ADB OKs P17.5-M grant for coastal management projects in Zambales

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved P17.1-million worth of livelihood assistance to fund coastal resource management projects in nine municipalities of the province.

Zambales provincial agriculturist Dr. Rene Mendoza said the selected fisherfolk, non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations will be receiving equipment, facilities and materials for predetermined livelihood projects under the Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project (ICRMP) of the Department of Agriculture.

The beneficiaries come from the towns of Sta. Cruz, Candelari, Masinloc, Palauig, Iba, Cabangan, San Felipe, San Antonio and Subic.

Zambales is the first province in Region 3 to receive funding under the ICRMP program for Enterprise Development and Income Diversification.

Provincial agriculturist Reynaldo Reologio said the ICRMP has four components: Policy and Institutional Strengthening and Development; ICRM and Biodiversity Conservation; Enterprise Development and Income Diversification; and Social and Environmental Services and Facilities.

The projects were approved after the Zambales NGOs and People’s Organizations (POs), with the assistance of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), prepared and submitted project proposals for cooperative enterprises to the Department of Agriculture, which assessed the proposals.

Reoligio said the department will also be responsible for monitoring and providing further administrative and management assistance to the recipient organizations to ensure that the projects will prosper.

Funding that were initially approved for release are: P464,467.39 for a rice retailing and meat and fish processing facility in Subic town; P204,375.40 for tilapia production in San Felipe; P943,624.04 for natural salt production in Botolan; P387,074.85 for iodized salt processing and mudcrab fattening projects in Palauig; and P478,518.20 for a hog fattening farm in Sta. Cruz.

The assistance program requires that the recipient organization, upon earning back the full capital invested, can only retain 50 percent of the amount. The other half would have to be donated to a municipal federation of farmers or fishermen to fund more local entrepreneur projects, Reologio added.

“These projects augur well with the program of Governor Ebdane to develop the agriculture sector in the province,” Mendoza said.

He said under the governor’s administration, the PAO has become more active in assisting farmers and fisherfolk throughout Zambales on projects and activities that enhance their livelihood and industry.

“After the governor approved a half-million increase in our department’s budget, we have also improved our mobility and facilities and became more capable of rendering services under our mandate,” Mendoza said.

Recently, the PAO has also facilitated the distribution of gill nets to fishermen’s cooperatives in the towns of Palauig and Masinloc. Before that, the office also facilitated the distribution of 432,000 tilapia fingerlings that were dispersed in rivers and lakes in the province. By JONAS REYES - mb.com.ph

Mt. Tapulao Eco-Tourism park

IBA, Zambales — Local government here is optimistic to boost the tourism industry once Mt. Tupulao facilities are developed into a tourism park which four foreign investors pledged to invest $1 million for the tourism park in the province.

Earlier, Iba, Zambales Mayor Herbert Deloso and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Luzon Director Ricardo Calderon signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for the protection and development of the 5,000-hectare Mt. Tapulao. Mt.Tapulao is one of the highest peaks in the province of Zambales that has the potential premier eco-tourism destination not only in the province but also in Central Luzon.

Two Zambales towns already transparency compliant - DILG

Even before the launching of the first Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) “Tapatan Roadshow” last week, the agency’s provincial office in Iba, Zambales announced that two of the province’s 13 towns are already fully compliant of the agency’s Full Disclosure Policy.

The DILG launched “Tapatan Roadshow on Full Disclosure Policy” in Clark, Pampanga last week in adherence to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s call to tread the straight and narrow path of transparency aimed at minimizing, preventing, and completely ridding the government of graft and corruption.

DILG Zambales provincial director Flordeliza Trinidad said that the Municipality of Iba, a first class municipality, and 4th class San Felipe were the first to comply with the directives of the agency.

She also said that the rest of the towns and the provincial government are “partially compliant” and “probably need some adjustments to fully comply with their directives.”

Iba Mayor Adhebert Deloso, meanwhile, thanked DILG for recognizing their efforts in following the requirements of good governance.

