Vol. XIX, No. 4 January 27 - Feb. 2, 2014

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Climate Change strikes anew TALISAY, Batangas – Sulfur upwelling as an offshoot of climate change struck anew in Taal Lake triggering fish mortalities in at least four barangays here, authorities said over the weekend.

Arlan Garcia, local chief of Bgy. Sala in Balete, Batangas, told the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that various fish species were found “gasping for air” along the shoreline of the town the night of Jan. 16.

On the following day, a blue-green discoloration of the water was seen extending to three other barangays – Aya, Quiling and Tumaway, all of Talisay.

Taal Lake has total allowable fish cages of 6,000 units only and and one third or 2,000 units of

>>CLIMATE...turn to P/3

CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECT, ECONOMIC LOSS. Local fishermen of Talisay, Batangas struggling to drain from Taal Lake the died fishes caused by the upswelling of water as an after-effect of climate change, authorities said.| BALIKAS FILE PHOTO

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DOH starts 'Goodbye TIGDAS' campaign in MM, 7 provinces including Batangas

‘Batangas City must upgrade value of taxable lands’ - study

output of Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts, a joint THE Department of Health (DOH) children.

“TO make itself more competitive haven for study of the WWF and BPI Foundation, Inc., at on Thursday started the two-week Dubbed “Goodbye TIGDAS”, DOH investment and progress, Batangas City must Pontefino Hotel, Batangas City, Wednesday. “expanded catch-up” vaccination in Assistant Secretary and spokesperson upgrade the value of its taxable lands.”

The City Government finds a new ally in passing Metro Manila and seven provinces Eric Tayag noted the need to have Thus, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) director the City Ordinance No. 20 from the private sector aimed at targeting two million >>HEALTH...turn to P/3 Lorenzo Tan pointed out at the presentation of the in the said WWF-BPI study.

City Ordinance No. 20, Series of 2013 (also known as RPT20) provides for the increasing of real property tax rate in the city starting fiscal year 2014 which hikes assessment in varying degrees depending on the location and use of properties.

“This is based on a thorough study of private sector and not just based on whimsical claims of other camps who are trying to feed the public with misinformation. It only shows that we are on a right track when we passed the ordinance,” city councillor Claudette Ambida told ADVANCE, BATANGAS! Councilor Gerry Dela Roca, (4th from left) listen attentively to WWF Executive Director Lorenzo Tan as the latter presents Balikas.

“This study has clearly validates the output of the recent WWF-BPI Foundation study, Business Risk Assessment and Climate Change Adaptation, which also calls for the upgrading of the city’s value of taxable lands. Dela Roca is the chairman of teh city council’s Ways and Means Committee that indorsed the City Ordinance No. 20 providing for the our claim that Batangas City will be

By JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

RPT hike in Batangas City. With Dela Roca in the said forum were Councilors Julian Villena, Claudette Ambida and Kristine Balmes, and Vice Mayor Jun Berberabe, Jr.| JOENALD M. RAYOS

Otoridad sa istadistika

CA clears Sulpicio exec in M/V p. 3 Princess of the Stars tragedy .......................................................................................................................

Umiray Bridge to boost economic dev’t of isolated communities in Quezon and Aurora province

p. 6

>>>MANAGEMENT...turn to P/2

Unsolicited advice

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NEWS

Balikas

Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2014

PHL agriculture posts 1.15% growth in 2013

DAR Usec. Jerry E. Pacturan (checkered polo shirt) and Congw. Bellaflor AngaraCastillo (3rd right) Lone District, Aurora, lead the unveiling of the marker at the foot of Umiray Bridge in Dingalan, Aurora, Jan. 23. Also in photo (from left) Director Erlinda Pearl V. Armada, DAR Region 1V-A; First Secretary (Agriculture) Embassy of Japan Ryutaro Aoki; Deputy Chief Mission, Embassy of Japan Tetsuro Amano; Kenji Sasabe, president, CTI Engineering; Tokyo Japan and Senior Representative Sachiko Takeda, JICA (inset photo).|

Umiray Bridge to boost economic dev’t of isolated communities in Quezon and Aurora province

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed its March 2013 decision clearing an executive of Sulpicio Lines of criminal liability over the sinking of M/V Princess of the Stars that killed at least 800 passengers and crew.

In a three-page resolution released on Thursday, the CA’s Former 15th Division denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) and several individuals, saying that they failed to raise new issues that would warrant a reversal of their earlier ruling.

Go has been charged with

reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, physical injuries and damage to properties.

However, the CA, in its March 22, 2013 ruling cleared Edgar Go, Vice President for Administration of Sulpicio Lines Incorpo-rated, which owns M/V Princess of the Stars.

In its ruling, the CA said that the DOJ erred when it blamed Go for the sinking of the ship.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Boarding Officer inspected the M/V Princess of the Stars prior to its departure, after checking that the documents are in place, the officer informed Capt. Florencio Marimon that there will be a storm in the area where they will pass.

.............................................................................................. <<<MANAGEMENT...from P/1

‘Batangas City must upgrade value of taxable lands’ - study more progressive and can be more responsive to the needs of its people by providing more fiscal services out of the increase in RPT collections,” the lady councillor added.

Batangas City was among the third phase of the study that covers the whole country and was made last year. Alongside with Batangas City in the third phase are the cities of Angeles, Tacloban and Naga.

To help localities around the country prepare for climate impacts, WWF and the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Foundation launched the a multi-year study which examines economic and climate trends to predict and prepare for likely future scenarios.

“Baseline data findings are synergized with local stakeholder inputs to craft each city’s adaptation strategy,” explains BPI Foundation Executive Director and SVP Florendo Maranan.

Climate exposure, socioeconomic sensitivities, and adaptive capacities are melded to generate scores which show each city’s climate vulnerability. A chronic recommendation is to ‘climate-proof’ local infrastructure – moving coastal roads and communities to high ground, improving community drainage systems and investing in natural solutions like mangrove forests to parry inbound storms.

The westerly orientation of Batangas City shields it from the Pacific Ocean’s storms. A thriving trade hub, it is buoyed by Batangas Port, which connects the province with a host of regions and businesses. Two vital arteries

connect Batangas to Manila – the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway.

Angeles City is situated inland, far from the sea. Initially a small barrio, Angeles became a rest-andrecreation center when the Americans converted Fort Stotsenberg into Clark Air Base.

After the American pullout in 1991, Angeles reinvented itself as an airline hub and Freeport zone. Like Batangas, it is connected to Manila and nearby provinces via two roads – the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

“Batangas and Angeles are alternative gateways to Manila, offering air and sea routes to neighbouring destinations,” observes Tan. “But seaports and airports will be viable only if they provide safe and consistent movement of passengers and cargo.

To maximize viability and minimize vulnerability, stakeholders must keep these lifelines in tip-top shape.

In a climate-defined future, redundancy is everything.”

“While Batangas City prides itself to be the center of education in the region, it has to upgrade the value of taxable lands and have the seaport re-fitted or be adjusted to suit the rising tides and effects of climate change,” Tan said.

The presentation of the output of the study was well-attended by stakeholders from both the public and private sector – the business community, local officials, members of the media and academe.|

DESPITE a series of natural catastrophes that hit the country in 2013, Philippine agriculture still managed to post a respectable 1.15 percent growth last year, the Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday.

In terms of value, the industry grew by 3.5 percent or P1.5 trillion at current prices according to the DA’s Bureau of the Agricultural Statistics (BAS).

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said this growth is significant considering 2013 was a very challenging year.

“It also reminds us how weather-dependent agriculture is.

The need to promote and support diversification and value-adding in food processing is stronger than ever before,” he said.

Alcala cited the healthy growth rates posted by poultry, palay and a host of other key subsectors which contributed to the positive growth.

BAS records showed that poultry growers produced 4.2 percent more in 2013 than the previous year.

This was largely due to the uptick in the production of chicken buoyed by the increased demand for roasted chicken in key urban centers nationwide.

Chicken output expanded from 1.47 million metric tons (MT) to 1.55 million MT. Livestock raisers likewise improved their output last year, as production increased by 1.75 percent.

The sector was led by dairy (5.47 percent), hog (1.95 percent) and cattle (1.76 percent).

Collectively, livestock and

poultry subsectors accounted for 31 percent of the total agricultural production with a combined gross value of P407.4 billion at current prices.

