BISAYA WEEKLY

Matud sa militar
NPA walay kalainan ni Bin Laden
Ni : Louie B. Oranda

Sumala pa sa militar walay kalainan sa grupo ni Osama Bin Laden ang gikaintapan nga lider-terorista sa tibook kalibutan ug uban pang mga bandido nga grupo ang pondok sa New People’s Army (NPA) human nga gipaulanan nila sa mga bala sa armas ang sakyanan sa Sudecor company nga mikalas sa kinabuhi sa mga inosente nga sibilyan.
Sa report sa militar nga nakuha sa mga tigbalita nasayran nga niadtong petsa 11 sa Septembre alas 6:45 sa buntag usa ka hauling truck sa Sudecor gisakyan sa mga doolan 30 ka mga sibilyan ang matud pa gibanhigan sa mga NPA didto sa KM.9, Lanuza,Surigao del Sur. Sa maong insidente patay sila si Jonie Montenegro,37 ug Christine Salajay,8 anyos , usa ka gwardiya sa kompaniya nga wala pa gikabutyag ang pangalan ug laing walo pa ka pasahero’ng sibilyan ang nasamdan.
Pipila ka oras ang nakalabay laing sakyanan sa Sudecor nga miresponde sa mga biktima aron madala sa hospital ang gibanhigan usab sa mga rebelde. Nasamdan ang driver nga si Tom Grafe ug laing tulo pa ka mga gwardiya sa kompaniya. Sa samang higayon gisunog usab sa mga NPA ang sakyanan .
Gipahayag ni Ltc Benjamin Pedralvez ,Batallion Commander sa 58lB PA nga ang niloog nga binuhatan sa mga rebelde angay nga kondenahon sa katawhan sa Caraga Region. Atol sa pakighinabi kang Pedralvez dili pa niya makompirmar ang kinatibuk-ang kadaghanon sa mga nasamdan . Sa interview sa sibyahan sa radio sa dakbayan sa Butuan giangkon ni George Madlos alyas Ka Oris ang tigpamaba sa National Democratic Front (NDF) nga binuhatan sa ilang grupo ang duha ka insidente sa pagpamanhig sa mga sakyanan sa kompaniya’ng Sudecor.
Dugang pa sa militar nga ang nahauna nga mga biktima sibilyan nagdala sa ilang mga baligya ug sumala pa nang hitch lamang sa sakyanan sa kompaniya aron makalibre sa pletehan apan wala nila damha nga kamatayon ang naghulat sa unahan. ( Dugang report gikan sa PIA caraga )


Mga batan-on nga drug pusher sapon sa PDEA
ANECO walay kalabutan sa mga brownouts
Butuan City - Giklaro sa buhatan sa Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO) nga walay kalabutan ang ilang opisina sa halos kada adlaw nga mga brownouts sulod sa ilang area of operations. Sa gipahigayon nga news conference didto sa Embassy Hotel ning dakbayan bag-ohay pa lang gitin-aw ni Engr. Noli Namocatcat,hepe sa engineering department sa ANECO nga ang sunod –sunod nga pagkapalong sa lain laing dapit sulod sa ilang nasakopan dili kontrolado sa ilang buhatan. Matud pa niya nga ang problema nagagikan sa buahatan sa National Power Corporation (NPC) .Sa samang higayon gidugang usab sa pagpasabot ni Engr. Rico Marabe, hepe sa National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) GP Planning-mindanao systems operations nga ang nasinati nga mga brownouts nagsumikad sa gipahigayon nga pag repair sa upat ka mga hydroelectric power plants sa NPC ug sa lain pang duha ka mga independent power producers (IPP) .Hinoon gipaneguro ni Engr. Marabe nga sa dili madugay mahibalik na sa normal ang mga supply sa kuryente. Ang NGCP pribado nga kompaniya nga maoy nagdumala sa pagpadagan sa transmission operations sa kuryente sa NPC ug naghatag sa supply ngadto sa mga electric cooperatives usa na niini mao ang operasyon sa Aneco.