He said that the municipal government is doing its best in support of PNoy’s anti-corruption campaign.

The DILG is resolved to implement its full disclosure campaign for all local government units in its push for the realization of the Aquino administration’s focus on having a government of “Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap” (No Corruption, No Poverty).

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said he has established means to measure the performance of every local government, saying they are expected to be “matino at mahusay” (on the right path and better performers).

“Ito ang magbabago ng ugali ng lokal na pamahalaan (These will change the attitude of the local government),” he said.

Among the measures he presented was the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP), requiring all LGUs “to post their budgets and finances, bids, and public offerings in government websites and newspapers of general circulation, and in conspicuous places within their localities.”

The Local Government Code of 1991 provides the legal basis for the implementation of the FDP.

Section 352 requires the posting within 30 days from the end of each year in at least three publicly accessible and conspicuous places in the LGU a summary of all revenues collected and funds received, including the appropriations and disbursements of such funds during the preceding fiscal year.

Also, Republic Act No. 9184, known as the Government Procurement Reform Act, calls for the posting of the Invitation to Bid, Notice to Proceed, and Approved Contract in the premises of the place of the buyer, in newspapers of general circulation, the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS), and the website of the buying.

Robredo warned that non-compliant LGUs may face administrative charges.

He also hinted that its third party-partners can also verify the performance and the disclosure compliance of these LGUs. If found lacking, the corresponding charges maybe authored by these watchdogs. (by Allen M. Villa/PIA Zambales/ with report from PIA Central Office)

Zambales LGU closes open dump site

IBA, Zambales Mayor Adhebert P. Deloso has ordered the closure of the municipal open dump site in Barangay Bangantalinga, this town, and instructed all barangay environment committee heads to enforce the proper disposal and segregation of garbage in their locality.

The move is a continuing commitment to adhere to Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

Signed on January 26, 2001, the law calls for the institutionalization of a national program that will manage the control, transfer, transport, processing, and disposal of solid wastes in the country.

The dumpsite, operated by the municipal government since 1995 under a land lease agreement with a private individual, was subjected to “controlled dumping” since the signing into law of RA 9003.

Mayor Deloso ordered its closure last March 8 upon the recommendation of the Municipal Solid Waste Management Board (MSWDB) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 3.

In an interview with Pines Arcega, municipal technical assistant for environment, she said that Mayor Deloso has given strict instruction to all barangay officials in town to fast track the identification and construction of recovery facility and composting sites in their areas.

“So far, only Barangay Palanginan has identified a recovery facility and Mayor Deloso has given instructions to extend the needed support for the construction of a recovery facility there. All the other barangays can expect the same support accorded to Barangay Palanginan,” Arcega said.

Arcega added that starting March 22, garbage trucks roaming around town will no longer collect unsegregated garbage from residents, offices, and business establishments.

She also said that they will strictly enforce the 3P program of the municipal government. 3P stands for paghihiwa-hiwalay (segregation), pagreresikulo (recycling), and paglikom at pagtabi pansamantala (collection and temporary storage).

“Healthworkers in the 14 barangays of the town will go door-to-door to remind residents of the segregation of garbage and in the implementation of 3P,” Arcega said.(Allen M. Villa/PIA Zambales)

P260M lost in Iba public-market fire

IBA, Zambales—Fire of suspicious origin razed the building housing this capital town’s public market on Tuesday night, destroying some P260 million in properties and merchandise.

The blaze, which reportedly started in three locations within the building, quickly engulfed the two-story steel-and-concrete structure that was built in 1986, witnesses said.

The “slow reaction” of local firefighters, who reportedly deployed an empty water truck to the fire scene, made matters worse for more than 200 stall owners occupying the public market.

“In a matter of 15 minutes, the market was totally consumed by fire,” said public prosecutor Adhebert Deloso, son of Gov. Amor Deloso, who was then attending a late Christmas party about 300 meters from the market.

“The Iba fire truck arrived at about 9 p.m., but [the water tank] was empty,” he said, quoting investigation reports.