Palay farmers also came up with another record-breaking harvest at 18.44 million MT. This is 2.26 percent higher than the 2012 output of 18.03 million MT and 8.08 percent higher than the 16.68 million MT in 2011.

The BAS report mainly attributed the growth to the expansion in area harvested and improvement in yield through the use of quality seeds in Central Luzon, Caraga, SOCKSARGEN, Bicol Region and ARMM. Lower incidence of pests and diseases also contributed to the increase in gross output, the BAS report said.

Overall, the crops subsector expanded by a slim 0.09 percent and accounted for more than half (51.04 percent) of the total agricultural output.

Meanwhile, fish and aquaculture farmers also had a bigger output in 2013 that allowed the fisheries industry to negate its weak output in the previous year.

The combined harvests of commercial, municipal and aquaculture farmers increased by 1.23 percent, from P138 billion to P139.7 billion at constant prices.

This was boosted by roundscad production which grew by 17.03 percent, followed by milkfish (3.7 percent), tilapia (3.18 percent) and tiger prawn (2.59 percent).

In terms of value at current prices, fisheries expanded by 2.78 percent — from P232.6 billion to

P239.08 billion.

In all, these expansions effectively cushioned the impact of the reduced harvests of other commodities as a result of the destructive typhoons that hit the country, among other factors.

On the other hand, corn farmers saw their output slightly declined by 0.40 percent — from 7.4 million tons in 2012 to 7.37 million tons, due to damages inflicted by typhoon "Gorio" on corn farms in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in the second quarter of 2013 and typhoon "Yolanda" that hit Visayas before the year-end.

Lower output was also noted among growers of coconut, sugarcane, banana, coffee, abaca, peanut and calamansi.

The total harvest of seaweed farmers also contracted as Typhoons “Wilma”, “Yolanda” and “Zorayda” destroyed several farms in Palawan, while incidence of “iceice” disease persisted in Palawan, Bohol, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Tawi-tawi.

BAS said seaweed production in 2013 only reached 1.55 million MT, representing an 11 percent decrease from the 1.75 million MT output in 2012.

On the average, farmers earned higher last year as farmgate prices went up by 2.3 percent during the period.

The growth was bolstered by higher demand for certain farm and fishery products.

Livestock recorded the highest farmgate price gain (6.94 percent), followed by crops (2.04 percent), fisheries (1.53 percent) and poultry (0.10 percent).| PNA

ANG BATANGAS UNA SA KONGRESO. Malugod na tinanggap ni Batangas 2nd District Congressman Raneo E. Abu ang Association of Barangay Councils (ABC)-Batangas City/Solid North cluster sa pangunguna ni former mayor at incumbent ABC President Dondon Dimacuha noong bumisita ang nasabing grupo sa Konggreso kamakailan. Nakasalang sa Konggreso ang ilang mahahalagang panukalang batas at resolusyon ni Congressman Abu kagaya nang resolution na naglalayong palakasin at Batangas International Port, pagtatakda na gawing non-working holiday ang Batangas City Foundation day at ang panukalang gawing Lone District ang Batangas City. Kasama rin sa larawan sina Laguna Cong. Sol Aragones at Camarines Sur Cong. Leni Robredo.| TMA

.................................................................................................... ............... <<<‘CLIMATE...from P/1

Fishkill again! Climate change strikes anew which is allotted for the town of Talisay,” said BFAR-Calabarzon Director Esmeralda Paz Manalang.

“However, of the 2,000 units, only 51 fish cages in barangays Aya, Quiling, Tumaway and Sampaloc were affected,” she added.

Meanwhile, BFAR said the occurrence of fish mortality to cage owners is minimal since the government has already done proactive measures to address the problem.

The estimated aquaculture production of the 6,000 fish cages is 54,000 tons with an equivalent value of P4.05 billion annually.

Based on the monitoring conducted by the local government unit of Talisay, PASU Quick Reaction Team and the BFAR, the volume of mortalities was recorded at 70 tons for bangus and 50 tons for tilapia.

Manalang said that about 120 tons is equivalent to only a too little percentage of the lake’s total production, although still, it means a loss to the affected fishermen.

BFAR said it did not fail in informing the the municipalities, fish cage owners, and the fisherfolk beforehand of the possible occurrence of sulfur upwelling on

cool months.

The fish cage operators have also been advised to conduct emergency harvest of marketable sizes of tilapia and bangus after the bureau found out that sulfur upwelling has been observed to occur during the months of November to February since year 2000 when the northeast wind disturbs the sediments in the Taal Lake.

BFAR assured that dead fishes will not reach the local markets and the stocks in the markets are all safe for human consumption.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

NEWS

Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2014

Peace & Order Update Collated By JEROME JAY C. SAPINOSO

A mother-nursing student shot dead inside a PUJ in Lipa LIPA City, Batangas – It was a gruesome Tuesday morning for a 33-year-old nursing student when she was shot dead by a still unidentified gunman while on board a passenger utility jeepney on her way to school at Barangay tambo, this city, police said.

Lipa City police chief Superintendent Jacinto Malinao identified the victim as Pamela Alcantara Tablizo, a resident of Vista Verde, Cainta, Rizal and nursing student at Lipa City Colleges.

In his report to provincial director PSSUpt. Omega Jireh D. Fidel, Malinao narrated that an unidentified gunman approached the vehicle and shot the victim her at close range around 8:15 a.m. while riding on the front seat, and sustained two gunshot wounds in her head that caused her instantaneous death.

Tablizo was rushed to the Mary Mediatrix Medical Center but declared dead on arrival at the emergency room.

She who was renting an apartment at Baseview Homes in Barangay Banay-Banay, Lipa City while studying nursing has two children left in Cainta, Rizal. Her husband works in New York, USA. Police investigators have yet to determine the motive behind the killing.

“We already gathered some leads from the text messages extracted from her cellphone, hopefully, it would help in identifying her assailant,” Malinao said.

Meanwhile, a manhunt operation was already launched by the Batangas police to track down the gunman who fled after the incident and the mastermind behind the gruesome killing.|.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

150 bata nakinabang sa feeding program ng Sto. Tomas MPS

STO.TOMAS, Batangas --Humigit kumulang 150 bata mua sa barangay Poblacion 3 ang benepisaryo ng feeding program na isinagawa ng pamunuan ng municipal police station sa bayang ito kamakailan.

Sinabi ni PSupt Barnard Danie Dasugo na patuloy na isinusulong ng kanilang pamunuan ang feeding program upang makatulong na mabawasan ang kaso ng malnutrisyon sa bayang ito.

“Pangunahing layunin ng programa na makatulong na mabawasan ang mga batang malnourished o undernourished dahil sa kakulangan ng masusustansiyang pagkain,” wika ni Dasugo.

Sinabi naman ni barangay captain Victor Bathan na malaking tulong ito lalo na’t ang mga kabataang nakinabang ay may pangangailangan sa tamang nutrisyon at walang kakayahan ang mga magulang na palagiang magkaloob ng masusustansiyang pagkain.

Bunga nito, nagpasalamat naman ang mga magulang ng mga batang benepisaryo ng feeding program sa pamunuan ng Sto. Tomas MPS nasabing programa.

Noong nakaraang taon, nagsagawa na rin ng feeding program ang Sto. Tomas MPS sa ibang mga barangay.|PIA

<<<HEALTH...from P/1

DOH starts 'Goodbye TIGDAS' campaign in MM, 7 provinces.. children vaccinated against measles to contain the spread of the disease as well as address its expected rise in summer days.

Tayag led the ceremonial kick-off held at the Smoking Mountain Health Center in Tondo, chosen due to its large number of children population to be covered estimated at 1,005.

The expanded catch-up campaign will run from January 23 to February 3 from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in all health centers in Metro Manila and in seven provinces – Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Bulacan and Pampanga.

These areas were pin-

pointed because of increasing numbers of measles cases or deaths among children 3 years and under, contiguity with areas with reported outbreak ( several areas in Metro Manila), several communities with low vaccine coverage, high population density, and high population mobility.

Routine measles vaccination requires two doses of measles-containing vaccines: starting at 9 months to 11 months and again at one year.

Also present were Health Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa and Julie Lyn Hall World Health Organization (WHO) representative in the Philippines.

Balikas

3

EDUCATION UPDATE

PSHS-CALABARZON, itatayo sa Batangas City ITATAYO sa lungsod ng Batangas ang Philippine Science High School (PSHS) CALABARZON Regional Campus.

