Vol. XIX, No. 5 - February 3 - 9, 2014

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Lambanog export starts mid-2014

By SAMMY F. MARTIN Locally produced “Lambanog” (coconut wine), derived from coconut tree, will soon conquer the world as the Philippine Firewater Distillers Inc. will start exporting this product, Tito Osias, Balik Probinsya Program convenor said on Friday.

Osias said that coconut farmers and their families who have shifted jobs as they invaded Metro Manila will have a second option because their former job will be fruitful in the coming months when the Lambanog export starts invading the world.

“We will need more workers and farmers to plant coconut trees around the country because we expect

>>CLIMATE...turn to P/3

>>>AGRI-BUSINESS...turn to P/2

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KONTRA KRIMINALIDAD!

HULI KA! Iniharap ng isang pulis-Taal ang nasakoteng si Jay-Ar Lim Fortuno katabi ang sasakyang kaniyang kinarnap nitong nakalipas na linggo. Nalambat ng pinagsamang pwersa ng BPPO at Taal PNP ang suspek matapos humingi ng saklolo ang solterang biktima.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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Power rate hike freeze sought for other Luzon electric coops CONSUMERS of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) around Metro Manila and adjacent provinces may welcome with a sigh of relief after the Supreme Court issued the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the Meralco increase in power rates.

“But why single out Meralco?

Hindi naman ito lang ang nagtaas ng singil na kuryente. Coops across Luzon also did,” Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralp G. Recto said.

“So if temporary reprieve was given to Meralco customers, the same must be granted to customers

Iniharap na ni Mayor Thony C Halili ang Grupo ng Anti-Riding in tandem sa mga Mamamayan upang siyang magbantay sa Lunsod ng Tanauan.

Binubuo ito ng mga PNP at CSU na may Special Training. Kumpleto sa kagamitan upang syang humarang sa mga masasamang loob na nais magtangkang maghasik ng kasamaan sa lungsod.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

of other distribution utilities (DUs) similarly situated,” the Batangueño solon added.

Many electric cooperatives and other distribution utilities bought the power at a price deemed outrageous, and like Meralco passed this on to their customers. In short, they drew water from the same well but it is only Meralco which is being restrained from recovering the cost.

Coops in Luzon purchased power from the same small group of generators apparently for the same price

Scandals and mediocrity

>>ENERGY...turn to P/3

PhilHealth makes registration p. 2 easier for every Juan .......................................................................................................................

Health Care System Training p. 3 for LGU's, ilalatag sa Batangas

Unsolicited advice

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NEWS

Balikas

February 3 - 9, 2014

PhilHealth makes registration easier for every Juan ENLISTING with PhilHealth has never been this easy and convenient for Filipino families wanting to have financial protection against costly health care services.

PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla said they have simplified its membership registration process by just requiring a properly filled-out PhilHealth Member Registration

Form (PMRF) from prospective members, nothing more, nothing less.

“The time and money needed to gather numerous documents in the past have made it difficult for many families to avail themselves of the most affordable health insurance in the country today,” said Padilla.

“Waiving too many documents at enrollment effectively removes

barriers to coverage by making it easier for more Filipinos to register with us,” he added.

Prospective members shall only be required a properly filled out and signed PMRF (in duplicate)at any PhilHealth office and other authorized registration centers before they are assigned their permanent PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN).

The PIN is used in paying contributions, availments of benefits, updating of membership profile, among others.

Members with internet access can also register online by logging on to eregister.philhealth.gov.ph.

By signing the PMRF, a member certifies under oath that all information supplied in the form, including their declared depen-

dents, are true and accurate.

However, PhilHealth clarified that it can still ask for supporting documents only if warranted.

Padilla also assured members that the simplified enrollment comes hand-in-hand with simplified benefit availments in hospitals and other health facilities through the case-based payment system which took effect in January 2014.| PNA

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Karnaper na nagpanggap na pulis, huli sa Batangas PNP sends inspection, audit teams to NAHULI ng mga tauhan ng Tanauan Municipal Police Office sa pangunguna ni PSInsp Alla Avena sa direksyon ni PSSupt Omega Jireh Deocares Fidel, probinsyal direktor sa isang entrapment operation ang siansabing balikang kidnaper na kumikilos sa Calabarzon, Enero 28 ng madaling-araw.

Kinilala ng otoridad ang suspek na si Jay-Ar Lim y Fortuno, 29, may kinakasama, tubong Brgy. PagAlad, San Andres, Romblon, at residente ng Purok 2, Block 31, Lot 64, South Ville 3, Poblacion, Muntinlupa City.

Narekober sa nasabing operasyon ang (1) lithium silver-colored Toyota Fortuner G 4x2, may plakang ENG-305 at pag-aari ng biktimang nakilalang si Leonora Matira y Aloya, 59, soltera, OFW, tubong Brgy. Sulo, Mabini, Batangas at residente ng Brgy. Zone 09, Taal, Batangas; Nabatid na dagling humingi ng saklolo sa Taal Municipal Police Station matapos mabatid ang pagkawala ng kaniyang sasakyan.

account for lock up cells nationwide

PARPERNALYA. Ipinakita ng pulisya sa publiko ang mga parapernalyang ginagamit ng suspek sa panloloko ng kapwa, gaya ng ID, baril, at uniporme ng pulis.| Nabatid din na nagpakilala pang isang pulis ang suspek at diumano’y nakatalaga sa Criminal Investigation and detection Group (CIDG).

Nakumpiska rin sa pag-iingat ng suspek ang isang 38 cal. ARMSCOR 2015 revolver na may serial number 55492 at kargado ng six (6) live ammunitions; isang M72 fragmentation grenade; mga larawan ng suspek na nakasuot ng unipormeng pampulis, iba’t ibang Identification cards na nagpapakilala sa suspek bilang SPO3 Jay-Ar F Lim at

miyembro ng CIDG. Hanggangs a sandaling sinusulat ang balitang ito, nasa kustodya pa rin ng Taal MPS ang suspek at ang mga ebidensyang narekober sa kanya, habang inihahanda naman ang kaukulang dokumento sa pagsasapa ng kasong Illegal Possession of Firearms and ammunition, Illegal Possession of Explosive, RA 6539 Anti-Carnapping Law, at Usurpation of Authority, laban sa suspek.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

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NGCP announces new transmission development plans for 2014

TAGAYTAY CITY -– Top officials of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced on Thursday the national grid operator is implementing this year its various transmission development projects in the Calabarzon region.

Nelson Bautista, NGCP’s head of the corporate communications office and public affairs officer for Southern Luzon led on Thursday several district, regional heads and the company’s spokesperson for the media briefings to Laguna media partners in the event dubbed “Power 102" held at the Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytayt City.

During the media briefing, Bautista said the NGCP transmission plans are devised to build stronger transmission of high voltage electricity through the NGCP’s “power superhighways” and expounded the power grid operator’s role in the energy sector.

Engr. Redi Allan B. Remoroza, deputy department head of the NGCP Transmission Planning Department explained that the Transmission Development Plan (TDP) stretches to a 10-year program for expansion, reinforcement, and rehabilitation of the Transmission System with power as a vital commodity.

Remoroza explained that the TDP is updated annually and submitted to the Department of Energy (DOE) for approval and for integration with the Philippines Development Plan (PDP) and the country’s energy plan as new players in the energy sector.

The TDP also serves as the

reference plan for NGCP’s application to and subsequent approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission for capital expenditures and projects pursuant to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or the EPIRA law.

According to Remoroza, the transmission development projects covers from power plants harnessing huge generators run by any of the energy source such as coal, natural gas, water (hydro), steam, wind or geothermal source.

NGCP connects this to a transformer to increase the voltage and push the current across long distances via the high voltage transmission lines hoisted by its transmission towers and posts.

The NGCP official elaborated that NGCP then passes the electricity through the power substation where the voltage is lowered so it can be delivered through smaller power lines.

The electricity is then transmitted through distribution lines where smaller pole-top transformers further reduce the voltage to make the power safe for millions of household users and consumers, said Remoroza for the Luzon grid.

Remoroza’s presentation on the NGCP’s TDP focused on Laguna where the major distribution utilities include First Laguna Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FLECO) and MERALCO with a combined estimated demand of 778 megawatts (MW).

