging kapansinpansin ang naturang usok na nasaksihan ng publiko maging sa bahagi ng Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) na may 22 kilometro mula sa baybayin ng Barangay Simlong. Nitong nakalipas na Hunyo 18, sa isinagawang pagdinig ng Sangguniang Panlunsod ng Batangas, nakumpirma ang kawalan ng Information Education Campaign (IEC) sa mga barangay na maaapektuhang mamamayan na dapat munang sinunod na procedure ang JGSPC bago ito nagsimula ng startup operations ng planta noong Hunyo 1. Ayon kay Engr. Adonis Tomaro ng DENR-EMB Region IV, ito aniyay isang malinaw na paglabag ng kumpanya sa RA 8749 o Clean Air Act. Lubos na ikinabahala ni Konsehal Gerardo dela Roca, Chairman ng Com-

mittee on Environment ng Sangguniang Panlunsod, ang maitim na usok dulot na ibinubuga ng planta sa mga nakalipas na araw, bagamat ito ay naglubag ang usok nitong araw na isinasagawa ang pagdinig. Ipinagtaka naman ng mga dumalo sa naturang pagdinig, kung bakit nagpatuloy ang konstruksiyon ng planta at natapos ang reclamation at hindi ipinatigil ng mga konsernadong ahensya ng pamahalaang lunsod sa kabila ng malawakang pagtutol ng mga mamamayan. Sa kanyang eksposisyon, tahasang sinisi ni Kagawad Rosalina Abalos ng Brgy. Pinamucan Ibaba ang pangasiwaan ng JGSPC sa mga paglabag nito. “Marami kayong pinurwesyo, maraming tinampalasan, umabot sa 271 puno ang inyong pinutol, marami kayong sinira, tinabunan ninyo ang ilog at dagat na hindi sa inyo kaya lumayo tuloy ang mga lamang dagat,” pahayag ni Abalos. “Bakit ang lakas ng loob ninyo na mag-operate gayong walang permit. Sino ang nagpapalakas ng loob ninyo o

kanino kayo kumukuha ng lakas ng loob?”, dagdaga pa ng opisyal. Binigyang-diin din ni Luisa Garcia ng DENR-EMB Batangas na kailangan ay may kahit isang miyembro ng MultiTripartite Monitoring Team (MMT) na kasama sa pagkuha ng sample. Ngunit kinumpirma naman ni Oliver Gonzales, City ENRO, na wala pang nabubuong MMT ang planta. Samantala, binigyang-diin naman ni City Administrator Philip Baroja na hinihikayat ng pamahalaan ang mga mamumuhunan na maglagak ng kapital sa lunsod subalit hindi ito garantiya para balewalain ang batas ng kalikasan at tao, kaya’t hindi magdadalwang-isip ang mapahalang local na magsagawa ng legal ng hakbang. Aniya, bagama’t ang JGSPC ay una nang nabigyan ng Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) ng DENR Central Office at ng locational clearance ng Zoning Division ng City Planning and Development Office, at Occupational Permit ng City Engineer’s Office, wala pa naman itong Business Permit para ito ay maging fully operational.|

June 30 - July 6, 2014

Inter-Island News Collated By RONALINA L. ELARMO

Tulong pinansiyal mula Malaysia, tinanggap ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Palawan PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan --- Personal na tinanggap ni Gov. Jose Pepito C. Alvarez ang donasyon ng Labuan Trade Mission mula sa bansang Malaysia ang halagang P550,000 kamakailan nang ang grupo ay muling bumisita sa lalawigan. Sinaksihan ito nina Commodore Nick M. Hernandez, hepe ng BIMP-EAGA Palawan Business Council, Gilbert Baaco Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer at Elino Mondragon, ang Provincial Treasurer. Ang nasabing donasyon ay para sa mga nasalanta o naapektuhan ng bagyong Yolanda sa mga bayan na sakop ng Calamianes Group of Islands. Ang grupong Labuan Trade Mission ay pinangungunahan ni YB Datuk Rozman Hj Isli kasama ang ilan sa miyembro nito na sina Gilbert Chin, Saberi Baba, Zaini Abd Aziz, Mohd Ridzuan Ibrahim, kasama rin nila si Bonifacio A. Jaype mula sa Philippine Sports Commission.|

71st Regional Feedbacking on Nutrition Program, ginanap sa Romblon ROMBLON, Romblon -- Matagumpay na idinaos noong nakaraang Biyernes ang 71st Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC), Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (MNAO’s) Meeting at Regional Feedbacking on Nutrition Program na ginanap sa Provincial Nutrition Office, Capitol Building, Romblon, Romblon. Sinabi ni Oscar Vicente L. Ylagan Jr., Provincial Nutrition Action Officer, na katatapos lamang magikot sa buong lalawigan ang Provincial Evaluation Team (PET) para isagawa ang taunang ebalwasyon sa lahat ng MNAO at Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) hinggil sa implementasyon ng Philippine Plan of Action 2014. Nagsagawa rin aniya ng validation sa mga programang ipinatutupad ng pamahalaan at pagtiyak sa kalagayang pang-nutrisyon ng mga bata upang mabigyan ng kaukulang pansin ang kaso ng malnutrisyon. Ang nasabing pagpupulong ay pinangunahan ng Provincial Nutrition Office na dinaluhan ng mga kinatawan mula sa Regional Evaluation Team (RNET), National Nutrition Council (NNC) Secretariat at District Nutrition Program Coordinator (DNPC). Kabilang rin sa naging laman ng talakayan ang paghahanda sa selebrasyon ng Nutrition Month 2014 sa Hulyo na may temang: “Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan.” Ayon sa kinatawan ng NNC, kailangan na ang bawat MNAO ay magsagawa ng mga aktibidad o programa na may kaugnayan sa kahandaan sa anumang kalamidad, pagtuturo sa mamamayan kung paano maiwasan ang kagutuman at malnutrisyon. Bibigyang diin sa pagdiriwang ngayong taon ang kahalagahan ng paghahain ng masusustansiyang pagkain sa panahon ng mga emergency at kalamidad, pagbuo ng emergency responders mula sa Barangay level hanggang National at pagsasagawa ng lecture sa mga pamilya kung ano ang magagandang istratehiya o paraan ng mabilis na pagbangon kapag maging biktima ng trahedya o kalamidad.|

Calapan River Park, gagawing "future attraction" ng Lunsod ng Calapan CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro – Layunin ng pamahalaang panglungsod ng Calapan na maging “future attraction” sa lugar ang isinasagawa ngayong Calapan River Park sa harap ng Hawker’s Plaza sa may Calapan City Public Market. Ayon kay Mayor Arnan C. Panaligan, may apat na mahahalagang layunin ang pagtatayo ng nasabing proyekto. Una, ito ay magsisilbing showcase ng ngayo’y Calapan River Rehabilitation and Revival Program. Pangalawa, kahit sa maliit na paraan ay madadagdagan ang mga parke at open spaces sa lungsod na puwedeng tigilan ng mga tao bilang pasyalan o recreation area. Pangatlo, isang paraan umano ito upang mapalawak ang kamalayan ng mga taga lungsod, lalo na ang mga kabataan, sa kahalagahan ng ilog at ng pangangalaga ng tubig sa ilog na nabanggit. Pang-apat na layunin ng proyekto ay kung may River Park sa harap ng Hawkers’ Plaza, isang paraan ito upang mahikayat ang mga tao na pumasyal sa Calapan City Public Market at mamili.|