Nakapaloob ito sa Board of Trustees (BOT) Resolution No. 2013-11-34 na may titulong “Establishing a PSHS Campus in Barangay Sampaga, Batangas City to be known as PSHS- CALABARZON Region Campus), may petsang ika-6 ng Nobyembre, 2013 at pinirmahan ni DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo at pitong miyembro ng BOT. Ayon sa panayam kay Engr.

Januario Godoy, ito ay itatayo ng Department of Science and Technology (DOST) sa 5-hectare lot sa Barangay Sampaga. Ito ay may sariling pondo

mula sa pamahalaang nasyunal sa ilalim ng DOST PSHS System. Katulad aniya ito ng mga state colleges and universities na may sariling charter. Ang hinihingi lamang sa PSHS ay ang pagkakaroon ng access road mula sa highway ng Sampaga papasok sa loob.

Ayon naman kay City Engineer Adela B. Hernandez, may direktiba na si Mayor Dimacuha para maipagawa ang naturang kalsada ngayong taong ito.

Inaasahan na ang mga itatayong pasalidad ay may kaukulang classrooms, dormitory at mga laboratory katulad ng ibang PSHS sa Quezon City at Visayas.

Ikinagagalak naman ni Mayor

Eduardo B. Dimacuha ang pagkapili sa lungsod bilang regional site ng PSHS. Makikinabang dito ang mga kwalipikadong iskolar na taga lungsod na nais magpursige ng kurso sa larangan ng siyensya at pananaliksik.

Nakatakdang bumisita ang mga taga-PSHS ngayong buwang ito upang lagdaan ang Memorandum of Agreement para sa implementasyon ng proyekto. Dito ay malalaman kung anong school year bubuksan ang naturang eskwelahan. Ang mga magaaral na magmumula sa Cavite , Laguna, Batangas at Quezon (CALABARZON) ay ang mga nakapasa sa entrance exam at interview ng PSHS.| LCC

ANG mga opisyal ng pmahalaang lunsod ng Batangas at ng Philippine Science High School nang bumisita sa lunsod ang mga huli para sa nalalapit na paglagda sa kasunduan para sa pagtatayo ng PSHS-CALABARZON sa lunsod.|

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CA clears Sulpicio exec over sinking of M/V Princess of the Stars off Sibuyan Seas THE Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed its March 2013 decision clearing an executive of Sulpicio Lines of criminal liability over the sinking of M/V Princess of the Stars that killed at least 800 passengers and crew.

In a three-page resolution released on Thursday, the CA’s Former 15th Division denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) and several individuals, saying that they failed to raise new issues that would warrant a reversal of their earlier ruling.

Go has been charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, physical injuries and damage to properties.

However, the CA, in its March 22, 2013 ruling cleared Edgar Go, Vice

President for Administration of Sulpicio Lines Incorporated, which owns M/V Princess of the Stars.

In its ruling, the CA said that the DOJ erred when it blamed Go for the sinking of the ship.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Boarding Officer inspected the M/V Princess of the Stars prior to its departure, after checking that the documents are in place, the officer informed Capt. Florencio Marimon that there will be a storm in the area where they will pass.

Marimon presented an alternate route to which the PCG approved thus they were cleared for departure.

“It is clear that petitioner did not have the authority to clear the departure of the vessel and he did not participate in the decision concerning said departure.

There is therefore no legal or factual basis for his indictment,” the CA said.

The CA added that the DOJ also erred when Go was held liable for failure to instruct the vessel to seek shelter or drop anchor in the face of the storm.

In their appeal, the DOJ, VACC and several others said that Sulpicio Lines official cannot validly invoke the master's overriding authority clause under Regulation No. 34 of the SOLAS (Safety of Life At Sea) because an owner and officer of Sulpicio Lines Incorporated, he cannot wash his hands off the liability for the lapses of the ship captain who is merely SLI's agent.

"After a circumspect review, this Court finds no compelling reason to reconsider the March 22, 2013 decision. The grounds

raised in the motions and the arguments advanced in support thereof are mere reiterations of those already exhaustively considered by the Court, and no substantial reason is presented that has not been previously invoked or passed upon," the CA said.

"Considering the foregoing, the motion for reconsideration and the supplemental motion for reconsideration are denied for lack of merit," the CA added.

Concurring with the CA ruling were Associate Justices Celia Librea-Leagogo and Franchito Diamante.

M/V Princess of the Stars sunk off the waters of Sibuyan Islands, Romblon province on June 21, 2008 at the height of typhoon “Frank” that claimed the lives of some 800 passengers and crew of the illfated ship. | PNA

Hall said that WHO has donated one million doses of measles vaccine in support of the expanded catch-up campaign and expect to augment whole year round coverage for children nationwide this year.

In latest DOH Disease Surveillance Report, Tayag said 1,163 suspected measles nationwide from January 1 to January 11 this year, of which 55 were confirmed cases.

Tayag said that no deaths were so far been confirmed.| PNA

“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” Theophrastus, philosopher

A MEMBER of Public Attorneys Office Forensic Team arranges the bones of an MV Princess of the Stars victim who after years is waiting for justice.| PNA

OPINION

Balikas

4

Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2014

Corruption: here to stay?

By BENJIE OLIVEROS IT has been more than three years since Benigno Aquino III promised to stamp out corruption upon assuming the presidency. Actually, among the promises that Aquino made during the presidential campaign and his inaugural address – which include to stamp out corruption and work for good governance, to ensure transparency in government, to pursue justice, to stop impunity in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of political activists and killings of journalists, local job generation, social reform, social housing, among others – the campaign against corruption and for good governance is the one promise that the Aquino government is most vocal about. In fact, in President Aquino’s first three state of the nation addresses, he railed against the corruption of his predecessor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her officials.

This is why the Social Weather Stations survey that showed that 56 percent of executives of corporations – an increase from 43 percent in 2012 – said they saw “a lot of corruption” in government is an indication that the administration’s “righteous path” is going nowhere. The fact that the survey was conducted at the height of the pork barrel scandal that resulted in a series of protests against the pork barrel system should have given the Aquino administration a clear understanding of what it has to do to move forward in the campaign against corruption. However, President Aquino is adamant about not abolishing the pork barrel system, especially his own discretionary funds. Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda was even quoted in the news today saying: “If I remember the Supreme Court decision, they did not say all out that lump sums were wrong– that is why there are lump sum appropriations.” The Aquino administration does not get the point: it is not merely a question of legality. It is a question of whether this administration is really serious in stamping out corruption and patronage politics, which lump sum appropriations perpetuate.

Also in the news today is Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. saying that Malacañang would not certify the Freedom of Information bill as urgent. Coloma said the administration would leave it to Congress if it would pass the bill or not. Well, the Aquino administration’s message to those pushing for transparency in government by enacting the right of citizens to access to government records is clear: “Bahala na kayo sa buhay niyo.” (You are on your own.) This is another blot in the Aquino administration’s claim that it is serious in its efforts at stamping out corruption.

What the Aquino administration is boasting about recently is its launch of Cashless Purchase Cards. But these cards as supposed to be used only in “low value” payments for a limited number of goods and services such as medical supplies, meals, airline tickets, and construction supplies for minor repairs.

Fine. This might curb petty corruption but not corruption of the bigger kind.

The Aquino government also launched “Open Data Philippines,” a government portal that would supposedly contain up-do-date national data “from the total enrollment in public secondary schools over a certain period of time, to the aforementioned budget and procurement data and everything in between.” – http://news.pia.gov.ph This is well and good. But a database system is only as good as the data stored in it. It is still the government who will choose what data it wants the people to know. The people could still not demand for information that corrupt government officials would want to hide.

We are not saying that the abolition of the pork barrel system and the enactment into law of the Freedom of Information bill would stamp out corruption in government. That is too simplistic.

To put an end to corruption, there must be a radical restructuring of the whole political and electoral system. For one, how could we stamp out

BARANGAY.WORDPRESS

perspective

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Pinag-isang otoridad sa istadistika APAT na ahensiya ng gobyerno na may kinalaman sa estadistika ang pinagsamasama sa bagong tatag na Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) na nagkabisa noong Disyembre 29, 2013.

