Roxas , Oriental Mindoro – 700 runners from the different sectors of the community eagerly participated in the 1^st Takbo Para sa Kapayapaan last Wednesday at Roxas town plaza. The activity kicked off with a registration at Roxas Gym at 4am and was followed by a tae-bo exercise lead by selected students from John Paul College to warm up all the runners.  The 5km runners were the first to be released and were followed by the 3km runners. A program followed afterwards which included a prayer for peace and messages from the heads of different sectors of the municipality. “We are here to win the peace with everybody as partners towards a common goal which is development” was the message of the Commanding Officer of 4^th Infantry Battalion, LTC JEFFREY JAKE GALLENERO. Other key leaders who willingly supported included LGU Roxas headed by Mayor Jackson Dy, DEPED District Supervisor Madam Rañeses, Police Inspector Gutierrez of PNP and many other religious leaders. The activity was jointly initiated by 4^th Infantry Scorpion Battalion and LGU Roxas to serve as a message for the all Mindoreños that its people are active players in advocating for a peaceful community through Bayanihan events such as this run. The activity was graciously ended by the signing of the peace advocacy board by all the leaders and runners.

(Left: Runners of 5km run prepares at the starting line of the race Right: Tae Bo exercise for warm ups was lead by students of John Paul College)

(Left: Participants from the different sectors eagerly affixed their signature of support on the peace advocacy board Right: LTC Gallenero and Mayor Dy together with the runners pose for a shot after signing their support for a peaceful Roxas.)

Mula sa 15 naggagandahang dalaga mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng lalawigan, kinoronahan bilang Miss Oriental Mindoro 2012 si Maria Mirasal P. Olarte ng Socorro.

Nanguna si Olarte sa taunang patimpalak na isa sa mga pangunahing gawain sa pagdiriwang ng 62^nd Founding Anniversary ng Oriental Mindoro noong Nobyembre 14 sa Alfonso L. Umali, Sr. Gymnasium, sa lungsod ng Calapan.

Tumanggap ang dalaga ng P50,000 cash prize gayundin ang mga titulo bilang Ms. Photogenic, Best in Long Gown at 1^st runner-up Best in Mindoreña Attire.

Nakuha naman ni Erika Colleen Mañibo ng Victoria ang mga titulo bilang Ms. Tourism 2012, P30,000 cash prize, Ms. Popularity at 2^nd runner-up Best In Long Gown.

Ms. MAHALTA 2012 naman si Christialyn Nalas ng Pinamalayan at may cash prize na P20,000.  Siya rin ang nakakuha ng awards na Best in Swimsuit, Ms. Brightest Smile, at 1^st Runner-up Best in Long Gown.

Napili naman bilang 1^st Runner up sa patimpalak si Ms. Bansud Nicandra De Castro na kinilala rin bilang Ms. Congeniality.  Sinundan siya ni Ms. Calapan City Kristia Kaye Nable bilang 2^nd Runner up at nakakuha rin ng award ng Best in Mindoreña Attire at sponsor award na Ms. Samsung.

Samantala, si Ms. Pola Receleste Cleofe ang nakakuha ng Best in Talent.  Si Ms. Mansalay Ronalyn C. Nicolas naman ang napili bilang Ms. Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zones Authority o Ms. TIEZA, 1^st runner-up Best in Talent at Ms. Daisy Premium Papaya Soap.

Si Danica Goodwin ng Puerto Galera ang 2^nd runner-up Best in Mindoreña Attire.  Nakuha naman ni Ms. Naujan Shiela Marie Gasco ang Ms. Neo Calapan at 2^nd runner-up Best in Talent.

Ang gawain ay pinangasiwaan ng Miss Oriental Mindoro Charities Incorporated, sa pangunguna ni MOMCI President Hiyas Govinda Ramos Dolor.  Sa kanyang talumpati, taus-pusong pasasalamat ang kanyang paabot sa lahat ng mga ahensya, tanggapan, establisimyento, mga opisyal at lahat ng mga indibidwal na tumulong upang matagumpay na maisakatuparan ang nabanggit na patimpalak.  Para daw sa kanya, ang pagiging pangulo ng MOMCI at pangunguna sa pangangasiwa ng gawain ay isang pangarap na natupad.

Hinikayat naman ni Gobernador Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. ang lahat ng mga mamamayan na ipagpatuloy ang pagkakaisa sa pagsusulong ng kaunlaran at kasaganaan ng lalawigan ng Oriental Mindoro.

Kabilang naman sa mga nakiisa sa gawain ay ang mga opisyal ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Oriental Mindoro, sa pangunguna ni Bise-Gobernador Humerlito A. Dolor at mga Bokal ng SP.  Dumalo rin sa gawain ang mga punumbayan at iba pang mga opisyal ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa lalawigan.

Nagbigay naman ng special song numbers ang kabilang sa mga hurado ng patimpalak na sina dating Bb. Pilipinas-World at ngayo’y Pateros Councilor Daisy Reyes, Audrey Zubiri na may-bahay ni dating Senador Miguel Zubiri.  Kasama ni Gng Zubiri ang kilalang song writer na si Lito Camo.

Ang presentasyon ng 2012 Search for Miss Oriental Mindoro ay nasa ilalim ng direksyon ni Ronald King.  (Provincial Information Office)

Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro – The troops of 4IB participated with the different agencies and local government units in the evacuation and rescue of victims during the onslaught of Tropical Storm “OFEL” last 25 October 2012.

Last Thursday, many towns and barangays of Oriental Mindoro were submerged in flood water as continuous rain poured due to Tropical Storm “OFEL”. The whole province was placed under storm signal number 2.

Lieutenant Colonel JEFFREY JAKE D GALLENERO, commander of 4^th Infantry Battalion, immediately orchestrated simultaneous coordination with the different Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (MDRRMC) and mobilized his troops to help in the rescue and relief efforts. The battalion deployed around 72 personnel, three KM250 trucks, and five KM450 trucks in the midst of the heavy flooding.

They were able to rescue a total of one thousand four hundred thirty five (1,435) individuals and bring them to different evacuation centers of the different municipalities. Likewise, the battalion together with MPS Mansalay headed by PSI Batulayan and LGU of Mansalay assisted GMA Kapuso Foundation in the distribution of relief items to about 1,415 families in the municipality of Mansalay. (1LT MELCHOR R DURANTE (INF) PA)

Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro – Humigit kumulang 400 Mindore?os ang malugod na dumalo at nakiisa sa pagpapasinaya sa pagkundina sa taliwas na gawain ng armadong grupo o “Peace Rally” na may temang “Mindore?os! Ipinaglalaban ang Karapatang Pantao tungo sa Pagbabago at Asenso” ganap na ika-10 ng umaga ng hulyo 28 sa bayang ito.

Layunin nitong himukin ang taumbayan na ipaglaban ang karapatan ng bawat tao at sama-samang itakwil ang baluktot at brutal na gawain ng mga armadong grupo partikular ang New People’s Army (NPA) gaya ng pagpaslang ng mga ito kay Ariston Maming na isang aktibong Mangyan Community-Organizer Volunteer noong ika-20 ng Hulyo sa Sitio Yunot, Brgy Nasucob, Bulalacao.

Ang dalawang oras na pagtitipon-tipon at iginugol ng mga partisipante ay isang hudyat ng pagdadalamhati at paghingi ng hustisya sa isang katutubong nilalang na ang tanging hangad ay makatulong sa pag-unlad sa kanilang lugar at maiangat sa kumunoy ng kahirapan ang kaniyang kapwa katutubo. Subalit ang mga hangaring ito ay lantarang ipinagkait ng mga teroristang NPA na kung saan ang tanging mithiin ay maghasik ng kaguluhan at pigilan ang daloy ng ekonomiya sa lipunan.

