LWUA Chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay, this year’s Executive Committee Chairman of the 22nd Annual Aliw awards, has invited Governor Jade Ecleo to join his committee which will ensure the success of the awards night scheduled for 6 p.m. on Nov. 17, at the Mega Tent in Pasig City.

Already on his committee are Mr. Buddy Zamora, Iloilo Councilor Julienne Jam Baronda, Marissa Del Mar, Mr. Greg De Lara, and Mr. Teodoro Sagaral.

The former Surigao three-time representative and media mogul has a deep concern for and interest in the Filipino live entertainers’ welfare and accepting the chairmanship of the Aliw Executive Committee reflects his desires to contribute to the efforts of the AAFI, the first and only award-giving body that recognizes our live entertainers to raise the standards of the live entertainment industry.

Finalists for the 22nd annual Aliw awards will be announced soon according to AAFI President Rema Manzano. (MB)
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Every one at some time in his life has had a vision of an unspoilt place, one of natural beauty, peace and tranquility. Such is the Caraga Region, composed of six cities of Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag and five provinces namely Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands.

The Department of Tourism headed by ever-driven, and progressively innovative Secretary Ace Durano, who in his tireless efforts to promote exciting tourist destinations in Southern Philippines, invited a handful of Cebu-based travel specialists and members of the media to experience an adventure which, visitors have only just begun to discover.

Butuan City was our first stop. The spectacular archaeological sites yield a bounty of artifacts. The must-see national museum is the repository of historical and cultural materials that attest to Butuan’s pre-Hispanic existence. The archaeological hall exhibits specimens of awesome gold, intriguing stone and metal crafts and interesting burial coffins while the ethnological gallery showcases the lifestyle of cultural communities of the Manobo, Mamanua, Higanon and lowland Butuanons.

The diocesan ecclesiastical museum has a vast collection of relics and religious items such as antique statues, vintage church vestments, chalices and goblets that reminded us of the religious practices of its early residents.

Of interest is the impressive Balangay Shrine Museum, which houses the nine Butuan boats called balangays, that date back to the 4th-century A.D. Local tour guides claim that these are the only flotilla of prehistoric wooden boats that exist throughout the globe.

The natural diversity distinguishes the Caraga Region from the rest of the country. Just an hour boat ride from Surigao City, which was our next destination, is the municipality of Socorro in Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte. It is home to a number of spectacular caves, tunnels and beautiful coves. The most famous is the Sohoton Cove, often half submerged in water. Passed the narrow opening and skimming around the water maze is a lagoon with countless islets and a breathtaking natural landscape. Abundant there is the Philippine Ironwood locally called magkuno which is said to be among the hardest trees in the universe.

Just a stone-throw away is the Sohoton National Park, which is ideal for water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking or swimming. The experience is unforgettable because one is surrounded by thousands of non-stinging jelly fish in different shapes, sizes and colors.

Not to be missed is the teardrop-shaped island of Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines. It has 19 surfing areas, 12 are located in General Luna. The most famous break is Cloud Nine, which is believed to have the fastest, swiftest, strongest wave in the world.

Understandably hotels and resorts in the area are few, but highly recommended for their generous personalized services. Among the resorts are four hectare AA Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City, the high-end Tara Beach Resort in Bucas Grande and the Bayud Resort in General Luna, Surigao del Norte.

Due to the limited room accommodations, DOT has embarked on a home stay program in the town of Pilar, Siargao Island. We learned that residents eligible to join such a laudable experience are given P75,000 each for home improvements such as toilet and bath, beds and mattresses, and even air- conditioning.

The Caraga Region is endowed with many tourist attractions. We only visited two general areas.

Who can ignore such places where the locals proudly declare that their beaches are as powdery white as Boracay, the coves and natural lagoons as majestic as Palawan, and the waterfalls and lakes as enchanting as Camiguin. - C'EST CEBU By Honey Jarque Loop, philstar.com

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Australian surfer Garrett Parkes (Byron Bay, NSW, Aus) has taken out the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational in the Philippines today, beating Hawaiian Makua Rothman in a man-on-man final.

Cloud 9 didn’t quite turn on the epic conditions seen for the opening rounds of the unique, specialty event, with finalists having to mix innovative, new-school manoeuvres with aerials, on-rail carves and barrel rides in rising 3-4ft (1-1.5 metre) waves.

Parkes, who stitched up the Gold Coast’s Joel Nantes (Coolangatta) in the quarters before taking down local Carlito Nogalo in the semis, made the most of the smaller conditions to bag two mid-range scores – a 5.50 and a 4.67- in the extended 35 minute final.

“It wasn’t exactly the real cloud 9, not many barrels,” said Parkes, who collected USD $7,500 for the win.

“But I made do with what I had. I managed to get through a few heats this morning and just keep it going through to the final. I’m stoked.”

Parkes, who was a standout throughout the entire event, said he wasn’t fazed entering the final after Rothman beat event favourite and former pipeline master Jamie O’Brien in semi one.

“I was trying not to think about,” he said.

“I just knew I had to get a few scores on the board. It got to the 5 or 6 minute mark and I got a little nervous. But he ended up coming in a minute early so I knew I had it.”

Rothman, who waited patiently for set waves, lacked rhythm in the high-stakes final, breaking two boards to finish with a 2.66 total to Parkes’ final winning tally of 10.17. Rothman surfing away with USD $ 4,500 for his efforts.

Semi final one was quite a show, with Rothman netting a last second victory over fellow Hawaiian O’Brien.

What started as a slow-scoring heat quickly transformed into a tight scoring affair with Rothman nailing the semi’s highest individual wave score – an 8.83 mid heat.

O’Brien hit back scoring a 8.40 and 6.50 to hold the lead briefly.

But with 10 seconds reaming, Rothman pulled into Cloud 9 drainer, weaving through the barrel before cleanly exiting to book a spot in the final with a 6.80.

Semi two was just as thrilling with Parkes besting local Philippines surfer Carlito Nogalo.

Parkes made the perfect start jagging an 8.00 on his first wave to setup victory – 13.33 to Nogalo’s 10.77.

The 2009 edition of the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational was blessed with some of most amazing conditions seen for an event this year, with perfect 6-8 ft barrels rolling through the Cloud 9 line-up for the opening two days of competition.

Due to Siargao's proximity to the Philippine Deep, big swells from the Pacific Ocean roll in from the second deepest stretch of water in the world to create flawless, hollow barrelling waves.

The 2009 tournament will run from October 21-27,2009.

The tournament contest site is Siargao Island’s 'Cloud 9', a powerful, hollow right-hander that has been frequently compared to the renowned surf of Hawaii and Indonesia.

The Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational 2009 is proudly supported by Billabong, Province of Surigao Del Norte, Stoked Inc, Von Zipper sunglasses, Nixon, Kustom footwear, Friendster, and Sagana Resort. (Billabong)
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THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) will award five more coal contracts tomorrow in addition to the 11 which were previously awarded.

"These are the areas that had multiple proponents or applicants, so we just had to be very careful in evaluating the application," DoE Undersecretary Ramon V. Oca told reporters yesterday.

