LGSP-LED PROJECT BENEFICIARY: Omar and the Gems of Donsol

Whale Sharks or butanding are filter-feeding sharks that can grow to more than 12 meters. Its sightings in Donsol, Sorsogon attracts a lot of tourists in the Albay-Sorsogon circuit. (Photo from Symbiosis Custom Travel at http://www.symbiosis-travel.com/blog/2014/04/09/69/.)

SORSOGON CITY, April 30 (PIA) - One sunny Saturday morning in the middle of March, four Canadian tourists landed on the shores of Donsol in the Province of Albay, Philippines. From the looks on their faces, one could guess that they just had an exciting interaction with the gentle whale sharks, a popular activity for visitors in the area. They were ecstatic and animatedly talked about their latest marine adventure.

Alighting from the white motorized boat too was Omar Nepomuceno, one of the very first marine tour guides in Donsol.

It was in 1998 when the bounty of marine resources of Donsol was unraveled. A sleeping town in the northwestern part in the province of Sorsogon, the municipality of Donsol was reported to be rebel-infested locality during the 70s, affecting economic growth in the area.

Little did the people of Donsol know that their waters were inhabited with giant mammoth fish or whale sharks (scientific name is Rhincodon Typus), locally known as butanding. They did not expect that these gentle giant sea creatures would eventually open up tourism and bring Donsol to the international scene, boost economy, and provide employment and livelihood to the people.

Seeing these opportunities, the Provincial Government of Sorsogon forged a tripartite agreement among the Municipal Government of Donsol, the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 1999. DOT was to lead tourism promotion and marketing and training of marine eco tour guides. WWF would do research and monitoring. And, the Donsol municipal government was in charge of managing of tourism products and day-to-day operations.

Through this agreement, the tourism program of Donsol was conceptualized, planned, and implemented. Butanding Interaction Officers (BIOs) or marine tour guides in the area were also organized.

Omar, a marine guide and dive master, took to his advantage the rich marine resources in his hometown. Born in Donsol, he was among the pioneer BIOs. He knew that the Donsol’s natural resources would bring him personal and economic wealth.

As a BIO, Omar was able to build a house for his family. He sent his only child to a private Catholic secondary school in Legazpi City who is now on her third year in the University of the Philippines Baguio Campus. Simplicity, frugality, and proper financial management were his guiding principles. “Live within your means and always save from your earning,” Omar remarks.

Omar’s career as a BIO was further strengthened with the implementation of the joint Canadian and Philippine Governments’ Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP LED) program. LGSP-LED sought to help local governments become more business-friendly and competitive to attract new investments that create more local jobs.

Through LGSP-LED, the Provincial Government of Sorsogon and local businesses came together and identified that Donsol needed refresher trainings to upgrade the skills of its local workforce in order to appeal to more tourists and businesses alike.

Training participants treading water during the Training on Marine Eco-Guiding and Enhanced Training for Butanding Interaction Officers (BIOs) held in Donsol, Sorsogon from November 26 to 28, 2014. The training was attended by forty two (42) participants, mostly men.

Omar attended various capacity building programs implemented through the LGSP-LED project in Albay-Sorsogon and gained new and enhanced skills on rescue, safety, foreign guest relations, and local history, among others. Since then Omar has been more confident doing tours. Once, he performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR to a foreign tourist during an actual butanding interaction. He also echoes new knowledge and skills to fellow BIOs who have yet to undergo formal marine guiding training. Omar believes that continuous training should be conducted for the forty one (41) registered BIOs during off-season. He expressed desire to learn more about care, preservation, and conservation of marine natural resources, tourism promotion, as well as the butanding that is providing livelihood to the local community. He is thankful to DILG that even after the closure of the LGSP-LED project, financial resources through the Training for Better Access to Jobs and Opportunities (TraBAJO) program are still on the pipeline for capacity building interventions for the marine tour guides of Donsol.

 Omar Nepomuceno, Donsol’s most sought after marine tour guide

“I no longer dream of anything for my future. I find fulfillment in my work as BIO. Seeing my customers happily swimming along with the butanding bring so much joy to me,” says Omar. He had turned down job opportunities as a dive master abroad before. For him, this is only because he finds fulfillment working in his hometown, but for Donsol, Sorsogon, and the Philippines as a whole, Omar’s story is so much more than Omar. It is about keeping jobs in local communities, attracting more business to go local because competent people like Omar are there and they attract more tourists.

Between 2013 and 2016, Albay-Sorsogon reported an increase of 200,000 in annual visitor arrivals. At the same time, businesses made new investments in tourism worth PHP 65 million. LGSP-LED estimates that about 1500 jobs were created through recent efforts of the government and the private sector in developing tourism. (BAR/PTO-PIA-5/Sorsogon)

FYI: Important Notice to all Barangays across the Country

(We encourage our media friends to discuss this in your respective programs or make a write up on this to encourage full participation of barangay assembly members - Thanks much.)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will be holding the barangay assembly for the first semester on March 26, 2016. This is in compliance with Section 397 of the Local Government Code of 1991, which enjoins every barangay in the country to deliver their State Of Brgy. Address (SOBA); present their accomplishments and financial reports; as well as their priority projects under the recently launched Barangay Bottom-Up Budgeting (BBDB) program, for the public to know.

