NEWS BITS
>> Monday, November 3, 2014
BAGUIO CITY – A mass
consultation on the proposed tax increase will be held in the city soon to
explain to and get the sentiment of the various sectors on the proposed
adjustments in the business and real property taxes.
The city council last
week decided to do away with the pocket public hearings currently being
conducted by the city council committee on ways and means cluster B headed by
Vice Mayor Edison Bilog and instead conduct a single but all-encompassing
public hearing to save time and resources.
Bilog said the
hearings were mostly on personal invitation to him but some councilors and city
treasurer Alicia Onoza and city assessor Nilda Navarro were able to join him as
resource persons.
He said they have so
far covered 20 barangays and a number of associations and plan to continue with
the consultation by sector until the first part of 2015.
But the aldermen led
by Councilors Richard Carino, Elaine Sembrano and Betty Lourdes Tabanda and
including cluster B committee members Councilors Peter Fianza and Faustino
Olowan opted for a common hearing to also ensure that complete facts will be
presented to avoid confusion and misconceptions especially since the updated
schedule of fair market values of real properties cannot be presented yet as it
is still being reviewed by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF).
They tasked Bilog’s
committee to set the date for the mass hearing.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan
expressed hopes for a speedy consultation to according to him “strike an
agreement on what is reasonable to both the city and the taxpayers.”
The city, he said, is
now obliged to implement the increase after years of stalling to make the
antiquated rates attuned with the times and with the requirements of the law.
The city is eyeing a
10 percent increase in business taxes under Tax Ordinance No. 2000-01 including
city market rental and fees and garbage charges which were last adjusted in
2001 or 13 years ago.
The mayor said the
rates are now outdated and must be revised to keep up with the prevailing
charges now being levied by nearby cities like Urdaneta and Dagupan in
Pangasinan and San Fernando City in La Union which impose business taxes higher
by as much as 500 percent than the city.
For instance the city
charges P15 for certifications and clearances while other areas collect as much
as P100. For stall rentals at the fish section, the city charges P20 a
month but other cities collect P78 a day.
The city also needs to
update its schedule of fair market values of real properties which remained
unchanged since 1996 making the city non-compliant with the New Local
Government Code or the Republic Act No. 7160 provision mandating local
government units to undertake a general revision of real property tax valuation
every three years.
It was assured that a
minimal assessment level will be recommended to temper the expected huge
increase in the market value as a result of the city’s passing up on several
revision terms since 1996.
At present, the city’s
assessment levels are pegged at 12 percent for residential and 35 percent for
commercial properties. – Aileen Refuerzo
2 waitresses nabbed for drugs
TUGUEGARAO
CITY – Two waitresses from Sta. Cruz, Manila were arrested by agents of the
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and city police in a sting here Oct. 24.
Myrna
Olivares, 25, and Cherry Anne Daquel, 23, were nabbed after they reportedly
sold five grams of shabu valued at P30,000 to an undercover agent, said city
police chief Supt. Jessie Tamayo.
Police
said the suspects have reportedly been under surveillance weeks before their
arrest. – RaymundCatindig
Baguio biz establishments
violating anti-smoking law
BAGUIO CITY – The city
government intensified the anti-smoking campaign with surprise inspection of
business establishments to ensure that they are complying with the provisions
of Republic Act 9211 or the "Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003" and City
Ordinance No. 8 series of 2008.
Combined elements from
the Alay sa Kalinisan Inc. last week found more than 20 establishments along
Session Road and General Luna Road violating anti-smoking laws by allowing
smokers and minors to smoke within their premises.
The team was headed by
city health office under officer-in-charge Dr. Rowena Galpo and city
epidemiology and surveillance unit head Dr. DonnabelTubera and the city mayor’s
office public order and safety division under Policarpio Cambod.
The establishments
were warned with anti-smoking signs posted inside the premises. They will
be monitored regularly and succeeding violations will mean hefty fines and
charges in court.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan
who heads the ASKI said the campaign will be a continuing program to ensure
that establishments will observe the anti-smoking regulations.
The city police under
Sr. Supt. Rolando Miranda regularly report the number of apprehension of
violators of the smoking ordinance to the ASKI.
Tubera pushed for
inspection of establishments to boost the campaign.
The city government
intends to strengthen its anti-smoking law by amending Ordinance No. 8 series
of 2008 or the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Baguio City and its
Implementing Rules and Regulations to clarify the definition of public places
where smoking is supposed to be banned. They also plan to impose stiffer
penalties for violators.