Kabilang sa apat na tanggapan ng gobyerno na pinag-isa bilang pagtupad sa Republic Act No. 10625 o Philippine Statistical Act of 2013, ang National Statistics Office (NSO), Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) ng Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) ng Department of Labor and Employment, at National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).

Hinirang na interim national statistician si NSO administrator Carmelita N. Ericta sa pamamagitan ng designation order na nilagdaan ni NEDA Secretary at PSA Board Chairman Arsenio M. Balisacan noong Enero 2, 2014. Umiral ang order simula noong Enero 9, 2014 at tatagal ng isang taon hanggang sa mabigyan ng appointment ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang mapipiling bagong National Statistician maliban kung ito ay kanselahin na ng PSA Board Chairperson bago pa sumapit ang nakatakdang panahon.

Base sa designation order, binibigyan ng kapangyarihan si Administrator Ericta na gawin ang mga tungkulin na pangasiwaan at bantayan ang transition operations at administrative matters ng PSA; mag-apruba ng mga voucher, payroll, kontrata kabilang ang mga kontrata sa pamimili at iba pang transaksyon ng PSA; kumatawan sa PSA sa pagpirma ng mga kontrata, pananaliksik at pagbibigay ng awards;

magsilbi bilang Interim Chairperson sa PSA Board Secretariat; tagasugo ng Pilipinas sa regional at international conferences at meeting bilang pinakamataas na awtoridad ng estadistika at may kinalaman sa pagtatalang sibil o civil registration; mangasiwa sa pagpapatupad ng batas na nauukol sa Pagtatalang Sibil at Vital Statistics System na naaayon sa Civil Registration Act 3753; asikasuhin na mabigyan ng technical supervision ang mga local civil registrars bilang Civil Registrar General; at mag-ulat sa PSA Board Chairperson hinggil sa mga ginawa ng PSA sa loob ng interim period.

Samantala, binanggit sa designation order na si Administrator Ericta ay hindi maaring makilahok sa pagbuo ng polisiya ng PSA at magbibigay ng appointment sa mga tauhan nito. Ang Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ang magbibigay ng kundisyon sa pagbuo ng staffing pattern at position structures ng PSA. Kaugnay nito, inatasan din ni Secretary Balisacan sina NSO Deputy Administrator Paula Monina G. Collado bilang Interim Deputy National Statistician (DNS) upang mangasiwa ng Civil Registration and Central Support Office ng PSA; Director Romeo S. Recide puno ng Bureau of Agricultural Statistics na mamuno ng Sectoral Statistics Office ng PSA; at Assistant Secretary General Lina Valencia Castro ng National Statistical Coordination Board para sa Censuses and Technical Coordination Office. |

>>PERSPECTIVE...turn to P/7

Ang Mabuting Balita Dinala si Jesus sa Templo A bilingual weekly newspaper of general circulation published by the BATANGAS LEAGUE FOR ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES (BLADES), INC., a corporation duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Certificate No. CN201013234.

Office: The BALIKAS Centre, Fondevilla Comp., Purok 3, Brgy. Calicanto, 4200 Batangas City, Philippines  043.417.1662 |  0912.902.7373 | 0917.512.9477 E-mail: balikasonline@yahoo.com | www.facebook.com/pages/Balikas Lipa Office: San Sebastian St.,Brgy. 10, Lipa City Joenald Medina Rayos Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Ronalina B. Lontoc

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

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Contributors: Jerome Jay C. Sapinoso Jack L. Aquino Jessie delos Reyes PIO - (Provincial / Batangas City) Philippine Information Agency

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Official Representative - Lipa Office

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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.|

NANG sumapit ang araw ng kanilang pagtupad sa seremonya ng paglilinis ayon sa Kautusan ni Moises, pumunta sila sa Jerusalem. Dinala rin nila ang sanggol upang ihandog sa Panginoon, sapagkat ganito ang nasusulat sa Kautusan ng Panginoon, "Bawat panganay na lalaki ay itatalaga sa Panginoon." Nag-alay din sila ng handog na ayon sa hinihingi ng Kautusan ng Panginoon, maaaring mag-asawang batu-bato, o kaya'y dalawang inakay na kalapati.

May isang tao noon sa Jerusalem na ang pangala'y Simeon, isang lalaking matuwid, may takot sa Diyos at naghihintay sa katubusan ng Israel. Nasa kanya ang Espiritu Santo. Ipinahayag ng Espiritu Santo sa kanya na hindi siya mamamatay hangga't hindi niya nakikita ang Cristo na ipinangako ng Panginoon. Sa patnubay ng Espiritu, si Simeon ay pumasok sa Templo. At nang dalhin doon nina Jose at Maria ang sanggol na si Jesus upang tuparin ang ayon sa hinihingi ng Kautusan, kinarga ni Simeon ang sanggol. Pagkatapos, nagpuri siya sa Diyos, "Ngayon, Panginoon, maaari na pong yumaong mapayapa ang inyong abang alipin ayon sa inyong pangako.

Yamang nakita na po ng aking mga mata ang inyong pagliligtas, na inyong inihanda sa harapan ng lahat ng bansa.

Ito po ay liwanag na tatanglaw sa mga Hentil at magbibigay-dangal sa inyong bansang Israel."

Namangha ang mga magulang ng sanggol dahil sa sinabi ni Simeon tungkol sa bata. Binasbasan sila ni Simeon, at sinabi kay Maria, "Tandaan mo, ang batang ito'y nakatalaga sa ikapapahamak o ikaliligtas ng marami sa Israel. Siya ang magiging tanda mula sa Diyos ngunit tutuligsain siya ng marami, kaya't mahahayag ang kanilang iniisip. Dahil dito, magdaranas ka ng matinding kapighatiang parang isang patalim na itinarak sa iyong puso."

Naroon din sa Templo ang isang propetang babae na ang pangalan ay Ana, anak ni Fanuel at mula sa angkan ni Aser. Siya'y napakatanda na. Pitong taon pa lamang silang nagsasama ng kanyang asawa, at ngayo'y walumpu't apat na taon na siyang biyuda. Lagi siya sa Templo, at araw-gabi'y sumasamba sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng pagaayuno at pananalangin. Nang oras na iyon, lumapit din siya kina Jose at Maria, at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. Nagsalita rin siya tungkol sa sanggol sa lahat ng naghihintay sa pagpapalaya ng Diyos sa Jerusalem.

Nang maisagawa na nila ang lahat ng ayon sa hinihingi ng kautusan ng Panginoon, umuwi na sila sa bayan ng Nazaret sa Galilea. Ang bata'y lumaking malusog, matalino, at kalugud-lugod sa Diyos.|

Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2014

OPINION

Balikas

5

Niloko ng Intsik ang kanyang mga tauhan Unsolicited pieces of advice SI Mr. Lee ay may-ari ng mga sinehan sa isang siyudad sa Mindanao. Nang magpalabas ang gobyerno ng patakaran upang makakolekta ng mataas na buwis sa mga sinehan, gumawa ng hakbang si Mr. Lee bilang protesta. Pansamantala niyang isinara ang kanyang mga sinehan. Ipinaalam niya ang kanyang balak sa mga empleyado at nangako siyang kapag nagbukas muli ang sinehan, lahat sila’y ibabalik sa puwesto.

Pumayag ang mga empleyado at sila’y pumirma sa isang kasulatan sa harap mismo ng tanggapan ng Department of Labor, na kusa silang nagbibitiw sa trabaho at tinanggap nila lahat ang kanilang 13th month pay, overtime, living allowance at iba pang benepisyo.

Pumirma rin sila sa mga resibo na tinanggap nila lahat ng benepisyo. Batay sa mga dokumentong ito, nagreport si Mr. Lee sa tanggapan ng Department of Labor tungkol sa pagtatapos ng mga serbisyo ng kanyang empleyado.

Pagkaraan ng tatlong buwan, nagbukas muli ang

sinehan ni Mr. Lee. Ngunit hindi niya ibinalik ang mga empleyado. Kaya nagsampa ang mga empleyado ng illegal dismissal at humiling na sila’y ibalik sa trabaho pati na ang nakaraang suweldo nila mula nang sila’y tinanggal. Kinontra ito ni Mr. Lee. Aniya, kusa raw nagbitiw sa trabaho ang mga empleyado at tinanggap nila lahat ang benepisyo. Pumirma pa nga sila sa harap ng opisyal ng labor. Tama ba si Mr. Lee?  MALI. Tama sana siya kung hindi siya nangako na ibabalik sa dating tungkulin ang mga empleyado kapag nagbukas muli ang sinehan. Hindi naman kaila na nagbukas na muli ang sinehan. Kaya maaaring tutulan at kuwestiyunin ng mga empleyado ang pagkakatanggal sa kanila kahit pa tumanggap na sila ng lahat ng benepisyo. Ngunit hindi na sila babayaran pa ng mga nakaraang suweldo mula ng sila’y tanggalin. Di na ito makatwiran (King Seng vs. dela Cruz 165 SCRA 297)|.