June 30 - July 6, 2014

Peace & Order Update Collated By JACK L. AQUINO

Ranking NPA leader surrenders to government troops CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, LUCENA CITY – A ranking NPA leader operating in Compostela Valley surrendered recently to the elements of 2nd Infantry Division at the Headquarters of 202nd Brigade, in Brgy. Talaongan West, Cavinti, Laguna. LtGen. Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo, AFP, Commander, Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) identified the ranking leader as Bernardo Garbo @ BUDOY, Squad Leader of guerrilla front 27 operating in the municipalities of Mawab, Maragusan and Nabunturan all of Compostela Valley and currently residing in Brgy. Balunad, Lumban, Laguna. The rebel related stories of his hardships while in the rebel movement and revealed concerns on the welfare of his family which prompted him to leave the armed struggle and instead focus on rebuilding the future of his family. Under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the said rebel returnee is entitled to receive P50,000.00 livelihood assistance and P15,000.00 immediate assistance. Meanwhile LtGen. Ordoyo welcomes Garbo and acknowledges his boldness to surrender and return to the fold of the law. "This manifests the rebels' recognition of the reforms instituted by our government and I'm sure they will fully benefit from it. I therefore urge the rest of the rebels who are still in hiding to follow their footsteps and start living peaceful lives with their respective families," Gen Ordoyo added.|

Regulasyon sa pagpasok ng imported na karne, ipatutupad MAGIGING regulated na ang pagpasok ng imported meat sa Batangas City upang mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga lokal na magtitinda ng karne at maseguro ang kalusugan ng mga mamimili. Ito ay matapos ipasa ng Sangguniang Panlunsod ang ordinansang “An Act Regulating the Entry and Sale of Imported Meat at Local Markets in Batangas City and Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof”. Ayon kay Konsehal Julian Villena na siyang may akda ng ordinansa, layunin ng naturang batas na salain ang pagpasok ng mga imported meat products mula sa ibang bansa at ipakita ang suporta sa lokal na industriya ng paghahayupan sa lungsod. Ayon sa samahan ng mga magkakarne sa Batangas City, ang halos walang tigil na pagpasok ng mga imported na karne sa mga pamilihan at pagtitinda nito ay malaki ang epekto sa kanilang hanapbuhay. Ito anila ang “unti-unting pumapatay sa larangan ng paghahayupan sa lunsod.” Bukod dito, ang un-regulated na importasyon ng karne ay nangangahulugan na hindi pagdaan sa tamang proseso ng meat control at quarantine na maaaring magdulot ng health concerns sa mga konsumedores sa lunsod. Ayon sa ordinansa, lahat ng importer at seller ng anumang meat products ay inuutusan na kumuha ng business permits na may kaukulang sanitary at health permits galing sa Batangas City Government.| J.S.

Ayuda sa mga biktima ng sunog, inihanda ng pamahalaang lunsod INIHAHANDA na ni Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha ang rehabilitasyon ng mga nasalanta ng sunog sa Barangay Sta. Clara noong May 13 sa pamamagitan ng pagpapagawa ng mga bahay ng mga naging biktima at pagsasaayos ng nasunog na paaralan. Ito ay matapos na aprubahan ng Sangguniang Panlunsod ang kahilingan ni Mayor Dimacuha na mabigyan siya ng awtoridad na gamitin ang Quick Response Fund na nagkakahalaga ng P460,134 mula sa 20% ng calamity fund ng lungsod upang gamitin sa rehabilitasyon. Ang paggamit ng nasabing pondo ay sa rekomendasyon din ng City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) na siyang tuwirang may hawak ng rehabilitation plan para sa naturang barangay. Ayon sa Section 21 ng R.A 10121, may kapangyarihan ang isang pununlunsod na mag-request ng otoridad sa paggamit ng 20% ng calamity fund kung may kaukulang rekomendasyon mula sa CDRRMC at ng Sangguniang Panlunsod at kung ideklara ang isang lugar na nasa ilalim ng state of calamity. Nagdeklara si Mayor Dimacuha ng state of calamity sa Sta. Clara noong May 13 matapos ang sunog na nagdulot ng pagkasawi ng isang residente, pagkatupok ng 17 sambahayan at pagkadamay ng limang kwarto ng isang eskwelahan.| JERSON J. SANCHEZ

NEWS

Balikas

Pagsasanay sa patalaang sibil, dinaluhan ng mga taga-academe LUNSOD BATANGAS – Sumailalim sa dalawang araw na Seminar Workshop on Civil Registration Procedures ang humigit-kumulang sa 100 school principals, school registrars at guidance counsellors mula sa mga pampubliko at pribadong elementarya at hayskul sa Batangas City sa Teachers Conference Center, Hunyo 26 at 27. Ang naturang pagsasanay ay hinggil sa kahalagahan ng pagbibigay ng tamang impormasyon sa mga civil registry documents tulad ng kapanganakan at maipabatid sa mga participants ang mga bagong batas sa pagpapatala na ipinatutupad ng Civil Registrar’s Office. Magugunita na nauna nang sumailalim sa seminar workshop noong Marso ang mga kalihim ng mga barangay sa lunsod. Ayon kay Juliedin Nohay, Statistical Coordination Officer ng NSO Regional Office na ngayon ay nasa ilalim na ng Philippine Statistics Authority, mahalaga ang nabanggit na gawain

lalo na sa mga tagaDepartment of Education bilang isa sa mga pangunahing ahensya ng gobyerno na nangangailangan ng ganitong dokumento. Ang Certificate of Live Birth ay pangunahing requirement sa pagpapatala ng mga mag-aaral sa paaralan. Tinalakay rin dito ang mga paksa tungkol sa pagpapatala ng kapanganakan, kasal at kamatayan; application for marriage

license, legitimation process, foundling at mga bagong batas na ipinatutupad tulad ng Republic Act 9048 o Correction of Clerical Error at Change of First Name at RA 10172 o ang pagtatama ng mali sa kapanganakan sa buwan at araw, sa kasarian na hindi dadaan sa korte o walang court proceedings. Ilan sa mga nagsilbing resource speakers ay sina Editha Orcilla, Chief ng Document Management

division ng PSA, PSA Regional Director Rosalinda Bautista at Atty. Maribeth Pilimpinas, Chief ng Legal Services Division ng PSA. Dumalo sa opening ceremony sina OIC-Assistant Division School Superintendent Adela Aguila, Provincial Statistics Officer Charito Armonia, CSWD Chief Mila Espanola at City Civil Registrar Josephine Maranan.| RONNA CONTRERAS

KEEP IT RIGHT! Ang mga punungguro at registrars na nagsanay ukol sa patalaang sibil kaugnay ng RA9048 at RA 10172.|

tamang

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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Banal na Misa at prusisyon, inialay bilang pasasalamat sa kaligtasan sa malakas na lindol

CALATAGAN, BATANGAS -- Isang Banal na Misa, Prosesyon ng dalawang patron ng Calatagan Sto. Domingo de Silos, Our Lady of Guadalupe at matapos ang prosesyon ay isang AGAPE ang pinagsaluhan ng mga dumalo. Ito raw ang paraan ng pasasalamat ng mga mamamayan ng bayan ng Calatagan na walang anumang pinsala ang humanig na lindol noong nakaraang Miyerkules ng 7:52pm na may lakas na Magnitude 5.7. Natukoy ng Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology ang epicenter ng lindol sa layong 22 kilometro mula sa dalampasigan ng Calatagan.