He pointed out that TDP Projects in Laguna include the load growth for NGCP’s Biñan Substation

with 300 MVA 230/115 kV Transformer; also its power utility at the Biñan substation with the 2100 MVAR, 230 Capacitor; The plan will also address the congestion for the Lumban – Bay 230 kV transmission line upgrading to expand the capacity for the corridor; load growth for the new Calamba Substation near Turbina with 2 x 300 MVA 230/115kV and the load growth for the MakbanBay Substation with 100 MVA 230/ 69 kV Transformer.

He said the TDP’s planning criteria are based on the Philippine Grid Code and the preparation process goes through various steps as NGCP receives the inputs from the DOE such as the System Peak Demand Forecast and Generation Addition Line-up like consumption on peak load during summer.

The plan also involves coordination meetings with customers and other stakeholders; preparations on TDP updating for system requirements for the next ten (10) years that involves system simulation studies and computer models to address power deficiencies.

The draft TDP is also presented to stakeholders such as the DOE, TransCo, GMC, PEMC, Distribution Utilities, GenCos and other customers and stakeholders before the TDP Final Report is submitted to the energy department.

He pointed out that NGCP transmission plans are also targeted in the Calabarzon region where most of the power generators and power plants are located in Batangas, Laguna and Quezon so as to hike

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has sent inspection and audit teams to account for all lock up cells in various parts of the country following revelation of the existence of satellite jail cells allegedly being used in torture activities.

Chief Supt. Theodore Reuben Sindac, PNP-Public Information Office chief, said the move was part of the swift and decisive actions undertaken by the PNP high command on alleged irregularities by some misguided policemen in a police detention facility in Laguna.

Sindac said the inspection and audit teams from the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) and the Human Rights Affairs Office (HRAO) were sent to account for all lock-up cells in regional, provincial, city/ municipal police units to check on the condition of inmates and offenders in police custody. ”Aside from the physical headcount and audit, the inspection teams will also review case records of detainees to determine the basis of their continued detention and verify if there are certain issues on

custodial jurisdiction,” said Sindac.

He said that time and again, police personnel are reminded of their required commitment and responsibility.

Sindac also described the Laguna issue as isolated. ”Isolated as it is, this particular incident in Laguna does not reflect a pervasive situation or a systematic practice among police units,” he said.

Earlier, two top-ranking police officials in Laguna were relieved from their posts for command responsibility following discovery by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) of lock up cells in Binan City.

Laguna police director Senior Supt. Pascual Munoz and Supt.

Kirby Kraft, intelligence officer, were relieved by Chief Supt. Jesus Gatchalian, director of the Police Regional Office-4A. Ten other policemen were also relieved and are now facing investigation for maintaining the lock up cells which allegedly served as venue for torture activities under the so-called “Roleta ng Kamalasan” or “Wheel of Misfortune.” (PNA)

CITY OF COLORS. Sa pamamagitan ng pagpipinta sa mga pampublikong pasilidad gaya ng street lights atwaiting sheds, ipinakikita ng Lunsod ng Tanauan na ang pagbabagong-bihis na ito ay simbolismo ng pagsulong ng lunsod at pagiging sentro ng komersyo sa hilagang bahagi ng lalawigan.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

.............................................................................................. <<<‘AGRI-BUSINESS.....from P/1

Lambanog export starts mid-2014

Lambanog to be one of the major export of the country in the future,” Osias told reporters at the weekly forum Balitaan sa Hotel Rembrandt.

................................................ transmission capability and load power capacity.

Remorosa said these developments are intended to interconnect system of transmission lines and towers substations and related assets to address power distribution and improve transmission of electricity from the power generators to the distribution utilities.

The NGCP transmission development projects are in addition to the grid operator’s fast reconstruction and rehabilitation of transmission facilities crippled by Super Typhoon Yolanda.| SAUL E. PA-A

He said bringing “true entrepreneurship” in the countryside will surely change the economic status of farmers because the company who will process the Philippine coconut wine will start competing with Whiskey, Brandy and even Vodka.

“The demand of local wine will increase as the demand of farm workers also increases. That is why we are promoting Balik Probinsya program to give former farmers a second thought that they can have a decent living in their respective provinces with their loved ones,” he pointed out.

The so-called “Lakan Premium Lambanog” will be in the market starting middle of this year but refused first to divulge where they will make their first export of truly Philippine wine.| PNA

February 3 - 9, 2014

NEWS

Balikas

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Pagpapalakas ng ugnayan ng pulisya at prosekusyon, isinusulong sa Batangas Pulis, 2 iba pa, patay Peace & Order Update Collated By JACK L. AQUINO

sa ambush incident

BATANGAS City – Eksaktong apat na buwan, matapos ang isang pananambang na ikinasawi ng isang pulis at ikinasugat ng ilang iba pa, dead on arrival na naman sa hospital ang isang aktibong pulis-Batangas, samantalang dead-on-the-spot naman ang isang dating pulis at isa sa mga suspek matapos isa muling pananambang sa Brgy. Sta. Rita Karsada ng lungsod na ito, pasado alas-5:30 ng halon, Biyernes.

Sa ipinalabas na ulat ni PSSupt Omega Jireh Deocares Fidel, probinsyal director ng pulisya sa Batangas, kinilala ang mga biktima na sina SPO4 Fidel Macatangay, nakatalaga sa Batangas City Police Station at Melvin Talabis y Plata, 31, may-asawa, dating miyembro ng PNP at residente ng Brgy.

Mahabang Parang, Batangas City.

Sa paunang pagsisiyasat ng pulisya, binabagtas ng mga biktim ang kahabaan ng national hi-way mula bayan ng San Pascual, lulan ng Isuzu Crooswind nang tambangan ng hindi mabilang na salarin.

Bagama’t may kaagad nang tama, nakuha pang makipagpalitang putok ni Macatangay at tinamaan ang isa sa mga suspek na natagpuang nakahandusay may 30 metro ang layo mula sa scrime scene. Nakilala ang nasawing suspek na si Avelino Ulbata dela Paz. Kaagad na naglunsod ng malawakang hot pusuit operation ang otoridad sa agarang ikadarakip ng mga nakatakas na salarin.

Nauna rito, matatandaang nakaligtas sa isang pananambang si Talabis noong nakalipas na taon, ngunit napuruhan ang kasama nitong sibilyan at si PO3 Wilie De Torres Hernandez, 32, na nakatalaga sa Batangas City Police Station, residente ng Brgy. Balete, sakop ng lunsod pa ring ito.

Batay sa tala ng pulisya, bandang alas-2:40 ng hapon noong September 20, 2013 habang si PO3 Hernandez ay naka-duty at nagmamaneho ng kanyang sasakyan kasama si Talabis upang magmanman sa umanoy mga operasyon ng iligal an droga nang pagbabarilin ang mga ito ng makailang beses ng mga suspek gamit ang caliber 45 pistol. Bagama’t agad na napuruhan sina Hernandez at Talabis, nagawa pa ng mga biktima na makipagpalitan ng putok sa mga suspek.

Sa naturang pananambang, dalawa sa mga suspek ang tinamaan sa palitan ng putok at isa sa kanila na nakilalang si Crisostomo M. Listana, nasa hustong gulang at residente ng Brgy. Camagong, Alabat, Quezon na nagtamo ng tama ng baril sa ulo ay dead-on-the-spot.

Tatlong araw makalipas ito, a sinuyod ng mga otoridad ang ilog sa boundary ng Brgys. Balagtas at Tinga Labac kung saan tumakbo ang isang sugatang suspek. Di kalaunan, natagpuan din ang isa pang sugatang suspek sa isang ospital sa Metro Manila.

Sa pahayag nu PSSupt. Fidel, itinuturing ng pulisya na nasa lihitimong pagganap sa tungkulin si Hernandez nang maganap ang pananambang, at ang huling pag-ambush kina Macatangay at Talabis ay maiuugnay rin sa naunang insidente na ikinasawi naman ni Hernandez.|

LU NSOD BAT ANGAS — Isang dayalogo sa pagitan ng mga miyembro ng Batangas Police Provincial Office at Provincial Prosecutors Office ang isinagawa kamakailan upang mapalakas pa ang pagtutulungan ng dalawang ahensya sa kanilang pagtugon sa kanilang paglilingkod sa mga mamamayan.

