Zambales, Gapo managers back dual training system for students

The province’s Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) and the People’s Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Subic Chapter is pushing for a mutually beneficial training system that would enhance the learning capabilities of students and address the human resources needs of establishments in the province.

PMAP is a nationwide organization of Human Resources (HR) managers.

The Dual Training System (DTS), which was enacted into law by the government in 1994 through Republic Act 7686, is a mode of training delivery that combines theoretical and practical training.

It is called "Dual" because the training happens in two venues – the school and the company. In usual DTS set-up, the student-trainee is in school once every week while the rest of the days of the week the student works and trains in the company.

Vice Governor and PESO manager Ramon Lacbain II sees that the partnership between the school and the company that will try the system will greatly improve the skills of students, which will be of good use once they graduate and land into suitable jobs.

PMAP president Lyn Amor Doble, also an HR manager of Hitachi Philippines located inside the Subic Bay Freeport, said that the DTS will considerably increase the manpower needs of companies that will adopt the system.

Companies participating in the program will also have the chance to sharpen the skills of students, a form of companies’ social responsibility, Doble said.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region 3 director Teodoro Gatchalian was invited to discuss some more with HR managers and company and school representatives from Olongapo City, the Freeport and the province on the importance of DTS in relation to RA 7686.

Gatchalian said that based from the provision, the DTS system is divided into two: 40 percent for in-school training while 60 percent will be spent for in-plant or company training.

The regional Ddrector added that the DTS will require students to train with the participating company from 18 months up to two years with allowance. by Allen M. Villa (WLB/AMV/PIA Zambales/VGO)

Zambales highlights success in mobile passporting

Some 600 Zambaleños benefited in the recently concluded mobile passporting in the province which was sponsored by the office of the vice governor and the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

The project, held last June 18 at the provincial capitol, was the second of a series of programs in the issuance of passports in the province. The passports were released to the applicants on July 16.

The PESO here, concurrently headed by Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain II, sees the project as a means to lessen the expenses incurred by those who wish to work abroad.

In teaming up with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), passport applications are brought to the applicant’s “door step” and lessen expenses especially in transportation.

A third passporting project is set to be launched on August 20 in San Antonio town. (WLB/AMV-PIA3/VGO)

Zambales Mango Festival 2011 kicks off tomorrow

One of the much anticipated celebrations in the province starts its four-day revelry tomorrow as the 11th Zambales Mango Festival kicks off.

Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain will lead the opening ceremonies which will be held at provincial capitol grounds in Iba, Zambales capital town.

Senator Francis Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food will grace the occasion along with regional directors Blesila Lantayona of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Ronaldo Tiotuico, Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 3 Director Alfredo Tolentino and Police Chief Superintendent Allan Purisima of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 3. Representatives from PhilHealth Region 3 are expected to arrive.

Day one of the annual celebration will feature photo contest and art exhibits, ultimate dance craze program, and the regular street parade and street dancing competition.

New program add-ons ZAMBA Boxing competition, Search for Talentadong Empleyado (Talented Employees) 2011, Huli Mo Biik Mo!, Agri-Karera ng Kalabaw (Agri-Carabao race) and dog show will highlight day two along with regulars mango forum and PINAKA LGU booth competition.

Mainstays mango carving and mango eating contests and PINAKA competition will be featured on the third day along with the battle of the bands and the judging of the photo contest.

Newbies Zambales Song Writing Competition and Ginoo at Binibining Zambales (Mr. and Ms. Zambales) 2011 Grand Pageant Night are lead programs on the final day along with the awarding ceremony of the photo contest.

The annual expectacle is a joint program of the Zambales Mango Development Council and the provincial government to boost the mango industry of the province.(WLB/ AMV PIA Zambales)

11 PANG BOTIKA NATIN NAKATAKDANG BUKSAN NI LACBAIN

BILANG PANGGUNITA SA IKA-111 ANIBERSARYO NG KALAYAAN NG PILIPINAS

Subic, Zambales Bilang panggunita ng ika-111 anibersaryo ng kalayaan ng Pilipinas sa ika-12 ng Hunyo, 11 pang botika natin sa nayon outlets ang nakatakdang buksan ni dating bise gobernador ng Zambales Ramon G. Lacbain II sa darating na linggo sa iba’t-ibang mga barangay ng mga bayan ng Sta. Cruz, Candelaria, Palauig, Botolan, Cabangan at San Felipe.