Naging madamdamin at puno ng hinagpis ang mensahe ng mga piling panauhin at taga-pagsalita hinggil sa mapait na sinapit ni Ariston lalo na ng mga kaanak at ama nitong si Barawraw Maming. Aniya, hindi makatao ang pagpatay sa kaniyang anak! Ang hindi matatawarang kontribusyon ng anak sa komunidad ay simbolo ng katapangan at malawak na kaisipan kung kaya’t hinikayat niya ang mga katutubo na magpunyagi, patuloy na makibaka tungo sa rurok ng tagumpay at huwag tangkilikin ang presensya ng mga makakaliwang grupo.

Ayon din sa punong Barangay ng Nasucob sa katauhan ni kagalang-galang Dennis Paner, malaking kawalan ang isang Ariston sa kanilang lugar, ang sipag at tiyagang ipinamalas nito ay naging susi at daan sa pagkakaroon ng iba’t-ibang proyekto tulad ng isang silid-aralan, linya ng kuryente, pagsasaayos ng kalsada at lakbay-aral para sa mga katutubong Hanunuo sa Silangang Mindoro. Siya din ay umapila sa kaniyang mga nasasakupan na harinawa’y hindi na maulit ang karumal-dumal na pangyayari bagkus magkaisa at manindigan alang-alang sa kapakanan ng bawat isa.

Lubos din ang paghihinayang ni Mayor Ernilo Villas ng Bulalacao, aniya, si Ariston ay isang hulog ng langit para sa mga katutubo. Hindi alintana ang hirap at pagod at di-iniisip ang sariling kapakanan basta makatulong sa kapwa at makapaghatid ng nauukol na proyekto sa kanilang lugar. Pinagtutuunan nito ng mahabang oras at pansin hindi lamang sa lokal na pamahalaan kundi hanggang sa nasyonal ay nakakaabot ito alang-alang sa ikasasatuparan ng mga signipikong proyekto at programa lalo na ang alternatibong pangkabuhayan para sa mga katutubo. Sa kabilang banda, ang punong bayan ay nakiusap na magbuklod-buklod at buong tapang na itaguyod ang karapatan tungo sa progresibong pamayanan.

Ang mga katagang binalangkas sa kabuuan, ay nagmistulang sandigan at lakas ng bawat mamamayang sumaksi at nakibahagi lalo’t higit ang mga katutubo. Ang kagitingan at tibay ng paninindigan ni Ariston ay magsisilbing gabay sa pagtutol laban sa mga grupong anay sa bayan.

Kaakibat sa isinagawang “peace rally”, ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Bulalacao sa pangunguna ni Mayor Villas, Bulalacao MPS na pinamumunuan ni Police Inspector Christian Marquez at ang mga koponan ng 203^rd Infantry Brigade sa pamumuno ni Koronel Bobby Calleja na kinatawan ni Koronel Johnny Macanas, ang halig-puno ng nasabing Brigada at 4^th Infantry Battalion na pinamumunuan ni Tenyente Koronel Jeffrey Jake Gallenero na kinatawan nina Magat Gregorio de Guzman, halig-puno, ang may akda at Tenyente Riza Sembrano ng naturang Batalyon ay agarang nagpulong upang mabigyan ng hustisya ang pagkamatay ni Ka Maming, matulungan ang pamilya at mabigyan ng libreng edukasyon ang apat na anak nito at ang mga aspetong karagdagang alternatibong pangkabuhayan, mahigpit na seguridad at malawakang kontra propaganda laban sa mga komunistang NPA at masasamang elemento nang sa ganun ay hindi mag-alinlangan ang mga imbestor at negosyante na dumayo at mamuhunan sa bayan ng Bulalacao.(1LT MELCHOR R DURANTE (INF) PA  4IB7)

            Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro – Ang koponan ng 4^th Infantry Battalion na pinamumunuan ni Tenyente Koronel Jeffrey Jake D Gallenero ay naglunsad ng isang araw na pagpapasinaya patungkol sa Responsableng Patnubay at Gabay sa Pagpapamilya ngayong ika-18 ng Hulyo, 2012 sa Sitio Haguines, Brgy Wasig ng bayang ito.

            Ang nasabing seminar ay nakapaloob sa Gender Awareness Development (GAD) Program ng yunit na kung saan ang layunin ay mabigyan ng sapat na kaalaman, tamang proseso at malawak na pangunawa ang mga sundalo hinggil sa pagpapamilya at pag-aruga sa kani-kanilang mga anak.

            Naisakatuparan ang signipikong aktibidad na ito sa pamamagitan ng koordinasyon at dayalogo sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Mansalay sa pangunguna ni Mayor Jose Ildefonso Maliwanag. Aniya, ang ganitong gawain ay isang patunay na ang militar ay hindi lamang nakatuon sa pagpapalaganap ng seguridad at kapayapaan sa lugar bagkus binibigyan din ng pansin ang matibay na pundasyon ng pamilya. Kaakibat nito, agad na inatasan ng nasabing Mayor ang Municipal Social Welfare Development o MSWD sa pangunguna ni Ginang Marilou S. Cristalino, Nurse III, MNAO, Municipal Population Officer upang magbahagi ng dagdag kaalaman sa pagpapamilya.

Masusing tinalakay ng mga piling panauhin at tagapagsalita ang mga paksang Parenting, Family Planning, Gender Sensitivity, Sex Education at Stress Management. Kabilang din sa grupo na nagbigay ng kani-kanilang karanasan at malawak na ideya ay ang Rural Health Unit Nurses at sina Ginang Eloisa C Fajutnao, Day Care Worker II, Head of BHW at Ginang Sofia A Teston, 4Ps Municipal Link. Anila, isang karangalan at di matatawarang karanasan ang pakikipagdaupang palad nila sa mga sundalo at sa puntong ito, ang dating negatibong pananaw sa militar ay nagdulot ng respeto at tiwala.

Sa kabuuhan, namutawi sa puso’t isipan ng mga sundalo ang mga kataga at kumprehensibong usapin sa pagpapamilya. Bilang pagtanggap at taus-pusong pagkilala sa serbisyong ipinagkaloob ng mga panauhin at tagapagsalita, ang koponan ng 4^th Battalion ay nagbigay ng “Certificate of Appreciation”. (1LT MELCHOR R DURANTE (INF) PA 4IB7)

Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro – Walang habag na pinaslang ng sampung armadong tao ang isang katutubong Mangyan sa Sitio Yunot, Brgy Nasukob ng  bayang ito noong ika-20 ng Hulyo taong kasalukuyan.

             Nakilala ang biktima na si Ariston Mameng y Lunes, isang Mangyan Community Volunteer na aktibong nakikipag-ugnayan sa lokal na pamahalaan at iba’t-ibang sektor at ahensiya ng gobyerno upang makatulong sa ikapapayapa at ikauunlad ng kanilang lugar. Ayon sa mga kamag-anak ng biktima, bandang alas otso ng gabi ng biglang sumulpot sa bahay ang mga armadong tao na nagpakilalang rebelde at miyembro ng New People’s Army (NPA) na kumikilos sa ROMANBUL (Roxas, Mansalay at Bulalacao). Puwersahang pumasok ang mga salarin at agad na pinusasan at kinaladkad palabas ng bahay ang naturang biktima. Saksi man ang buong pamilya sa pangyayari anila’y tila naging tuod na lamang at manhid sa takot na sila ay idamay at saktan. Makalipas ang sampung minuto buhat sa pagtangay sa biktima, agad na nakarinig ang pamilya at mga kamag-anak nito ng apat na sunod-sunod at umaalingawngaw na putok ng matataas na kalibre ng baril di kalayuan sa ilog na titatawag nilang Tupal. Dahil dito, ang mga katutubong residente ay lubhang natakot at nagimbal.