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Saan patungo ang pagpapakitang-lakas ng China?

SA larangan ng international relations, ang mga bansa sa buong mundo ay gumagamit ng mga tinatawag na soft approach at hard approach para sa pagsulong ng kani-kanilang mga pambansang interes. Alin man sa mga ito ang gamitin ng isang bansa ito ay ayon na rin sa kani-kanilang mga paniniwala’t personalidad, pangangailangan o kakayahan.

Kalimitan ang soft approach ay umiikot sa doktrinang diplomasya at mga mapayapang pamamaraan.

Kasama na rito ang trade relations, pagbibigay ng suporta sa mga naghihikahos na bansa, cultural exchange, pakikipag-alyansang pulitikal, scientific grants o di kaya’t mga friendship treaties sa pagitan ng mga lunsod, unibersidad at mga civil society groups.

Ang hard approach naman ay kalimitan kinabibilangan ng mga pamamaraang maituring ng hindi saklaw ng mga mapayapang pamamaraan. Andyan ang economic embargo, espionage, deception at mga hakbanging militar. Hindi na diplomasya ang pinapairal sa ganitong kalakaran kundi ang paggamit ng lakas sa anumang larangan para makamtan ng isang bansa ang kanyang minimithi.

Nasa mata ngayon ng buong mundo ang bansang China dahil sa biglang pag-shift nito mula soft approach papuntang hard approach Nung si Deng Xiaopeng pa ang namumuno sa China, ginamit nito ang soft approach sa pakikitungo sa mga bansa sa buong mundo. Kasabay ng panahong iyon ang pagbago ng kaisipan at kalakaran sa larangan ng kanilang ekonomiya. Dahan dahang nag-adopt ito sa free market system na siyang pinapairal ng mas nakararaming bansa. Ang mga teyoriyang pang-ekonomiya ng kapitalismo at unti unti rin nilang ginamit pero ito ay kanilang binago ayon sa kanilang sosyalistang pamamalakad. Bumango saan mang sulok ng mundo ang bansang China at dahil sa pagtatag ng ekonomiya nito, at patuloy na paggamit ng soft approach, halos burahin na nito ang masamang kasaysayan at imahen na nabuo noong panahon ng pagsibol ng komunismo doon pati na ang mga ginawa ni Mao Zedong na kinamumuhian ng mga malayang bansa. Regular na sa maraming bansa ang mga investments mula China, hindi lang dito sa Asya kundi pati na rin sa Timog Amerika, Africa, Europa, Middle East at pati na sa Estados Unidos.

Pero nitong mga nakalipas na ilang taon, kasabay ng pagsibol ng mga makabagong lider nito, biglang naging hard approach na ang pamamaraan ng bansang China. Hindi na mapayapa’t diplomatic ang pakikitungo nito sa kanyang mga karatig bansa. Sa rehiyon ng Asya Pasipiko, tahasang ipinakita na ng China ang kanyang lakas militar hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng pagpatrolya sa paligid ng mga internationally claimed territories kundi sa paggamit ng mga civilian branch ng Chinese government para palawakin ang mga teritoryong kanilang inaangkin.

Hindi kaila sa atin ang Scarborough Shoal stand-off kung saan pinalayas nito ang mangingisdang Pilipino sa mismong teritoryo natin. Sa bandang Spratlys, patuloy itong nagpapakita ng lakas militar para takutin ang mga bansang merong claims sa area na yun.

Kasabay ng pagbabagong ito ay ang pagbago na rin nito ng mga paniniwalang pandigma na siyang laman ng mga internet sites. Hindi na ang mga doktrina ng protracted people’s war ang nangingibabaw sa People’s Liberation Army (PLA) nito kundi mga doktrinang paggamit ng lakas militar na napatunayang hindi epektib sa panahon ngayon.

Bakit naging ganito ang China?

Ito ba ay dulot ng malaking pangangailangan nitong mapakain ang bilyones nilang mamamayan? O di naman kaya’y ginagawa lang itong smokescreen ng pamahalaang China para takpan ang malawakang internal dissent doon? Baka naman gumagawa sila ng isang scenario na kunyari ay merong external na kaaway para magkaisa ang lahat ng mamamayan nito? O baka naman gusto nitong maghari sa larangang militar dito sa Asya Pasipiko?

Maraming puwedeng teyoriya ang puedeng mabuo para bigyan dahilan ang pagiging pagpapakita ng lakas militar ang China dito sa Asya Pasipiko sa ngayon. Lahat ng mga ito ay maituring na haka-haka lamang. Ngunit iisa ang katotohanan na hindi puwedeng ibalewala – na apektado tayo at marami pang bansa sa buong Asya.

Ano ang puwede nating gawin para sa ikabubuti ng ating bansa’t position sa mabilis na pagbago ng sitwasyon na hindi naman nating kayang talikuran na lang?

Ang panukala ko ay, una, magkaisa tayong lahat ng Pilipino. Suportahan natin ang mga hakbangin ng ating gobyerno na may kinalaman sa ating teritoryo doon sa West Philippine Sea. Kasama na dyan ang pagsuporta sa modernisasyon ng ating sandatahang lakas at pagbigay suporta sa pakikipag-alyansa natin sa mga bansang handang tumulong sa atin.

Ang pangalawang mungkahi ko ay maging vigilant tayo’t mapagmasid sa mga hakbanging isinasagawa ng China. Let us analyze kung ano ang mga motibo nito, kung ano ang mga nag-uudyok sa kanila na maghariharian dito sa Asya Pasipiko. Sa pamamagitan lamang ng masusing pagmamasid natin malalaman ang mga future actions nito kaya’t napaka-importante para sa atin ang panukalang ito.

Ang pangatlo ay gamitin natin ang lakas ng pagkakaisa para ipakita sa bansang China kung ano ang saloobin natin bilang isang bansa. Gamitin natin ang leksyong makukuha sa pag-analisa ng mga pangyayari sa bansang China, pati na ang pagsibol ng mga iba’t ibang uri ng lider nila. Magbuo tayo ng critical mass sa larangan ng world opinion para iparating sa mga moderate leaders nito ang mga masamang kahi-

WITH THE onset of the New Year, I cannot resist this uncontrollable urge of giving unsolicited advices.

Maybe by force of habit due to my long work with FVR and GMA over the years as presidential adviser. Advice, just like “wish lists”, are good only when listened to or favorably considered. They can also be ignored since I am now only “kibitzing” from the sidelines. It is in this light that my off- the-cuff tentative thoughts are hereunder enumerated with no offense meant to anyone. They may be irreverent and presumptuous. Nonetheless, they are given with due respects and in the spirit of the New Year.  For President Noynoy — Mr. President, henceforth, go out of your way and do something more substantive and long term for us, the Pinoys. Your anti-corruption campaign is good but not enough due to the magnitude of the task as president and as captain of the ship of state. The perception is that you are not listening to advice and always insisting on your own judgment calls — and acting on your own instincts. Good if you have a long track record of honed governance experience. But truthfully, this isn’t so. Being perceived as honest is not enough to do the job. That’s why you need advice from your trusted and more experienced aides. And yes, from “kibitzers” like me. And do listen to — and take heed of — the grumblings of those who feel hopeless about certain realities in your administration that they are now giving up on you and professing that they will just wait after 2016 when you are gone and things will become better. I’ve heard this many times over in my trips around the country.

