tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60200665703364307482024-03-13T09:51:44.565+08:00PromdiNEWSLatest news and developments in Central LuzonUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger347125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-54687006541422268352014-08-30T03:23:00.001+08:002014-08-30T03:23:31.560+08:00Bulacan marks Plaridel's 164th birthday, holds "Mastermind" conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Stvpk-fO_s/VADRv1T2eTI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/VS476rnEaXY/s1600/2014%2BMastermind%2BTshirt%2Bdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Stvpk-fO_s/VADRv1T2eTI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/VS476rnEaXY/s1600/2014%2BMastermind%2BTshirt%2Bdesign.jpg" height="400" width="372" /></a></div>
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<st1:place style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">MALOLOS</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">CITY</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">—It’s a special
non-working holiday in Bulacan today,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 30,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> as the province mark the 164</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
birth of the great propagandist Gat Marcelo H. Del Pilar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The celebrations will be held at the Marcelo H. Del Pilar
National Shrine at Barangay San Nicolas in Bulakan town starting 7AM, and will be graced by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It will be followed by the first provincial conference on
the life and contribution of the Del Pilar to the revolution and nation
building called “Mastermind.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The conference will be held at the Malolos Sports and
Convention Center in this city starting 1PM, and is expected to draw more than
300 participants including educators lawyers, and students.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado said the declaration of special
non-working holiday in the province is based on
Republic Act No. 7449 or “An Act Declaring August Thirty a Special Non
Working Holiday in the Province of Bulacan,” to give way for honoring the heroic deeds and sacrifices of the great
Bulakenyo hero.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Del Pilar’s heroic legacy should be rekindled in the hearts
and minds of our younger generation and we should honor his patriotism for
fighting for our freedom. We would like to encourage everyone, not only the
Bulakenyos to join in honoring our great Bulakenyo hero,” Alvarado said. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As this developed, Alex Balagtas of the National Historical
Commission of the <st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place>
said that Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has confirmed attendance on the
celebrations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He said that as guest speaker, the senator will speak on the
theme, “Marcelo Del Pilar: Ama ng Bansa Gabay para sa Mabuting Pamamahala.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The celebrations in Bulakan town will shift to this city
after lunch where the first provincial conference on the life of Del Pilar who
is popularly known as “Plaridel” will be held.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Researcher King Cortez of the Universidad de Manila (UDM) is
expected to present documents gathered in his research which showed that
Plaridel not only as the great propagandist, but as the brains of the
revolution, thus the conference title, “Mastermind.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isagani Giron of the Bulacan Salinlahi Inc., and one of the
convenors of the conference said that Cortez’s research will bring into the
light new information about Plaridel which might change the way we see and look
that the great propagandist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a local historical, Giron said that Cortez research will
challenge earlier suppositions that Plaridel is only a propagandist who edited
and managed La Solidaridad, the publication of the then propaganda movement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Mr. Cortez’s research is very exciting because it reveals
the role of Plaridel not only ion the Propaganda movement but in the
Katipunan,” he said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Giron added that what makes Cortez’s research as game changer
in the study of history is the fact that it is documents and based on books,
some of which were published by the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines (NHCP).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“We just need to keep an open mind in the study of history
because new documents are being unearthed everyday, including those that has
been given less significance in the past about Plaridel,” Giron said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plaridel was born on August 30, 1850 in Barangay San Nicolas
(formerly Cupang) in Bulakan town.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is the youngest of the 10 children of the wealthy family
Don Julian del Pilar, a gobernadorcillo and Doña Blasa Gatmaitan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plaridel was the editor of the newspaper Diariong Tagalog
which strongly criticized the way the Spaniards ran the government and treated
the people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was also the editor of La Solidaridad newspaper, the
mouthpiece of the propagandists working on reforms for the Filipinos. Del Pilar
died of tuberculosis on July 4, 1896 in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Barcelona</st1:city>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Spain</st1:country-region></st1:place>. </span><b><i>Dino
Balabo</i></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-33833240077699642922014-08-22T09:52:00.000+08:002014-08-22T09:52:15.611+08:00BulSU official statement on recent tragedy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBweYOghxWM/U_ah6E3PCtI/AAAAAAAADz0/_V-kfTJRtnM/s1600/1%2Bbsu%2Bseven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBweYOghxWM/U_ah6E3PCtI/AAAAAAAADz0/_V-kfTJRtnM/s1600/1%2Bbsu%2Bseven.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Official Statement of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Bulacan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Words cannot express the deep grief of the <st1:placename w:st="on">Bulacan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype> over the tragedy that
befell its freshmen BS Tourism students under the <st1:placetype w:st="on">College</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">Home Economics</st1:placename> who went on an
experiential learning trip at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Madlum</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place> in Barangay Sibul,
San Miguel, Bulacan. </div>
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The University has never experienced a kind of sadness and
loss this deep and intense in its 110 years of existence. </div>
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The entire academic community from the University President,
Administrators, Faculty, Personnel and Students gnaw in agony in sympathy to
the families of the Students.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In this horrible time, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Bulacan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place> is offering
immediate assistance to the fullest to the bereaved families.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The University humbly offers its best efforts to express empathy
to the families of:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="IT"><b>Mikhail Alcantara Michelle Ann
Rose Bonzo<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="IT"><b>Helena Marie
Marcelo Sean Rodney Alejo<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="IT"><b>Jeannette Rivera Mary
Magdaline Navarro<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b>Maiko Eleva Bartolome<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The University community appeals for sobriety and request
the public for prayers of grace, hope and comfort for the grieving families. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In response to this event, a Crisis Committee was created to
conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances of the
tragedy and will take decisive and appropriate measures on the basis of its
findings. </div>
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As the university wait for the complete results of this
undertaking, allow the university, the space and time to mourn and cry over the
irreplaceable loss of its sons and daughters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We will be issuing another official statement in the days to
come.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-86774596781915846112014-08-13T06:49:00.000+08:002014-08-13T06:49:58.000+08:00Militants hail Palparan’s arrest, but warn vs. special treatment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3aZG8PIyydQ/U-qZJuoLsCI/AAAAAAAADxs/2-YiLIaDszk/s1600/2%2Bjopal3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3aZG8PIyydQ/U-qZJuoLsCI/AAAAAAAADxs/2-YiLIaDszk/s1600/2%2Bjopal3.jpg" height="317" width="400" /></a></div>
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MALOLOS CITY—Militant groups welcomed the arrest of former
congressman and retired Army General Jovito Palparan in Manila yesterday but
warned against his possible special treatment.<br />
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The arrest, lawyers said, automatically gives the court
jurisdiction on Palparan and the charges filed against him. But as of press
time, no commitment order has been issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 14
here as they await until the retired general is presented physically by the
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).<o:p></o:p></div>
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As this developed, Palparan is expected to be arraigned on
August 18 when the trial for kidnapping of two University of the Philippines
(UP) students resume. “Retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan is now within the
reach of the law and hopefully, Lady Justice with the sword and the scales,”
said Lawyer Edre Olalia of the National Union of People’s Lawyer (NUPL)
yesterday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Olalia also serves as counsel for the parents of Sherilyn
Cadapan and Karen Empeno, two UP students abducted on the night of June 26,
2006 in Barangay San Miguel in Hagonoy town. According to Olalia, Palparan’s
arrest is never too late for justice to catch up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He said that on August 18, defense counsels for Lt. Col.
Felipe Anotado and Staff Sargeant Edgardo Osorio will prepare to wrap their case,
but the trial for Palparan will only begin.“What happens thereafter will come
under close scrutiny, here and abroad. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Palparan must face the music and the full wrath of the
furies for all the crimes credibly imputed to him - extrajudicial killings, enforced
disappearances, torture, arbitrary arrests and other gross human rights
violations, all done without compunction and aggravated by his signature
braggadocio,” Olalia said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdhwJ4xpi_c/U-qZbsLmxXI/AAAAAAAADx0/DItAPzKbvwk/s1600/2%2BJoPal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdhwJ4xpi_c/U-qZbsLmxXI/AAAAAAAADx0/DItAPzKbvwk/s1600/2%2BJoPal.jpg" height="400" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NBI photo release published by GMANews.tv.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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Olalia also said that based on law, Palparan should be
detained at the Bulacan Provincial Jail due to its proximity to the court. He
said that no special treatment should be given to the retired general. In the
past, the court issued the same ruling on Anotado and Osorio, but they were
transferred to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Fort</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Bonifacio</st1:placename></st1:place> when their lawyer
argued for the safety of the accused military officers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For his part, Father Rolando De Leon called for quick trial
against the retired general in order to hold him accountable. A member of the
militant organization in the province, Father De Leon received three M-16
bullets in early 2006 when Palparan was the commanding general of the dreaded
7th Infantry Division of the Army based in Nueva Ecija.<o:p></o:p></div>
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De <st1:country-region w:st="on">Leon</st1:country-region>
had just completed the Mass and his staff were counting the offering from
collection baskets when they found the three M-16 bullets. Meanwhile, Lawyer
Jesus Santos of Marilao town remained silent until press time yesterday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This writer tried to contact <st1:city w:st="on">Santos</st1:city> by calling and sending text message to
his cellular phone in an attempt to confirm if he will represent the general.