Sinabi ni Prosecutor Lourdes Zapanta, na maaaring mas mapalakas ang isang kaso kung mas maeestablished ng kapulisan ang lahat ng ebidensya na nagtuturo sa akusado. Sa pamamaraang ito maiiwasan ang pagka-dismiss ng kaso at mabibigyan ng tamang hustisya ang sinumang biktima.

“Dapat ay maging mabusisi ang mga imbestigador upang mapatunayan at mapalabas ang katotohanan sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga katanungan. Dapat alam ng isang pulis ang mga tamang katanungan at paano ito susundan pa ng isa pang tanong upang mapalabas ang tamang kasagutan na maaaring magbigay linaw sa isang kaso,” sabi ni Zapanta.

DIALOGUE. Patuloy ang kikipag-ugnayan ng liderato ng pulisya sa Batangas sa iba’t ibang sektor upang matiyak ang maayos na pagpapatupad ng batas. Kabilang sa kinukonsulta ng pulisya ang mga tagausig, lokal an opisyal, mga mamamahayag at ang publiko.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Ayon pa kay Zapanta, kinakaila-ngang limiin at huwag madaliin ang pagkuha ng matibay na ebidensya nang sa gayon ay hindi mauwi sa pagka-dismiss ang isang kaso.

Nagbigay paalala din ito ukol sa gun law kung saan mas lalong pinalakas ang

batas at pinataas ang ipapataw na parusa sa mga lalabag.

Samantala, nagpasalamat naman si Provincial Director PSSupt. Omega Jireh Fidel sa pagpapaunlak ng prosecutors office sa kanilang imbitasyon upang mapatibay ang samahan ng

kanilang tanggapan.

Aniya, umaasa siya na magiging institutionalized ang dayalogo at maisasagawa ito kada buwan upang mapalakas ang kanilang samahan at maibigay ang karampatang serbisyo ng parehong ahensya sa lahat ng mga Batangueno.| PIA

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Health Care System Training for LGU's, ilalatag ng DOH at Zuellig Foundation LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS – Isang programang pangkalusugan ang inilatag ng Zuellig Foundation sa pamahalaang panlalawigan na naglalayong ng pakikiisa ng mga local government officials na palakasin ang health system sa kanilang mga nasasakupan.

Inilatag ng Department of Health Region IV sa pamumuno ni Director, Nestor Santiago at Zuellig Foundation Vice President Ramon Derige kay Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto ang kabuuang konsepto ng programa na ipatutupad sa 5 bayan at isang siyudad sa lalawigan.

Kabilang sa mga namamataang pilot municipalities and city ay ang bayan ng Nasugbu, Balayan, Lemery, Calaca, Laurel at Batangas City.

Nakasaad sa proyekto ang pagpapalakas ng kapasidad ng mga Mayors at Municipal Health Officers sa implimentasyon ng kanilang health program ng kanilang nasasakupan.

Sa ilalim ng Leadership Training daraan sa serye ng seminar at training ang mga kinatawan ng lokal na pamahalaan upang masanay sila sa mga bagong hakbang sa isinasagawang health care system sa buong mundo.

Matapos nito ay susundan ng 6 na buwan na practicum module o pagsasanay na may kalahok na actual na pagpapatupad ng mga programa sa ilalim ng superbisyon ng mga opisyal ng Zuellig Foundation at DOH. Ayon sa DOH at Zuellig, napili nila ang lalawigan ng Batangas sapagkat prayoridad ng administrasyong Santos Recto ang Health at patunay nga dito ang konkrektong programa at inprastraktura na magbibigay kaganapan sa pagpapalakas ng Health Care System di lamang sa lalawigan kundi pati na rin sa bansa.| EDWIN V. ZABARTE

......................................................................................................... <<<ENERGY...from P/1

Power rate hike freeze sought for other Luzon electric coops

POWERFUL BATANGAS. The facade of the Batangas Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant in Calaca town, one of the numerous power plants in the province of Batangas, and among the independent power producers (IPPs) supplying electricity to the National Power Corporation (Napocor) and distributed by Meralco and other distribution utilities.| BALIKAS PHOTOBANK

that Meralco did. If that is the case, there might be no question why can’t the judicial protection granted to Meralco customers be extended to consumers in other service areas as well.

“Kung sakop ng TRO ang mga may kaya sa Forbes Park, bakit di saklaw ang mga mahihirap sa mga liblib na lugar?

Di hamak naman mas mayaman ang NCR kesa sa ibang rehiyon, ayon na mismo sa datos ng gobyerno?” Recto added.

Although the biggest in terms of customer base, Meralco’s franchise area does not cover the whole of Luzon.

Meralco's franchise area covers only 40% of Luzon or 5.189 million customers. By legislative edict, Meralco’s franchise area stops at Tayabas City, Quezon in the South, and Candaba, Pampanga in the North. Big provinces like Batangas, Pampanga, and Pangasinan are outside its coverage which make their residents outside the scope of the Supreme Court TRO, too.

In Batangas, only Batangas City, not

even the whole of it is being served by Meralco. The rest of the municipalitiesd and cities are serviced by Batangas I Electric Cooperative (Batelec I) that covers First and part parts of Third Disctricts; and Batelec II which covers parts of Second, Third and Fourth Districts. Bauan, however, in the second district is served by First Bay Power Corporation; while Ibaan is being served

by Ibaan Electric Lights System (IBELS).

There must be one rule for the whole grid. There must be equal relief for all.

“I will leave it to the lawyers, especially government lawyers, to recommend ways on how to expand the TRO to cooperatives and DUs which increased rates based on the same circumstances present in the case of Meralco,” Recto further said.

“In the meantime, in the legislative inquiry on the Meralco power increase, I urge Congress to likewise look into the case of the other coops and DUs in Luzon,” he quipped.| JOENALD MEDINA RAYOS

Balikas Why is there pessimism despite rosy economic growth figures?

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By BENJIE OLIVEROS THE Aquino administration has been boasting that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, averaging 7.4 percent during the first three quarters of 2013, has been among the highest in Asia. In 2012, the country registered a 6.8 percent growth. So this should result in better living conditions for the Filipino people and greater optimism about the future, right?

However, this is not the case.

A Pulse Asia survey conducted in December last year, which was published by Inquirer.net, revealed that 55 percent of Filipinos believed that the national quality of life even deteriorated during that year; 36 percent said it remained unchanged, and a mere nine percent said it improved. Thus, a whopping 91 percent believed that the people’s quality of life either worsened or remained unchanged.

The same survey conducted March 2013 resulted in 48 percent saying that the quality of life worsened, thirty percent it remained unchanged, and 23 percent it improved.

Thus, instead of more people feeling the benefits of the so-called growth, it seems to be the opposite. More people are feeling that the quality of their life is worsening.

Why is this so? Who benefited from the economic growth?

Ibon Foundation, in its 2013 yearend Birdtalk, made an incisive analysis of the country’s GDP growth. The following are the main points raised by Ibon Foundation.

1. The GDP growth mainly translated into bigger corporate profits and increasing wealth of a few wealthy families. The total net income of the country’s Top 1000 corporations almost doubled from P599 billion ($13.6 billion) in 2006 to P1.08 trillion ($24.545 billion) in 2012. Corporate profits increased 24.5 percent in 2012 compared to 2011.

Net foreign direct investments (FDI) grew significantly with inflows rising 35.3 percent to $3.4 billion in the first ten months of 2013 from $2.5 billion posted in the same period the year before. Foreign investment approvals also grew substantially by114.8 percent to P126.5 billion ($2.875 billion) in the first nine months of 2013. This shows that foreign investors find it profitable to invest in the country, especially in the power sector and real estate, which cornered the most foreign investments at 56.8 percent and 19.5 percent respectively.

Also according to the same Ibon report: The cumulative net worth of the 40 richest Filipinos – Sy, Tan, Razon, Gokongwei, Ayala, Aboitiz, Consunji, Ty, Cojuangco, Zobel, Yuchengco, Lopez, Araneta, among a few more others – grew three-fold from $16.0 billion in 2006 to $47.4 billion in 2012. In 2013 alone, their net worth increased by $16.8 billion.