“The fire was only contained hours later when fire fighters from the NETC [Naval Education and Training Command], the PMMA ?[Philippine Merchant Marine Academy] and the SBMA [Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority] arrived,” Deloso added.

“Without help from the NETC, PMMA and SBMA, the fire could have spread to the nearby residential areas in barangay Zone 1.”

Deloso said that there are “strong indications that it was a case of arson,” citing reports that days before the fire, there were already rumors that the market would be burned down.

He said it was “unbelievable” that an unattended cooking fire in one of the stalls caused the blaze.

According to Hernan Moises, owner of a shoe store in the public market, several fires seemed to have started all at once just before 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

“We’re already here at about 9 o’clock and there was one fire at the first floor there,” Moises said, pointing to the western side of the market.

“There was another at the dry- goods area in the middle of the building,” he added.

The simultaneous fire scenario was also confirmed by at least two other stallholders who asked not to be named.

According to Hernan Cortez, chairman of barangay Lipay Dingin and one of the local officials who first responded to the emergency call, most of the merchandise lost in the blaze were intended for New Year.

“They have already stocked on chicken, cold cuts and other foodstuffs for the Media Noche [the traditional New Year’s Eve dinner celebrated by most Filipino households],” Cortez said.

Lina Bernan, who sold ladies’ accessories at the dry-goods section of the market, said she lost some P500,000 in inventories.

A rice dealer, meanwhile, lost some P7 million in the blaze, Deloso said.

Deloso, who is running for mayor of Iba town in the coming May 2010 polls, said that traders who lost their livelihood in the fire “should be given soft loans for them to start anew.”

He added that the legal question on the 5,000-square-meter lot where the public market is located should be settled as early as possible.

He said that while the Iba municipal government owned the market building, the land is being claimed by the Garcia family, who reportedly owns large landholdings in Zambales.

Recently, the municipal government lost the case to the Garcias, leaving the public market a virtual squatter in the area.

Deloso said that to resolve the issue, the government should decide to either relocate the market to another area or expropriate the land from the Garcia family. Written by Henry Empeño Business Mirror Correspondent

Zambales losing P3-billion tax due to DENR mining deal

IBA, Zambales – The province of Zambales is losing some P3-billion in taxes due to the Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSA) signed between large-scale mining companies and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Governor Amor Deloso said that at the moment there are around 30 MPSAs covering the mountains of Zambales.

“Zambales has lost about P3 billion in taxes due to the MPSAs. It is certainly unfair to my people that they don’t gain anything from these when they suffer from the pollution and the other inconveniences it (mining operations) brings,” he said.

Large-scale mining corporations pay taxes directly to the national government and have produced billions of pesos while small-scale mining here only produced some P135 million worth of tax.

Under the current set-up, local governments like Zambales have no control over large-scale miners despite being host to their operations. Local government units (LGUs) only regulate small-scale mining.

Deloso said large-scale mining corporations have no “social conscience” and have been ravaging the lands for the past 75 years.

Despite the MPSA, Deloso said, mining companies operating in Zambales should contribute to the development of this province aside from just enriching themselves.

Deloso said, “They should show some social conscience because they’re just permittees who make a living out of our land. They don’t own the mountains here. They should give us some respect.”

Zambales has been one of the richest areas in terms of mineral deposits, but have failed to gain development since the start of mining operations 75 years ago.

Deloso said the reason why Zambales hasn’t risen to the ranks of being a fully-develop province is that most of the taxes that come from mining go directly to the national government. By JONAS REYES - Manila Bulletin

Zambales town mayor survives gun attack

The mayor of Iba, Zambales and four others were wounded while two of his bodyguards were killed when at least six men fired at them Saturday night, police said.

Chief Superintendent Leon Nilo de la Cruz, Central Luzon police director, said Iba Mayor Danilo Pamoleras and his civilian bodyguards were having a drinking spree in front of his farm in Sitio Calagit, Barangay Dirita when they were shot with M-16 Armalite rifles at around 7:15 p.m.

