Clarinda I. Catimpo
The Palawan Times
THE CITY Tourism Office (CTO) lauds the creation of City Environmental Council of Puerto Princesa to address the city’s environmental concerns. According to City Tourism Officer Rebecca V. Labit, it’s a welcome development for both city and investors that would like to put up their business here. She said having the said council like Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) would expedite the approval of the city’s projects since it is totally independent from the province of Palawan. “Good for us, and it’s a good development for the city of Puerto Princesa,” Labit commented on the passage of the said ordinance. On October 16, the city council finally approved the legislative measure authored by Councilor Modesto Rodriguez II for the creation of the city’s environmental council which will perform same tasks as that of the PCSD. The said legislations had undergone several committee hearings prior to its approval. Earlier, Rodriguez manifested that the city government should have its own council that will deal with its environmental concerns. However as of press time, the city council still endorses projects to PCSD despite its being HUC. He noted that the absence of such council causes some delays to the implementation of the projects since PCSD meets once a month and there are other concerns which are being tackled concerning the entire province.
Monday, November 22, 2010
PNS, PSU language training site for teachers
Clarinda I. Catimpo
The Palawan Times
THE Palawan National High School and the Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa City will be two of the many expansion site of the language training for teachers set early next year. This, after the Department of Education with the support of the Government of Spain, through the actions of the Ministry of Education of Spain, Instituto Cervantes and the Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Internacional Para el Desarollo (AECID), has recently trained select public school teachers from 54 schools nationwide in teaching the Spanish language. The 102 teachers were trained by professors from Universidad de Salamanca provided for by the Ministry of Education of Spain. Training was conducted at Instituto Cervantes in Manila and at the Ecotech Center in Cebu last month. Published through DepEd Memorandum number 445 series of 2010 last October 12, the training aims to capacitate the teachers on: linguistic command of Spanish in grammar and vocabulary aspects from functional communicative approach; available resources to integrate culture content in Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) class; methodological approaches for teaching-learning SFL and offering patterns for the design and implementation of activities; communicative competence in real contexts of Spanish usage, by consolidating the competencies of each major skill (reading, writing,listening, and speaking); and Spanish culture and civilization, in order to contribute to a better understanding of the country and its people’s way of life. Some 21 Spanish-speaking countries with economic activities worth $4 trillion await the services of the Business Process Outsourcing sectors which demand call center agents that speak Spanish. Aside from PNS and PSU, other expansion schools will be Civil Aeronautics Administration NHS in Pasay City, Ramon Magsaysay HS in Manila, Amparo HS in Caloocan City, Carlos P Albert HS and Tandang Sora Integrated in Caloocan City, Paranaque NHS, Tinejeros HS in Malabon City, Mangatarem NHS in Pangasinan, Don Eulogio de Guzman Memorial NHS in La Union, Santiago City NHS, Cagayan NHS, Dipaculao NHS in Aurora, Juan R Liwanag MHS in Gapan City, Pampanga HS in San Fernando City, Bayorbor NHS in Batangas, Lumbang NHS in Batangas City, Bernardo Lirio MNHS in Tanauan City, Domingo Yu Chu NHS in Oriental Mindoro, Looc NHS in Romblon, Camarines Sur NHS in Naga City, Catanduanes NHS, La Castellana NHS in Negros Occidental, Lourdes Ledesma del Prado MNHS in Tanjay City, Cebu City NSHS, Quinapundan NHS in Eastern Samar, and Balua NHS in Cagayan de Oro City.
The Palawan Times
THE Palawan National High School and the Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa City will be two of the many expansion site of the language training for teachers set early next year. This, after the Department of Education with the support of the Government of Spain, through the actions of the Ministry of Education of Spain, Instituto Cervantes and the Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Internacional Para el Desarollo (AECID), has recently trained select public school teachers from 54 schools nationwide in teaching the Spanish language. The 102 teachers were trained by professors from Universidad de Salamanca provided for by the Ministry of Education of Spain. Training was conducted at Instituto Cervantes in Manila and at the Ecotech Center in Cebu last month. Published through DepEd Memorandum number 445 series of 2010 last October 12, the training aims to capacitate the teachers on: linguistic command of Spanish in grammar and vocabulary aspects from functional communicative approach; available resources to integrate culture content in Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) class; methodological approaches for teaching-learning SFL and offering patterns for the design and implementation of activities; communicative competence in real contexts of Spanish usage, by consolidating the competencies of each major skill (reading, writing,listening, and speaking); and Spanish culture and civilization, in order to contribute to a better understanding of the country and its people’s way of life. Some 21 Spanish-speaking countries with economic activities worth $4 trillion await the services of the Business Process Outsourcing sectors which demand call center agents that speak Spanish. Aside from PNS and PSU, other expansion schools will be Civil Aeronautics Administration NHS in Pasay City, Ramon Magsaysay HS in Manila, Amparo HS in Caloocan City, Carlos P Albert HS and Tandang Sora Integrated in Caloocan City, Paranaque NHS, Tinejeros HS in Malabon City, Mangatarem NHS in Pangasinan, Don Eulogio de Guzman Memorial NHS in La Union, Santiago City NHS, Cagayan NHS, Dipaculao NHS in Aurora, Juan R Liwanag MHS in Gapan City, Pampanga HS in San Fernando City, Bayorbor NHS in Batangas, Lumbang NHS in Batangas City, Bernardo Lirio MNHS in Tanauan City, Domingo Yu Chu NHS in Oriental Mindoro, Looc NHS in Romblon, Camarines Sur NHS in Naga City, Catanduanes NHS, La Castellana NHS in Negros Occidental, Lourdes Ledesma del Prado MNHS in Tanjay City, Cebu City NSHS, Quinapundan NHS in Eastern Samar, and Balua NHS in Cagayan de Oro City.
Underwater cleanup set in Bacuit
Clarinda I. Catimpo
The Palawan Times
A COASTAL and underwater cleanup activity is set in the beaches around Bacuit Bay in El Nido, Palawan on November 10, coinciding with the celebration of World Responsible Tourism Day. According to the statement released by the cleanup organizer, El Nido Resorts, guests will be invited to join the staff in the beach cleanup. After the activity, participants will be treated to eco-cocktails and a film showing while the resorts’ environment officers talk about El Nido’s beauty and unique biodiversity. The activity is the resorts’ way of celebrating responsible tourism, winning recently the Sustainable Hotel Award in the Sustainable Destination category at the 21st Annual Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) held recently in Hong Kong. It was cited for its various programs in marine and terrestrial ecosystem preservation and protection, which include marine turtle conservation, coastal and underwater cleanups, installation and maintenance of and mooring buoys. According to the statement released by the cleanup organizer, El Nido Resorts, guests will be invited to join the staff in the beach cleanup. After the activity, participants will be treated to eco-cocktails and a film showing while the resorts’ environment officers talk about El Nido’s beauty and unique biodiversity. The activity is the resorts’ way of celebrating responsible tourism, winning recently the Sustainable Hotel Award in the Sustainable Destination category at the 21st Annual Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) held recently in Hong Kong. It was cited for its various programs in marine and terrestrial ecosystem preservation and protection, which include marine turtle conservation, coastal and underwater cleanups, installation and maintenance of and mooring buoys.