Noong isang araw lamang ay isang botika natin ang binuksan ni Lacbain sa Sitio Malinta, barangay Asinan-Proper sa Subic, Zambales na binubuo ng sampung miyembro mula sa iba’t-ibang pamilya.

Matapos mabuksan ang 11 pa ay umaabot na sa 385 ang lahat ng botika natin sa nayon sa Zambales at Olongapo city na nabuksan simula pa noong Agosto 25, 2005 ng unang ilunsad ni Lacbain ang proyektong ito bilang bise gobernador ng Zambales sa tulong ng Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation Inc. sa kanya mismong barangay sa Wawandue sa Subic, Zambales.

“Malaking tulong po sa aming mga mahihirap na mamamayan sa barangay ang botika natin dahil hindi na namin kailangang pumunta ng bayan at mamasahe para bumili ng gamot”, pahayag ni Dolores Petilo na siyang presidente ng Malinta Asinan Proper Neighborhood Association (MAPNA).

Dagdag pa ni Roger Doropan, team leader ng bagong tayo na botika natin sa sitio Malinta, “mas mura pa ang gamot dito sa amin ngayon kesa sa bayan dahil ang paracetamol 500 mg. tablet ay P0.50 lamang, ang salbutamol 500mg tablet ay P0.50 din, ang amoxicillin 500mg capsule ay P2.75 lamang at marami pang ibang murang gamot”.

Dahil sa napakamurang presyo ng mga gamot na mabibili sa higit na 300 mga botika natin na matatagpuan mismo sa mga malalayong barangay, sitio, purok, isla at kabundukan ay nakakaiwas ang mga mahihirap na mamamayan na lumala pa ang kanilang mga sakit dahil madali na silang makainom ng gamot ngayon.

Bawat botika natin na nayon ay mayroong P3,000 hanggang 10,000 halaga ng mga generic at branded na mga gamot.

Kahit anong oras ay maaari ring bumili ng gamot ang kahit sinong mamamayan sa panahon ng emergency dahil 24 na oras ang serbisyo ng botika natin.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa 3,700 mga mamamayan ng Zambales at Olongapo city na bolutaryong nagpapatakbo ng mga botika natin dahil sa kanila ay nakakarating ang murang mga gamot sa mga barangays”, sabi pa ni Lacbain na siyang executive director ng Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation Inc.

“Bago pa dumating ang aming ika-4 na taong anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag ng botika natin sa nayon project sa Agosto 25, 2009 ay layunin naming umabot sa mahigit sa 400 botika natin ang nabuksan na”, dagdag pa na pahayag ni Lacbain.

349 NA BOTIKA NATIN OUTLETS NABUKSAN NA SA BUONG ZAMBALES AT OLONGAPO

Botolan, Zambales. Tatlo na namang botika natin sa nayon outlets ang binuksan sa bayang ito ngayong araw ng Lunes, ika-2 ng Marso 2009, ni dating bise gobernador ng Zambales Ramon G. Lacbain II.

Sunod-sunod na binuksan ang mga dalawang botika natin sa barangay Paco at isa pa sa barangay San Miguel. Kaya sa araw na ito ay umabot na ng 349 ang lahat ng mga nabuksang botika natin outlets sa buong Zambales at Olongapo City.

Ang botika natin sa nayon ay isang proyekto ng Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation Inc. na layuning dalhin ang mga pangunahing mga gamot sa mga malalayong sitio, purok at mga barangay sa pinakamurang halaga.

Ang mga botika natin outlets ay nagbibigay ng serbisyo ng dalawampu’t-apat na oras araw-araw. Ang mga ito ay pinapamahalaan ng isang team na binubuo ng sampung miyembro o kaya ay indibidwal mula sa iba’t-ibang barangay.

Bawat botika natin outlet ay binibigyan ng Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation Inc. ng halagang P3,000.00 mga gamot na kanilang ibenebenta sa kanilang barangay o lugar sa itinakdang halaga. Halimbawa ng presyo ng ilan sa mga gamot na mabibili sa botika natin ay paracetamol tablet (500mg) – P.50, amoxicillin capsule (500mg) – P2.75, carboceistine syrup (100mg/60ml) – P19.50, mefenamic acid capsule (500mg) – P1.25, at marami pang iba.