Known for his close personal and professional relations with former First
Gentleman Miguel Arroyo, <st1:city w:st="on">Santos</st1:city>
tried to represent Palparan in court in 2012 but the court said they still have
no jurisdiction on the general then.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Along with Anotado and Osorio who have been in military
custody, Palparan has been accused of kidnapping and illegal detention on the
two missing UP students. The other accused is Master Sargeant Rizal Hilario who
is said to be the right hand man of Palparan who has been labeled by militant
groups as “The Butcher.” <b><i>Dino Balabo</i></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-33496493753356964382014-08-06T11:03:00.000+08:002014-08-06T11:03:02.105+08:00Bulacan coast: Mangrove planting planned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXowdtfam4w/U-GZx4Ctz3I/AAAAAAAADwg/T5kOGNmFIuA/s1600/2+bakawan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXowdtfam4w/U-GZx4Ctz3I/AAAAAAAADwg/T5kOGNmFIuA/s1600/2+bakawan.JPG" height="340" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">HAGONOY,
Bulacan—Hammered by devastating storm surges, the coastal area of this fishing
town will soon get its need protection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
came as the Provincial Government of Bulacan gear up for massive mangrove
planting before the end of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
said mangrove planting will follow the planned tree planting activities on the
eastern part of the province.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Governor
Wilhelmino Alvarado said plans have been laid for the massive tree and mangrove
planting activities in the province.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
said that tree planting is set to be implemented this rainy season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Target
areas for tree planting includes watershed and river banks, especially the more
than 50 kilometer stretch of the Angat River that drains to the Manila Bay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
said that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have already
pledge more than 30,000 seedlings to be planted in the province as part of the
implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Additional
seedling will be supplied by the provincial government and non-governmental
organizations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Alvarado
noted that aside from different species of bamboos that will be planted alogn
river banks, they will also plant fruit bearing trees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
the coastal areas of Bulacan, they will also conduct massive mangrove planting
to serve as barrier of coastal communities from devastating effects of storm
surges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
former mayor of this town, the governor specifically mentioned its coastal area
which has been reclaimed by the sea in the last five years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Malaki
na ang nasisirang mga palaisdaan sa Hagonoy dahil sa storm surge,” he said
noting that it is one of the impacts of climate change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Earlier,
Mayor Raulito Manlapaz of this town vowed to rehabilitate over 1,000 hectares
of fishpond on the coast of this town which were washed out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Manlapaz’s
move came after residents of the coastal villages of Pugad and Tibaguin here
reiterated their call after the onslaught of typhoon Glenda.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
residents noted that about 60 houses in the two villages were totally damaged
by storm surge spawned by typhoon Glenda.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They
also stressed that six year ago, storm surges are unknown to them because at
that time, dikes of the more that 200 hectares municipal fishpond fronting the
Manila are still intact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
the said fishpond was abandoned by its operator and its dikes were washed out
by waves in the years that followed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today,
the coastal villages of Pugad and Tibaguin are usually bear the brunt of storm
surges when there is typhoon. <b><i>Dino
Balabo</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-69988021768629674352014-08-01T00:16:00.001+08:002014-08-01T00:16:04.721+08:00INC set new world records<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bziAmOAepAI/U9prg0tmjMI/AAAAAAAADvY/nhrbK3DSvyM/s1600/2+inc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bziAmOAepAI/U9prg0tmjMI/AAAAAAAADvY/nhrbK3DSvyM/s1600/2+inc.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">MALOLOS
CITY—The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) se two new Guinness World records as it
celebrated its centennial at the Ciudad De Victoria complex in
Bocaue, Bulacanon July 27.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
this developed, northbound lane of the North Luzon Expressway was completely
blocked on Sunday morning, while on the southbound lane where two
counterflow lanes were opened vehicle speed is reduced to less than 20
kilometers per hour before noon time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Task
Force Sentenaryo head Francis Tolentino, the chair of the Metro Manila
Development Authority (MMDA) estimated that at least 2-Million members of the
religious organization participated in the centennial celebrations at the
Ciudad de Victoria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Millions
other members of the INC across the country and more than 100 countries watched
Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo’s homily via live streaming video.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">According
to Edwil Zabala, INC spokesperson, the Guinness Book of Book of Records handed
two new awards to the religious organization.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
includes the world’s largest gospel choir, and the largest mixed indoor arena
in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Based
on records, at least 4,774 members of the INC joined its centennial choir
yesterday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
eclipsed the previous record of 1,700 choir member held by the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
INC said that a total of 10,000 members prepared to joined the choir, but some
members did not make it on time due to heavy traffic in going to the Ciudad the
Victoria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Traffic
along the NLEX started late Saturday afternoon which delayed northbound
motorists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
bus passengers interviewed late Saturday night said that it took
them two hours to reach Malolos City from Balintawak toll plaza in Quezon City.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hundreds
of thousands of people started to gather at the Ciudad de Victoria on Saturday
afternoon, and endured the heavy downpour
early Saturday evening but were treated with a 25-minute fireworks
display before midnight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cq8angVp2mo/U9prqYyYcDI/AAAAAAAADvg/lMETtEVjgf0/s1600/2+inc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cq8angVp2mo/U9prqYyYcDI/AAAAAAAADvg/lMETtEVjgf0/s1600/2+inc2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
traffic went from bad to worst until noon time on Sunday as the northbound lane
of the NLEX from Marilao to Bocaue toll plaza was complete blocked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is due to buses and private vehicles parked along the NLEX’s northbound
lane. Some of the vehicles were towed
earlier for illegal parking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
by morning, Tolentino implemented a contingency plan by opening a
two-lane counterflow on the NLEX southbound lane.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Before
10 AM, traffic flow on the counterflow lane was still good, but as
more INC members depart from the Ciudad de Victoria, vehicle movements on the
counterflow lane and the southbound lane was reduced to less than 20 kilometer
per hour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tolentino
said that traffic along the NLEX might last until Monday morning as INC members
depart from the venue of the centennial celebrations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
this developed, Bro. Eduardo Manalo hailed the INC’s phenomenal growth in
the last 100 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
his homily, Manalo said that from 2009 to 2014, a total of 603 new INC churches
were built, of which, 552 are in the Philippines, while the rest were built
abroad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
executive minster also said that 359 other churches went under renovation
within the same period. <b><i>Dino Balabo</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-10536956492960705102014-07-29T23:25:00.001+08:002014-07-29T23:25:49.422+08:00PICTORIAL: After Glenda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q6WoNcbIBE/U9e7spX-a5I/AAAAAAAADuc/0vUQXQAxlDQ/s1600/2+pugad3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Q6WoNcbIBE/U9e7spX-a5I/AAAAAAAADuc/0vUQXQAxlDQ/s1600/2+pugad3.JPG" height="203" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-27536103867720808872014-07-22T22:36:00.001+08:002014-07-22T22:40:34.531+08:00House built 60 years ago, gone in 2 minutes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UbI4RqVMoOc/U85yEgqR_-I/AAAAAAAADs0/f6D0694QtEA/s1600/1+pugad+house3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UbI4RqVMoOc/U85yEgqR_-I/AAAAAAAADs0/f6D0694QtEA/s1600/1+pugad+house3.JPG" height="386" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House smashed by Glenda's storm surge. <b><i>DB</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">HAGONOY,
Bulacan—Built 60 years ago, gone in two minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
was how a resident of the coastal village of Pugad here described the fury of
storm surge spawned by typhoon Glenda when it traversed the Manila Bay on July
16 en route to the West Philippine Sea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
total, no less than 60 houses in the said villages were totally damaged as
seven feet storm surge came rushing in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Joey
Gregorio, 44, of the said village narrated to PromdiNEWS how their house
crumbled on the fury of storm surge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Wala
kaming nagawa, dalawang minuto lang nawala na yung bahay,” he said noting that houses
of his three older brothers built beside their ancestral house were also washed
out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Their
ancestral house was built by his parents 60 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
