The MIMAROPA Sunrise

Maniwaya Island, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque/NVMRacelis

Beach Volleyball at Ulong Bay Beach Resort, Mogpog, Marinduque / RGLancion

By Eli J. Obligacion

Found this tarp in Brgy. Mainit at the outskirts of Boac. It shows that the Municipal Government of Boac was recently adjudged winner as Most Outstanding LGU in the MIMAROPA Region in the implementation of Orally Fit Children Program of the Department of Health (DOH). Brgy. Mainit, on the other hand, won as Best Barangay in the Region for its efforts in implementing the program in the barangay level.

DOH has reported that oral disease continues to be a serious public health concern in the country. The prevalence of dental caries on permanent teeth has apparently remained above 90% throughout the years. This means that about 92.4% of Filipinos have tooth decay and 78% have gum diseases that affect every Filipino at one point or another in his or her lifetime.

Visit: www.marinduquegov. blogspot.com

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The MIMAROPA SUNRISE/ April 02-08, 2013

Ay...Marinduque Ni: NOEL V. MAGTURO

Life is so simple as it can be compared to nature. Awesome, full of inspirations at higit sa lahat, sagana sa likas na biyayang handog ng Lumikha para sa ating lahat.

Kung atin lang lilimiing mabuti lalo na sa ating pag-iisa at kapiling natin alin mang kalikasan tulad ng dalampasigan, kabukiran, kabundukan, ilog, lawa , kagubatan at ang kagandahan ng kalangitan sa gabing tahimik ( na ang pumupukaw sa ating kamalayan ay ang kislap ng nagni ningning na mga bituin at mabilis na pagguhit sa kalawakan ng mga shooting stars) I guess you will agree with me, that if we really want peace of mind– ito’y tuwiran nating makakamtan kung mapagtutuunan lang natin nang pansin ang alin mang uri ng kalikasang nabanggit.

Kung baga, ang ating buhay ay payak, matahimik at puno nang pag-asa kaya lang, hindi natin maiiwasan ang anumang tawag ng problemang pang-pinansiyal, pangkalusugan at iba pang maiaagapay natin dito.

Kadalasan, karamihan sa ating mga nilikha ang mismomg pinagmumulan ng mga simpleng suliranin na dulot ng kasakiman, panglalamang sa kapwa o ugaling makasarili, na kapag hindi nabigayan ng kalutasan ay humahantong sa mas higit pang mas malaking suliranin na nagsisilbing salot na lumulukob sa ating pagkatao.

Saan mang dako ng mundo, totoong hindi maiiwasan ang kahariang dulot ng pangdarahop at kawalan nang sapat na suporta sa mga mamamayan buhat sa pamaahalaang kinauukulan.

Ang ating bansa ay hindi naiipwersa sa usaping ito kaya, tayong mga maliliit na mamamayan ay totoo at patuloy na nasasadlak sa higit pang kahirapan nang buhay.

Somehow, it does mean that it is already the end of our road. Kung tutuusin, ang landas na ating maaring tahakin ay nasa kabila lang ng mga balakid na ating nadadaanan o nasasalunga sa patuloy nating paglalakbay sa dako pa roon ng buhay.

We are much concerned sa ating probinsyang kayganda bagamat ito’y naiituturing na isang isla.

Marinduque is like a pearl in our archipelago composed of more than 7,100 islands and we, Marinduquenos are very keen in protecting and / or safeguarding its welfare.

And this is the ultimate reason why we ought to discuss this subject matter here in The MIMAROPA SUNRISE Weekly Newsmagazine (website: www.journalistmarinduque.multiply.com and http://

What do we think are the best things we could do and cooperate in support of “BUILDING MARINDUQUE’S TOMORROW,TODAY”?

Kung meron man kayong mga mabubuting topics na inaakala ninyong makakapag-contribute para sa higit pang ikabubuti at ikauulnad ng ating mahal na probinsiya, I think this is the right and appropriate time upang ito’y ating mapagusapan sa pamammagitan ng The MIMAROPA SUNRISE Weekly Newsmgazine.