During the assembly, barangays are also encourage to educate their constituents regarding the revitalization of the Brgy. Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) and its role in drug-clearing operations, as well as discuss issues and concerns on disaster preparedness and solid waste management.

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Topic: Conduct of Barangay Assembly for the First Semester of CY 2016

Working Title: "Pagpupulong Para sa Pagsulong: Barangay Assembly 2016"

TALKING POINTS:

Alinsunod sa Chapter 6, Section 397 ng Local Government Code, ang lahat ng barangay ay inaatasang magsagawa ng lahatang pagpupulong o "Barangay Assembly" na hindi bababa sa dalawang besessa isang taon --- kung saan tatalakayin ng pamunuan ng barangay ang estado, mga programs, achievements, at iba pang usapin sa barangay kasama ang mga nasasakupan nito.

Ang Barangay Assembly ay naglalayong mapagtibay ang ugnayan ng pamahalaan at kornunidad na siyang daan sa mas epektibong paghahatid ng serbisyo para sa mga mamamayan.

Ang unang Barangay Assembly para sa kasalukuyang taon ay nakatakdang ganapin sa March 26.

SINU-SINO ANG MGA BUMUBUO SA ISANG BARANGAY ASSEMBLY?

• Ang pagsasagawa ng Barangay Assembly ay pangungunahan ng city at municipal mayors, Liga ng mga Barangay chapter presidents (province, city, municipality), DILG regional directors, ARMM regional governor at mga punong barangay.

• Maaari at inaanyayahang dumalo sa assembly ang lahat ng "actual residents" ng barangay o 'yung mga nakapanirahan na sa barangay ng anim na buwan o higit pa, 15-taong gulang pataas, Philippine citizen, at rehistrado sa listahan ng Barangay Assembly members.

• Imbitado naman na dumalo ang mga faith-based organizations sa isang barangay, ang Ugnayan ng Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS)at iba pang civil society organizations (CSOs)para talajkayin angokanilang papel ukol sa Barangay Bottom-Up Budgeting o BBUB program.

ANO ANG DAPAT ASAHAN O TALAKAYIN SA MARCH 26, 2016 BARANGAY ASSEMBLY?

• State of Barangay Address (SOBA)
- CY2015 second semester accomplishments
- CY2015 second semester Financial Report, including Itemized Monthly Collections and Disbursement at the Summary of Income and Expenditures
- Updates of CY 2016 ongoing programs and projects

• Barangay compliance to DILG Memorandum Circular 2014-81 regarding the posting of Barangay Budget, Statement of Income and Expenditures and other Barangay Financial Transactions, and Annual Procurement Plan.

• Revitalization of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) and its role in drug clearing operations through the "MAmamayan, Sugpuin ang Iligal na Droga (MASID)" campaign

• "Barangay Registration of Kasambahay" that would require every employer within the jurisdiction of a barangay to register his or her domestic workers under the Kasambahay Masterlist.

• Presentation of priority projects under the recently launched Barangay Bottom-Up Budgeting (BBuB) program to the assembly

• Issues such as disaster preparedness and solid waste management

INFORMATION CAMPAIGN PARA SA BARANGAY ASSEMBLY

• Para sa DILGregional directors at ARMM regional governor:
- Paglalagay ng streamers ukol sa Barangay Assembly sa kanilang opisina at iba pang pampublikong lugar
- Pagbibigay ng kopya ng Barangay Assembly tarpaulin design sa mga local chief executives o Punong Barangay
- Siguruhin ang pagsunod ng local government units (LGUs) sa pagsasagawa ng Barangay Assembly sa kanilang nasasakupan
- Maging aktibo sa pagbibigay ng impormasyon patungkol sa Barangay Assembly sa pamamagitan ng TV at radio guestings at print interviews
- Hikayatin ang Church o faith-based organizations sa isang barangay na dumalo sa assembly
- Siguruhin ang pagdalo at paglahok ng kapulisan sa lokalidad sa araw ng assembly

• Para sa city at municipal mayors:
- Siguruhin ang paglahok sa assembly ng lahat ng barangay officials sa kanilang nasasakupan
- Siguruhin ang paglalagay ng assembly posters, banners o tarpaulins sa lahat ng pampublikong lugar (plaza, public market, terminals, main street) para mahikayat ang nakararaming mamamayan na dumalo sa assembly

• Para sa barangay officials:
- Maaaring magsagawa ng mga programa gaya ng medical mission, cultural presentations, at iba pang gawain para mahikayat ang mga nasasakupan na dumalo sa assembly Pangunahan ang paglalagay ng Barangay Assembly posters o banners sa kanilang lugar

“Walang Barangay Assembly meeting ang maaaring isagawa nang walang written notice isang linggo bago ang nakatakdang meeting, maliban na lamang kung ang usapin ay patungkol sa public safety o security.”

PAANO KUNG HINDI NAGSAGAWA NG ASSEMBLY ANG ISANG BARANGAY?

• Maaaring maghain ng reklamo ang sinumang residente ng barangay, concerned citizen o governmental or non-governmental entity laban sa mga opisyal ng baranggay na hindi nagsagawa ng Barangay Assembly. Ang reklamo ay maaaring idulog sa Sangguniang Panlungsod o Sangguniang Bayan, o 'di kaya'y sa Office of the Ombudsman.