            Makaraan ang humigit kumulang siyam na oras ng pagkawala ni Ariston, bandang alas singko ng madaling araw ng ika-21 ng Hulyo, sina Nelia Taying Mameng, asawa ng biktima at Eming Ungkay ay nagtungo sa ilog at doon nabungaran at natagpuan ang karumaldumal na pagpaslang sa biktima. Nagtamo ito ng apat na tama ng bala sa iba’t-ibang bahagi ng katawan. Ang pagkitil sa buhay ng tao gaya nito, na tahasang ginagawa ng mga rebelde o NPA ay isang bangungot at paglabag sa karapatang pantao.

            Sa ulat ni Mayor Ernilo Villas ng Bulalacao sa pamamagitan ng tawag sa telepono hinggil sa pangyayari at sa panayam at pakikipag-ugnayan sa pulisya, ang koponan ng 4^th Infantry Battalion na pinamumunuan ni Tenyente Koronel Jeffrey Jake Gallenero ay agad na nagsagawa ng “Joint Retrieval Operation” para makuha at maisaayos ang labi ng biktima. Naisagawa ang retrieval operation ganap na ika-6 ng umaga at dinala ang bangkay sa Municipal Health Office ng Bulalacao para ma-eksamin (post-mortem examination). Ayon kay Dr Rey Asignacion, Medical Officer IV na tumingin sa pasyente, ang tinamong tama ng bala sa katawan (chest, level right nipple, chest near axilla, deltoid right area) ang sanhi ng agarang ikinamatay ng biktima.

            Ang hindi matatawarang sipag at bulontaryong serbisyo publiko ni Ariston ay isang malaking kawalan sa mga katutubo partikular ang tribong Hanunuo. Siya ang nagsisilbing sugo upang maisakatuparan ang anumang proyekto at aktibidad sa kanilang Sitio at sa ibang komunidad ng Mangyan sa  Silangang Oriental Mindoro. Isa sa mga signipikong ginampanan at pinagbuhusan niya ng oras ay ang pagkakaroon ng dalawang gusaling silid-aralan sa Sitio Yunot na kung saan ang ABS-CBN Sagip-Kapamilya Foundation, LGU-Bulalacao, Mangyan Leaders, AFP at iba’t-ibang sektor ay naging magkatuwang sa pagbuo sa proyektong ito.

            Sa kasalukuyan, ang 4^th Battalion ay patuloy na nakikipagtulungan upang mabigyan ng karampatang tulong ang pamilya ng biktima at nagsasagawa ng “special investigation” at “counter measures” upang masupil ang mga rebeldeng salarin. (1Lt Melchor R. Durante (INF) PA 4IB7)

                “MANGYAN” is the generic name for the eight (8) Indigenous Peoples (IPs) groups found in Mindoro Island namely: Alangan, Bangon, Buhid, Hanunuo, Iraya, Tadyawan, Tau-buid and Ratagnon. Majority of the Mangyans live in the central mountainous regions estimated to be 10% of the total population of Mindoro, or 120,000 Mangyans as of year 2010, each tribe has its own distinct language and cultural traditions.

            These humbly and peace-loving tribes, based on their traditional way of living, which is swidden farming or kaingin (slash & burn) method often employed by lowland farmers as a strategy to convert forested areas into instant farmlands, gradually adopts technological procedures such as modern & organic farming, livestock raising, handicrafts making and other livelihood interventions. However, their pace towards socio-economic progress is furled by the unscrupulous Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CNN) who opted to ruin democracy. The arouse-organize-mobilize (AOM) strategy of the CNN could form a layer of shadow government implicating Mangyan people if not immediately averted by the security component of the government.  

             In line with the thrust of the National Government and the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro to win a just and lasting peace conducive for sustainable development and save these Mangyans from CNN’s deception, the 4^th Infantry (Scorpion) Battalion, 2^nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, Phil Army stationed at Sitio Haguines, Barangay Wasig, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro under the command of LTC WILBUR C MAMAWAG INF (GSC) PA, constantly engages Mangyans in peace and development initiatives. These undertakings focus on alliance building, art of persuasion and information dissemination, implementation and facilitation of low-cost-high-impact projects like water system, housing (nipa hut), public toilets, and foot bridges, among other projects that are beneficial to them. The realization of these high-impact projects is through the unique culture of “Bayanihan” by all peace and development stakeholders through pooling of resources, lasting partnership and active involvement particularly the Mangyan beneficiaries.

              The deployment of the Tribal Re-empowerment Initiative Building Operations (TRIBO) Platoons composed of the 4^th Infantry Battalion, PNP & Mangyan CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) in the identified Communist Terrorist-affected and depressed Mangyan areas is very timely and abreast with the 203^rd Infantry Brigade’s shaping operations in preparation for the complete clearing as the Brigade assumes Main Effort by 2013 based on the timeline of 2^nd infantry Division. The procedures stipulated in AFPM 3-07 TRIBO Handbook series of 2011 is strictly implemented and followed by the TRIBO Platoons giving emphasis on the phasing of clustering of Sitios considering the configuration of terrain and distance of adjacent Sitios. The Battalion also incorporated some peace & development advocacies in collaboration with concerned agencies/sectors such as symposium on nationalism and responsible citizenship, literacy program, environmental protection and preservation and counter propaganda against CNN’s black propaganda.

Photos show the construction of water system and basic literacy program to the Mangyans of Brgy Benli, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro as part of the immersion phase of Tribal Re-empowerment Initiative Building Operations (TRIBO) Platoon.

            By and large, it was assessed that our TRIBO immersion is gaining headway as it inflicts significant blow to the CTs based on the revelations of the captured and surrendered CTs. Moreover, the unity of efforts displayed is a clear manifestation that the entire government machinery is working together towards a common goal in winning the peace. (By: Major Gregorio R de Guzman (INF) PA, Ex-O, 4IB)

The 4^th Infantry (Scorpion) Battalion, 2ID, PA under the leadership of LTC WILBUR C MAMAWAG INF (GSC) PA in partnership with the Farmers Organization for the Rural Uplifment of Mindoro (FORUM) spearheaded by Honorable Reynaldo “RU” Umali, Congressman, 2^nd District of Oriental Mindoro and Organizer of Organic Baboy Project conducted livelihood intervention seminar on organic hog raising on 03-04 March 2012 at Brgy Ipil, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.

The realization of “organic baboy project” and other livelihood interventions such as use of organic fertilizers in planting rice, vegetables and organic feeding of swine is through the initiative and alliance building of the unit with the Provincial Organic Agriculture Congress in Oriental Mindoro graced with the presence of Honorable Dante De Lima, National Rice Coordinator of the Department of Agriculture (DA). According to him, the Department of Agriculture assured to provide assistance for a productive and sustainable organic farming in the Province of Oriental Mindoro. However, there is a need for the community to internalize and adopt the essence of organic procedures. Generally, the Provincial Organic Agriculture Congress aims to gather the organization practicing organic and other stakeholders for eventual organization of Oriental Mindoro initiatives for sustainable agriculture and development.