We welcome your good ideas and –please lang– huwag nating haluan ng hindi karapat-dapat o hindi angkop na lengguwahe, intuition o kaisipan ang mabubuting hangarin ng iba nating mga concerned na kababayan( Marinduquenos) na makatulong sa pagpapaunlad ng ating mga kanayunan, mga pamayanan at probinsiya in particular.

Let’s be all responsible people in dealing on how we could help, contribute for the benefits of our people and welfare of our province as a whole.

Let’s join hands and establish further camaraderie and cooperation alang-alang sa ating mahal na probinsiya at huwag nating sayangin ang ating mahalagang panahon at pagkakataon sa pamamagitan ng pag-iwas sa mga walang kabuluhang topics na maaaring makasagabal sa tunay na hangarin sa pagtatag ng The MIMAROPA SUNRISE Weekly Community Regional Newsmagazine.

We, Marinduquenos are considered very responsible and respectable people. As such, we should set ourselves a good example or models for others to follow. The MIMAROPA SUNRISE Weekly Newsmagazine aims for achieving prosperity and good life for all Marinduquenos. Let’s come forward and share our good views and ideas for the upliftment of our values and objectives in life.

issuu.com/themimaropasunrise).

IBOTO!!!

Unahin po natin sa Balota!

para KONSEHAL

Boac, Marinduque Donated by Friends of Buhain

Volume X

No. 23

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Conduct of 2013 Regional Inventions Contest and Exhibits (RICE)

Zoological Park sa Calapan, bukas na sa publiko Ni Luis T. Cueto LUNGSOD NG CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro, (PIA) - Bukas na sa publiko ang Calapan Recreational and Zoological Park na matatagpuan sa Barangay Bulusan, lungsod ng Calapan.

May layong humigit-kumulang sa tatlong kilometro mula sa Calapan City Public Market, tiyak na darayuhin na rin ang nasabing lugar at magiging kahanay ng mga tourist destination ng Oriental Mindoro.

Pormal itong binuksan sa pangunguna nina City Mayor Salvador Leachon at City Vice Mayor Jojo Perez kasama ang iba pang opisyal ng lungsod at mga hepe ng iba’t ibang departamento ng pamahalaang panlungsod.

Mula sa pagiging Bulusan Park, malaki na ang ipinagbago nito dahil naging mas maluwang at sumigla ang kapaligiran sa iba’t ibang hayop na matatagpuan dito tulad ng mga natatanging ibon kabilang ang African Gay Parrot, ang Cockatoo, Philippine Hank Eagle at ang Black Eared Kite. Mayroon din ditong mga unggoy, kabayo, ostrich, at ang mga tigre na pinangalanang Carlo and Carla. Ang dinarayo sa Picnic Grove ng Tagaytay na zipine ay mayroon na rin ngayon sa Calapan Recreational and Zoological Park.

Naaangkop ang naturang zoological park sa mga nature lover at mga nais mag-relax, gayundin sa pagbabonding ng pamilya, kaya inaasahang darayuhin ang lugar bilang isa na ngayong tourist destination sa lalawigan.

(CPRSD/LBR/LTC/PIA4B)

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The Department of Science and Technology is inviting you to join the 2013 REGIONAL INVENTIONS CONTEST AND EXHIBITS (RICE) to be held at Waltermart Tanauan, Batangas (tentative venue) on June 17-21, 2013. The regional contest will serve as the qualifying round for the National Inventions Contest which is slated in July 2014.

The contest has six categories: 1. Invention Category (Tuklas Award); 2. Utility Model Category; 3. Industrial Design Category; 4. Creative Research Category (Likha Award); 5. Student Creative Research Category (Sibol Award) for High School; and 6. Student Creative Research Category (Sibol Award) for College

Only one entry from an individual/institution will be accepted per category however, for universities/colleges involved in research or with many campuses, a maximum of three entries will be accepted. Duly accomplished and notarized forms must be submitted to our Provincial S&T Centers (PSTC) not later than APRIL 30, 2013 or DOST IV-A office not later than MAY 3, 2013. The PRELIMINARY SCREENING is scheduled on the second week of May 2013.