ANO ANG SHOWCASE BARANGAY?

• Ito ang pagtukoy ng DILG regional director/ARMM regional governor sa isang barangav sa kanyang nasasakupan na nagpakita ng katangi-tanging pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga faith-based organizations kung saan higit na naisusulong ang grassroots participation at good barangav governance
• Marapat na isumite ng DILG regional director/ARMM regional governor ang napiling "showcase barangay" bago ang March 11, 2016, gamit ang format na ito:

REGION PROVINCE BARANGAY TIME VENUE GUESTS

• Isang narrative report on Regional Showcase Barangay ang dapat isumite bago mag-Abril 30, 2016 at isang Regional Consolidated Report naman bago mag-May 31, 2016
• Ang mga report ay dapat isumite sa Office of the Undersecretary for Local Government sa pamamagitan ng National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO), via email at barangayassembly@gmail.com o sa fax number (02) 925-0328 ###

Speech:Pulis Kasanggayahan 20th PCR Month Culminating Activity, July 31, 2015

Together with (L-R) OIC SPPO PSSupt Ronald Cabral,
DD for Operations PSupt Angela Rejano and PSupt Nonito Marquez of PCR

Speech: Pulis Kasanggayahan 20^th PCR Month Culminating Activity

@ Camp Escudero, Sr, Sorsogon City - July 31, 2015

Our Officer In Charge of Sorsogon Police Provincial Office PSSupt Ronald Cabral... our Deputy Director for Operations PSupt Angela Rejano...  PSupt Nonito Marquez of the PCR, other PNP officials who are around here today, sa mga magigiting nating kapulisan, a very pleasant afternoon every one.

First and foremost, allow me to say thank you for having me once again here with you. And as always, I am deeply honored to be given the podium and share words of inspiration to those I consider one of the salts of the earth, the people of the Pulis Kasanggayahan.

Secondly, allow me to congratulate you in upholding the rule of law. Sa kabila ng mga pagbabatikos sa inyo ng iilan sa tuwing may nagkakasalang mamamayan sa batas, I still believe that you have successfully enhanced and strengthened police community relations in Sorsogon through programs and related actions that enticed public input into decision-making processes related to crime solving and peacekeeping efforts.

The month of July has been declared as Police Community Relations Month in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 764. And today, I give each one of you a pat on the back as you culminate this year’s observance of the 20^th  PCR Month with the theme: “Matibay na Ugnayan ng Mamamayan at Pulisya, Simbolo ng Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran ng Sambayanan”.

The theme is indeed true and the key to achieve this is through employing an effective community policing strategies.

Nagagalak po akong mabasa sa facebook, mapanood sa TV at marinig sa radyo ang inyong mga ginagawa. Ang marinig ko mismo sa mga mamamayan na kayo ay nagsasagawa ng Barangay Enhancement Seminar upang mapukaw ang kamalayan ng publiko ukol sa anti-criminality campaign, RA 9262 at Gender Awareness and Sensitivity Training, Katarungang Pambarangay, Drug Awareness Campaign at marami pang iba kasama na ang pagsasa-ilalim ninyo ng mga barangay tanod sa BPATs training, ibig sabihin, alam nilang may ginagawa kayo.

Hindi rin matatawaran ang inyong partisipasyon sa larangan ng Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Campaign hanggang sa simpleng pagsali sa fun run o fun walk upang higit na mapaigting nyo pa ang ugnayan sa pagitan ng mga kapulisan at ng mamamayan.

Of course, aside from your multi-stakeholders, you don’t let our elders to be left behind, you also consult them, an indication that every member of the community is equally important, young or aged.

Awards and recognition to deserving PNP offices, units, personnel and private individuals who have initiated “Best Practices” promoting and strengthening police-community partnership and contributed to the over-all peace and development initiatives in their respective areas of responsibility is a very good practice that the Pulis Kasanggayahan employed. Please continue doing this.

Becoming a police officer is a job, and it’s not always an easy one. Pag ibang tao ang nadampot mo sa paghahanap mo ng mga kriminal, hindi ka lang pagtatawanan, mawawalan pa ang publiko ng tiwala sayo, may injustice ka pang nagawa. Good cops must have the maturity level to handle the everyday job.

Every good cop makes a difference, you just don't go around looking to see if you do your job or you don't. You go out and do your job with loyalty, courage, honor and respect. No matter how long you are in the service.

Love your profession and be a professional. Being a professional is doing the things you love to do, on the days you don't feel like doing them.

And loving your profession does not only mean just doing a hard work because a hard work becomes a prison sentence, if it does not have meaning. But once it does, it becomes the kind of thing that makes you grab your wife or your girlfriend around the waist and dance a jig or a cha-cha with her.

Isa pong malaking pagpupugay sa Pulis Kasanggayahan na tayo ay tinaguriang 2^nd in rank in the whole Bicol region as the most peaceful province. This means, gone are those days that the PNP is feared rather than respected for lack of integrity and genuine public service. This means gone are those days that the public had low regard for your institution and its personnel.