Similar to the intent of every community to outsource funds in order to supplement the budgetary requirements, our ultimate objective is to engage our personnel and their dependents in livelihood initiatives that would complement their socio-economic needs. As we started our organic baboy project inside camp and after a couple months, we saw a big difference compared to the modernized piggery method. It is more economical because we only feed kangkong, kamote, banana and other leafy vegetables. The pig-pen is made of organic raw materials such as bamboo, slabs and nipa and most of all the excrement of the “organic hogs” is almost odorless as grated coconut husks consist the flooring which is environment-friendly.

Photos show the documentation of “Organic Baboy Practices” on 03 March 2012 at H4IB, Sitio Haguines, Brgy Wasig, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro spearheaded by LTC WILBUR C MAMAWAG INF (GSC) PA, CO, 4IB with the Department of Agriculture- Agriculture Trade Industry (DA-ATI) headed by Mr German D Rodegerio, Chief of Staff of Congressman Reynaldo V Umali of 2nd District of Oriental Mindoro, Ms Graciel V Gacutan, Extension Coordinator and Josephine G Dann, Researcher.

CALAPAN CITY – Malapit nang matupad ang mura, tuluy-tuloy at mas malakas na suplay ng kuryente sa buong isla ng Mindoro, partikular sa lalawigan ng Oriental Mindoro.

Ito’y matapos na aprubahan ng National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) at i-endorso sa Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) ang pag-iimplementa ng proyektong Batangas-Mindoro Interconnection Project (BMIP) o ang proyektong “BMIP Submarine Cable.”

Sa isang sulat na ipinadala ni Oriental Mindoro First District Congressman Rodolfo G. Valencia nitong Enero 11 kay Gobernador Alfonso V. Umali, Jr., ipinaalam ng kongresista sa gobernador na inaprubahan na ng NGCP ang nasabing “submarine cable project” at ngayon ay inaatay na lamang ang pinal na pagpayag ng ERC para ito ay ganap nang maipatupad ngayong taong ito.

Sa pamamamagitan ng proyekto, pagdudugtungin ang mga linya o sistema ng kuryente mula sa isla ng Mindoro patungo sa mas malaking lugar ng Luzon, o ang “Luzon Grid,” sa pamamagitan ng linyang padadaanin sa ilalim ng dagat, o ang “submarine cable.”

Ipinaalam ni Congressman Valencia kay Gobernador Umali na matapos na maaprubahan ng NGCP ang proyekto, pormal nang hiniling nito sa ERC ang pagkatig sa pagpapatupad nito para ito ay masimulan na ngayong 2012.

May dalawang paraan umano para mapagdugtong ang sistema ng kuryente mula sa Mindoro patungo sa Batangas.  Ang unang opsyon ay ang Luzon Grid via Batanga 230 KV Substation at ang ikalwang opsyon ay ang Luzon Grid via Ilijan 500 KV Substation.

At base sa pag-aaral ng Department of Energy (DOE), tina-target sa 203 megawatts ng kuryente ang itatatag sa Mindoro hanggang sa taong 2016.  At kapag umano ganap na mamaksimisa ang paggamit ng potensyal sa enerhiya ng buong isla, posbleng mahigit sa 600 MW ng kuryente ang kayang isuplay ng Mindoro hanggang sa 50 taon.  Hindi lang dito kundi maging sa iba pang lugar sa Luzon ay kaya nang magbigay ng Mindoro ng kuryente.

Dahil din dito, ipinaliwanag ni Valencia na maaasahan na ang isang tuluy-tuloy at mas murang halaga ngunit mas malakas na buga ng enerhiya o kuryente sa buong Mindoro.  Tuluy-tuloy na rin umano ang pagpasok ng malalaking negosyo o kalakal sa Oriental at Occidental Mindoro at magagamit na din ang iba pang potensyal ng isla sa pagbibigay ng kuryente.

Pinasalamatan naman ng kongresista ng unang distrito ang punong-lalawigan ng Oriental Mindoro sa buong puso at patuloy nitong pagsuporta ta sa BMIP.  Bukod sa Administrasyong Umali at national government sa pamumuno ni Pangulong Benigno C. Aquino III, ang naturang proyekto ay sinusuportahan din ng House of Representatives, Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (Ormeco) at Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (Omeco). (Ni JUANCHO R. MAHUSAY)

CALAPAN CITY – A public school principal was killed while two were seriously injured as a running Philippine Army truck collided head-on with a speeding passenger van in Victoria town, Oriental Mindoro, at dawn of Wednesday (January 4).

According to the report gathered from the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Victoria municipality, identified as killed during the said vehicular accident was a Maribel Castillo, reportedly a principal from a public school in San Teodoro, said province.

Castillo was said to be accompanying her students in going to Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro to attend an ongoing provincial schools’ press conference when the incident happened.  No one from among her students on board the involved van was reportedly injured.

However, seven passengers of the military truck which the van collided along the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) in Brgy. Pakyas, Victoria, three of them Army soldiers, were injured during the accident happened at about 4:30 AM of January 4.

In an incident report furnished to The STAR by a Capt. Gregorio De Guzman of 203^rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, it was learned that while the said six-wheeler Army truck was traversing the highway going to their brigade headquarters in Naujan town, it accidentally hit a van full of passengers.

In the process, passengers of the truck, identified as Army Corporal Eddie Cenal, PFCs Glen Gloterte and Raffy Magdasal and civilians Adones Dorgas, Rene Tajay, Rene Giray and Ernesto Rocela. Jr., were either pinned down of thrown out of their vehicles.

Two of the injured soldiers were in serious condition and still in comatose as of presstime.  They were airlifted by a military chopper and are now being treated at the V. Luna Veterans’ Memorial Hospital, according to the latest military report.

Witnesses told newsmen that the van appeared to be speeding when it collided with the truck.  The said passenger van, reportedly full of passengers mostly students and teachers who were said to be going to attend a school journalism activity, was severely damaged.

The killed school principal was already brought to a funeral parlor in this city while the other injured passengers from both vehicles were treated to the provincial hospital and a private clinic here.(By JUANCHO R. MAHUSAY)

CALAPAN CITY – An estimated P50 million worth of properties have been damaged and destroyed when a fire, said to be caused by an electrical overload charge, gutted the municipal public market in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro.

A report gathered by the Oriental Mindoro Media Club (OMMC) understudies stated that the fire started at the height of Christmas day celebration (December 25), at about 11:00 AM, in one of the stalls inside the said town’s public market.

Reiterating the worth of the damage in terms of money value, local Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief Pasyo Gubot said a big store and supplier of feeds there, a salon and barber shop, a money exchange place, a grocery store and four stalls were razed by the said fire, a first here in more than 20 years.

The fire stretched to third alarm, which caused fire ambulances of neighboring fire stations from the municipalities of Bansud, Gloria and Socorro to respond and beefed up the firemen in Pinamalayan.

Luckily, Gubot said there was no casualty or any people suffered injury or harm.(By JUANCHO R. MAHUSAY)

CALAPAN CITY December 20 (PIA) – Numerous recycled and eye-catching Christmas decors displayed in front of the different offices at the provincial capitol complex of Oriental Mindoro are drawing large crowds here.

A gigantic snowman made of 1.5 liter plastic bottles in front of the capitol building stands out from all decors.  Beside the snowman is a sky-towering Christmas tree made of the same materials.

On the other hand, the Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC) displays in front of their office inside the capitol compound replicas of Santa Claus and his reindeers which are made of native materials.  The Provincial Disaster Response Team (PDRT), for their part, shows its creativity through reindeers made of fire extinguishers and greetings shown in beautifully decorated life vests which are presented along the doorways of its office.

Meanwhile, the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), also inside the capitol, proves that the used and rust-filled ballot boxes are still usable when they were passionately arranged to build a Christmas tree.