One qualifier per category will receive a cash prize and certificate of recognition during the Awarding and Closing Ceremonies and will serve as finalist for the National Inventions Contest.

Entry forms, guidelines and directory of Provincial S & T Centers can be downloaded (HERE) For inquiries, please contact Ms. Naji Piamonte ( najipiamonte@yahoo.com) or Ms. Myrna Servañez ( myrnaservanez@yahoo.com) at (049) 536-5013/4997.

The MIMAROPA SUNRISE/ April 02-08, 2013

Delegado ng Palawan dumalo Land Resources Assessment and Fertility Mapping, isinasagawa sa Palawan Ni Orlan C. Jabagat PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, (PIA) -- Isinasagawa sa buong lalawigan ang "Land Resources Assessment and Fertility Mapping" na i t i na t a g uyo d ng p a ma ha l aa ng panlalawigan.

Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) at Department of Agriculture Region IVB (DA-4B) sa pakikipagtulungan ng Bureau of Soils and Water Management.

Layunin ng assessment & fertility mapping na matulungan ang mga magsasaka na pumili ng kanilang itatanim na naangkop sa uri ng lupa na mayroon sa kanilang lugar. Sa pamamagitan nito ay mas makakatiyak ang mga magsasaka ng mas mataas na produksiyon o ani sa kanilang pananim.

Ayon kay Provincial Agriculturist Engr.

Teresita Guian, kasalukuyang nasa bayan ng Sofronio Espanola ang grupo na nagsasagawa ng assessment & fertility mapping upang pagaralan ang mga lupain ng naturang bayan.

Aniya, natapos na ng grupo ang mga bayan ng Calamianes area, Aborlan at ang lungsod ng Puerto Princesa. Inaasahang matatapos ang pagtatasa ng lupa sa lahat ng munisipyo sa Hunyo. (LBR/PIO/OCJ-PIA4B Palawan)

French Navy ship FS Vendemiaire arrives in Puerto Princesa for goodwill visit

By Orlan C. Jabagat PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, (PIA) - The French Navy ship FS Vendemiaire arrived in Puerto Princesa on April 1 as part of its twoday goodwill visit to Palawan.

The vessel’s 92-strong crew including officers headed by its captain Commander Joffrey Gerry FN were received by the Western Command Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Elmer Amon.

CDR Gerry said there won’t be any exercises during their visit. Goodwill visits, Gerry said, is one way for the Navy to learn the culture, expertise and capabilities of the French Navy.

Personnel from the Naval Forces West, the Philippine Navy unit in Palawan will also have a chance to familiarize themselves with French’ weaponry, machineries and other capabilities of their ship.

The French vessel’s visit marks its first in Palawan. It visited Manila in 2009 and Cebu in 2012.

FS Vendemiaire is a light monitoring frigate or warship of the French Marine Nationale. It has missiles, guns, a turret and a helicopter.

They are docked at the Naval tidepole pier in Puerto Princesa. (LBR/CRG/OCJ/PIA4B)

Volume X

No. 23

sa 14th Regional Cooperative Congress Ni Orlan C. Jabagat PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, (PIA) -- 41 mga opisyales at miyembro ng iba’t ibang kooperatiba sa lalawigan ang dumalo sa 14th Regional Cooperative Congress na isinagawa kamakailan sa Batangas Convention Center sa lungsod ng Batangas.

Ang aktibidad ay may temang “Kooperatiba at Kasapi ang may Kumikitang Kabuhayan ng Timog Katagalugan.”

Layunin ng taunang cooperative congress ang maitaas ang kaalaman at kakayahan ng mga kooperatiba sa pamamahala ng kanilang mga negosyo para sa patuloy nitong paglago.

Ayon kay Provincial Cooperative Development Officer Victoria Ladica na siya ring nanguna sa delegasyon ng Palawan, naging makabuluhan ang partisipasyon ng mga kooperatiba sa naturang pagtitipon dahil na rin sa magagandang paksa na inilahad ng mga naanyayahang tagapagsalita mula sa sektor ng kalakalan.