HEALTH

WHEN STROKE STRIKES
By Henrylito D. Tacio
Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in Asia – after cancer and heart disease, according to the regional office of World Health Organization based in Manila. Unfortunately, most people who experience an impending stroke don’t recognize the symptoms of in denial that he has a “brain attack.”
“A stroke event must be dealt with just like a heart attack,” declares Dr. Alejandro F. Diaz, an associate professor of neurology at the University of Santo Tomas. “The phrase ‘brain attack’ was coined to mean that stroke is always an emergency. A ‘wait and see’ attitude has no room in the management of this serious disease. Even when stroke symptoms are perceived as mild, the condition should still get immediate medical attention.”
There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. In ischemic, about 80 percent of strokes are caused by atherosclerosis (buildup of cholesterol-containing fatty deposits called plaque). Growth of plaque roughens the inside of the artery. The irregular surface can cause turbulent blood flow around the buildup — like a boulder in a rushing stream – and trigger development of a clot.
More than half of ischemic strokes are caused by stationary (thrombotic) blood clots that develop in the arteries leading from the heart to the brain – typically the carotid arteries in the neck.
A less frequent form of ischemic stroke occurs when a tiny piece of clotted blood breaks loose from the artery wall and is swept through larger arteries into smaller vessels of the brain. A clot that may have developed in a chamber in the heart can also break loose. If the moving (embolic) clot lodges in a small artery and blocks blood flow to a portion of the brain, a stroke occurs. ”An ischemic stroke usually affects the cerebrum, the portion of your brain that controls your movement, language and senses,” says the Mayo Foundation.
The hemorrhagic type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. Blood from the hemorrhage spills into the surrounding brain tissue causing damage. Brain cells beyond the leak or rupture are deprived of blood and are also damaged.
One cause of hemorrhagic stroke is an aneurysm. This “ballooning” from a weak spot in a blood vessel wall develops with age. Some aneurysms may also form as a result of a genetic predisposition. As an aneurysm forms, the vessel wall becomes thin and stretched. An aneurysm that grows to at least three-eighths of an inch in diameter (about the size of the head of a thumbtack) is most likely to rupture.
The most common cause of hemorrhagic stroke is high blood pressure (hypertension). The constant force exerted by uncontrolled high blood pressure can weaken blood vessel walls. Eventually, the small blood vessels in the brain can hemorrhage. Hypertension increases the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke whether or not a person has an aneurysm.
“Hemorrhagic strokes are less common than ischemic strokes — but more often deadly,” warns the Mayo Foundation. “About 50 percent of people who have hemorrhagic strokes die compared to about 20 percent for ischemic strokes. Strokes that occur in young adults are typically hemorrhagic.”

NATIONAL NEWS

DPWH to adopt 2 inches minimum thickness in asphalt road projects
With the objective to standardize and further ensure quality of work of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. has ordered the use of a minimum design thickness of 50 mm (2 inches) in all asphalt road projects. Department Order No. 39 signed by Secretary Ebdane directs all concerned DPWH officials and all heads of project implementing offices to strictly implement the order to adopt a minimum design thickness in all their asphalt overlay works/projects in accordance to the provision of Subsection 307.3.10 under Item 307 – Bituminous Plant – Mix Surface Course of the DPWH Standard Specifications for Highways, Bridges and Airports, Volume II, 2004 Edition. “Based on empirical studies and actual observations in the field, the use of less than 50 mm (2 inches) design thickness, among other design factors and considerations, has a detrimental effect on the structural stability/durability of the asphalt overlay,” Ebdane said. Ebdane added that in using a less than 50 mm thickness, the projects shall be more prone to premature cracking, potholes, peeling-off, among other defects, thereby affecting the smooth riding surface of the asphalt pavement. Ebdane stressed that his order is timely to guarantee that all asphalt overlay projects of the Department serve their purpose especially in improving the condition of the riding public and beneficiaries within the area of each project.



4th VP Noli search for tops launched in baguio
THE 4th Vice President Noli De Castro Academic Excellence and Exemplary Leadership Awards, Search for Ten Outstanding Public School Students (TOPS) was launched in Baguio City recently (September 7).
The launching of the activity signalled the reopening of opportunities for poor but deserving students to gain college educational scholarships.
Implemented in 2006, the program has already provided scholarships to numerous deserving students from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao who underwent competitive examinations, in-depth interviews and screening where the selection committee probed their life.
“The life stories of the selected student scholars serve as an inspiration to the youth to hurdle their own personal challenges in achieving their goals.. The student awardees have shown that through perseverance and hard work, poverty should not be a hindrance to success,” Atty. Jesse Andres, De Castro’s Chief of Staff, said.
De Castro urged the young leaders to join the awards and search. “Malaki ang papel na ginagampanan ng kabataan sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan. Bilang suporta sa ating kabataan, inaanyayahan ko ang mga student leaders na lumahok sa naturang programa para makatanggap ng scholarships,” he said.




