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)

OLONGAPO CITY WINS HALL OF FAME AWARD

Olongapo City reaped various awards and recognitions in ceremonies for the search for Outstanding LGUs Implementing the Streamlining Program in the Issuance of Mayor’s Permit by the Central Luzon Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI) held recently at the grand Ballroom of Holiday Inn, Clark Freeport Zone.

The city was elevated to the HALL OF FAME for winning first place for three consecutive years for outstanding achievement in the implementation of the documented streamlined procedures on the issuance of Mayor’s Permit.

Olongapo City was also recognized as no. 1 in the Highly-Urbanized City Category as Best Local Government Unit (LGU) Practitioner with innovations that provide simple, yet effective, transparent and fast delivery of services to investors and business applicants.

"Such initiative makes business transactions in Olongapo City more customer-friendly, thus elevating the level of competitiveness of Central Luzon as an investment haven," said Olongapo City Mayor James "Bong" Gordon, Jr.

The City received Plaques of Recognition and check amounting to twenty five thousand (P25,000) handed over by Governor Bellaflor J. Angara-Castillo of Aurora Province and President of the CLGCFI, to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. and to Neal Perez, head, Business Permit & Licensing Office, during the awarding ceremonies.

The winning streak of Olongapo City continues with the implementation of reforms under the Nationwide Streamlining of Business Permits & Licensing System in the Philippines Program for the year 2010, with 4 steps: 30 minutes processing time, 2 signatories, adoption of the unified form, one-time assessment & one-time payment in the issuance of the Mayor’s Permit.

The Plaque for this recognition was given by Secretary Gregory Domingo of the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as well as CLGCFI & Aurora Governor Belleflor Angara-Castillo.

Furthermore, the City of Olongapo also was given a Certificate of Commendation for being the Provincial LGU Nominee of Zambales to the Best One Stop Shop (B.O.S.S.) in Central Luzon.

In 2002, the streamlining project was launched by the DTI to facilitate and encourage the growth of business and investments in the region by reducing the turnaround time in the issuance of business certificates, permits and licenses.

The project also aims to eliminate unnecessary duplication and overlapping of agency functions, create an investor friendly environment in Central Luzon, and adopt a simple, effective and transparent step-by-step procedures in the issuance of business certificates, permits and licenses that would eventually result in the reduction of the cost of doing business in the region.

OLONGAPO CITY, OUTSTANDING CENTRAL LUZON LGU

Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. received three awards Olongapo City won at the 5th Recognition of Outstanding Central Luzon Local Government Units (LGUs) held at the Holiday Inn, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga recently.

The awards are: (1) Model LGU in the implementation of reforms under the nationwide streamlining of business permits and licensing system in the Philippine Program for the year 2010, (2) 1st Place in Highly Urbanized City category for the excellent implementation of its streamlined procedures on the issuance of mayor’s permit for the year 2010, and (3) Hall of Fame Award for its outstanding achievements as the consistent 1st place winner for three consecutive years (from 2008 to 2010) in the implementation of its documented streamlined procedures on the issuance of mayor’s permit.

“Magandang development ang pagkakatanggap ng mg award na ito, lalo tayong makakahikayat ng mga investors sa lungsod ng Olongapo dahil sa simplified at maayos na sistema,” remarked Neal Perez, head of Business Permit and Licensing Office.

“Malaking karangalan ito para sa lungsod dahil kinikilala ang mabilis na pagproseso ng mga permit bilang tulong na makapagbukas agad ng negosyo ang mga negosyante na isa ring paraan na nakakatulong na masugpo ang kahirapan,” said Mayor Gordon.

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)

SBMA soon to collect LGU share in freeport tax

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will soon be collecting the 2 percent share of contiguous local government units (LGUs) from corporate taxes paid by business locators in the free port instead of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

"We are doing this to make sure that the LGU shares are distributed quickly," SBMA administrator and CEO Armand Arreza said.

Arreza said previously, Subic locators forwarded their corporate tax, equivalent to 5 percent of their gross income, straight to the BIR, which automatically remitted payments to the national treasury.

The Department of Budget Management then released the 2 percent share to the LGUs.

Arreza said that since the creation of the SBMA, the 2 percent share has only been distributed for a few years, resulting to complaints from LGUs.

Arreza said the funds could have been used to finance LGU development projects and provide for basic support services in health, education, and peace and order.

"It is but right and lawful that the LGUs receive their share on a regular basis," he stressed.

According to Republic Act No. 9400, which amended RA 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, no national and local taxes shall be imposed within the Subic Special Economic Zone except for a 5 percent tax on gross income earned by business enterprises within the zone.

Three percent goes to the national government and 2 percent to LGUs.