Victims of crimes today are no longer hesitant as compared before to file complaints because you now immediately act on it. Patunay ang mga istatiskong ipiniprisinta ng PNP sa tuwing may PAC at PPOC meeting. Sa ngayon ay may katiyakan na ang mga biktima na matutulungan sila.

Yung mga panahon ng sinasabi nilang kotongan para pang-kape at pang-merienda, were now translated to a high percentage of crime reporting, a clear indication of increasing public trust and confidence in the police and the criminal justice system. Just keep doing what is right to maintain this and be treated by the community with greater respect. It is also good that you develop a high morale.

Fighting crimes is everyone’s business. We all have a civic duty to act as the eyes and the ears of the community and the police force. The fight against evil is not just police fight, it is also my fight and the entire people’s fight. Paigtingin din po natin ang Neighboorhood Watch.

I could feel how PSupt Marquez absorbed the daily stresses due to some antagonistic media and public critics. Sir, hindi ho sila mawawala, bumuo man tayo ng press corps. Just consider them the spice of your tough job, and let them be your inspiration in continuously working out for the PNP’s solid foundation that is INTEGRITY, COMMITMENT and GENUINE CONCERN to maintain public trust.

I am impressed by your PNP PATROL PLAN 2030 and the “Chief PNP’s Strategic Focus CODE-P 2013 and Beyond”, may you continuously live up the learnings you had in your values orientation and formation activities in the PNP in accordance to  this plan and strategic focus, particularly in the aspect of discipline.

As an ordinary citizen, my wish is to wake up each morning without having to fear for my own personal safety and to be able to live a peaceful life with my family because I believe that there are good policemen and women who will protect us at all times. I look up to exceptional cops who are selfless, caring and good.

In finality, if you are genuine in your desire to strengthen your relationship with the community, please do the right things: stay out of trouble, don't do anything unlawful, stay away from the wrong people’s pressures, and do your best to do your duties with excellence.

Police work is not about you, but it's about the public. It's not about beating the suspect, but it's about bringing him/her to justice. It's not about the glory of being a policeman or woman, but it's about the quality of service you give each victim and is never personal even when the suspect tells you it is. Police work is not just a job. The choices you make will impact people and families for days, years, or for a lifetime.

And on my end as head of the Philippine Information Agency - Sorsogon Information Center, rest assured that inspired by the trust you give me and to our agency as PNP’s partner, we will continue to give our support to the best that we can to help you in renewing inspiration to better serve the public and assist you to make the communication lines between the media, the public and the PNP stronger.

Para po sa ating bagong pinuno ng Pulis Kasanggayahan, Sir Cabral, makakaasa po kayo sa buong suporta ng PIA sa inyong pamumuno at panunungkulan sa lalawigan ng Sorsogon.

We hope that you will continue to foster and enhance the effective existing programs and support future projects that will promote police-community relations.

MARAMING SALAMAT PO! MABUHAY ANG PULIS KASANGGAYAHAN, AT MANANATILI PONG KAYO ANG AMING SUPERHERO!

Speech delivered by: Bennnie A. Recebido
                               PIA - Sorsogon Information Center

Pet Owners Penalties (RA 9482)

BULUSAN VOLCANO BULLETIN 13 May 2015 8:00 A.M.

Pdrrmo Sorsogon with Robert Bobet Lee Rodrigueza

BULUSAN VOLCANO BULLETIN 13 May 2015 8:00 A.M.

Bulusan Volcano’s (12°46.2’N, 124°03’E) seismic network recorded four (4) volcanic earthquakes during the 24-hour observation period. Steaming activity was not observed due to thick clouds covering the summit area.

Alert Level 1 (abnormal) remains in effect over Bulusan Volcano. This indicates that hydrothermal processes may be underway beneath the volcano that may lead to more steam-driven eruptions. The local government units and the public are reminded that entry to the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited due to the possibility of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions. Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Furthermore, people living within valleys and along river/stream channels should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Bulusan Volcano’s condition and any new development will be relayed to all concerned.

Vaughn Sky Bennie Recebido

FILIPINO MIGRATION TO US

Filipino Migration to US

http://centerformigrantadvocacy.com/history-of-philippine-migration/

A long history of migration is deeply ingrained in the social, economic, and cultural climate of the Philippines.  As one of the countries with the largest origin of migrants, migration has greatly affected the Philippines. The history of Philippine migration helps us understand how it has shaped the social landscape of the Philippines today. This explains the motivation of Filipinos to go overseas, despite the challenges they face.

Migration in the Philippines is characterized in four significant waves.

First wave

The first ever recorded Philippine migration occurred in the 1417 when Sultan PadukaBatara initiated a mission to improve trade relations with the Chinese emperor, consisting of Sulu Royalties and their families. Under the Spanish rule in the 18thcentury, Manila maintained trade relations with Acapulco which started the migration of Filipino seafarers to Mexico. Following this, the Filipino seafarers started settlements in Louisiana while other Filipino migrants were working as fruit pickers in California. At the end of the 19th century Filipino students, professionals and exiles migrated to Europe.