The proposed amendment
is pending before the city council. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
Halloween
costume contest held at SM
BAGUIO
CITY – Prizes were given to children in the Halloween costume contest here Oct.
31 wherein those with the scariest costumes got won.
To
enter the contest, participants
presented a minimum single receipt purchase of P1000
or accumulated receipts from any tenant of the mall.
The
costume party started 2p.m. at the
Event Center and culminated with the announcement of winners. Some participantswon P3,000 worth of SM gift certificates.– Karren N. Padilla
Mayor clarifies city hiring, selection process
BAGUIO CITY
- During his weekly conference last Wednesday, Mayor Mauricio Domogan
clarified the recruitment and selection process of the city government of
Baguio.
All vacant positions
in the city are open to all qualified applicants who meet the minimum
qualification standards. Covering the qualification standard includes
education, eligibility, experience and training, stressed the mayor.
Domogan emphasized
that all documents attached to the application letters submitted will be evaluated
by the personnel of the City Human Resource Management Office. During the
selection process, the Personnel Section Board will convene to review the
merits of each applicant based on the comparative evaluation form.
“However, there are
instances where the points/merits of every applicant for a certain vacant
position being applied for is more or less equal, seniority is being given
consideration,” said the mayor.
While it is true that
the appointing authority has the widest latitude in selecting/appointing an
individual for a certain position, I am basing my selection on the applicant’s
merits in order to fair to all applicants, he added.
Mayor Domogan
expressed his predicament in filing up vacant positions pointing out that for
just one vacant position, there are numerous applicants.
“Sa isang bakanteng posisyon,
may 72 na aplikante. Isa lang ang matutuwa at 71 ang malulungkot kaya mahirap ang
ganitong trabahong appointing authority,” said mayor.
The CHRMO recently
conducted an orientation to new applicants at the Baguio City Hall
multi-purpose hall. Said orientation aims to educate applicants on the
recruitment and selection process of the city government here -- JhoArranz
Groups cited for Baguio jail reform programs
BAGUIO
CITY – Government officials, law enforcers, lawyers, prison officials, inmates,
religious groups and stakeholders converged at the City Jail Quadrangle to
celebrate National Correctional Consciousness Week here.
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Jail Warden Elvis Danglose and Wardress Mary Anne Tresmanio thanked groups conducting reform programs for residents in jail.
They are the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Asia Pacific theological Seminary, Free Believers in Christ, Lifes Great Possibilities, Baguio Christ Centered Church, VIPS, Jesus Reigns Ministries, Gospel of Christ, St. Benedictine Oblates, Philippine Source of Light, University of Baguio, Youth Forward Initiative, Couples for Christ, St. Vincent Parish, Islamic Center, Grace Baptist Church, Blood of the Lamb, Episcopal Church of Metro Baguio and other associations and persons who give service to people deprived of liberty.
The
simple program organized by the inmates with the help of BJMP personnel also
showcased talents and crafts which abound inside the city’s jail facility.
The celebration is mandated by Presidential Proclamation No. 551 of then President Fidel Ramos declaring the last week of October as Nacoco Week or Oct. 21 to 27. – Paul Rillorta
The celebration is mandated by Presidential Proclamation No. 551 of then President Fidel Ramos declaring the last week of October as Nacoco Week or Oct. 21 to 27. – Paul Rillorta
DOLE
provides livelihood assistance to 2 Abra towns
BANGUED,
Abra -- Two more municipalities in Abra were given livelihood projects by the
Department of Labor and Employment bringing to 16 towns assisted by
the office in the province.
DOLE
provincial director Apollo Luspian said two new recipients of
livelihood projects are Lagangilang
and Bucloc.
The
other 14 municipalities that have already availed are Bangued, San
Juan, Pidigan, Langiden, Lacub, La Paz, Bucay, Pilar, Bucloc, Sallapadan,
Licuan-Baay, Dolores, Manabo and San Isidro. .
Town
folks only need to be organized to be able to avail of the livelihood program,
Luspian said.
In
related development, DOLE is offering emergency employment program for people
affected by recent Typhoon Mario which hit heavily the
province.
Luspian
asked mayors to submit damage assessment report for them to qualify for the
emergency employment program.
He said
the report will be submitted to the DOLE regional office for final evaluation
and approval. DOLE pays services of those who will work under the
emergency employment program. -- Maria Teresa Benas and Josa Mai Ramirez
Kalinga
enrolls 88 families in Philhealth program
TABUK
CITY, Kalinga -- The provincial government approved membership of 88 families
and their dependents under Philhealth’s Point of Care Program.