Ang mga paksang tinalakay sa pagtitipon ay kinabibilangan ng Orientation on Intellectual Property, Electronic Banking, Modern Financial Services, Microinsurance Advocacy patungo sa Pambansang Programa sa Kabuhayan, Wholesale & Retail Lending Program at iba pa. Nagbigay naman ng mensahe dito si Chairperson Emmanuel M. Santiaguel ng Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

Napag-alaman din kay Ladica na nakatakda ring isagawa ang Regional Cooperative Congress dito sa lalawigan sa taong 2016. (LBR/PIO/OCJ-PIA4B Palawan)

Experts assessing reef damage at Tubbataha

By Victoria Asuncion S. Mendoza PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, (PIA) -- A joint assessment team of marine scientists and a representative of the United States navy is now at the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) to measure the damage caused by the grounding of the USS Guardian.

The Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board (TPAMB) through the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) is leading the joint assessment with the help of experts it tapped from other institutions.

Helping in the task are experts and scientists from the Department of Science and Technology, University of the Philippines- Marine Science Institute, World Wildlife Fund Phils., and the Phil. Coast Guard.

The team will conduct the assessment for two days, staring today. Results of the study, including cost of actual damage to the reef, are expected to be released by the end of the week.

Glenda Simon, TMO Communications Officer, said that two assessment trips will be conducted to determine the actual impact of the grounding of the navy ship. The first is the ongoing initial inspection and assessment to be followed by an in-depth assessment of the reefs on April 8.

She said that initial statements of findings of the ongoing assessment will be released after the conference of the TPAMB on Friday, and a detailed scientific assessments of the in-depth inspection to be reported in the coming months.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard led by Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena is flying to Sasebo, Japan this week to attend a maritime investigation by the US Navy on the grounding of the USS Guardian in Tubbataha on January 17.

The Philippine Coast Guard under the Dept. of Transportation and Communications led Operation Tubbataha including the salvage operation which ended last Saturday. (LBR/VSM/PIA-Palawan)

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PANAWAGAN DOLE at SPES ng Marinduque, magkalaloob ng summer Jobs sa mga kabataan Ni Mayda Lagran BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) -- Ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Marinduque ay magpapapatuloy sa nakagawiang pagbibigay ng trabaho sa mga mag-aaral tuwing summer vacation.

Bawat munisipyo ay mayroong summer jobs na iginagawad ng Special Project for Employment of Students (SPES). Ang Buenavista ay may 50 estudyante; ang Gasan ay may 28; ang Boac ay may 100; ang Mogpog ay may 25; ang Sta. Cruz ay may 37 at ang Torrijjos ay may 22. Ang mga aplikante ay dapat na mula sa Mataas na Paaralan (high school) o kolehiyo, at may edad 15 – 25.

Bagamat ang tulong sa pagbibigay ng trabaho ay buong taong isinasagawa ng SPES, ang mga trabaho ngayong bakasyon ay magsisimula ngayong Abril para sa 21 araw hanggang 52 araw ng trabaho sa mga estudyanteng nakabakasyon. Ang sahod ay maaaring mula P180-P200 kada araw, depende sa pondo ng munisipyo, ayon kay DOLE-Marinduque officer-in-charge Luigi Evangelista.

Ang mga kailangang isumite ng isang aplikante ay ang birth certificate, school and indigency certificates. Kinakailangan ang mga ito upang masigurado na ang mga natutulungan ay ang sadyang walang kapasidad makapag-aral o makapagbayad ng matrikula ngunit may mga kapasidad matuto at maging tagumpay na mamayan ng ating komunidad at ng bansa.