Naramdaman ito ng buong Luzon lalo na ng Kamaynilaan, Mindoro Occidental at Oriental, Batangas, at Cavite. Lubhang nakakabahala ang paghanig na yon. Ayon sa Homiliya ni Fr. Boy Vergara, kura paroko ng Parokya ni Sto. Domingo de Silos, “Ang naging lindol ay pagpapaalaala sa ating lahat na manalig sa kapangyarihan ng ating Diyos, na ang mga nangyayari sa ibang lugar ay pweding mangyari sa bayan ng Calatagan. Ako’y lilisan sa bayang ito, pero ang inyong pananampalataya sa Diyos at sa tulong ng inyong mahal na patron Sto. Domingo De Silos at Ina ng

Guadalupe ang gagabay sa inyong lahat. Hindi natin alam kung kailan ang mas malakas na lindol na muling magpapahanig ng ating bayan, pero muli tayong magkaisa sa panalagin na nawa'y hindi na ulit yon maulit. Lahat ng bagay ay ipaubaya natin sa Diyos, sa huli Sya ang bahala sa atin, subalit kailangan natin gawin din ang parte natin, ang MAGDASAL mula sa Puso na nais nating lahat.” Nagsimula ang Banal na Misa ganap na ika-4:00 ng hapon, na sinundan agad ito ng prosesyon, Luwa at Agape.| JESSIE DELOS REYES

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First Gen eyes add’l 1,342-MW capacity by 2019 LOPEZ-owned power generation company First Gen Corp. is aiming to build an additional 1,342 megawatts in generation capacity between now and 2019 as it strengthens its operations in the Philippines to help meet growing demand and eventually become a global energy player, its top official said during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting yesterday. First Gen chairman and chief executive officer Federico Lopez said the company is planning to build three new plants including the 100-MW Avion, the first power plant in the country using aeroderivative turbines. “In all, our vision is to build an additional 1,342 MW between now and 2019,” Lopez said. Aside from the Avion power plant, some of the new capacity will come from the 414-MW (first phase) San Gabriel combined cycle power plant, the 150-MW expansion of the Burgos wind project and 30 MW from the Puyo run-of-river hydroelectric power plant, said First Gen president Francis Giles Puno. “We are also expanding across our portfolio to address growing demand for alternative sources of energy. In January

2014, we broke ground for what will be the 414-MW San Gabriel natural gasfired power plant, which will provide critical additional power supply by 2016 and which is envisioned to be the most efficient gas-fired plant in Southeast Asia using the latest Siemens SGT68000H gas turbine technology,” Puno said. The 100-MW Avion plant, meanwhile, is projected to help address additional power demand in the summer of 2015, Puno said. “With foreseen supply constraints in the immediate term, we are also very excited about the fast-track 100-MW Avion power plant development using proven jet aeroderivative technology, which will be located adjacent to the existing Santa Rita power plant in Batangas City,” he said in his message to stockholders. In a separate briefing after the meeting, Puno said the Avion facility is expected to be completed by March 2015, in time for the summer months. Puno said the company is also targeting to become a major LNG (liquefied natural gas) player in the country.

“While the first unit of San Gabriel and the Avion projects will be fuelled by Malampaya-sourced natural gas, we also realize that the current gas supply contracts will expire in the next 10 years. It is for this reason that we are excited about the development of a regasification terminal for LNG – which aims to be the first LNG regasification terminal in the Philippines,” Puno said. He said the company is hopeful of recovery this year and a much better year in 2015 after a challenging 2013, which was aggravated by the impact of Super Typhoon Yolanda. The typhoon damaged the assets of First Gen subsidiary EDC’s assets in Leyte. “2015 looks very promising. If EDC (Energy Development Corp.) is looking at record-breaking profits, we would be the major beneficiary of that,” Puno said. EDC officials said last week that the company expects to book a recordbreaking profit next year, with its geothermal and wind power projects expected to go full blast starting next year. He said that because the EDC’s plants are not yet fully back in commercial operations, first quarter profits may be

OPINION

Balikas

June 30 - July 6, 2014

Pass the FOI Bill now!

IN EXACTLY 24 months, the Aquino Administration that came to power on a “Social Contract with the Filipino People” will come to a close. Its trademark shibboleth: “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.” Its path to governance: Daang Matuwid. Today, we hear less and less of official statements peppered with the same prose now. And yet, as the Aquino administration enters its twilight years, the Filipino people’s disaffection with unabated corruption in high places and jobless growth continues to rise. In recent weeks, plunder and graft cases have been filed against some senators and congressmen mostly associated with the political opposition, for alleged misuse and abuse of pork barrel monies. A few other lawmakers allied with the Administration had also been implicated but the investigators have shown much less vigor and spunk in running after them. What is wrong with this story? A big missing link — a Freedom of Information Act that will affirm with absolute certitude that the long arm of the law will snare all the crooks, whether foes or friends of the Administration. The cases are now unfolding on both legal and political fronts. It is most worrisome that because the wheels of justice grind exceedingly slow in the country, their prosecution will stretch beyond the life of the Aquino Administration and past the next national and local elections. How the political interests of the accused and the accusers would collide or converge in May 2016, the paramount nonpartisan interest that must be favored is the Filipino people’s right to know, access information, and hold accountable in law and in the next elections those who amassed our hard-earned taxes for private gain. At its birth, the Aquino Administration pledged to crack a simple equation – curb corruption to curb poverty. To most everyone it was clear that an FOI law could have served as fount and pivot of its reform agenda. An FOI law will define clear procedures and reasonable limits on citizen requests for information and documents vested with public interest and in the custody of public officials and agencies. And this is the essence of an FOI law – a rights-based permanent framework that is far more superior to the Administration’s voluntary disclosure of some public finance documents, or only those that it decides to post online. About 100 countries across the world have enacted FOI laws. They have demonstrated how FOI serves as bedrock and enabler of most other rights of people to education, health, livelihood, property, security, and even life and happiness. In the Philippines, a multitude of citizens and sectors — students, workers, informal settlers, professionals, academics, businessmen, church people, journalists, bloggers, donors, and civil society organizations – have declared their explicit and firm stand in favor of the passage of the FOI law. The online and onsite petition on www.change.org/ TayoNaParaSaFOI for President Aquino and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to finally act decisively on its passage has drawn about 10,000 signatories, and counting. FOI is a legislation that is 27 years overdue. The 1987 Constitution guarantees the people’s right to access information. It enshrines transparency as a state policy. It has obliged the members of Congress to pass an FOI law that will complement and effectively enforce both. But five presidents and nine Congresses hence, the FOI bill remains an elusive reform measure. It baffles most everyone why such an important legislation has languished for more years by an Administration that has sworn to take the path of “Daang Matuwid”. To be sure, the Aquino administration commands a plurality of votes in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. It has shown it could muster the numbers for reform bills certified by the President. The Sin Tax Law and the Responsible Parenthood Act are two examples. There is no question that if it wants to, it could do the same for FOI. Under the steady leadership of Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Committee on Public Information, the Senate passed its version of the bill on third and final reading in record time last March yet. Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, the chair of the Committee on Public Information, Rep. Jorge Almonte, has pledged to see the counterpart bill move past his committee at least before the year is over. The next move, the final, decisive push for the FOI Act, is for the President and Speaker Belmonte to make. Beyond partisan political interests, leaders and citizens must together take the path of Daang Matuwid, a road to progress basking in the sunshine of Freedom of Information, to curb corruption and poverty. Pass the People’s FOI bill now.| 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.|

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Checking the market THE rise in the prices of basic commodities has been erratic so far. The President has directed his officials to monitor the prices and arrest anyone who may be causing this “artificial” trend in the market. He insinuated that the price hikes are caused by hoarders and speculators, not due to the normal workings of the market forces. There may be some basis on the insinuation that hoarders and speculators are behind this market trend. However, the government should have been aware that the prices of basic commodities had never been “normal” in the past few months. Changes in the prices have been erratic and these may be attributed on so many factors. Hoarders and speculators may have confounded the problem but even without their hands on the market, the prices of commodities are always expected to rise. Assuming that the government can find the insinuated hoarders, it is doubtful whether their arrest could resolve the problems that the general public is facing. Of course, the claim that our problems are caused by hoarders and speculators appeals to the sentiment of the consumers. Traders who defraud the public should be hanged of course. However, such claim could simplify the issue but would not answer the problem at all. The problems that we have today are mere manifestations of deeper concerns that our food producers are confronting.

