Nov. 12 - 18, 2012 Issue

Law and Order

Capiz cops briefed on election rules

By Alex Lumaque

ROXAS CITY - To provide the police advance information on election rules, the Regional Legal Service of Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 in Capiz hosted a lecture on election-related laws on Nov. 13 at the Governor's Hall of the Provincial Capitol here.

Participants consisted of all chiefs of police, police investigators and Special Action Force (SAF) members.

Led by PRO 6 Regional Legal Services Chief Supt. Ehdel Pereira, the activity was coordinated with Roxas City Police Station Chief Supt. Salvador Dagoon, Jr.

The activity featured Atty. Wil Arceño, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Provincial Election Supervisor; PRO 6 Regional Legal Services Chief Supt. Ehdel Pereira; and Senior Insp. Dennis Gabihan of the PRO 6 Regional Legal Services office.

Arceño shared to the cops the duties and responsibilities of police officers before, during and after the May  national and local elections while Pereira and Gabihan tackled election gun ban, checkpoints and related laws, rules and regulations.

Recently, PRO 6 Director Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr. said that the gun ban for the upcoming elections will begin on Jan. 13 and will end on June 12, 2013.

To ensure peaceful and orderly elections, bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized in writing by Comelec, will be prohibited.

According to Cruz, only uniformed members of the police, the military and other law enforcement agencies including the Presidential Security Group performing actual duties are authorized to bear their weapons during the gun ban period. Cruz said that a PRO 6 directive will be issued to all police stations in the region to fully observe the gun ban.

Capiceños displaced by calamity given temporary jobs

By Jemin Guillermo

Some  1,596 internally displaced Capiceños have already started to get temporary employment from the national government.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Capiz Field Office Head Josephine Degala said that beneficiaries of the agency's Cash for Work program kicked off their work as planned by the identified local government units.

An assistance for the internally displaced persons (IDP) in Capiz, the Cash for Work Program covers 11 local government units in Capiz, namely Panitan, Pilar, Maayon, Mambusao, Dumarao, Panay, Dao, Jamindan, Pontevedra, Sigma and Roxas City.

This means some 2,715 IDPs have been identified after said towns were affected by the recent calamities such as flood and fire, among others.

The first six towns, however, with 1,596 beneficiaries, will be released with funds for the cash for Work program implementation, after they have submitted their proposal as required by the DSWD Regional Office 6.

"The budget for the remaining five towns is ready and will be immediately released if they can comply with the requirements, such as the program proposal," she said.

Degala added that the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will be given priority.

Wenna Berondo of DSWD Regional Office revealed that their Regional Office is set to release P3.625 million for the said program for the seven towns in Western Visayas.

Berondo said that the amount will benefit 1,726 internally displaced persons in the region who were affected by calamities such as flooding, typhoon and landslides, among others.

She added that under the program, each program beneficiary is required to render 10 days of work and will receive P208 per day as their salary or a total of P2,080.

The cash-for-work is a short-term intervention to provide temporary employment to distressed/displaced individuals by participating in or undertaking preparedness, mitigation, relief, rehabilitation or risk reduction projects and activities in their communities or in evacuation centers.

Capiz PNP greening initiative plants 40,000 trees

By Alex Lumaque

ROXAS CITY - About 40,000 trees have been planted by Capiz policemen since the Philippine National Police's (PNP) greening initiative was launched in the province early this year.

This is based on the Capiz Police Provincial Office's Tree Planting Monitoring Report which monitors PNP's "Pulis Makakalikasan: 10 Milyong Puno, Pamana sa Kinabukasan."

The project targets to reforest about 125 hectares of Capiz timberlands.

Capiz Police Provincial Office (CPPO) Public Information Officer SPO1 Donna Asmod said that the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) has provided each of the 6 municipal police stations with five hectares of planting area while CPPO, Roxas City Police Station (RCPS) and Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) were given 15 hectares each.

Under the Pulis Makakalikasan project, about 800 police officers simultaneously conducted a tree planting activity on Nov. 6 and 8 in various upland areas in the towns of Capiz's second congressional district

Planting sites included barangays Agnaga in Cuartero; Roxas in Tapaz; Aglalana in Dumarao and Dolores in Dumalag.