De la Cruz identified the slain bodyguards as Bernie Aragon and Malvar Gamayan, who was killed on the spot.

He said Pamoleras and his wounded aides were rushed to the President Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in Iba town.

In a report to the regional police command, Senior Superintendent Roland Felix, Zambales police director, said Pamoleras only sustained a slight wound as Gamayan and Aragon covered him with their bodies.

The mayor’s four wounded bodyguards, identified as Ruben Maohay, Milanio Abadam, Herson Nebres and Joseph Contreras, were reported to be in stable condition, Felix said.

De la Cruz said police have launched pursuit operation against the gunmen who fled on three motorcycles.

He said police promptly coordinated with the Army’s 24th Infantry Battalion to possibly block the attackers in Barangay Sta. Barbara, Iba town.

Police were still investigating the motive behind the shooting. By Ric Sapnu (The Philippine Star)

Mild quake jolts Zambales, Olongapo City

A mild earthquake this morning rocked Zambales, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

The epicenter of the tremor was located under the sea 20 kilometers southwest of Iba, Zambales, according to Philvolcs director Renato Solidum.

In a radio interview, Solidum said they recorded intensity 3 in the areas of Olongapo and Zambales while intensity 2 rocked Quezon City and Ortigas.

The nature of the quake was tectonic caused by slight movement of the plates, particularly the Iba fault and Manila trench.

Solidum said even a 4.1 magnitude quake is not strong enough to bring down structures.

The quake occurred at around 9:06 this morning. By Dennis Carcamo - PhilStar

Zambales OKs early flood warning system

IBA, ZAMBALES – This province adopted on Thursday a P1.4-million community-based early warning system being used by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in the country’s flood-prone areas.

Pagasa Director Prisco D. Nilo said the project was the result of “what happened in the Surigao provinces in 2006 when flash floods hit the eastern seaboard of the Philippines, causing great damage to property and loss of life.”

Nilo led a ceremonial turnover of the project here.

Zambales is the sixth province in the country to adopt the system among the 13 provinces given priority by Pagasa, the lead agency that addresses the threat of weather disturbances. Because of its location, it is “prone to flash flooding because it is exposed in both the eastern and western seaboards,” Nilo said.

Nilo said the warning system was “an attempt to save lives and do what is necessary before a disaster occurs by giving people enough time to prepare and local government agencies to act.”

Pagasa plans to install the system and train residents in Ilocos Sur, Cavite, northeastern Samar and Bohol next year.

Dr Susan Espinueva, hydrologist and officer in charge of flood forecasting and warning section, is task leader of the new system.

“After consulting with the local government units and training the observers, what we do next is designate a disaster operation center in the municipality or barangay. At different points scattered throughout the area, we’ve identified flash flood-prone areas and assigned observers to obtain data that will be sent to the disaster operation center for interpretation,” she said.

The most important indicators of an imminent flash flood are rainfall intensity and water-level height which observers should measure every two hours during heavy rains.

Espinueva said the community must know about the system for it to be effective.

Scattered throughout Zambales are 15 electronic rain gauges, three standard rain gauges, alarm systems, a public address system, signs, monitoring boards and the operations manual for observers and operation center personnel.

Gov. Amor Deloso pointed to Mt. Pinatubo as a significant cause of the rise of flash floods in Zambales. By Robert Gonzaga - Inquirer Central Luzon Desk

Freeport and industrial park set to rise in Zambales

IBA, Zambales - A 600-hectare freeport industrial park envisioned to spur economic development in this typhoon-devastated province is set to rise here.

Gov. Amor Deloso said Imagine Realty Corp is bullish in developing a vast idle lot owned by the government located at the Redondo Peninsula in Barangay Cawag, Subic, Zambales to make it into an ecozone.

"Zambales will soon have its own Freeport designed to attract more investment and generate employment for our people," Deloso said.

The project will focus on sustainable development, said Deloso adding it will be of mix-use industrial park. The ecozone will be limited to light and non-polluting industries such as electronic and garment factories, information technology and even call centers.