Opened last May, the Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR) for Coal offered 30 areas, or block systems, within the major coal basins of the country. Under the PECR, winning bidders are awarded contracts to explore and develop the country’s coal resources.

Among the areas offered for the coal contracting round were Cebu, Quezon, Masbate, Sorsogon, Albay, Catanduanes, Zamboanga Sibugay and del Norte, Davao Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and del Sur, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

The DoE Contacts Negotiating Panel evaluated the applications based on the company’s resource exploration strategy, utilization and production approach, evidence of available funds and financial track record, technical resources and validity of legal documents.

Coal deposits are scattered all over the Philippines but the largest deposit is located in Semirara Island, Antique.

The country’s largest coal producer, Semirara Mining Corporation, accounts for about 92% of total local coal production.

The Philippines has a vast potential for coal resources, with DoE data indicating the country’s coal resource potential at 2.37 billion metric tons.

Last year, the Energy department awarded five petroleum contracts, four geothermal contracts, and four coal contracts. — J. B. F. Santos, Business World
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AIR Philippines will operate eight Bombardier turboprop aircraft leased from Philippine Airlines (PAL) effective today.

The turboprop fleet will fly to 19 towns and cities, operating out of two hubs —Manila and Cebu. The airline will focus on delivering safe, affordable and quality service.

A new management team was appointed to implement the airline’s new business model. David Lim, Air Philippines’ new president, and Cesar Chiong, executive vice
president and chief operating officer, were tasked to fast-track the airline’s conversion to a low-cost business model using a leaner workforce.

The turboprop fleet consists of the state-of-the-art Canadian-built Bombardier Q-series that boasts of the latest in noise and vibration reduction technology. The 50-seater Q300 and 76-seater Q400 aircraft offer generous legroom and a very quiet cabin. “Q” stands for “quiet.”

Air Philipines serves the following destinations out of its hub in Manila: Tuguegarao, San Jose (Mindoro Occidental), Naga, Virac, Busuanga, Catar-man, Calbayog, Ormoc and Surigao. From Cebu, Air Philippines flies to Kalibo, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tacloban, Butuan, Ozamiz, Cagayan de Oro, Gen. Santos, Zamboanga and from Zamboanga to Davao. (PR)
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For a second year in a row, the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. was hailed the Most Outstanding Chamber in Mindanao for 2009. The award was given by no less than Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, during the concluding plenary of the 35th Philippine Business Conference (PBC) held last October 21, 2009 at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel, City of Manila. The PBC is the country’s largest and most important business gathering, attended by over 3,000 local and foreign businessmen and government officials.

The award is the second of its kind for the chamber leading the way for the other 38 business chambers in Mindanao, the largest geographical group in the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Last year it won Most Outstanding Chamber for Mindanao for its exemplary performance in training entrepreneurs. Overall there are 107 chambers in the country representing more than 20,000 companies and millions of employees.

In the 2007 PBC, the Surigao CCI also received a special award for Membership Development and Entrepreneurship for its unique Surigao Young Business Alliance (SYBA) concept of recruiting the sons and daughters of its members as its second generation leaders as well as to pool young professionals and entrepreneurs in Surigao City.

The award came after thorough grilling by a panel of judges from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, consultants and national agencies done last October 12, 2009 at New World Hotel, Makati City. Mr. Miranda presented Surigao CCI’s efforts to improve the business growth of the Surigao community with its dynamic leadership, innovative services to its members and active participation in business activities.

Mr. Miranda, said “The key to a city’s success lies in its private sector especially the businessmen who have the logistics to lead the way for rapid economic growth and set high standards of performance for local government officials. This is why business chambers exist-they gather businessmen and unite their advocacies for a coordinated vision of a better city, a better life.” Mr. Miranda, who was once an officer in the Philippine Navy, then further added “Government needs our help, it can’t do the job by its lonesome, so let us continue to support our local business chambers or assist NGOs that help government do its work.”

The PBC awards are regarded as the highest recognition of achievements granted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to both business chambers and their corresponding local government units, and are seen to be important trophies of excellence that will attract more investors to their areas. The other regional winners are Paranaque CCI for National Capital Region, Baguio CCI for Northern Luzon, Metro Naga CCI for Southern Luzon, and Mandaue CCI for Visayas. Metro Naga CCI won the national award following its triumph in 2008 as most outstanding chamber for the whole country.

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Amidst clamor over high prices of medicines, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga intensifies campaign on availability of cheaper medicines by opening up more Botika ng Barangays (BnBs) in the region.

DOH Caraga aims to establish one BnB outlet in two neighboring barangays before the end of 2010.

As of September 2009, DOH Caraga already has 439 BnBs in the region. This includes 68 BnBs in Agusan del Norte, 132 BnBs in Agusan del Sur, 128 BnBs in Surigao del Norte, 35 BnBs in Dinagat and 76 BnBs in Surigao del Sur.

The BnB aims to provide safe, effective, available, accessible, affordable and quality medicines to the majority of the people especially the poor.

BnB is a collaboration of the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC).

BnB is a drug outlet initially identified, evaluated and selected by the regional DOH and approved by PHARMA 50 PMU. It is duly licensed by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).

BnB sells low-priced generic over-the-counter drugs and six selected prescription drugs namely Captopril, Metoprolol, Metformin, Glibenclamide, Amoxicillin and Cotrimoxazole. (PIA-Caraga)
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Cebu Ferries is proud to introduce to their customers their new vessel “Cebu Ferry 2” which is now on service Cebu to Butuan 3x a week and Cebu to Ormoc 5x a week.

It has a passenger capacity of 892 and cargo capacity of 40teus. It runs a maximum speed of 16.5 knots.

Same with other Cebu Ferries vessels the customers will experience the most comfortable trip with Cebu Ferry 2 because of its clean passenger accommodations, accommodating vessel crews and vessel facilities that will suit the customers’ needs.

Cebu Ferries continues to look for ways that will service the majority of the riding public of Visayas and Mindanao areas.

One good news from Cebu Ferries; they will again be on service in Surigao City. Schedule to be announced soonest.

Surigao City is blessed with abundant mineral reserves, fisheries and aquatic resources, and tracts of fertile arable lands, which are the primary sources of its people's livelihood.

Surigao’s location in the coast offered enough opportunities to enjoy its wide array of beaches ranging from white, grayish-sandy to the gravel smooth pebbled ones, as well as other places of interest. Its outlying islands fronting the Pacific further augment the fun and adventure, especially surfing.

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Another lay day has been called at the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational in the Philippines today, with small 2ft (0.5-1m) waves on offer for the US $20,000 specialty event. With only 12 heats to be completed, contest organisers are hopeful of a spike in swell overnight with a further increase into Tuesday.

When competition resumes, Hawaii’s Makua Rothman will face off with Australia’s Sam Page (Manly, NSW, Aus) in heat four of round four. Other round four heats include Ht5 Shinpei Horiguchi (JPN) vs Carlito Nagolo (Phl), Ht6 Gavin Beschen (Haw) vs Dionisio Espejon (Phl), Ht 7 Joel Nantes (Aus) vs Agus Frimento (Phl), Ht8 Rodolfo Alcala (Phl) and Garrett Parkes (Aus).