The 2 percent share is divided according to a formula based on population (50 percent), land area (25 percent), and equal sharing (25 percent).

The contiguous communities include the city of Olongapo and the municipalities of Subic, San Antonio, San Marcelino and Castillejos in Zambales, and Morong, Hermosa and Dinalupihan in Bataan. malaya.com.ph

“The Search for the Outstanding VAW-Responsive Local Government Units is on”

The National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) has launched the search for the Outstanding VAW-Responsive Local Government Units. The search is for any barangay, municipality or city within the Philippines that has a systematic, holistic and gender-sensitive approach to address VAW in the area of (1) policies, (2) programs, services and facilities, and (3) monitoring and client feedback.

The search aims to give credits to government officials who are really dedicated on their fight against violence on women. It also serves as an encouragement for other public servants to make a stand and do something to protect the rights of Filipino women.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon is all-out in support of the campaign. “We have programs like Joint local Inter-Agency Council for Anti-trafficking and Violence against Women, Women’s Council and other programs that are created to support and protect women of our city”, Mayor said.

The screening period is on-going and the Awards day will be on November 25, 2009.

For inquiries, contact: The Outstanding VAW-Responsive LGU Awards Search Committee at tel. no (02)7358918/ (02)735-1654 ext. 109/128 or log on to www.ncrfw.gov.ph.

LGUs asked to promote tourism

Sen. Richard Gordon has called on local government officials in Central Luzon to make use of its three airports, seaports and expressway in promoting tourism industry.

“Developing the tourism industry in Central Luzon is easy because it is close to Manila. Ang Central Luzon kumpleto. Malapit sa domestic tourism, malapit sa foreign tourism. The three airports, two seaports and one expressway could be used to our advantage in terms of tourism,” Gordon said.

He noted that tourists going to and from the region can use the Subic International Airport in the Subic Freeport Zone, the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Pampanga and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila. They can also use the seaports in Subic and Manila and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, in traveling to Central Luzon.

--People’s Journal

LGUs face raps over open dumps

TIME’S UP
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to file charges against 50 cities and municipalities that continue to operate open dumps in defiance of an existing waste management law.

Environment Secretary Joselito Atienza did not identify the erring local government units (LGUs), but added that they would publish their names in major newspapers as part of his department’s shame campaign against violators.

Calling the LGUs “pasaway” (hard-headed) despite a law – Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act – banning open dumps, Atienza said they were ready to file the charges for negligence and non-compliance with the law. “They had two and half years to explain why still maintaining these open dumps,” he added.

When he assumed the position of environment secretary two years ago, one of Atienza’s first acts was to order LGUs to comply with RA 9003 – or face charges.

Apart from banning open dumps, RA 9003 stipulates that all LGUs must operate their own materials recovery facilities (MRF) for recycling and shift to sanitary landfills.

“President Macapagal –Arroyo is bent on enforcing the waste management law. The garbage problem is the biggest issue related to climate change,” Atienza said.

The environment secretary, on the other hand, said he was proud of 48 cities and towns around the country which follow the law by setting up their MRFs and shifting to sanitary landfills.

Atienza said they have offered incentive packages to these LGUs. “If they need technical and material help on carrying out the law, we are always prepared to extend that them,” he added.

--By. Alcuin Papa – Philippine Daily Inquirer

OLONGAPO CITY IS CENTRAL LUZON’S BEST B.O.S.S.

Olongapo City is on a roll as it brings home two more regional awards besting some 130 cities and municipalities in Central Luzon as having the Best Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) for Central Luzon and 1st Place in the Highly-Urbanized City Category as Best Local Government Unit (LGU) Practitioners for Central Luzon in implementing the streamlining program in the issuance of Mayor's permit for 2008.

The awards were given during the program for the Recognition of Outstanding LGUs Implementing the Streamlining Program in the Issuance of Mayor’s Permit in Central Luzon on March 26, 2009 at Holiday Inn Hotel in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. accepted the award in behalf of the City Government.

“Olongapo City was one of the eight (8) pilot areas for this initiative. Since we started with the program, all our efforts have been primarily directed in ensuring that we provide our clients a client-friendly system and procedures through the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) which resulted in more satisfied customers because the registration process was made more efficient and convenient for businesses here in Olongapo,” shares Gordon.
The streamlining program seeks to reduce documentary requirements, turn-around time, number of signatories, and cost of fees in the processing of business licenses and permits.

Streamlining the business process in the issuance of Mayor’s permit is CLGCFI’s response to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s call to eliminate red tape in the bureaucracy and reduce the cost of doing business.

This is in pursuant to Malacañang Memorandum Order (MO) 117 which directs local authorities to simplify and rationalize their civil application systems and the Secretaries of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to facilitate the streaming of procedures in the issuance of permits and licenses.