“Nang inilunsad ko ang proyektong ito noong ika-25 ng Agosto 2005 ay pinangarap ko na makapagbukas ng 200 botika natin outlets sa buong Zambales at ng ito ay aming nagawa ay dinoble ko ang aking pangarap na makapagbukas naman ng 400. Natutuwa ako na makalipas ang mahigit sa tatlong taon ay nakapagbukas na kami ng 349 hindi lamang sa Zambales kundi kasama na rin pati ang Olongapo City”, sabi ni Lacbain na siyang nagtatag ng proyektong ito.

Una ring sumuporta sa proyektong ito sina Senador Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan at Senador Edgardo J. Angara kasama na ang Department of Social Welfare and Development at Department of Health.

Ang 349 ng botika natin outlets ay nasa pag-gabay ng anim ng licensed pharmacist na siya ring nagpapatakbo ng anim na mga botika natin distribution centers na makikita sa mga bayan ng Subic, San Felipe, Iba, Masinloc at Sta. Cruz at maging sa lungsod ng Olongapo.

Ang anim na botika natin distribution centers ay mga lisensyado ng Department of Health – Bureau of Food and Drugs bilang mga drugstores. Accredited din ang mga centers na ito bilang mga botika ng bayan outlets ng Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) Pharma.

Kasalukuyan ding nakikipag-ugnayan si Lacbain bilang executive director ng Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation Inc. kay Dr. Rolando P. Bautista ng PITC-Pharma para gawing mga botika ng bayan (bnb) express ang lahat ng mga botika natin outlets sa buong Zambales at Olongapo City.

Sitio Mamayok Subic Medical Mission

MGA RESIDENTE NG SITIO TAMAYOK SA BARANGAY ILWAS, SUBIC NATUWA SA KAUNA-UNAHANG MEDICAL-DENTAL MISSION NA ISINAGAWA SA LUGAR NILA

Subic, Zambales. Tuwang-tuwa ang may 100 pamilya sa sitio Tamayok sa barangay Ilwas sa bayan na ito sa isinagawang kauna-unahang medical-dental mission sa kanilang lugar ng DZRH Operation Tulong – Zambales/Olongapo chapter at Radyo Natin Subic sa pangunguna ni dating bise gobernador ng Zambales na si Ramon Lacbain II.

Matapos ang kalahating araw ay inabot ng 246 ang mga pasyenteng nabigyan ng libreng mga gamot, 148 pasyente naman ang nabigyan ng libreng konsultang medikal at 47 naman ang mga pasyenteng nabunutan ng ngipin.

Ang mga libreng gamot ay bigay ng Botika Natin sa Nayon na isang proyekto ng Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation, Inc. at ng Botika ng Bayan na isa namang proyekto ng Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) – Pharma Inc.

Nagbigay naman ng libreng konsulta si Dr. John Castor na isang medical doctor at isa sa mga direktor ng People’s Task Force on Hanjin & Subic Bay Inc. at si Leah Labampa ng isang dental doctor na taga Subic ang nagbigay ng libreng bunot ngipin.

“Maraming mga mahihirap na mga pamilya sa mga sulok-sulok ng bayan ng Subic ang nangangailangan ng pansin at tulong para sa kanilang kalusugan at kabuhayan kaya naman itong proyektong ito ay buwan-buwan naming ginagawa sa DZRH Operation Tulong.

Nakakagulat malaman na ang aming mga napuntahan ay fist time pa lamang nakaranas ng medical-dental mission kagaya sa Purok 4 ng brgy. Mangan-vaca, sa Sitio Pucat sa brgy. Calapandayan, sa Sitio Matangib sa brgy. Cawag at itong katatapos sa Sitio Tamayok sa brgy. Ilwas”, ayon kay Lacbain bilang team leader ng DZRH Operation Tulong at Executive Director ng Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation Inc.