There’s still time. Don’t let that high popularity rating keep you from taking creative bold steps. Don’t be afraid if you lose those numbers provided you’re doing the right thing. Don’t hesitate to take bold actions, even though how unpopular. It is the president’s judgment call that is usually not popular — but correct –that will count in the end. Unlike being a ruler who imposes his own whim and caprice, doing governance is something else. It’s about balancing all varied, even conflicting, interests to keep and maintain the nation’s equilibrium. Govern, not rule, Your Excellency.  For Vice President Binay — Mr. Vice President, if you wish to be the next president, (and indications show you’re headed in that direction) do more work on the perception, accurate or not, that your family members, rightly or wrongly, are of the “trapo type”. The eye of the nation, whether you like it or not, is focused on you and your family as they are measuring you up this early for 2016. Just keep your nose clean and you’ll be in Malacañang in due time.  For Secretary Mar Roxas – Mr. Secretary, you should consciously manage the perceptions about your presidential ambitions while doing your job because it’s not helping you at all. Your “elitist” image, worsened by your public posturing needs some managing and re-packaging. Knowing you, you don’t deserve that perception. Your “Mr. Palengke” prop was in the right direction. Don’t forget: being president is fate. Just do what you have to do and destiny will take over.  For Secretary Ging Deles — Madam OPPAP Secretary, reconcile and be at peace with all key players in the peace process by moderating your personal angst. You have to rise above the fray but keep being grounded. For example, reach out to the MNLF’s Nur Misuari and NDF’s Jose Maria Sison, despite their frailties, to work for inclusive peace. Do not think that getting an agreement done with the MILF is good enough.

Remember the CPP-NPA-NDF has a national constituency and is a wider threat to peace and not only limited to Mindanao, although concededly, the Muslim rebellion inflicts more wounds of the nation. I agonize with you as I have been there before. But peace making and peace building go beyond administrations – an unending work of a lifetime.  For Davao City Mayor Duterte — Mayor Rody, you have to move to the next level after successfully managing the city ‘s security concerns over the years. Massive infrastructure and development-oriented paradigms must be the next steps. Davao City cannot rest on its laurels on peace and order alone. Development and economic growth, through public investments that will trickle down, is imperative. Your smoking ban and ban of fireworks in the city are now models and may be replicated nationwide. But your recent experiment on speed limits and no-liquor rule after 1 a.m. needs review after some data validation and hearing the views of the affected sectors. Do not restrain and inconvenience the many because of the misdoings of a few. Finally, do not dismiss outright the clamor for

>>DUREZA...turn to P/7 .............................................................................................. hinatnan ng mga aksyon ng kanilang mga hardline military at party leaders.

Sa mga ganitong pamamaraan

natin maipakita na higante man ang nagbu-bully sa atin ay kaya pa rin natin itong tapatan sa mapayapang pamamaraan.|

BUSINESS

Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2014

6

DOE Secretary credits NGCP for Typhoon Yolanda restoration, graces 5th Anniversary celebration IN a program to celebrate NGCP’s 5th Anniversary, Department of Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla commended the grid operator for its fast

appreciation for NGCP’s efforts in restoring the lines in the Visayas.

“Without you, NEA (National Electrification Administration) could not have energized the various towns they committed to energize. I hope that you continue the hard work and good work that you’ve done. I’m quite sure that you will do it again when the time comes,” said Petilla.

The Energy chief also highlighted the company’s determination to get the job done, mentioning how NGCP focused on the restoration efforts first before thinking about the cost implications of such activities. According to the Secretary, this shows NGCP’s “sense of commitment and value for public service.”

He also underscored the key role of NGCP in the power industry. “You see things before we even see them at DOE. That’s why we rely so much on NGCP and its SO (System Operations).”

reconstruction of transmission facilities damaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Addressing the company’s employees and officers, Petilla expressed his

NGCP recognized the hard work and dedication of its engineers, line personnel, and support staff who were involved in the Typhoon Yolanda restoration. Secretary Petilla (4th from right)

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USAID-PBED address jobs mismatch in the region, signs MoA with academe-industry partners BATANGAS City -- IN its efforts to help address the issues of jobs mismatch and skills gaps among workers in the region, the Philippine Business for Education (PBed) spearheads a dialogue in Batangas City among stakeholders in a program sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently The activity is part of the continuing industry-academe-government dialogues under the USAID Higher Education and Productivity (HEP) project.

Side by side with other recipient cities, Batangas City is one with Iloilo City and Cagayan de Oro in hosting the program implementation and in one way be

benefiting from the technical assistance under USAID-HEP. The objective of the project is to promote economic growth through measures that will enhance business competitiveness and more effective investment planning and promotion.

PBED engaged the services of Brain Trust, Inc. (BTI) in the research component of the above project. It aims to identify economic growth patterns and produce profiles for key emerging industries in the cities of Batangas, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro. This includes estimates of skills requirements in the medium to longterm for key and emerging industries;

analysis on capability of local HEIs and existing university pipelines for graduates in the three cities to respond to anticipated requirements; critical factors contributing to skills gap or mismatch in each city; and, best practices and lessons learned on existing industryacademe partnerships in the country.

The project also seeks to identify research requirements of industries and research capabilities of HEIs and produce a template that would facilitate and guide the formulation of an industry-academe joint research plan Meanwhile, capping the dialogue is the signing of a Memorandum of

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NGCP President Henry Sy, Jr. thanked Petilla, in return, for gracing the event. The company also presented a plaque of appreciation to the Secretary for “his inspiring leadership and guidance in encouraging and fully engaging all members of the power sector who worked tirelessly to bring back electricity to all the affected areas in the Visayas.”

NGCP celebrated its 5th anniversary with a Thanksgiving Mass and a program to recognize the linemen and employees involved in the

Typhoon Yolanda restoration.

Secretary Petilla, the program’s guest of honor, presented the awards to the line personnel together with NGCP executives.

Other energy officials present were PSALM President Emmanuel Ledesma, NPC President Gladys Sta. Rita, TransCo President Rolando Bacani, and NEA Administrator Edita Bueno joined the awarding ceremony held on January 15, 2014 at NGCP’s Head Office as part of the company’s 5th Anniversary Celebration.| BALIKAS

JUDICIAL NOTICE Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF BATANGAS FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 13, LIPA CITY OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE JUDGE IN RE: PETITION FOR REAPPOINTMENT AS NOTARY PUBLIC NS NO. 2014-0002 ATTY. MA. VICTORIA T. ANTIQUE-GARALZA, Petitioner. x------------------------x ORDER Before this Court is a verified Petiotion for the Appointment as Notary Public filed by Atty. Ma. Victoria T. AntiqueGaralza, praying that after summary hearing, a Commission be issued authorizing her to be Notary Public for Lipa City and the Municipalities of Mataasnakahoy and Cuenca, Batangas.

Accordingly, Notice is hereby given that a summary hearing on the petition for noartrial commission of Atty. Ma. Victoria T. Antique-Garalza, shall be held on February 20, 2014 at 8;30 o’clock in the morning at the sala of the Executive Judge. Any person who has any cause or reason to object to the grant of the petition may file a verified written opposition thereto, received by the undersighned before the date of the summary hearing.

Considering the expiration of the petitioner’s Letter of Commission on December 31, 2013, the Office of the Clerk of Court is directed to cause the publication of this order in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Batangas at petitiner’s expense. Likewise, let copies of this Order be posted in a conspicuous place in the offices of the Executive Judge and Clerk of Court.

SO ORDERED. Lipa City, January 10, 2014.

(Sgd.) NOEL M. LINDOG Executive Judge Pahayagang BALIKAS / January 27, 2014

LEGAL NOTICE EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE SPS. ALEJO BALITA & MARIA CANDELARIA WITH SALE NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late Sps. Alejo Balita and Maria Candelaria Balita who died intestate on January 3, 1977 and April 19, 1987 at Bauan and Mabini, Batangas, respectively, consisting fo a parcel of land situated in Saguing, Mabini, Batangas, covered by Tax Declaration No. 14-0022-00083, with an area of 325 square meters, more or less, has been extra-judicially settled by and among their heirs per Doc. No. 246; Page No. 5; Book No. CLXXXVII; Series of 2013 of ATTY. CIPRIANO U. ASILO, Notary Public.

Pahayagang BALIKAS / Jan. 27, Feb. 3 & 10, 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 kalakip ang kaluwagan ng kalooban. Lilipas ang kaguluhan ng isip sa paglilibang.

Maging mapamaraan sa pakitungo sa kapwa. Ang payo kung gustong isaalangalang ay pag-aralan muna ng mabuti.

Virgo (Ago 23 - Set. 23) - Magkakaroon ng bagong alok sa trabaho. Ang dapat desisyunan at pag-isipan muna ang kahihinatnan bago pumalaot. Kung magaapply ng trabaho sa umaga lakarin at tiyak na matatanggap kung tama ang posisyon na kailangan.