Calling for each PNP member to plant six tree every month or 72 trees per year starting Feb. 1, 2012, the project aims to plant 10 million trees in a year to help the government in resource conservation, protection and most specifically in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The compliance of each PNP member is monitored in a Pulis Individual Tree Planting Scorecard and Unit Tree Planting Compliance Report submitted every month to the PNP's Central Headquarters.

GSIS, hospitals insurance coverage until Dec. 31,  2012

ILOILO CITY - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has given notice to all its members that it will terminate the implementation of the Hospital Insurance Plan (HIP) and the Family Hospitalization Plus Plan (FHPP) by Dec. 31, 2012.

According to Mrs. Eleanor D. Gregorio, Manager of GSIS Iloilo Branch, they have sent out notices to inform GSIS members about the termination date. These were the different agency heads and executives of the local government units in Iloilo, Aklan and Antique covered by the Iloilo branch.

Gregorio said the GSIS will no longer renew the existing policies after Dec. 31 and will no longer accept premium payment due on the HIP and FHPP.

The GSIS will accept and process claims as long as they have been filed within 60 days from the last day of confinement in 2012. The policy remains in force up to the end of 2012.

The Hospital Insurance Plan grants medical care benefits to the policyholder in case of hospitalization due to sickness or injury; the Family Hospitalization Plus Plan covers expenses fro room and board and fees for doctors, medicines and laboratory.

According to GSIS, the decision to terminate the HIP and FHPP came after the Board of Trustees found that the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) offers better benefits than those offered by GSIS under both plans. As per GSIS figures, only 7,316 accounts nationwide remain in force until the end of the year from the total 63,000 accounts.

Members who wish to be clarified regarding the termination may contact the Iloilo branch which covers Iloilo, Aklan and Antique thru (033) 337 4308 local 3; the Capiz branch which covers the province of Capiz at (036) 621 3127; and the Negros Occidental Branch which covers Negros Occidental and Dumaguete at (034) 444 0603 to 06.

Members may also contact the Globe Toll Free 1-800-8-847-4747 (free landline and mobile phone) or through PLDT Smart Toll Free 1-800-10-847-747 (free landline; flat rate of P8.00 per call from mobile phone).


 

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Nov. 5 - 11, 2012 Issue

One for the Road

Govt. collaborations open 3.5-km FMR in President Roxas, Capiz

By Ralph John Mijares and Edalyn Acta

PRESIDENT ROSA, CAPIZ - To provide accessibility to the residents of selcted barangays in this municipality, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Provincial Government of Capiz and the Municipality of Presaident Roxas teamed up for the repair the farm-to-market road (FMR) at Crossing-Bayuyan, Sto. Niño and Carmencita.

Funded under the (Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Program) ARISP Phase III, assisted by Japan International CooperationAgency (JICA).

Benefiting from the newly concreted .5 km road are the barangays of Bayuyan, Goce, Manoling, Badiangon, Ibacca, Cabugcabug, and Cubay, all of President Roxas town and barangays Yating and Tabunacan, both of Pilar , Capiz.

Contracted by Kirskat Ventures Corporation, the project was started on January 2, 2012 and was completed on July 27, 2012.

Also launched on Nov. 6 was the 2.681-km road improvement from Brgy. Agraca to Poblacion Dumalag town totaling 20.9 million pesos. Funded under DAR's ARISP Phase III, the project contracted by Kirskat Ventures, Corp. is set to be finished within 210 calendar days.

According to Engr. Juluis Abela, Project Engineer III, the impact of project will provide opportunities for more efficient flow of people and goods in said areas. The VMR rehabilitation will also provide better accessibility and mobility between the principal production and potential development areas.

The project also serves as a convenient service roadway providing better access leading to identified industrial and tourism growth centers, particularly Hinulugan Falls in Tabun-acan, Pilar town - which is one of the priority development opportunities for tourism industry.

Furthermore, the Iloilo East Coast-Capiz Road is one of the priority road network systems being upgraded by the DPWH to enhance further the progress and development of the Province of Capiz and adjacent provinces.

Some 2.5 km away from Poblacion and 38.6 km away from Roxas City. The repaired road serves as major entrance and exit from the Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) to Poblacion and vice versa - which can be found in barangays Cabugcabug and Ibacca.

The turnover ceremony and unveiling of permanent marker held at Sto. Niño-Carmencita ARC Nov.  was attended by the national representatives including DPWH Central Office Representative and Project Coordinator Manny Bulusan and Project Consultant Engr. Yukihiro Kawahara from JICA (Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Program).