Due to Siargao's proximity to the Philippine Deep, big swells from the Pacific Ocean roll in from the second deepest stretch of water in the world to create flawless, hollow barrelling waves. The 2009 tournament will run from October 21-27,2009.

The tournament contest site is Siargao Island’s 'Cloud 9', a powerful, hollow right-hander that has been frequently compared to the renowned surf of Hawaii and Indonesia. The Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational 2009 is proudly supported by Billabong, Province of Surigao Del Norte, Stoked Inc, Von Zipper sunglasses, Nixon, Kustom footwear, Friendster, and Sagana Resort. - globalsurfnews
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The Police Regional Office 13 honoured 18 PNP personnel for showing a heroic performance in the performance of their duties.

Police Chief Superintendent Lino Calingasan, Police Regional Director of PRO 13 and Office of the Civil Defense Regional Director Blanche Gubenchiong pinned the Medalya ng Kagalingan (PNP Medal of Merit) to 18 deserving PNP personnel in a simple ceremony held on October 19 at Camp Rafael Rodriguez in Libertad this city.

The awardees who received the Medalya ng Kagalingan are Police Supt. Arnold Pascual, Police Chief Inspector Zosimo Duarte Jr., Police Senior Inspector Dionesio Pingos, SPO1 Delfin Mission, PO3 Gary Salcedo, PO3 Virgilio Pabia, PO3 Dennis Lozada, PO3 Gary Gerbolingo and PO1 Von Harjie Abucayan for the successful rescue operation of kidnap victim Indian National Kuljit Singh and the arrest of the suspects Bikram Singh and his Filipino wife Crispina Flores Singh.

Police Chief Inspector Adolf Almendra and 8 others namely: SPO4 Ellakim Villahermosa, SPO3 Crispino Buno, SPO3 Joselito delos Santos, PO3 Guillermo Ebale, SPO1 Carlos Abasanto, PO3 Eunice Gonzaga, PO3 Melvin Mordeno and PO3 Rene Boy Benegian were likewise awarded with the PNP Medalya ng Kagalingan for the successful arrest of Crispin Lenaban, 39 years old of Barangay San Juan, Alegria, Surigao del Norte.

On July 28, 2009 at around 9:20 in the morning at the Municipal Health Center, Compostela Valley Province, Joint elements of Regional Intelligence Division (RID), PRO 13, Intel Operative of Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office and elements of Compostela Municipal Police Station arrested Lebanan by virtue of Warrant of Arrest issued by RTC Branch 30 and Branch 32, Surigao City for Double Murder, Illegal Possession of Firearms, Highway Robbery and Murder.

Arrested person is listed number one Most Wanted Person in the province of Surigao del Norte and alleged responsible in the killing of Comelec Officer Wenifreda Taer, her son SB member Rodulfo Taer Jr. and SB member Dominador Dandan all of Alegria, Surigao del Norte. (dxBN-Radyo ng Bayan Butuan)
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I didn’t know what to expect as I navigated through the traffic that rainy Saturday evening to watch the much publicized concert of comedy concert queen Ai Ai delas Alas and Dinagat Island Governor and performer Jade Ecleo entitled “Face to Phase.” I didn’t know what to expect because these two ladies come from different worlds, Ai Ai from show business and the Governor from politics, and can’t exactly figure out how these two worlds will come together through music.

Upon reaching the concert venue, the Aliw Theatre, I was surprised to see people queuing up to get in. My surprise was partly because the other star of the show, the governor, is a relative unknown in terms of public persona especially here in Metro Manila where the concert was held. If it were held in Dinagat Island, then that would be a different story.

Even for a more seasoned and celebrated performer, to fill a 2,000 plus venue like Aliw Theatre is a tall order. As I made myself comfortable in my seat, I was still half believing as I saw the venue filled almost to its full capacity. I told myself that maybe the comedy concert queen has such loyal following that they would really brave the rain to support their idol but from the screams and applause that greeted the governor as she appeared on stage for her intro production number, I figured that the majority of the audience were actually from Dinagat Island and they were there in support of the Governor and her JEV Foundation which is the beneficiary of the concert.

From the first number to the last, the governor showed that she can give any more seasoned performer a run for his/her money. The fluidity by which each number was executed just goes to show that the production was well thought of and planned. A standout was the Governor’s haunting rendition of the ballad “If I Could” which allowed the audience to take a glimpse at the softer, feminize side of the Governor – that of being a mother. The production design, that of the Governor suspended in mid air on a beautifully decorated swing supported by an almost invisible harness, further heightened the drama of this piece. Another noteworthy production was the well executed tango dance number of the Governor performed with such eloquence and grace thus, highlighting the years she spent with the Bayanihan dance troop. A heartfelt rendition of the Tagalog classic “Handog” proved to be a perfect ending as this song embodies what the show is all about – a governor giving back to her people.

Not to be outdone, Ai Ai delas Alas shows why she is on top of her game. From her candid commentaries to her spontaneous repartee with her audience, Ai Ai captivates. Her impeccable timing, her ability to laugh at herself and the wit by which she pulls it off truly puts her on a league of her own. Although not really a gifted singer, Ai Ai more than makes up for it with her trademark humor and strong, raspy singing style.

Commendable performances were also given by the two guests: Dingdong Avanzado and Erik Santos. Although belonging to different eras, these two showed that talent and charisma are indeed universal and timeless. A welcome surpise that evening was the special participation of MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando. Singing his signature song “Lahat Tayo’y Tsuper,” the chairman showed that he can carry a tune. A highlight of the concert was the production number of all the performers as they performed a medley of “Telenovela Theme Songs.” Peppered with a little comedy, since apparently it is impossible for Ai Ai to maintain a straight face amidst a serious, heart-wrenching material, overall this number still managed to thug at the heart strings.

The concert was indeed a celebration of two lives brought together by a common love for music and performing. It exemplifies that no matter how different two people are, there will always be a common ground somewhere that brings the two worlds of these two very distinct people together.

“Face to Phase” showed the public that night that, though two people come from different worlds, these two worlds can fuse together and blend beautifully as one through music, laughter, life, love, and of course... BEAUTY! -LOVELY RIVERO, MB
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The 15th Siargao International Surfing Cup dubbed as the Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational 2009 successfully opened today, October 21, 2009 with 48 confirmed international cast of surfers and 12 local wildcards participated.

Speaking before a crowd of local and foreign tourists, Gov. Robert Ace Barbers proudly bared the increase of tourist arrivals in the island. “In this side of the town, of this island of Siargao, in the small town in the island of Mindanao called Gen. Luna we have been enjoying an increase of tourist arrivals, in fact, we have a lot of tourist coming from not just Europe, America, and Australia but likewise coming from Asia as well.”

Gov. Barbers acknowledged the efforts made by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, who was the event’s guest of honor, for bringing in a considerable number of local and foreign visitors not just in Siargao Island but throughout the country as well.

“With the Secretary of Department of Tourism around who has been every time marketing asking tourists to come, in fact, during his tenure as the Secretary of Tourism it was only during his time that we broke the record of more than 2 Million tourist arrivals in the country and with that it is because of all the efforts exerted by no less than our good secretary.”

