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MARINDUQUE: A PRIME TOURIST DESTINATION Formerly Pacific MONITOR NEWSMAGAZINE
VOL. 9 NO.44
AUG. 28 - SEPT. 3 2012 marinduquegov.blogspot.com
By: Joan G. Salise
—page 3
by: TONY MONTERAS Romblon:
By Dinnes Manzo page 5
—page 8
Palawan:
Mindoro:
By Victoria Ascuncion S. Mendoza
By Luis Cueto Page 6
page 6
Courtesy of:
By: Eli J. Obligacion By Mayda Lagran
—page 4
see page 2
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AUG. 28– SEPT. 3, 2012
By: Eli Obligacion "When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men living together in society, they create for themselves, in the course of time, a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that glorifies it." - Frédéric Bastiat (1801-1850) In May 2012, for the proposed improvement of the road network infrastructure development project in the province of Marinduque, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), authorized Gov. Carmencita O. Reyes to negotiate a loan agreement with the DBP. Two months later, in July 2012, the SP amended the said resolution to include the authority to negotiate not only with DBP but “with any government or private financial institution” not only for road network infrastructure development projects this time but also, for “other priority socio economic development programs”. When word got out about these seemingly topsy-turvy operations, a group of concerned citizens found the proposed loan to be “counter-productive, unreasonThe Marinduque Capitol Building, circa 1928. able, unnecessary, and certainly out of time.” “The subject resolutions were not referred to the Provincial Development Council of Marinduque, the statutory body tasked to approve and endorse the annual investment plan of the province”, as stated in the petition for repeal of the resolutions. On August 1, 2012, members of the SP requested for a meeting with certain key officials of the DOTC in Manila to provide funding assistance for the Marinduque Airport Runway Project, estimated to cost Php 90-million. After the meeting the SP passed Resolution No. 735 dated August 1, 2012 (same date), stating among others that “Whereas, the Body is likewise happy to know that the DOTC had al-
ready plans for the proposed extension and rehabilitation of the Marinduque Airport Runway...”
Two weeks later - just the other day, in fact, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan decided to further amend the second Resolution issued last July, this time authorizing the governor to negotiate a loan agreement not with DBP but solely with Philippine National Bank (PNB), in the amount of Php 150-million. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan specified this time that Php 100-million out of that loan is for the completion of the Marinduque Airport Runway and Php 50-million for farm-to-market roads. Curiously, on or about the same time that this was going on, Governor Reyes went on radio to announce that she had already negotiated with PNB for a Php 300-million credit line in favor of the provincial government of Marinduque, with official notice already received, she said. Reyes said the loan will be used for farm-to-market roads, airport runway, construction of a sports complex and education (citing the need to continue her son's - former Cong. Edmund Reyes, Jr.'s scholarship program).
“Maikli na ang panahon mga anak, hindi natin maisusulong ang proyektong pangkaunlaran na tanging minimithi ng ating kalalawigan ng sabay-sabay kung tayo ay hindi uutang sa bangko…”, she said. After a political career that spanned 41 years (from 1971 as Delegada to present), Reyes, based on her own foregoing statement,
("time is already short my children, we cannot push for development projects that are the only desire of our provincemates, all at the same time, if we will not obtain a loan from the bank..."), has really ran out of time, four decades apparently not being enough to push for Marinduque's development.
Marinduque Capitol building, born 1928, haunted by ghosts, and now 84 years old.