Rommel
Aranca, Philhealth field office head, here said the 88 families classified as
indigents were qualified under the sponsorship program of local government
units if hospitalized at the provincial hospital and other government health
facilities in the province.
“From
August 5 to date, Gov. Jocel Baac approved the membership of 88 indigent
families under Philhealth’s point of care program,” Aranca said adding that
they will expand implementation of the program in municipalities.
Philhealth
Circular 32, s-2013 which took effect November 29, 2013
formalized “point-of-care enrolment program” which targets non-members
belonging to Class C-3 or D confined in government hospitals.
The
program also benefits existing members not currently eligible to financial
protection due to lack of qualifying contributions and also classified as Class
C3 or D.
Qualified
patients and their qualified dependents are provided PhilHealth coverage under
the sponsored program. Their premium contributions shall be borne by the
government facility, provided that they are certified poor by the medical
social worker at the time of admission. -- Peter Balocnit
DSWD reaches out to 539 individuals in crisis
BONTOC,
Mountain Province -- The Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation Program
of the Department of Social Welfare and Development has disbursed P1,920,215.00
to 539 beneficiaries as of Oct. 13.
Jerry
Batawang of the Social Welfare and Development team office here said staff of
this office personally delivered the AICS financial assistance to municipal
beneficiaries.
Based
on SWAD data of SWAD, P1,419,315.00 of the total amount disbursed was given to
416 students in the province as educational assistance.
Batawang
said educational assistance is open to high school students. Assistance is
given priority to graduating students of public high schools which they
use for their school needs and allowance.
Students
of the private high school who are in need of financial assistance can also
avail of educational assistance which they can use to pay their tuition, other
school needs and school allowance.
Aside
from educational assistance, P458,900.00 was also disbursed to 111
beneficiaries as medical assistance; P34,000.00 to 10 beneficiaries as burial
assistance and P8,000.00 to two beneficiaries as medical and transportation
assistance.
Batawang
said there are still many clients who have submitted their application for
financial assistance under AICS but their office will have to liquidate first
the amount disbursed before the DSWD releases the money for these applicants.
-- JulietSaley
Ifugao
undertakes peace advocacy campaign
LAGAWE,
Ifugao -- The provincial government through Gov. Denis Habawel, recently
started a one-year peace campaign and advocacy.
An
inter-agency committee has been formed to implement the peace advocacy program
chaired by Provincial Administrator Evelyn Dunuan representing the provincial
government with the Schools Division superintendent, president of the Ifugao
State University, provincial director of the Philippine National Police and the
Department of Interior and Local Government and president of Ifugao Sons and
Daughters Association, Inc. of World War II veterans as members.
The
program aims to inform, educate and raise awareness provincial
constituents values of peace, public
order and citizen responsibility for peace and development.
It
shall also develop modules on peace education for use in the schools and communities
and initiate other appropriate programs advocating peace in preparation for the
2015 Victory Day celebration in the municipality of Kiangan that commemorates
the end of World War II with surrender of Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita on Sept. 2,
1945. -- Daniel Codamon
Tuba officials set “Ava” festival every
December
TUBA,
Benguet -- The festival of this town every December will now be
called after one of its major agricultural products, the “ava” (taro).
Municipal
ordinance 235 series of 2014 established “Ava Festival” every December 2 and 3.
The
festival will have several components that include
agro-industrial fair, parade and street dancing, food processing competition
using ava as raw material, symposium on ava production and other activities.
Ava or gabi plays
a significant role in life and culture of the people of the Tuba
and the whole province.
It is
served as staple food from simple occasions to festivities. Since time
immemorial, ava was used by the people of Tuba in community gatherings, family
celebrations and in observance of cultural practices and rites like cañao. It
is cited in the province’s history and used in lyrics of chants.
The
establishment of a festival is a strategy to trigger economic activities and
enhance cultural preservation as provided in the ordinance. -- Susan Aro
Mining
firm’s help sought in improvement of Aran Cave
TUBA,
Benguet -- The Aran Cave here is now tagged as one of best spots for
spelunking but it needs improvement for better
appreciation and safety of visitors.
With
this, local officials sought assistance of Philex Mining Corp. which
operates in the area, to include development of Aran Cave as
a tourist destination in its social development and management plan was
provided in council resolution 123 series 2014.