Second wave

From the beginning of the 20th century until the 1940s, large scale systematic migration of Filipinos to the US occurred.  During this American colonial period, the first Filipino migrants arrived in 1906 to work in sugar plantations in Hawaii. Shortly after, more Filipino migrants arrived in Hawaii to work as fruit pickers. Between 1906 and 1934, more than 100,000 Filipinos arrived in the US, most of whom in Hawaii. Other Filipino migrants were working in Alaska’s fish canneries. As a colony of the US, Filipinos were considered US nationals.

Third wave

Following the end of the Second World War, the US government instituted a national origin quota system, limiting immigration for Filipinos who joined the US Navy. The national origin quota led to a significant decline in Filipino migration to the US. The immigration restrictions of the US resulted to more Filipinos starting to migrate to Asian countries in the 1950s. Around 250,000 Filipinos were employed in logging camps in Sabah and Sarawak, serving five year contracts. Many more Filipinos were employed on American army bases in Vietnam, Thailand and Guam during the Indochina war. At the start of the 1970s, Filipinos also migrated to Iran and Iraq to work as engineers and technicians. In the 1960s, the US and Canada relaxed immigration regulations, allowing family reunification, which led to a significant increase of Filipino migration to North America. In the same period, Filipinos started migrated as nurses or domestic workers to Western Europe.

Fourth wave

In the 1970s, former President Ferdinand Marco institutionalized a policy to encourage emigration to stimulate the economy. While these policies were aimed to be of temporary nature, labor migration has been steadily increasing since. High unemployment and poor living standards combined with a government policy of emigration encouraged thousands of Filipinos to seek employment overseas. In 1972, former President Marcos imposed Martial Law leading to the exile of political opponents.

The political, social and economic uncertainty under martial law rule of President Marcos pushed opponents and middle class Filipinos to leave the country. Economic development in Asian neighbouring countries, the emergence of the Gulf region after the oil crisis and the change in immigration policies of destination countries further stirred migration.

Even after the ouster of President Marcos, the Philippine government remained increasingly reliant on remittances. While the current administration refutes migration as a development strategy, it cannot deny its dependence on it.

Clarification on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Under BBL

Media ng Bayan Operations Center

20 April 2015

Clarification on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Under BBL (as explained by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process)

1)       The Bangsamoro identity will not be imposed on anyone. In fact, anyone can ascribe to such Bangsamoro socio-political identity. It should be underscored that ascription to the Bangsamoro identity will not provide any special privileges over the other identities. The rights of all, as enshrined in the Philippine Constitution, will be respected, and all are Filipino citizens. 

The proposed BBL in Article IX, Section 5, explicitly cited respect to the “right to freedom of choice as to their identity” if indigenous peoples. This is clear in Article II, Section 2 of the BBL, which states that “freedom of choice of other indigenous peoples shall be respected.”

Article XI of the proposed BBL guarantees respect to the basic rights of all inhabitants in the Bangsamoro. Among these rights include the right to freedom from religious, ethnic, and sectarian harassment; right to life and to inviolability of one’s person and dignity; and right to freedom and expression of religion and beliefs. 

2)       The 1987 Philippine Constitution (Article X, Section 20) confers the Bangsamoro Government, as an autonomous region, legislative powers over such matters as administrative organization and ancestral domain. The ARMM currently exercises those powers. 

However, there should be no fears regarding issues of ancestral domain. There is no truth to the claim that the Indigenous Peoples’ ancestral domain rights are not mentioned in the BBL. The BBL states in Article IX, Section 5 the following:

Indigenous People’s Rights. – The Bangsamoro Government recognizes the rights of the indigenous peoples, and shall adopt measures for the promotion and protection of their rights, the right to their native titles and/or fusaka inged, indigenous customs and traditions, justice systems and indigenous political structures, the right to an equitable share in revenues from the utilization of resources in their ancestral lands, the right to free and prior informed consent, right to political participation in the Bangsamoro Government including reserved seats for the indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro Parliament, the right to basic services and the right to freedom of choice as to their identity.

3)      The Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA)  is included in the Bangsamoro.   The BBL provides for an office for IPs. The IPs’ share on income from natural resources is not only one percent. The IPRA law provided that only one percent will go to the IPs. Under the BBL, it provides for “equitable share” which means higher than one percent because it says equitable. The final share will be determined by the Bangsamoro Assembly.

All national laws including IPRA are applicable to the new Bangsamoro entity, except for those inconsistent with BBL, a later law. 

For its part, the MILF posted an editorial about “BBL and IPRA” on October 2014 wherein it declared that:

While there is no direct mention of IPRA in the proposed BBL, but all the essentials elements including the four bundles of rights are in it; in fact, there are “more plus, plus.”  One such outstanding feature of the BBL which is not in the IPRA but only in the mining law is the “equitable share” entitlement of the IPs on the revenues generated from the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources that are found within territories covered by native title. Moreover, while there is no direct mention of IPRA in the proposed BBL, but all the essentials elements including the four bundles of rights are in it; in fact, there are “more plus, plus.” (http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/643-bbl-and-ipra)

  

4)      Tribal laws and the justice system are upheld by the BBL, and will be so in the future Bangsamoro. The Shari’ah law will be strengthened, but will only be applied to and tapped for Muslims only. There will be no such thing as eclipse or overlap. 