said houses which used to stand side by side were all made of concrete hollow
blocks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
only piles of debris were left in place and the concrete comfort room of his
brother’s house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0tzaRcDG64/U850KygoxoI/AAAAAAAADtM/TZwc3Lu-WNM/s1600/2+pugad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0tzaRcDG64/U850KygoxoI/AAAAAAAADtM/TZwc3Lu-WNM/s1600/2+pugad.JPG" height="640" width="576" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remains of the Gregorio house. <b><i>DB</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the nearby village of Tibaguin, Yolanda Geronimo burst into tears as she
recounted how her three year old house gave in to the fury of storm surge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Twenty
minutes lang wala na yung bahay naming,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Geronimo
said their house was constructed less than three years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was actually a replacement to their former house destroyed by similar storm
surge at the height of the onslaught of typhoon Quiel in 2011.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Dalawang
sunod na po iyan mula noong Quiel,” she said as she tried to hold back the
tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
lamenting the loss of their houses, both the Gregorios and the Geronimos where
thankful that no one in their families and in their villages died during the
typhoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
they also stressed that storm surges not hit their villages because municipal
fishpond that used to protect them was damaged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
was affirmed by Councilmen Gilbert Tamayo and Alfredo Lunes of Barangay Pugad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They
said that since the dikes of the over 200 hectare municipal fishpond beside the
two villages were washed out six years ago, they are now fearing for their
lives every time there is a typhoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Natatawag
po naming ang lahat ng Santo sa simbahan kapag bumabagyo na dahil walang
humaharang sa alon mula sa dagat,” Tamayo said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
his part, Mayor Raulito Manlapaz said they will start rehabilitating the
municipal fishpond by December.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Manlapaz
visited the two villages yesterday to distribute relief goods to residents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">His
group’s arrival cam just when PromdiNEWS was about to leave Barangay Pugad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">According
to Manlapaz, they are now preparing fund for the rehabilitation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
he stressed that rehabilitation will be quicker if the provincial government
will loan them its large dredging machine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
a former fishpond operators, Manlapaz said that they will need all the
assistance they can get to rehabilitate the 13-kiloment coastline of this town
and protect its aquaculture industry along with the two coastal villages. <b><i>Dino
Balabo<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pegCPG46TBM/U85y_2-3kXI/AAAAAAAADtA/G2Xpajujh4Y/s1600/2+pugad+house5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pegCPG46TBM/U85y_2-3kXI/AAAAAAAADtA/G2Xpajujh4Y/s1600/2+pugad+house5.JPG" height="402" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PUGAD AFTER GLENDA. There used to be houses here. <i><b>DB</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-15959538334135080592014-07-22T21:51:00.000+08:002014-07-22T21:51:16.477+08:00PNoy hails INC's Philippine Arena<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDMOqVq2toc/U85qCJj6EvI/AAAAAAAADsM/wi6BSdW1Ax4/s1600/2+PHL+arena.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DDMOqVq2toc/U85qCJj6EvI/AAAAAAAADsM/wi6BSdW1Ax4/s1600/2+PHL+arena.JPG" height="354" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philippine Arena, world's largest dome shaped arena. <i>DB</i> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">BOCAUE,
Bulacan—President Aquino hailed the religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) and
it’s giant Philippine Arena which he described as bigger than the Staples
Center in Los Angeles, California.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
came after the President joined INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo in
inaugurating the Ciudad de Victoria at Barangay Duhat here on Monday, July 21.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAORTuOdP1A/U85q0RM-jYI/AAAAAAAADsU/2sCo3pHkeLU/s1600/2+PHL+ciudad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAORTuOdP1A/U85q0RM-jYI/AAAAAAAADsU/2sCo3pHkeLU/s1600/2+PHL+ciudad.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unveiling of Ciudad de Victoria marker. <b><i>DB</i></b> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Speaking
at the jampacked 55,000-seater Philippine Arena, the President marvelled at
“biggest domed arena in the world,” as a symbol that the Filipinos can compete
in the world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The President also said
that the giant structure is a symbol of victories that the INC achieved in its
first 100 years, adding that the world is now looking up to the INC as it
continues to expand while taking care of its members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
also expressed personal support to the INC and cited its continued spiritual
leadership to its members as he thanked the religious organization for
supporting him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Before he ended his speech, the President also cited Bible
verses from the Gospels of John and Matthew, noting how Jesus Christ reminded
his apostles to love one another as He loved them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
President took potshots against his detractors and encouraged them to sow
“seeds of hope instead of disunity.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTU4ahkmzPw/U85sFxibKpI/AAAAAAAADsg/VvvdjyTbeN4/s1600/2+PHL+selfie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTU4ahkmzPw/U85sFxibKpI/AAAAAAAADsg/VvvdjyTbeN4/s1600/2+PHL+selfie.JPG" height="233" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Located
at the sprawling 70-hectare Ciudad de Victoria complex at Barangay Duhat here,
the Philippine Arena which was built at the cost of $200 million is said to be
earthquake-proof and can withstand super typhoon winds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
INC said that its designed is inspired by the narra and banyan trees and has a
dome spanning over 3.6 hectares. Its 55,000 seating capacity made it the
biggest domed arena in the world, larger than the O2 Arena in London.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Construction
of the Philippine Arena started in September 2011 and it can be seen on the
east side of the North Luzon Expressway in this town. <b><i>Dino Balabo</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-23990723866657877632014-07-09T00:07:00.002+08:002014-07-09T00:07:26.865+08:00Malolos warehouse raided, feeds component mixed with imported rice<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EMQqifAo9s0/U7wWdLH-POI/AAAAAAAADpg/qvu65dkm118/s1600/2+mar+kargador2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EMQqifAo9s0/U7wWdLH-POI/AAAAAAAADpg/qvu65dkm118/s1600/2+mar+kargador2.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sec. Mar Roxas at Purefeeds warehouse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">MALOLOS
CITY—A rice trader here will soon face multiple charges for mixing old rice
stocks which is said to be unfit for human consumption with imported ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
the rice trader said he did nothing wrong and noted that he was even are
cooperating with the National Food Authority (NFA) inspections as directed by
President Aquino last week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
this developed, NFA and police officials said more rice warehouses suspected of
rice hoarding and profiteering have been identified and will soon be raided.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rit9fUHLWpM/U7wWt2cL_VI/AAAAAAAADpo/kLVkgMiEizM/s1600/2+purefeeds2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rit9fUHLWpM/U7wWt2cL_VI/AAAAAAAADpo/kLVkgMiEizM/s1600/2+purefeeds2.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
came as the Criminal Investigation Detection Group (CIDG) cordoned off a rice
warehouse at the First Bulacan Industrial City (FBIC) in Barangay Tikay here on
Friday and was opened to the media on morning, July 7. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Interior
Secretary Mar Roxas told journalists that Purefeeds Corp. will be facing
multiple charges for violation of laws implemented by the NFA, Bureau of
Internal Revenue (BIR), the Bureau of Customs (BoC) and the Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Roxas
said that Purefeeds Corp., owned by one Jojo Soliman, has been mixing old
stocks rice which are deemed unfi t for human consumption with imported rice
from Vietnam. “They are selling adulterated rice,” Roxas said noting that old
stock rice served as “extender” to imported rice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Roxas
and the NFA represented by its Administrator Arthur Juan reported that a total
of 32,000 bags of rice were seized at the Purefeeds warehouse here. However,
sources said the total inventory at the said warehouse is about 60,000 bags. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Roxas
clarified that the 32,000 bags he mentioned earlier is a result of initial
inventory. Roxas also said that there is a possibility that rice mixed and
repacked by Purefeeds have been distributed to the market. He said that NFA
will soon file charges against Purefeeds, and if found guilty, their license to
trade rice might be terminated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbFB-6a8yxQ/U7wW_CtAq7I/AAAAAAAADpw/yXtwLA_Ywts/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbFB-6a8yxQ/U7wW_CtAq7I/AAAAAAAADpw/yXtwLA_Ywts/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jojo Soliman, Purefeeds owner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
his part, Soliman told PromdiNEWS that his family has been trading rice for
over 50 years. He said that he himself has been in the business for 25 years
and started rice importation 15 years ago. “We have done nothing wrong, there
is nothing illegal in our operation,” Soliman said. He added that they have
been cooperating with the NFA in the implementation of its “visitorial
function.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
expressed disappointment over the seeming trial by publicity against them.