The Provincial Youth Development Council (PYDC), on the one hand, uses a tarpaulin to present their Yuletide décor.  At the same time, the Provincial Information Office (PIO) exhibits inventiveness as it used old compact discs to build its Christmas tree.  The provincial government’s legal office (PLO) manifests thriftiness as they put on display their castle made of cartons.

Other current Christmas attractions inside the capitol complex here are those of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), which dazzles with Christmas lights shaped into different Yuletide’s characters, while the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) amazed spectators with a Christmas tree built from wrecked swivel chairs.( By JUANCHO R. MAHUSAY)

CALAPAN CITY – The provincial government of Oriental Mindoro has launched two new health care security programs which are aimed at giving people here more access to health and medical care benefits and facilities.

According to Provincial Health Insurance Program manager Ernanie C. Decena, they have already started the process on Provincial Health Insurance Information System, a computerized data base that contains all the needed information regarding members of PhilHealth program in the province.

Decena explained that Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso V. Umali Jr. supports the new system for this will determine the exact or accurate numbers of beneficiaries and avoid duplication of those registered PhilHealth members included in the national government and those in the health insurance program of the local governments.

At the same time, the provincial administration is currently conducting here up to the remotest areas or barangays health security survey to serve as another information reference of the province’s computerized data base.

The provincial health manager also said that to further avoid confusions, they will verify on 2012 the validity of all health cards, starting January up to December.  Presently, the provincial government has already accorded fully all PhilHealth insurance which were once have counterparts from the municipal governments.

Governor Umali is fully supporting the public health program of President Benigno Aquino III which has aim of giving Filipinos universal coverage or “PhilHealth for All.”( By JUANCHO R. MAHUSAY)

QUEZON CITY, Sept.8 (PIA) — Households are warned against the careless disposal of their old and non-working appliances and gadgets, as they may not only cause hazard to our environment but health as well.

This was stressed by Eli Ildefonso, Deputy Executive Director of the National Solid Waste Management Commission in this morning’s edition of the radio program “Talking Points,” which is simultaneously aired over PTV-4 and Radyo ng Bayan.

According to Ildefonso, this type of waste is also called electronic wastes (or e-wastes) that fall under “special wastes.” The director shared some tips on the proper disposal of the e-wastes.

“There are recyclable collection events that some malls organize. In these events, they are able to invite buyers for unserviceable printers, monitors, TV sets, among others. The malls usually post announcements on special dates for such events – these are usually Fridays and Saturdays, on a regular monthly basis. Some other establishments even do it on a weekly-basis,” Ildefonso said.

When there are no mall events, garbage collectors collect the e-wastes and dispose them. Some local government units (LGUs) have ideal infrastructure support systems such as centralized materials recovery facility, where e-wastes are brought. “The municipal office which handles that will surrender the e-wastes to recycling companies.”

On the other hand, Ildefonso discouraged the public against bringing their e-wastes to junkshops. “It is not advisable to bring the e-wastes to junkshops, because they only tend to chop the items, then choose only the plastic parts and leave the metal parts to garbage collectors,” he said.

He further shared that junkshops often do worse in disposing batteries of motor vehicles, which have high lead and other heavy metals content. “When you sell that to junkshops, they will chop it, then the hazardous chemicals will be piled in their backyards or back areas of the shop, and flow to nearby vacant lots or creeks. Can you just imagine the heavy metals that might contaminate our food chain?” Ildefonso said.

The most ideal approach is to bring the old, broken electronic items where you also intend to buy a replacement. “On cellphones, for instance, if you plan to change your battery, bring the old one to the store because they will not only dispose it properly, they can ‘de-manufacture’ the item. That means they can disassemble the parts and re-assemble them to produce new equipment.

Ildefonso said that the key word now is no longer “Waste or Garbage” but “Re-sources” which can positively turn items for disposal into re-usable materials.(PND/MBR-PIA GHQ/PIA-CALAPAN CITY)

QUEZON CITY, September 8 (PIA) — Most of us probably do not mind where our wastes go. We could even care less if we are disposing them properly or not. But what Deputy Director Eligio Ildefonso of the National Solid Waste Management Commission told during today’s “Talking Point” could changed everyone’s attitude towards disposing wastes.

Ildefonso said that wastes collected from communities are dumped either in sanitary landfills, open dumpsites, and controlled dumpsites located, with significant distance, from human settlements, all across the country.

He further said that many of the wastes we are generating are just being indiscriminately thrown in creeks, unoccupied lots, and in drainages. And as a consequence of this indiscriminate waste disposal, drainages are clogged, creeks are polluted, and open lots emit harmful vapors.

Republic Act 9003, which is the Ecological Solid Wastes Management Act of 2000, mandates the creation of Sanitary Landfills and outlawing the exercise of utilizing Open Dump and Controlled Dump Sites. These sanitary landfills are created to reduce the considerable impact of our wastes to the environment and to human health, the law states.

R.A. 9003 defines sanitary landfill as waste disposal site properly designed, constructed, operated, and maintained in a manner that poses the least environmental impact.

A controlled dumpsite, on the other hand, is defined as a disposal site in which solid wastes is deposited in accordance with the minimum prescribed standards of site operations to minimize possible adverse impact on the environment.

Meanwhile, an open dumpsite is defined as a disposal area where solid waste are indiscriminately thrown or disposed of without due planning and consideration for environment and health standards.

The National Solid Waste Management Commission listed 80 active sanitary landfills across the country. The National Capital Region has one located at Brgy. Tanza, Navotas City. Controlled dumpsites listed a total of 382 that includes two sites which caters to Metro Manila residents. Meanwhile, there are a total of 790 open dumpsites nationwide.

NSWMC is actively engaging local government units (LGUs) to urgently implement the Ecological Solid Wastes Management Act of 2000. The commission specifically urges LGUs to establish sanitary landfills and is gradually closing down open dumpsites and controlled dumpsites.

Director Ildefonso further stressed the importance of strictly practicing waste segregation in our homes and how it can significantly help in the government’s drive to combat the current problem we have with garbage disposal.(PND/PE-PIA GHQ/PIA-CALAPAN CITY)

QUEZON CITY, September 8 (PIA) — The barangay chief must not be idle, he or she must take initiative in mobilizing and monitoring its constituents, particularly every household, in practicing garbage segregation and collection.

During the latest edition of “Talking Points” radio program aired over Radyo ng Bayan and People’s Television-4, National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWM) Deputy Executive Director Eligio Ildefonso said, “Others (barangays) still rely on the local chief executive (Mayor) when it comes to solid waste problems. Barangays are not really moving… They should mobilize in making solid waste management more manageable.”

He said, however, that there are barangays that are already implementing garbage collection schedules for non-biodegradables and biodegradables, while some have issued a “No Segregation, No Collection” policy.

This means the garbage collectors will only collect the segregated ones. Through this, households will then be motivated to do segregation, or other alternative ways to dispose garbage properly. Examples of alternative ways are composting, and putting up a disposal facility for other wastes categorized as ‘residual’ (i.e. sanitary napkins, shampoo sachets), and materials recovery facility for the recyclables.

“The recyclable wastes are not considered wastes at all, but resources,” said Ildefonso.

Moreover, according to Idelfonso, “There had been frustrating feedback from the residents a year after Republic Act No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000) was implemented. They say segregated wastes were thrown together in the truck’s bin, and it was frustrating. That is why it is imperative that the garbage must also be collected separately on different days.”

Idelfonso also underscored the importance of having a committee composed of multi-sectoral organizations and civic leaders mandated to marshal ecological wastes in the barangay level.