Ayon naman kay Mary Grace Rull na taga Sitio Tamayok, “lubos po ang aming pasasalamat at nagkaroon ng medical-dental mission dito sa aming lugar. Matagal na rin po namin ito hinahangad at mayroon na ring mga nagsabi noon pa na sila ay magsasagawa ng mission dito pero hindi naman po sila dumarating. Samantalang itong DZRH Operation Tulong ay biglaang dumating dito para alalayan kami sa aming mga kalusugan kahint wala silang pangako”.

ISA PANG ALALAY SA KALUSUGAN PROJECT ISINAGAWA SA SUBIC, ZAMBALES

Subic, Zambales. Malulusog na pamilya para sa pasko ang pangunahing layunin ng Alalay sa Kalusugan project ng DZRH Operation Tulong at Radyo Natin Subic kaninang umaga ng Linggo ika-6 ng Disyembre sa isinagawang medical-dental mission sa Sitio Pucat, barangay Calapandayan, Subic, Zambales.

Tumulong para sa proyektong ito sa mga gastusin at mga kailangang gamot ang Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation Inc. at YWA Human Resource Corporation.

Ayon kay Ramon G. Lacbain II, dating bise gobernador ng Zambales at kasalukuyang executive director ng nasabing foundation, “layunin natin na matugunan ang matinding pangangailangan sa maayos na kalusugan para sa bawat pamilya mula sa mga maliliit at malalayong sitio sa Subic.

Nagpapasalamat ako sa tulong nila doktor Ramon Escala, Johnny Castor, Anna Figueres at Leah Labampa at mga opisyales at miyembro ng Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation Inc. at ng Radyo Natin Subic at gayundin lalong-lalong na DZRH Operation Tulong – Zambales/Olongapo Chapter at YWA Human Resource Corp”.

Mahigit sa 100 pamilya ang nakinabang sa libreng konsulta, libreng bunot ng ngipin at mga libreng mga gamot at bitamina mula sa proyektong ito.

Naghandog din ng mga piling awitin bilang kasiyahan, habang isinasagawa ang gamutan, ang dalawang anak ni dating bise gobernador Lacbain na sina Maeraquel at Lauramae at kanilang mga pinsan na sina Smile, Andrea at Melay Villaruz.

Ilang linggo lamang ang nakakraan noong Nobyembre 23 ay isinagawa rin ang ganitong proyekto sa Purok 4, barangay Mangan-vaca, Subic, Zambales na nakatulong sa may 200 pasyente sa medical at mga 80 pasyente naman sa dental.

Natutuwa kaming maging bahagi ng proyektong ito para matulungan ang marami nating mga mahihirap na mamamayan lalong-lalo na sa panahong ito ng kapaskuhan. Ang aming kompanya sa tulong ni dating bise gobernador Lacbain ay nakahandang tulungan ang mga taga-Subic at maging mga taga-Zambales at Olongapo City na may sapat at tamang qualification para makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa at kumita ng sapat na halaga para sa kani-kanilang pamilya”, pahayag naman ni Nick Quibrantar, pangulo ng YWA Human Resource Corp. By Ramon Lacbain II

311 BOTIKA NATIN SA NAYON NABUKSAN SA BUONG ZAMBALES AT OLONGAPO CITY

Subic, Zambales. Sa pangunguna ni dating bise gobernador ng Zambales at ngayon ay Executive Director ng Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation Inc. na si Ramon G. Lacbain II ay nabuksan na ang mahigit sa 300 botika natin sa nayon sa iba’t-ibang mga barangays sa buong lalawigan ng Zambales at lungsod ng Olongapo.

Noong isang araw ay binuksan ang dalawa pang botika natin sa nayon sa barangay Sto. Tomas sa bayan ng Subic at sa barangay Sta. Maria sa bayan ng Castillejos.

Sa darating na Agosto 25, 2008 ay magdiriwang ang Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation Inc. ng ika-tatlong taong anibersaryo ng botika natin sa nayon.

“Noong una naming binuksan ang kauna-unahang botika natin sa nayon sa barangay Cawag sa bayan ng Subic noong Agosto 25, 2005 ay pinangarap naming makapagtayo ng 200 botika natin sa nayon subalit sa tulong ng Panginoong Diyos at sa pamamagitan ng mga staff ng ZWAP Foundation at gayon din ng mga mamamayan ay nalampasan na namin ang pangarap na iyan.