Libra (Set. 24 - Okt. 23) - Maganda ang palatandaan tungkol sa pag-ibig. Kung isang Taurus ang makikilala, tiyak magkakatuluyan. May babalang gusot na mangyayari mula sa kamag-anak o sa tahanan. Isang kaibigan ang hihingi ng tulong, payo o manghihiram ng pera.

Scorpio (Okt. 24 - Nob. 22) - Madaling pakitunguhan ang mga kamag-anak o mga kaibigan. Mapagtitibay ang relasyon sa tahanan at kaibigan. Iwasan ang maging mapusok. Maayos at walang balakid ang takbo ng mga gawain. Bagong pag-ibig ang makapagpapagulo sa isip at kalooban.

Sagittarius (Nob. 23 - Dis. 21) - Ang paglilibang ay magdudulot ng kaligayahan pero iwasan ang labis na gastos. Mahalaga ang magplano sa bagay na gustong simulan. Makakatulong ang isang matalik na kaibigan o magulang sa suliranin.

Capricorn (Dis. 22 - Ene. 19) - Mag-ingat dahil mabigat ang timbang ng pagkakamali. Ang mga pagkakamaling nagawa ay malamang maulit kung hindi magiingat. May kaunlaran na matatamo kung positibo ang nasa isip.

<<<DUREZA.. from P/5

Unsolicited pieces of advice you to consider taking on a higher national position, just in case. Holding a public office, especially the presidency, is not, or should not be, based on one’s personal choice or convenience. It should be dictated by the imperatives of public service. And of one’s destiny.  For Nur Misuari - Ma’as Nur, be a moderating Bangsamoro leader. Do work within the parameters of the 1996 peace agreement, although you should not give up on your aspiration for implementation enhancements for the benefit of your people. Declaring independence for the Bangsamoro is no longer an option. It has outlived its own viability.

It is no longer the call of the time. It brings more trouble and hardships for your people. Inflicting on your people should be farthest from your mind, I would assume, knowing your fervor for the Bangsamoro. And finally, find convergence – not divergence — with the MILF peace negotiations. There is still time. It will be your defining moment.  For the MILF - Kagi Murad, don’t

rely totally on President Aquino for support of whatever comprehensive peace agreement that may be signed. The president may really be in earnest but by then may not have enough political capital to squander towards the end of his term. Do your own advocacy work on the mainstream Bangsamoro constituency since there are still indications that they doubt MILF’s capability and inclusiveness to bring peace and development to the homeland. Importantly, the entrenched political leaders need to be managed and handled considering that they will not easily allow and agree to be sidelined when the MILF takes over the driver’s seat in the Bangsamoro governance entity that will be installed.

Let’s admit it: the political leaders have more financial, political and armed clout and they can throw a monkey wrench.

Do something to restrain those so-called “rogue” or breakaway armed elements because your inability will put under cloud your capability and sincerity in truly bringing peace in Muslim Mindanao. Do take the high moral ground of reaching out to the MNLF and other

<<<PERSPECTIVE.. from P/4

<<<LABOR.. from P/6

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Aquarius (Ene. 20 - Peb. 18) - Nasa magandang pakiramdam ang katawan para tapusin ang lahat ng trabaho na nakaatang. Isang tawag mula sa mahal ang makadaragdag ng kaligayahan at kasiyahan. Magiging masaya at mapayapa ang tahanan.

Pisces (Peb. 19 - Mar. 20) - Taglayin ang hinahon at pang-unawa dahil magiging lapitin sa taong pikon at mainitin ang ulo. Huwag magpabigla-bigla at pairalin ang mahabang pasensiya. Iwasan ang mangako dahil mapapako.

Aries (Mar. 21 - Abril 19) - Ang suliranin kaugnay sa minamahal ay hindi dapat dalhin hanggang sa pinagtatrabahuhan. Isang lihim ang hindi inaasahang matutuklasan. Iwasan ang alitan at baka humantong sa tampuhan. Huwag pilitin ang sarili kung nag-aalinlangan.

Taurus (Abril 20 - Mayo 20) - Iwasan ang tsismosa’t pakialamera para hindi masangkot sa gulo. Bigyang halaga ang kalusugan. Ayusin kaagad at huwag ipagwalang-bahala ang kaunting suliranin sa bahay o trabaho.

Gemini (Mayo 21 - Hun. 21) - Tataglayin ang pambihirang talas ng isip, na bagay gamitin sa pagsasaliksik.

Makakatawag ng pansin sa kausap. Magagawang makumbinsi ang kahit na makulit o makitid ang isip.

Matutuklasan ang gustong malaman tungkol sa trabaho.

Cancer (Hun. 22 - Hul. 22) - Taglay ang kasiglahan pero madaling mapipikon at mainitin ang ulo. Tampuhan at hinanakit ang mapapala kung hindi paiiralin ang pagkamahinahon at mapagkumbaba.

Leo (Hul. 23 - Ago. 22) - Tanggapin kung nagkamali,

groups to seek unity or collaboration or convergence for inclusive peace.  For the CPP/NPA/NDF - Mr. Joma Sison and cohorts, downscale your original aspiration and goal of a government takeover, which by the way is already futile, to a more realizable quest for reforms that our countrymen have been yearning for. Consider agreeing to a ceasefire with the Philippine government in the event the peace talks are resumed and reactivated. Negotiated ceasefires are a must in peace negotiations if the end game is peace. CPP/NPA/ NDF’s demand for revolutionary tax, although an entitlement for rebels, is viewed as plain and simple extortion that downgrades CPP’s claimed high moral ground of the deliverance of the masses and does not sit well with the mainstream whose support you will need — if and when your time shall come.  Oooops….enough of my presumptuous, irreverent and unsolicited pieces of advice. Take it or leave it!

Welcome 2014!|

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USAID-PBED address jobs mismatch in the Corruption... corruption when politicians spend millions, nay billions, of pesos just to get region, signs MoA with stakeholders elected? How do you think they recoup their campaign expenses?

The abolition of the pork barrel or discretionary fund system and the enactment of a Freedom of Information law are but small steps in the fight against corruption. It would just make it more difficult for government officials to steal because there would be no funds that they could allocate as they please and citizens could trace the paper trail of government transactions. Moreover, this would show that the Aquino government is taking significant steps toward transparency, even more significant than the “open data” website.

If the Aquino government remains “firm” in refusing to heed the calls of the people for measures to ensure transparency in government and for somehow curbing corruption – we are still not talking about the strategic measures i.e. restructuring the political and electoral system – and insists on acting only according to its own terms, then corruption is here to stay.|

WWW.BULATLAT.COM

Agreement (MoA) on the pioneering Industry-Academe-Government (IAG) Council. For the city of Batangas, lawyer Teodulfo Deguito, City Legal Officer, signs the document. For the academe, Dr. Hernando B. Perez, president of University of Batangas signes for the first university in the province; while Dr.

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Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2014

Esmenia Javier signs for Lyceum of the Philippines University, and Dr. Jessie Montalbo for the Batangas State University.

AG&P’s Vice President for Human Resources Cecile R. Batalla signs for the industry partners, among others.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

A USAID project officer discusses with the academe-industry delegates the objectives of the partnership.

JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

Pinoy recipes. Lutuing Pinoy Cathedral Window

CATHEDRAL window, broken glass or Christmas gelatin is a fun, festive treat for holidays and parties. The 3 colourful cubes of green, yellow and red gelatin gleams against a creamy white gelatin resembling stained windows.