“Under the law, there must be a visible Barangay Solid Waste Management Committee which is empowered and focused on its constituents to implement the proper segregation of solid wastes, proper way of creating compost pit, proper storage of resource materials which we call materials recovery facility in every barangay. It is mandated by R.A. No. 9003—that all barangays should have materials recovery facility,” said Ildefonso.

“Barangay Solid Waste Management Committee is headed by the barangay chairman, and the rest of the members are from non-government organizations, academe, religious groups, and youth among others. All of them can be mobilized in the barangay,” Idelfonso added.

He revealed that the daily garbage generation of the 94 million residents in the country can reach an average of 40,000 to 45,000 tons, while Metro Manila alone can reach an average of 8,200 tons.

He said further, NSWM continuous to mull on alternative ways to solve the solid waste dilemma to prevent flooding and congestion during rainy season. (PIA-CALAPAN CITY)

QUEZON CITY, September 8 (PIA) — To the National Solid Waste Management Commission, “zero waste,” although seemingly impossible, is achievable. The Commission emphasized that the most effective way to control garbage is to deal with it straight from the source, households.

NSWMC deputy executive director Eligio Ildefonso urges citizens to segregate garbage in their homes in order to lessen, if not totally eliminate the amount of trash. “More than 50 percent of garbage is biodegradable and 30 percent is recyclable,” said Ildefonso during the broadcast, “Talking Points of DZRB, PTV 4, and the Philippine Information Agency.

Citizens can immediately cut the amount of garbage in half by disposing biodegradable wastes in composting pits, while 30 percent of recyclable ones can be channelled to recycling plants, and the special and residual wastes are handled through specialized disposal.

Special wastes include batteries, bulbs, and other materials which cannot be dumped in landfills and require special disposal methods. Residual wastes such as used diapers and napkins are also specifically segregated for either incineration or dumping. NSWMC reiterated that incinerators can still be used despite of the Clean Air Act provided that users pass emission standard tests.

Ildefonso also emphasized the large role played by LGUs specifically in the barangay level and suggested a ‘no-segregation, no-collection’ policy wherein garbage trucks will not pick up unsegregated thrash. This will enjoin residents to follow proper segregation or suffer the consequences of a stinking neighborhood.

While the commission serves as an inspector of an area’s solid waste management scheme and is authorized to only give warnings or final notices, LGUs are still the ones empowered to implement solid waste measures within their jurisdiction.

According to Ildefonso, the recent Baguio landslide may have been prevented if proper waste management was observed. NSWMC has called for the closure and rehabilitation of the open dumpsites as early as 2005.

However, the local government of Baguio has opted to disregard proper waste disposal resulting in nightmarish results. (PND GGPIA-GHQ/PIA-CALAPAN CITY)

QUEZON CITY, Setyembre 8 (PIA) — Sa kabila nang panganib na dulot nito sa kalusugan at kaligtasan, ibinunyag nitong Huwebes ng isang opisyal ng National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) na mayroon pa rin 435 open and controlled dumpsite na ilegal na minimintena sa bansa.

Gayunpaman, sa ginanap na Talking Points program ng Radyo ng Bayan, PTV4, at Philippine Information Agency, tiniyak din ni NSWMC Deputy Executive Director Eli Ildefonso na naipadala na ng kanilang ahensya ang mga “final warning” sa mga kinauukulang lokal na pamahalaan para ipahinto ang operasyon ng mga ito at sumunod sa probisyon ng Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003).

Ani Ildefonso, dapat noon pang 2006 ipinasara ang mga open dumpsite. Subalit dahil sa napakalaking halagang kakailanganin sa pagpapagawa at operasyon ng sanitary landfill, mas pinipili ng ilang LGU na ipagpalit na lamang ang kaligtasan ng kanilang mamamayan kaysa sa malinis na kapaligiran.

Sa paglabag sa batas ng ilang opisyal, tinukoy nito ang pagkabaon ng buhay ng may 300 residente sa Payatas ng gumuho ang bundok ng basura 11-taon na ang nakalipas, at ang naganap kamakailan na “trash slide” sa Irisan Baguio dumpsite na nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng anim na katao sa kasagsagan ng paghagupit ng bagyong Mina.

Aniya, mas makabubuting sanitary landfill na lamang ang gamiting pamamaraan ng solid waste management dahil bukod sa pinaliliit nito ang volume ng basura at mapagkukunan ng enerhiya ang mga nabubulok na basura, ay pinipigilan din nito ang kontaminsyon ng tubig sa ilalim ng lupa.

Sa kasalukuyan daw ay may 36 engineered sanitary landfill sa bansa na maaari pang madagdagan ng 63 sa lalong madaling panahon.

Sinabi ng opisyal na nakahanda rin silang magbigay ng technical assistance sa mga operator ng sanitary landfill upang matiyak na makasusunod ang mga ito sa mahigpit na pamantayan.

Bukod pa rito, umapela rin ang opisyal sa publiko na ugaliin ang 3R–reduce, re-use at recycle at paghihiwalay ng mga panapon sa kanilang bahay pa lamang at tiyak na mababawasan agad ng kalahati ang may 40,000 toneladang basurang nagmumula sa bansa kada araw. (RJB/JCP-PIA NCR/PIA-CALAPAN CITY)

QUEZON CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) — Despite the dangers they pose to public health and safety, a senior official from the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) on Thursday revealed that there are still close to 435 open and controlled dumpsites illegally operating in different parts the country.

During the program “Talking Points” by the Radyo ng Bayan, PTV4, and the Philippine Information Agency, NSWMC Deputy Executive Director Eli Ildefonso said, however, that their agency has issued “final notices” to all concerned local government units that warn them of sanctions, if they fail to put a stop in their operations and strictly comply with the provisions of Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003).

Ildefonso said that open and controlled dumpsites should have been non-existent since 2006, but due to the initial high cost of putting up and maintaining sanitary landfills, which should be generally used for waste management according to law, some LGUs prefer to ignore the risks to their own constituents.

He cited the Payatas tragedy 11 years ago, when an avalanche from the mountain of garbage in Payatas, Quezon City buried alive 300 residents; and the recent “trash slide” in the Irisan Baguio dumpsite during typhoon Mina’s onslaught that killed six people, due to non-compliance to the law.

He said maintaining sanitary landfills is the preferred choice by law as an engineered form of waste disposal because it reduces trash volume and minimizes underground water contamination, adding that, gases can be recovered and utilized in the generation of power.

Currently, he said there are around 36 engineered sanitary landfills being operated in the country, while 63 others are expected to open soon.

He said their agency is also available to provide technical support to stakeholders to help them understand what the law aims to achieve, and in order to ensure that dumpsite operators can follow the strict standards.

Likewise, he called on the public to follow the 3Rs–reduce, re-use and recycle–in waste management and to implement waste segregation at source, explaining that the country can immediately reduce by half the 40,000 tons of garbage it produces a day.

Ildefonso said that proper management of solid waste, just like any other program, will not be sustainable without mobilizing public support. (RJB/JCP-PIA NCR/PIA-CALAPAN CITY)

QUEZON CITY, September 8 (PIA )– National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) Deputy Executive Director Eligio Ildefonso said the provision on the Clean Air Act prohibiting the use of incinerators for waste disposal is not absolute.

He made the statement during today’s “Talking Points,” a radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine Broadcasting Services (PBS), and PTV4.

“The Supreme Court has come up with a mandamus order that incinerators are allowed only if the facility passes the emission standard,” says Ildefonso.