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AUG. 28– SEPT. 3, 2012
Ay...Marinduque Ni: NOEL V. MAGTURO
Letter of Invitation Philippine Science Journalists Association, Inc. (PSciJourn) A member of the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ)
Mr. Noel V. Magturo President, PSciJourn Inc. Marinduque Chapter Dear PSciJourn Member: Our esteemed organization, the Philippine Science Journalists Association Inc. (PSciJourn), will be conducting its Congress and Forum on September 14, 2012. It will be held at 8 a.m. to 5p.m. at Party Pod, Robot Zoo, Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center, SM Mall of Asia, JW Diokno Boulevard, Pasay City
The Congress/Forum will have the theme, “Conserve and protect water: It saves lives,” as part of PSciJourn’s celebration of the International Decade of Biodiversity and our contribution to the justconcluded Rio+20 Summit. It aims to reiterate the need to conserve water, and to protect and rehabilitate the country’s water resources. Experts in the field will be invited as resource speakers. In this connection, we would like to remind you to pay your membership dues of P200 per year to make you a member of good standing and be able to actively participate in the Congress/Forum. Should you have any questions, you may contact PSciJourn Executive Director, Ms. Joan Salise, at telephone numbers 837-0057, 0917-8130824 or through e-mail, pscijourn.inc@gmail.com. Thank you. Looking forward to seeing you at our Congress/Forum. Very truly yours,
LYN B. RESURRECCION National President
Unit 424, GA Tower I, #83 EDSA cor. Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Philippines Tel.: (+632) 747 0288 Email: pscijourn.inc@gmail.com Website: www.pscijourn.org.ph
Philippines Coalition Presses for House Action on FOI The Right to Know Right Now Coalition in the Philippines has asked House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte to intervene and get the freedom of information bill out of committee. The letter from the network of 150 media and civil society organizations pushing the passage of the FOIasks Belmonte to take steps to “ensure full deliberation and swift approval” of the bill, which is pending with the House Committee on Public Information headed by Rep. Ben Evardone. “We regret that we have lost faith in the sincerity and good faith of Rep. Evardone on FOI,” the letter states. The letter recalls Belemonte’s recent indications that the FOI bill would be moved forward. “We are concerned, however, that almost four weeks after your speech, the FOI bill continues to languish at the Committee chaired by Rep. Ben Evardone. He did not call a hearing on August 7 contrary to his earlier public pronouncement that he will do so, and there is no indication that he intends to call such hearing anytime soon.” The letter continues: “But what concerns us even more are Rep. Evardone’s statements, quoted in a number of media stories, that his decision not to call a hearing was upon instruction of the House leadership. We find this assertion incongruent with the commitment that you have so far expressed on FOI.” “At this crucial juncture in the term of the 15th Congress, we appeal for your intervention and concrete action on the FOI bill, pursuant to the powers and duties of the Speaker to ensure full deliberation and swift approval of priority measures,” the letter concludes.
Courtesy of: freedominfo.org Rep. Angelo Plamones, AGHAM Partylist, (2nd from left) receiving an award as one of the ten outstanding solon of the Philippines given by PAPI.
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AUG. 28– SEPT. 3, 2012
Ni Mayda Lagran BOAC, Marinduque, (PIA) -- Nilinaw sa isang press conference ni Marinduque Gov. Carmencita O. Reyes ang ginawang pag-utang ng pamahalaang panlalawigan mula sa Philippine National bank (PNB) na aabot sa P300 milyon. Nagkaroon ng isyu sa pag-utang ng P300 milyon dahil diumano ay may pagkaka-utang pa ng P75 milyon ang pamahalaan ng nakaaraang administrasyon para sa mga kagamitang hindi pa nade-deliver. Paliwanag ng gobernadora, ang Marinduque ay may malaking potensyal upang maging bagong agri-tourism destination sa dami ng magagandang lugar sa paligid ng isla na maaaring linangin. Ito ang siya umanong nag-udyok sa lokal na pamahalaan na kumuha ng isang credit line sa PNB upang matustusan ang mabilisan na pagunlad ng Marinduque. Maliban sa imprastruktura, ang halagang uutangin ay para rin sa patubig, pailaw, kalusugan, sports, edukasyon, agrikultura, turismo at marami pang iba. “Ang pag-utang ay masasabing kakambal na din ng pag-unlad. Tunay na ‘di maipagkakaila na kulang ang pondo ng lalawigan mula sa lokal na kita nito at sa IRA o Internal Revenue Allowance,” sabi ni