“This is supposed to be a regular inspection,” he said. The same was affirmed
by NFA Administrator Arthur Juan who also said that he respects the comments of
Soliman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Juan
noted that once the case is filed in court, they will follow what the law
requires. <b><i>Dino Balabo</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-32976493709387757852014-07-08T23:51:00.000+08:002014-07-08T23:51:14.200+08:00Mobile passport service in Malolos<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">CITY
OF MALOLOS- In a continuous bid to bring services closer to the people, the
Provincial Government of Bulacan in coordination with the Department of Foreign
Affairs will once again conduct a Mobile Passport Service to help Bulakenyos
acquire passports in a more convenient and easy way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gov.
Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said this project offers convenience to Bulakenyos
allowing them to save time and money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Maraming
magagandang serbisyo ang dapat malaman ng mga Bulakenyo at isa na ‘to. Dito
hindi na nila kailangang gumising ng sobrang aga at mamasahe ng malaki para
lumuwas kasi nandito na sa malapit sa atin,” Alvarado said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Provincial
Youth, Sports, Employment, Arts, Culture & Tourism Office (PYSEACTO) head
Elizabeth Alonzo said that passport applications and submission of the duly
accomplished forms and all other requirements will run from August 1-15, 2014
and to be submitted at PYSEACTO while the appearance and final evaluation by
the representatives of DFA will be on September 13, 2014 at the Bulacan Capitol
Gymnasium.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
release of passports will be announced at a later date.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Alonzo
also said that the project will be served in a first come, first serve basis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yung
mga aplikanteng aabot doon sa limit na 600 ay magbabayad ng P1, 200 para sa
mobile passport fee kapag nagpunta na sila for personal appearance,” Alonzo
explained.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">According
to the DFA, new applicants need to submit Birth Certificate (BC) in Security
Paper (SECPA) issued by National Statistics Office (NSO), two valid
Identification Cards (photocopy) and NSO Authenticated Marriage Contract for
married women as requirements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Moreover,
applicants for renewal of passport are required to submit old passport,
photocopy of the first, last & all pages with marks in the passport, and
Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by National Statistics
Office (NSO) for newly married women.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">PYSEACTO
is located at Capitol Compound, Gat Blas Ople Building, City of Malolos,
Bulacan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-29948387760505168602014-06-22T21:51:00.000+08:002014-06-22T21:51:35.066+08:00Fellowships open for 18th Lopez Jaena Community Journalism Workshop on Reporting Corruption in October<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTbVEC7PsV0/UkmUVYOs5WI/AAAAAAAACtg/_GMF4w4-Wi4/s1600/2013+UP+CMC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FTbVEC7PsV0/UkmUVYOs5WI/AAAAAAAACtg/_GMF4w4-Wi4/s1600/2013+UP+CMC.jpg" height="249" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP CMC) will hold
the 18th Graciano Lopez Jaena Community Journalism Workshop from October 3 to 8
at the UP College of Mass Communication, Diliman, Quezon City.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fellowship
slots are available for this workshop. Applications are open to full-time
print, broadcast and online journalists, as well as selected journalism
educators and students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
year’s workshop theme is “Huwag Kumorap: Investigating Corruption in Media and
Government.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Resource
persons from the academe, government and non-government organizations will
speak on issues like investigative reporting, corruption-related laws, ethics
and freedom of information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Since
its first workshop in 1985, the Lopez Jaena Community Journalism Workshop has
trained hundreds of community journalists. Among the past fellows are Cong
Corrales, Raymund Villanueva, Dino Balabo, Froilan Gallardo, Frank Cimatu,
Ilang-ilang Quijano, Jo Clemente, Diosa Labiste, Danny Calleja, Flor Abanto and
Maurice Malanes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Applicants
should be currently engaged in the journalism profession with at least two
years’ working experience. They should also be below 45 years old. They must
submit an application letter; resume; two published/broadcast news reports; a
story plan for an investigative report on corruption in media or government;
and an endorsement from their editor, local press club president or a Lopez
Jaena Community Journalism Workshop alumnus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Limited
slots may be given to senior journalism students. Student applicants are
required to submit an application letter, resume, sample works and an
endorsement from their professor, department chair or dean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
fellowship will cover board and lodging. Participants will be billeted inside
the UP Diliman campus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Interested
journalists, journalism educators and students may send their application
papers to The Project Director, 18th Lopez Jaena Community Journalism Workshop
on Reporting Corruption, College of Mass Communication, University of the
Philippines (UP) Diliman, Quezon City.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
deadline for applications is on August 1.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
more details, please call the Office of Extension and External Relations (OEER)
at 920-6864 or 981-8500 local 2668 or email at lopezjaenaworkshop@gmail.com.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-37615031603582823702014-06-22T21:44:00.000+08:002014-06-22T21:44:14.698+08:00Inspect warehouses, NFA told<div class="im" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">MALOLOS CITY—Bulacan farmers demanded inspection and inventory of rice warehouses in Central Luzon as price spiked again while supply is low.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">For his part, Director Rex Estoperez, the spokesperson of the National Food Authority (NFA) said they might conduct inspection but did not disclose where and when.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Melencio Domingo, chair of the Malolos City Agriculture and Fisheries Council (MCAFC) said there is no problem with rice supply.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Instead, he stressed that the problem lies in the price due to perceive hoarding of some commercial traders.</span></div>
<div class="im" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Dapat simulan ng NFA ang inspection sa mga warehouses ng bigas sa Central Luzon, Domingo said.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He noted high volume of harvest by Bulacan farmers last cropping season.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Saan napunta yung magandang ani namin, malamang diyan ay iniipit lang sa mga warehouse,” he said and noted reports by the Department of Agriculture which said that the country achieved 97 percent rice sufficiency last year.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Domingo added that low supply of rice in the market is artificial due to hoarding, thus, the need for NFA inspection monitoring of rice inventories in warehouses.</span></div>
<div class="im" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">For his part, Estoperez said the NFA might impose its visitorial powers soon.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">However, he said that there is no need yet for NFA to conduct inspection.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Estoperez noted that in the past the NFA conducted inspection on warehouses when supply of rice went down.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In a live interview over Radyo Bulacan, he said, “sapat pa ang supply ng bigas natin.”</span></div>
<div class="im" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He also advised the public not to go on panic buying and to avoid wasting rice.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">With rice price hike, Estoperez said that it is normal at this time of year which he described as lean months.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">But Bulacan farmers said rice process today is anything but normal.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">They noted that palay price climbed to P25.60 last week, the highest buying price in history.</span></div>
<div class="yj6qo ajU" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; outline: none; padding: 10px 0px; width: 22px;">
<div aria-label="Hide expanded content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Hide expanded content" id=":18m" role="button" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); clear: both; line-height: 6px; outline: none; position: relative; width: 20px;" tabindex="0">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<div class="im adL" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Farmers said that it is a clear indication of the low supply of rice due to allege hoarding. (Dino Balabo)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-1578090076156986842014-05-25T21:30:00.001+08:002014-05-25T21:30:23.908+08:00DPWH virtually clear contractor of collapsed bridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwwOWPJWr2w/U4HwASphOXI/AAAAAAAADjM/MPCdXwBspf8/s1600/2+calumpit+bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwwOWPJWr2w/U4HwASphOXI/AAAAAAAADjM/MPCdXwBspf8/s1600/2+calumpit+bridge.JPG" height="378" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">MALOLOS
CITY—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) virtually cleared the
contractor of the bridge in Calumpit town that collapsed on Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
local officials are looking at the possibilities of filing charges that may
lead the revocation of contract of the Wing-An Construction Development
Corporation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Engineer