Section 20 of Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act of 1999 states that “Incineration, hereby defined the burning of municipal, bio-medical and hazardous wastes, which process emits poisonous and toxic fumes, is hereby prohibited.” The provision states further, “with due concern on the effects of climate change, the Department shall promote the use of state-of-the-art, environmentally-sound, and safe non-burn technologies for the handling, treatment, thermal destruction, utilization, and disposal of sorted, unrecycled, uncomposted municipal, bio-medical and hazardous wastes.” This allows a safe and environmentally-sound form of incineration.

“Pwede naman, basta magiging malinis siya, pero questionable ‘yon, kung magiging malinis ang teknolohiya na dadalhin sa atin. Kasi wala naman sa atin yung technology, I-i-import yan,” (Incinerators are allowed but the technology for it, which we don’t have and would be imported, must ensure the safety of the environment) added Ildefonso.

The director also believes that if the technology for incineration would be brought in the Philippines, it should be paired with a pollution control device. He said cement factories in the country today already have the technology which enables them to convert their wastes into a “panggatong” but the pollution that this process creates is controlled.

The NSWMC is also looking into the conversion of wastes into energy. Ildefonso said maybe this may be a better option than using incinerators to treat waste materials.

Section 15 of the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management of 2000 states that the National Solid Waste Management Framework must involve “Practical applications of environmentally sound techniques of water minimization such as, but not limited to, resource conservation, segregation at source, recycling, resource recovery, including waste-to-energy generation, re-use and composting.”(PND/ARB-PIA GHQ/PIA-CALAPAN CITY)

QUEZON CITY, Sept. 08 (PIA) — Deputy Executive Director Eligio Ildefonso of National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) on Thursday said that the average garbage produced by an individual is at least half a kilo per day and in Metro Manila, garbage generated is at least 40 to 45 metric tons daily, equivalent to the size of the biggest mall in the country.

In the program “Talking Points” at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and aired over DZRB – Radio ng Bayan, Dir. Ildefonso said that the volume of the total garbage collection in a day is not very obvious as these are being collected in different parts of the country.

Among the most common problems, he pointed out, is the proper disposal of plastic bags which are often used to pack grocery items, most merchandize and goods purchased from malls and markets.

In response to this problem, Ildefonso observed that mall operators have implemented a plastic bag-free day, usually Wednesdays. On these days, customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags for their grocery purchases.

Malls have also organized and scheduled regularly recyclable collection events where recyclable materials like old cellphones, laptops and other electronic gadgets, classified as electronic wastes or E-Wastes, are collected.

“We have enjoined the malls (to implement this), actually joint program namin ito, matagal na, that was more than five years ago. Kung saan mayroong mga recyclable collection event, lahat ng recyclables dadalhin mo sa mga malls, may mga namimili dun.” (We enjoined the malls, actually, this is our joint project for a long time now way back more than five years ago. Whenever there is a recyclable collection event, all recyclables can be brought to malls where there are people who collect, buy and dispose these), Ildefonso said.

Aside from these projects, he disclosed that there are at least 200 private companies that have partnered with his commission in adopting and cleaning different huge bodies of water in the country. (PND/AVS PIA-GHQ/PIA-CALAPAN CITY)

QUEZON CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) — Thirty government employees (civil servants) will be conferred with exceptional awards on September 19, in line with the celebration of the 111th founding anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service Commission (CSC) themed, “Championing R.A.C.E.: Public Service Excellence at Full Speed.”

These 30 civil servants who render responsible, accessible, courteous, and effective (R.A.C.E.) government services will be the role models for the rest of the 1.4 million civil servants and 90 million civilians, shared CSC-Honor Awards Program (HAP) director Maria Luisa Salonga-Agamata in today’s “Talking Points” radio program aired over DZRB Radyo ng Bayan by PTV-4 and the Philippine Information Agency.

President Benigno Aquino III will personally bestow the “Presidential Lingkod Bayan,” “Dangal ng Bayan,” and “Civil Service Commission Pag-asa” awards to 10 deserving recipients for each category.

Agamata cited a Dangal ng Bayan awardee from Iloilo Province. Jelyn Duting is a Postman II at the Philippine Postal Corporation who took the extra mile to ensure that letters would be delivered in time or earlier to far-flung places, where transportation means cannot even reach.She would cajole tricycle drivers to allow her to ride their trikes to her destination.

Another awardee for Dangal ng Bayan is Elpidio Malinao, a dedicated forestry technician at the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystem who painstakingly worked to protect the environment in spite of danger. He brushed off death threats by illegal loggers when he would not cooperate. For standing by his principles, he was shot dead by a lone gunman last May.

She said that the names of the other finalists are already posted at CSC website, www.csc.gov.ph.

The Lingkod Bayan awardees (individual or group) will receive P200,000 cash reward, a medallion and plaque, a one-step higher job promotion, and a transferable scholarship in top universities, University of the Philippines (UP), Technical University of the Philippines (TUP), Philippine Normal University (PNU), and Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU).

The Dangal ng Bayan awardess (individual only) will receive P200,000 cash reward, a trophy sculpted by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva, an automatic one-step higher job promotion, and a transferable scholarship in UP, TUP, PNU, and ADMU. This award is co-sponsored by the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Pagasa awardees (individual or group) will receive P100,000 cash reward, and a medallion sponsored by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. For group awardees, each member will be awarded with medallion.(MYQ/PCCC-PIA GHQ/PIA-MIMAROPA)

QUEZON CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) — “We are currently laying the groundwork for Computerized Examination System (COMEX) which will fast-track the acceptance and processing of exam applications, conduct of tests, and scoring and generation of test results,” Ma. Luisa Salonga- Agamata of Civil Service Commission said on the recently concluded “Talking Points” on September 1, 2011.

Agamata added that the online reservation was created due to the onslaught of people that are walking-in in the office to apply for computer-assisted exams. She added that,”they are working on a highly-computerized assisted test, it will take a while, but we are getting there.”

However, Agamata added that they are still working on it and it will take time as they have to fine-tune the details on COMEX as they still have to do a lot of things, including “training the people who will handle.”

Agamata reiterated, though, that their current system is still on-going. “Those who want to take Computer assisted exams will have to go online and reserve a date where they could bring their requirements personally.” She further explained that the date and exact time of appearance will be sent through email.

The need for personal appearance is important as it will prove that the person applying and the one on the documents are one and the same.(MYQ/VCQR-PIA GHQ/PIA-MIMAROPA)

QUEZON CITY, Sept.1 (PIA) — Don’t even think of cheating in the exams. The Civil Service Commission reminds future civil service exam takers to avoid cheating including impersonation or the act of assuming the identity of another person during exams.

CSC director Maria Luisa Salonga-Agamata said during the “Talking Points” aired at DZRB that individuals who will replace another person during the civil service examinations may face perpetual disqualification from government service if proven guilty.

“If you are not yet in government service and you were charged (with cheating) or a case was filed against you (due to impersonation), you will never be able to enter government service,” Dir. Salonga-Agamata explained.

“If ever you are in public service, and because you want to be promoted or become a permanent employee, you impersonated or participated in any acts of impersonation, you will be dismissed from the service and your retirement benefits will be forfeited,” she added. She said that impersonation is easy to spot, even twins have been found out. It is not hard to discover cheaters since they have received tips on who these people are.

Section 3(b) of Republic Act 9416 or an Act Declaring as Unlawful any form of Cheating in Civil Service Examinations classifies impersonation as an act of cheating including use of “codigo” or crib sheets, tampering of examination records, collusion between examinees and examination personnel, examinee number switching, and possession and/or use of fake certificate of eligibility.