It was supported by a number of local officials including Vice-Gov. Esteban Evan Contreras II; President Roxas Vice-Mayer Alfonso Golero; Ms. Melanie Arancillo representing Cong. Antonio Del Rosarion; DAR Regional Director Alexis Arsenal; DPWH Capiz Chief Sanny Boy Oropel; Capiz Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Ma. Teresa Valencia, Ma. Celerina Afable, NPM-ARISP III; Carmencita Brgy. Capt. Asher De Lugar, and Sto. Niño Brgy. Capt. Mario Celino.

For his part, Kawahara said the h hopes that the next project costing around P  million be completed next year. For this, Oropel said that the bridge was redesigned from one to two lanes to facilitate traffic in the middle of the bridge - particularly trucks carrying sugarcanes.

For Oropel, the project was done "through the cooperation of the residents and the local and provincial government."

Contreras thanked JICA, the LGU and all partners while Arancillo relayed Cong. Del Rosario's promise to implement more projects in President Roxas particularly the P160-million irrigation project in Brgy. Bayuyan.

For their part, barangay captains expressed gratitude and optimism for the said projects. Celino said that the project is "dream" come true" while De Lugar siad in Hiligaynon that "This road will take care of our children and the future generations."

Roxas City HS studes vie in Rotary's impromptu speech tilt

By Edalyn Acta

High school student speakers in Roxas City high schools wowed and impressed audiences during the Voice of the Youth Impromptu Speaking (English) Contest on Nov. 6 at the MVW Hotel and Restaurant in Roxas City.

Marynil Villagracia of Our Lady of Grace Academy placed first; Bernadette Deslate of St. Mary's Academy of Capiz ranked second and Mary Dominique Gaston of the College of St. John-Roxas won third.

For the competition, contestants were asked on the relevance of the youth on the Philippines' claim over the Scarbourough Shoal and Spratly Islands.

The winners were not first timers in this competition. Previously, Villagracia won first place in the local Rd Cross Youth Impromptu Speaking Contest and ranked third in the regionals; while Deslate and Gaston topped the speech contests in CAPRISA this year.

Winners got a certificate and cash prize donated by First District Cong. Antonio Del Rosario; Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr.; and Vice-Gov. Esteban Evan Contreras II.

The event was made possible by the Rotary Club of Metro Roxas Central District 3850 led by Ms. Mila Daliva-Dela Peña, RCMRC president and Ms. Margarita M. Oquendo, charter president and Voice of the Youth coordinator.

When asked to share on their winning styles, Villagracia said she uses metaphors in her speech because they are effective. Deslate said she does research and also gets support from her parents while Gaston does an unconventional way of putting a band on her arm - perhaps as a lucky charm.

All the girls said that keeping calm before the audience, praying helps a lot. They also encouraged fellow students to join the contest.

Capiz-born officer named ID asst div commander

By Enrico Gil Ileto

CAMP GEN. MACARIO PERALTA, JR., Jamindan, Capiz - An Army General who formerly headed one of the battalions of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) recently became the new Assistant Division Commander (ADC) in a change-of-office ceremony here.

Brig. Gen. Lysander Suerte, a member of Philippine Military Academy Sandigan Class of 1982 who holds a degree of Master of Arts in Melbourne, Australia and a Master's in Business Administration at the National College of Business and Arts; succeeded Brig. Gen. Jonas Sumagaysay who is projected to hold a position of higher responsibility in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Suerte, a native of Dumarao, Capiz, is a versatile officer who rose through the chain of command from being a platoon leader in the 3ID's 11th Infantry Battalion to a commanding officer of the 6th Light Armor Company and later as the commander of 3ID's th Infantry Battalion.

"We are fortunate to have Brig. Gen. Suerte joining us as we endeavor to win the peace in this part of the country. His (Suerte) role as the new ADC of this Division will surely help us in sustaining our gains in the implementation of our Internal Peace and Security Plan " Bayanihan" and the Army Transformation Roadmap", said Maj. General Jose Mabanta Jr. 3ID Commander.

"The assignment of our new ADC here is actually a homecoming at 3ID, having been assigned here during his Lieutenant years and as the Battalion Commander of the 12IB under this Division, at the same time a rare opportunity for him to serve his "kababayans", added Mabanta.