Jesse Obordo of DPWH regional office in Central Luzon said that they see no
reason to file sanctions against Wing-An which is owned by a certain Engineer
Shelwyn Lao based in San Juan City in Metro Manila.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Wala
namang violation, kaya walang sanction na ipapataw sa contractor,”Obordo said
as he defended the contractor of the P166-Million bridge rehabilitation
project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
said that the collapse was an accident and only two workers suffered minor
injuries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Obordo
said that while the project is originally expected to be completed last April
23, it remain on schedule as the implementation was suspended at least twice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
said that first suspension on the project was first implemented when a
temporary hanging bridge was constructed last year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-8597743951367842002014-05-11T07:29:00.001+08:002014-05-11T07:29:28.315+08:00Angat Dam to hit critical level today<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJh-LikWh1s/U2614hA0qpI/AAAAAAAADg8/rHAW76089jY/s1600/1+angat+dam4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJh-LikWh1s/U2614hA0qpI/AAAAAAAADg8/rHAW76089jY/s1600/1+angat+dam4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angat Dam file photo by Dino Balabo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
MALOLOS CITY-- Water elevation at the giant Angat Dam continue to drop and it is expected to hit critical 180 meters above sea level today, May 11, 2014.<br />
<br />
This came as water elevation at the dam further drop to 180.12 masl as of 6AM today based on monitoring of the state weather bureau.<br />
<br />
It dropped by .35 meters since yesterday when the state weather bureau recorded 180.47 meters.<br />
<br />
Engineer Rodolfo German, general manager of the Angat River Hydroelectric Power Plant (Arhepp) based in Hilltop, Norzagaray earlier said that they will cut allocation for farmers irrigation when level at the dam hit critical 180 masl.<br />
<br />
Here's record for water elevation at the Angat Dam in the past seven days. All are recorded by Pagasa at 6AM.<br />
<br />
May 5--182.20 masl<br />
May 6--181.92 masl<br />
May 7--181.65 mals<br />
May 8--181.31 masl<br />
May 9--180.85 masl<br />
May 10--180.47 masl<br />
May 11--180.12 maslUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-11343428434665963792014-05-09T05:48:00.002+08:002014-05-09T05:48:44.717+08:00CL on alert for rice black bug<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NOGQ5m3_vZk/U2v63Say1gI/AAAAAAAADgI/4LxMJX-c5ts/s1600/2+black+bug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NOGQ5m3_vZk/U2v63Say1gI/AAAAAAAADgI/4LxMJX-c5ts/s1600/2+black+bug.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rice black bug. Photo by Bulacan PAO</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">MALOLOS
CITY—Ever heard of herding ducks in the rice field soon after crop gets
established?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
that’s one of the solutions offered by the experts in further controlling
possible rice black bug infestation in Central Luzon where ricelands are also
being threatened by irrigation shortage due to possible long dry spell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Aside
from the above, experts also suggested intensive implementation of integrated
pest management (IPM), spraying of
pathogenic microorganism called metarhizium, and raising water level on
ricelands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Based
on records from the Central Luzon office of the Department of Agriculture (DA),
rice black bug (Scotinophara coarctata) infestation has affected 2,820 hectares of farmlands in the region.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They
said it remains under control but local agriculturist in Bulacan are not taking
it easy noting that hot temperatures leads rice black bug to further burrow
itself on rice stems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Citing
experts’ explanation,Gloria Carillo, head of the Bulacan Provincial Agriculture
Office (PAO) said that the bug used to suck sap on the rice stem and lay eggs
on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It’s
an invasive pest species that attacks all growth stages of the rice plant,” she
said in describing the bug.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At
present, Carillo said that there have been sightings of the bug in the towns of
Bulakan, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, San Rafael and Baliwag, all in the province
of Bulacan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Other
provinces in Central Luzon showed greater impacts of infestation caused by the
bug.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Records
from the DA-III office showed that a total of 570 hectares of ricelands in the
province of Aurora were affected by the
bug.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Also
in Nueva Ecija (550 has), Pampanga (220 has), and Tarlac with 1,500 hectares.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Records
also showed impacts on rice yields in affected areas ranged from 3-5 percent in
Nueva Ecija, 10-20 percent in Tarlac, 20 percent in Aurora, and 20 to 40
percent in Pampanga.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Felicito
Espiritu, head of the DA-III information office said that while affected areas
in the region climbed over 2,000 hectares, the infestation remained under
control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Kt2g09KGDA/U2v7Zl7LuOI/AAAAAAAADgg/YN6NONmffog/s1600/2+black+bug+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Kt2g09KGDA/U2v7Zl7LuOI/AAAAAAAADgg/YN6NONmffog/s1600/2+black+bug+2.JPG" height="310" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trapping rice black bug in Bulakan town. Photo by Bulacan PAO</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
said that local farmers has been trained to conduct regular monitoring through
surveillance using light trapping equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
explained that light trapping equipment which utilizes bright lights attracts
black bugs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Records
showed that rice black bug infestation in the country is not new.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is first monitored in 1979 in Southern Palawan where an outbreak was recorded
in 1982 covering 4,500 hectares.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the years that followed, incidents were recorded in 1996 in Zamboanga City
damaging about 2,000 hectares; in 1995 it became a serious pest in the
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); and in 1996, it moved to the
provinces of Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
1998, rice black bug infestations were recorded in Davao Del Sur and Negros
Occidental; then in Siquijor and Bohol provinces the following year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">From
the year 2000 onwards, infestations were further recorded northwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Records
showed that in 2000, infestation was recorded in Caraga Region, followed by
Leyte in 2001; Samar in 2003; Sorsogon in 2005;
and Catanduanes, Albay and Camarines Sur provinces in the Bicol region
in 2006.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">By
2007, first infestation was recorded in the province of Aurora, then in Isabela
and Laguna the following year; and in other parts of Luzon in 2010. <b><i>Dino Balabo</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-88395726695054892162014-04-27T22:05:00.000+08:002014-04-27T22:05:16.572+08:00Cloud seeding over Angat Dam eyed in May<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYF0FhIDu8c/U10NuGCDgXI/AAAAAAAADdg/XEA4Dk29IQY/s1600/1+angat+dam+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYF0FhIDu8c/U10NuGCDgXI/AAAAAAAADdg/XEA4Dk29IQY/s1600/1+angat+dam+6.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angat Dam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">MALOLOS
CITY—Planned cloud seeding operations over Angat Dam is likely to be
implemented on the first week of May to avert possible water shortage in Metro
Manila, the National Power Corporation (Napocor) said..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
came as water elevation at the Angat Dam dropped to 183.97 meters above sea
level (masl) at 6AM on Saturday, April 26.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
said water elevation is less than four meters before it drop to crit5ical 180
masl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gladys
Cruz-Sta. Rita, president of the Napocor said that they are now finalizing
memorandum of agreements (MOA) and contracts now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
she did not disclose who are the parties involved in the MOA and contract,
Engineer Rodolfo German, the general manager of the Angat River Hydroelectric
Power Plant (Arhepp) said the Napocor is now coordinating with the Department
of Agriculture (DA).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--igrAFOiDFk/U10OIzbrjII/AAAAAAAADdo/3aaRDElFYxk/s1600/1+engr+rodolfo+german.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--igrAFOiDFk/U10OIzbrjII/AAAAAAAADdo/3aaRDElFYxk/s1600/1+engr+rodolfo+german.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Engineer German</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">DA
is the mother agency of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) that
usually takes the lead in cloud seeding operations over Angat Dam that supplies
97 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water requirement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Cloud
seeding operations is usually conducted when water elevation at the Angat Dam
nears the critical 180 masl and when rainy season is still far.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is mean to secure water requirement for about 13-Million population of the
metropolis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Earlier,
German told PromdiNews that since January, rain hardly fall over the 53,000
hectares Angat watershed. <b><i>Dino