The Palawan Times
A COASTAL and underwater cleanup activity is set in the beaches around Bacuit Bay in El Nido, Palawan on November 10, coinciding with the celebration of World Responsible Tourism Day. According to the statement released by the cleanup organizer, El Nido Resorts, guests will be invited to join the staff in the beach cleanup. After the activity, participants will be treated to eco-cocktails and a film showing while the resorts’ environment officers talk about El Nido’s beauty and unique biodiversity. The activity is the resorts’ way of celebrating responsible tourism, winning recently the Sustainable Hotel Award in the Sustainable Destination category at the 21st Annual Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) held recently in Hong Kong. It was cited for its various programs in marine and terrestrial ecosystem preservation and protection, which include marine turtle conservation, coastal and underwater cleanups, installation and maintenance of and mooring buoys. According to the statement released by the cleanup organizer, El Nido Resorts, guests will be invited to join the staff in the beach cleanup. After the activity, participants will be treated to eco-cocktails and a film showing while the resorts’ environment officers talk about El Nido’s beauty and unique biodiversity. The activity is the resorts’ way of celebrating responsible tourism, winning recently the Sustainable Hotel Award in the Sustainable Destination category at the 21st Annual Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) held recently in Hong Kong. It was cited for its various programs in marine and terrestrial ecosystem preservation and protection, which include marine turtle conservation, coastal and underwater cleanups, installation and maintenance of and mooring buoys.
Operatives nab anew 84 mynahs in Rizal
Cheryl A. Galili
The Palawan Times
THE COMBINED team of the Palawan NGO Network Inc.-Global Legal Action for Climate Change (PNNI-GLACC) and PNP-Maritime officials had seized 84 illegal wildlife parts vulnerable wildlife species which are ready for shipment following a raid in southern Palawan. The talking mynahs were found crowded in five cages and were abandoned in a forested area in Punta Baja, Rizal. No suspect were arrested. Undoubtedly, the Wildlife Conservation Act sends a message that Palawan is serious about tackling the illegal wildlife trade. According to Beth Maclang, Advocacy Officer of PNNI, information from their source revealed that these wildlife species will be ship out on the said date via twin-engine motorized banca going to the province of Batangas. The shipment has been under surveillance for quiet sometime prior to the conduct of joint operation. Although she refused to name the perpetrator, the latter confirmed that it was the one involved in March 2006 operations of PNNI-GLACC that posted bail before the court. Maclang believed that there influential persons behind this rampant wild syndicates in southern Palawan. However, she assures that they’ll intensify their endeavors to prosecute this syndicate. Recently, the apprehending team successfully seized abandoned 24 talking mynahs in said town going to Batangas. “Ang hinala ng PNNI-GLACC ay mayroon silang nakukuhang proteksyon at may mga impormasyon na sila ay may malalaking koneksyon pero hindi titigil ang PNNI-GLACC para sila mapanagot,” Maclang stressed. The advocacy officer also lamented that indigenous people (IP) who are highly-vulnerable group are being use for the advantage of the perpetrators in exchange of small amount. As per information, the talking mynahs were bought to them in prizes ranging from P200 toP250 depending on its size. However it is being sold to the black-market at P8,000 per bird. “Nakakaawa ang ating mga katutubo dahil sinasamantala ang kanilang kaunting kaalaman para sa ganitong klaseng gawain,” she lamented. The apprehending team is also appealing to everyone to be aware and vigilant in protecting our environment and its inhabitants. This year has seen four successful operations of the PNNI-GLACC against illegal wildlife traders in southern Palawan.
The Palawan Times
THE COMBINED team of the Palawan NGO Network Inc.-Global Legal Action for Climate Change (PNNI-GLACC) and PNP-Maritime officials had seized 84 illegal wildlife parts vulnerable wildlife species which are ready for shipment following a raid in southern Palawan. The talking mynahs were found crowded in five cages and were abandoned in a forested area in Punta Baja, Rizal. No suspect were arrested. Undoubtedly, the Wildlife Conservation Act sends a message that Palawan is serious about tackling the illegal wildlife trade. According to Beth Maclang, Advocacy Officer of PNNI, information from their source revealed that these wildlife species will be ship out on the said date via twin-engine motorized banca going to the province of Batangas. The shipment has been under surveillance for quiet sometime prior to the conduct of joint operation. Although she refused to name the perpetrator, the latter confirmed that it was the one involved in March 2006 operations of PNNI-GLACC that posted bail before the court. Maclang believed that there influential persons behind this rampant wild syndicates in southern Palawan. However, she assures that they’ll intensify their endeavors to prosecute this syndicate. Recently, the apprehending team successfully seized abandoned 24 talking mynahs in said town going to Batangas. “Ang hinala ng PNNI-GLACC ay mayroon silang nakukuhang proteksyon at may mga impormasyon na sila ay may malalaking koneksyon pero hindi titigil ang PNNI-GLACC para sila mapanagot,” Maclang stressed. The advocacy officer also lamented that indigenous people (IP) who are highly-vulnerable group are being use for the advantage of the perpetrators in exchange of small amount. As per information, the talking mynahs were bought to them in prizes ranging from P200 toP250 depending on its size. However it is being sold to the black-market at P8,000 per bird. “Nakakaawa ang ating mga katutubo dahil sinasamantala ang kanilang kaunting kaalaman para sa ganitong klaseng gawain,” she lamented. The apprehending team is also appealing to everyone to be aware and vigilant in protecting our environment and its inhabitants. This year has seen four successful operations of the PNNI-GLACC against illegal wildlife traders in southern Palawan.
WESCOM soldiers join race to make Palawan dengue-free
Tristan Ray I. Besa
The Palawan Times
Armed with the purpose of raising the awareness of the people of Puerto Princesa City and the province of Palawan about the dangers of the dengue disease and how to avoid them and, in the long term, make this city dengue-free, soldiers from the different services of the Western Command (WESCOM) joined last November 7 the fun race organized by the 1 Ganap Guardian, Inc. dubbed “Anti-Dengue Awareness Fun Run.” Soldiers from the Western Command; Naval Forces West; 570th Composite Tactical Wing; 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team; Palawan CAA Administrative Unit, 59th Infantry Battalion of Philippine Army; and the 6th Civil Relations Group of CRSAFP raced with other participants from the Provincial Police Office led by its director, P/SSupt Aurelio Trampe; the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary-District Palawan; the Provincial and City Health Office; PNP Maritime and several private individuals in a 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer run in the city. The anti-dengue advocate group, 1 Ganap Guardian, Inc., teamed up with the PCGA, through Captain Nelson Gaspar in organizing the fun run event, the first activity it conducted for its advocacy. Speaking after the race, Capt Gaspar shared with the participants that their vision to make Puerto Princesa a dengue-free city was met with skepticism by several people. “They said it was not possible,” Capt Gaspar related but continued, unfazed, that “if everybody cooperates, we have no doubt that we can achieve our mission and make Puerto Princesa City and the province of Palawan dengue-free.” Dr. Dean Palanca of the City Health Office said, “the awareness of the people about dengue, a hemorrhagic viral disease that can be acquired through the bite of a carrier mosquito, is a big step towards its prevention.” After the fun race activity, the participants proceeded to conduct an information campaign about preventive measures to avoid dengue. The WESCOM contingent headed by Capt. Abraham F Celzo PN, Chief of Staff said, that WESCOM has already conducted info campaign about dengue and the ways to prevent and detect it. The information campaign was conducted as a response to the outbreak of dengue all over the country in the past months. Other organizations who helped organized the activity include the Malampaya Foundation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. and the Palawan Safe Riders Club.