In addition to his duty as the ADC, Suerte will also hold the position as the Chief of 3ID'd Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability, an anti-graft office that has an exclusive investigative jurisdiction over active military personnel and regular civilian employees.

ADC position carries with it the function as Human Rights Officer of the 3ID, whose responsibility is to see to it that respect for human rights is being observed by all soldiers within the area of responsibility of the division.

New airline's flights seen to boost Capiz tourism

By Alex Lumaque

ROXAS CITY - A tourism operators' group in Capiz expressed optimism for a more vibrant local tourism industry with the inclusion of the city in the service route of another airline.

The group said maiden flight for the Manila-Roxas City flight of Airphil Express, which replaced the Philippine Airline (PAL) Bus 320 200 on Oct.  also solicited positive reactions from the government and private groups in the province.

Another aircaft flying to the city from Manila on a daily basis is Cebu Pacific.

"This is good news for Capiceños as we will still have the same type of aircraft with light snacks and a hot cup of coffee but now with lower air fares, said Capiz Tour Operators Association (CTOA) president Donnel San Antonio.

The only significant change that happened aside from the change of airline was the change of terminals as passengers from Roxas City will disembark at the NAIA Airport Terminal  3 (Across Resorts World Manila) from the previous NAIA Airport Terminal, San Antonio said.

The new carrier's maiden flight was almost full with  passengers aside from the 2,298 kilos of inbound cargo from Manila.

At the Roxas Airport, arriving passengers were greeted by Airphil Express (APX) and Philippine Airlines (PAL) personnel led by PAL Roxas Branch Manager Orty Liscano, PAL Roxas Branch Airport Supervisor Alex Sy; CTOA President San Antonio, who is also Tickets n' More Travel Agency general manager; and other PAL and APX airport personnel.

San Antonio noted that the initial flight of the new aircraft from the city registered  passengers with 678 kilos of  outbound cargo.

Roxas City and the province of Capiz can also be reached through sea and land-based transportation.

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Oct. 29 - Nov. 4, 2012 Anniversary Issue

WRITERS WANTED

60 join The Capiz Times' journ workshop

By Edalyn Acta

IN RESPONSE to the campaign launched to gather more writers across Capiz, some 60 students writers and school paper advisers representing high schools and college from across Capiz joined the Journalism Workshop hosted by The Capiz Times on Oct. ,  at the Lake House 1 in San Antonio Resort in Brgy. Baybay in Roxas City.

Participants came from both high school and college school papers, namely: the school paper advisers of the Cuartero District led by Supervisor Eduardo Quevedo; students and teachers of the Candelaria National High School in Tapaz and Capiz State University (CapSU) Tapaz Campus; and the editorial team of The Quest, the college paper of the CapSU Roxas City Campus led by their adviser Mr. Joey Balatayo.

Designed to teach participants to appreciate and practice the craft of journalism, the one-day workshop taught participants the ethical rules in journalism practice; skills in news writing, feature writing and opinion writing from local practitioners.

Among others, the workshop presented Prof. Fe Villaruz, who lectured on editorial writing and Mr. Gerry Pagharion, who lectured on news writing. Both Villaruz and Pagharion were former editors-in-chief of The Capiz Times.

The workshop featured a number of resource speakers, namely: Atty. Mateo Hachuela, Sangguniang Bayan member of Dumarao, Capiz, who lectured on ethical journalism; Mr. Niño Manaog of the Capiz State University, who gave pointers on feature writing; Mr. Rovelson Diego, who presented useful layouting principles and techniques; Mr. Eric Piansay, editor of BCBP Roxas City Chapter's Fishers of Men, who gave tips on column writing.

P205M irrigation projects up in Capiz

By Alex Lumaque

ROXAS CITY - About P205 million worth of irrigation projects that will generate an estimated 1,000 hectares of rice fields is being implemented in Capiz this year.

According to Engr. Julieta Gallardo, Natinal Irrigation Administration (NIA) Capiz public information officer, these projects include the ongoing construction of the Communal Irrigation Projects (CIP) in Maayon town and Badbaran in Dumarao, Capiz.

Gallardo said that Badbaran CIP's P34.5 million budget will be spent for canal structures and canalization while the Maayon CIP budget of P127. million will facilitate the construction of dam, irrigation structures and some post harvest facilities.