Fact is that the supply of basic goods has been very low in the past months. Contrary to the claims that we have abundant supply of these goods and that the harvest had been good, farmers find it hard to raise their harvest due to the past calamities and the lack of assistance from the government. These have been the constant complaints of our farmers. It seems that the solutions that the government has offered to our farmers have not worked well. They continue to face the same problems every year yet none of them have been successful in meeting these challenges. Even with the liberal import policies, the supply in the market could not fully meet the demand of the public. The disparity in the purchasing capacity of the consumers has prejudicial impact on the capability of the market to meet equitably the needs of the people. Aside from addressing the concerns of the food producers in our country, the government needs to insure that the market is functioning well. The government has to secure that everyone can have a just share of the goods available in the market. It has to intervene in the market from time to time to check its responsiveness to the need of the public. This is necessary if it has to insist on the primacy of the general welfare over the market.|

Ang Mabuting Balita Lumapit sa Akin at Magpahinga NANG panahong iyo'y sinabi ni Jesus, “Ama, Panginoon ng langit at lupa, salamat sa iyo, sapagkat inilihim mo ang mga bagay na ito sa marurunong at matatalino, at inihayag mo naman sa mga may kaloobang tulad ng sa bata. Oo, Ama, sapagkat ganoon ang nais mo. “Ibinigay na sa akin ng aking Ama ang lahat ng bagay. Walang nakakakilala sa Anak kundi ang Ama, at walang nakakakilala sa Ama kundi ang Anak at ang mga pinili ng Anak na pagpahayagan niya. “Lumapit kayo sa akin, kayong lahat na nahihirapan at nabibigatang lubha sa inyong pasanin, at kayo'y bibigyan ko ng kapahingahan. Pasanin ninyo ang aking pamatok at sundin ninyo ang aking mga itinuturo sapagkat ako'y maamo at mapagkumbabang loob. Matatagpuan ninyo sa akin ang kapahingahan sapagkat madaling dalhin ang aking pamatok at magaan ang pasaning ibinibigay ko sa inyo.”| 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. Editorial & Business Office: San Sebastian St.,Barangay 10, Lipa City, 4217, Philippines  043.417.1662  0912.902.7373 | 0917.512.9477 E-mail: balikasonline@yahoo.com | www.facebook.com/pages/Balikas Batangas City Office: The BLADES Centre, Purok 3, Brgy. Calicanto, 4200 Batangas City, Philippines Ad rate: Commercial : P165/col. cm. Legal Notices:P130/col. cm Subscription Rate: 1 year - P1,000 6 months - P 500

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Columnists: Gerry M. Zamudio | Atty. Jose Sison Atty. Jesus Dureza | Atty. Ramel C. Muria

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Staff Reporter: Melinda R. Landicho Contributors: Jack L. Aquino Jerome Jay C. Sapinoso Jessie delos Reyes

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Official Representative - Lipa Office

Nicetas E. Escalona Lifestyle Editor

Benjie de Castro

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Batangas League for Alternative Development & Services (BLADES), Inc.

OPINION Still no dent in addressing corruption and poverty June 30 - July 6, 2014

THE results of April 24-30 survey by Ibon Foundation confirms what most people are feeling during these times. This is a relief from other surveys where one’s immediate reaction after reading its results is “Really?”. The results of Ibon’s survey reflects a not too optimistic view, but one which is closer to reality. According to the results of the April 2014 Ibon survey, 3 out of 5 or 64.9 percent of respondents do not agree that there is less corruption now; only 23.9 percent believe that there is less corruption. This is a major blow to the Aquino administration, which has built itself up by projecting a strong anticorruption stance. But this is not surprising since the information that has been leaking reveals that more than a hundred lawmakers and some Cabinet secretaries have been involved in the pork barrel scam; this includes President Benigno Aquino III’s most trusted Cabinet secretary Budget Sec. Florencio “Butch” Abad. And the President has not shown firm resolve to run after all those involved. Up to now, it has charged only three senators from the opposition. None of his allies have been charged. Worse, President Aquino immediately absolved his close allies. It does not help any that President Aquino also appears to be coddling Janet LimNapoles, who is being tagged as a key operator in the whole scam. The Ibon survey also reveals that 8 out of 10 respondents or 77.4% did not agree that poverty decreased, and 67% of respondents, or 7 out of 10 said they see their family as poor. This is also reflective of the reality now. The Aquino has not made any significant gain in job generation, and the minimum wage remains below the government’s own computation of a living wage for a family of six, which, in the National Capital Region, is currently pegged at P1,200 a day. Worse, majority of workers do not even receive the minimum wage, especially contractual employees. The reason why the Aquino administration is not able to address the problems of corruption and poverty is not only because it is pursuing the very same neoliberal economic policies of privatization, deregulation, and liberalization that has brought about crisis and poverty; it is also because the Aquino administration denies that these problems exist. How could one address a problem if one denies that it does exist and has reached serious levels? The Aquino administration is a press release government. It seems to believe that if it repeatedly says that there is no corruption, there is ‘inclusive growth’ and the lives of ordinary Filipinos have been improving, the problems of corruption and poverty would simply go away. And it has come up with the weirdest responses when made to comment on pressing issues. To name a

few: 1. If you could not afford the tuition in schools, transfer your children to public schools. (It’s as if public schools are not crowded enough and the shortages in classrooms, teachers, books and learning materials have already been resolved; and besides even parents of children in public schools could hardly afford the expenses of sending their children to school such as school projects, contributions to the maintenance of schools, transportation fare, snacks and lunch, computer rentals for assignments, among others.) 2. The prices of rice and garlic have been increasing because the government has been successful in its antismuggling campaign. (So the government should just back off in its anti-smuggling campaign so that the prices of rice and garlic would go back to more reasonable levels?) 3. The worsening traffic is an indication of economic growth. (Then the traffic in developed countries must already be at a standstill.) 4. If the MRT commuter train is crowded, take the bus. (It’s as if the buses are not crowded during rush hour and traffic along EDSA is light and flowing.) Could anyone say that his or her income is keeping pace with increases in prices of basic goods and services, and spikes in rates of public utilities? Could anyone say that his or her life is so much better now than four years ago? Could anyone claim that government services are at its finest and there is complete trust on the government and its officials? The Aquino government’s slogan of “Kung walang korap, walang mahirap” (If there is no corruption, there would be no poverty) is a too simplistic view of the problems of corruption and poverty. In fact, it could be the other way around: If poverty has been completely eradicated, then there should be no corruption. According to Transparency International: “Corruption thrives where temptation co-exists with permissiveness; where institutional checks on power are missing; where decision making remains obscure; where civil society is thin on the ground; where great inequalities in the distribution of wealth condemn people to live in poverty, which is where corrupt practices flourish.” For the Left, corruption thrives where power and wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few; where the government is being used to promote and protect the interests of big foreign and local corporations, as well the few landowning families, where government positions are being used to expand the wealth of the ruling clique and its government officials; where the people’s movement does not yet have the power and the