The Palawan Times
Armed with the purpose of raising the awareness of the people of Puerto Princesa City and the province of Palawan about the dangers of the dengue disease and how to avoid them and, in the long term, make this city dengue-free, soldiers from the different services of the Western Command (WESCOM) joined last November 7 the fun race organized by the 1 Ganap Guardian, Inc. dubbed “Anti-Dengue Awareness Fun Run.” Soldiers from the Western Command; Naval Forces West; 570th Composite Tactical Wing; 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team; Palawan CAA Administrative Unit, 59th Infantry Battalion of Philippine Army; and the 6th Civil Relations Group of CRSAFP raced with other participants from the Provincial Police Office led by its director, P/SSupt Aurelio Trampe; the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary-District Palawan; the Provincial and City Health Office; PNP Maritime and several private individuals in a 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer run in the city. The anti-dengue advocate group, 1 Ganap Guardian, Inc., teamed up with the PCGA, through Captain Nelson Gaspar in organizing the fun run event, the first activity it conducted for its advocacy. Speaking after the race, Capt Gaspar shared with the participants that their vision to make Puerto Princesa a dengue-free city was met with skepticism by several people. “They said it was not possible,” Capt Gaspar related but continued, unfazed, that “if everybody cooperates, we have no doubt that we can achieve our mission and make Puerto Princesa City and the province of Palawan dengue-free.” Dr. Dean Palanca of the City Health Office said, “the awareness of the people about dengue, a hemorrhagic viral disease that can be acquired through the bite of a carrier mosquito, is a big step towards its prevention.” After the fun race activity, the participants proceeded to conduct an information campaign about preventive measures to avoid dengue. The WESCOM contingent headed by Capt. Abraham F Celzo PN, Chief of Staff said, that WESCOM has already conducted info campaign about dengue and the ways to prevent and detect it. The information campaign was conducted as a response to the outbreak of dengue all over the country in the past months. Other organizations who helped organized the activity include the Malampaya Foundation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. and the Palawan Safe Riders Club.
Hagedorn junks 21 tricycle permits
Cheryl A. Galili
The Palawan Times
CITY MAYOR Edward S. Hagedorn has returned the approved resolution of the Sangguniang Panlungsod granting the request for the transfer of 21 motorized tricycle operator’s permits (MTOPs) franchises by way of sale. The letter dated November 4, 2010 from City Secretary Samson Negosa transmitted to the august body contained Hagedorn’s disapproval to the legislative measure. The mayor noted that the approval of the said transfer of franchises by way of sale will cause further congestion of the national highway and city street. Hagedorn commented that not allowing further transfer of franchise will reduce the number of authorized tricycle franchises plying the city streets. Recently, the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved a resolution urging the city engineering department to come up with the alternative routes including the possible opening of the new roads to ease the traffic congestion within poblacion. The council observed that the continuous incresase of vehicle volume causes too much traffic during rush hours. The city has tried implementing the 50-50 traffic scheme with the aim of reducing the numbers of tricycles plying in the street. It likewise implemented the truck ban and re-routing schemes. It seems, though, that it can no longer address the traffic congestion. In several radio interviews, the city mayor has also expressed his desire to ease the traffic burden by opening of new alternative road.
The Palawan Times
CITY MAYOR Edward S. Hagedorn has returned the approved resolution of the Sangguniang Panlungsod granting the request for the transfer of 21 motorized tricycle operator’s permits (MTOPs) franchises by way of sale. The letter dated November 4, 2010 from City Secretary Samson Negosa transmitted to the august body contained Hagedorn’s disapproval to the legislative measure. The mayor noted that the approval of the said transfer of franchises by way of sale will cause further congestion of the national highway and city street. Hagedorn commented that not allowing further transfer of franchise will reduce the number of authorized tricycle franchises plying the city streets. Recently, the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved a resolution urging the city engineering department to come up with the alternative routes including the possible opening of the new roads to ease the traffic congestion within poblacion. The council observed that the continuous incresase of vehicle volume causes too much traffic during rush hours. The city has tried implementing the 50-50 traffic scheme with the aim of reducing the numbers of tricycles plying in the street. It likewise implemented the truck ban and re-routing schemes. It seems, though, that it can no longer address the traffic congestion. In several radio interviews, the city mayor has also expressed his desire to ease the traffic burden by opening of new alternative road.
Improvements for military facilities in Kalayaan underway
By Tristan Ray I. Besa
The Palawan Times
Keep your fingers crossed on this one. The military facilities in the Kalayaan Island will be upgraded and improved, National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin said during his visit at the Western Command (WESCOM) last November 9, in line with the modernization program that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is presently pushing for. The defense secretary, who was accompanied by the AFP Chief of Staff LtGen Ricardo A. David Jr., made an assessment of the current condition of the military facilities in the area with which they will base the improvement and upgrading they will implement. He said he also wanted to personally see the condition of the soldiers assigned in the area. In addition, Gazmin said they are also planning to construct a dock port in the island. Presently, the island of Kalayaan does not have one, while the neighboring islands occupied by the other Asian states already have several access infrastructures in place. The Kalayaan Island, which the Philippines is staking a claim, is part of the Spratly Archipelago which other Asian nations, including China, Vietnam and Malaysia, claim in whole or in part. The upgrading of military facilities in Kalayaan, according to the defense secretary, is a recognition of the important responsibilities that WESCOM carry out. When a local reporter pointed out in a press conference during the secretary’s visit that improvements of the military facilities in Kalayaan have already been proposed by previous administration but turned into nothing in the end, Gazmin said they are also working on putting into place a program that will ensure the continuity of the projects even if the leadership will change. He explained that one of the primary hindrances in the implementation of AFP projects in the past is that a good project may be shoved into the backburner because a leader has been replaced by another who wants a different project. The program they are ironing out will ensure the continuity of projects despite the change in leadership.
The Palawan Times
Keep your fingers crossed on this one. The military facilities in the Kalayaan Island will be upgraded and improved, National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin said during his visit at the Western Command (WESCOM) last November 9, in line with the modernization program that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is presently pushing for. The defense secretary, who was accompanied by the AFP Chief of Staff LtGen Ricardo A. David Jr., made an assessment of the current condition of the military facilities in the area with which they will base the improvement and upgrading they will implement. He said he also wanted to personally see the condition of the soldiers assigned in the area. In addition, Gazmin said they are also planning to construct a dock port in the island. Presently, the island of Kalayaan does not have one, while the neighboring islands occupied by the other Asian states already have several access infrastructures in place. The Kalayaan Island, which the Philippines is staking a claim, is part of the Spratly Archipelago which other Asian nations, including China, Vietnam and Malaysia, claim in whole or in part. The upgrading of military facilities in Kalayaan, according to the defense secretary, is a recognition of the important responsibilities that WESCOM carry out. When a local reporter pointed out in a press conference during the secretary’s visit that improvements of the military facilities in Kalayaan have already been proposed by previous administration but turned into nothing in the end, Gazmin said they are also working on putting into place a program that will ensure the continuity of the projects even if the leadership will change. He explained that one of the primary hindrances in the implementation of AFP projects in the past is that a good project may be shoved into the backburner because a leader has been replaced by another who wants a different project. The program they are ironing out will ensure the continuity of projects despite the change in leadership.
Nuke not welcome in Palawan
By Clarinda I. Catimpo
The Palawan Times
CLOSE ON the heels of the revelation that Palawan “is a possible site for a nuclear power plant to generate cheaper electricity” comes the reaction of Governor Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra that nuke is not welcome in the province that is dubbed as the country’s last ecological frontier. This after the Senate has insisted earlier that a nuclear power plant is in the Philippine’s future. The promotion of alternative energy, including nuclear power, is one means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile said during a Senate finance committee hearing recently. Enrile suggested that the national government is welcome to use Luzon’s northeastern quadrant as a site for a nuclear power plant well away from population centers because it never experienced major earthquakes. He suggested that the national government consider the Balabac island chain as a site for the nuclear power plant. But Mitra reckoned that renewable energy such as solar and wind should be a smarter choice in the long run. “There are other provinces where they can set that [nuclear power plant] up. We prefer clean and renewable energy,” Mitra told Palawan Times in an interview. He added that renewable energy is currently the provincial government’s priority, and nuclear comes last. “Renewables are getting cheaper so why do you want to go for nuclear? It is not cost effective,” Mitra said. Apparently, foreign nuclear equipment suppliers have expressed their willingness to invest in the country’s nuclear power industry, National Power Corp. spokesman Dennis Gana said in an interview with reporters. He said the US, Japan, Korea, Russia, and France have already showed interest in the Philippines’ nuclear power industry as “we are the only country in the region [that] has not gone [into] nuclear energy.” Another industry official shared the same sentiment with Gana, saying that most foreign companies capable of providing nuclear power facilities are interested to come into the country. “However, most of them are just monitoring the development of our nuclear policy, but there are some who are more proactive,” the source, who refused to be named, told reporters. Napocor, together with the Energy Department and other government agencies, takes the lead in studying nuclear power development options for the Philippines. The government has received numerous proposals from the foreign community to study the possibility of rehabilitating the mothballed 600-megawatt Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). Other companies expressed willingness to provide assistance to the government in coming up with its nuclear power development program. One of them was US-based Excel Services Corp. who provides regulatory and engineering services to the nuclear industry, nuclear regulators, and federal agencies in the US and other countries. Toshiba Corp., one of Japan’s biggest supplier of nuclear reactors, has also expressed interest to help the Philippines re-power the BNPP. Korea Electric Power Corp. (Kepco) also expressed interest in reviving the BNPP. It already conducted a study on the country’s mothballed nuclear facility. Kansai Electric Power Corp. and Tokyo Electric Power Corp., on the other hand, wants to provide technical assistance to the Philippine government for its nuclear power program. At the moment, the cost of power in Palawan is reportedly more than P9 per kilowatt hour. Earlier, Energy Secretary Jose Almendras reported that most of the Asian countries have already built nuclear power plants. Had the Philippines pushed through with the operation of the nuclear power plant in Bataan in 1976, the power rate in our country today would only have been P1.89 per kilowatt hour, he said. Right now, South Korea gets 42 percent of its power from nuclear plants. The same is true, too, with Indonesia and Thailand, which get 20 percent each of their power supply from nuclear sources. Nuclear waste cannot be treated technologically, thus the fear on its ill effects on the environment.