The
cave is situated in Tucang , Twin Peaks barangay. Its opening is found along
the riverbank of Bued River. It is believed to be the former house of the
giant “Aran” whose family was taken hostage and brought out from the cave
during the construction of Kennon Road.
The
Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the region, in
coordination with the Tuba municipal government , provincial government ,
Barangays Camp 3 and Twin Peaks, Department of Tourism-Cordillera landowners,
indigenous peoples and other stakeholders have crafted a management plan
for Aran Cave.
The
town of Tuba allotted P400,000 for construction of reinforced concrete walk at
the cave while DENR-Cordillera also shared P127,000 but such amounts are not
sufficient for the cave’s development as stated in the measure.
The
resolution was forwarded to Philex Mining Corporation senior vice president and
resident manager for Padcal Mine Manuel Agcaoili for action. -- Susan
Aro
Balbalan
connects hinterland B’gays thru radio transceivers
BALBALAN,
Kalinga -- To make communication easier between local government
units in this town, the municipal government provided radio base FM
transceivers powered by a repeater to its 14 barangays.
Mayor
Kenneth Dale Mangaoang said the muncipal government allocated more than P1
million from its 20 percent development fund to connect the barangays with
the 2-way radio transceivers.
“Though
we have now the power of the internet and mobile cell phone networks with the
presence of two cell sites, still hinterland barangays are not reached through
cyberspace communication because of the unfavorable terrain,” he said.
Traditionally,
government workers have to reach barangays through hiking for several hours to
coordinate and implement LGU programs and projects. Messages or information are
also done through couriers and errand boys.
With
the installation of radio transceivers last September, exchange of
information, coordination and implementation of government
programs and projects is easier and cost-effective, Mangaoang said.
This
project was supported by the Sangguniang Bayan and barangay chairmen seeing
need to establish 24-hour contacts with the villages, he added. -- Peter Balocnit
DTI
warns against “no return, no exchange” business signs
By Carlito Dar – Jemi Calinog
BAGUIO
CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry warned business owners hereposting
of “No return, no exchange policy” signs in their establishments is prohibited
by law.
Lawyer
Samuel Gallardo, DTI consumer welfare and business regulation division head, in
a media forum in observance of Consumer Welfare Month, said posting of such
signage gives consumers the impression that even if the product they bought is
defective, they will not be given refund, change of product or other remedies.
As long
as it is within the warranty period, the consumer who bought a product with
inherent defect can go to the establishment to ask for relief or remedy, he
said.
“Under
Article 11 of Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines,
manufacturers, distributors or sellers of a product are mandated to offer
services such as repair of the defect, replacement, refund of the purchase
price less a reasonable allowance for use, and payment for any reasonable
damages caused to the consumer by the product”, Gallardo said.
Establishments
have to make an effort to study the Consumer Act of the Philippines and other
trade and industry laws and apply them. They have to learn these laws and if
they have any concerns regarding the regulations provided, they can always come
to DTI, he added.
DTI
also urged consumers to go to the agency for inquiry or to file
complaint if there is no consumer welfare desk in the establishment where they
purchased a defective product.
Gallardo
advised the public to be wise in choosing products to buy.
“Choose
wisely, research on the product that you want to buy and establish a budget for
yourself. Aside from that, rather than being conscious about the brand,
look more into the quality and affordability of the product,”he said.– Carlito
Dar and JemiCalinog
1,604 Ifugaos apply for alternative learning systems
LAGAWE,
Ifugao -- More than a thousand examinees in the province had applied for
Department of Education – Bureau of Alternative Learning Systems (BALS)
Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) examination set Dec. 7.
Applicants include
out of school youths (OSY), adult elementary and secondary education
undergraduates in the province who wish to earn a diploma.
The
BALS-Ifugao reported that of the 1,604 examinees, 68 registered in the
Elementary ALS A&E exam, while 1,536 for secondary with 608 female and
1,001 male.
Testing
centers are Lagawe Central School, Alfonso Lista Central school and the Bureau
of Jail Management and Penology inKiangan town.
The ALS
A&E examination is given for free to qualified examinees and those who will
pass the exam will be qualified to enter secondary school (for elementary
passers) and to enroll into technical/vocational or a college course. This is a
program of the Department of Education. -- Marcelo Lihgawon
Ifugao
mayor reorganizes bids and awards committee
LAGAWE,
Ifugao -- The municipal mayor here issued an executive order last
week reorganizing the municipal bids and awards committee for procurement of
services, civil works and goods to further strengthen its functionality.