Benjie Oliveros

>>>PERSPECTIVE..turn to P/7

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Kanegosyo ko si misis MAGKATUWANG sa negosyo ang mag-asawang William at Mary. Sa kanilang negosyo, nagbukas sila ng checking account sa banko. Kahit sino sa kanilang dalawa o kahit pa sabay sila ay puwedeng pumirma sa mga tseke. Bawat isa sa kanila ay may checkbook kung saan hiwalay silang kumukuha at nagbabayad ng tseke gamit ang pera nila sa banko. Dahil hindi man lang nagtipid ang mag-asawa, umabot sa halagang P35,000 ang kanilang mga naipalabas na tseke. Dahil sa sobra-sobra ito kumpara sa pera nila sa banko, napilitan silang umutang sa banko at ginamit na prenda ang stock certificates nila. Dumating ang takdang panahon ng pagbabayad at hindi nabayaran ng mag-asawa ang kanilang utang. Inilit ng banko ang nakaprendang stock certificates. Kaya lang, kahit pa ibinenta ang mga ito ay hindi pa rin sapat upang bayaran ang pagkakautang ng mag-asawa kaya idinemanda sila ng banko. Hiningi ng banko na makuha ang bayad sa kahit sino sa dalawa. Argumento naman ng mag-asawa, hindi sila dapat magbayad sa

lahat. Dapat daw ay kung ano lang ang pananagutan nila. Halimbawa, sa kaso ni Mary, nakinabang lang siya sa halagang P10,000 kaya hanggang doon lang ang babayaran niya. Ano ba ang pananagutan nina William at Mary?  Alinsunod sa Art. 161 Civil Code, lahat ng pagkakautang o kung anumang obligasyones ng mag-asawa habang kasal sila maging kay mister ito o kay misis (sa mga pagkakataon na siya ang namamahala sa ariarian) ay dapat bayaran ng conjugal partnership. Dahil nga kulang pa ang nakaprenda nilang stock certificate, dapat na magkatuwang na pagbayaran nina William at Mary ang banko sa pamamagitan ng kung anuman ang kanilang nakahiwalay pa na ari-arian. Pro-rata o dapat na kung ano lang ang porsyento ng pagkakautang ang babayaran ng bawat isa sa kanila alinsunod sa ordinaryong negosyo ng partnership (Art. 147 Civil Code, National Bank vs. Quintos and Ansaldo, 46 Phil. 370).|

Balikas

Miscalculations fatal to peace pact WORRISOME -- The latest word on the comprehensive agreement on the bangsamoro (CAB) with the MILF is worrisome. President Aquino met discreetly with KAGI MURAD for the second time in Hiroshima, Japan in the last few days where the MILF head raised to the President some serious “concerns” evidently after reading the latest draft of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that Malacanang legal experts were working on. Then MILF panel chair Mohaqher Icbal, obviously trying hard to suppress misgivings, admitted that he was “not upbeat” or optimistic. Evidently, I can only guess, but all is not well, contrary to what the President wants us to believe.  “NOT WELL & OK” --I may sound a broken record but let me stress this again: the negotiating parameters of the Philippine government (GPH) and the rebels ( MILF) are NOT the same. This I personally know. In the whole course of the peace negotiations and consistent with its basic negotiating parameters, the MILF always REJECTED AND REFUSED to use -- or even just mention -- the Philippine Constitution as “reference” in ALL the agreements signed since the first agreement was signed in July, 1997 in Cagayan de Oro until the last document was signed last January, 2014 , or in all of 12 agreements already signed. Instead, they preferred adherence to international protocols like the UN declaration of human rights or the UN charter but NOT the Philippine Constitution. They simply rejected being subjected to the provisions of the Philippine Constitution. To the MILF, adherence to our basic law during the peace talks was premature “capitulation” and would “cannalize” their options for redress, knowing that some provisions of our Philippine Constitution could very well be the reason for those historical injustices on the bangsamoro which they wanted to be redressed. They fought to get concessions from government that perhaps could be beyond the ambit of the basic law. If you won’t believe me, go check for yourself those signed agreements. In short, it should not come as a surprise to us why there will be constitutional issues that will necessarily arise now! This must be expected. Hence, those presidential assurances coming from President Aquino no less that there are no constitutional issues and that all is “well and ok” may not be the real score, although it is expected that as head of state, he must appear to be the fountainhead of optimism. But the ghost of the failed and lamented MOA -AD is still around to haunt us. We committed a fatal mistake during our time. We should learn from those lessons. To ignore them is not prudent. To ignore them is reckless!  PRESIDENT IN A FIX -- Just like during our time in the Arroyo administration, President Aquino is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. While the President wants to give concessions to finally put an end to the rebellion by addressing historic grievances, he cannot give beyond what the Constitution normally allows. He is duty bound to keep within those rigid parameters. The most he can do is to do some “brinksmanship” but then that was what happened in the MOA-AD with President Arroyo. I think the President is looking now closely at what was signed and now realizing that for him to adopt it en toto will put the presidency in jeopardy. So some last minute adjustments in the BBL had to be made.  MILF ALSO IN A FIX -- The question is: will those adjustments be acceptable to the MILF? I may sound presumptuous, but I bet you, MILF will NOT capitulate and accept substantive variations from what was signed and agreed just to make the agreement constitutional. (This is now derisively called “watering down”). During my time as peace negotiator, I can tell you that the MILF had shown flexibility and openness to re-adjust its positions from time to time as the negotiations progressed. But they had certain “non-negotiable” points which, I am sure were carried through in the present CAB, some of which could be “constitutionally sensitive”. I doubt very much if Kagi MURAD will agree to allow a re-adjustment just to suit constitutional concerns of the government if it means giving up on some of those “non-negotiables”. But if he or the MILF leadership does so, it will be at their own peril -- just like the equally problematic situation our own Philippine president must now be facing. The dangers are obvious. The MILF is organizationally not that cohesive, like just any other rebel group where force of arms rule. They cannot even totally control their own forces on the ground with the BIFF and other so-called rogue, break-away elements operating. Some MILF base commanders are “autonomous” and they can call their own shots. Then there are young MILF elements who have their own more radical aspirations and are more restive. This is not to mention the presence of islamic fundamentalists and “terrorists” whose bottom line is to establish an independent calyphate in this part of the world who succeeded in embedding themselves in MILF controlled areas. Of course, let us not forget that the bangsamoro is factionalized and deeply divided, in various levels and MILF cannot claim exclusivity. I need not say more on this.  SOME OPTIONS -- At this crucial stage, I have a few unsolicited advices to make, if I may:

>>>DUREZA..turn to P/7

BUSINESS

June 30 - July 6, 2014

Construction through the Lens of Development DTI awards P400,000 fund PPI set to kick off new media seminar series for a sustainable bamboo industry in Cardona

MEDIA reports on construction-related topics are often confined to physical structures, costs, or technical aspects. Yet construction plays a vital role in sustainable development. Appropriate building standards, for instance, could strike down the barriers to better housing for poor households, thus helping ensure inclusive growth. Use of indigenous construction materials can maximize their environmental benefits while reinforcing poverty alleviation efforts of both public and private sectors. Local media reporters, editors and publishers will have the opportunity to explore these intertwining themes in a series of seminars that the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) will conduct beginning in July. Dubbed “SeminarWorkshop on Sustainable Construction Reporting: Building It Right,” the seminar series is being undertaken in partnership with Holcim Philippines, the country’s largest manufacturer of cement. Highlighting the seminar series is the official launch of

the HOLCIM-PPI Journalism Awards for Sustainable Construction Reporting (JASCOR). JASCOR aims to encourage the members of the press to write meaningful and substantive stories on underreported or neglected topics or themes dealing with construction and infrastructure as these relate to sustainable and inclusive development. The first leg of the seminar series will be held on