The Palawan Times
CLOSE ON the heels of the revelation that Palawan “is a possible site for a nuclear power plant to generate cheaper electricity” comes the reaction of Governor Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra that nuke is not welcome in the province that is dubbed as the country’s last ecological frontier. This after the Senate has insisted earlier that a nuclear power plant is in the Philippine’s future. The promotion of alternative energy, including nuclear power, is one means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile said during a Senate finance committee hearing recently. Enrile suggested that the national government is welcome to use Luzon’s northeastern quadrant as a site for a nuclear power plant well away from population centers because it never experienced major earthquakes. He suggested that the national government consider the Balabac island chain as a site for the nuclear power plant. But Mitra reckoned that renewable energy such as solar and wind should be a smarter choice in the long run. “There are other provinces where they can set that [nuclear power plant] up. We prefer clean and renewable energy,” Mitra told Palawan Times in an interview. He added that renewable energy is currently the provincial government’s priority, and nuclear comes last. “Renewables are getting cheaper so why do you want to go for nuclear? It is not cost effective,” Mitra said. Apparently, foreign nuclear equipment suppliers have expressed their willingness to invest in the country’s nuclear power industry, National Power Corp. spokesman Dennis Gana said in an interview with reporters. He said the US, Japan, Korea, Russia, and France have already showed interest in the Philippines’ nuclear power industry as “we are the only country in the region [that] has not gone [into] nuclear energy.” Another industry official shared the same sentiment with Gana, saying that most foreign companies capable of providing nuclear power facilities are interested to come into the country. “However, most of them are just monitoring the development of our nuclear policy, but there are some who are more proactive,” the source, who refused to be named, told reporters. Napocor, together with the Energy Department and other government agencies, takes the lead in studying nuclear power development options for the Philippines. The government has received numerous proposals from the foreign community to study the possibility of rehabilitating the mothballed 600-megawatt Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). Other companies expressed willingness to provide assistance to the government in coming up with its nuclear power development program. One of them was US-based Excel Services Corp. who provides regulatory and engineering services to the nuclear industry, nuclear regulators, and federal agencies in the US and other countries. Toshiba Corp., one of Japan’s biggest supplier of nuclear reactors, has also expressed interest to help the Philippines re-power the BNPP. Korea Electric Power Corp. (Kepco) also expressed interest in reviving the BNPP. It already conducted a study on the country’s mothballed nuclear facility. Kansai Electric Power Corp. and Tokyo Electric Power Corp., on the other hand, wants to provide technical assistance to the Philippine government for its nuclear power program. At the moment, the cost of power in Palawan is reportedly more than P9 per kilowatt hour. Earlier, Energy Secretary Jose Almendras reported that most of the Asian countries have already built nuclear power plants. Had the Philippines pushed through with the operation of the nuclear power plant in Bataan in 1976, the power rate in our country today would only have been P1.89 per kilowatt hour, he said. Right now, South Korea gets 42 percent of its power from nuclear plants. The same is true, too, with Indonesia and Thailand, which get 20 percent each of their power supply from nuclear sources. Nuclear waste cannot be treated technologically, thus the fear on its ill effects on the environment.
Iskolar na Medicine students? Why not!
Clarinda I. Catimpo
The Palawan Times
APRUBADO na ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Palawan ang pagsasali ng mga piling deserving students na kumukuha ng kursong Bachelor of Science in Medicine sa scholarship program ng lalawigan.
Sa ginanap na Special Session ng Sanggunian noong November 15, pinaboran ng mayoriya ng mga bokal ang isinulong na resolusyon ni Board Member Gil P. Acosta na isama ang kursong Medicine sa iniaalok na scholarship program ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan. Ito ay matapos ng masusing pag-aaral ng Committee on Education na pinamunuan ni Board Member Derrick Pablico.
“Kung dati problemado ang lalawigan sa mga abogado at nag-aangkat pa ng serbisyo mula sa Kalakhang Maynila, we are hoping na dumami rin ang duktor na legitimate Palaweños should this resolution be implemented soon,” ani Acosta.
Ngunit para kay Governor Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra, pipiliin pa ng mabuti kung sinu-sino ang karapat-dapat na susuportahan sa pag-aaral ng Medicine at hindi basta-basta ang pagtatanggap ng aplikante.
“Medical scholarships are costly but even before the [Provincial Board] started discussing it, we have already asked the PHO to scout for existing medical students which the province can support,” pahayag ni Mitra sa panayam ng Palawan Times.
Aniya, hindi porke aprubado na ng Sanggunian ay maisasakatuparan kaagad. Marami pa umanong proseso ang pagdadaanan upang mahanapan ng sapat na pondo para masustina ang pag-aaral ng isang BS Medicine student hanggang ito’y maging ganap na manggagamot.
Isang welcome development naman ito para kay Dr. Peter Hew Curameng, ng Department of Health – Palawan extension office.
“That would be very good,” maikling pahayag ni Curameng sa panayam ng Palawan Times.
The Palawan Times
APRUBADO na ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Palawan ang pagsasali ng mga piling deserving students na kumukuha ng kursong Bachelor of Science in Medicine sa scholarship program ng lalawigan.
Sa ginanap na Special Session ng Sanggunian noong November 15, pinaboran ng mayoriya ng mga bokal ang isinulong na resolusyon ni Board Member Gil P. Acosta na isama ang kursong Medicine sa iniaalok na scholarship program ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan. Ito ay matapos ng masusing pag-aaral ng Committee on Education na pinamunuan ni Board Member Derrick Pablico.
“Kung dati problemado ang lalawigan sa mga abogado at nag-aangkat pa ng serbisyo mula sa Kalakhang Maynila, we are hoping na dumami rin ang duktor na legitimate Palaweños should this resolution be implemented soon,” ani Acosta.
Ngunit para kay Governor Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra, pipiliin pa ng mabuti kung sinu-sino ang karapat-dapat na susuportahan sa pag-aaral ng Medicine at hindi basta-basta ang pagtatanggap ng aplikante.
“Medical scholarships are costly but even before the [Provincial Board] started discussing it, we have already asked the PHO to scout for existing medical students which the province can support,” pahayag ni Mitra sa panayam ng Palawan Times.
Aniya, hindi porke aprubado na ng Sanggunian ay maisasakatuparan kaagad. Marami pa umanong proseso ang pagdadaanan upang mahanapan ng sapat na pondo para masustina ang pag-aaral ng isang BS Medicine student hanggang ito’y maging ganap na manggagamot.