Reyes. Ipinagbigay-alam ni Budget Management Bureau Director Carmencita Dilantar ang pagtaas ng 10 porsiyento ng IRA ng lalawigan ngayong taon, ngunit ayon sa gobernadora, hindi sapat ito para pondohan ang lahat ng proyektong inilatag ng pamahalaan. “Kung nais ng agarang pag-unlad ng ating lalawigan kagaya ng sa Camsur Sports Adventure sa Camarines Sur, PPUR o Puerto Princesa Underground River ng Palawan, Jetski Sports ng Aklan at Sports Complex and Convention Center, na pare-parehong namuhunan mula sa mga package loans, ang pag-utang ang makakatulong sa probinsiya ng malaki,” dagdag pa ni Reyes. Nagpalabas na ang Commission on Audit (COA) ng notice of disallowance para sa pagpapahinto ng pagbayad ng amortization para sa nasabing utang matapos magsampa ng kaso si Reyes na sa ngayon ay nasa lebel na ng pagdinig ng dalawang regional trial courts sa Maynila, mapawalang-bisa na ang kontrata ng Civic Merchandising at Aztec Equipment Inc. at ng nakalipas na administrasyon. Sa ganitong paraan ang karapat dapat lamang na utang ang mabayaran ng wasto. “Issue pa nga ba ito? Hindi ba’t mas malaking issue kung hindi pagtitiwalaan ng bangko ang lalawigan? Sa kabila ng lahat, ang mga bangko ay nagpakita ng suporta, subalit ang PNB ang pinakamaganda ang loan package at may pinakamababang interes kaya ito ang napili namin,” sabi ni Reyes. Tinuwid din ng gobernadora ang maling akala na P300 milyon ang kabuuang halaga ng uutangin ng lalawigan. “Magbibigay ang PNB ng credit line na ang maximum ay P300 milyon, at kung ano lamang ang pangangailangan, yun ang halaga ng kukunin dito. Dalawang taon ang palugit sa pagbayad kung kaya’t kahit sa IRA lang ay makakaipon ng pambayad ng interes sa unang taon at kapital sa ika-dalawang taon,” paglilinaw ni Reyes. Binigyan-diin ng gobernadora ang prayoridad na patutunguhan ng pondo. Aniya, una sa turismo ang maaayos na transportasyon, kaya’t ito ang pinakamalaki ang pagkakagastusan. Isasaayos ang airport, lalo na ang runway. Binahagi rin ng gobernadora ang plano ng Zest Air na ihinto ang kanilang operasyon sa Oktubre kung hindi maisasaayos ang airport sa Marinduque. May apila na ang Sanggunian Panlalawigan at Transportation Regulatory Board Director Edmundo Reyes Jr. sa Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) para sa agarang pagbibigay ng pondo sa lalawigan para dito. Bagama’t nangako si Secretary Mar Roxas ng DOTC na pagkakalooban ng tulong ang Marinduque, dahil sa pagproseso ng mga dokumento ay maaring tumagal pa ito. Habang hinihintay ang pondo mula DOTC, aabonohan muna ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang pagsasaayos ng airport upang hindi maputol ang serbisyo ng Zest Air sa Oktubre. (LBR/MNL/PIA4B/ Marinduque)
SAY NO TO … Illegal Drugs !!!
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AUG. 28– SEPT. 3, 2012 PNP Romblon lumahok sa disaster preparedness, rescue and relief operations trainor’s training By Dinnes Manzo ROMBLON, Romblon, (PIA) -- Walong kawani ng Philippine National Police (PNP) Romblon ang lumahok sa isinagawang disaster preparedness, rescue and relief operations trainor’s training noong Agosto 12-17, 2012 sa Oriental Mindoro Police Provincial Office Conference Room, Camp Efiganio C. Navarro, Calapan City. Dinaluhan ito ng siyam na grupo na binubuo ng walong miyembro mula sa mga lalawigan ng Oriental & Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Regional Headquarters PNP, dalawang team mula sa Battalion at Brgy. Peace Action TeamCalapan. Naisakatuparan ang training na nabanggit sa pangunguna ng Directorate for Police Community Relations, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council at PNP Regional Headquarters. Pangunahing tagapagsalita si Director Eugene Cabrera, Regional Director, Office for Civil Defense at PSupt. Niño David Rabaya, Training Director at kasapi ng Maritime Group mula sa Camp Crame. Ayon kay SPO1 Gemmie Mallen, Investigator PNCO, layunin ng training na ito ang mapaghandaan ang anumang uri ng kalamidad upang maiwasang may magbuwis ng buhay at mailigtas ang lahat sa anumang sakuna. Marami aniya silang natutunan sa naturang pagsasanay para paghandaan ang dumarating na mga kalamidad, makapagsalba ng buhay at makatulong sa mga mamamayan na maaaring maapektuhan ng pagguho ng lupa, pagbaha at anumang di inaasahang epekto ng bagyo sa ating buhay at ari-arian. Pumangalawa aniya ang Romblon PPO team sa nagpakitang gilas ng epektibo at mabilis na pag-rescue sa isinagawang pagsasabuhay nila sa mga itinuro at tinalakay sa training. Kabilang aniya sa kanyang mga kasama sa team ng Romblon Police Provincial Office na nagtungo sa nasabing training sina PInsp. Mark Ver L. Victor, SPO1 Bobby M. Fallaria, PO3 Andres P. Magramo III, PO3 Albert G. Adan, PO2 Alma C. Mutia, PO2 Ferdinanad M. Gabutero at PO1 Juanito F. Mayuga.(DM/TBO - PIA-IVB/Romblon)