"We will not allow heavy pollutant industries in the area," Deloso pointed out.

Subic town being a contiguous community of the Subic Bay Freeport, Deloso said has been declared as part of the ecozone.

Just like Subic Freeport, the Zambales Freeport Industrial Park will be developed into a self-sustaining, commercial, financial and investment center to generate employment in the province and attract local and foreign investments.

Roberto Aventajado, Imagine Realty Corporation president, said Subic town has a potential to become a freeport due to the existing seaport complemented with other infrastructure facilities.

"Our company is currently in alliance with international investors that can pursue full development of the Zambales Industrial Park," Aventajado told reporters here.

The firm, Aventajado said will shoulder the cost of the project study to be completed in the 30-days period. "Our proposal will be mutually beneficial, especially for the progress of Zambales.

Similar to Subic Freeport, Deloso said Zambales Industrial Park will be operated and managed as a separate custom territory ensuring free flow and movement of goods. He said the province will retain its basic autonomy and will operate according to the Local Government Code of 1991.- Jess Malabanan - ABS CBN NEWS

Jueteng operation continues in Zambales

IBA, Zambales: Despite an executive order from Gov. Amor Deloso for a full scale crackdown on the illegal numbers games, and a newly appointed Police Provincial Director to implement the order, jueteng has reportedly persisted in the province, said sources of The Manila Times.

Whilw Zambales police operatives arrested several kubradors in January in an effort to implement the supposed intensified campaign, the illegal numbers game resumed a few days later.

Sources said the supposed arrest was all for show, adding that jueteng draws were twice a day as soon as jueteng operations were resumed.

The executive order “declaring the six months moratorium on aggressive operation against illegal activities in the province is now over.” The undated but signed order was addressed to police authorities and all the 13 municipal mayors.

Zambales police authorities headed by the newly installed Provincial Director Roland Felix who assumed his post in January are said to have shied away from the issue.

The Manila Times tried to call Felix but he did not answer, and had left text messages unanswered.

The source added that kurbradors would only use a piece of paper without the PCSO when they collected bets even as Small Town Lottery office had public place for the official lottery draws.
--Anthony Bayarong - Manila Times

Isabel Rivas's Paradise

In time, this girl from Iba, Zambales, would become one of the country's most formidable kontrabidas.


YES! Magazine

Marilou Yap Gumabao, better known as actress Isabel Rivas, got into showbiz through sheer guts.


"Nauna sa aking mag-artista si Dennis," says Isabel, referring to her elder brother, actor and former Quezon City 3rd District congressman, Dennis Roldan.


"Tapos, naging friend ko si [director] Joey Gosengfiao kasi neighbor namin siya sa Quezon City. So, noong kinuha nilang artista si Dennis, nag-apply din ako. I think I was just 18 [years old] at that time. Pero gusto ko nang mag-trabaho."


She goes on: "One afternoon, pumunta ako sa bahay ni Joey, naka-bisikleta lang ako at naka-shorts. Sabi ko, ‘Pwede ho ba akong maging artista?' He replied, ‘O, sige, titingnan ko, ii-screen test kita.' 'Yong screen test, pelikula na pala! 'Yong Kambal sa Uma ni Rio Locsin at Al Tantay. Tandaan n'yo?"



Showbiz wasn't easy.


"Na-traumatize kasi ako sa role ko," she recalls. "Ang eksena ko, si Rio Locsin nagiging daga, nagseselos sa akin, so kinakagat-kagat niya ako sa bathtub. Isang buong gabi akong nakababad sa bathtub. Nahuhulog-hulog 'yong daga—literal. Kaya sabi ko, ang hirap palang maging artista."


But that didn't stop her. In time, this girl from Iba, Zambales, would become one of the country's most formidable kontrabidas.


She admits that while she was absorbed with showbiz, she forgot the place she grew up in.