About 130 cities and municipalities in Central Luzon are now implementing streamlining projects which have contributed in making Central Luzon as a business friendly region.

Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI) started giving awards to successful LGUs in February 2007. This was followed by another awarding in April 2008. Now on its third year, CLGCFI continues to acknowledge the efforts of LGUs and deepen the commitment of LGU practitioners to the Streamlining Program.

CLGFI is composed of the seven (7) provincial governors of Central Luzon, DTI Undersecretary for Industry and Investments and DTI-3 Regional Director. It is tasked to provide policy decisions and to facilitate the planning, coordination and monitoring of investment-related projects in Central Luzon.

Aurora Governor and CLGCFI President Bellaflor Angara-Castillo hands over the award to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. for bagging 1st place in the Highly-Urbanized City Category of the Best Local Government Unit (LGU) Practitioners for Central Luzon in implementing the streamlining program in the issuance of Mayor's permit Shop. Also in photo are Pampanga Governor and CLGCFI Treasurer Eddie T. Panlilio (left), Olongapo Business Permit and Licensing Division (BPLD) head Neal Perez (right) and Carmelita Yco of DILG-Olongapo. (Photo and Caption/PAO)

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. accepts the trophy and plaque of recognition for the Best Business One-Stop Shop for Central Luzon award from Aurora Governor and CLGCFI President Bellaflor Angara-Castillo together with Olongapo Business Permit and Licensing Division (BPLD) head Neal Perez. (Photo and Caption/PAO)

Connect Subic-Clark corridor phone lines – AC dads

CLARK FREEPORT – The Angeles City Council ahs strongly endorsed the interconnection of phone lines along the Subic-Clark corridor in a resolution unanimously approved by its members on Tuesday, February 17.

In a resolution sponsored by Councilors Jesus Sangil and Ruben Maniago, the City Council said they are “endorsing the move if the Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC) to press for the immediate interconnection of telecommunications facilities in Clark Freeport Zone with those in Tarlac and Zambales.”

“It would definitely fast-track business and greatly minimizes costs to local residents,” Sangil said referring to the MCAC-initiated project which earned distinction from no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Sangil, likewise, called on other executives of Local Government Units (LGUs) situated along the Subic-Clark corridor to support the move saying it will attract investors and provide jobs for residents.

“I am urging our counterparts in government in the cities, towns along the SCTEX to follow suit and support the same as it will invite investors and eventually create employment for our constituents,” Sangil said.

In the resolution, the city council said the “Clark Freeport and the Subic Clark Tarlac Growth Corridor is being foreseen as one of the world’s major economic hubs and a catalysts for deployment hence a major employment generator in North Philippines.”

Also, “the development and improvement of infrastructure facilities, including the establishment of state-of-the art telecommunications in the Metro Clark Area (Clark FZ, Pampanga and Tarlac) enhances the viability of the Metro Clark Area as a choice investment destination.”

The city council also noted the importance of providing interconnected telephone exchanges saying it “is vital in minimizing costs to investors and their clientele that include government offices.”

“Interconnecting telephone exchanges in Metro Clark Area is keeping with the integration policy of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) where long distance and other toll charges are waived,” the resolution also said.

“The general welfare clause of the Local Government Code, among other things, obliges us to support moves of major employment generators,” it furthered.

In December 2008, President Arroyo bestowed an award to Clark officials led by CDC President Benigno N. Ricafort for the telecommunications interconnection project that was one of the top 10 winners of the 1st Gawad Pampublikong Korporasyon (1st GPK).

According to Ricafort, the CDC’s winning entry was conceived in 2001 and aims to interconnect Clark’s Telephone lines to Angeles City and the City of San Fernando, as well as other areas in the province of Pampanga.

He added that the interconnection project was an initiative of the MCAC – an influential partnership group between the CDC and contingent Local Government Units (LGUs) within the Metro Clark area.

CDC Public Relations Manager Angelo “Sonny” Lopez said the project paved the way for phone companies like the Philippine Long Distance and Telecommunications Company (PLDT), Smart Telecommunications (Smart), and Digitel to provide toll free calls to its subscribers in Clark and the rest of Pampanga.

Lopez, who is MCAC secretariat and headed the original “Task Force Interconnection,” stressed that residents, locators; and investors inside the Clark Freeport are now saving at least P13.2 million yearly on long distance calls because of the project.

“The CDC alone has saved as much as P1.2 million per year since this project was implemented,” Lopez added.

‘GAPO, WINS EXHIBIT CONTEST

Olongapo City was among the winners in the Exhibit Contest of the North Philippines Tourism and Travel Expo 2008 at the Event Center, SM City Clark, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. Olongapo placed 3rd out of the 20 in the “Best LGU Booth” category.