Lawmakers push rescue training for youth By: Vicky Bartilet A group of lawmakers is pushing for the training of elementary and high school students in rescue operations through House Bill 4397 or “An Act to Institutionalize Disaster Preparedness Among the Youth through Rescue Olympics in the Elementary and Secondary Schools and for Other Purposes”. Authored by Representatives Angelo B. Palmones, Romeo M. Acop, Walden F. Bello, Julieta R. Cortuna and Agapito H. Guanlao, the bill aims to provide the youth understanding of the nature of natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, floods and landslides, as well as non-natural disasters like the occurrence of fires. “The Rescue Olympics is an innovative way of training the youth because these will be competitive activities; an initial way of winning their interests and active participation,” Palmones said. He said the young people will be trained on how to respond when disaster occurs and be able to conduct limited rescue activities which eventually lessen or mitigate disaster impacts. The bill stipulates the Department of Education (DepEd) as the main institution which will conduct the Rescue Olympics. It is mandated to identify competitive activities and the mechanisms and procedures of conduct for maximum participation by the target beneficiaries. Other agencies identified in the bill include the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Science and Technology thru the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) and the Natural Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). “The country’s geographical location makes it most vulnerable to a host of natural disasters, like the disastrous habagat floods we have recently experienced. With the changing climate, more disasters are bound to the Philippines. Disaster risk reduction is expensive and is not working. Emergency education is more effective and cheaper. A more prudent and realistic effort to lessen if not prevent the impacts of these natural hazards is preparedness, for the youth to help themselves and other people around them; hence the Rescue Olympics,” Palmones added. (AGHAM/Vicky B. Bartilet)
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AUG. 28– SEPT. 3, 2012
Daloy ng trapiko sa Calapan City pier, isasaayos By Luis T. Cueto CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, (PIA) -- Nakatakdang isaayos ngayon ang daloy-trapiko sa Calapan City pier at ipatutupad din ang ilan pang natukoy na pagbabago para sa maayos na operasyon ng pantalan. Dito sumentro ang ipinatawag na pagpupulong ng Provincial Care Council na ginanap sa Bishop’s House, Barangay Salong, Calapan City kamakailan, sa lahat ng kinauukulang ahensiya ng pamahalaan at iba pang organisasyon na may kinalaman sa operasyon ng pagpasok at paglabas ng mga sasakyan at pasahero sa Calapan Pier. Ang Provincial Care Forum ay isang regular na buwanang pagpupulong na pinangungunahan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at ng simbahan, kasama ang iba't-bang mga ahensya kung saan sama-samang tinatalakay at nireresolba ang mga suliraning nakaaapekto sa pag-unlad ng lalawigan. Sa pagpupulong, inilatag ng Philippine National Police (PNP), sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Police Senior Supt. Anthony Alcañeces, ang programa ng kanilang tanggapan, kasama ang iba pang kaugnay na ahensya hinggil sa pagsasaayos ng trapiko sa paglabas at pagpasok sa Calapan pier. Ayon kay Alcañeces, layunin ng ipatutupad nilang programa sa trapiko sa Calapan pier na madisiplina ang mga motorista at makalikha ng magandang imahe ang Oriental Mindoro sa mga turistang bumibisita sa lalawigan. Sa naturang pagpupulong, nagkaroon ng dayalogo sa pagitan ng mga pribadong indibidwal at ng kinauukulang ahensya ng pamahalaang panlalawigan. Natalakay din dito ang suliranin ng mga pasahero sa kanilang sasakyan, partikular ang pagsisikip ng daan dahil na rin sa hindi pagsunod ng ilan sa mga regulasyon sa pier. Sa huling tala, umaabot sa isang libong katao kada-araw ang nagtutungo sa Calapan Pier. (LBR/PIO/LTC/PIA4B/OrMin)