2. The benefits of this so-called growth, however, did not reach the people. A mere 317,000 jobs were generated by the Aquino administration in 2013, falling from 408,000 jobs in 2012, and 1.2 million jobs in 2011. The number of jobs generated during the last two years, 2012 and 2013, were way below the annual average of 640,000 jobs created over the long 37year period 1976-2013, which included the economic crisis of the 70s and 80s, the 1997 financial crisis, the 2000 and 2007 world economic crisis, among others.

It is then not surprising that the number of unemployed Filipinos increased by 117,000 in 2013. The government’s unemployment rate is at 7.1 percent, with 2.9 million Filipinos unemployed. Ibon Foundation’s estimate is much higher at 10.6 percent affecting 4.5 million Filipinos.

Regardless of whether one takes the Ibon or the government’s estimate, it is still the worst unemployment rate in Asia and among the worst in the world.

The number of underemployed is pegged at 7.3 million. Thus, 11.8 million Filipinos are either out of work or are in jobs that hardly earn enough. >>PERSPECTIVE...turn to P/7

OPINION

February 3 - 9, 2014

Church must reach out to elderly, too!

CBCP online

perspective

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Scandals and mediocrity TELEVISION networks and social networking sites are filled with gossips and innuendos about the skirmish between actor Vhong Navarro and his alleged assailants. The news started with Navarro claiming for justice from his hospital bed for the injuries he sustained from what he claimed as blackmailerhooters. Of course, the other side has its own version of the story. The girl on fire cried rape and disclosed some scandalous insinuations against the badly beaten Navarro. Navarro hit back by fanning the scandal alluding to truth and justice as his allies.

We can expect that this story will linger on for a few weeks more until another scandal hits the headlines.

This is entertainment at its best. Fanning controversies is one the biggest business in town.

The major television networks had re-set the mental template of their followers. A technocratic reprogramming aimed at deluding the viewers into believing that it is their interest to follow a celebrity’s scandal to its conclusion. Viewers and some selfproclaimed web-dwelling analysts fall prey to the mediocrity of the Philippine broadcast media. Thanks to these networks, many people have forgotten that there are more pressing problems than the show which these rascal punks had put on the screen and the airwaves.

The press is important in the workings of society. It shapes people’s perception of the world. It teaches them how to judge the importance of things in their lives. It helps them form opinions on matters of critical importance.

However, the manner major media networks handle their jobs of educating and informing the people put their relevance in question. Questions as to whether the press is performing its role as pillar of democracy have been lingering but remain unnoticed. Indeed, the media is good in entertaining people to keep them from scrutinizing whatever is being feed to them in the news.

A terrible disease called mediocrity is afflicting our media. It is infecting the populace faster than any dreaded communicable disease could. It has paralyzed the growth of democracy and freedom. It hinders people from getting what they rightfully deserve. It continues to embolden the decay of the status quo.

Only the media knows how to cure itself of this dreaded disease. Unfortunately, like any suffering from a psychological disorder, it could not cure itself unless it admits that it is afflicted by some disease. And without admitting that it is suffering from a psychological disorder, it would never seek any cure at all.|

Ang Mabuting Balita Ang Pagbabagong-Anyo ni Jesus 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.

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 Atty. Jesus Dureza | Atty. Ramel C. Muria

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

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Official Representative - Lipa Office

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Nicetas E. Escalona Lifestyle Editor

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Hangad ng pahayagang ito na maging kasangkapan sa paghahatid ng mahahalagang impormasyon upang maibalik ang dating anyo ng ating inang kalikasan.|

PAGKARAAN ng anim na araw, umakyat si Jesus sa isang mataas na bundok. Wala siyang isinama roon maliban kina Pedro, Santiago at Juan. Habang sila'y naroroon, nakita ng tatlo na nagbago ang anyo ni Jesus.

Nagningning sa kaputian ang kanyang kasuotan; walang sinuman sa lupa ang makapagpapaputi nang gayon. At nakita rin nila roon si Elias at si Moises na nakikipag-usap kay Jesus. Sinabi ni Pedro kay Jesus, "Guro, mabuti po na nandito kami. Gagawa po kami ng tatlong kubol, isa para sa inyo, isa para kay Moises at isa para kay Elias." Nasabi ito ni Pedro sapagkat sila ay takot na takot. Nililiman sila ng makapal na ulap at mula rito'y may isang tinig na nagsabi, "Ito ang pinakamamahal kong Anak. Pakinggan ninyo siya!" Nang tumingin sa paligid ang mga alagad, wala na silang ibang nakita maliban kay Jesus.

Nang sila'y bumababa na mula sa bundok, mahigpit silang pinagbilinan ni Jesus na huwag sasabihin kaninuman ang kanilang nakita hangga't hindi pa muling nabubuhay ang Anak ng Tao. Sinunod nila ang tagubiling ito, ngunit sila'y nagtanungan sa isa't isa kung ano ang kahulugan ng sinabi niyang muling pagkabuhay. At tinanong nila si Jesus, "Bakit po sinasabi ng mga tagapagturo ng Kautusan na dapat munang dumating si Elias?"

Tumugon siya, "Darating nga muna si Elias upang ihanda ang lahat ng bagay. Ngunit bakit sinasabi din sa Kasulatan na ang Anak ng Tao'y hahamakin at magtitiis ng maraming hirap?

Subalit sinasabi ko sa inyo, dumating na nga si Elias at ginawa sa kanya ng mga tao ang nais nila, ayon sa nasusulat tungkol sa kanya."|

OPINION

February 3 - 9, 2014

Reciprocal concessions ITO ay isang kaso kung saan ang dalawang partido ay nagkasundong mag-ayos na lang matapos magkaroon na ng desisyon ang korte. Ang tanong dito ay kung ang kasunduan ng dalawang partido ay balido dahil naiba ito sa desisyon ng korte.

Ang kaso ay tungkol sa isang palaisdaan (Lot 1483) na siyang sanhi ng reklamo para palayasin at pabayarin ng bayad-pinsala si Fredo ni Enteng. Isinampa ni Enteng ang kaso sa Municipal Trial Court (MTCC) laban kay Fredo. Ayon kay Enteng, bigla na lang ginamit ni Fredo ang palaisdaan nang walang pahintulot ni Enteng at nagtambak ng lupa dito nang walang Environmental Clearance Certificate. Sabi rin niya na namatay ang kanyang mga bangus at alimango dahil sa pagtambak ni Fredo ng lupa. Napilitan siyang magsampa ng kaso dahil patuloy parin itong ginagawa ni Fredo.

Sa reklamo ni Enteng ay hiningi niya na pigilan si Fredo sa pagtambak ng lupa sa palaisdaan, na palayasin si Fredo dito, at bayaran siya ni Fredo ng moral damages at attorney’s fee.

Idinismis ng MTCC ang kaso matapos magfile ng mosyon si Fredo dahil hindi ito sumunod sa Local Government Code kung saan nasasabi na dapat dalhin muna ang kaso sa barangay conciliation. Nang umapela sa RTC si Enteng ay binaliktad at isinantabi nito ang dismissal at nagdesisyon na pabor kay Enteng. Inutusan nito si Fredo at ang kanyang mga tagapamana na lumikas mula sa Lot 1483 at ibalik ang lote kay Enteng, bayaran si Enteng ng actual at moral damages at attorney’s fees. Ito’y kinumpirma ng Court of Appeals (CA) maliban sa paggawad ng moral at aktwal na danyos at attorney’s fees.

Hindi nakontento si Fredo kaya nagpetisyon siya

ng certiorari sa Supreme Court (SC) at hiniling ang annulment ng desisyon ng CA at ang reinstatement ng order of dismissal ng MTCC. Habang hinihintay ang resolusyon ng kaso ay inirepresenta sina Fredo at Enteng ng kanilang mga tagapamana sa isang kasunduang kompromiso kung saan kinilala ng mga tagapamana ni Enteng na si Fredo at ang kanyang mga tagapamana ang may-ari ng lupa at napagkasunduan nila na sa halagang Php200,000.00 ay ipapawalangbisa nila ang desisyon ng RTC at CA na pabor kay Enteng at ipapaubaya nila ang kanilang mga karapatan, interes, at pagmamay-ari sa lupa, at ang mapayapang pagmamay-ari ng lupa. Balido ba itong Kasunduang Kompromiso?  BALIDO. Ayon sa Art.2028 ng Civil Code, ang Kasunduang Kompromiso ay isang kontrata kung saan ang dalawang kampo sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigayan ng konsesyon ay hindi na dadaan pa sa litigasyon o tatapusin ang kasong nakasampa na. Ang kompromiso ay isang anyo ng amicable settlement na naaayon sa batas at kinukunsinti sa mga kasong sibil.