Kaye Reyes, City Tourism Officer and colleagues exhibited various photos of tourist destinations in Olongapo City. Flyers, brochures and other informative materials were also distributed featuring different establishments in the city. A video presentation entitled, “Olongapo , A City for the Future” was shown as part of the exhibit that was held on November 14-16, 2008.

The North Tourism and Travel Expo (Northphil Expo 2008) combines the strength and tourism potentials of the four (4) Regions of the North, Region I-Ilocos, Region 2-Cagayan Valley, Region 3- Central Luzon and CAR-Cordillera Region.

The three-day event features the “Best of North Philippines” in terms of tourism destinations, products and services. One of its objectives was to promote the different tourist destinations of the country and to encourage inter-island tourism.

According to Reyes, “ang pagsali ng Olongapo sa ganitong tourism expo ay makatutulong ng malaki sa tourism industry ng Lungsod dahil maipapakita ang mga magagandang lugar, produkto at services nito sa ibang bahagi ng bansa”.

The Tourism and Travel Expo 2008 with the theme, “Go North! A Wellspring of Diversity” is supported by the various local and private sectors and LGU’s like the Philippine Tourism Authority, Provincial Government of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Clark Development Corporation, Clark International Airport Corporation, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Manila North Tollways Corporation , Central Broadcasting Corporation, Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, Sunstar Pampanga and Punto Central Luzon.

Pao/nmm

SBMA, Zambales LGU endorse Neo-Cove resort project in Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Nov. 11 — Officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the province of Zambales have given their unqualified support to a proposal by a Korean-led consortium to build a high-end leisure facility at Subic's Cawag area, a short distance from the Hanjin shipyard.

In a meeting with project proponents, SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga and SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, said that the agency "stands solidly behind the Neo-Cove resort project," which is billed to be the largest master-planned community in Asia.

"The next step now is to break ground," Arreza suggested, pointing out that the SBMA has already worked out the inclusion of the project site with the Subic Bay Freeport.

Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso, for his part, gave the assurance that the project would not meet resistance from the local community.

"This project is good for the local economy and for the tourism industry of Zambales. It will also generate some 10,000 jobs," he said.

"There will be no problem with the people at the site. The project has been formally approved by the Zambales provincial board.

The resort project will incorporate hotel and vacation complexes, a 54-hole golf course and leisure-sports facilities, an eco-park, spa and therapy centers, as well as an international hospital and an international school.

Youn Jae Lee, chairman of the Heung-A Property Group (HAPG) of Korea, said his company is combining resources with Westgate Resorts Asia Ltd. and the Trump Organization "in exploring various real estate opportunities in Asia."

The consortium's initial project will be the $ 250 million integrated leisure, sports and entertainment facility to be built at a 457-hectare beachfront property in Subic.

But a representative of Imagine Realty Corporation, a firm headed by former peace adviser Roberto Aventajado, said the Subic resort development will be made in several phases and will eventually be worth around $ 1 billion.

The first phase will be undertaken from 2008 to 2010, and the second from 2010 to 2011.

In the same meeting, Trump executive vice president Michael Cohen, said his firm has already signed a letter of intent with CIG, one of the Korean partner-firms for the Subic Neo Cove project.

With the entry of Trump, Cohen added, the Subic project would have "the finest quality resort and golf course anywhere in the (Asian) region."

Mark Waltrip, chief operating officer of Westgate, meanwhile, said that his firm's involvement would ensure that the project would be fully integrated with local culture — a mark of Westgate, which operates the largest chain of family-oriented resorts in the United States today.

HAPG chairman Youn Jae Lee, on the other hand, noted that the Subic Freeport has "wonderful infrastructure" already in place. But with the planned resort project, there would be better opportunities for the business community in Subic, he added.

HAPG is said to be one of Korea's progressive conglomerates with interests in real estate, shipping, and logistics. It will undertake the Subic report project through its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Subic Neo Cove Corporation. (PNA)

By.Malou Dungog

Meeting in October to promote responsible mining in Zambales

By. Jonathan Mayuga – Business Mirror

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau in Region 3 will conduct a summit next month to promote responsible mining in the province of Zambales.

DENR Region 3 executive director Regidor de Leon said the two-day event, which will be held on the first week of October, will gather several stakeholders in mining to come up with a win-win solution to the various problems the beset the industry.

The summit, he said, will tackle issues such as the processing of and compliance with environmental clearance certificates, issuance of licenses and permit pertinent to mining activities and corporate social responsibility.

The province of Zambales is a problematic area when it comes to mining, with small companies committing gross violation of environmental laws because of the failure of local government units (LGUs) to regulate their activities.

Environment Secretary Lito Atienza had already warned Zambales’ local officials to shape up or face the possibility of mining moratorium.