Tesda-Romblon, magdiriwang ng ika-18 anibersaryo By Dinnes Manzo ROMBLON, Romblon, (PIA) -- Pinaghahandaan na ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) sa Romblon ang nakatakdang pagdiriwang ng ika-18 anibersaryo ng ahensiya sa Agosto 25, na may temang “Tesda@18: Akmang pagsasanay Tungo sa Tagumpay” na gaganapin sa Romblon Public Plaza. Katatampukan ang pagdiriwang ng misa ng pasasalamat sa St. Joseph Cathedral, parada ng mga Tesda scholars at Tesda Provincial Office Staff, sports fest at cultural night. Daan-daang iskolar ng Tesda ang makikilahok sa selebrasyon na kinabibilangan ng mga estudyanteng kumukuha ng kursong teknikal mula sa Alcantara National Trade School (ANTS), Erhard Systems Technological Institute (ESTI), Saint Augustine Institute of New Technology-Romblon Incorporated (SAINTRI), Romblon State University (RSU), Tablas College Inc. (TCI), Gaintech Skills Development and Training Center Inc., at Montfort Academy. Inaasahan ang pagdalo ng mga opisyal ng lalawigan na kanilang inanyayahan tulad nina Congressman Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona, Governor Eduardo C. Firmalo, PTESDC Chairperson Engineer Roger Q. Fodra,
P9.5M raised for Palawan credit surety fund By Victoria Asuncion S. Mendoza PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, (PIA) -- The provincial government, Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Industrial Guarantee Loan Fund (IGLF), and 11 cooperatives have committed P9.5 million to the Palawan Credit Surety Fund (CSF) during its launch Wednesday. The signing of the memorandum of agreement highlighted the launch led by Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Palawan Governor Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra. In his speech, Guinigundo congratulated Palawan province for being the 24th local government unit to set up the CSF and for “investing in the future of the people in this beautiful place.” Palawan provincial government has committed P2 million as counterpart funding to the P2.5 million raised and contributed by the 11 “millionaire” cooperatives for the creation of the CSF. Atty. Benedicto Bitonio Jr., DBP executive vice president and chief executive officer of the IGLF, was also present during the launch and pledged P1 million from DBP and another P2 million from the IGLF. The Land Bank will match the P2-million counterpart of the provincial government. The CSF is BSP’s pro-active approach in supporting micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs or MSMEs, which become hard pressed for loans from financial institutions due to lack of collateral, unstable income, lack of business experience and low-paying capacity. Under the program, a fund will be created from contributions of well-capitalized and well-managed millionaire cooperatives with counterpart contribution from the local government unit and donor institutions like the Industrial Guarantee and Loan Fund, LBP and the DBP. The fund will provide surety cover, in place of collateral, to guarantee bank loans of the cooperatives. Members of these cooperatives can now access bigger funds to finance its businesses and other income-generating activities. “As the cooperative movement in this place gains momentum, we can see more economic traction, more people doing business, more people getting jobs, income being generated, taxes being paid and we will be seeing more infrastructure and investments,” said Guinigundo. (LBR/ VSM-PIA 4B, Palawan)
Romblon Mayor Gerard S. Montojo at iba pang lokal na opisyal ng lalawigan, sabi ni Tesda Provincial Director Armando O. Aquino Pinasasalamatan din ni Aquino ang lahat ng mga technical schools na katuwang ng ahensiya sa pagpapatupad ng kanilang programa at adhikaing makatulong sa mga kapus -palad na mag-aaral, gayundin ang mga nagnanais makapagtapos sa pag-aaral upang makahanap ng trabaho sa hinaharap o mayroong mapagkakitaang negosyo. Kasama ring pinasalamatan ang mga nagbigay ng tulong sa kanilang ahensiya upang maging matagumpay ang isasagawang selebrasyon. (LBR/DM-PIA4B Romblon)
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AUG. 28– SEPT. 3, 2012
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Marinduque Chapterspearheaded the commemoration of the International Humanitarian Law Day in the province to raise public awareness and promote the principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Anchored with the IHL month-long celebration’s theme, “Itaguyod ang IHL, Sibilyan Pangalagaan,” the event had Dr. Romulo H. Malvar, nominee for PRC-Marinduque Member of the Board of Directors and SUC President II of the Marinduque State College, as Guest Speaker, held at Boac Covered Court, Marinduque. An accomplished administrator, educator and leader of an institution, Dr. Malvar exemplifies a model citizen, who takes part on the welfare of the youth and civilians of the province. He believes that through Marinduque State College’s initiatives and education, Marinduqueños can be provided of quality and accessible education, a lending-hand service for the humanity. Dr. Malvar highlighted the event with his thought as, “People helping people,” (Tao tumutulong sa kapwa tao), in line with the IHL or Geneva Law resolution of strengthening legal protection for victims of armed conflict. He stated that everyone’s task is a start for change, a start for peace, justice and progressive society, succeed over the conflicts in poverty, crime and man-made disasters. In the end of his speech, he emphasized the words in the Holy Bible as, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself,” giving significance to the best solution for all the problems of the world. Prior to the program held that day was the “walk for a cause” activity participated in by Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Education, NSTPCWTS group of Marinduque State College, local government units, Red Cross Youth members and the like. (Jofel Joyce Lancion, MSC-PIPRU)