Palace dares presidential aspirants to surpass PGMA’s economic performance
MANILA, - Malacanang dares presidential aspirants to equal or even surpass the performance of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, particularly in the economic side.
Deputy Presidential Spokesman for economic affairs Gary Olivar dared this amid criticisms hurled by opposition groups against President Arroyo concerning the decline of the Philippine ranking in the global competitiveness as surveyed by World Economic Forum.
Olivar said that President Arroyo would leave a legacy wherein the country experienced under her term an interrupted 34 quarters of economic growth.
He also said that because of the reforms initiated by the President, the global recession experienced by 2/3 of the world did not hurt the Philippines but instead recorded a positive growth.
“This is the gold standard by which we should judge the candidates aspiring to replace the President. Will that candidate build upon her record, maybe even do better than he or will the candidate turn back the clock?” Olivar said.


Duque tops latest pulse asia survey
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III topped anew in a survey involving public approval among Cabinet members.
In the Pulse Asia survey conducted in July and August this year, Secretary Duque was given a 51% approval rating by the public.
“This is very flattering considering that I was only doing my job, which is to always make sure that the health of the public is always guarded against all kinds of diseases, whether the emerging or the endemic ones. I have to stress, however, that I am not alone in all these endeavors because behind me is the most committed and tireless health workforce,” Secretary Duque said.
The SWS survey explained that the high rating of 51% means that about half of Filipinos who are aware of Secretary Duque are satisfied with his performance at the Department of Health. The SWS further said that net-wise, Secretary Duque’s latest rating is the highest since he took office in June 2005.
In the most recent Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) report card released this August the leadership of Secretary Duque was recognized anew for his efforts in fighting graft and corruption.
Secretary Duque said that with a committed, dedicated and steadfast health workforce it is no wonder that the DOH consistently leads in integrity and high approval ratings by the Filipino public.


DOT launches Kayaking in the Philippines

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has recently launched its newest tourism product that features kayaking around the Philippines.
Introduced to major foreign buyers attending the Philippine Travel Exchange ’09 (PHITEX), the new tourism product highlights kayaking adventure in beaches, lagoons, rivers, lakes, springs, and fjords.
“In a country of 7,107 islands, one can only imagine the infinite possibilities of kayaking adventure. Exploring the span of our clear waters surely opens travelers to the unique splendor of our country,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.
“Kayaking allows tourists inside secret coves, inlets, channels that lead to stunning views of our mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, unspoiled coastlines and other exciting mysteries around our islands,” shared Eduardo Jarque Jr., Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions.
Stanie Soriano, Corporate Relations Manager of Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, (PCVC) DOT’s partner in the project, added that, “These paddling spots can be availed through several tour packages such as the New Adventure-Kayak Hundred Islands, Historic Manila Bay Kayaking Adventures; Luxury Kayaking Safari in Bacuit Bay, Palawan, and Bohol Extreme Packages: Kayamping (Kayak and Camping).”



Loren blasts child labor in RP
Sen. Loren Legarda yesterday blasted the government for failure to fully implement the Anti-Child Labor Law of 2003 as declared by the United States’ Department of Labor ‘s Bureau of International Labor Affairs.
“I’ m flabbergasted to know that many of our children are still being exploited and employed in many industries in our country, contrary to our national law and international labor standards,” said Loren.
She made the comment after the US’s department of labor publicly listed goods imported from the Philippines into the United States which were allegedly produced using child labor in violation of international standards. These goods include coconuts, bananas, corn, sugarcane, rice, rubber, tobacco, hogs, fashion accessories, gold, pyrotechnics and pornography.
Loren appealed to the local Department of Labor and Employment to strengthen its enforcement of the “Anti-Child Labor Law” which was signed into law by the President in December 2003.
The law seeks to eliminate the worst forms of child labor such as those involving slavery: such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage, serfdom, including recruitment of children for use in armed conflict; prostitution and pornography; use of children for illegal activities, including drug trafficking; and any work that is hazardous and harmful to the health, safety and morals of children.