“Our efforts to market this place would not have been possible as well if it were not with the full support of Dir. Letty Tan, your hardworking Regional Director for Tourism is the same as hardworking as the secretary,” Gov. Barbers added.

Meanwhile, Gov. Barbers acknowledged the support of Billabong, DOT and the local government unit of Gen. Luna who are behind the success of the event. “I would like take this opportunity to thanked and give credit where it is due. This competition would not have been possible if it were not for the 101% support of these people.”

He then urged everyone to take good care of these people for according to him, “kini sila are the ones responsible in making sure that everything turns out right, everything in the competition turns out successful and in addition to that, these are the same guys that brings tourist in this island in this town.”

Gov. Barbers is optimistic that with this competition, “it will not just give national prominence to this town, to this island of Siargao but likewise give international prominence to this country of the Philippines.” (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Edito "Piso" Alcala and Fil-Australian Luke Landrigan will carry the fight against a host of top foreign surfers led by Queensland Open champ Nick Vasicek of Australia in Wednesday’s Billabong Cloud 9 International Surfing Championship in Siargo Island.

As the defending champion, Siargao native Alcala was given an outright seeding in the $20,000 event while Landrigan, a silver medalist in the 1st Asian Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia last year, was allotted a wild card slot.

The duo will be joined by 10 other Pinoy surfers who will be selected from the ongoing Philippine National Championship, also being held in Siargao.

Vasicek, the 2007 Cloud 9 meet runner-up, will headline a star-studded foreign cast that include Bruce Irons, Jamie O'Brien, and Dusty Payne of Hawaii, Owen Wright, Laurie Towner, Julian Wilson of Australia, and Jadson Andre of Brazil.

“With a lot of good surfers in the field, I think it will be hard to win. But I will try my best," said the 21-year-old Vasicek, who skipped last year’s tournament due to commitments back home.

One of the most prestigious events in Asia, the Billabong Invitational will be staged at the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines," featuring Cloud 9, a powerful, hollow right-hander that has been frequently compared to the renowned surf of Hawaii and Indonesia. - GMANews.TV
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FIRST Pacific Co. Ltd. is shoring up its war chest for new investments in mining and infrastructure in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia. In a statement, Hong Kong-based conglomerate that controls Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) said it is raising $282 million by way of a rights issue, involving 643 million and not more than 672 million shares at a subscription price of HK$3.40 per share.

The conglomerate has an undertaking arrangement with the controlling shareholder to subscribe in full to the shares for about 44.2 percent.

First Pacific has entered into an underwriting agreement with the joint underwriters Cazenove Asia, Credit Suisse and HSBC to fully underwrite the shares to be allotted to shareholders other than the controlling interest.

Manuel Pangilinan, First Pacific managing director and chief executive, said the rights issue will strengthen its capital structure and provide the company with substantial financial resources to grow the group's businesses without diluting the existing shareholders' interest.

"We intend to apply the net proceeds in pursuit of First Pacific Group's investment strategies in mining in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia and, if suitable opportunities arise, in infrastructure assets in the Philippines," he said.

Besides PLDT, First Pacific controls Metro Pacific Investment Corp. (MPIC) and owns 22 percent of Philex Mining Corp., which operates the Padcal mine in Benguet.

Pangilinan had said that First Pacific plans to raise its stake in the country's largest mine operator.

Before raising its interest in the mining firm, the Hong Kong company would require the approval of other major stakeholders, such as state-run Social Security Service, the Ongpin group, and Philex chairman, Walter Brown.

Pangilinan also said that First Pacific is planning to invest in Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. or in Manila Mining Corp.

Manila Mining Corp. operates the gold and copper mine in Surigao del Norte, while Lepanto runs the Victoria and Teresa gold deposits in Mankayan, Benguet. (Manila Times)
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"Not many know the first Philippine Flag exists and survive today… only a handful realize how uniquely beautiful and inspiring this Flag was when it was first unfurled."

From the General Emilio Aguinaldo Inc. on the authenticity of the 1898 Philippine Flag at the Suntay Museum in Baguio City. In ‘Kasaysayan,’ journal of the National Historical Institute March 2001, (p.91), warns "the First Philippine Flag… is not expected to last another hundred years or the next "Bicentennial…" Sadly, generations of Filipinos, will not have the privilege to experience the emblem that moved and evoked feelings of nationhood, our rallying to war, for our right to exist as a people, and an independent republic.

Begs the question, why we are not insuring the survival of the treasured national relic? Why lawmakers, instead, focus legislating a 9th ray in the flag while the original flag is extant. Corollary a shameless husband with a paramour and the legal/legitimate wife side by side! Said legislation is historical redundancy (politics?) representing struggles of Filipino Muslims (Senate Bill 3307) with a 9th ray.

Mariano Ponce (1899) said the three stars represented "Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao"; President Emilio Aguinaldo describing the flag, "…sun and rays brightens every spot in the Phil. Islands. Itas, Igorots, Mangyans, Moros came down from the mountains to join us."; Mindanao joining the revolution evidenced by three claimants of the "first and official raising" of the original flag in Butuan 1-17-1899; Surigao in 12-26-1898; Cagayan de Misamis 1-10-1899; Surigao Rev’l. Gov. Wenceslao Gonzalez report to Pres. Aguinaldo 2-2-1899, "leaders of infidel races who lived there, submitting… to the revolutionary government, and offering to contribute so that infidels in other towns would do the same, making them understand the lofty aims of such government in respecting their customs and religions."

If the 9th ray is religious/people accommodation – how about the Phil. Independent Church? Lumads? Lapu-Lapu and Francisco Dagohoy etc. from the Visayas! (Erik Espina, Tempo)
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Cult leader and parricide suspect Ruben Ecleo Jr. snubbed the resumption of his seven-year controversial parricide case in Cebu, citing health reasons for his failure to show up in court on Wednesday.

Security was tight and additional security men were fielded at the Palace of Justice grounds in preparation for the arrival of Ecleo, Supreme Master of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA), for the October 14 resumption of his hearing.

Ecleo’s lawyer, Orlando Salatandre, said his client was in his house in Dinagat Island, being looked upon by a private nurse and a physician due to an illness. The lawyer said they will present the doctor in court to prove that Ecleo’s health could worsen if he is brought back to jail.

Judge Soliver Peras, the seventh judge to handle the case, was set to rule on the prosecution’s motion for the cancellation of Ecleo’s bail on Wednesday before official resumption of the case.

Ecleo is charged for the brutal death of his wife Alona Bacolod-Ecleo and has put up a P1 million bail for his temporary liberty, citing his worsening health condition as a reason.

Prosecution lawyers sought the cancellation of Ecleo’s bail in order to return the cult leader to jail.

Lawyer Fritz Quinanola, who leads the prosecution panel, has earlier submitted its formal motion asking Judge Peras to act on the motion that seeks to cancel the bail of Ecleo, the prime suspect in the slay of his wife Alona Bacolod-Ecleo.

The prosecution laywers said the motion against Ecleo’s bail was filed on July 31, 2006 and remained unresolved until today as judges handling the case of the supreme master of the PBMA kept on being inhibited from the case.