Isang welcome development naman ito para kay Dr. Peter Hew Curameng, ng Department of Health – Palawan extension office.
“That would be very good,” maikling pahayag ni Curameng sa panayam ng Palawan Times.
Marines celebrate 60 years of excellent, honorable and dedicated service
Tristan Ray I. Besa
The Palawan Times
Remembering its history and rejoicing its accomplishments, the Philippine Marine Corps celebrated last November 18 its 60th “birthday” at the Capitol Pavilion. The celebration became a “time to pause, reflect and reminisce history” as Lt. Col. Adolfo B. Albalante, commanding officer of the 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-8), traced how the Marine Corps evolved from being purely a combat unit to being an active partner in bringing progress and development to the community. Albalante stated with pride how, 60 years after it has been established, the Philippine Marine Corps has managed to “stand formidable against the passing of time.” Major General Juancho M. Sabban, commanding officer of the Western Command (WESCOM), brought everybody for a walk down the memory lane as he talked of “how time has shaped” the Philippine Marine Corps, from being an instrument of a strategic operation in the Spratly Archipelago where the Philippines staked a claim on eight of its islands in 1970s, to fighting the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1980s, and finally to becoming champions of counterinsurgency and environmental protection in 1990s. “Palawan has served as the background to the indomitable spirit of the marines,” MGen Sabban said. He also reminded his audience of the “long history of [the Philippine Marine Corps] of caretaking Palawan.” From the WESCOM Commander’s point of view, the province of Palawan owes the progress and development it presently enjoys to the “excellent, honorable and dedicated service” that the marines have rendered. In the same vein, Sabban encouraged the marine soldiers to continuously “pursue the culture of excellence” and to be inspired to render service to the country by the “legacy of heroism and bravery” that the other soldiers who came before them had shown. In the midst of the celebration, the soldiers did not forget their fallen comrades who had given up their lives for the country. The soldiers reserved a time to solemnly remember them.
The Palawan Times
Remembering its history and rejoicing its accomplishments, the Philippine Marine Corps celebrated last November 18 its 60th “birthday” at the Capitol Pavilion. The celebration became a “time to pause, reflect and reminisce history” as Lt. Col. Adolfo B. Albalante, commanding officer of the 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-8), traced how the Marine Corps evolved from being purely a combat unit to being an active partner in bringing progress and development to the community. Albalante stated with pride how, 60 years after it has been established, the Philippine Marine Corps has managed to “stand formidable against the passing of time.” Major General Juancho M. Sabban, commanding officer of the Western Command (WESCOM), brought everybody for a walk down the memory lane as he talked of “how time has shaped” the Philippine Marine Corps, from being an instrument of a strategic operation in the Spratly Archipelago where the Philippines staked a claim on eight of its islands in 1970s, to fighting the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1980s, and finally to becoming champions of counterinsurgency and environmental protection in 1990s. “Palawan has served as the background to the indomitable spirit of the marines,” MGen Sabban said. He also reminded his audience of the “long history of [the Philippine Marine Corps] of caretaking Palawan.” From the WESCOM Commander’s point of view, the province of Palawan owes the progress and development it presently enjoys to the “excellent, honorable and dedicated service” that the marines have rendered. In the same vein, Sabban encouraged the marine soldiers to continuously “pursue the culture of excellence” and to be inspired to render service to the country by the “legacy of heroism and bravery” that the other soldiers who came before them had shown. In the midst of the celebration, the soldiers did not forget their fallen comrades who had given up their lives for the country. The soldiers reserved a time to solemnly remember them.
Marines show off skills
Tristan Ray I. Besa
The Palawan Times
Showing their competence in disaster response operations and in maritime resources protection, the Western Command (WESCOM) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Maritime Group conducted last November 11 a joint capability demonstration activity at the Baywalk Park in Puerto Princesa City. Marine soldiers and members of the PNP-maritime group deftly maneuvered rubber boats along the bay while chasing each other as civilian spectators gathered along the breakwater to watch the demonstration. WESCOM Commander Major General Juancho M. Sabban said the activity aims to show the public that “even with our limited resources and equipments, we are working hard to protect our seas” and at the same time assure them that the men who are tasked to protect our maritime areas from violations are well-trained and adeptly capable of carrying out their mandates. Sabban shared that marine troops will be deployed in Balabac, the West Coast and areas along the northern part of the province of Palawan to protect the Philippine waters in these areas from poachers, human traffickers, smugglers, terrorists and other kinds of maritime law violators. Basic facilities for maritime protection in these areas are already being established, he added.
The Palawan Times
Showing their competence in disaster response operations and in maritime resources protection, the Western Command (WESCOM) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Maritime Group conducted last November 11 a joint capability demonstration activity at the Baywalk Park in Puerto Princesa City. Marine soldiers and members of the PNP-maritime group deftly maneuvered rubber boats along the bay while chasing each other as civilian spectators gathered along the breakwater to watch the demonstration. WESCOM Commander Major General Juancho M. Sabban said the activity aims to show the public that “even with our limited resources and equipments, we are working hard to protect our seas” and at the same time assure them that the men who are tasked to protect our maritime areas from violations are well-trained and adeptly capable of carrying out their mandates. Sabban shared that marine troops will be deployed in Balabac, the West Coast and areas along the northern part of the province of Palawan to protect the Philippine waters in these areas from poachers, human traffickers, smugglers, terrorists and other kinds of maritime law violators. Basic facilities for maritime protection in these areas are already being established, he added.
Helmet law violators face stiffer penalties
Cheryl A. Galili
The Palawan Times
NO MORE excuses.
15 days after its approval, the law enforcement agencies will strictly implement the approved amended City Ordinance No. 253 that imposes higher penalties to all motorcycle drivers and their passengers who are not using standard helmets.
On November 15, during its regular session, Councilor Henry A. Gadiano who chairs the committee on transportation moved for its approval citing amendments in the sections 5 and 148 of the ordinance known as an ordinance establishing the Traffic Code of the City and providing penalties and violations.
Gadiano stressed that wearing helmets will greatly reduce fatalities in road accidents. Records show that the main culprit of fatality in several vehicular accidents is not using a proper helmet or not wearing protected helmet.
“Marami ang nadidisgrasya dahil sa hindi pagsusuot ng tamang helmet, kadalasan mas nauna pang natatanggal ang helmet kapag natumba,” he said referring to the ‘construction helmets’ which are commonly used by some of the motorcycle drivers and their back riders.
The councilor added that imposition of higher penalties to the drivers and passengers who are not wearing standard helmet will oblige them instead of paying the prescribed penalties.
Under the law, those who will be caught not wearing protective helmets face a minimum fine of P500 and a maximum penalty of P1,500 plus cancellation of license.
In previous public hearings conducted at the People’s Amphitheater in Mendoza Park, Gadiano hears the sentiments of concerned agencies regarding this proposal and it was unanimously supported by drivers and operators.
The use of protective helmet is also a national policy after the approval of Republic Act 100054 of Mandatory Helmet Act of 2010 which was approved and signed by former president Gloria M. Arroyo.
The Palawan Times
15 days after its approval, the law enforcement agencies will strictly implement the approved amended City Ordinance No. 253 that imposes higher penalties to all motorcycle drivers and their passengers who are not using standard helmets.
On November 15, during its regular session, Councilor Henry A. Gadiano who chairs the committee on transportation moved for its approval citing amendments in the sections 5 and 148 of the ordinance known as an ordinance establishing the Traffic Code of the City and providing penalties and violations.
Gadiano stressed that wearing helmets will greatly reduce fatalities in road accidents. Records show that the main culprit of fatality in several vehicular accidents is not using a proper helmet or not wearing protected helmet.