After receiving numerous complaints that small mining companies are rampantly violating permits and licenses issued by LGUs, Atienza threatened to cancel all environmental clearance certificates to stop small mining activities in the province until such time that the mining companies learn to practice responsible mining.

De Leon said expected to participate in the summit are local government executives from the various local government units in the province and representatives from several sectors, including nongovernmental organizations, people’s organizations, environmental groups, fisherfolk groups and indigenous peoples who will have the chance to meet with some of the company executives of big and small mining companies that currently engage in mining activities in the province.

“This is in line with the government’s thrust to promote responsible mining in the Philippines,” he said.

He said he expects at least a thousand people will participate in the mining summit.

ANTI-ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT SEMINAR, ISINAGAWA

Upang lumawak pa ang kaalalaman ng mga mamamayan tungkol sa ‘illegal recruitment’ at maprotektahan ang mga sarili laban sa mga ito, ang Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) ay nagsagawa ng isang “Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Seminar” sa Legenda Suites, Cubi Point, Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) nitong ika-3 ng Hulyo 2008.

Dumalo sina Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo na kumatawan kay Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. at Angelita Fernando, Provincial Director ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sa Olongapo City na nagbigay ng kani-kanilang mga mensahe.

Dahil sa pinsalang idinudulot ng mga illegal recruiters sa mga pamilya at ang kanilang mga kabuhayan dahil sa mga illegal recruiters, ninanais ng POEA na patibayin pa ang pakikipaglaban sa mga ito sa pamamagitan ng mga lokal na pamahalaan at sa iba pang institusyon sa grassroots level.

Binigyan ni Alejandre Diaz, CEO VI, Director II ng Anti-Illegal Recruitment Branch ng overview ang mga kalahok patungkol sa mga anti-illegal recruitment programs ng POEA. Siya rin ang

tumalakay ng mga batas tungkol sa ‘trafficking in persons’.

Si Jenny Cera-Bayangos, Attorney III ng Prosecution Division naman ay nagsalita tungkol sa mga batas na may kinalaman sa illegal recruitment.

Ipinakita naman ni Lalaine C. Alianza, Attorney III ng Legal Assistance Division ang karaniwang mga modus operandi ng mga illegal recruiters at kung ano ang mga hakbangin upang maiwasang maloko ng mga illegal recruiters at traffickers.

Si Rodrigo Sta. Maria, Attorney III ng Legal Assistance Division ang nagsagawa ng diskusyon tungkol sa mga importante at epektibong hakbangin na dapat isagawa ng mga local government units (LGUs) upang maisakatuparan ang layuning “Illegal Recruitment-Free LGUs.”

“Kaalalaman talaga at pagsasamahan ang maiging panlaban sa mga illegal recruiters. Pinapaigting pa lalo ang pakikipag-laban sa illegal recruiters upang maging ligtas at maprotektahan ang kapakanan ng mamamayang may kagustuhang pumunta ng ibayong dagat upang magtrabaho,” pahayag ni Vice Mayor Cajudo.
PAO/don

Dirtiest game in town: 'Zero Basura' Olympics

By TJ Burgonio - Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philipppines--It's the dirtiest game in town.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Friday launched "Zero Basura (Garbage) Olympics: A Race to Conquer Garbage in 300 Days," a program which offers recognition for best practices in waste management.

Towns, schools, subdivisions, markets and even industrial establishments can win awards just by managing their garbage well and converting them into something useful for their immediate environs.

The idea is to coax everyone to see the benefits of the 3Rs (reduce, recycle, reuse wastes), "fast-track" the implementation of the law (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and to create a "garbage-free" landscape, said Environment Secretary Lito Atienza.

"This law teaches us that garbage is not a problem and can be used to benefit society if handled well. We should look at this law in terms of its benefits, and not at the penalties it imposes," he said during the launch at the Rizal provincial capitol in Pasig City.

The law, also known as Republic Act No. 9003, mandates the setting up of an ecology center in every barangay and segregation of wastes at every step, and bans open burning and open dumpsites, among others.

Citations, recognition

After 300 days, merit certificates will be handed out to barangay, subdivisions, schools, universities, stores, markets, hospitals, parishes, factories and industries for best practices in waste management.

Citations and recognition await the best practitioners among local government units in the 3Rs, closure of dumpsites and use of alternative technologies.

All will be evaluated by the DENR based on their compliance with the elements of RA 9003, namely, education, environmental institutionalization, engineering, enforcement and economics or program sustainability.

"At the end of the day, there will be cleaner surroundings, more greenery, savings in available disposal costs and earnings from fertilizers, crops and crafts," Atienza said.