Last March 1, 2004, Judge Generosa Labra approved the P1-million bail that set Ecleo temporarily free, to the surprise of the prosecutors and the family of the victim considering that parricide is a non-bailable offense.

Ecleo claimed he was suffering from various illnesses and was already a “walking time bomb” and his condition could worsen if he remains in jail. (Manila Bulletin)
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The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) will launch in the regions beginning next month the guidelines in determining the various sources of disaster and finding the ways at reducing their impact on lives and properties.

It will also ask the local governments to factor into the template the possible aggravating effect of climate change as manifested in the two recent devastating typhoons.

Director Susan Jose of the Neda Regional Development Coordination Staff said the guidelines on Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction in the regions and provinces will be launched for application in the regions “to help the local governments delineate the hazards and identify the characteristics of these sources of disasters.”

The guidelines will also aid the LGUs “in knowing the exposed elements—the residences, facilities and other structures in them, and to enable them to come up with estimates of losses to lives and properties.”

The methodology has been pretested in Surigao del Norte and a development risk-assessment method was also tested in Ilocos and Cagayan Valley Regions.

The guidelines already include the geological-hazard assessment conducted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in the last two years.

Jose said, “The guidelines would include the multifaceted sources of disasters, not only the geo-hazard, but also items like hydrometeorological.”

The guidelines would be like a template for the LGUs to use “and we will ask or remind the LGUs to factor in the climate variability caused by climate change.”

“The hazards are there but in factoring climate change, they may estimate the impact of, say, more volume of floodwater,” she said.

Crafting the guidelines was started almost one year ago, and although the magnitude of the devastation by Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng was not expected, Jose said the effect of climate change was already anticipated.

Jose joined the Ninth Regional Development Committee (RDCom) Meeting of the Neda Board at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao here on Wednesday. The meeting will tackle issues on the reclamation project in Cebu City, the amendment to the Neda Executive Order 325 and the proposal on possible lowering of power and energy rates.

Vicente Lao, president of the Mindanao Business Council and chairman of the Regional Development Council of the Davao Region, said, however, that the RDCom meeting did not touch on whether to recommend or support the government plan to get the P12-billion disaster fund through borrowings.

“It is not in our capacity here to determine if the regions would be amenable with that process,” he said. - Business Mirror
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As the Philippine tourism sector zooms in on the country’s advantage on adventure activities, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is now strongly promoting the “kayaking” activity, especially in the remote provinces.

“The Philippines is an archipelago composed of several thousands of islands. Kayak trails are one way of exploring the thousands of islands here in the Philippines,” said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, adding that kayak came to mind in order to continue the Adventure Philippines campaign of the DoT all year round.

According to Durano kayaking complements well with other adventure or eco tourism activities like diving, spelunking, and bird watching, on top of its being an environment friendly activity.

“Kayaking is one outdoor sport activity we aggressively promote as one of the activities that our country can offer. Thousands of tropical islands will surely entice people to take a kayak and explore the breadth of our clear waters,” Durano said.

In a bid to support DoT’s promotion of the Philippines as a kayaking destination, organizers will hold the third leg of the Philippine Kayaking series in a race from Cebu to Bohol on December 4 to 6.

The third leg, called Kayak Explore Cebu-Bohol Crossing, has a 125-kilometer kayak marathon, clinics, 5-km novice races, eco-touring flotilla, island hopping, moonlight paddling, and eco-tour packages.

Organizer Didi Camara said they are expecting around 100 participants in the three-day event that will start from Mactan Island, Cebu and move to Panglao Island, Bohol.

Among the local participants are local communities from Cebu including Moalboal, Daanbantayan, Borbon, Aloguinsan, and Camotes Island.

Durano also said that with the help of the Philippine Kayaking Association, 10 kayaking posts were set as trails “for those who want to experience the sun, sea, and sand of the Philippines.”

Some of these kayak destinations include Cavite-Corregidor-Bataan trail, the Caramoan Peninsula in Camarines Sur, Northern Palawan, Bohol, Samar, and Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte.

Cebu, known for the Hilutungan Island and Marine Sanctuary, is one trail where one can experience every major water adventure activities like snorkeling, diving, and moonlight kayaking, Durano noted.

“You can visit sandbars, small islands, mangrove forests or the bird sanctuary in Olango Island in Mactan, Cebu where thousands of migratory birds make a breathtaking sight,” he added.

He said the Philippines’ Kayaking routes offer possibilities of visiting nearby islands, experiencing the idyllic comfort of resorts, and going beyond the usual tourist sites.

“Through kayaking it can take a tourist to a tiny deserted island and farther, to more islands and provinces and discover nature in its splendor as well as more interesting facets of people and culture,” he said. (philstar.com)


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Social networking site Friendster has partnered with Australian boardsports brand Billabong to launch an aid page benefiting the Filipino victims of Typhoon Ondoy, providing easy-pay links to transfer funds to the Red Cross.

n the aftermath of the natural disaster that affected 300,000 Filipino residents, the brands launched a Friendster Cares page that contains information on relief efforts, support messages from Filipino and international audiences, and links where users can safely make donations.

Friendster, which claims the top SNS position in the Philippines, has enlisted more than 16,000 network supporters to its care page.

The push precedes Billabong’s international Cloud 9 surfing event in Siargao, Philippines, later this month. The event was to be promoted with live events at the SM Mall of Asia in Manila; these will now double as a benefit for the victims.

"It was hard for us to hear about what was happening up in Manila, as we work closely with all our Filipino crew," said Peter Thew, Billabong Asia brand manager, regarding the storm, which poured more than a month's worth of rain in a span of 12 hours. "We were hearing crazy stories about people we work with stuck on roofs for days at a time, which prompted us to find someway we could help, even a little." (friendster.com)
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SAYING that the complaint against her was neither convincing nor substantial, the former mayor of Santa Monica town in Surigao del Norte has questioned the Supreme Court decision that ordered her dismissal from office for premature campaigning in the 2007 elections. In a 46-page motion for reconsideration, former Mayor Rosalinda Penera argued that she could not be disqualified as she was not yet a candidate when she led a motorcade a day before the actual campaign period started.

“Ms. Penera was not yet a candidate at that time of the incident under section 11 of Republic Act 8436 as amended by section 13 of Republic Act 9369,”the petition said.

Last September 11, the Supreme Court en banc, in an eight to seven vote, affirmed the ruling of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that found Penera guilty for violating the rule on premature campaigning under Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code.

Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code states that: “It shall be unlawful for any person whether or not a voter or candidate, or any party or association of persons, to engage in an election campaign or partisan political activity, except during the campaign period.”

But in her appeal, Penera pointed out that the Omnibus Election Code has already been repealed by Republic Act 9369, or the Poll Automation Law with respect to the definition of a candidate and the rule on disqualification for premature campaigning.

“If the decision stays or is not reconsidered, it is as if Congress did not introduce any amendment. Subsequent legislation repeals previous inconsistent legislation whether it expressly declares such repeal or not,” she explained.

Penera claimed that the “motorcade” was but a couple of jeepneys used by her supporters who accompanied her when she filed her candidacy.