“Marami ang nadidisgrasya dahil sa hindi pagsusuot ng tamang helmet, kadalasan mas nauna pang natatanggal ang helmet kapag natumba,” he said referring to the ‘construction helmets’ which are commonly used by some of the motorcycle drivers and their back riders.
The councilor added that imposition of higher penalties to the drivers and passengers who are not wearing standard helmet will oblige them instead of paying the prescribed penalties.
Under the law, those who will be caught not wearing protective helmets face a minimum fine of P500 and a maximum penalty of P1,500 plus cancellation of license.
In previous public hearings conducted at the People’s Amphitheater in Mendoza Park, Gadiano hears the sentiments of concerned agencies regarding this proposal and it was unanimously supported by drivers and operators.
The use of protective helmet is also a national policy after the approval of Republic Act 100054 of Mandatory Helmet Act of 2010 which was approved and signed by former president Gloria M. Arroyo.
DFA Passporting Office
Ni Eduardo Aro
The Palawan Times
NAKAKADALAWANG TAON na ang DFA Passporting Office sa Lungsod ng Puerto Princesa. Sa kalagitnaan din ng buwang ito noong 2008 nagsimulang tumanggap ng application para sa pasaporte ang opisina.
Noong huling dalawang buwan at kalahati ng 2008 ay tumanggap ang Passporting Office ng 716 na application — 535 para sa regular na pasaporte at 181 para sa pasaporteng para sa hajj sa Mecca ng mga Muslim na Filipino.
Noong 2009, tumanggap ang opisina ng 4,247 na mga application para sa regular na pasaporte at 47 pasaporteng gagamitin sa hajj. Sa unang 10 buwan ng 2010 ay tumanggap ang opisina ng 4,761 mga application para sa regular na pasaporte at 106 para sa pasaporteng pang-hajj.
Tumatanggap dito ng application para sa regular na pasaporte buhat sa lahat ng Pilipinong naninirahan sa Palawan. Hindi na kailangan ang appointment para makapag-apply.
Kailangang magdala ang aplikante ng birth certificate na galing sa NSO at ID na may litrato, at isulat ang mga hinihinging impormasyon sa application form. Ang regular na processing fee ay P950 (3 linggo) at P1,200 naman para sa express processing fee (2 linggo).
Ang regular na pasaporte ay may validity na limang taon subalit hindi na ito maaaring gamitin sa paglalakbay limang buwan bago ito magpaso. Para sa dati nang may pasaporte na kukuha ng bagong pasaporte, kailangang dalhin ang lumang pasaporte kapag mag-a-apply ng bago.
Ang application form ay maaaring i-download mula sa website ng DFA na www.dfa.gov.ph.
Kaugnay nito, naghahanap ang DFA ng Staff House na may tatlong silid tulugan, sariling banyo at parking area. Maaari pong makipag-ugnayan sa kanilang tanggapan.
Ang DFA Passporting Office ay matatagpuan sa 2nd Floor, City Coliseum, San Pedro at may telepono blg. 434-1773.
The Palawan Times
NAKAKADALAWANG TAON na ang DFA Passporting Office sa Lungsod ng Puerto Princesa. Sa kalagitnaan din ng buwang ito noong 2008 nagsimulang tumanggap ng application para sa pasaporte ang opisina.
Noong huling dalawang buwan at kalahati ng 2008 ay tumanggap ang Passporting Office ng 716 na application — 535 para sa regular na pasaporte at 181 para sa pasaporteng para sa hajj sa Mecca ng mga Muslim na Filipino.
Noong 2009, tumanggap ang opisina ng 4,247 na mga application para sa regular na pasaporte at 47 pasaporteng gagamitin sa hajj. Sa unang 10 buwan ng 2010 ay tumanggap ang opisina ng 4,761 mga application para sa regular na pasaporte at 106 para sa pasaporteng pang-hajj.
Tumatanggap dito ng application para sa regular na pasaporte buhat sa lahat ng Pilipinong naninirahan sa Palawan. Hindi na kailangan ang appointment para makapag-apply.
Kailangang magdala ang aplikante ng birth certificate na galing sa NSO at ID na may litrato, at isulat ang mga hinihinging impormasyon sa application form. Ang regular na processing fee ay P950 (3 linggo) at P1,200 naman para sa express processing fee (2 linggo).
Ang regular na pasaporte ay may validity na limang taon subalit hindi na ito maaaring gamitin sa paglalakbay limang buwan bago ito magpaso. Para sa dati nang may pasaporte na kukuha ng bagong pasaporte, kailangang dalhin ang lumang pasaporte kapag mag-a-apply ng bago.
Ang application form ay maaaring i-download mula sa website ng DFA na www.dfa.gov.ph.
Kaugnay nito, naghahanap ang DFA ng Staff House na may tatlong silid tulugan, sariling banyo at parking area. Maaari pong makipag-ugnayan sa kanilang tanggapan.
Ang DFA Passporting Office ay matatagpuan sa 2nd Floor, City Coliseum, San Pedro at may telepono blg. 434-1773.
Pacquiao brings home more ‘bacon’
By Peter Q. Mata
The Palawan Times
Manny Pacquiao was the talk of the sporting world in the wake of his astonishing beatdown of Antonio Margarito. Already a multi-millionaire, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has at least another US$25 million coming for battering Mexican Antonio Margarito into submission in Texas last weekend. That is before the taxman lops off a big chunk of it. But for all intents and purposes, boxing’s pound-for-pound king no longer needs to work for the rest of his life, unless he overindulges and blows it all away. For his 12-round, 36-minute work in the ring with Margarito, Pacquiao earned an estimated $25 million, equivalent to 1.1 billion pesos. This translates to $694,000 or 30.5 million pesos per minute. All in all, Margarito landed 135 power punches during the bout – which meant that for every one of those punches Pacquiao took, the Filipino idol earned $135,000 – or 8 million pesos. What the Pacquiao-Margarito fight failed to generate at the gates it drew from pay-per-view (PPV). Figures show the Pacquiao fight stands to be one of the most watched ever in boxing history: as many as 1.5 million PPV hits. If the bruising fight indeed hit 1.5 million PPV buys, it would eclipse the 1.4 million PPV buys posted by the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Shane Mosley bout in May and confirm Pacquiao’s status as PPV’s most bankable boxer at present. With each buy costing $54.95, Pacquiao-Margarito PPV hits of 1.5-million translate to $82 million. From total PPV sales, Pacquiao stands to get about 12.5 percent of the projected $82-million revenue, or $10 million. This is on top of his guaranteed purse of $15 million for the fight that earned him an unprecedented eighth world title in as many weight classes. Those four fights brought him $67 million altogether. That does not include the estimated $25 million he earned from his fight with Margarito. Ranged against those amounts, Pacquiao’s gross pay as a congressman about P75,000 pesos a month, would seem like only loose coins for him. While he is also entitled to an annual country wide development fund of P70-million, that money is intended for projects in his congressional district. Veteran promoter Bob Arum has seen it all in a career spanning almost half a century and he unwaveringly believes Pacquiao has become the best fighter of all time. Arum has worked with giants of the ring such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran but none of them, in his opinion, ever dominated with both fists in the manner of the diminutive Filipino southpaw.