According to the proposed BBL in Article X,   Section 1: Justice System in the Bangsamoro. -- The justice system in the Bangsamoro shall consist of Shari’ah law which shall have supremacy and application over Muslims only; the traditional or tribal justice system, for the indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro; the local courts; and alternative dispute resolution systems. 

The BBL also provides in Article X, Section 23: Traditional/Tribal Justice Systems. – The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact laws to promote and support the traditional/tribal justice systems that are appropriate for the indigenous peoples, as defined by them. The traditional justice systems are the mechanisms to determine, settle, and decide controversies and enforce decisions involving disputes between members of the indigenous peoples concerned in accordance with the tribal codes of these communities. 

In Article X,   Section 24, the BBL declares: Office for Traditional/Tribal Justice System. – There is hereby created an Office for Tribal Justice System responsible in overseeing the study, preservation and development of the tribal justice system within the Bangsamoro. The powers and functions of the Office shall be defined by the Bangsamoro Parliament. 

The Office shall ensure the full participation of indigenous peoples in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of policies related to the strengthening of tribal justice system; ensuring further that such systems maintain their indigenous character in accordance with the respective practices of each tribe. 

The BBL also states in Article XI ,  Section 18: Indigenous Structure. - The Bangsamoro Government shall recognize indigenous structures or systems which promote peace, and law and order. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall provide institutional support to these structures and systems to enhance peace and security in the Bangsamoro.

Speech During the Pulis Kasanggayahan's Flag Raising and Awarding Ceremony - 04202015

GUEST SPEAKER – SPPO Flag Raising and Awarding Ceremony

April 20, 2015, 7:30 AM - Camp Salvador Escudero, Sr, Sorsogon City

PIA ICM Bennie A. Recebido delivers her speech at the PNP-SPPO, Sorsogon City

Thank you for that introduction.

Our PNP Acting Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Bernard M. Banac... to other PNP officials who are around here today, sa mga magigiting nating kapulisan, our media friends... a very nice morning every one.

Over and above, allow me to say thank you for giving me the trust to be invited as your guest speaker today, it is such a great honor for me.

Law enforcement work is more than a job to most who get involved in it. Police work is full of challenges and rewards. Personally, I have a deeper appreciation on the importance of the sacrifices that you make as our law enforcement officers.

Like what Barbara Boxer said, “Law enforcement officers are never ‘off duty.’ You are dedicated public servants who are sworn to protect public safety at any time and place that the peace and order situation is threatened. That is why, you need all the help that you can get.”

As a Sorsoganon, I don’t believe that the entire Philippine National Police is in crisis. Marami pa rin tayong mga matitinong pulis at marami ring mga programang patuloy na ipinatutupad ang inyong institusyon upang mapaganda pa ang imahe ng PNP. The only irony here is that, most often than not, it is the few number of the wrong doings of some inept policemen that bring the entire organization into limelight, seldom that your good deeds are appreciated.

Some incidents and reports, even the isolated ones, were sensationalized and kept into worst. They even made international headlines. The PNP should get its act straight for our countrymen and redeem itself to local, national and international community, as well.

SPPO APD PSSupt Bernard M. Banac and PIA ICM Bennie A. Recebido

Huwag po ninyong hayaang manatiling nakamarka sa inyong mga kapulisan ang katawagang PULIS PATOLA, PULIS MAKUPAD, PULIS PAHIRAP at iba pang mga markang lalong magpapababa sa moralidad ng inyong hanay.

Nananatiling magigiting kayo lalo na sa mata ng mga bata, mga batang ginagawa kayong inspirasyon sa paghahangad na “when I grow up, I want to be a policeman or police woman”.

The work of a law enforcer is not easy. You are faced with both the law and the criminals. The trouble with the laws these days is that criminals know their rights better than their wrongs.” But anyway, that is the challenge to you.

Running after a criminal is really a tough job, but to get you going, put this into your mind as you chase the unlawful, “If you will keep running, well, for sure, you will only go to jail tired.”

There are many times that we did good for the sake of public service, but it seems that our good accomplishments never suffice and is never recognized, but even then, continue to do good still. Never get tired of doing what is right.

According to an anonymous author, “Some of the bravest and the best men of the entire world in the field of law enforcement have made their contributions while they were undercover.”

Your desire is the key to your motivation, but your determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal will lead you to your commitment to excellence – commitment to excellence that will enable you to attain the success that you are looking for.

In achieving excellence, it is not enough that we just know, it is having and using what we know. Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better. (Pat Riley)

Isang malaking pagpupugay din ang nais kong ibigay sa inyong hanay dahilan sa patuloy na ginagawang hakbang ngayon ng inyong institusyon.

I was present last Thursday when you had the First Pulis Kasanggayahan Spelling Bee Contest. And I would like to congratulate first and foremost, our top three winners whom I understand will be given due recognition today. They will be our pride to the Regional Spelling Bee competition. To the three of you, my warm congratulations and goodluck!

Best police officers were given Award of Commendation by the SPPO.

And of course, I would likewise give my appreciation to those who took courage to compete with the other spelling bee contenders, hindi man kayo nakapasok sa final three, i’m pretty sure the unit or the branch you have represented was proud of you. There will always be next time.... so, never give up!

As a former teacher, I believe the Spelling Bee that you had will improve the police officer’s English proficiency, communication skills and writing skills especially in terms of writing better blotter entries, which is also one among your major tasks.