She also claimed that no speeches soliciting votes or raising the hands of the candidate have been made during the motorcade.

The High Court, in its 34-page decision penned by Associate Justice Minita Chico-Nazario, declared, among others, that Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code, which bans electioneering outside the campaign period, remains in effect despite the implementation of Republic Act 9369.

“We cannot stress strongly enough that premature campaigning is a pernicious act that is continuously threatening to undermine the conduct of fair and credible elections in our country, no matter how great or small the acts constituting the same are,” the High Court decision said. (William B. Depasupil, MT)
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The Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office over the weekend formed a task force to investigate the murder of San Francisco Vice-Mayor Nasario Gastardo last Friday.

Chief Superintendent Lino Calingasan, Caraga Police Regional Director, said Task Force Gastardo will be led by Senior Superintendent David Ombao.

Gastardo, 51, was shot in the head by two unidentified suspects in in Kaskag, Barangay Bagong Silang 2 around 6:30 p.m. The victim was immediately brought to Miranda Family Hospital, Surigao City where he was declared dead on arrival.

Scene of the Crime Operatives later recovered one empty cartridge of caliber 45 pistol at the site.

Calingasan is asking the help of the community who may have information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects. With a report from Trini Velasco, ABS-CBN
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Unidentified assassins shot dead the vice mayor of the southern Philippine town of San Francisco, reports said Saturday.

Nasario Gastardo was killed by two armed men in front of his house on Friday night in Surigao City. The 51-year old politician died while being rushed to hospital. He was shot in the head by the assailants, the ABS-CBN television reported.

The identities of the attacks were unknown and so was the motive of the killing, which occurred ahead of the local and national elections next year.

It was not immediately known whether the attack was politically motivated or not, but the town which coastal town which is part of Surigao del Norte province is also a known lair of communist rebels blamed for the spate of attacks in the southern Mindanao Island.
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Mayor Casurra received the ceremonial vehicle key of the one unit brand new ambulance acquired under the PCSO-LGU Ambulance Procurement Program from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chairman Sergio O. Valencia held at the PSCO Board Room, PCSO Bldg., Quezon City. Witnessing the formal turn-over are the members of the Board of Directors of PCSO.

The brand new Foton Ambulance will augment the present fleet of ambulance of the city which are being operated by the Quick Action Response Team (QART) and was possible under the PCSO-LGU Ambulance Procurement Program thru 60-40% cost sharing scheme. Later, the said unit was formally turned over to City Mayor Pons ready for shipment to the city. (surigaocity.gov.ph)
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Gov. Jade Ecleo cited the gains of her administration in her 3rd state-of-the-province address (SOPA) delivered Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Brgy. Aurelio Multipurpose gym, San Jose town this province.

In her 1 hour and 30 minutes SOPA, Gov. Ecleo enumerated her remarkable developmental programs that her administration had been implementing since her term as governor which started 2 years ago and vowed to continue what she had started until her term ends in 2010 in an effort to uplift the living conditions of the Dinagatnons from being one of the poorest in the country to a self-sufficient one.

“It had been the policy of my administration to bring the government closer to the people. In my frequent visit to our barangays in the province, I felt and I saw the great challenge ahead, that is, moving the province from being one of the poorest in the country to a self-sufficient one.”

PERMANENT CAPITOL BUILDING SOON TO RISE

Ecleo said that she really wanted to see the province having a permanent provincial capitol building erected in the next years to come.

“The construction of the Governor’s Office as part of the permanent capitol building, in Cuarenta, with an initial budget of P10M, is now on-going. The establishment of the capitol building in Cuarenta is expected to spur the economy of this once depressed rural barangay,” Ecleo said.

INCREASE IN TAX COLLECTION

Ecleo reported that an increased of tax collection has brought the province to the number one post in revenue collection performance in the entire Caraga Region in 2008. “We even surpassed the rest of the provinces and cities in Caraga Region. Last year, we were able to collect 6.8 Million Pesos in local income.”
Ecleo attributed the increase in tax collection to an ever increasing awareness of taxpayers through advocacy campaigns in the barangays, including resolution of tax issues through dialogues.

“As of August 2009, we already collected a total income of 12.3 Million Pesos from local sources. We also received 1.32 Million Pesos from our IRA as of August, 2009.”

She then thanked her aggressive and industrious Tax Revenue Collectors for their efforts and also acknowledged the individual and corporate tax payers, especially the mining companies, who are religious and consistent in paying their taxes.

Ecleo also revealed the new tax ordinance enacted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), which now gained lots of controversy - the “Soil Depletion Tax” which imposes 1% tax from gross receipts of all mineral ores extracted and/or shipped from Dinagat Islands.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

“Our Dinagat Islands Search and Rescue, as of September 2009, has responded to 325 emergencies on health, vehicular, sea and some crime-related incidents,” said Gov. Ecleo.

She proudly boasted the formulation of Disaster Risk Management Medium Term Plan of the seven (7) Municipalities in the province which earned them the BEST Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council for 2009 in Caraga Region in the recently held National Gawad Kalasag Search in Excellence in Disaster Risk Management and Humanitarian Assistance and ranked 5th in the national level.

As to prevention and mitigation, she revealed that they have collaborated with the Office of Civil Defense in prioritizing the province on the establishments of early warning signages on landslides and tsunami in cost-sharing scheme.

To rehabilitate the damaged structures brought by the storm surge and heavy rains last January of this year, the province according to Gov. Ecleo allocated financial assistance as counterpart in accessing the National Calamity Fund in the amount of P 4,927,570.00 that completed the total rehabilitation costs.

24-HOUR ELECTRICITY GENERATION

Gov. Ecleo revealed her most important achievement under her leadership which something the people have been dreaming of – the 24-hour power supply in the island.

“Thank you so much NAPOCOR, dahil pinagbigyan ninyo ang aking kakulitan at maraming-maraming salamat po sa Diyos at dininig po niya ang atong gihangyo nga ma24-hours na ang probinsya sa Dinagat.”

Lastly, Gov. Ecleo also reported some achievements on Agriculture, Tourism, Environmental Protection, Good Governance and other notable accomplishments of her administration.

She then expressed her profound gratitude to the people of the Provincial Government and local government units for their support and cooperation, and urged them to continue to build their province into a place with great opportunities for all, where everyone is encouraged to put a stake in their own community, where everyone is happy and contented. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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A 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped by the mayor of a town in Surigao del Norte.

The journal of the regional investigation and detective management division of Police Regional Office 13 said the mayor was charged with rape in relation to the Anti-Child Abuse Law.

The identity of the victim was withheld because she is a minor.

If the mayor were an ordinary suspect, the police would have arrested him first, and then filed charges against him later.

That is compartmentalized justice. (Ramon Tulfo, ON TARGET - inquirer.net)
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HAVING just listed by way of introduction on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Tuesday, mining firm Century Peak Metals Holdings Corp. is wasting no time in bringing operations up to speed as it expects to start the construction of its P7-billion smelting plant soon.

At the sidelines of the company’s listing ceremony in Makati City, Century Peak president and chief executive officer Wilfredo Keng said the initial phase will cost P2 billion, and will likely start construction within the year.