Ang mga partido sa kaso ay maaaring magkasundo sa anumang kondisyon at estipulasyon na sa tingin nila ay sapat sa kagustuhan nila at naaayon sa batas, moralidad, good customs, at pampublikong kaligtasan o kaayusan.

Sa kasong ito, ang kasunduang kompromiso ay balido at kusang-loob na isinakatuparan ng dalawang kampo. Ito ay naaayon sa batas, moralidad, good customs at pampublikong kaayusan o polisiya at dapat ipatupad (Heirs of Zabala vs. Court of Appeals and Heirs of Manuel, G.R. 189602, May 6, 2010).|

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

Alyansa ng mga bansang nakapaligid sa China ANG pagpapakita ng pagbabago sa mukha ng China sa international relation lalo na sa ilang bahagi ng ating teritoryo sa West Philippine Sea ay mahalagang matunghayan natin.

Matatandaan natin na dati, ang bansa China sa panahon ni Deng Xiaopeng bilang pinuno ng China ay ginamit nito ang soft approach sa pakikitungo sa mga bansa sa buong mundo. ang soft approach ay umiikot sa doktrinang diplomasya at mga mapayapang pamamaraan. 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 nakakaraming bansa. Ang mga teyoriyang pang-ekonomiya ng kapitalismo ay unti unti nilang ginamit. Bumango saan mang sulok ng mundo ang bansang Tsina at dahil sa pagtatag ng ekonomiya nito, at patuloy na pag gamit 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 Tsina. Hindi na mapayapa at diplomatic ang pakikitungo nito sa kanyang mga karatig bansa. Sa rehiyon ng Asya Pasipiko, tahasang ipinakita na ng Tsina ang kanyang lakas militar hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng pagpatrolya sa paligid ng mga internationally claimed territories kundi sa pag gamit ng mga civilian branch ng Chinese government para palawakin ang mga teritoryong kanilang inaangkin.

Dito natin kinakailangang pag-aralan ang mga doktrinang realism at neo realism in international politics para mas maunawaan natin kung ano ang kahinanatnan nito at saan tayo lulugar.

Ipinaliliwanag ng realist doctrine na ang lahat daw ng bansa ay motivated ng kani-kanilang national

interests, lahat na bansa ay naghahangad na mai-preserve ang kanilang political autonomy at territorial integrity.

Kapag ang dalawang interests na ito ay nai-secure na, ang national interest ng isang bansa ay maaring magkaroon ng ibang anyo. Ang iba ay maaring maghangad ng karagdagang yaman o lupain o di kaya sa pagpalawak ng kanilang political or economic system sa labas ng kanilang teritoryo samantala ang iba naman ay gusto naman na huwag gambalain. Ang national power ay merong absolute meaning dahil ito ay dapat mailahad sa pamamagitan military, economic, political, diplomatic o di kaya ibang mga consideration na tutugma sa kanilang pananaw tungkol sa National power.

Sa mundo natin ngayon, ang pagkakaroon ng national power ay nakukuha sa pamamagitan ng mga alyansa ng mga bansa na merong common interest. Ito ang balance of power kung saan nakokontrol ang mga adhikain ng bawat bansa ang ninanais ng ibang bansa, malakas man o mahina ito. Example nito ay ang pagkaroon ng Marshal Plan pagkatapos ng World War 2, kung saan ginamit ito ng Amerika para magkaroon ng katapat ang paglaganap ng komunismo sa Europe.

Ang value para sa isang bansa ng pakikipag alyansa ang siyang primary motivator kung bakit pumapasok ang mga bansa sa isang treaty o kasunduan, kasama na ang paggamit ng lakas militar, economic power at iba pang influences para mapanatili ang kanilang interests.

Ang paggamit ng puwersa para mapanatili ang isang decentralized system ang siyang ugat ng sistemang tinatawag bilang balance of power. Naging anak din nito ang economic interdependence sa pagitan ng mga bansa, na maaring makaapekto sa intentions at aksyon ng mga bansa.

Sa West Philippine Sea, mahalaga na tingnan natin ang common interest ng mga bansang nakapaligid sa China kasama na ang interes ng mga amerikano upang tingnan kung papaano maaaring magbago ang paningin ng mga gumagawa ng polisiya ng China. Alam naman natin na may mga tinatawag na moderate communist leader sa China na maaring magpabago sa mayoryang

Balikas

5

Unsolicited pieces of advice WITH THE onset of the New Year, I cannot resist this uncontrollable urge of giving unsolicited advices. here’s the continuation....  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 noliquor 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.  For the Senators and Congressmen — Honorable gentlemen and ladies of Congress, do something urgent and fast to save the institution and restore the broken and shredded trust of the people in our legislative branch. But please, don’t intrude into the individual accountabilities of your erring colleagues because we can no longer entrust this in your dirtied hands. The mechanisms of justice, although often times delayed or otherwise hijacked, coupled with the electoral process with an angry, vengeful but now discerning electorate will make the judgment calls to eventually do the desired cleansing at some time sooner or later. Don’t pass too many laws as if for every ailment or malaise in the body politic, a law is an antidote.

The less laws, the better for the people. We have enough laws in our statute books. Just do oversight to revise and update existing laws to suit to the call of the times. Sorry to say, but after being in Congress myself at some time in the past and having seen it that close, I would rather trust the better judgment, expertise and foresight of our old framers of laws of yore who were decidedly of far better quality, dignity and demeanor than those we have nowadays.  Deles, Congress --The on-going tiff between the House of Representatives and Presidential Peace Adviser Ging Deles is an unfortunate incident. For it to happen early on in the game is totally unexpected. While the principal actors in the incident have their own versions and their own reasons or stories to tell, the bottom line for us here in Mindanao is that this is resolved as quickly as possible. So we can all move on.

This is sad because the peace office is itself stuck in an unpeace situation.

This is also unfortunate because this will again pit the executive and the legislative branches in another see-saw of whose position is to prevail This is not only a case of some congress members simply having a problem with Sec Deles. From newspaper accounts of the incident, I am sure the dynamics of the controversy will surely transition to another level: a clash of presidential and congressional prerogatives.  Pinoy for Deles -- The difficulty here is that if the palace insists that Sec Ging should stay, she will stay. The President calls that shot, no one else. For Pres Pinoy to abandon Sec. Ging at this time is also unthinkable.

But if congress will also insist on its own position, it can also have its way by using its so-called power of the purse, practically abolishing the office by not giving money for it to operate. That’s done by slashing OPAPP’s budget

>>DUREZA...turn to P/6

.............................................................................................. pagiisip na mga communist hardliner. Ang kinakailangan lang dito ay ang patuloy na pagsusuri para malaman natin ang umaandar na kaisipan ng mga lider na nagpapatakbo sa bansang China para patuloy nating maitaguyod ang kapayapaan sa ating bansa at sa buong mundo.

Ang pagpapakitang-gilas naman ng China, ayon sa mga political experts, ay pagpapakita lamang ng panibago nitong lakas at teknolohiya. Pero ang desisyon na makipag giyera ito, o lumikha ng aksyon na magdudulot ng giyera, ay mapipigilan kung mauunawan ng Chinese Politburo at ng People’s Liberation Army generals na maraming pangangailangan ang kanilang sambayanan ang kasabay na maaapektuhan kapag ito ay naging isang anarchist state.

Ang kakaibang kaalaman at mataas na antas ng pagsusuri sa mga isyu na may kinalalaman sa national security ay dapat pinagaaralan. Dito ko ngayon nakikita ang kalamangan ng mga graduate ng Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) na inaalok ng National Defense College of the Philippines dahil nakikita nila ang iba’t ibang dimensyon na umiikot sa mga usaping mayroong kinalaman sa pambansang siguridad.