The Palawan Times
Palarong Panlalawigan umarangkada sa Brooke’s Point
Ni Clarinda I. Catimpo
The Palawan Times
Pangungunahan nina Governor Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra at Vice Governor Clara Fems Reyes ang pagbubukas ng taunang Palarong Panlalawigan sa Nov. 21, 2010 sa Brooke’s Point Sports Complex. Ang palaro ay magsisimula sa pamamagitan ng parada ng opisyales, atleta, trainor ng bawat delegasyon mula sa munisipyo at magtatapos sa Brooke’s Point Sports Complex. Ayon kay Amado Gonda, Physical Education and School Sports Supervisor ng DEPED Palawan, handang-handa na ang lahat para sa nasabing palaro. Napagalaman na sumailalim na sa screening o ang pagtatasa kung kwalipikado at sinisigurong nasa tamang edad ang mga manlalaro ng bawat delegasyon. Isasagawa naman ang panayam sa mga atleta mula ika-18 hanggang ika-20 ng Nobyembre at gaganapin naman ang solidarity meeting ng lahat ng delegasyon sa gabi ng ika-20 ng Nobyembre. Ayon pa kay Gonda, paglalabanan sa elementarya at sekondarya ang mga larong basketball, baseball, volleyball, softball, badminton, taekwondo, boxing, sipa/sepak takraw, lawn tennis, table tennis, arnis, athletics at gymnastics. Bukod sa nabanggit ay may dalawang events ang madadagdag sa palaro at ito ay ang dance sports at arnis para sa mga babae. Ang mga mapipiling mga atleta sa palarong ito ang siyang magrerepresenta sa delegasyon ng Palawan sa MIMAROPARAA na gaganapin sa Calapan, Mindoro. Samantala, isang friendship game ang gagawin pagkatapos ng programa ng pagbubukas ng palaro na katatampukan ng mga empleyado ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at mga empleyado mula sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Brooke’s Point. Sa gabi ay maghahandog ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng isang salo-salo para sa mga delegasyon ng iba’t-ibang munisipyo. Pormal na magsisimula ang mga palaro sa ika-22 at magtatapos sa ika-25 ng buwang kasalukuyan.
The Palawan Times
Pangungunahan nina Governor Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra at Vice Governor Clara Fems Reyes ang pagbubukas ng taunang Palarong Panlalawigan sa Nov. 21, 2010 sa Brooke’s Point Sports Complex. Ang palaro ay magsisimula sa pamamagitan ng parada ng opisyales, atleta, trainor ng bawat delegasyon mula sa munisipyo at magtatapos sa Brooke’s Point Sports Complex. Ayon kay Amado Gonda, Physical Education and School Sports Supervisor ng DEPED Palawan, handang-handa na ang lahat para sa nasabing palaro. Napagalaman na sumailalim na sa screening o ang pagtatasa kung kwalipikado at sinisigurong nasa tamang edad ang mga manlalaro ng bawat delegasyon. Isasagawa naman ang panayam sa mga atleta mula ika-18 hanggang ika-20 ng Nobyembre at gaganapin naman ang solidarity meeting ng lahat ng delegasyon sa gabi ng ika-20 ng Nobyembre. Ayon pa kay Gonda, paglalabanan sa elementarya at sekondarya ang mga larong basketball, baseball, volleyball, softball, badminton, taekwondo, boxing, sipa/sepak takraw, lawn tennis, table tennis, arnis, athletics at gymnastics. Bukod sa nabanggit ay may dalawang events ang madadagdag sa palaro at ito ay ang dance sports at arnis para sa mga babae. Ang mga mapipiling mga atleta sa palarong ito ang siyang magrerepresenta sa delegasyon ng Palawan sa MIMAROPARAA na gaganapin sa Calapan, Mindoro. Samantala, isang friendship game ang gagawin pagkatapos ng programa ng pagbubukas ng palaro na katatampukan ng mga empleyado ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at mga empleyado mula sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Brooke’s Point. Sa gabi ay maghahandog ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng isang salo-salo para sa mga delegasyon ng iba’t-ibang munisipyo. Pormal na magsisimula ang mga palaro sa ika-22 at magtatapos sa ika-25 ng buwang kasalukuyan.
Wescom says ‘SORRY’
Ni Tristan Ray I. Besa
The Palawan Times
Muling inihingi ng paumanhin ng commander ng Western Command (WESCOM) ang nangyaring kaguluhan sa pagitan ng mga sundalo ng 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-8) at ng 570th Composite Tactical Wing (CTW) noong ika-12 ng Nobyembre sa isang painuman sa Rizal Avenue, lungsod ng Puerto Princesa.
Sa pagdiriwang ng ika-60 taong kaarawan ng pagkakatatag ng Philippine Marine Corps sa Capitol Pavilion noong nakaraang ika-18 ng Nobyembre, muling inulit ni Major General Juancho M. Sabban ang ginawang paghingi ng pag-unawa sa mga tao sa nangyaring kaguluhan sangkot ang mga sundalo.
Matatandaan na nauwi sa pagkakasakitan ang hindi pagkakaunawaan ng dalawang sundalo—isang marines at isang airforce– sa isang painuman. Ang dahilan diumano ng iringan ay isang babae.
Sa mga nauna nang panayam kay Sabban sa radyo, sinabi nitong paiimbestigahan niya ang pangyayari at aalamin kung sinu-sino ang mga dapat managot. Ang mga mapapatunayang may kasalanan at makakatanggap ng naayong parusa.
Sa gitna ng pagbibigay ng kanyang pahayag sa pagdiriwang ng ika-60 taon ng Philippine Marine Corps sinabi ni Sabban na bagama’t hindi pinahihintulutan ng sandatahang lakas ang hindi magandang ipinakita ng mga sundalo, kung saan ang kabilang partidong sangkot ay mga marines, hindi rin dapat kalimutan ng mga tao na malaki ang naibahagi ng marines sa pag-unlad ng lalawigan ng Palawan.
Sinabi rin ng pinuno ng WESCOM na hindi dapat makaligtaan dahil sa pangyayaring ito ang mahabang kasaysayan ng pangangalaga ng mga marines sa lalawigan.
Ipinaalala nito na naging mahalagang instrumento ang marines sa pagpapalaganap at pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan sa lalawigan ng Palawan at anumang kaunlarang tinatamasa nito ngayon ay bunga ng matagumpay at kahanga-hangang pagtupad ng mga sundalo sa kanilang mga tungkulin.
Maliban sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan, naging aktibo rin ang marines sa pakikipagtulungan sa iba’t-ibang sektor ng pamayanan upang makapagdala ng mga proyektong pangkaunlaran sa mga lugar na nangangailangan nito.
Pinaalalahanan din nito ang mga sundalo na laging sumunod sa mga alituntunin ng kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin. Bilang mga naatasang tagapangalaga sa kaligtasan ng bansa at ng mga tao, pinagsabihan niya ang mga ito na laging sumunod sa mga prinsipyong pangkapayapaan at patuloy na igalang ang mga karapatang pantao.
Sa pag-alala sa mga kapwa nila sundalo na nagbuwis ng buhay upang makamit ang kapayapaan, hiniling ni MGen Sabban na ang mga iniwan nilang pamana sa lahat na bunga ng kanilang kabayanihan at katapangan ay magbigay ng inspirasyon sa lahat ng mga sundalo na patuloy na magbigay ng mahusay at marangal na serbisyo sa mga tao at sa bansa.
Muli ring binigkas ng mga sundalong marino ang kanilang panunumpa bilang simbolo ng pagpapatibay nila sa kanilang pagsunod sa mga alituntunin at prinsipyong pinaniniwalaan nila.
The Palawan Times
Muling inihingi ng paumanhin ng commander ng Western Command (WESCOM) ang nangyaring kaguluhan sa pagitan ng mga sundalo ng 8th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-8) at ng 570th Composite Tactical Wing (CTW) noong ika-12 ng Nobyembre sa isang painuman sa Rizal Avenue, lungsod ng Puerto Princesa.
Sa pagdiriwang ng ika-60 taong kaarawan ng pagkakatatag ng Philippine Marine Corps sa Capitol Pavilion noong nakaraang ika-18 ng Nobyembre, muling inulit ni Major General Juancho M. Sabban ang ginawang paghingi ng pag-unawa sa mga tao sa nangyaring kaguluhan sangkot ang mga sundalo.
Matatandaan na nauwi sa pagkakasakitan ang hindi pagkakaunawaan ng dalawang sundalo—isang marines at isang airforce– sa isang painuman. Ang dahilan diumano ng iringan ay isang babae.