“We want to put up an integrated mining operation. And the initial phase will be the smelting plant,” said Keng.

According to the company’s website, the nickel pig iron smelting plant will be located in Isabel, Leyte. Keng said Century Peak expects to close the deal on the property “very soon” after which the firm can begin construction activities.

At present, the company’s nickel mining subsidiary Century Peak Corp. holds a mineral production sharing agreement covering a 4,000-hectare property in the Dinagat Islands and Albor, Dinagat province.

Keng said the company is targeting to produce 5,000 tons to 10,000 tons of pure nickel per year after the first phase of the smelting facility comes online. Peak operation will double nickel production to some 20,000 tons per year.

He said the smelting plant will allow the firm to generate profits despite depressed nickel prices.

“Even if price [of nickel] drops to $10,000 per ton, we still make money,” added the company executive. He said the nickel deposits also contain iron content which will translate to more value for the firm as the plant is said to utilize the extracted iron ore.

Apart from nickel and iron, Keng said the firm is also exploring other minerals such as chromite, gold and copper.

He said Century Peak also plans to acquire more properties for the mineral area while boosting exploration activities.

For now, the firm’s exploration site is only limited to between 500 hectares and 700 hectares, said Keng.

“We initially discovered that a deposit can go for 15 to 20 years in the Dinagat area. But we will still continue our exploration of the area,” he said.

Century Peak listed by way of introduction meaning it will not raise funds through this exercise. Companies taking this route, however, have certain advantages like gaining exposure as its shares can be traded on the exchange.

For now, Keng said Century Peak’s China-based affiliate will support the company during the initial stages of expansion.

Yesterday, the company listed 2,820,330,450 common shares, with a par value of P1 per share. These shares are listed under the First Board of the Exchange carrying an indicative reference opening price of P1 per share.

The PSE requires firms to conduct a follow-up initial public offering within a year of listing by introduction. (Business Mirror)
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On October 3, 2009 at 2:15 in the afternoon at Barangay Timamana, Tubod, Surigao del Norte, elements from Tubod Municipal Police Station arrested one Melvin Gonzales, 30 years old, single, jobless and resident of Barangay Marga, Tubod, Surigao del Norte and Christopher Yu, 25 years old, single, student and resident of Barangay Poblacion of same municipality by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) dated August 26, 2009 docketed under CC no. 8334, issued by Hon Judge Victor A Canoy of RTC Branch 29, Surigao City for frustrated murder with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 200,000.00 each.

Subject persons are now under the custody of Tubod Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

One team from 143rd RMG Company led by PO3 Millor Sr arrested one Jesus Tiago Chavez, 30 years old, single and resident of Purok-1B, Barangay San Antonio, RTR, Agusan del Norte by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) issued by Hon Judge Nemesio S Cañete of 4th MCTC Cabadbaran-RTR, Agusan del Norte, charged for the crime of grave threats docketed under CC no. 10809.

Subject person was brought to 143rd RMG Company for proper documentation. Apprehension took place at Cabadbaran Emergency Hospital, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte on October 5, 2009 at 2:00 am.

Also, on October 5, 2009 at 10:00 in the morning at Barangay Hall of Barangay Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, same team conducted operation against wanted person which resulted to the apprehension of one Silvino Pantoliang Escobido, 69 years old, married and resident of Sitio Zapanta Valley, Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Francisco F Maclang of RTC Branch 34, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte, charged for the crime of rape docketed under CC no. 2006-75.

Subject person was brought to 143rd RMG Company for proper documentation.

At 10:45 in the morning of the same date, joint PNP personnel from Surigao City Police Station and General Luna Police Station arrested the following persons: David Benjamen Darby, 61 years old, American National and temporarily residing at Reds Pharmacy, Surigao City; Genalyn Coughlan, 34 years old, married, jobless and resident of Paradise St., Barangay Taft, Surigao City by virtue of WOA issued by Hon Judge Evangeline S Yuipco Bayana of RTC Branch 31, Dapa, Surigao del Norte dated September 22, 2009 for estafa docketed under CC no. 09-58 with recommended bailbond amounting to Php 50,000.00.

Subject persons are temporarily detained at Surigao City Police Station awaiting for commitment order. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

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TUCP leaders engaged DOLE Secretary Marianito Roque and PEZA Director General Lilia de Lima in separate meetings for a dialogue and hand-over of the World Day for Decent Work’s Call to Action for Decent Work, Decent Life!

“Everyone should endeavour to place Decent Work at the core of development, economic, trade, financial and social policies at all levels. Decent Work should be promoted in every workplace, in every community, and in all institutions, be it private or public, in-country or overseas,” notes Democrito Mendoza, President of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

October 7 is World Day for Decent Work where trade unions all over the world pushed for the Call to Action of seven key demands. It is a call on government and decision-makers, including international financial institutions for:

o inclusive strategies for full and productive employment,
o promotion and protection of workers’ rights,
o social protection,
o changes in unfair trade rules,
o rationalization of debt servicing,
o increase in the level of overseas development assistance (ODA) from rich countries which imperative to reach the UN Millennium Development Goals, and
o protection of migrant workers.

In the Philippines, TUCP led the campaign which includes a hand-over ceremony of the Call to Action for “Decent Work, Decent Life!” to the respective Secretaries of DOLE, DTI, NEDA and the Director General of PEZA. Similar regional activities were held in Regions III, IV-A, VII and XI. TUCP is set to meet with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday.

Similar union-initiated hand-over ceremonies were held with the European Parliament, the Office Social Affairs Commission of the African Union; Organization of American States (OAS); the International Departments of IMF-World Bank and IMF at its scheduled meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, and, with the International Department of the WTO in Geneva.

Since its launching in 2007, 15 high-level political and institutional representatives including ILO Director-General Juan Somavia , UN General Assembly President Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan, European Commission (EC) President Manuel Durao Barroso and a number of Labour Ministers have indicated their support and signed the Call to Action.

“All stakeholders should join hand for the creation of employment. Stable and quality jobs make for a healthy economy. And we must promote and protect workers’ rights to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively. These are fundamental to decent work,” says former Senator and TUCP General Secretary Ernesto Herrera.

“Even before the current crisis, while GDP continuously increases in real terms, the lives of workers and their families have not improved. There is large unemployment and underemployment and inequitable distribution of income and wealth.

Affected by the financial crisis and recently, by typhoon “Ondoy”, we cannot tolerate “business as usual”. Workers, their families and communities are most affected. Over 5,000 members of the TUCP had been laid off so far due to closure of factories damaged by the typhoon. We hope this is not permanent. In these times, decent work is even more important,” says Herrera. (TUCP/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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TUCP leaders engaged DOLE Secretary Marianito Roque and PEZA Director General Lilia de Lima in separate meetings for a dialogue and hand-over of the World Day for Decent Work’s Call to Action for Decent Work, Decent Life!