The program is a brainchild of the DENR, Earth Day Network Philippines, National Solid Waste Management Commission, Zero Waste Recycling Movement of the Philippines, Mother Earth Philippines, Couples for Christ, the Philippine Business for the Environment and the Philippine Business for Social Progress.

Olympians play clean
"The 'basura game' is perhaps the dirtiest game there is. Olympians play clean," Grand Master Eugene Torre said in a brief talk at the launch, even as he stressed "unity" in all levels to ensure the program's success.

"Harmony is very important ... If there's harmony, in the end, we will come out victorious," he added.

Using its own funds, the DENR will train a representative from each municipality on ecological solid waste management, who in turn will train others in the barangay, according to Atienza.

"This is the only way we can spread as fast as we can," he later told reporters.

3-strike policy
Alongside this soft approach, the DENR and the National Solid Waste Management Commission will implement a three-strike policy against LGUs operating open and controlled dumpsites.

"The rest of the LGUs that will not take any step, the green courts are now waiting for them," Atienza said, referring to the courts that will be set up to hear and try cases concerning violations of the environmental laws.

"I don't relish filing cases, but I will go to that extent if they don't follow the law," he added.

EARTH DAY SA ‘GAPO

Ginunita ng Lungsod ng Olongapo ang Earth Day nitong ika-22 ng Abril na may temang “Ang Tubig ay Buhay: Ating Pagyamanin at Linisin.”

Sa pangunguna ni Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. ay nakibahagi ang Olongapo City sa pandaigdigang selebrasyon ng Earth Day.

“Our city is known as one of the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines. We should maintain being one”, wika ni Mayor Gordon.

Magugunitang isa sa mga prayoridad ni Mayor Gordon ay ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan na nakapagbigay ng mga pagkilala sa lungsod tulad ng Presidential Awards for Cleanest and Greenest LGU (Local Government Unit), GALING POOK Award, KALINISAN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE at marami pang iba.

Isa sa mga best practices sa lungsod na hinahangaan ng maraming local na pamahalaan ay ang Solid Waste Management System at Integrated Garbage Collection System nito kung saan regular na kumokolekta ng basura ang mga sanitary engineers sa paraang pinaghihiwa-hiwalay ang mga nabubulok sa hindi nabubulok alinsunod na rin sa Republic Act 9003. Kabilang pa dito ang 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) + Composting program na isinusulong ng city government tungo sa maganda at malinis na kapaligiran.

Gayundin, patuloy ang Green Go project ng city government sa pangunguna ni Mayor Gordon kung saan ay hinihikayat ang bawat Olongapeño na sumuporta at makilahok sa tree-planting activities nito. PAO/jms

Visionless LGU chiefs

Local government executives are the frontline or field operatives of the state.

They are supposed to know the situation on the ground. But local chief executives should also have the foresight, the vision for what is good for their communities not only in the short term or throughout their incumbency but beyond. They should not only be scoring pogi points for the next election.

Once seated in office, these officials become the protector of the interest of all stake holders in his or her community.

Thus, his job is to achieve and maintain a healthy balance among all sectors in his area of jurisdiction – local residents, business, the religious community, and the local government which he runs.

Once this equilibrium is upset, tension grips the community as conflict arises, pitting one sector against the other.

Harmony is disrupted, and the whole system collapses.

This is, we are afraid, what could happen if insensitive, overbearing, and visionless local leaders are allowed to have thier way.

Take this townmayor who ranted and reaged against a mining company whom he accused of illegal operations and harming the environment.

Benguet Corp. Has said Sta. Cruz, Zambales Mayor Luisito Marty was “barking up the wrong tree” when he accused the mining firm of illegal operation and for causing environmental hazards.

Lawyer Reynaldo P. Mendoza, Benguet executive vice president for legal services, has categorically denied Marty’s allegations, saying “we have not caused any damage to the environment in the area.”

Mendoza said his company has faithfully been adhering to mining laws which encourage sustainable mining operations and is always ready to employ mechanisms to ensure environmental protection.

It turned out the Benguet, which was granted the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement by the government in 2005, was not even fully operating yet.

“We are still in the process of exploration while waiting for the tree-cutting permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” Mendoza pointed out.

Guess, where did the local official based his outrageous and baseless outrage? On a complaint filed by a village leader.

Apparently, the Mayor was referring to the February 25 complaint filed by a barangay chairman to the DENR, claiming that Benguet has been conducting illegal excavation which had damaged the forest in the locality.

But because media picked up his cause, he became some sort of a local hero although the firm was unduly maligned by this media stunt.

Still, the legal officers and the corporate top honchos are confident that the case against the company would be dismissed.

“We are confident that DENR would find the allegation as baseless and without merit,” Mendoza said.