Mayor
Ceasario Cabbigat said the reorganization seeks to comply with provisions
of the government procurement reform act and its implementing rules and
regulations.
Cabbigat
said the new MBAC is composed of the municipal agriculturist, treasurer,
budget officer, licensing specialist and representatives from the engineering,
general service office, supply officer and planning and development office
“The
MBAC will be tasked to oversee the bids and awards for the infrastructure
projects as well as the procurement of goods and consulting services as
provided by RA 9184,” he said.
The
MBAC shall also advertise/post the invitation to bid; conduct pre-procurement
and pre-bid conferences; determine the eligibility of prospect bidders and
conduct the evaluation of bids and ensure that the municipal government abides
with the standard set forth in the implementing rules and regulations of
RA 9184.
The
MBAC secretariat and technical working group were also reorganized to
provide administrative and technical support to the committee. -- MBL
DOLE
intensifies registration of skilled unemployed workers
TABUK
CITY, Kalinga -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here intensified
its campaign to register skilled but unemployed workers.
It
recently oriented barangay chairmen on the National Skills Registry System
(NSRS) to get their support on the program.
Vincent
Galora, DOLE coordinator for NSRS, said 60 barangay chairmen
participants and their assigned focal persons attended orientation
that included a planning workshop and an assessment on the
status of NSRS registrants.
The
NSRS is designed to reduce
job-skills mismatches and facilitate employment by providing information about
the available supply of laborers.
This
web-based system is a roster of active labor supply that shows information on
the qualification and skills set of registrants which were either formally
acquired in school or gained through experiences.
He said
an initial data base of more than 10,000 registrants from the barangays
provincewide was already established and synchronized in the Philjobnet website
of DOLE for employers to browse of their human resource needs based on
the skills of registrants.
Barangay
chairmen were also given the tasked to implement the NSRS and give forms
for applicants to register for submission to DOLE for encoding. “After
registration, all unemployed workers with specific skills will be counted for
in the NSRS data base, exposing them for employment opportunities,” Galora
said.
During
the planning workshop, several issues were presented on NSRS registration
process such as low retrieval of NSRS forms; unupdated employment status
of registrants; inactive barangay focal persons; incomplete data supplied by
the registrant in the NSRS registration form; and low solicitation of job
vacancies from private/government establishments.
The
barangay chairmen committed to address such concerns.
DOH
monitors Abra health facilities
BANGUED,
Abra -- A Department of Heath monitoring team found no problem with
facilities of hospitals and rural health units (RHUs) they visited
in the province but observed lack of health personnel which they
said, affected service delivery.
The DOH
central office team led by Jinky Alberto visited Abra Provincial
Hospital, district hospitals of La Paz and Bucay, and the RHUs of Bangued,
Pidigan, Langiden, Tayum and Sallapadan.
Alberto said
their findings will be reported to Health Secretary Enrique Ona.
During
the visit, Alberto also turned over completed projects in
some health facilities wich included two additional rooms in Bucay District Hospital, one isolation
room in the La Paz District Hospital and renovation of barangay health station in Namarabar,
Peñarrubia. -- Josa Mai Ramirez
Mt
Prov gov’t workers donate 17,100 cc blood
BONTOC,
Mountain Province -- A total of 17,100 cc of different blood types were
extracted from government employees in a bloodletting activity recently headed
by the provincial government in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross - Mt.
Province chapter and Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital.
Human
Resource Management Officer Leonila Milagrose Malla-ao of the provincial
government said the activity was one of activities of the province in
celebration of the 114th Philippine Civil Service anniversary.
The
bloodletting was led by Dr. Evangeline Politchay of Bontoc General Hospital who
examined first the donors and certified that they were fit to donate. The
medical technologists of the Red Cross and the LHMRH, and two nurses of the BGH
extracted blood from donors.
Veronica
Tactay, Red Cross Administrator Officer-In Charge, said there were patients of
BGH who availed of donated blood. She said some were brought to the
Benguet Red Cross to make blood readily available to patients from Mt. Province
who were confined or were transferred yo hospitals in Baguio or Benguet.
She
said the Red Cross is intensifying its advocacy on blood donation since there
is increase in demand of blood by patients confined at the BoGH, LHMRH
including patients confined in Baguio and Benguet hospitals. -- Juliet
Saley
SLU
helps Benguet towns craft laws for Mt. Pulag
BAGUIO
CITY -- Saint Louis University has partnered with local government units of
ofKabayan and Bokod in Benguet in crafting ordinances regarding environmental
fees for protection of Mt. Pulag. SLU School of Accountancy and Business
Management graduate program coordinator Gladys Navarro, in an interview,
disclosed that SLUstarted environmental evaluation of Mt. Pulag since 2005.