“Everyone should endeavour to place Decent Work at the core of development, economic, trade, financial and social policies at all levels. Decent Work should be promoted in every workplace, in every community, and in all institutions, be it private or public, in-country or overseas,” notes Democrito Mendoza, President of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

October 7 is World Day for Decent Work where trade unions all over the world pushed for the Call to Action of seven key demands. It is a call on government and decision-makers, including international financial institutions for:

o inclusive strategies for full and productive employment,
o promotion and protection of workers’ rights,
o social protection,
o changes in unfair trade rules,
o rationalization of debt servicing,
o increase in the level of overseas development assistance (ODA) from rich countries which imperative to reach the UN Millennium Development Goals, and
o protection of migrant workers.

In the Philippines, TUCP led the campaign which includes a hand-over ceremony of the Call to Action for “Decent Work, Decent Life!” to the respective Secretaries of DOLE, DTI, NEDA and the Director General of PEZA. Similar regional activities were held in Regions III, IV-A, VII and XI. TUCP is set to meet with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday.
Similar union-initiated hand-over ceremonies were held with the European Parliament, the Office Social Affairs Commission of the African Union; Organization of American States (OAS); the International Departments of IMF-World Bank and IMF at its scheduled meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, and, with the International Department of the WTO in Geneva.
Since its launching in 2007, 15 high-level political and institutional representatives including ILO Director-General Juan Somavia , UN General Assembly President Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan, European Commission (EC) President Manuel Durao Barroso and a number of Labour Ministers have indicated their support and signed the Call to Action.
“All stakeholders should join hand for the creation of employment. Stable and quality jobs make for a healthy economy. And we must promote and protect workers’ rights to form and join trade unions and bargain collectively. These are fundamental to decent work,” says former Senator and TUCP General Secretary Ernesto Herrera.

“Even before the current crisis, while GDP continuously increases in real terms, the lives of workers and their families have not improved. There is large unemployment and underemployment and inequitable distribution of income and wealth.

Affected by the financial crisis and recently, by typhoon “Ondoy”, we cannot tolerate “business as usual”. Workers, their families and communities are most affected. Over 5,000 members of the TUCP had been laid off so far due to closure of factories damaged by the typhoon. We hope this is not permanent. In these times, decent work is even more important,” says Herrera. (TUCP/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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With its impressive Sports Coliseum, Victorias City will once again host a PBA game on Nov. 7, this time between San Miguel Beermen and Sta. Lucia Realtors.

The game in Victorias is one of the nine calendared provincial games for the PBA Philippine Cup, set to kick off Oct. 11 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Before taking on Sta. Lucia in Victorias City , the Beermen will face Alaska Aces on Oct. 17 in the very first out-of-town game of the league's 35th season.

On Oct. 24, Burger King will test of the mettle of Rain or Shine in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental.

The Beermen vs. Realtors face-off in Victorias will open the road games in November followed by the expected bruising encounter between Barangay Ginebra and Burker King in Lanao on Nov. 14.

The Coca-Cola Tigers will fly to Cebu on Nov. 21 to clash against the Beermen before Purefoods and Sta. Lucia face each other in the following week in Surigao City which will be held in their newly renovated provincial gymnasium.

Defending champions Talk `N Text Tropang Texters and Tigers welcome the month of December with a game in General Santos City on the 5th, and then the league hops to Tacloban on the 12th for the Rain or Shine-Barangay Ginebra tussle.

Capping the out-of-town games of Philippine Cup is the encounter between Purefoods and Talk `N Text in Cagayan de Oro on Dec. 19.
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One Raul Del Rosario, 35 years old, married, fisherman and resident of Barangay Antipolo, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte was shot by suspect Felicito Juntilo, 68 years old, married, farmer and resident of said place on October 2, 2009 at 3:00 in the morning at Sitio Pangi of Barangay Antipolo.

Victim sustained lone gunshot wound on his head resulting to his instantaneous death. PNP elements of Del Carmen Municipal Police Station conducted hot pursuit operation to the fleeing suspect resulting to his arrest.

Confiscated from suspect's possession one cal .22 rifle loaded with one live ammo. Case now prepared for filing in court against the suspect. (PNP-13/ PIA-Caraga)

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Budget airline Zest Airways Inc. (Zest Air) plans to mount flights to Surigao and Siargao Islands this November.

Reports revealed that the airline's flight from Manila to Surigao will starts its operation on November 16, 2009. Flight Z2 370 is scheduled to leave Manila at 1230 arriving at 1415 in Surigao City. The return Z2 371 flight is set to take off at 1435 landing in Manila Domestic Airport at 1620 which operates every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The airline will be using its brand-new 60-seater MA60 aircraft from China delivered few months ago.

Also, the Manila-Siargao route operates its thrice-weekly service every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday starting November 17, 2009. Flight Z2 378 departs from Manila at 1230 and arrives in Siargao at 1415. The return flight Z2 379 leaves at 1435 and reaches Manila at 1620.

After the Siargao – Manila route, Zest Air is expected to introduce flight from Cebu to Siargao four-time weekly service on December 8, 2009 every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, sparing travelers to the surfing destination a three-hour ferry from Surigao City. Flight Z2 578 departs from Cebu at 1030 and arrives in Siargao at 1120. The return flight Z2 579 leaves at 1150 and reaches Cebu at 1240.

At present, Zest Air flies to Caticlan, Busuanga, Calbayog, Catarman, Marinduque, San Jose and Virac from Manila. It started flying new routes to Iloilo, Legaspi, Naga, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Kalibo, Tacloban and Tagbilaran.

The Zest-O group of companies, owned by businessman Alfredo Yao, acquired Asian Spirit, a small airline company based in the Philippines last year, and is carrying out an aggressive expansion program amid worldwide economic downturn. For more information, visit www.zestair.com.ph. (FEA, Surigao Today)

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Owner of unlicensed and unregistered guns throughout the province have the whole month of October to benefit of the Philippine National Police's (PNP) final amnesty for loose firearms, this was the statement made by Prov'l Director Sr. Supt. David Ombao recently.

Dir. Ombao said they continue to appeal to the owners of unlicensed firearms to avail of the amnesty program in compliance with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's directive to conduct intensified campaign against the proliferation of illegal firearms and to minimize election-related violent incidents brought about by the increase of loose firearms in the coming 2010 elections.

Ombao bared that under EO 817 the gun amnesty will start this October 1 and will end on the 31st of this month. However, Ombao said that they have already been doing information dissemination on loose firearms last August this year.

"We are already doing this, since August pa. Sinimulan na naming habang pinoprocess pa yung proseso ng amnesty, meron na kaming mga dissemination program na inadvice sa amin ng higher headquarters."

Ombao then urged all Surigaonons who are holders of firearms with expired licenses to register their guns so that they will not be penalized.

"They will only have to secure an application form at the nearest local police station and pay a fixed amount of P650. After payment, they will be given temporary permit until the release of the permanent license."

Also, Ombao added that for the loose firearm they will only have to pay P1,000 and it could be paid at any Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) branch.

"After payment and filing of proper documentations, the loose firearms will then be subjected to ballistic examination at the Firearms and Explosives Division at Camp Crame in Manila and verification process will only take 2 to 3 days."

PNP here estimated that there are about 400 unregistered firearms in the entire province and more than half of the figure represent firearms with expired licenses, that were not renewed by the owner. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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