July 4-6 at the Golden Pine Hotel in Baguio City. PPI’s member newspapers in the NCR and Luzon will participate in this event. The succeeding seminar round will be conducted in Cebu City on July 11-13 for PPI’s Visayas members, and in Cagayan de Oro on July 25-27 for its Mindanao members. Architect Miguel Guerrero, chairperson of the Green Architecture Advocacy Philippines, a non-govern-

ment organization, will speak on sustainable construction and environment, in the seminar in Baguio. Engr. Salvador Royeca, general manager of the Baguio Water District in the city of pines, will address the issue of sustainable infrastructure and development. Seminar participants will have a chance to explore relevant topics and themes that they can pursue when they go back to their respective newsrooms. |

PARTNERSHIPS. Five new partnerships launched at the culmination of the two-day 50th anniversary of PPI: HOLCIM PHILIPPINES, NICKEL ASIA CORPORATION, PLAN INTERNATIONAL INC., COCA-COLA PHILIPPINES, and EON.| BALIKAS PHOTOBANK

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CARDONA, Rizal - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) awarded a fund of P400,000 for the promotion and development of the bamboo industry in Cardona, Rizal. Mayor Bernardo P. San Juan, Jr. received the check during a flag raising ceremony at the Municipal Hall Monday. DTI Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo said that the fund, released through the Department of Budget and Management’s grassroots participatory budgeting process, will be used for capability building, product development, advocacy and promotion, and marketing of bamboo products. Capability building activities will consist of training, seminars and benchmarking missions while product development will consist of seminars on product development and design trends on bamboo products. DTI Rizal Provincial Director Mercedes Parreño added that part of the fund will also be used for advocacy and promotion through the creation of the Cardona Bamboo Development Council and launching of bamboo development projects, as well as to facilitate bamboo entre-

DTI- Rizal, UP-ISSI trains local business groups on shared service facility operations JUDICIAL NOTICE ANTIPOLO CITY -- Rizal entrepreneurial groups recently received training from the UP Institute of Small Scale Industries on handling shared service facilities (SSF) and creating respective manuals of operation through the initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry–Rizal at the University of Rizal System Morong Campus last June 20. Participants include the Sipsipin Multipurpose Cooperative, Sampaloc Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Multipurpose Cooperative, Llano Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative, Morong Retailers and Community Multipurpose Cooperative, University of Rizal System, Monte Alba Producers Cooperative, Integrated Jalajala Federation of Cooperatives, Lupang Arenda Multipurpose Cooperative,

Bangon Kababaihan Bagong Cainta, Taytay Sash Contractors Multipurpose Cooperative, Brgy. Halayhayin Fish Cage Multipurpose Cooperative, Cardona Multipurpose Cooperative, Kababaihang Mangingisda at Manghahalaman ng Talim, Samahan ng Kababaihan ng Brgy. Patunhay Inc. and University of Rizal System – Tanay Campus. UP ISSI Executive Director Prof. Nestor Raneses and UP ISSI Training and EntrepEducation Chair Ma. Luisa Solarte-Lee facilitated the training proper leading to an open forum and synthesis of the learnings. DTI- Rizal and UP ISSI are also expected to continue the series of trainings to guide local business groups in the proper and effective methods of handling government provided SSFs.| PIA-CALABARZON

BANKING

WOMEN’S RURAL BANK, INC. Deposits | Loans | Financing Services Carandang St., Poblacion, Rosario, Batangas

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 4 PALLOCAN WEST, BATANGAS CITY IN RE: PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENT RY APPEARING IN T HE BIRT H CERT IFICAT E OF PET IT IO NER (MUNICIPAL FORM NO. 102) BY CORRECTING THE NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH APPEARING THEREAT FROM “DANILO VICENTE ANDAL AND OCTOBER 27, 1952” T O “DANILO ANDAL AND OCTOBER 27, 1953”, RESPECTIVELY. DANILO R. ANDAL, Petitioner. -versus-

SP. PROC. NO. 14-9740

JOSEPHINE P. MARANAN, in her capacity as City Civil Registrar, Batangas City, Respondent. x-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x ORDER A verified petition filed with this Court on June18, 2014 by DANILO R. ANDAL, through Atty. Cipriano U. Asilo praying that after due notice, publication and hearing, an order be issued directing the Local Civil Registrar of Batangas City to correct the entry appearing in the Birth Certificate of petitioner (Municipal Form No. 102) more particularly the name and date of his birth from “DANILO VICENTE ANDAL” and “October 27, 1952” to “DANILO ANDAL” and “October 27, 1963.

preneurs to participate in trade fairs where products will be showcased and consequently access markets. Due to its abundant supply, the municipality of Cardona selected bamboo as a priority industry of which it has already established 3 primary processing centers called bamboo nodes, all located in Talim Island. In a node, bamboo poles are processed into slats of standard configuration and dimensions, treated and dried, then to be further processed into intermediate and finished products in a bamboo hub. Parreño said that a bamboo hub established and funded under DTI’s Shared Service Facilities Project is expected to operate early in July and will produce more than 500 schools desks made of engineered bamboo, the requirement of local public schools in Cardona. Director Toledo said that the Department of Education has a big demand for classroom desks pursuant to Executive Order 879 which directs the use of bamboo for at least 25% of the desk and other furniture requirements of public elementary and secondary schools.| CHARLIE S. DAJAO

Finding the instant petition to be sufficient in forma nd susbstance, let the same be set for initial hearing on 14 August 2014 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning at the Session hall of this Court, RTC- Branch 4, Pallocan West, Batangas City. All person having opposition to the petition may file their written opposition and appear before this Court on the date, at the time and t the place above-set-forth in order that they may be heard. Let copies of this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner, once a week for three consecutive weeks in any newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Batangas and in the Cities of Lipa and Batangas before the date of the initial hearing of the instant petition. Likewise, let copies of this order, together with the petition and annexes thereof be furnished the Office of the Solicitor General, Makati City; the City Civil Registrar of Batangas City; the Office of the Civil Registrar General, National Statistics Office, Quezon City and all known heirs, legatees, devisees, creditors and other interested persons at least ten (10) days before the day of hearing. SO ORDERED. Batangas City, Philippines, June 19, 2014. (Sgd.) ALBERT A. KALALO Presiding Judge I hereby certify that copies of this Order have been sent by registered mail to the Solicitor General, Makati City; the Civil Registrar General, National Statistics Office, Quezon City; the City Civil Registrar of Batangas City; Atty. Cipriano U. Asilo; petitioner, and by personal delivery to the Office of the City Prosecutor of Batangas; this 24th day of June 2014. (Sgd.) JUAN C. MANALO Branch Clerk of Court Pahayagang Balikas June 30, July 7 & 14, 2014

Tawag na sa Pahayagang Balikas Telephone No. (043) 417.1662 * 0917.521.9477 * 0912.902.7373 para sa inyong pagpapalathala.