Correct spelling and grammar are important because blotter reports or journal entries are sometimes used in litigation and other court proceedings.

Misspelled words, wrong grammar, and other communication pitfalls are hindrances to building confidence and respect from our clients.

This new program of the PNP is one among the effective springboard towards the development of a responsive and highly professional police organization. Sana sa susunod, sasali naman yung iba...

In finality, my job with you today is to give an inspirational message, I hope I didn’t fail the expectation. But it would spell that each of you has the choice to be an inspirational person and have the choice about being an inspiration as a police officer. It is you who can inspire courage, integrity, pride and trust within your communities, just as each one of you can inspire one another to become better cops...

I remembered, then National Police Chief Director Gen Avelino Razon, Jr. in his farewell speech way back 2008, he left a message to the police force to continue to keep the image of Mamang Pulis and Aleng Pulis who have stand tall and proud as servant and protector of our country and people. It has also touched me when he said the police force should wear their uniform with dignity and integrity, and wear it with a full heart for service. Your uniform is the mirror of your institution, don’t allow anyone to put a stain on it.

And at the local level, you have currently brought back through your Pulis Kasanggayahan Program, the good cops to the streets – serving, protecting and being a friend to the community. You have brought the community closer to you, as shown now by the overwhelming support from them, and you have given life once more to your battle cry of “To Serve and Protect”. 

Guided by your PNP ITP-PGS Roadmap, continue your fight amid the storms, the risks, the dangers and all the trials and challenges of police work.... Don’t fail us, we are the community in need of you... Our Pulis Kasanggayahan will always be our SUPERHERO!

Thank you very much and Good morning everyone.

Prepared by:

BENILDA A. RECEBIDO

Information Center Manager - PIA

BSP intensifies awareness and education campaign on EFL Program

BSP Panelists during the BSP-EFLP Media Briefing

By: Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, March 9, 2015 (PIA) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) started making rounds in the country this year to make the public aware and understand the country’s key economic and financial issues under its Economic and Financial Learning Program (EFLP).

The first leg took place in Sorsogon City on February 24, 2015 with a press briefing giving the local media in the province lucidity in their queries in mind. Questions raised were focused on the resiliency of Philippine economy, government bank’s lending policy especially for LGUs, and other financial issues such as counterfeiting, demonetization and inflation rate, among others.

Panellists were Atty. Prudence Angelita A. Kasala, Director, Financial Consumer Protection Department; Ms. Marlyn J. Paje, Deputy Director and Head, BSP Legazpi Office; Ms. Maria Farah D. Angka, Deputy Director, Department of Economic and Financial Learning Center; Mr. Dennis M. Bautista, Deputy Director, Department of Economic Research; Mr. Aries T. Gamboa, Bank Officer V, Department of Economic Statistics; Mr. Edring Marqueses, Bank Officer III, Payments and Statistics Office; and Ms. Jo-Anne B. Ballacillo, Senior Currency Specialist, Currency Issue and Integrity Office.

According to Ms. Sharon Ang, Coordinator-Bank Officer III of the BSP Head Office’s Economic and Financial Learning Center, the BSP has been conducting public information campaigns in line with the effort to increase public awareness on the role of the BSP in the economy and the financial system and to further enhance the transparency of its monetary policy.

The BSP has also taken a proactive stance in embarking on a consumer education program that aims to improve the basic financial literacy of the public and the use of the various bank-related initiatives to improve the remittance environment and to channel remittances to productive undertakings.

Through the BSP-EFLP, the outreach and educational activities of the BSP are brought together under one flagship program which aims to promote greater awareness and understanding of essential economic and financial issues to help the public acquire the knowledge and develop skills needed to make well-informed economic and financial decisions.

The EFLP also embodies the goal of the BSP to promote economic and education among its stakeholders, who can then become the BSP’s effective partners in safeguarding price stability and in ensuring a stronger and safer banking and payment system.

Aside from the press briefing, the BSP in its three-day stay in Sorsogon also conducted the “Be up to SPeed on BSP”, an information campaign on the role of BSP in the economy following modules for students and for the workforce, giving emphasis on the three pillars of central banking – the price stability, financial stability, and efficient payments and settlements system.

Also conducted was the “Paghahanda sa Kinabukasan”, a financial learning campaign for the Overseas Filipinos and their beneficiaries which taught the participants on the importance of using the remittances to build up savings and directing these into investments in financial products and business ventures.

Another activity the BSP had was the Financial Education Expo for working sector, students, and members of the academe. This offered various financial education activities featuring learning booths with audio-visual presentations, graphic displays and interactive activities making the participants self-reliant in promoting their financial welfare.

The BSP representatives encouraged further all Sorsoganons and the public as a whole to engage in the various banking products and services that they usually encounter in ordinary financial transactions and to visit their offices for further inquiry and details.

The BSP has currently three regional offices located in La Union with branches in San Fernando, Batac Tuguegarao, Dagupan, Cabanatuan, Lucena, Naga and Legazpi; Cebu City with branches in Bacolod, Iloilo, Roxas, Dumaguete and Tacloban City; and Davao City with branches in Cagayan, Cotabato, General Santos City, Ozamis and Zamboanga. (BARecebido, PIA-5/Sorsogon)

GARC, DepEd and PVO launch Rabies Corner Project in Sorsogon

Pilar II Central School is the pilot of  the Rabies Corner Project.