Included in this year's irrigation projects are the P43 million worth of new pump irrigation projects in barangays Tabuc Norte, Salocon and Poblacion Ilawod, all in Panit-an, Capiz.

The multi million irrigation projects aim to increase rice production in the locality from 60 to  cavans per hectare.

Gallardo added that more new irrigation projects are up for the various towns in Capiz next year. These include the gravity-type irrigation, pump irrigation, dissiltation of dam, repair of existing irrigation facilities and continuation of unfinished projects.

Recipient towns of the 2013 irrigation projects are Maayon, Panit-an, Panay, Sigma, Jamindan, Pilar, Pontevedra and Dumarao. About 530 farmers are expected to benefit from the projects in 2013.

Army's info workshop ups peace campaign

By Enrico Gill Ileto and Jemin Guillermo

CAMP GEN. MACARIO PERALTA, JR., JAMINDAN, CAPIZ - To strengthen its resolve for transparency, accountability and advocacy for peace, the 3ID based here hosted a two-day information workshop for the information officers of government agencies and the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units in Western Visayas and Negros Oriental.

"With the breakthrough in the peace negotiation with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), we hope to equip soldiers in sending out the message of the government's sincerity to peace with the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and the National Democratic Front", said Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, Jr., commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division.

"The right of the people to information will always be at the forefront. With the talks with the MILF as an example, our continued call for peace hopes to inspire those from the NPA on the government's faithfulness in working for a peaceful agreement", Mabanta said.

Promoting an invigorated and responsive public affairs in support of IPSP Bayanihan, the workshop was attended by some  information officers and NCOs of major army and Air Force units within ID's area of responsibility.

Memebers of the media from Bacolod, Iloilo and Roxas City were invited to gather insights on how to further strengthen the Army's messaging capability.

Further, mabanta thanked the inputs of media practitioners, particularly on topics on broadcast, print and television that could help the civil military operations officers in enhancing their capabilities in delivering the right information to the public.

Mabanta said that information work for the Philippine Army is a challenging and fulfilling work. He also urge media practitioners to help the government spread the words toward achieving peace in the countryside.



NSO launches crime victimization,  2 other surveys

THE NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE (NSO) CAPIZ, is undertaking for the first time the 2012 Crime Victimization Survey (CVS) simultaneously with the October 2012 Labor Force Survey (LFS) and the 2012 Survey on Overseas Filipinos (SOF).

CVS aims to provide information on victimization risks, safety measures being adopted by the household and the community and attitude of the people in crime reporting. It will provide data on the nature of crimes that are not reported to the police and reasons for non reporting. The results will also identify regions with high crime incidence and will serve as bases in the formulation of policies to improve crime prevention, protection of victims and police services. The survey promotes the achievement  of the Millennium Development Goals through enhancement of capabilities to produce crime statistics for the use of development-planners and policy makers.

This survey is a rider to the Quarterly Labor Force Survey which involves interviewing member of the households aged 5 years old and over who had been a victim of crime in the past five years. This is in collaboration with other government agencies such as the Department of National Defense, National Police Commission, and National Statistical Coordination Board. Technical assistance was also provided by the Consultants from the United Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The Labor Force Survey, conducted by the NSO nationwide every quarter, is geared towards the estimation of the level of employment, unemployment and under-employment of the country while the Survey on Overseas Filipino seeks to gather information on Filipino citizens who left for abroad during the last five years in order to obtain national estimates on the number of overseas Filipinos, their socio economic characteristics, and the amount of cash and in kind transfer received by their families.

Mr. Frankie D. Dordas, Provincial Statistics Officer of Capiz Provincial Office, is appealing to the almost  households in  sample barangays province wide to cooperate by giving accurate information to the NSO Enumerators. He also stressed that all information furnished to the Office will be held in utmost confidentiality as provided for by Section  of Commonwealth Act 5.

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Oct. 22 - 28, 2012 Issue

BLOCKS OF HOPE

Giving inmates a new lease on life

By Elena S. Deocampo

The so-called Blocks of Hope, a hollow block- making project of the Roxas City government, is what’s keeping theinmates of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Brgy. San Jose, RoxasCitybuzy and productive.The project of Mayor Celino makes the inmates wake up every day with optimism. It is giving them hope for a better life, since losing one’s freedom often pushes one to despair and hopelessness.