Kaya gusto kung saluduhan ang lahat ng mga graduate ng MNSA dahil malaki ang maiitutulong nila para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating bansa; kasama po dyan ang ilang mga prominenteng mga tao sa ating gobyerno gaya ni Vice President Jejomar Binay na patuloy na nagbibigay inspirasyon sa mga graduate nito at sa buong bansa.|

BUSINESS

Quezon coco product producers gear up for mechanized production through the DTI SSF project CALAMBA CITY, Laguna --Another set of machinery and equipment worth P2.7-million under the shared service facility (SSF) project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) was launched and rolled out last Jan. 22 to the Candelaria Coconut and other Products Manufacturers Association (CACOPMAI) of Barangay Masin, Candelaria, Quezon.

The machineries consisted of kettle & agitators, vegetable slicer, dicer, shredder; grinder, mill, mixer, oven, filling machine, bottle sterilizer, washer and rinser; dehydrator; granular filling machine; and bottle labeling machine.

DTI Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo said that it is the government’s desire to achieve inclusive growth and alleviate poverty particularly in the countryside. “One way to achieve inclusive growth is to increase the level of productivity of communitybase business enterprises. Attaining higher levels of productivity is the key to sustainability, and for business enterprises, sustainability is the key”.

Also, CACOPMAI was granted the production center building by the Municipality of Candelaria under the administration of Mayor Ferdinand

Maliwanag.

“Pangarapin ninyong umunlad; puwede kayong magmadali, basta huwag lang mainip”, Maliwanag advised members of CACOPMAI. DOLE Calabarzon officer-incharge Edwin Hernandez said he could see the growing opportunities of the micro, small and medium enterprises to grow as well and be capable of providing income and employment so the people will then be able to find employment and livelihood locally through the enterprise and cooperatives instead of going out of Quezon.

Hernandez added that one of the programs of DOLE is providing financial assistance to cooperatives and earlier this year granted P357,000 assistance to CACOPMAI for its coconut sugar production, however, the grants has to wait for DTI’s concurrence before fund assistances are released to beneficiaries.

In accepting the SSF grant, Purificacion V. Maunahan of CACOPMAI expressed gratitude to the concerned government agencies including the municipal government of Candelaria for providing various assistances: funds, machinery and equipment, and production center building for the cooperative.

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)

“Sa ngalan ng lahat ng kasapi ng CACOPMAI, ipinapangako namin na aming iingatan at pagyayamanin itong mga biyaya, at sa abot ng aming makakaya, ay lalo pa naming pagbubutihin ang aming paggagawa ng aming mga produkto (On behalf of all members of CACOPMAI, we commit to preserve and upkeep this grant and improve on our production to the best of our ability),” Maunahan committed.

With the new set of facilities, the producers would be able to comply with good manufacturing practices, making it easier for them to secure the necessary ‘licenses’ as required by the Food and Drug Administration which then would enable them to produce standardized products through controlled processes.

CACOPMAI can then sustain the manufacturing business of at least 52 members in terms of equipment sharing, technical and marketing assistance and its increased productivity will expand market thus boosting sales and incomes of its members and providing employment to at least 100 persons.

Since mechanization simplifies workload, members would have more time to innovate and develop more coconut-derived products that have export potentials, and while there will be more production, other members of the community can have the opportunity to derive income by reselling products.

During the first year, CACOPMAI is projected to generate P20million of domestic sales and supplying the needs of exporters.

Meanwhile, DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya for regional operations said that the SSF project is so far DTI’s best shot in assisting MSMEs. “Dati, ang DTI ‘laway’ lang.

Ngayon, eto na, mga industrialgrade na makinarya na ang naipamahagi”, Maglaya emphasized.

February 3 - 9, 2014

6

<<<DUREZA... from P/5

Unsolicited piexces of advice - Part 2 to P1 peso a year, an option that is now being mentioned. If you want to push the button further, a presidential veto will counter congress and restore the slashed budget. But then an over-ride vote by congress can also counter the president’s move. (Knowing the numbers now however, an over-ride vote is not going to happen.) But the fact is, the stand-off will be costly and politically messy – with the peace process unnecessarily suffering from collateral damage.  Congress as One -- I have been a congressman and I somehow have an idea what takes place when an incident like this happens. That resolution calling for Sec. Ging’s resignation is not binding. It is an expression of the sense of the House.

Some resolutions stay as they are: mere resolutions that stay for the record and then go to the archives.

Depending on the gravity of the matter, some resolutions however don’t just die in the archives. Corresponding congressional actions may follow through. A P1 peso budget slash is an example. I know how zealous congress members are in protecting the integrity of the House and its members when assailed especially by those who are not from within their ranks.

Members of congress can clash, fight with each other but when an “outsider” threatens it, they close rank. There are no party lines to speak of. We now know that the Deles resolution did not get a dissenting vote even from the president’s own allies in congress. Although I can surmise that the issue must be so emotional and that it was already early dawn that it breezed through

easily. I think the principal concern at that time was for the passage of the national budget. A move from the majority to derail the Deles resolution would have adversely affected the crucial vote on the national budget. For the majority, the Deles resolution was a sacrificial move.  Condescending? --I also know a little bit of Sec. Ging, the persona. We have worked together in the Arroyo cabinet. And if you all recall, I replaced her at OPAPP when she resigned with the Hyatt 10. For all her other possible faults, she is usually forthright, with a clear head, stubborn with her views and with an”NGO mentality”, if you know what that means.

Being peace adviser is not walk in the park. But I was not surprised when one of the first few appointments of the new president, she reclaimed back her resigned post – perhaps with a vengeance. I am not privy to what transpired between her and Cong. Althea Dimaporo but she was pictured as condescending, cocky and haughty to a neophyte congresswoman. And this triggered the Deles resolution.

The bottom line for us now is: let’s all help resolve the matter as quickly as possible. I will not be surprised if all initiatives in all levels in the peace process will remain in standstill or in limbo with the present stand-off not resolved. To wait for a 3-week cooling off period when congress resumes session is too long a wait for all of us. The period may even exacerbate the situation.

Oooops…. enough of my presumptuous, irreverent and unsolicited pieces of advice. Take it or leave it! Welcome 2014!|

Maglaya said that government agencies should collaborate for the sake of the MSMEs. “Pag magsama-sama, maraming magagawa”, Maglaya referring to the convergence of assistance of government agencies Department of Labor & Employment, Department of Science & Technology, Quezon Provincial Tourism Office, the Municipal Government of Candelaria through the Candelaria OTOP & PESO Office.

Maglaya added that due to mechanization made possible through the SSF, production could now be easier enabling producers to have more time to improve on product shelf life, value-adding and cost reduction that would further enhance them to compete in the market.

“Our inspiration to work are our beneficiaries”, Maglaya emphasized.| CHARLIE S. DAJAO

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Pahayagang BALIKAS / Jan. 27, Feb. 3 & 10, 2014

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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 Leo (Hul. 23 - Ago. 22) Laging ihanda ang sarili sa anumang magaganap ngayon. Maaaring galak at tuwa ang madarama sa mga magagandang pangyayari ngunit kung kabaliktaran ang mangyari lungkot at hinagpis naman ang daranasin.

Virgo (Ago 23 - Set. 23) - Pagtuunan ng pansin ang problema sa nakalipas upang madaling matamo ang tamang solusyon. Ang mga nagdaang tampuhan ay magkakaroon ng solusyon kung pagtutuunan ng pansin.

Magiging maluwag ang pinansyal sa araw na ito subalit dapat paghandaan ang bukas.

Libra (Set. 24 - Okt. 23) - Magandang balita dahil kusang darating ang hindi inaasahang solusyon sa taglay na problema at mapapawi ang tensyon. May panauhin na darating mula sa malayo na magdadala ng magandang balita na siyang magbibigay kagalakan sa iyong pamilya.

Scorpio (Okt. 24 - Nob. 22) - Masaganang araw upang isakatuparan ang binabalak sa paglipat ng bahay o pinapasukan. Kung nag-aapply ng trabaho, lakarin sa umaga at tiyak matatanggap kung naaayon sa kaalaman ang kailangan. Kung may business transaction, sa umaga ganapin dahil magiging palpak kung sa hapon o gabi gagawain.

Sagittarius (Nob. 23 - Dis. 21) -Magiging maaliwalas ang buong araw at tiyak na magiging maayos ang takbo ng lahat ayon sa gusto. Hahantong sa samaan nang loob at tampuhan ang pagpatol sa mangungulit na kaanak. Ang paglalasing o pagsusugal ay dapat iwasan upang malayo sa gulo.