Sa mga nauna nang panayam kay Sabban sa radyo, sinabi nitong paiimbestigahan niya ang pangyayari at aalamin kung sinu-sino ang mga dapat managot. Ang mga mapapatunayang may kasalanan at makakatanggap ng naayong parusa.
Sa gitna ng pagbibigay ng kanyang pahayag sa pagdiriwang ng ika-60 taon ng Philippine Marine Corps sinabi ni Sabban na bagama’t hindi pinahihintulutan ng sandatahang lakas ang hindi magandang ipinakita ng mga sundalo, kung saan ang kabilang partidong sangkot ay mga marines, hindi rin dapat kalimutan ng mga tao na malaki ang naibahagi ng marines sa pag-unlad ng lalawigan ng Palawan.
Sinabi rin ng pinuno ng WESCOM na hindi dapat makaligtaan dahil sa pangyayaring ito ang mahabang kasaysayan ng pangangalaga ng mga marines sa lalawigan.
Ipinaalala nito na naging mahalagang instrumento ang marines sa pagpapalaganap at pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan sa lalawigan ng Palawan at anumang kaunlarang tinatamasa nito ngayon ay bunga ng matagumpay at kahanga-hangang pagtupad ng mga sundalo sa kanilang mga tungkulin.
Maliban sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan, naging aktibo rin ang marines sa pakikipagtulungan sa iba’t-ibang sektor ng pamayanan upang makapagdala ng mga proyektong pangkaunlaran sa mga lugar na nangangailangan nito.
Pinaalalahanan din nito ang mga sundalo na laging sumunod sa mga alituntunin ng kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin. Bilang mga naatasang tagapangalaga sa kaligtasan ng bansa at ng mga tao, pinagsabihan niya ang mga ito na laging sumunod sa mga prinsipyong pangkapayapaan at patuloy na igalang ang mga karapatang pantao.
Sa pag-alala sa mga kapwa nila sundalo na nagbuwis ng buhay upang makamit ang kapayapaan, hiniling ni MGen Sabban na ang mga iniwan nilang pamana sa lahat na bunga ng kanilang kabayanihan at katapangan ay magbigay ng inspirasyon sa lahat ng mga sundalo na patuloy na magbigay ng mahusay at marangal na serbisyo sa mga tao at sa bansa.
Muli ring binigkas ng mga sundalong marino ang kanilang panunumpa bilang simbolo ng pagpapatibay nila sa kanilang pagsunod sa mga alituntunin at prinsipyong pinaniniwalaan nila.
Post-Halloween film premieres in Puerto Princesa
By Joel Contrivida
The Palawan Times
The City famous for its Subterranean River had its taste of a premiere night via “Saka Adlaw Sa Lebengan”, a 20-minute short film produced by Likhang Indie Pelikula Sining o LIPS under the direction of Paolo Buera, a homegrown indie filmmaker of Palawan.
The film had its first screening last November 2 at A&A Plaza Hotel in a very formal premiere night that well attended including character actor Joel Molina, a true-blue Palaweño.
“Saka Adlaw” tackles the story of two perennial ghost where one is seeking justice after being brutally murdered and raped, while the other is on the verge of accepting her fate as a departed soul. The twist and turn of the film delighted the audience as the story progresses with an unpredictable story line. The film title, a Cuyono word meaning “one day in the graveyard”, stars local young talented artists Myra Miraflores, Geann Pilapil and Bea Mae Ocampo.
According to Buera, most of the actors in the project underwent an acting workshop under his supervision. Buera is a fellow of Nick De Ocampo in many film workshops of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, that was before he started making independent and self produced films such as “The Answer” and “Biak Na Bato”.
Aside from the City premiere, Saka adlaw is also having its inter-Palawan screening, one in San Vicente and the other in the Rizal. Buera told Palawan Times that the budget for this short film is amounting to P300, 000 only, and he is planning to include this short film in different film festivals here and abroad if given a chance.
Produced by Clarita Skjoenglistad, Saka Adlaw is also sponsored by the City Government of Puerto Princesa thru Mayor Edward Hagedorn, Provincial Government of Palawan thru Gov. Abraham Mitra, A&A Plaza Hotel and Natasha.
His next project is a full length movie entitled “Prinsesa ng Baybay”, a period movie based in the colorful history of Puerto Princesa, but there is no date yet for this next film as he is still looking for a possible producer.
The Palawan Times
The film had its first screening last November 2 at A&A Plaza Hotel in a very formal premiere night that well attended including character actor Joel Molina, a true-blue Palaweño.
“Saka Adlaw” tackles the story of two perennial ghost where one is seeking justice after being brutally murdered and raped, while the other is on the verge of accepting her fate as a departed soul. The twist and turn of the film delighted the audience as the story progresses with an unpredictable story line. The film title, a Cuyono word meaning “one day in the graveyard”, stars local young talented artists Myra Miraflores, Geann Pilapil and Bea Mae Ocampo.
According to Buera, most of the actors in the project underwent an acting workshop under his supervision. Buera is a fellow of Nick De Ocampo in many film workshops of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, that was before he started making independent and self produced films such as “The Answer” and “Biak Na Bato”.
Aside from the City premiere, Saka adlaw is also having its inter-Palawan screening, one in San Vicente and the other in the Rizal. Buera told Palawan Times that the budget for this short film is amounting to P300, 000 only, and he is planning to include this short film in different film festivals here and abroad if given a chance.
Produced by Clarita Skjoenglistad, Saka Adlaw is also sponsored by the City Government of Puerto Princesa thru Mayor Edward Hagedorn, Provincial Government of Palawan thru Gov. Abraham Mitra, A&A Plaza Hotel and Natasha.
His next project is a full length movie entitled “Prinsesa ng Baybay”, a period movie based in the colorful history of Puerto Princesa, but there is no date yet for this next film as he is still looking for a possible producer.
“Voyage of Balangay” pinili ang Puerto Princesa bilang port of entry
Ni Richard L. Bantayan
The Palawan Times
SINALUBONG ng mga opisyal ng Pamahalaang Panlungsod ng Puerto Princesa ang makasaysayang pag-biyahe ng 42-man team ng “Voyage of Balangay,” na pinamumunuan ng kanilang team leader na si dating DOTC Undersecretary Art Valdez.
Ito rin ang parehong grupo na umakyat sa tuktok ng Mt. Everest sa Tibet. At matapos nga ang matagumpay na pag-akyat sa pinakamataas na bundok sa mundo ay umiikot naman sila sa buong Southeast Asia gamit ang reconstructed na balangay, isang pre-colonial boat na nahukay ng archeologists sa Butuan noong 1976 carbondated 32 A.D. pa.
Naging emosyonal ang grupo na kinabibilangan din nina Leo Oracion, Pastour Emata, atbp. nang marining nilang kantahin ang Lupang Hinirang sa unang pagkakataon mula nang umalis sila sa Pilipinas at simulan ang ekspedisyon noong Setyembre 2009.
Bunsod nito, hinamon ni Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn ang grupo na bagtasin ang pamosong Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park o ang Underground River, na agad namang tinanggap ng grupo.
The Palawan Times
Ito rin ang parehong grupo na umakyat sa tuktok ng Mt. Everest sa Tibet. At matapos nga ang matagumpay na pag-akyat sa pinakamataas na bundok sa mundo ay umiikot naman sila sa buong Southeast Asia gamit ang reconstructed na balangay, isang pre-colonial boat na nahukay ng archeologists sa Butuan noong 1976 carbondated 32 A.D. pa.
Naging emosyonal ang grupo na kinabibilangan din nina Leo Oracion, Pastour Emata, atbp. nang marining nilang kantahin ang Lupang Hinirang sa unang pagkakataon mula nang umalis sila sa Pilipinas at simulan ang ekspedisyon noong Setyembre 2009.
Bunsod nito, hinamon ni Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn ang grupo na bagtasin ang pamosong Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park o ang Underground River, na agad namang tinanggap ng grupo.
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