Balabo</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-39353724450433313282014-04-27T21:55:00.001+08:002014-04-27T21:55:17.331+08:00Bulacan remains red tide free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMzXVztAizM/U10L89fD1GI/AAAAAAAADdM/pqp8TeObya4/s1600/299834_283105141700865_358448394_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMzXVztAizM/U10L89fD1GI/AAAAAAAADdM/pqp8TeObya4/s1600/299834_283105141700865_358448394_n.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">HAGONOY, Bulacan—All types of shellfish in Bulacan remain free from paralytic shellfish poison or red tide toxins, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This came as similar marine products in the nearby province of Bataan and in Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga Del Sur; and the coastal waters of Milagros in Masbate are still positive for red tide.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Citing recent report issued by Director Asis Perez of BFAR, Felix Terrado, said local consumer in the province have nothing to worry.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDYtcmlQkA0/U10MIHctNhI/AAAAAAAADdU/zDfv9SCZym0/s1600/223570_1024935269001_3804_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDYtcmlQkA0/U10MIHctNhI/AAAAAAAADdU/zDfv9SCZym0/s1600/223570_1024935269001_3804_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He said all types of shell fish caught on Manila Bay from Metro Manila to Bulacan are safe.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This includes fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">However, like BFAR advisory, consumer must thoroughly wash the products remove internal organs like gills and intestines before cooking.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “There is no red tide in Bulacan and there is no white spot disease in Central Luzon,” said Terrado, the head of the BFAR research facility for brackishwater based at Barangay San Pedro here.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Terrado explained that water flowing from the Angat River keeps waters on the bay of Bulacan clean.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Angat River is the lone major river system in the province that is still “alive” based on report of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) about 10 years ago.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The same report noted that Marilao-Meycuayan River, along with the downstream of Bocaue, Balagtas and Guiguinto rivers are biologically dead.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-76239108922523742312014-04-27T21:50:00.000+08:002014-04-27T21:50:51.207+08:006 devotees crucified in Bulacan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GQmI7i95nu8/U10KVe2Z8RI/AAAAAAAADcw/o14VbqgxI-E/s1600/2+bautista.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GQmI7i95nu8/U10KVe2Z8RI/AAAAAAAADcw/o14VbqgxI-E/s1600/2+bautista.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">PAOMBONG,
Bulacan—An epileptic mute faith healer led five others that includes two women
in the reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ here, while hundreds
others flagellate themselves in observance of the Holy Week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
came as the Catholic Church discourage such acts, while some groups are looking
forward to promoting it as a tourism attraction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Crisanto
Bautista, a 54-year old mute faith healer who suffers from episodes of
epilepsy was the first to do the reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion on the
morning of Maundy Thursday at the Sto. Cristo Chapel yard at Barangay
Kapitangan here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
resident of Barangay Mercado in the coastal town of Hagonoy, Bautista came with
his family and friends who interpreted his message during the interview.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">During the interview, PromdiNews learned that Bautista loss his ability
to speak 16 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
even tried to write his answer on the wall by writing with his fingers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RicXRAIyDs/U10Kjz-5MYI/AAAAAAAADc4/m4R8z1q3Li4/s1600/2+kapitangan8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RicXRAIyDs/U10Kjz-5MYI/AAAAAAAADc4/m4R8z1q3Li4/s1600/2+kapitangan8.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Aileen,
the younger sister of Bautista said that her brother suffered from episodes of
epilepsy and was even comatose for three days when he was younger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Tatlong
araw siyang patay, nung magising ay hindi na siya makapagsalita,” Aileen said
and added that it was also then when his brother started as faith healer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Despite
his fragile physical condition, Bautista was nailed on the cross under
scorching heat. It was his 16<sup>th</sup> year in a row.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rowena
Enriquez, 34, a friend and assistant, said Bautista’s physical appearance did
not deter him from reenacting crucifixion twice a year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
said that Bautista used to reenact crucifixion at the old Santisima Trinidad
Church in Malolos City and in other places in the province.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
year, Bautista performed the reenactment at Barangay Kapitangan here on Maundy
Thursday and in Malolos City on Good Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
was followed by a still unidentified devotee who was also crucified on Maundy
Thursday at Barangay Sto. Rosario here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
Good Friday, Precy Valencia and Michael Katigbak performed the reenactment once
again along with Evangeline Mendoza and Junjun Tanael.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jkxVx5y3etg/U10K77rWk_I/AAAAAAAADdA/Gi2zu2Fh_p4/s1600/1+hampas+dugo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jkxVx5y3etg/U10K77rWk_I/AAAAAAAADdA/Gi2zu2Fh_p4/s1600/1+hampas+dugo2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">All
four are resident of this town and some claims, are following the footsteps of
Amparo Santos, a faith healer from Guiguinto town who used to do the
reenactment of crucifixion here in the late 80s and early 90s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
other parts of the province, hundreds of devotees who are either carried a cross
or flagellate their bloddied backs filled the streets of Bulacan on Good
Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
flagellants then braved the murky waters of local rivers in the belief that
saline water on the rivers will heal their wounds faster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
like Nestor Celso and his nephew Joel Martin swam on the Hagonoy river after
flagellating themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
above acts were discouraged by the Church and even by the Department of Health,
but Celso said they have been doing it for about three decades.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
this developed, the Bulacan Tourism Convention and Visitors Board (BTCVB) in
coordination with the Tourism Committee of the Paombong Municipal Council is
preparing a tourism master plan for Paombong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
plan sources said is designed to improve tourism management in here noting that
it is the only place in the province that draws about 100,000 visitors every
year without a promotional plan. <b><i>Dino
Balabo</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-37510038933446802962014-04-09T22:34:00.000+08:002014-04-09T22:34:30.958+08:00Half million vehicles to use MPTC managed expressways this Holy Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOmeThjWSBs/U0VYLtyoblI/AAAAAAAADY0/n9YYhJWB51s/s1600/2+nlex3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOmeThjWSBs/U0VYLtyoblI/AAAAAAAADY0/n9YYhJWB51s/s1600/2+nlex3.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">MALOLOS
CITY—Infrastructure giant Metro Pacific Tollways
Corporation (MPTC) is bracing for surge of traffic along three expressways they operate this Holy Week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Estimates showed that at least 500,000 vehicles will be using the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and the Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) during the lenten weekend from April 15 to 21. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rodrigo
Franco, president and chief Operating officer of the MNTC said that additional
manpower will be deployed at major interchanges along the NLEX especially in
Balintawak, Bocaue, Mindanao Avenue, Dau and Mabalacat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At
SCTEX, they will deploy additional personnel at Tarlac and Tipo exits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Franco
said they expect traffic to surge by 30 percent
or about 60,000 from the daily average of 170,000 vehicles .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
said that traffic surge is expected starting Holy Wednesday until late Maundy Thursday for north bound vehicle
along the NLEX.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5AZka2IR29k/U0VYfG8T9hI/AAAAAAAADY8/6T4uv1TysQs/s1600/2+nlex5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5AZka2IR29k/U0VYfG8T9hI/AAAAAAAADY8/6T4uv1TysQs/s1600/2+nlex5.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At
SCTEX, he said that the daily average of 24,000 vehicles is also expected to
climb by 30 percent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
his part, Ramoncito Fernandez, President and Chief Executive Officer of the
MPTC said that Cavitex daily average traffic volume of 101,000 might drop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
explained that volume is for daily motorists going back and forth to Metro
Manila.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We
expected that it will replaced by holiday motorist by the holy week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Franco
added that by Easter Sunday until the next they expect southbound traffic along
the NLEX and SCTEX to surge as people return to manila.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
also noted that sponsors for this year’s SMSK program along the expressways are
offering services like free wifi, motorist camps and sampling of products.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
of the products that available at motorist camps are from Maynilad Water,Regent
Belgian Wafles, Mochi Gelatin rice cakes, Yasai potao chips, and Rebisco Dowee donuts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Others
includes BeloSun product sampling at selected motorist camps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Major
sponsors for the 2014 SMSK are ShellPhilippines, Smart communications and