"Kasi s'yempre, nag-base kami sa Manila. "Noon, pag bumabalik kami dito [in Zambales], it was only for the beach. S'yempre, uso beach, 'di ba? Sun-bathing nang sun-bathing. After a while, I got so bored. Kasi, after maligo, mag-sunbathe, 'no na? How much sun can you take in? Sunog ka na, wala na."


It was her brother Dennis who came up with the bright idea of investing in a farm.


"Sabi niya, ‘Lika, mag-mangga tayo.' So, ayon. 'Yong isang kapatid pa namin sumosyo. Bumili kami 30 hectares-hati-hati kami-tigte-ten. Then, kanya-kanya na kami ng develop. And you know what? I found my love! "Nahanap ko 'yong pinagdadasal ko sa Diyos all these years—'yong pang-retirement ko. S'yempre kahit ka taga-showbiz, magre-retire ka din. Eto, binigay niya sa akin ito, and it's beautiful!"


Well, God also gave her industry and dedication.


These days, after eight years of cleaning, bulldozing, fencing, planting, and building on the farm, the lady farmer—"I'm farming with glamour!"—is finally taking things slow.


Or is she?

Iba-Tarlac road now in offing

Zambales -- A road network that would liberate Zambales from isolation from the rest of Central Luzon is now ready for construction.

The Iba-Tarlac Road starts from the Olongapo-Bugallon road in Botolan and connects to Capas at the foot of the Baracbac Bridge. It has a total length of 89 kilometers. The 52 kilometers portion is in Zambales while the remaining 39 kilometers belong to Tarlac.

This road will also link Zambales to Pampanga, Nueva Ecija and Aurora. It will serve as the secondary route to both Subic and Clark when one comes from the north. It will also be an alternative route to the already vulnerable and much traversed Gapan-San Fernando-Olongapo intersection.

Zambales District Engineer Domingo Mariano said the road network project also entails the construction of six concrete bridges with a total length of 2.5 kilometers. Needed to complete these bridges is P774 million. The DPWH is awaiting the release of funds for the construction of these bridges.

Initially, some P195 million has been released for the construction of the roads. Total amount needed for the completion of the roads is P696 million.

There is now a 6 kilometer gravel road. Also completed is an 8 kilometer concrete road. To be opened for construction is a 34 kilometer road network.

Engr. Domingo added that both Zambales and Tarlac have been clamoring for the completion of this link since it will reduce travel time to an hour and contribute to the economic growth of both provinces. (by Rebecca Grace S. David - PIA)

Zambales task force created to investigate mining operations

Iba, Zambales -- Provincial Government of Zambales created task force "Kalikasan", to supervise local mining operations which regards to its effect among local residents affected, this was the address to the provincial council of Governor Amor Deloso, among local government attendees and non government agencies,

Mining operations have opened in towns of Castillejos, San Marcelino, San Antonio, Cabangan, Botolan, Masinloc, Candeleria, and Santa Cruz.

Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) indicate that chromites, nickel, manganese, and platinum were present in Santa Cruz, while gold in Castillejos and San Marcelino.

According to the Provincial Government, after 75 year s of exploiting our natural resources, these mining companies failed to partake from them, their social responsibility among the constituents, during and after leaving the drilling site. (By Recto Mangosing Adamos PIA Zambales)

Not so hidden agenda

NiHAO Mineral Resources International has officially listed its symbol Ni on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Known previously as the publicly traded Magnum Holdings Inc. (MHI), the company received approval from the SEC to change its corporate name and purpose to reflect its current course and direction.

Based on recent disclosures, NiHAO’s primary purpose is now in the business of exploration, development and operation of mineral properties and the mining of metallic and non-metallic minerals including, but not limited to, nickel, gold, copper and the like.

Reports say NiHAO Mineral Resources International aims to leverage its mineral expertise to build up world-class tenements in the Philippines with strategic Chinese partners. NiHAO is also looking to acquire mining rights involving 7,103 hectares of nickel property in Botolan and Iba in Zambales. This is however subject to a due diligence study and valuation of the Botolan mining rights.
By MARY ANN LL. REYES - ABS CBN