The Hollow Block-Making Project for Inmates provides skills training aimed at giving financialsecurity to the inmates as well as fostering character- building to the men who lost their access to the outside world. Instilling responsibility and work ethics prepares the mind and body of the inmates to understand the value of their individualities and self-worth.

The Roxas City Government created a livelihood program that is safe and congruent to the physique of men inside the cell. Hollow Blocks for Inmates is a way of providing additional income for these men and their families as well as changing their mindset in life.The LGU of Roxas City believes in change for the better. This holds true in the case of the inmates, deemedthe problem of society.

There are 31 beneficiaries for the Blocks of Hope project, 25.8 percent of whom are married with 28 dependents. The BJMP has a total of 142 inmates and only 31 have willingly signed up for the program with the intention of earning, gaining skillsfor the purpose of physical activity. Hollow blocks -making is open to everyone as long as they are physically fit to work.

June 2, 2011 was the official date for the signing of the MOA between the Roxas City Government and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology for the livelihood program with a P200,000 budget/ loan payable in 24 months.

The hollow blocks—making is a new endeavor, the first of its kind that give inmates something to be busy about.

The emphasis centers on responsibility, duty, obligation and accountability of the inmates and to increase their level of motivation—from their seemingly hopeless situation toward the betterment of their lives.

In fact, the working area of the hollow blocks –making project is being done outside of the BJMP premises. Yet, none of the inmates has so far tried to escape, which speaks about the changes in their character and their improved outlook in life.

The City Government can see the cause and effect of poverty especially when society lacks education and economic opportunities.

Capiz volunteer groups gear up for UNDAS 2012

By Jemin B. Guillermo
ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Oct. 29 (PIA6) – Volunteer groups in Capiz are now set for this year’s Undas: Oplan Ligtas Biyahe.

Capiz Volunteer Action Team Secretary Arnel Van Aleligay said that their communication group in partnership with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Capiz Emergency Response Team will join the country’s observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day here.

Aleligay said that part of their activities is to provide communication assistance as well as traffic, safety, first aid and medical assistance to the public during said festivities.

He said they have received a directive from the Regional Office of the National Telecommunications Commission to join and support the Oplan Undas for the safe trip of residents.

“CVAT is activating its 24/7 Tactical Communication System for monitoring in coordination with the Capiz PDRRMC and Philippine Red Cross- Capiz Chapter, “he said, adding that the CVAT’s operation in the first and second district of the province including Roxas City will be spearheaded Berwin Yap, Ronilo Tu and Reynaldo Benliro, respectively.

On the other hand, PDRRMC Action Office will be setting up assistance desks in the two major cemeteries in Roxas City, namely in barangays Banica and Cagay.

The said office will likewise be on alert to monitoring and respond to emergencies. (JCM/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

OVP BAGS OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTING OFFICE AWARD

The accounting department of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) again bagged the award as one of the most outstanding accounting offices in the country.

The OVP team received the same award last year from the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines Inc. (AGAP), through the recommendation of the Commission on Audit (COA).

COA chooses government agencies based on the quality, timeliness and accuracy of their financial year reports.

“COA’s recommendation for our accounting team validates the efforts of our office in observing honest and transparent governance,” said Vice President Jejomar C. Binay.

“We intend to maintain, if not exceed, this level of efficiency in our accounting processes so as to support and further President Benigno Aquino’s reform agenda,” he added.

In its 2011 Audit Performance Summary Report, COA gave the OVP an “unqualified opinion” on its financial statements.

An auditor gives an unqualified opinion when a financial report presents a true and fair view of an office’s financial condition, position and operations.

Aside from OVP, 15 other government agencies also received the Outstanding Accounting Offices. These included the Film Development Council of the Philippines; the Tariff Commission; the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency; the Food and Nutrition Research Institute; theMetals Industrial Research and Development Center; the National Academy of Science and Technology; the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development; the National Council for Children’s Television; and the National Book Development Board.

Also awarded were San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; Villasis, Pangasinan; Aurora, Isabela; Orion, Bataan; Binalbagan, Negros Occidental; and Monkayo, Compostela Valley.

The OVP team and other agencies received their awards on October 24, during the opening ceremonies of the AGAP convention-seminar in Cebu.