Capricorn (Dis. 22 - Ene. 19) - Kung sa umaga kaligayahan ang iyong madarama malamang ito ay mapapalitan ng kalungkutan dahil sa masamang balitang matatanggap. Sikapin ang maging mahinahon sa pagharap ng suliranin at huwag maging emosyonal.

<<<PERSPECTIVE.. from P/4

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Aquarius (Ene. 20 - Peb. 18) - Magandang pagkakataon ang kusang lalapit at dapat huwag palampasin sa dahilang minsan lamang ito kakatok sa iyong pintuan. Magbibigay ng kaunlaran sa negosyo o hanapbuhay ang mungkahi ng isang kaibigan.

Naaayon ang paglagda sa anumang papeles o kontrata.

Pisces (Peb. 19 - Mar. 20) - Magandang balita dahil may mabubuong transaksyon na siyang makakapagpabago sa takbo ng iyong negosyo. W alang magiging dahilan upang mag-init ang iyong ulo. Magiging maligaya ang pag-ibig kung iiwasan ang usaping pera at pagseselos.

Aries (Mar. 21 - Abril 19) - Kung may makaka-away na tsismosa, masungit, o ‘di kaya madaldal huwag itong ipagtaka sapagkat salamin lamang ito ng sariling pagkatao. Makakabuting magbago ng masamang ugali upang dumaloy ang swerte sa iyong buhay. Magaganap ang malaking pagbabago kung maitutuwid ang maling landas na tinatahak.

Taurus (Abril 20 - Mayo 20) - Ang hinaharap na suliranin ay sarili lang ang may kagagawan kaya huwag isisi sa iba. W alang ibang dapat gawin kung hindi maging totoo sa sarili at tanggapin ang mga nagawang pagkakamali. Hahangaan ng kapwa kung magiging tapat ka sa iyong sarili at kapwa.

Gemini (Mayo 21 - Hun. 21) - Ito ang tamang panahon upang magbago ng ugaling mapagtanim ng sama ng loob at galit sa kapwa. Iwasan ang pag-uusap na makasisira sa buhay ng ibang tao, upang hindi masangkot sa gulo.

Cancer (Hun. 22 - Hul. 22) - Ipagpatuloy ang katangiang mapagmahal at maalalahanin na siyang nagbibigay ng harmonya sa pamilya at mga kaibigan. Asahan ngayon na walang magiging suliranin sa tahanan gayundin sa negosyo o hanapbuhay.

Why is there pessimism despite rosy economic growth figures?

An education is no longer a guarantee for employment. According to Ibon Foundation, seven out of ten unemployed completed at least high school, with one out of five having a college degree.

3. Poverty is worsening. The most recent official estimate of poverty, in 2012, reveals a 25.2% population poverty incidence with 23.7 million poor Filipinos and 19.7% family poverty incidence with 4.2 million poor families. According to Ibon Foundation, the number of poor families, as per government estimates, increased by 10.6% or 405,638 families between 2006 and 2012; the number of poor Filipinos increased by 4.9% or 1.1 million over the same period. Thus, neither the economic growth nor the P76.1 billion ($1.729 billion) spent on the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) – the Philippine version of conditional cash transfers (CCT) – between 2006 and 2012 made an impact on the worsening poverty situation.

The poverty situation could even be worse than what the government reports.

For one, the government uses a very low poverty threshold of P52 ($1.18) per person per day on average nationwide, meaning a person who earns P52 a day is not considered as poor and is supposed to afford the basics of food, clothing and shelter, not to mention transportation, health and education expenses. Ibon Foundation estimates that 60% of Filipinos or 56 million are struggling to survive on P100 ($2.27) or less a day, with another 10 million trying to survive on P125 ($2.84) a day.

Also, according to Ibon Foundation, the government changed the method of determining the poverty incidence three times: in 1992, 2003 and 2010. This reduced the number of those being considered as poor by 9.6 million in 1992, 4 million in 2003 and 5.3 million in 2010, for a total of 19 million people removed from official poverty estimates by mere statistical manipulation.

4. Ibon Foundation describes the country’s economic growth as “narrow and shallow” and mainly coming from real estate and the construction sectors.

Using NSCB data, Ibon Foundation identified the sectors that made major

contributions to the country’s growth: real estate, renting and other business activities – including business process outsourcing (BPO) – which accounted for 12 percent of GDP in the first three quarters of 2013, construction 5.3 percent, and the four real estate- and construction-related manufacturing subsectors such as chemicals for paints, wood, steel, among others 4.4 percent.

These sectors contributed a total of 21.7 percent of GDP. These sectors combined, according to Ibon Foundation, hardly contributed to employment, a mere 8%. “Employment in real estate only increased by 2,000 (or 1.2% growth, which is probably statistically insignificant), in construction by 131,000 (5.9% growth) and in manufacturing as a whole by 38,000 (or 1.2%).”

Moreover, these sectors are mainly concentrated in the the NCR, Central Luzon and Calabarzon regions. Added to this, these sectors hardly stimulate production in other sectors of the economy.

5. Wages remain low. While there were minimal mandated increases in wages, the real value of wages has been flat during the last decade. On the other hand, prices of basic goods and services,

especially rice and other food, oil, power and water rates have been constantly rising. The Aquino government declared that it would raise the fares of the MRT and LRT commuter train systems but backed out, fearing that this would result in more and bigger protests.

Ibon Foundation attributed the real estate and construction boom to the current “unprecedented low interest rates,” which was brought about by the measures being undertaken by capitalist countries to address the still unresolved world economic depression, and by increased government spending.

Nevertheless, the country remains backward and vulnerable to the shocks and shifts in the world economy because the Aquino government is pursuing the same failed neoliberal economic policies, which brought about the world economic crisis, in the first place, and have worsened the burden of majority of the population of the world, the Philippine included.

In the meantime, growth or no growth, boom or no boom, the quality of life of majority of Filipinos would continue to worsen, unless the people could push for real changes that would benefit them and not just a few.|

WWW.BULATLAT.COM

......................................................................................................... <<<TRANSPORT.. mula sa P/6

Most Passenger-friendly ferries and crews, kinilala ng Bureau of Quarantine 2Go Travel ang first place at Second Place naman ang M/V Maria Wynona ng Montenegro Shipping Lines.

Binigyan-din ng awards sina Rene Cagatan na nahirang na Chief Cook of the Year, Angelo Durian bilang Chief Steward of the Year at John Neil Punay RN bilang Ship Health Officer of the Year sa nurse category.

Ayon kay Shane Arrante, manager ng 2GO Travel, malaking karangalan ang iginawad sa kanila, aniya magiging inspirasyon ito upang lalo nilang pagbutihin at panatilihing malinis ang kanilang barko.

Ayon naman kay Dennies Berania ng Montenegro Shipping Lines, mas lalo pa nilang pagbubutuhin ang kalidad ng

7

February 3 - 9, 2014

kanilang serbisyo at sisiguraduhin na ang kanilang empleyado ay dadaan sa mga pagsasanay at medical checkup.

Sinabi naman ni Dr. Masikap de Castro, chief ng Human Quarantine Division Bureau of Quarantine, layunin nilang mapangalagaan ang mga pampasaherong pandagat at pang himpapawid sa masamang epektong idudulot ng transferrable diseases galing sa ibang lugar o bansa na makakaapekto sa ekonomiya at turismo.

Patuloy rin aniya ang kanilang monitoring o inspection sa mga passenger vessel at airplane upang masigurong ligtas ang mga pasahero.| LIZA PEREZ DE LOS REYES

Pinoy recipes. Lutuing Pinoy Ensaymada

SWEET soft bread, topped with melted butter and grated cheese. Made up of dough that is rolled and twisted into a coil, and baked until golden brown.

Ingredients: 4 Cups all purpose flour 3/4 Cup warm water 3/4 Cup evaporated milk 2 Teaspoon rapid rise yeast 1 Cup sugar 2 Teaspoon salt 1/3 Cup vegetable shortening 2 Large eggs Cooking Directions: Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in 3/4 cup of warm water. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, pour allpurpose flour, remaining sugar and salt.