Any person who commits any of the prohibited acts covered by RA 9416 will also suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than six years and one day and a fine of not less than P50,000.(MYQ/APBJ-PIA GHQ/PIA-MIMAROPA)

QUEZON CITY, September 1 (PIA) — The Civil Service Commission clarified that it does not recommend or accredit review centers for their Career Service Examinations (CSE).

CSC director Maria Luisa Salonga-Agamata emphasized during the broadcasting of “Talking Points” aired by Radyo ng Bayan, PTV4, and the Philippine Information Agency that review centers which claim to be accredited have not been approved by the commission at all.

She also stated that the CSC exams consist of questions on Mathematics, English, Filipino, the constitution, and other areas requiring only stock knowledge. And yet, surprisingly, many fail to pass the grade. For example, the results from the latest examinations held May 22 this year indicate that only 12,000 or around 12 percent of the 97,000 examinees for both the professional and sub-professional categories passed.

The CSC said that they are the ones who give the reviews and advises examinees to make sure that they are well-rested and in peak mental condition prior to taking the exams.

According to CSC, advisories will be mailed to the applicant-addressees as to the place and time of their exams, so they should make sure that they placed down their complete addresses.

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Passers who will work in government agencies will still be observed according to their performance during the probationary period before becoming a regular employee.

According to Agamata, the October 15 exam will be the last Paper and Pencil Test (PPT) for 2011 and the deadline for application is today, September 1. However, those who fail to submit their registration for the pencil test can still take the Civil Service Exam, the Computer-Assisted Test (CSE-CAT) forSeptember 19.

CSC is also working on COMEX or Computerized Civil Service Examination, a faster literal walk-in exam with complete processing and faster results. This means more CSEs within a year and faster results. However, Agamata also stated that this will take time to achieve. (MYQ/ GMG-PIA GHQ/PIA-MIMAROPA)

QUEZON CITY, September 1 (PIA) — Nilinaw ng Civil Service Commission na hindi nito nirerekomenda ng kahit anong review center para kanilang mga Career Service Examinations.

Iginiit ni CSC director Maria Luisa Salonga-Agamata sa programang “Talking Points” ng DZRB, Philippine Information Agency, at PTV 4 na ang naturang mga review center na nagsasabing accredited ng CSC ay walang koneksyon sa komisyon.

Ayon sa kanya, kasama sa Career Service Examinations ang mga tanong tungkol sa matematika, ingles, filipino, konstitusyon, at iba pang impormasyong pangkalahatan na kinakailangan lamang ng stock knowledge.

Nirerekomenda ng CSC sa mga kukuha ng pagsusulit na huwag nang umasa sa mga review center; ang tanging nagbibigay ng review ay ang CSC lamang. Ang mas maigi ay ituon na lamang ang pansin sa pagpapahinga at ilagay sa magandang kaisipan bago kumuha ng pagsusulit.

Nakakapagtaka pa rin na kahit stock knowledge lamang ang kailangan sa eksamen ng CSC, 12,000 katao o tinatayang 12 porsyento lamang ng 97,000 na kumuha ng professional at sub-professional exams noong Mayo 22 ang pumasa, ayon kay Agamata.

Bilang katibayan ng pagpasa sa eksamen, ipadadala ang certification ng pagkakapasa sa mga address na binigay ng mga kumuha ng eksamen. Para naman sa mga kinakailangan sa lalong madaling panahong makuha ang kanilang certification, maaaring pumunta sa tanggapan ng CSC.

Pero para sa mga pumasa na nais makapagtrabaho sa gobyerno, sila ay oobserbahan base sa performance. Kinakailangan din nilang sumailalim sa probationary period bago maging isang ganap na empleyado.

Dagdag pa ni Agamata na ang pagsusulit sa Oktubre 15 ang pinakahuling Paper and Pencil Test (PPT) para sa 2011 at ang huling araw para sa rehistrasyon ay ngayon, Setyembre 1. Pero ang mga hindi nakapagrehistro para sa pencil test ay maaari pa ring kumuha ng Civil Service Exam – Computer Assisted Test (CSE-CAT) simula Setyembre 19.

Kasalukuyan ding pinag-aaralan ng CSC ang COMEX o Computerized Civil Service Examination na magsisilbing mas mabilis na paraan ng pagkuha ng exam. (MYQ/ GMG – PIA GHQ/PIA-MIMAROPA)

QUEZON CITY, Sept. 1 (PIA) — Civil Service Commission (CSC) spokesperson Dir. Maria Luisa Agamata said that the Citizens Charter is already in place in government front line services.

Although the term citizens charter may be daunting, it is meant to proclaim the services a government agency should provide.

She made the statement during today’s “Talking Points,” a radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Philippine Broadcast Service (PBS), heard over DZRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Section 6 of the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 requires all government agencies, departments, bureaus, offices, government-owned and/or controlled corporations, instrumentalities, local governments, and district units to have their service standards put on display, in the form of information billboards or published materials.

It should be posted in conspicuous places in their offices. This is called the Citizen’s Charter.

It should contain details of: (a) the procedure to obtain a particular service; (b) the person/s responsible for each step; (c) the maximum time to conclude the process; (d) the document/s to be presented by the customer, if necessary; (e) the amount of fees, if necessary; and (e) the procedure for filing complaints. All these serve to avoid shenanigans and for transparency.

The citizens charter also serves as a protection to all citizens who may be given the runaround or who are at a lost whenever transacting business with government. People may now relax knowing that there is a public institution like the CSC that is making sure they get good service.

Agamata said there are CSC agents going around government offices to check on how public servants are doing their jobs, especially in serving the public.

If the agent notices problems, the CSC calls the attention of the head of that agency. But if an agency is doing good, they will be given the seal of excellence.

For complaints on government offices and other concerns, the CSC can be reached through their hotline — 932-0111/0917-838-8272. (PIA-MIMAROPA)

QUEZON CITY, Sept 1 (PIA) — Pinaalalahanan ng Civil Service Commission ang mga balak kumuha ng civil service exams na huwag subukang mandaya kasama na rito na ibang tao ang pakukuhanin ng eksamen para sa tunay na aplikante. Ang tawag dito ay impersonation.

Sa programang “Talking Points” ng DZRB-Radyo ng Bayan, binanggit din ni CSC director Maria Luisa Salonga-Agamata na ang mga mapatutunayang nandaya sa mga Civil Service Exams ay maaaring hindi na makapagtrabaho sa pamahalaan o ‘perpetual disqualification’ at maharap pa sa mga kasong criminal.

Binalaan niya din ang mga empleyado ng pamahalaan na mag-atubiling makibahagi sa kahit anong uri ng pandaraya upang hindi matanggal sa trabaho at maharap sa mga kasong administratibo.

“Pag ikaw ay nasa public service naman na, dahil gusto mo lang mapermanente o ma-promote, nagpa-impersonate ka, or nag-participate ka sa impersonation, ay matatanggal ka pati retirement benefits mo,” aniya.

Sang-ayon sa Section 3(b) ng Republic Act 9416 o An Act Declaring as Unlawful any form of Cheating in Civil Service Examinations, ang ‘impersonation’ ay kinukunsiderang isang uri ng pandaraya kasama ang paggamit ng mga kodigo, pag-tamper sa mga examination records, at pagkakaroon o paggamit ng pekeng Certificate of Eligibility.

Sinumang mapatunayang lalabag sa batas na ito ay maaaring makulong mula anim hanggang 12 taon at magmumulta ng di bababa sa P50,000.(MYQ/APBJ-PIA GHQ/PIA-MIMAROPA)