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Gary Snider once quote in his writing The Wild mushroom They send out multiple fibers Through the roots and sod Some make you mighty sick they say Or bring you close to God Do here’s to the mushroom family A far-flung friendly clan For food, for fun, for poison They are a help to man As an affirmation to this free verse, the Marinduque State College (MSC), along with the Provincial Government of Marinduque, the Barangay Government of Tanza, Boac and the Butansapa, Mogpog Vegetable Growers sealed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Community Enhancement Through Mushroom Cultivation and Processing last August 24, 2012 at the MSC School of Advanced Education Audio-Visual Room, as part of the College’s continuous effort in research development and consistent extension services to the community which primarily aims to improve the quality of life of the people. The Marinduque State College was able to push through with the Oyster Mushroom Production Project through the assistance of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region IV-B MIMAROPA. Based on the study, oyster mushrooms cultivation in Marinduque was found suitable in the climatic condition of the province and the wide availability of raw materials required for its production. This Oyster Mushroom Production Project seeks to provide a wide opportunity to the communities particularly to the small-scale farmers who are gaining small income out of their meager toil to avail of other viable and sustainable means of livelihood. The Marinduque State College, on its part, will conduct and provide the needed materials for training on mushroom cultivation and processing to the members of Mogpog Vegetable Growers, residents of Barangay Butansapa, Mogpog and Barangay Tanza, Boac. The College will also provide one (1) Fruiting House for the Mogpog Vegetable Growers which will be situated at Barangay Butansapa, Mogpog and one thousand (1000) fruiting bags for the residents of Barangay Tanza, Boac. Further, the College will extend any technical assistance to the beneficiary during the implementation of the project and conduct a regular monitoring and evaluate the progress of the project. On the part of the beneficiaries, they will be responsible for the maintenance of the fruiting house and bags and the marketing of the harvested oyster mushrooms. A string of events on Oyster Mushrooms Production Project will follow after the MOA Signing. The Launching Ceremony and the start of Workshop-Training on Oyster Mushrooms Cultivation and processing will be held on September 08. Second part of the Workshop Training will be held on September 15 and the Closing Ceremony on September 22. Venue for the upcoming events will be at the MSC-Audio Visual Room. Fro details/clarifications on the above program and other projects, please contact Mr. Harvey A. Dulay at the Research and Extension Office of Marinduque State College at 3322857 or email at mscovpre@yahoo.com. (Curtiss C. Lim, MSCPIPRU)
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AUG. 28– SEPT. 3, 2012
Marinduque OFWs in Saudi Arabia and Global www.marinduqueofws.org
by: TONY MONTERAS From time immemorial, we Marinduquenos (Filipinos) have been craving or envisioning for various developments either in our rural or urban areas. Time and again and again and again, our vision is having a very slow pace which can be attributed to some major factors namely: political, social, religious (etc) in nature, that in a way or the other hinder or obstruct the noble objectives towards achieving such development/s. The fact of the matter is that our country's economy seems just fair, but not so well in other aspects and the future growth can be affected by numerous factors other than those aforementioned such as the increasing population that needs to be supplied with food and other food products and an expanding non-agricultural economy. Subsequently, with increasing incomes, our domestic market is becoming more sophisticated and price and quality