Taon-taon ay nagbibigay ng ganitong oportunidad ang tanggapan upang masiguradong matutustusan ang mga SPES scholars hanggang sa kanilang pagtatapos. Noong mga nakaraang taon, ang naturang programa ay naging matagumpay at nakatulong sa napakaraming mag-aaral pati na kanikanilang mga magulang at pamilya. (LBR/MNLPIA4B Marinduque)

Panawagan sa magulang ng batang iniwan sa pangangalaga ng Social Welfare Office, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, noon pang December 2012 na makipag-ugnayan kay JOSE A. RECELLA Social Welfare Officer III; CP# 0917-579-3086

LOTS for SALE in BOAC (Commercial/Residential/Agricultural/Beach) Call 09196653894/09235941599 or send your private message via facebook emailaccount: ruzzjanli@gmail.com (Direct buyer/s only) HULING NUMERO SA BALOTA Donated by friends

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The MIMAROPA SUNRISE/ April 02-08, 2013

Bagong Municipal Health Dentist, itinalaga sa bayan ng San Fernando

By Dinnes Manzo

SAN FERNANDO, Romblon, (PIA) - Sa halos tatlong taon na pagkakabakante ng posisyon ng Municipal Health Dentist, sa wakas ay itinalaga si Dr. Fermin M. Renion ng alkalde ng San Fernando, Romblon na manilbihang dentista sa kanyang mga kababayan.

Ang inisyatibong pang-ehekutibo ay ginawa ni Mayor Dindo C. Rios upang punuan ang nabakanteng posisyon na iniwan ni Dra. Remedios M. Pascual noong 2011 na nagresign upang sumunod at manirahan kasama ang kanyang mister sa bansang Canada.

Pangunahing layunin ng naturang hakbang ay upang mabigyan ng dekalidad na serbisyo ang mga kababayan.

Ang dental clinic o tanggapan ni Dr. Renion ay matatagpuan sa ikalawang palapag ng bago at pinakamalaking Rural Health Center sa buong lalawigan ng Romblon na nakatayo sa Brgy. Poblacion, San Fernando.

Si Dr. Renion na beterano sa larangan ng dental medicine ay nahirang nga na Municipal Health Dentist kamakailan. Siya ay School Dentist ng dating Romblon National Vocational School (RNVS), na ngayon ay RSU satellite campus. Noong Oktubre 1, 1988 nalipat siya sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dental service hanggang sa kanyang pagretiro noong 2009 angkin ang ranggong Lt. Colonel.

Dahil sa kanyang kadakilaan at katapatan sa serbisyo bilang dentista, siya ay naging multi-awarded officer ng Pambansang Tanggulan ng Pilipinas.

Bunsod ng magandang pamamalakad ng gobyerno at maalwang liderato ni Mayor Rios, ang klinika ni Dr. Renion ay puno ng modernong kagamitan, may makabagong machine, ultrasonic dental scaler at sangkap ng mga gamot pang-dentist. Maliban sa air- conditioned clinic ay malinis, laging handa at libreng serbisyo ang alay ni Dr. Renion para sa mamamayan.

Sa unang mga buwan ng panunungkulan ay nagawa nang suyurin ni Rios ang mga barangay na sakop ng San Fernando, Romblon. Bunsod ng matuwid na serbisyo, inaasahan na magiging epektibong kawani ni Mayor Rios si Dr. Renion bilang katuwang sa pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng mga kababayan. (LBR/SRR/DM/PIA4B)

DTI muling nagbabala hinggil sa mga pekeng ICC stickers Ni Voltaire Dequina SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro, (PIA) -- Muling nagbigay babala kamakailan ang Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) hinggil sa pagbebenta, pagbili o paggamit ng mga motorcycle helmets na may pekeng Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker.

Ayon sa kagawaran, patuloy ang pagbisita nila sa mga tindahan sa buong lalawigan upang masiguro na walang magbebenta ng mga helmet na may mababang kalidad at may pekeng ICC sticker.

Base sa Republic Act. (R.A.) 4109, R.A. 10054, DTI DAO 02:2007, DTI DAO 05:2008, labag sa batas ang pagbebenta ng motorcycle helmet na wala o may pekeng PS mark o ICC sticker. May parusang multa na hanggang P300,000; cease and desist order; at posibleng pagbawi ng Philippine Standards (PS) license o ICC certificate sa manufacturer o importer na mahuhuling susuway. Maaari ding sampahan ng kasong kriminal ang retailer, manufacturer at importer.