Makalipas ang tatlong taon ay nakapagbukas na kami ng mahigit pa sa 300 na mga botika natin sa nayon na pinaglilingkuran ngayon ng mga anim na distribution centers sa mga bayan ng Subic, San Felipe, Iba, Masinloc, Sta. Cruz at sa Olongapo City” ayon kay Lacbain na siya rin tumatayo ngayon bilang Chairman ng People’s Task Force on Hanjin & Subic Bay Inc.

Bawat botika natin sa nayon ay binibigyan ng ZWAP Foundation ng halagang P3,000 na mga generic at branded ng mga gamot na benebenta sa mga mamamayan sa “presyong himala” o saksakan ng mura.

Ang nagpapatakbo ng bawat botika natin sa nayon ay ang sampung miyembro nito na pinamamahalaan naman ng mga lisensyadong pharmacists ng ZWAP Foundation sa silang namamahala ng mga distribution centers. Sa kabuoan ay umaabot na ng mahigit sa 3,000 ang mga miyembro ng ZWAP Foundation na nagpapatakbo ng mahigit sa 300 botika natin sa nayon.

Bukas ay nakatakda na namang buksan ang dalawa pang botika natin sa nayon sa mga bayan ng Cabangan at San Narciso.

Ayon kay Shirley Navarro na isang botika natin sa nayon team leader sa Balaybay Resettlement Area sa bayan ng Castillejos, “napakalaking tulong ang botika natin sa nayon sa maraming mahirap na nabiktima ng pagputok ng Mt. Pinatubo dito sa aming resettlement area sapagkat malapit na ang botika sa amin. Hindi na kami gumagastos sa pamasahe papunta sa bayan at mas mura pang di hamak ang mga gamot dito sa botika natin kaysa sa bayan.”

Maaaring bumili ng gamot ang sinumang nangangailangang mamamayan sa botika natin sa nayon na naglilingkod dalawampu’t-apat na oras bawat araw.

“Maliban sa nadala namin ang mga murang gamot na may mataas ng kalidad sa mga malalayong barangay ay napalawak pa namin ang lubos na tiwala ng mga mamamayan sa mga generic na gamot na dati ay hindi nila pinapansin. Ngayon alam na ng mga mamamayan na ang mga generic na gamot ay mura pero mabisa rin sa kanilang mga karamdaman”, dagdag pa ni Lacbain.

Ang botika natin sa nayon ay isa ring proyekto na naunang pinondohan mula sa Priority Development Assistance Fund nila Senador Edgardo J. Angara at Francis ‘Kiko” Pangilinan noong 2005 at nasa pamamatnubay ng Department of Social Welfare & Development at ng Department of Health sa kanilang kanya-kanyang tanggapan sa Gitnang Luzon.

MEMBERS OF TASK FORCE ON HANJIN RESIGN

Iba, Zambales. Members of Task Force on Hanjin resigned yesterday afternoon personally to Zambales Governor Amor D. Deloso.

The said task force headed by former Zambales Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain II was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 1-07 signed by Governor Deloso on July 16, 2007.

Aside from Lacbain, those who signed the resignation letter were vice chairman Atty. Carlos Castillo, Jr., Andres Sazon, Belen Figueras, Engr. Dave Maceda, Mario Llenares, Mark Figueras and Divina Castillo.

Former Subic Councilor Ruben Gaduang did not sign the resignation letter while Geronimo Ramos Jr. resigned to Chairman Lacbain three months ago.

“We believe that after one year since you created the task force on Hanjin under your office that there is a need to mobilize the people from various sectors either individually or through civil society organizations so that they will be involved in finding and acting on solutions to various issues and concerns affecting their families, their livelihood, their basic human rights and their environment brought about by the Hanjin shipbuilding project” according to their resignation letter.

Lacbain clarified that although they resigned but they will continue their advocacies, programs and projects for the good of the people of Zambales and Olongapo City through the People’s Task Force on Hanjin & Subic Bay Inc. which is a newly registered non-stock and non-profit corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“The power of this new task force shall come from the people and it shall oversee not only Hanjin but the entire Subic Bay which we believe also needs the attention and monitoring of the people most especially with the influx of so many investors to the detriment of the environment and the people”, according to Lacbain who is also the chairman of the board of this new task force.