conscious. However, how much of this demand can be successfully captured by local suppliers is a key challenge and the economy grows little as a reverberating effect of the present devastating global economic downturn. It's true that our economy has only been able to capture a small and declining share in the market, and the natural advantages we have together is the literacy and technical entrepreneurial skills - that have been partially harnessed in pushing the economic growth, although little in agriculture as induced by the peace and order situation that greatly favours investment and output. Our agricultural sector's output that includes animal production and manufacture of valueadded-meat products, will continue to play a strategic role in the economy and rural growth should
Photo shows(background) former Fantasy Elephant Club at Elephante islet, Buenavista, Marinduque. Taken at the golf course with Noel V. Magturo of Ay………Marinduque (MIMAROPA Sunrise).
it not be fully affected by the slow rate of output due to the impact of the present global economic crisis. Although, our country's economy has grown some percent in the previous years, this as well can be considered as an encouraging trend which has been partly attributed to our positive outlook on structural reforms that integrates the significant sectors of our economy. It also enhances competition in the private sector and began transforming its production base from reliance on commodities to value-added goods such as various food products and prime commodities. Amidst some vital concerns, our governme nt (local or national) should support investments in agriculture. And in supporting a more conducive investment climate in agriculture, the priorities or fields identified are as follows: 1) To increase the stock of rural agriculture; 2) To enhance productivity and production; 3) To expedite any completion of agrarian or land reform; and 4) To implement governance reforms to reducing agricultural policies, prices and market distortions.
1.Establish a sound and efficient institutional basis for the environment management based on watershed and ecosystem approach to improve delivery of service, rationalize expenditures and priority functions; 2.To effectively devolve local responsibility; and 3.To streamline the policy and framework of the agency involved to improve further efficiency. It is also vital to give support to the public sector management for growth through the availability of public resource to finance public expenditures in the medium term that are affected by critical contraints including: weak fiscal climate; poor efficiency and poor linkages among public sector policy, planning and budgeting. To address these issues, thrusts for expenditures rationalization should include: rationailizing expenditures in scope and function; prioritizing expenditures in high-impact areas; reversing the decline in public investment; prioritizing capital expenditures in infra-structure and agribusiness; rationalizing government spending for devolved services; strengthening planning and budgeting in rural development and; implementing critical governance to reduce policy and price distortions. Finally, basic rural sustainable development in Marinduque can be achieved by generating enough equity growth in all aspects particularly in agribusiness and food processing sectors of our provincial economy. The issue of alleviating poverty while enhancing economic growth by improving land tenure and fostering developments in agri-business sector of our province will finally be minimized if not totally overcome.
And the above-mentioned can be achieved by the following measures: 1)To improve rural infra-structure; 2)To improve land and labor productivity; 3)TO IMPROVE AGRI-BUSINESS; and 4) To encourage land reform by removing distortions and uncertainties in asset valuation, property rights and efficient land markets. Of course, when it comes to rural development, the support to environmental and natural resources management should be as well be made a top TONY MONTERAS, the priority. An inadequate regard for the implementation of writer, an OFW is a native a sound environment and natural resource measof Barangay Lupac, Boac, ures and for safeguarding the economy from exMarinduque. cessive environmental costs surely erodes re(comments & suggestions, source inventories and can seriously compromise pls. email a short-term economic growth by larger, longer term-costs. Meaning, the environmental and natural re- nvmagturo@yahoo.com or pscijourn_marinduque@yahoo.com.ph) sources management should aim to:
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AUG. 28– SEPT. 3, 2012
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