The firm’s operation is expected to bring tremendous benefits to the town and nearby communities in terms of local employment, taxes and royalties to the local government, infrastructure development, and the overall development of the local economy.

San Fernando awaits EO 712 directive

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The City Legal Office here has finally broken its silence on the issue of the Executive Ordinance (EO) 712 amid national and local clamor for local government units (LGUs) to implement the order.

City Legal Officer Ramsey Ocampo said the City Government has not received any directive regarding the EO.

EO 712, which was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last March 11, seeks to pacify complaints on the establishment of common transport terminals by the LGUs in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Other complaints include rerouting schemes in violation of authorized routes as provided for in the transport organizations' respective certificates of public convenience issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the enactment of various ordinances which result in additional cost to operators and drivers like the mandatory purchase of stickers and driver's identification cards.

The City Government has been silent for the last several days on whether or not it would implement the EO.

Ocampo said last Friday that the Malacañang order has not reached them. "I have heard about it but we haven't received any directive on it yet," he said despite the ordinance is set to be implement after 15 days that it was signed.

The city legal officer said they are still waiting for the directive from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the results of the two pending cases regarding the much controversial City Central Transport Terminal (CCTT).

The CCTT has been the subject of criticism for allegedly providing as an "effective milking cow" for city councilors who allegedly own some of the stalls in the CCTT under proxy names.

The terminal is also being criticized for having more stalls than seats for commuters waiting for their transport aside for the extra fare burden on commuters accessing the terminal.

Transport operators and drivers have expressed optimism on the EO.

Bataan Transit, one of the big bus companies affected by the CCTT, has filed opposition in court and has been continuing its operation in its former location along Jose Abad Santos Avenue (formerly Olongapo Gapan Road).

This is aside from a similar case filed by Victory Liner, which was able to obtain a temporary restraining order (TRO) from using the CCTT.

The two cases are now being heard in Branches 44 and 47 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) here.

EO 712 has directed the DILG to suspend the practice of "the establishment and operation of new and existing transport terminals that charge fees and require compulsory use by public utility vehicles (PUVs)" of which may adversely affect the operation of the San Fernando Terminal.

However, the DILG seems to be lukewarm on how to proceed with the implementation of the ordinance.

Lawyer Ofelio Tactac of the DILG said the EO has different aspects that fall under a joint agency effort.

"It involves other agencies," Tactac said, adding that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has a say on the issues regarding franchises and the likes.

He said the central office of the DILG has issued an "advisory" on the EO but it has yet to issue a directive on the implementation of the EO.

"We will be seeking clarification regarding how to implement the EO," Tactac said, adding that the LGUs in the province would adhere to the EO of the President.

"I think they (LGUs) would comply with the President's order. In the President's province, I don't think that it would be a problem," he said.

Drivers and operators here, on the other hand, are "restless" for the implementation of the EO. By Ian Ocampo Flora - SunStar

NCC set to work with LGUs on competitiveness programs

Council is gearing its effort to decongest Manila ports through Batangas, Clark, Subic strategic hubs

NCC set to work with LGUs on competitiveness programs

TO MAKE its competitiveness programs benefit more people especially those in the provinces, the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) will work vigorously with local government units (LGUs) on how they could help achieve their goals.

NCC co-chair ambassador Cesar B. Bautista said involving more LGUs in the task to develop a competitive Philippines would be among the Council's doables in 2008.

He said the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) would conduct a roadshow in at least 12 provinces with the governor, mayor and its local chambers.

The ambassador himself or one champion of NCC's working groups would present the NCC roadmap with LGUs and discuss ways how they could help achieve its competitiveness objectives.

Bautista said the roadshow would be also an opportune time to tackle with the LGUs their compliance with the required 90 to 120 days securing of building permits/barangay endorsements.

Getting said permits from the LGUs has been identified as among the top 10 business problems with bureaucracy based on results of 2007 AmCham Worst Red Tape Survey.

Other business problems, which the NCC hopes to squarely address in 2008, are claim for tax refund on overpayments of tax liabilities with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, application for a Customs Bonded Warehouse with the Bureau of Customs and securing work visa with the Bureau of Immigration.

Likewise, the Council intends to fast track manual posting of Social Security System (SSS) contribution, application for Laguna Lake Development Authority clearance, approval of exploration permit applications with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, application for certificate of product registration with the Bureau of Food and Drugs, reimbursements/benefits redemption from Philhealth and reduce inspection fee charged by the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Agencies concerned would be given compliance time to effectively speed up applications for business documents.

Bautista said the NCC, through the PCCI, will also engage more LGUs in "model city involvement."

"We target 150 LGUs with model roadmaps by next year. Already 65 cities are working on it and we hope that we can have 150 by end-2008 or an additional 85 LGus," he noted. "The roadmap makes the city become much more of a world-class city."