Among the members of the board of trustees of this new task force include vice chairman Atty. Carlos Castillo, Jr.; secretary Myrna Matira; treasurer Jewin Rivera; auditor Edgar Picache; pro Andres Sazon; legal counsel Olongapo City councilor John Carlos delos Reyes; and directors Alex Hermoso, Dr. Adorable Castor, Aurora Flores and Wifredo Borcena.

The task force aims to recruit about 5,000 individual members and build alliances with various socio-civic and civil society organizations within the city of Olongapo , the towns of Zambales including the towns of Morong and Hermosa in Bataan which are both part of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Among the many issues which the people’s task force would like the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Hanjin corporation to address immediately include the full compensation of 94 unpaid settlers of Sitio Agusuhin which became the site of Hanjin project, the establishment of new relocation site and livelihood assistance for the families of Sitio Agusuhin who were made to live the worst relocation site on top of the mountain, the full payment of compensation to 32 members of Agusuhin Community Reforestation Association, the completion of Nagyantoc relocation site and livelihood assistance to the families.

The new people’s task force will also fight for the rights and welfare of the workers of Hanjin shipbuilding project in Subic Bay and demand the company’s strict compliance with occupational health and safety standards of the Philippines to ensure that zero death and accident is achieved.

Zambales governor Amor Deloso has committed to support the new task force to forge a strong partnership with his office for the sake of the people of Zambales.

"With the provincial government and the people working together there is no doubt that we can achieve our goal of maximizing the benefits for the people and the province from the Hanjin project as well as from other businesses in the freeport" acccording to governor Deloso. .

Hanjin stopped from hiring local labor in Zambales

The Zambales provincial government has stopped Korean shipbuilding firm Hanjin from recruiting local labor due to its refusal to bear the hospital or burial expenses of workers who figured in accidents or work-related illnesses at Hanjin.

At least eight work-related deaths prompted Governor Amor Deloso on Wednesday to stop Hanjin from recruiting workers in the province.

"Every time a Hanjin worker dies, regardless of whether he or she is directly hired or subcontracted, the provincial government shoulders the medical or funeral expenses. That's P50,000 for every case," Deloso told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net.

"As a lawyer, I cannot file a case against Hanjin because it always passes the liability to the subcontractors. The subcontractors tell me, on the other hand, that it was Hanjin's liability. What do you do?" he said.

Deloso said he would lift the labor recruitment ban only if Hanjin owned the responsibility for the safety of workers.

Another worker at the shipyard of the Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Phil. Inc. in Subic, Zambales, died of malaria on May 20, the Task Force Hanjin of the provincial government said on Thursday.

Rodel Endalaga, 28, was the second Hanjin worker who had died of the mosquito-borne virus since last week, the task force said in a report. A blood smear test confirmed he had the virus P. falciparum, according to task force co-chair Ramon Lacbain II.

Malaria was also the confirmed cause of death of Mark Anthony Daan, 28, on May 14. His six co-workers in the subcontracting firm Less Builders survived.

Endalaga's identification card showed he was working at Hanjin's motor pool as a "helper mechanic" for already a year. He lived in the village of Aningway-Sakatihan in Subic town where malaria is "endemic," according to a report released by the Department of Health (DoH) last January.

Lacbain said the first aid medical slip issued by the Hanjin clinic to Endalaga on May 16 showed him to be suffering from fever for 10 days. The nurse, identified only as "D. Gonzales," recommended medical examination.

"Hanjin's health care workers did not bring [Endalaga] to the Subic municipal health clinic. He went there by himself," Lacbain said, citing the accounts of Endalaga's co-workers.

His family took him to the San Marcelino District Hospital on May 18 and transferred him to the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital in Olongapo City where he died. He has three children aged 5, 3 and 2.

Endalaga's wife, Gemalyn, said Hanjin did not extend help in paying for hospitalization or funeral service costs.

Pyeong Jong Yu, Hanjin general manager, did not reply when sought for comment on Thursday.

Dr. Rio Magpantay, director of the DoH in Central Luzon, said his office has been investigating recent malaria cases.

In January, DoH officials declared the malaria outbreak to be "under control." The DoH's National Epidemiology Center counted 321 malaria cases among workers and residents around Hanjin's shipyard from January to June 2007, a report showed.