Ang pagkakahuli sa UNITOP General Merchandise ng Dumaguete at Malabon City na nagbebenta ng mga motorcycle helmets na may pekeng ICC ang nagbunsod sa DTI upang muling manawagan at pag-ibayuhin ang kampanya sa lalawigan. (LBR/VND-PIA 4B Occ Min)

Volume X

No. 23

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The MIMAROPA SUNRISE/ April 02-08, 2013

Palmones appointed honorary midwife By: Vicky Bartilet Puerto Princesa- The Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives Inc. (PLGPMI) appointed today AGHAM Party-List Rep. Angelo B. Palmones as honorary midwife for life through a resolution approved by its Board of Directors. The resolution was presented to the members attending the14th National Assembly of Midwives, April 03-06, 2013 in this City.

The Resolution stated the League is proud to be represented

by Cong. Palmones as a fellow midwife, and consider him as one of the most dedicated and outstanding midwife in the country. The League recognizes his continuing support to the advocacies and guiding principle of the midwifery profession. His dedication and commitment boosts their morale and serves as an inspiration for the members to strive for excellence in their field.

Meanwhile, Cong. Palmones in addressing the assembly said the annual event is an avenue to strengthen the skills and competencies of PLGPMI members to contribute optimally to the reduction of maternal and newborn mortality. He commended the PLGPMI for its continuing commitment to provide midwives with a strong unified voice and active representation of the League to other healthrelated organizations in making policy decisions that impact on the practice and regulations affecting women’s health, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. He said with strong midwifery services, the health of women and newborns tends to be better.

“Let us therefore work together to ensure that midwives are well-supported and well-rewarded for their contribution, and that their work is facilitated by an enabling environment. Everyone involved, especially the government, must appreciate the value of a strong midwifery service,” Palmones added.

Donated by friends AGHAM Partylist

AGHAM Advisory We now have available AGHAM car stickers for private vehicles. Leave a comment or a message on AGHAM’s page if you are interested in getting one. Thank you!

Volume X

No. 23

E N V I R O N M E N TA L JOURNALISTS ELECT NEW OFFICERS By: Henrylito Tacio

A mult i-a war ded environmental journalist has been chosen as the new president of the Philippine Environmental Journalists, Inc. Imelda V. Abano was elected during the general assembly held at the Astoria Plaza in Ortigas Business District, Pasig City.

Abano is an environImelda V. Abano mental journalist for 12 years now. She is the first Filipino to receive the Developing Asia Journalist of the Year Award, given by the Asian Development Bank Institute in 2009 for her climate change stories.

She is also the Asian Winner of the Global Awards on Environmental Reporting by Reuters and IUCN in Washington DC in 2002.

Elected vice-president was Alex Rey Pal. A veteran journalist, he has been in the media industry for 28 years now.

Among his many awards are Excellence in Environmental Reporting given in 1999 by the Asian Development Bank and the Asia Pacific Federation of Environmental Journalists and the Exemplary Environmental Stewardship Award given by the Save Tanong Strait Citizens’ Movement in 2008. He is the Editor- in- Chief of the Dumaguete-based “The MetroPost.”

Henrylito Tacio was elected as the secretary. Based from Davao, he specializes in writing science feature stories such as in medicine, agriculture, environment, and technology. He has received several national and international journalism awards, including the Hall of Fame in Science Reporting from the Philippine Press Institute and the Journalist of the Year Award from the Rotary Club of Manila, both awards in 1999.

Chosen treasurer was Delmar Cariño, who is a lawyer by profession but also works as journalist. Based in Baguio City, he has been writing about the environment, agriculture and culture of the Cordillera peoples and places for many years now.

The new board of trustees were Edgardo V. Espiritu, a photojournalist from Baguio City; Rhadyz Barcia, a photojournalist from Bicol region; Jun Aguirre, a journalist from Aklan and Marilou Guieb, a journalist writing for Business Mirror.

PNEJ is a non-governmental, non-profit and non-partisan media group. With the support from the U.S.-based Internews’ Earth Journalism Network, PNEJ was launched in Manila on June 5, 2010 (World Environment Day) to empower and enable journalists to improve the quality, accuracy, and intensity of environmental reporting in the Philippines. – ###

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for inquiries, txt or call 09155410875 Brgy. Capayang, Mogpog, Marinduque

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The MIMAROPA SUNRISE/ April 02-08, 2013

PPA suspends collection of compulsory passenger insurance MANILA, (PIA) -- After the Holy Week rush, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) further reiterated its call barring private insurance firms from selling additional cover for passengers inside PPA port premises.