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Oct. 15 - 21, 2012 Issue

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Maayon church undergoes facelift, installs new priest

By Calin Bernales

Recently, the parishioners, benefactors and guests of Poblacion, Maayon, Capiz gathered to celebrate two momentous occasions in the history of their church.

On July 15, 2012, they witnessed the solemn installation of Very Rev. Fr. Conrado B. Palete, Jr. as the new priest of the Holy Child Parish Church. In the same day, they witnessed the groundbreaking rites for the renovation of their church.

The Most Rev. Jose F. Advincula, D.D., archbishop of Capiz, presided the solemn installation of Fr. Palete.

Said occasions rekindled in the Maayonanons and their benefactors their passion and commitment to help renovate their church.

Spouses Ricardo Almeida and Milagros Dullano-Almeida and their family led the donation of a 6,866-sq.m. area for the church lot. As a token of gratitude and appreciation, the Archdiocese of Capiz and the people of Maayon awarded a Plaque of Appreciation to the Almeida family.

With the church renovations begun September 17, the Maayonanons here and abroad have likewise launched pooling their efforts together for a vigorous fund raising campaign.

Local officials led by Mayor Wilfredo Borres and other civic groups and organizations expressed support. Fundraising campaigns are led by Sandra Sorongon, head of the Maayon Parish Renovation Movement.

Army trained on engagement and planning

CAMP GEN MACARIO PERALTA JR., Jamindan, Capiz— Having implemented several Internal Peace and Security plans in actual situation, major unit commanders and staff officers are still taking time here to train for mission planning and Stakeholder Engagement which started recently.

Brigade, battalion commanders and their staff officers are now on a five-day training on Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) and Stakeholder Engagement for the nation's Internal Peace and Security (IPSP) "Bayanihan".

A Technical Working Group (TWG) and resource persons from the headquarters of the Philippine Army in Fort Andres Bonifacio, Metro Manila arrived at the headquarters of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) to oversee the two essential training.

"The mere presence of commanders and triad staff is an indication that we are all accelerating gains the implementation of "Bayanihan". Lets take advantage of the time that we are here to tackle adjustments needed to be made in our current campaign plan for peace on this part of the country", said Mabanta, 3ID commander, during the opening ceremony.

"Our success depends so much on you", Mabanta addressing the commanders present. "We know that pure military solution remains inadequate to address the security concerns of the country, thus gathering more stakeholders is imperative as we 'win the peace'", added Mabanta.

Mabanta further encouraged the participants to internalize lessons to be learned from the training to further impart to stakeholders the government's recent signing of a framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as an inspiration for further talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The 45 participants of activity came from 301st Brigade, 302nd Brigade, 303rd Brigade, and the 11th, 12th, 47th, 61st, 62nd, 79th, 82nd, 3rd Military Intelligence and 3rd Civil-Military Operations Battalions.

Security concerns that are being addressed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines are multi-faceted, with the armed capability being only one of their characteristics. Thru the IPSP "Bayanihan", crafted with the stakeholders of the country, there will be a complementary and concerted effort to address the structural issues that fuel insurgencies.

MDMP, a process which aims to develop an estimate of the situation and plan in every military operation, helps the commander and his staffs examine a situation and reach logical decisions and produces integration, coordination, & synchronization for an operation that minimizes risk of overlooking critical aspects of the operation and results in a detailed operation plan. It analyzes and compares multiple courses of action (COA) in an attempt to identify the best possible COA.

Poll gun ban starts Jan. 13

By Alex A. Lumaque

ROXAS CITY— Police Regional Office (PRO) – 6 director Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr. said that the gun ban in view of the May 2013 elections will start on Jan. 13.

This was conveyed by the region’s top cop during a recent press conference with local tri-media practitioners in time with the welcome ceremony on the deployment of the Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force at Brgy. Manhoy in Dao town.

“The poll gun ban will be until June 12,” he stressed based on a Commission on Elections (COMELEC) resolution.

Bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized in writing by COMELEC will be prohibited to ensure a peaceful and orderly elections next year. Only uniformed members of the police, the military and other law enforcement agencies including the Presidential Security Group who are performing actual duties are authorized to bear their weapons during the gun ban period.

Cruz added that use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, unless authorized in writing by the Commission and organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces or other similar forces are prohibited.

The PNP official also noted that a PRO – 6 directive to remind all police stations in the region will be issued in view of the gun bun period.  (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz)

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