Nicetas E. Escalona, Lifetimes Editor

LIFE TIMES sa hindi pagkakaunawaan at maging sanhi ng sama ng loob ng kausap. Huwag magpadalos-dalos. Aquarius (Ene. 20 Peb. 18) - Lihim na paghanga o pag-ibig ang kanyang nararamdaman sa iyo. Lakasan ang pakiramdam, talasan ang pandinig at may matutuklasan. Pisces (Peb. 19 - Mar. 20) - Kung may balak na paglalakbay sa malapit o malayo, maisasakatuparan ng walang sagabal. Mauunawaan kung ano ang ipinagtatampo o ikinagagalit ng kasambahay. Aries (Mar. 21 - Abril 19) - Huwag magpabigla-bigla sa aksiyon at desisyon. Matutuon ang isip at panahon sa pet care o general health at kung papaano ito mapapaunlad. Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) - Malaki ang bahagi ng Gemini o Aquarius na maaaring ikaliligaya o ikalulungkot. Magpokus sa iyong gawain sa pag-invest o sa trabaho. Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) - Angkop ang panahon sa pakikipagkasundo sa dating nakasamaan ng loob o nakaaway. Ang pagkakamali ay makatao, ang magpatawad ay maka-Diyos.|

<<<PABAHAY....mula sa P/2

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Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) W alang sagabal sa binabalak, sa pagtatapat ng saloobin. Manalangin bago magtapat o gumawa para positibo ang makamit. Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - May mga kaibigan na handang magmalasakit o maghandog ng tulong kung kailangan. Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Ituloy ang binabalak dahil magtatagumpay. Huwag padala sa sulsol ng iba. Nakasalalay sa sarili ang tagumpay. Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) - Nasa landas ang ibig makamit. Kaunting panahon na lamang ang hihintayin at mapapasakamay ang hinahangad. Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa. Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - Makakatulong ang payo ng mga matatanda upang maging matatag sa pagtanggap ng responsibilidad. Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) - Malakas ang ESP na magagamit sa paglutas ng sariling problema o suliranin ng iba. Nasa panig ang gawaing mental kaysa pisikal. W alang sagabal sa lahat ng gagawin Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Sa pagpapahayag ng damdamin mag-ingat, sapagkat maaaring humantong

Housing Development, tampok sa PDC General Assembly Naganap din sa okasyon Provincial Housing Development Board upang masiguro ang epektibo at mabilis na maipatupad ang mga isasagawang housing program sa lalawigan.

ang confirmation kay Mr. Guillermo Ocampo, Chairperson of the Restoration of Filipino Values bilang Elected Geographic Private Sector

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Representative sa Regional Development Council. Ang kompirmasyon ay sinaksihan ng iba’t ibang sektor mula sa public service, non-government organiza-

tions na kasapi ng Provincial Development Coordinating Councils na katuwang ng lalawigan sa pagsusulong ng kaunlaran sa lalawigan./ EDWIN ZABARTE

<<<ENVIRONMENT....from P/2

Groups raise alarm on the dangers of mining operations...

primary source of domestic water for millions of families living in Metro Manila and Central Luzon. Meanwhile, Marikina Watershed drains into other critical ecosystems such as the Marikina River and Laguna Lake. The said watersheds fall under the category “No Go Mining Zone” under Executive Order No. 79 of President Benigno Aquino III. The said areas are also covered by ancestral domain claims of Agta/Dumagat groups. Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin that is harmful to people especially to children and women. Once released into the environment, mercury can travel great distances and may cause contamination of ecosystems, wildlife and food chain. “More and more people

are continuously flocking to these watersheds in search of livelihood. Both the national and local government units must act now to regulate these mining operations and lessen their impacts to environment,” said Carranza. In Sitio Angelo alone, which is part of Angat-Umiray Watershed, the groups recorded a growing community of migrant miners from Cordillera and Bicol. The said miners started gold mining in the area since the 70s. The groups believe that that the government should set-up a participatory and genuine watershed management on these areas and involve the affected communities especially the indigenous people in decisionmaking processes.|

NANUMPA na sa tungkulin sa harap ni Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto si G. Guillermo Ocampo, Chairperson of the Restoration of Filipino Values bilang Elected Geographic Private Sector Representative sa CALABARZON Regional Development Council.| LOUIE HERNANDEZ

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Still no dent in addressing corruption and poverty Thus, the problems of corruption and poverty are systemic and no mere change in the persons holding government positions or the political party in power – if traditional, patronage politics still hold sway – could eradicate these problems.|

<<<DUREZA....from P/5

Miscalculations fatal to peace pact Sereno voted against the MOA AD and if the same situation is present now, it will be difficult for her to make a reverse act with CAB. Then there is former panel Chair Marvic Leonen. I’m sure he has a mouthful of advice to give. It is not advisable to feed the BBL to Congress if the “coast is not clear”. Remember, the CAB is a political threat to the

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late FELIX C. EVANGELISTA who died intestate on July 15, 2005 at Masaguitsit, Lobo, Batangas, consisting of a parcel of land situated Masaguitsit, Lobo, Batangas, at covered by OCT No. P-20779 with an area of 2,886 sq. m., and 1/2 shares in two other parcels of land both situated at Masaguitsit, Lobo, Batangas, covered by Tax Dec. No. 017-01058, with an area of 250 sq. m. and covered by Tax Dec. No. 017-00504, with an area of 100 sq. m. have been adjudicated by his sole heir Marta C. Evangelista, per Doc. No. 242; Page No. 50; Book No. XXXVII; Series of 2014 of ATTY. VICENTE B. V. MAYO, JR., Notary Public. Pahayagang Balikas / June 23, 30 & July 7, 2014

Kalandrakas

entrenched politicians in power and many of them are just waiting in ambush there in Congress to chop it down to pieces. Believe me. B) Continue the backchannel “negotiations” with the MILF if there are problematic provisions. This will also allow the MILF to vet new developments with its own stakeholders and for an easier “acceptance” just in case there will be some readjustments still to be made. The recent brief meeting in Japan was more on Kagi MURAD expressing “concerns”. A more substantive discussion should be held, between them again or between other equally high level representatives. C) If it shall become inevitable to amend the Constitution to preserve the peace process, then it is time for the joint Transition

Commission, which drafted the proposed BBL, immediately buckle down to work as mandated by the CAB “.... to work on proposals to amend the Philippine Constitution for the purpose of accommodating and entrenching... the agreements”. This is clearly stated under Article VII, par 4b of the CAB. D) During my time at OPAPP, there was talk about “entrenching” the MOA AD by “appending” it to the constitution, just like what was done with the original US BASES agreement and getting a national plebiscite to approve it. Then the constitutional parameters are expanded to accommodate the CAB.  MISCALCULATION -One final word. We understand the determi-

lightly brown, then add the onions. 4. Add the shredded chicken and sauté until slightly brown. 5. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the liquid to a boil. 6. Add the shell pasta and simmer for 5 – 10 minutes or until tender. 7. Add carrots and potato and continue to simmer until soften. 8. Pour the evaporated milk, keep stirring and season with salt and pepper. 9. Add the cabbage and Chinese cabbage, and continue to simmer for another couple of minutes. Cooking Tips: 1. Add the chicken stock cube, if preferred. 2. Elbow macaroni or Spaghetti pasta cut into an inch, can be a replacement for shell pasta.|

KALANDRAKAS is a simple authentic chicken pasta soup, from the Southern Tagalog part of the Philippines. Cooked with choices of vegetables and pasta in rich and delicious chicken or beef broth. Ingredients: 2 Pieces chicken breast 250 Grams shell pasta 6 cups water 1 Carrot, cubed 1 Potatoes, cubed ½ Cup chopped cabbage ½ Cup chopped Chinese cabbage 1 Onion 1 Garlic Salt and pepper to taste 1 Can evaporated milk Cooking Directions: 1. In soup pot, bring chicken breast and cold water to a boil. 2. When its cool enough to handle, hand-shred the meat and set aside. 3. Heat oil in a large saucepan and sauté garlic until

PA L A IS IPA N 1

9 10

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A) Before submitting the draft BBL to Congress, Malacañang must first do some constitutional “sensitivity” tests. This may not sound appropriate to others but yes, some “friendly” Supreme Court justices can be discreetly consulted but allowing room for “deniability”. (My guess is that this was already done.) Let’s not forget Chief Justice

Pinoy recipes. Lutuing Pinoy

<<<PERSPECTIVE....from P/5

machinery to mobilize majority of the population to immediately hold government officials to account; where great inequalities still exist; and where genuine freedom and democracy remain an aspiration and not yet a reality.