DepEd chief commends Metrobank’s outstanding teachers
“It is the teachers time to shine now.”
Zoilo Pinongcos, Jr. of Leganes National High School in Leganes, Iloilo shared this as he was honored as one of the ten awardees of 2009 Metrobank Foundation’s Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT).
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred gold medallions to Pinongcos and the nine other awardees at Malacañang Palace recently.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus lauded the annual Search as it institutionalizes the giving of award to the best and brightest in the teaching profession.
This year’s awardees for the elementary level are: Lourdes Matan of Mag-Ubay Elementary School in Calbayog City; Gemma Cortez of Dasmariñas Elementary
School in Dasmariñas, Cavite; Benjamin Martinez of San Sebastian Elementary School in Tarlac City; and Eva Imingan of Nellie E. Brown Elementary School in Olongapo City.
Aside from Pinongcos, other awardees for the secondary level are: Shena Faith Ganela of Philippine Science High School-Western Visayas Campus in Iloilo City; Rochelle Papasin of Philippine Science High School-Southern Mindanao
Campus in Davao City; and Ma. Petra Romualdo of Minapan High School in Tulunan, Cotabato.
For the higher education level, the awardees are: Dr. Dina Joana Ocampo of the University of the Philippines-Diliman; and Dr. Ramon Del Fierro of University of San Carlos in Cebu City.
Awardees will be presented with plaques and P300,000 cash each during formal ceremonies at Metrobank Plaza in Makati. The awarding ceremony serves as the highlight of the 47th anniversary celebration of the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company.

PHOTO OPS

City Mayor Democrito "Boy Daku" Plaza II with wife former Mayor Daisy Plaza posed with members of the media after the Mayor’s Forum. (L-R) Dodong Polizon (DXJM), Cecil Ybañez (DXJM), Bert Eruela (DXJM), Boy Inot (People’s Guardian), Nestor Fuentes (Former Manager - DXJM), Japhet Floria (Monitor Today), Louie Oranda (Caraga Freelancer), Junjie Esconia (DXJM), Nick Dingding (DXJM), Lando Apit (DXJM), Edwin Bayer (Bombo Radyo), Joel Portugal (Caraga Freelancer, Larry Diez (DXGL-FM). (Photo by Ernie Ofianga, News Courier)

JULY 29- AUGUST4, 2009 VOLUME 1 N0; 12 BUTUAN CITY PHILIPPINES

Police Regional Director Jaime Milla pinned

the Medalya ng Kadakilaan

to BCPO Director Supt. Joseph Plaza

Police Director awarded medals for Heroism

Butuan – Rows of policemen from Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) stood at attention as OIC City Police Director Joseph Plaza and 24 of his men and women were recognized for a job well done for the rescue mission on July 6 of Indian National, Kuljit Singh from his captors at Purok 2 Panlaitan, Barangay La Union, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte.
Police Regional Director Jaime Milla personally conferred the Medalya ng Kadakilaan award to Director Plaza, Police Chief Inspector Manuel Jimenez, Police Senior Inspector Ronaldo Plaza, Police Senior Inspector Rowena Martinez and PO3 Eugene Capablanca on Monday during the awarding ceremony at the BCPO grounds.
Another award on Medalya ng Kasanayan was also awarded to Police Inspector Remedios Terte, SPO4 Demetrio Castolo Jr., SPO4 Emilio Andales, SPO3 Mario Lavadia, SPO2 William Hangad, SPO1 Benjie Albert Peteros, SPO1 Richard Gorme, PO3 Allan Joville, PO3 Edencio Belar III, PO3 Noel Cres Buque, PO3 Joie Michael Reyes, PO3 Bernardo Abian, PO3 Jelio Mendoza, PO3 Jonathan Basil, PO2 Gary Morgadez, PO2 Virgilio Loquite, PO1 Ralf Buna, PO1 Harvey Forsuelo, PO1 Jepone Gido and PO1 Jeziereil Sabaricos.
“Your higher-ups will always recognize good jobs; it needs recognition, congratulatory activity and a tap on the shoulder. Ang galing mo Boy, keep it up, continue with your work,” said Police Regional Director Jaime Milla in his speech.
However, Milla reminded everyone that the PNP organization will not tolerate any wrong doings or cases of involvement in illegal activities and cited the most recent incident of two CIDG-Surigao police tagged in kidnapping case where they are now facing sanctions and are feared of facing dismissal if proven guilty by the court.
He also ordered the members of the Butuan City Police to intensify campaign against criminalities especially on the petty and street crimes.
Meanwhile, City Police Director Joseph Plaza said he is confident in the campaign saying “It is an honor and a pleasure for me to work with this fine team.”
The awarding ceremony offers an opportunity to congratulate policemen, their hard work, courage and dedication, that they are being recognized for their exemplary performance in the line of duty. (Jocelyn E. Morano)

JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2009 VOLUME 1 NO. 12 BUTUAN CITY PHILIPPINES