By: Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, March 10, 2015 (PIA) - Dogs are said to be man’s best friend, but dogs are still animals... they can bite, and their bites are dangerous.

The most dangerous of which is a bite of a rabid dog.

To better educate and raise greater awareness on the danger of dog bites, animal rabies and on responsible pet ownership especially among school children, the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Provincial Government of Sorsogon through the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), and the Local Government Unit of Pilar conducted the pilot launch of the Rabies Corner Project in Pilar II Central Elementary School in Putiao, Pilar Sorsogon on March 6, 2015.

According to Dr. Joseph Garay, DepEd Sorsogon School District Medical Officer, many children are naturally drawn to dogs, and most often, children are victims of dog bites. “The Rabies Corner will teach the school children including school personnel about ways to protect themselves and their pets against rabies,” he said.

The Rabies Corner is a strategic spot within the school campus that displays informative materials such as first aid manuals, reading materials on responsible pet ownership, treatment of animal bite carrying rabies and other related materials.

DepEd Sorsogon physician Dr. Joseph Garay.

During the launching, five principals in Pilar together with their faculty and students were invited to have a look of the Rabies Corner and catch inputs on how they can put up the same and disseminate the advantage of having such in their respective schools.

School heads were also given kits that they can use in establishing the same corner in their respective schools. “The Rabies Corner will teach them health behaviors that will affect these children throughout their lifetime,” Dr. Garay also said.

World Health Organization’s statistics reveal that 40% of people who are bitten by suspect rabid animals are children less than 15 years of age. At an early age, children must be exposed to the threat of rabies both in animals and human.

Rabies is a transmissible disease with 100 percent case fatality rate in animals and humans. Dogs are the source of vast majority human rabies deaths. It kills hundreds of Filipinos every year, according to 2014 statistics of the Department of Health. (BARecebido, PIA-5/Sorsogon/photos: EEbuenga, PVO)

ARE YOU A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER?

Dog ownership is like parenting, you have to make sure that your children are provided with all their basic needs. This may sound hard but not impossible to do... you just have to follow what the law says on responsible pet ownership.

Here are some ways you can do to get the hang of it:

1. Have your dog regularly vaccinated against Rabies and maintain a registration card which shall contain all vaccinations conducted on your dog;
2. Submit your dog for mandatory registration;
3. Maintain control over your dog and do not allow it to roam the streets or any public place without a leash;
4. Provide your dog with proper grooming, adequate food and clean shelter;
5. Report within 24 hours to the concerned officials any dog biting incident committed by your pet for investigation or for any appropriate action
and place such dog under observation by a government or private veterinarian; and
6. Assist the dog bite victim immediately and shoulder the medical expenses incurred and other incidental expenses relative to the victim’s injuries.

Following these will surely get you out from any problem as dog owner.

For more information, please visit http://www.paws.org.ph/anti-rabies-act-ra-9482.html.

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General Information

PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY - SORSOGON INFORMATION CENTER

…consistently lives up to its thrust as the information arm of the government serving a key and vital role in disseminating the vision, mission, and goals of the Presidency and the Government focusing on the President’s priority plans and programs, the SONA Statements and the Medium Term Philippines Development Plan.

The Philippine Information Agency provides the Presidential Communications Operations Office real time situation reports based on breaking news and other news monitored from partner organizations and agencies and leading print, TV and broadcast media, through email, print and SMS.

This Office basically carries out the information, education, communication and advocacy components of the various programs and projects of the Presidency and the Government, and enhances its linkages and networks to provide assistance to the different NGAs, PGAs, and LGUs as well as non-government, religious and civic organizations in terms of information and communication development in the province of Sorsogon.

Furthermore, this Office coordinates and extends technical assistance to other agencies in communication planning, packaging of messages, production of materials, communication skills development and in the execution of communication programs and activities.

It also spearheads press coverage, press conferences, radio/ TV programs/ guestings/ interviews/ feeds, situationer reporting and advisories, issue monitoring, preparation and dissemination of press releases and distribution of IEC materials to live up to its mandate as the primary information arm of the government focusing on the thrusts, programs and projects of the P-NOY’s Administration and on the “AKSYON SORSOGON“ of the provincial government, under the auspices of Governor Raul R. Lee.

OVERVIEW OF THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY

The Philippine Information Agency was created under Executive Order No. 100 dated December 24, 1986.

VISION

An enlightened citizenry empowered to make informed decisions toward improved quality of life and contribute to nation-building.

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The Philippine Information Agency is committed to provide a national mechanism for the free flow of timely, accurate and relevant information to:
Enhance people’s capabilities in decision-making and identification of
opportunities for growth and development; and Promote people’s participation in democratic process.

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President’s professional communicators
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Plan and implement information programs of national scope; and Provide assistance to government agencies through capability-building and consultancy services

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The Filipino People

CLIENTELE

Presidency, the Executive Branch and Local Government Units

For more information and feedback on PIA information services, policies, programs and activities, visit www.pia.gov.ph