Philippine Long Distance telephone Company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Minor
sponsors are Philippine Star and Belo
Sun Expert. <b><i>Dino Balabo</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-7515012846258364882014-04-09T21:36:00.000+08:002014-04-09T22:11:43.547+08:00All roads leads to Hot Air Balloon Festival<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DAAakFOVjQ/U0VL3CxdzFI/AAAAAAAADYI/7unAwjzjtOo/s1600/18th+PIHABF+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DAAakFOVjQ/U0VL3CxdzFI/AAAAAAAADYI/7unAwjzjtOo/s1600/18th+PIHABF+2013.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2013 file photo by Peter Alagos.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">MALOLOS
CITY—All roads leads to Lubao town in Pampanga for the
biggest annual hot air balloon festival
in South East Asia starting April 10.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Organized
by the newly formed Pilipinas Hot Air Balloon Festival Inc., (PHABFI) in
coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT), the four day event is
expected to draw at least 100,000 international and domestic tourists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It will start on April 10 and will end on April 13.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ronaldo
Tiotuico, director of DOT Central Luzon Office said that as the annual festival
moved from Clark Freeport Zone to Barangay Prado Siongco in Lubao town this
year, more participants have registered to join.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
a live interview over Radyo Bulacan, Tiotuico confirmed that 35 to 38
multi-colored and differently shaped balloons from nine participating countries
are joining.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Flying
the balloon will start as early as 5:30 AM, while at night, glow in the night
hot air balloons will also served as an attraction.<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
glow in the night balloon will be showcased on Friday and Saturday nights,buts
such will be allowed for lift off as all nigh glow balloons will be tied on an
anchor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tiotuico
said that there will be balloons that tourists can ride, but it will also be
tied to an anchor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“This
is the biggest annual hot air balloon festival in South East Asia and we are
inviting everybody to come and see,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
director also said that as early at last week, participating international
balloonist have arrived and in the country and tour other parts of the country
before the starting their preparation for today’s events.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
of the participating balloonists came to as far as France, Germany, the United
States, Malaysia and South Korea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tickets
for the annual festival is P200 each, which is lower than the P250 charged in
the past when the festival was held in Clark Freeport Zone. Tickets will be sold at the gates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With
regards to road directions, Tiotuico said that those coming from Manila can
exit at San Fernando Toll Plaza along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and
head all the way to Lubao, the last town of Pampanga when going to Bataan
province.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
there are road constructions along the Gapan-Olongapo Road on the east side of
Lubao.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
this, Tiotuico advised visitors to turn right to Lubao megadike and follow the
Luba by-pass road, then right again on Gapan-Olongapo Road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
said that tourist can also use the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway, then exit at
the Dinalupihan interchange and turn left on the Gapan-Olongapo Road towards
Hermosa town in Bataan, then Lubao town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
this developed, Tiotuico said they are keeping their fingers crossed that there
will be no rains during the festival<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
Lubao town experience heavy downpour on Tuesday night. <b><i>Dino Balabo</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-24554287566800764242014-04-03T07:51:00.000+08:002014-04-03T07:51:39.789+08:00SM Baliwag cites Earth Hour benefits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eItOiOqVFd0/UzyhgxvPmMI/AAAAAAAADW8/RPXFhCo_3hQ/s1600/2+earth+hour5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eItOiOqVFd0/UzyhgxvPmMI/AAAAAAAADW8/RPXFhCo_3hQ/s1600/2+earth+hour5.JPG" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">BALIWAG,
Bulacan—A local mall here cited benefits in participating in the annual Earth
Hour celebrations saying they saved energy equivalent to consumption of 25
households since hosting the event four years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
this developed, hundreds of Bulakenyos joined the Earth Hour celebrations in
major malls in the province as the provincial government urged them to
participate in the annual one hour switch off on Saturday night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
the annual activity in the province remain as a private initiated project as
only a handful of local government units joined the Earth Hour activities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Beverly
Cruz, public relations officer of SM City Baliwag said they that every year
they joined host the annual Earth Hour, they were able to save at least 15
percent in their daily energy consumption.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k9I4gijE-do/Uzyh5oziMWI/AAAAAAAADXE/KuwB6zkz--Y/s1600/2+earth+hour13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k9I4gijE-do/Uzyh5oziMWI/AAAAAAAADXE/KuwB6zkz--Y/s1600/2+earth+hour13.JPG" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Citing
cumulative records, he said they were able to save at least P51,300 in the last
four years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That
savings is equivalent to energy consumption of at least 51 houselholds that consumes P1,000 in electricity
every month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Cruz
also disclosed that SM City Baliwag and other SM mall branches are planning to
install light emitting diode (LED) lights in the malls this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
said LED lights will replace chloroflourescent light (CFL) bulbs within the
malls which replaced incandescent bulbs years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We
continue to aim for more energy efficient and environment friendly operations
in our malls,” she said noting that the plan is mandatory based on orders of
the SM Group management.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Cruz
also said that plan is part of their mall management’s attempt to further
encourage use of environment friendly technologies that marked annual Earth
Hour celebrations here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Last
year, the celebrations was highlighted by solar powered improvised fireflies
inside hundreds of plastic bottles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hb7yrhHHfc/UzyiIJyQhXI/AAAAAAAADXM/J6op7aVn7_Y/s1600/2+earth+hour7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8hb7yrhHHfc/UzyiIJyQhXI/AAAAAAAADXM/J6op7aVn7_Y/s1600/2+earth+hour7.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
Saturday night, the celebration was highlighted by fire dances and use of LED
lights by hundreds of Bulakenyos. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Two
other Earth Hour activities were celebrated at SM City Marilao and at the
Robinson’s Place Malolos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
celebration was even endorsed by Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado in his weekly
radio program over Radyo Bulacan on Saturday morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
Bulakenyos noted the lack of related activities for the Earth Hour initiated by
local government units in the province.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
local mayor and a municipal councilor who asked not to be named said they don’t
even know what Earth Hour is all about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
they vowed to initiate similar activities next year and implement energy saving
programs within their offices. <b><i>Dino
Balabo</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-17652327239043718662014-04-03T07:26:00.000+08:002014-04-03T07:29:32.136+08:00Angat Dam is earthquake resistant--Napocor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqhXztnfCcs/T9TAfARDEVI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/PpvF_CD5HEE/s1600/P3240110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqhXztnfCcs/T9TAfARDEVI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/PpvF_CD5HEE/s1600/P3240110.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">MALOLOS
CITY—Angat Dam is safe and resistant to earthquake, the National Power
Corporation (Napocor) said and assured the safety of Bulakenyos living
downstream of the dam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
came as the Napocor launched its information and education campaign on Angat
Dam Operation in Norzagaray, Bulacan the other day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">During
the launch of the campaign participated by municipal disaster risk reduction
officials, planning officer and social workers, Engineer Manny Monteverde of
the Napocor Dams, Reservoirs and Waterways division described the 47-years old
dam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> He said that Angat Dam is a rock-fill type of
dam and that this type of dam which is resistant to damage from earthquakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Monteverde
explained that the dam’s capacity to resist earthquakes is due to its inherent
elasticity and self-healing characteristics. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
also also made clear that the dam has no crack saying “walang lamat ang dam.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
in reference to news reports about five years ago that the dam have cracks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With
regards to presence of the West Marikina Valley Faultline which is said to be
situated some 200 meters east of the dam’s dike, a geologist from the
Engineering Development Corporation of the Philippines (EDCOP) also tried to
allay fears of Bulakenyos.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dr.