June 30 - July 6, 2014

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24 27 29

32 PAHALANG 1 Buhy na karumal-dumal 9 Kontribusyon 10 Kalinga 12 Kandili 14 Pustura 17 Nanisnis 18 Diwata 20 Lasa ng asin 21 Tingnan ko nga! 22 Itubog: Ingles 24 Gunita 25 Dulang 27 Salungat ng labo 28 Kulang sa katwiran 30 Laman-dagat 32 May masamang hangarin PABABA 2 Kapa 3 Unang babae

nation of President Aquino to get this done during his time. He took the first unorthodox step not usually done by heads of state by meeting with KAGI MURAD at the onset of the talks. Both of them again met recently. This is already a milestone no one before him achieved and to his credit. It may be prudent

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Hinggil sa agrikultura Mataas na baraha Bolivia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya: daglat Alingawngaw Pamutat Ms. Isidro: artista Sukat mula itaas hangang baba Kawalan ng lasa Pangalang pambabae Uri ng pasahod Ito o iyon Alituntunin Joel o Boy Lahok Bayan sa Laguna Ano? Albania: daglat

for him to study his options well at this time. And this equally applies to MILF's KAGI MURAD. We all cannot afford a misstep at this crucial time.  A MISCALCULATION will put to naught all those milestones never achieved before.|

>Wanna be featured here? Please contact us at 0917.512.9477 | 0912.902.7373 | 043.417.1662 for inquiries. Ronalina B. Lontoc, Special Project Editor

F.E.S.T.

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

June 30 - July 6, 2014

Parada ng Lechon: wackiest, wildest fiesta ever B

ALAYAN, Batangas The 55th edition of the world-famous “Parada ng Lechon” of this western Batangas town held last Tuesday, June 24 was “an unqualified success, with more than 170 lechons paraded on the streets,” according to Mayor Manny Fronda. He described the Parada ng Lechon as “the wackiest and wildest fiesta celebration in the country.” He said the parade is just the start of the revelry and more fun and merriment happens after the parade when Balayan town becomes a big and open beer fest area. “Everywhere you go, you will see people having fun, drinking beer and other liquors, singing and dancing to the music of live bands, all the while dousing water to each other,” Mayor Fronda said. The yearly parade of hundreds of mouth-watering roast pigs originated in the old thanksgiving custom of the working class in honor of Saint John the Baptist in what-used-to-be the poor and depressed area of the Kanluran district (western Poblacion) of the town, famous also for its Bagoong Balayan. During the Spanish and American regimes, families who were fortunate enough to receive significant blessings during the past year would parade a lechon in the town plaza every June 24. To the poor people of Balayan, parading a lechon in the plaza, where the Roman Catholic Church is at the center, is the best show of

thanksgiving and veneration to their patron saint. Even during those early times, the sight of people parading lechons – coupled with the centuries-old practice of water dousing in places where St. John the Baptist is the patron saint – was quite a spectacle to behold. As the years passed, as more and more poor people received blessings or became successful, more and more lechons were paraded every June 24, and a tourist attraction was born that has since become the pride and crown jewel of the town. Meldos Castelo, executive director of the Parada ng Lechon, said that this year’s Parada was supported by San Miguel Beer, Ginebra San Miguel, B-MEG, Petron, Globe-TM, Smart-Talk ‘N Text, Emperador Distillers Inc.,

Suzuki, DMCI-SEM Calaca Power Corp., Province of Batangas, Camella Homes, Chicharron ni Mang Juan, Nissin Cup Noodles, Scotch Brite, and Mang Tomas

Lechon Sauce. The Hermandad San Juan Bautista-Parada ng Lechon 2014 is headed by lawyer Ricardo T. Diaz, president; Noel M. Torres, secretary-

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The tale that is ‘Parada ng Lechon de Balayan’ THE world-famous Parada ng Lechon originated in the old thanksgiving custom of the working class in what-used-to-be the poor and depressed area of the Kanluran district of Balayan, Batangas. During the Spanish and American regimes, families who were fortunate enough to receive some significant blessings during the past year would parade a lechon in the town plaza every June 24 – the Feast of St. John the Baptist. To the poor people of Balayan, the parading of lechon in the plaza,

where the Roman Catholic Church is at the center, is the best show of thanksgiving and veneration to their patron saint. Even during those early times, the sight of people parading lechons – coupled with centuries-old practice of water dousing in places where St. John the Baptist is the patron saint – was quite a spectacle to behold. As the years passed, as more and more people from the Kanluran district received blessings or became successful, more and more lechons were paraded every June 24.

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BALAYAN CELEBRATES THE 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF DON GALICANO C. APACIBLE. A FILIPINO PARIOT AND PRIDE OF BALAYAN. The occasion was graced by Dr. Maria Sorena Diokno-Chairwoman of the National Historical Commision of the Philippines, Ms. Emily Katigbak, Provincial Tourism Officer and Former Congressman Tomas Apaciple.

Go away from drugs.... Harness your talents at

D’ BLADES JAMM We welcome home-grown bands, students, amateur jammers. BLADES Centre, Guades Comp., Purok 3, Calicanto, Bats. City For inquiries and schedule, Call of Text 0912-902-7373 to 74.

general; Councilor Castelo, executive director; Fil Maningat, Boyet Pantoja, lawyers Joe Justiniano, Gil Torres and Efren Chavez, directors.| BALIKAS NEWS TEAM

In 1959, the elders of the Kanluran district organized the Hermandad San Juan Bautista (Brotherhood of St. John the Baptist) to oversee the celebration of what has come to be known as the Parada ng Lechon sa Balayan. The Hermandad revolutionized the way an old thanksgiving custom was observed. A one-day celebration became a two-week event, with various activities (from sports tournaments, different shows , bicycle race, battle of the bands, ballroom dancing, beauty pageant, free concerts, fireworks show, etc.) being held to serve as prelude to Parada ng Lechon. Aside from the prolonged celebration, the Hermandad and the dozens of clubs in the Kanluran district introduced the added ingredients of beer-drinking and live bands/combos in the streets, giant streamers/tarpaulins, festive banners and buntings, colorful uniforms, and souvenir t-shirts. These ingredients all contribute to a more intensely festive and electrified atmosphere during the whole fiesta celebration. Today, local and foreign tourists, small and big businesses, as well as the national and international media, all flock to Balayan, Batangas every June 24 to witness and participate in the most hospitable, lavish and unique fiesta celebration in the country.| BALAYAN.GOV.PH

Services Offered: * Rehearsals * Rentals * Tutorial *Band Service We also offer: Photobooth Service for all occasions. Call: 043.417.1662