DENR to stop issuing tree cutting permit

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will no longer issue tree cutting permit nationwide in an effort to protect and preserve the remaining vegetative cover of the country, while facilitating the issuance of environmental permits.
DENR Secretary Lito Atienza made the announcement during the multisectoral consultation on streamlining the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) system procedures held recently at the DENR Social Hall in Quezon City, saying that proponents will no longer be required to secure tree cutting permits so as not to delay the issuance of their environmental permits. But, instead, said Atienza, they will be issued tree balling permit to enable them to transplant the trees in other areas.
“We are making it clear that we will not allow any cutting down of trees to give way to any development project anywhere in the country, even those covered by environmental compliance certificates (ECCs), mining permits or any other construction and development permits for that matter,” Atienza said.
“From now on,” explained Atienza, “project developers and proponents must design their projects in accordance with the position of the trees in the area.” However, should clearing the area could not be avoided, Atienza said that the affected trees shall be transferred to other areas through tree-balling.
In the consultation meeting, Atienza proposed a reduction in the number of days allotted for the processing of ECC and certificate of non-coverage (CNC) by removing the unnecessary requirements and restrictive rules that block the flow of investment into the country.
At the same time, he also announced the strengthening of the Department’s capability in monitoring environmental compliance of projects by securing the active participation of NGOs, people’s organizations and other stakeholders in multipartite monitoring teams that will be established for each project.
According to the DENR chief, who is also a staunch supporter of pro-life movement, trees, like human beings, must be preserved and sustained. “For me, the life of a tree is like a life of a human being which must be preserved as long as it can be preserved and sustained. To cut down a tree is similar to executing a human being.”
Atienza stressed that the move not to issue tree cutting permit is aimed not only to preserve every single tree in the country but also to facilitate the issuance of environmental permits to attract more local and foreign investments.
“Part of the proposed streamlined procedures, project proponents will no longer be required to secure tree cutting permits so as not to cause any delay in the issuance of environmental permits,” said Atienza.
During the consultation meeting attended by representatives of industry associations, non-government organizations, academe, media and other stakeholders, Atienza presented the proposed policy reforms that would reduce the processing period for ECC from six months to 20 days to one month, and the CNC from three weeks to one day.
Atienza was quick to add, however, that the simplification of the EIS procedures was meant not only to reduce the processing time; it was also designed to strengthen accountability, improve efficiency, remove opportunities for corruption and to promote transparency for sustainable development.
He likewise stressed that the adoption of the policy reform will not in any way sacrifice environmental protection and care. He said, “President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo fully supports the streamlining of DENR procedures but this should not sacrifice environmental protection and care.” (DENR13RPAO)

BCPO stood firmed, acted within the bounds of law

Butuan City – A rift between the local government of Butuan and Agusan del Norte may soon escalate following an incident at Taguibo area yesterday morning.

On July 20, the office of City Police Director Joseph Plaza received a letter from Agusan del Norte Provincial Police Director Benson Leleng asking for a security assistance for the members of the Multi-Sectoral Team who will be passing at Barangay Anticala in going to the watershed area.

The Team was tasked by the Provincial Peace & Oder Council to investigate from July 22-24 the alleged illegal mining, illegal logging and illegal road construction being done inside the watershed area part of which is in San Antonio, RTR under the jurisdiction of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte.
Yesterday morning, City Councilor Randolph Plaza, City ENRO Alexander Alaan along with members of the City Mobile Group led by City Police Director Joseph Plaza blocked the Team at Barangay Taguibo to prevent them from passing the area.

“Butuan City Police Office acted within the scope of our duty, we are just exercising police power within a defined legal or territorial area of responsibility,” stressed City Director Plaza on the incident.
It was learned, that Agusan del Norte Multi-Sectoral Team failed to coordinate with the LGU of Butuan, that raised city official’s suspicions as to the motives in going to Anticala instead of concentrating its investigation in San Antonio, RTR.

Meanwhile, City Tourism Council Chairman Daisy B. Plaza last week met with some members of the Committee on Environment of the Sangguniang Panglunsod of Butuan and discussed the possibility of establishing an independent investigative group to tackle the issue. Mrs. Plaza belied reports that the city government has done nothing to resolve the problem at the watershed..

The Sangguniang Panglunsod Committee on Public Utilities and Committee on Environment are set to conduct a joint hearing of the issue of alleged illegal logging/mining within the Taguibo watershed.

BCWD Manager Engr. Anselmo San Tian on the other hand specifically blamed the on-going illegal activities in Anticala, Butuan and San Antonio, RTR in Agusan del Norte as the primary cause of water turbidity forcing the management to shut down the infiltration gallery whenever it rains rendering the whole Butuan waterless. (Jocelyn E. Morano)