Ramon Quebral, a structural geologist from the EDCOP said that the theory on
the West Valley Fault in connection with Angat Dam is only a premise that is
yet to be studied and verified further.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">EDCOP
is the partner of the Tonkin & Taylor International based in New Zealand
that conducted a six month feasibility study on the integrity of the Angat Dam
which was completed in May 2012.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the said study, EDCOP and Tonkin & Taylor did not conduct a site specific
seismic study on the Angat Dam to verify the presence of the splay of the fault
line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
an earlier interview, Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado disclosed that the
said faultline is used by a former administrator of the Metropolitan Waterworks
and Sewerage System (MWSS) to justify construction of another dam in Rizal
province.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Citing
warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(Philvolcs), Alvarado said that the said faultline can move anytime might cause
a breach on the Angat Dam. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
her part, Gladys Cruz–Sta. Rita, president of the Napocor also tried to allay
fears on possible dam break.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
said the other day, “We must not give in to fear but should not abandon caution."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
a former Provincial Administrator of Bulacan, Sta. Rita said that she came to
the infprmation drive not only to speak on behalf of the corporation that has
been in the dam industry for 77 years with a pool of the most talented
engineers in the country, but also as a concerned Bulakenya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Ang
aming misyon sa National Power Corporation ay ang maging tagapagbantay at
kakampi ninyo sa matagalang kaligtasan at pakinabang sa yamang tubig na tuwina
ay gamit natin sa araw-araw na pamumuhay,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
information drive also discussed why Angat Dam spills water in relation to
possibilities of over-topping or overflowing of water that may cause dam
failure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We
only release water when our dam reaches its critical spilling level, this is to
avoid over tapping that can impose greater risk in the province of Bulacan. We
are only protecting the integrity of our dam,” explained Engineer Russel Rigor
of Napocor’s Flood Forecasting and Warning System Division. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
enlightened the participants on Angat River’s flow capacity, Napocor’s warning
stations and flood forecasting facilities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was also clarified in the presentations that recent floods that hit Calumpit,
Paombong, and Hagonoy towns cannot be attributed solely to Angat Dam spilling,
but to the natural tendency of these towns to serve as catch basin for the
Pampanga River System. <b><i>Dino Balabo<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-42270459787662434352014-03-26T21:51:00.000+08:002014-03-26T21:52:56.223+08:00German introduces smart LED technology developed after Yolanda<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdyv7tE5pRA/UzLX65iRtwI/AAAAAAAADVw/OzzrY6FHLGw/s1600/1+intelligent+LED3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdyv7tE5pRA/UzLX65iRtwI/AAAAAAAADVw/OzzrY6FHLGw/s1600/1+intelligent+LED3.JPG" height="640" width="576" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wallraf points to his smart LED display installed in a restaurant in Malolos City. <b><i>DB</i></b></span></div>
</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">MALOLOS
CITY—How smart is the signage that you’re using now? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is the main question answered by a German national four months after the
onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas where his family was trapped
last year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thomas
Wallraf, 50, a German national said current technologies involving Light
Emitting Diode (LED) is not as smart as many though it to be. However, he is
introducing a smarter technology that will improve the functionality of LED
signages. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is called the intelligent LED where information that is flashed on LED display
can be changed anytime remotely. “Even if I am in Davao City and the LED
display is here, I can change the message anytime,” he said noting that the LED
display he is now introducing is equipped with a GSM modem connected to a
cellular phone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Wallraf
disclosed that he came up with the idea after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda
in Eastern Visayas last year. He said that it took him almost a week before
getting in touch with his family. “When I finally reached Tacloban City, I saw
disorder due to lack of proper information,” he said noting that people do not
know what to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
said hundreds of military personnel spent a lot of time in trying to control
long queues and telling people what to do.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QhW-6Eseooc/UzLY85sZz0I/AAAAAAAADV4/wL0GMItR12o/s1600/2+led2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QhW-6Eseooc/UzLY85sZz0I/AAAAAAAADV4/wL0GMItR12o/s1600/2+led2.JPG" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“They
could have saved time and effort if they have the intelligent LED technology at
that time,” he said adding that he personally asked his friends in Germany to
come up with a new software in the utilization of LED display. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Wallraf
said GS Electronics based in Leverkussen, Germany responded within months and
came up with the intelligent LED display. He said the LED technology has been
around for more than two decades, but it is usually connected to a computer or
a laptop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Now,
we don’t need a laptop computer to feed in messages on intelligent LED, we only
need a cellular phone,” he said. Aside from disaster hit areas, Wallraf said
his LED technology can be used to alert people days before disasters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
said it can be installed in front of churches, public markets and places
frequented by many people who can easily read the messages that are displayed.
He said the messages can be changed remotely as often as an operator want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
can also be installed along the highways or on board a pickup truck or any
large vehicle. The cost for Wallraf’s intelligent LED technology starts at
P55,000 per package that includes a meter long and 16 centimeters high display.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
said any customer can order a larger display but it will cost more. Walraff
said their display can show 16 running characters at a time, and have a
capacity of 160 characters per message. <b><i>Dino Balabo</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-72983272870628314022014-03-26T21:07:00.000+08:002014-03-26T21:07:34.572+08:00Ex-beauty queen survived attack<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPv1DvKE7ns/UzLNjDBskMI/AAAAAAAADVg/x86XereFqoo/s1600/2+dianne4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPv1DvKE7ns/UzLNjDBskMI/AAAAAAAADVg/x86XereFqoo/s1600/2+dianne4.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Cervantes' Facebook account.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">HAGONOY,
Bulacan—A 32-year old former beauty queen turn municipal councilor here was
shot in the head 7:30PM Tuesday in Paombong town.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
victim survived the attack, but it was enough to raise alarm bells for
residents here due to series of crimes since December when a family was
massacred, followed by a killing of retired teacher and a police officer last
January.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Senior
Superintendent Joel Orduna, province director of the Bulacan police identified
the victim as Francis Dianne Cervantes, 32, single, and resident of Barangay
Mercado here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
third term municipal councilor, Cervantes won the Miss Earth Philippines-Fire
title in 2006. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Initial
investigation disclosed that Cervantes was on board a Sym motorcycle with
license plates 8913-RP and was on the way to her family house at Long Valley
Subdivision in Barangay San Isidro 2, Paombong, Bulacan when she was shot in the head around 7:30
Tuesday night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Witnesses
told investigators that two motorcycle riding men approach the victim and shot
her repeatedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
even said that they heard at least six gun fires.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
suspect immediate fled to unknown direction, while bystanders came to rescue
the former beauty queen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
was rushed to the Divine Word Hospital at Barangay San Pablo here for first air
treatment and was transferred to Bulacan Medical Center, then to University of
Santo Tomas Hospital in Manila.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Vice
Mayor Pedro Santos told <b>Promdi<i>NEWS</i></b> in a telephone interview that Cervantes
suffered at least three gunshot wounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
was echoed by Sol Santos, a village councilor who said that she was told that
Cervantes suffered gunshot wounds in the neck, in the head and on her back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The vice mayor also
said that despite head injury, Cervantes is still conscious when rushed to
Divine Word Hospital. <i>Dino Balabo</i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6020066570336430748.post-82817464300437835582014-03-25T12:52:00.001+08:002014-03-25T22:36:04.935+08:00Angat Dam rehab delayed anew <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVuzpsuraUY/UJElCL3RDBI/AAAAAAAABAE/y9LWxYcz04Q/s1600/2+baj6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTFQIZl7Ek8/UzGKRtMRC3I/AAAAAAAADVQ/NpkEIfdpQI4/s1600/1+angat+dam2b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iTFQIZl7Ek8/UzGKRtMRC3I/AAAAAAAADVQ/NpkEIfdpQI4/s1600/1+angat+dam2b.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">MALOLOS
CITY—The proposed rehabilitation of the Angat Dam is stalled again due to the
delay in the privatization of its 246-megawatt power generating facility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
developed as Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-Water) failed to secure a
business permit from the municipality of Norzagaray, a ranking official of the
National Power Corporation (Napocor) said on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">K-Water
is the winning bidder in the privatization of the 246-megawatt Angat River
Hydroelectric Power Plant (Arhepp) which remains under the management of the
Napocor. Engineer Rodolfo German, Arhepp general manager, said the planned
take-over of K-Water on March 25 will not push through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
said this is due to non-issuance of a business permit by the municipal
government of Norzagaray, Bulacan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">German
said Norzagaray is demanding payment of at least P25 million for the business
permit of K-Water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Representatives
of the Korean company, German said, are still coordinating with their
principals in Seoul on how to go about what they perceived as “the lone
obstruction” before they can operate the Arhepp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
delay is the third in four months after the Metropolitan Waterworks and
Sewerage System (MWSS) and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management
(Psalm) Corporation made two separate announcements on the possible take-over
of K-Water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
first was in last December, then it was moved to the end of January; and when
that failed, Psalm announced that March 25 is the new target date for a formal
take over. The failure of K-Water to take over Arhepp also reflects the failure
of Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado to intervene, observed German.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
the governor said that he already talked to Norzagaray Mayor Alfredo Germar
last January to issue a business permit to K-Water and collect taxes from them
later. Alvarado’s intervention came as the province demanded an immediate
implementation of the proposed P5.7 billion rehabilitation on the Angat Dam’s
main dike which experts said might be breached by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
even said that if the March 25 takeover pushes through, the bidding for the
rehabilitation could start as early as May. But that is to be realized since
K-Water’s formal takeover of Arhepp is stalled for the third time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">German
said with the latest failure of K-Water to take over Arhepp, the implementation
of the proposed rehabilitation on the dam will have to wait.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
he said the implementation might still be possible before the end of the year
if the take-over of K-Water will push through. Earlier, the MWSS said that they
withheld the P5.7-billion funding for the rehabilitation of the dam because
part of the contract of K-Water involves spending for the rehabilitation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">K-Water
won the bid in the privatization of Arhepp two years ago, but was stopped by
petitions filed before the Supreme Court. Last year, the Supreme Court gave
K-Water a favorable decision after it found a local partner with the group of
businessman Ramon Ang. <b><i>Dino Balabo</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0