Ingredients: 1 Pack green powder gelatin 1 Pack yellow powder gelatin 1 Pack red powder gelatin 1 1/2 Cups of water for each flavored gelatin 1 Cup pineapple juice 1/2 Cup condensed milk 1 Can thick cream (nestle cream) 4 Tablespoon sugar 1/4 Teaspoon of salt 3 Unflavored gelatin 2 1/2 Cup water Cooking Directions: Flavored Gelatin In a prepared rectangular mould or pan, dissolve each pack of gelatin powder in a cup of boiling water Add half a cup of water to each colored gelatin and stir, chill until gelatin is set When gelatins have set, cut into an inch cubes and toss all the 3 color in a large bowl White Gelatin Heat a cup of pineapple juice in microwave oven for 1

minute Dissolve 3 packs of unflavored gelatin, add 1 cup of cold water, stir and set aside In another mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of water, sugar, salt, milk and thick cream Keep stirring with a whisk until well combine Add the pineapple gelatin mixture, keep stirring until well blended and smooth Strain the mixture and pour the white gelatin into each mould, covering the colored flavored gelatin Cool and chill the gelatin to set Cooking Tips : Use strawberry, lemon and pandan for the flavored gelatin Calamansi or lemon juice are the substitute for pineapple juice To store prepared gelatin overnight or longer, cover it to prevent drying To unmould, dip in warm water (not hot) just to rim for about 10-15 seconds, lift from water hold upright and shake to loosen Moisten chilled serving plate with water, this allows gelatin to be move after unmoulding.|

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PAHALANG PABABA 1 Uri ng panlapi 1 Sanay na sanay 7 Bunot ng niyog 2 Paghuhugas ng bigas 11 Banaag 3 Kapisanan 12 Lagalag 4 Anim 13 Tauhan sa Santacruzan 5 Pangingisda sa dagat 14 Barya sa kasal 6 Ebaporado 15 Manila hemp 7 Gawi 16 Aruga 8 Ubaya 17 Sunod sa ikawalo 9 Halamang medisinal 19 Solo 10 Kasali 22 Aba 16 Puntiryado 23 Lunos 18 Barkilyos 24 Inaksaya 19 Iigib 27 Sabi nila 20 Piniltro 28 Puga 21 Orasyon 32 Dalai ___ 25 Joel o Boy 33 Apula 26 Trabahuhin 34 Palayaw ni Rolando 29 Bawat 35 Tatak ng sapatos 30 Sabik 36 Usapin 31 Nipa 37 Awitin 33 Scandinavian Air System

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>>>’Fishkill again!... Climate Chnage strikes anew in Taal Lake

Ronalina B. Lontoc, Special Project Editor

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

Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2014

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Swedish king to grace Southern Luzon’s 3rd Reg’l Scouts Jamboree LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Camp Director Eusebio Mole disclosed Thursday that His Majesty King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf will grace the scouts’ activities and camp visits at the Mt. Makiling jamboree campsite on Saturday afternoon and will fly to Tacloban City the following day.

The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) 3rd Southern Luzon Regional Scouts Jamboree opened Thursday with the parade of more than 6,000 Boy Scouts, adult scouters and heads of dele-gations at the Mt. Makiling National BSP Jamboree Campsite here.

In an interview with the PNA, Mole said Vice President Jejomar Binay will lead the red-carpet and royal welcome and scouts’ reception for the Swedish Royal head upon arrival on Friday.

many more BSP delegates are expected on Friday.

Los Baños Mayor Cesar Perez, Laguna Governor George ER Ejercito Estregan and Laguna Provincial Administrator lawyer Leonardo Ragaza Jr. graced Thursday's opening ceremonies.

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay represented his father Vice President Binay who is the BSP National President during the welcome program.

Mole said some 38 local BSP councils will attend the regional scouts’ gathering to steer the camping activities from January 23 to 28.

The BSP jamboree site here ushered student scouts from the elementary and a mixed group of male scouts known as “rovers” and female scouts “roverettes” for the high school level.

PRESIDENT Aquino welcomes King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at Malacañang yesterday. Also in photo are Vice President Jejomar Binay and Swedish Ambassador Klas Molin.| MALACAÑANG PHOTO

King Carl XVI Gustaf will be accompanied by Swedish missionaries, medical team and humanitarian delegations will personally visit the victims and inspect “Yolanda” devastated areas.

Sources said the Royal King will also turn over Sweden’s finan-cial assistance and donations to the super typhoon-stricken areas.

His royal visit here marks Sweden’s active involvement as a staunch supporter and member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

Meanwhile, Mole said contingents from the National Capital Region (NCR), CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and the Bicol Regions have started to arrive here although

The Camp Director also revealed that the camping activities will be spiced up with evening socials and cultural presentations during the “Governor’s Night” hosted by Laguna Governor Estregan on Friday.

Regional scouts’ delegations from Bicol and the NCR will each host the nightly cultural program and evening socials for the campersparticipants.

The BSP is the country’s national scout organization whose mission is to imbue in the youth the love of God, country and fellow men; train young people to become responsible leaders; and contribute in nationbuilding.

Commonwealth of the Philip-

Go away from drugs....

Harness your talents at

D’ BLADES JAMM We welcome home-grown bands, students, amateur jammers.

BLADES Centre, Fondevilla Comp., Purok 3, Calicanto, Bats. City For inquiries and schedule, Call of Text 0912-902-7373 to 74.

pines Act No. 111 signed on October 31, 1936 paved the way for the BSP charter.

The BSP’s humble beginnings dated back in 1923 as the Philippine Council chartered by the Boy Scouts of America with the support and patronage of American, Chinese and Filipino businessmen and interest groups.

In 1959, the 10th World Scout Jamboree was held in Mount Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna and made history for the scouts’ movement as the first World Scout Jamboree held in Asia. (PNA).|

SAVE FOR THE FUTURE. A Pilipinas Shell’s in-house scientist proudly shares with Ms. Bianca Gonzales the result of the study that give way to the production of a new product for Shell, the FuelSave variant. Gonzales visits Batangas City for the kick-off of the drive challenge powered by Shell FuelSave.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

Bianca Gonzalez takes the Shell Fuel Save Gasoline driving challenge TEAMS of engineering students competing in Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2014 shared their fuel efficiency skills with celebrated host, actress, and journalist, Bianca Gonzalez on Friday, 17 January 2014 as she embarks on a challenge to drive 120km using as little Shell FuelSave Petrol as possible.

Shell Eco-marathon is an annual competition challenging student teams from around the world to compete in ultra energy efficient vehicles they have designed and built. From 6-9 February 2014, around 120 teams from 16 countries including 17 teams from the Philippines will participate in the Asian leg, which is set to take place on the streets of Manila, the Philippines, for the first time. Driving their futuristic vehicles, teams will be competing to travel the furthest using the least amount of energy.

In her driving challenge, Gonzalez demonstrated how using the right fuel and driving more efficiently can help to manage motoring costs and improve the fuel economy of road cars today.

Pilipinas Shell Vice-President for Retail, Oying Yam says: “We’re delighted to have Bianca Gonzalez representing the Philippines. Shell is committed to finding innovative solutions to meet the energy challenge and to supporting the next generation of car designers and engineers through initiatives such as Shell Eco-marathon. This challenge also showed how by using

Shell FuelSave, a regular priced fuel designed to last longer, and making a few simple changes to their driving habits, motorists all over the world can start being more fuel efficient today.”

Speaking before the drive Gonzalez said: “I’m really excited to be taking on this challenge and looking forward to being coached and inspired by our country’s brightest engineering talent. I hope I can show Filipino drivers that it’s easy to become more fuel efficient by choosing the right fuel and making a few small changes to the way they drive.”

The drive began at the Shell Refinery in Tabangao, Batangas, revelling in the heritage of 100 years of Shell in the Philippines where Gonzalez and local media representatives gained a deeper appreciation of the technology behind Shell FuelSave fuels with a demonstration by Shell Fuel Scientist Mae Ascan.

From Batangas, the drive headed to Manila to visit three universities participating in Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2014 namely: De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas and Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila, for Gonzalez to gain inspiration from the

designers of the vehicles of the future. She also stopped by the Shell Station at United Nations Avenue to meet and share fuel saving tips with Shell customers, and ended the route in Patio Victoria in Intramuros, the oldest district and a historical hub of Manila.

On 7 February, Gonzalez will join three other famous faces from Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia at Shell Eco-marathon Asia for a final celebrity driving challenge when they put their new-found fuel efficiency skills to the test. Driving ultra energy-efficient Shell Ecomarathon vehicles built by engineering students, the team will take on the collective feat to drive the furthest using the least amount of energy. In this challenge, the celebrities will aim to beat the total distance record set by European celebrities at Shell Eco-marathon Europe in Rotterdam in 2013.

Bianca Gonzalez will be joined by Thai-English actor Alex Simon Rendell of Thailand; model and TV host, Lisa Surihani of Malaysia; and celebrity DJs and real-life couple Glenn Ong and Jean Danker of Singapore. The celebrity contributing the farthest distance will be awarded as Shell FuelSave Celebrity Driver of the Year..|

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