To ensure proper implementation, PPA General Manager Juan C. Sta. Ana already empowered its port district managers, port managers and terminal managers to take additional steps to ensure that such will not be sold inside PPA premises, particularly inside the Passenger Terminal Buildings, to prevent arbitrary expense for the riding public.

It maybe recalled that during the exodus of passengers taking advantage of the Lenten Break, PPA received a barrage of complaints from the public about the mandatory payment of additional insurance cover from private insurance firms on top of their usual insurance cover provided by law.

Two years ago, PPA already ruled that no other fees or charges shall be collected at the port of discharge or embarkation aside from the terminal fees being collected by the PPA. PPA, meanwhile, is not selling additional insurance coverage. The Insurance Commission and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) are the government agencies empowered to determine and impose maritime insurance cover for vessels and passengers.

“We have been receiving alarming reports that there are still insurance companies at PPA ports that are collecting travel insurance fees from passengers, making it appear that these fees are mandatory, thus, deceiving the public,” Sta. Ana said.

“I reiterate my earlier order to all port district managers, port managers and terminal managers not to tolerate or stop anybody from collecting the insurance cover at all times,” Sta. Ana said.

The Marina, on the other hand, requires shipowners/operators to provide valid and adequate insurance coverage for passengers in the amount of P200,000.00 per passenger.

Under the rules, in case of maritime accidents/ incidents resulting to death of passenger/s and the shipowner/operator failed to provide valid and adequate insurance as required by Sec. 1.1, Rule IX of the IRR of RA 9295, such passengers shall be deemed self – insured by theshipowner/operator for the same amount of P200,000/passenger and the same shall be settled or paid within a period of five days.

In case of missing passengers, the amount of P200,000 shall be paid within one (1) year from the incident but subject to the proofs provided under the rules. \ Like the PPA, Marina also prohibits the mandatory sale of additional insurance policy to passengers prior to boarding.

“We therefore advise all passengers that PPA does not require such mandatory insurance other than that provided by Marina circulars at all times and they can enter any of our terminals and board vessels without buying such additional insurance,” Sta. Ana added.

(Bong Paringit/PPA/LBR/PIA4B)

Maj. Gen. Rustico O. Guerrero, new WESCOM chief

By Orlan C. Jabagat PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, (PIA) -- Maj. Gen. Rustico O Guerrero AFP, formally replaced Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban AFP as the Western Command (WESCOM) Commander in a simple Change of Command Ceremony recently presided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista AFP at the WESCOM parade ground.

The new WESCOM chief assures it will double military efforts in Palawan to help achieve its mission in the province. He said he will continue to focus on the three major aspects of developmental support for the province: that of ensuring territorial integrity of the areas under the command's jurisdiction, enhancing disaster response management and strengthening partnerships with the civil groups.

Guerrero also said he is not daunted by the challenges posed by limited resources that WESCOM has at its disposal because he believes the men and women of the different units under the Unified Command can augment its lack of physical assets.

The marine officer, however, said that “the cooperation of the local community is an essential factor in ensuring the success of the military's mission.”

He appeals to the public to observe the spirit of "Bayanihan" or communal volunteerism that is the core of the military's Internal Peace and Security Plan.

Guerrero previously served as Commanding Officer of the 1st Marine Brigade and as Superintendent of the Marine Corps Training Center. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1981.

He finished his Masters of Military Study and Command and Staff College in Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, USA; took up Foreign Officers Tactical Intelligence Course in Queensland, Australia, and tactical, operational and strategic command courses in various military institutions in the country.

Prior to his assumption as Commandant on August 24, 2010, he was the Commander of the Joint Task Force Comet for almost one year in Sulu. (LBR/6CRG/ OCJ/PIA4B)

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Greetings from:

VOTE

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The MIMAROPA SUNRISE/ April 02-08, 2013