Based
on their study, most expenses of tourists going to Mt. Pulag are spent outside
of Kabayan and Bokod.
The two
LGUs are just getting paid for the entrance fees and on the
local products they are selling.
SLU presented
said study to the LGUs of Kabayan and Bokod, with focus on need for
payment of environmental services.
Mt.
Pulag Park covers 11,550 hectares with parts in Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva
Vizcaya.
In
the Benguet side, it spans Kabayan and Bokod. Mt. Pulag, the highest peak in
Luzon, is a favorite adventure destination.
In
an exploratory workshop on environmental ordinances recently at El Cielito Inn
here, the case of Mt. Pulag and current wealth sharing and common pool
resources initiatives of the two LGUs were tackled.
They
made an agreement on their respective tasks relative to administrative,
marketing and governance of Mt. Pulag’s eco – tourism sites within jurisdiction
of the two towns.
For SLU,
it will provide researches on basis of host communities’ share on
national wealth tax, government’s willingness to pay for the protection of
natural resource and on how Climate Change Commission can help in
protection of Mt. Pulag.
It
will also help in conducting survey, provision of data and cost-benefit
analysis on transport groups, travel groups/agencies, tourism facilities, among
others.
For
this undertaking, Bokod Mayor Faustino Aquisan and Kabayan Mayor Mauricio Macay
and their respective sangguniang bayan members signed an agreement
with SLU officials headed by Navarro.
The
agreement was also signed by Benguet Vice Gov. Nelson Dangwa and
SangguniangPanlalawigan members Jim Botiwey and Robert Namoro. -- Sharika
Muñoz and Jemi Calinog
Mt.
Province approves P30M budget for disasters
BONTOC,
Mountain Province -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
has approved the province’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate
Change Adaptation Annual Investment Plan for 2015.
The
DRRM/CCA 2015 AIP has a total budget of P30.2 million which is five percent of
the estimated total revenues of the province next year.
In
the DRRM phases, preparedness gets the biggest allocation of almost P14.6 M.
Programs, projects or activities in this phase include: conduct of advanced
trainings on disaster preparedness, response search rescue and retrieval
operations; procurement of disaster equipment for disaster response and rescue
activities; stockpiling of basic emergency supplies; construction,
rehabilitation or completion of evacuation centers; procurement of coaster; and
conduct of IEC on DRRM, among others.
Under
the prevention and mitigation phase with an allocation of P4.1 M, it will
cover the conduct of risk assessments, vulnerability analysis and other
science-based technology and methodologies; capability trainings for DRRM
officers and DRRM members; implementation of climate Change adaptation and
mitigation strategies; installation of signages along roads identified as
hazard prone; tree planting; purchase and installation of fire hydrants;
construction/rehabilitation and completion of infra projects to support
DRRM/CCA, among others.
Programs
and activities under rehabilitation and recovery phases have a total budget of
P1.4 million while support programs have P1.07 million funding. The
remaining P9.08 million is allocated as the Quick Response Fund or standby fund
which could be used during disaster or calamities.
PDRRMC
chairman Gov. Leonard Mayaen said DRRM proposed programs and activities are
reasonable and badly needed in the Council’s continuing efforts to
builddisaster-resilient and climate change-resilient province. -- Andrew
Doga-ong
Business
outlook in Luzon remains positive
BAGUIO
CITY -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said business in Luzon for the third
quarter of this year was positive despite slowdown brought by lesser demand due
to rainy season.
BSP
Department of Economic Statistics deputy director Fernando Silvoza, bared this
during a forum conducted by BSP under its
Economic and Financial Learning Program here recently at the Golden Pine
Hotel.
Silvoza
said based on their third quarter business expectations survey result, business
outlook in Luzon is less upbeat but remains positive except in Region 1.
“Business
outlook in Region 1 weakened wherein the wholesale and retail trade sector went
negative, while service sector stayed neutral and only the industry sector that
remained positive,” Silvoza said.
For
Regions III, IV and V, Silvoza also reported a generally slower business
outlook except in industry sector which remained positive.
Slowdown
in business for Luzon third quarter of this year was generally due to
effect of typhoons looming energy crisis
and increase in price of petroleum products and some basic commodities.
According
to Silvoza, they expect the business sector to rebound this fourth quarter in
time for the yuletide season. -- Carlito Dar