Mix all dry ingredients until incorporated.

Add the dissolved yeast, eggs, evaporated milk and vegetable shortening.

Mix everything thoroughly, until well blended.

Knead until dough is smooth and elastic and shape into ball.

Transfer the dough in a greased bowl and cover with damp cloth and let rise again until double in size.

Punch dough and divide equally into 4 pieces, roll out each piece into a log.

Cut into small pieces and roll thinly into 4 X 2 inch rectangles.

Brush surfaces with butter and sprinkle with sugar. Roll into long rods and twirl into shape.

Place each piece in a ensaymada muffin moulder.

Let it rise until doubles in size.

Bake at 350 F for about 10 to 15 minute or until light golden brown.

Cool and brush with melted butter. Top with grated cheese.

Cooking Tips : In resting the dough, always cover with damp cloth to avoid dryness.

Sprinkle sugar before adding grated cheese.

Butter and margarine are substitute for vegetable shortening.|

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PAHALANG PABABA 1 Punit 1 Burol 6 Pigtas 2 Lugar sa Cavite 11 Bukang liwayway 3 Hectare: daglat 12 Gunita 4 Una sa oras 13 ___ Niña 5 Kasuyo 14 Mr. Taulava 6 Political Analyst 16 Bigay 7 Layo 17 Anak ni Vic 8 Los Angeles 19 Gusto 9 Kandili 21 Georgia: daglat 10 Sadsad 22 Tabil 15 Walang katulad 24 Simbolo ng silver 18 Tula 25 Anunsyo 20 Inam 26 Tatay 23 Sabaw ng sinaing 28 Katutubo sa Zambales 27 Ms. Capri 31 Tatak ng printer 29 Tetchie Agbayani 33 Simbolo ng nickel 30 Altitude: daglat 35 Instrumentong musikal 31 Awa 38 Artistang tantay 32 Numero ng sasakyan 39 Lapnos 34 Solo 41 Tunog ng makinilya 36 Sa anong paraan 42 Marahil 37 Pagpatong ng kamay sa 44 Artistang Mina balikat ng ibang tao 46 Tipo ng dugo 39 Hataw 47 Haka-haka 40 Panahon 49 Sangkap sa tinapay 43 Kapitan: daglat 51 Pugal 45 Yaman 52 Ihip ng hangin 48 Arts and Sciences 50 Imelda Marcos

>>Front Page

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

Ronalina B. Lontoc, Special Project Editor

F.E.S.T.

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

February 3 - 9, 2014

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PPI, Coke sign MOA for media awards THE Philippine Press Institute (PPI), also known as the national association of newspapers and CocaCola Far East Limited (CCFEL) have recently formalized partnership for the conduct of the Institute’s 2014 National Press Forum and Civic Journalism Community Press Awards on May 1 and 2.

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement

by Coke's Public Affairs and Communications Director Atty. Adel Tamano and PPI's ChairmanPresident Atty. Jesus Dureza, was witnessed by

other members of the PPI Board namely, Vice-President and Trustee for the Visayas Ruevivar Reyes, Corporate Secretary and Trustee for Luzon May Anne Cacdac, and Executive Director Ariel Sebellino.

Also present during the Board Meeting after the singing ceremony were Atty. Raul Pangalangan of Philippine Dailyy Inquirer, Joel Palacios of Manila Standard Today, Bernadette Tamayo of Journal Group, and Arnold Belleza of BusinessWorld. Latest addition to the awards program is a special category called Coke Bayanihan Award for Best Reporting on Disasters.|

HINIRANG na Cleanest Passenger Vessel 2013 para sa Big Ferry (Gross Tonnage na 250-9999MT) ang M/V Maria Zenaida ng Montenegro Shipping Lines.|

Most Passenger-friendly ferries and crews, kinilala ng Bureau of Quarantine

MOVING FORWARD FOR COMMUNITY PRESS. Coca-Cola Far East Limited’s Atty. Adel Tamayo and PPI Chairman Jedss Dureza presented the signed Memorandum of Agreement for the hosting of 2014 National Press Forum and Civic Journalism Awards, as other PPI officers look on.| PPI PHOTO

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408 bags ng dugo, nakalap sa Blood Olympics LIPA City — Umabot sa 408 bag ng dugo ang nakalap sa isinagawang Blood Olympics ng Batangas Provincial Blood Council kamakailan.

Maraming mga indibidwal at iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, paaralan, opisyal ng barangay, non-government organizations (NGOs), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at pribadong

kumpanya ang lumahok.

Layon ng naturang aktibidad na makakalap ng dugo para sa pangangailangan ng mga maysakit partikular sa lalawigan ng Batangas.

Ang mga dugong nakalap ay inilagak sa blood bank ng Batangas Medical Center (BMC) upang masiguro na maiipagkaloob ito sa mga higit na nangangailangan upang makapagdugtong ng buhay.

Nakibahagi din sa aktibidad sina Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Mayor Meynard Sabili at miyembro ng Sangguniang Panglunsod ng Lipa na nagkaloob din ng kanilang dugo.

Ayon sa Provincial Blood Council, palagiang in-demand ang iba’t ibang uri ng dugo lalo na sa mga maysakit kung kaya’t nagsasagawa sila ng ganitong programa katuwang ang Provincial Health Office at BMC.| PIA Batangas

Greetings from: Family and Friends

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.

KINILALA’T BINIGYANG parangal Bureau of Quarantine sa Batangas ang mga pinakamalinis na pampasaherong barko na dumadaong sa Port of Batangas, Enero 23, sa Teachers Conference Center.

Pangunahing mandato ng Bureau of Quarantine ang seguridad at kaligtasan ng mga pasahero kung kayat ang kanilang tanggapan, Human Quarantine Division, ang naatasang mag-inspection sa mga incoming at outgoing sea vessels at aircraft sa mga international at local ports at airports sa bansa.

Layunin nito na mabigyan ng mataas na kalidad at magandang serbisyo ang mga pasaherong sumasakay sa sasakyang pandagat o panghimpapawid.

Ayon kay Dr. Edgardo C. Sabitsana, Director IV ng Bureau of

Quarantine, natutuwa sila dahil sa pagtalima ng mga shipping lines na maging malinis, kaaya-aya at ligtas ang mga pagkaing isini-serve sa mga pasahero, at tiyak ang pagiging physically fit ng mga tripulante nito.

Hinirang na Cleanest Passenger Vessel 2013 para sa Big Ferry na may Gross Tonnage na 2509999MT ang M/V Maria Zenaida ng Montenegro Shipping Lines at 2nd place naman ang M/V Grand Unity ng Navios Shipping Lines Inc. Para sa Fast Craft or Jet Propeller Powered, First Place ang M/V St. Sealthiel at Second Place ang M/ V St. Uriel ng 2Go Travel.

Sa Passenger-Cargo na may Gross Tonnage na 1000-9999 MT, nahirang na First Place ang nakuha ng M/V St. Ignatius of Loyola ng

>>>TRANSPORT... sundan sa P/7 .............................................................................................

Sto. Tomas cops conduct feeding program for malnourished children in villages SANTO TOMAS, Batangas –- Old folks and quite a number of new generation parents and adults still employ threatening methods to brats, spoiled children and rowdy toddlers with the mere mention of cops to scare them if they don’t quit their bad behaviour or halt their tantrums.

But this practice is no longer tolerated in the police ranks as they counsel parents, guardians and adults because this method traumatizes kids and views men in uniform as “monsters” than their otherwise peacekeepers and law enforcer images.

Santo Tomas, Batangas cops had their way of instilling moral and health values among village children here when they recently hosted feeding programs in Barangay Poblacion 3 in this town.

The town’s chief of police Supt.

Barnard “Danny” Dasugo said they are into promoting core values and

more importantly embark on their meal project for children in a bid to decrease malnutrition cases.

Poblacion 3 Barangay Chair Victor Bathanthanked the Santo Tomas police for their health and nutrition program for the barangay children.

Bathan also said cops have eased the burdens among the poor parents of the malnourished kids who do not even have the means to give the right sustenance to their children.

The indigent families here expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the Santo Tomas municipal police station for their initiative.

The feeding program is a yearly undertaking of the town police leadership which conducted the activities in various barangays reportedly with malnutrition and under-nutrition cases. (PNA)

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

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