The ambassador said instead of working on the mayors and employees of LGUs, the plan employs multi-sectoral approach by involving business and academic leaders in this undertaking.

He said the Council is also gearing its effort to decongest Manila ports through Batangas, Clark, Subic strategic hubs with value-added zones.

The NCC infrastructure-working group is keen on promoting the establishment of the North Corridor for more investments to come in the area.

Bautista said other priorities of the Council for 2008 include lowering of electricity rate to import sector by P1 to P2 per kilowatt-hour; liberalized policy to spur small and medium enterprises (SME) financing, achieve 10-percent improvement in English, Science, Math in elementary and secondary schools, increase dual training vocational graduates to 100,000 and involve the public on competitiveness.

The passage of the Credit Information System Act (Cisa) is crucial to providing more credit to the SMEs as they would have more efficient system with information exchange.

Spurring the growth of the SMEs sector is important in improving the country's competitiveness as this comprises over 97 percent of Philippine firms and exporters providing over 80 percent of employment.

The NCC this year succeeded in getting the support of the National Power Corporation which agreed to reduce the power costs of Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) locators by P1 per kWh. Even factories outside Peza are also enjoying such power rate reduction.

Elementary students already achieved 11.77-percent average improvement in English, Science and Math subjects.

The present ESM proficiency rate is 52.5 percent. The Council targets to raise this to 70 percent by 2010 through teachers' training and courses focus on these subjects. (Philexport)

SBMA, neighbor LGUs seegreater benefits under EO 675

By Henry Empeño

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Despite some concerns about territory and jurisdiction, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and local government units (LGUs) around the Subic Freeport Zone agree that more economic benefits could be had by local communities when the free port’s tax- and duty-free regime is expanded under a recent order from Malacañang.

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said officials of the SBMA and neighboring LGUs vowed last week to work closely together to pursue more economic opportunities and bring development “beyond the boundaries” of this growing economic zone.

This came about after President Arroyo issued early this month Executive Order 675, which effectively expanded the area where tax- and duty-free privileges for free-port zones would apply.

“We all saw that the best course for us is to coordinate and cooperate for the common good,” said Arreza, referring to his informal meeting with Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia, Olongapo Mayor James Gordon Jr., Olongapo Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo, Castillejos (Zambales) Mayor Wilma Billman and San Marcelino (Zambales) Mayor Joker Rodriguez, during a program honoring Subic’s LGU stakeholders.

“We acknowledged both the challenges and opportunities that EO 675 brings us, and we concluded that we should synergize, lest we all stagnate—which is, of course, not a valid option as far as everyone is concerned,” he added.

Under EO 675, signed by President Arroyo on November 5, 2007, the tax- and duty-free privilege within the Subic Special Economic and Free Port Zone (SSEFPZ) “shall apply within the secured area consisting of the presently fenced-in former Subic Naval Base and such other areas that may be identified, fenced, secured or declared as additional secured area by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.”

Accordingly, business enterprises and individuals, both Filipino and foreign, who are residing within the secured areas would be free to import raw materials, capital goods, equipment and consumer items tax- and duty-free.

The EO was issued purposely to “entice more local and foreign investors to set up businesses within the SSEFPZ,” Malacañang said.

In the same meeting, SBMA records showed, the LGU officials expressed their satisfaction over SBMA’s economic performance in the past 15 years, and recalled how the SBMA brought about the “Subic miracle” after the US Navy withdrew from its former military outpost in 1992.

“If it seemed the end of the world for many when the Philippine Senate did not ratify the RP-US military agreement, many could see today that those fears were really unfounded,” said Governor Garcia. “As you can see, the social and economic development happening in the Subic free port are now filtering out into the surrounding communities,” he added.

This observation was shared by Cajudo, Rodriguez and Billman, with the latter recalling how her family “panicked” over the impending bases pullout. She said her uncertainties “soon turned into amazement as we saw how the newly created free port grew into a bustling economic zone.”

The municipality of Subic, which was not represented in the meeting, however, had expressed concern over the possible effects of EO 675 on its plan to develop its own economic zone.

“Of course, we welcome EO 675 because it will maximize the tax- and duty-free privileges of the Subic Freeport Zone so that more investments would come into the zone,” said Subic municipal secretary Dick Otero.

“But we are concerned that if the Subic free port’s secured area were extended to include parts of Subic town, then that portion will be under the SBMA and not the municipality of Subic,” Otero said in an interview.

Otero said the municipality of Subic will develop some 600 hectares of land, which had been set aside by the Zambales provincial government for the planned Zambales Port Development Project.

The planned ecozone is located at the Redondo Peninsula, near the Hanjin shipyard project site, under SBMA jurisdiction.