The center's investigation showed that "the village with the highest attack rate was Barangay Cawag where Hanjin's construction site is situated."

Of the 201 cases monitored from January to May 2007, at least 183 originated in Cawag, five in Naugsol, five in Mangan Vaca, two in Calapacuan and six in other villages.

The figures rose to 321 in June 2007.

Subic town reported 85 malaria cases in 2003, 68 in 2004, 151 in 2005, and 261 in 2006. By Tonette Orejas - Inquirer Central Luzon Desk

MANGAGAWA NG HANJIN SA SUBIC, PATAY SA MALARIA

Isa na namang manggagawa ng Hanjin shipbuilding project sa Subic Bay Freeport Zone ang namatay sa sakit na malaria noong isang araw.

Nakilala ang panibagong biktima ng sakit na malaria na si Rodel Dulay Ednalaga, 28 taong gulang, may tatlong anak at naninirahan sa Brgy. Aningway-Sakatihan, Subic, Zambales.

Ayon sa kanyang identification card mula sa Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Ltd., siya ay isang taon nang nagtatrabaho bilang helper mechanic sa motorpool nito.

Pinauwi si Rodel mula sa kanyang trabaho noong Mayo 13 dahil sa kanyang lagnat at muling ipinatawag sa trabaho noong Mayo 16 para maekasamin sa clinic ng Hanjin.

Ayon sa First Aid Medical Slip ng Hanjin Clinic na may lagda ni D. Gonzales, isang registered nurse ay 10 araw na pala siyang nilalagnat kaya inirekomenda ang karagdagan pang pagsusuri.

Sa kibila ng karamdaman ni Rodel at sa halip na ihatid siya ng Hanjin Clinic ay mag-isang nagtungo si Rodel sa Municipal Health Center ng Subic. Doon nga ay nalaman sa isinagawang blood examination na siya ay may malaria.

Noong Linggo Mayo 18 ay saka pa lamang siya dinala ng kanyang pamilya sa San Marcelino District Hospital at dahil lalong lumalala ang kanyang karamdaman ay nagpasya ang pamilya na ilipat siya sa James Gordon Memorial Hospital noong Mayo 20 at doon na siya namatay.

Hanggang sa mga oras na ito ay wala pa ring anumang naibibigay na tulong ang Hanjin sa asawa ni Rodel na si Gemalyn Pahayahay at sa kanyang tatlong anak na sina Rodelyn, 3, Anthony, 5 at Hazel Rose, 2. Kasalukuyang nakaburol ang kanyang mga labi sa kanilang tahanan sa Brgy. Aningway, Subic, Zambales.

Ayon kay Fidel Ednalaga ay panganay si Rodel sa kanyang tatlong anak sa kanyang ikalawang asawa. Ang kanilang buong pamilya ay nagmula sa Brgy. Baloganon, Masinloc, Zambales.

Noong nakarang linggo lamang, dahil din sa sakit na malaria ay namatay si Mark Anthony Daan, 29 taong gulang at naospital naman ang anim na iba pa na pawang mga taga Brgy. Sta. Rita, Masinloc, Zambales at mga nagtatrabaho sa Less Builders na isang sub-contractor ng Hanjin.

Dahil dito ay nanawagan na si Ramon Lacbain II, Chairman ng Task Force Hanjin sa mga opisyales ng Hanjin, ng Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, mga lokal ng pamahalaan ng Subic, Olongapo City at lalawigan ng Zambales kasama na ang Department of Health na magsagawa ng mga agarang hakbang upang maiwasan ang susunod pang mamatay o magkakasakit dahil sa malaria.

“Nakakaawa din ang mga pamilya ng mga namamatay o nagkakasakit na mga mangagawa ng Hanjin sapagkat hindi nila alam kung saan sila kukuha ng pera o tulong mula sa Hanjin o sa mga subcontractors nito para sa pampagamot o pampalibing.

Masyadong maliit ang kanilang sinusweldo tapos magkakasakit pa sila at mas matindi pa kung sila’y mamamatay. Minsan nag-iisip na ang mga tao kung talaga bang tulong ang pagdating ng Hanjin dito sa Subic Bay o perwesyo lamang”, ayon kay Lacbain.

Mabuti na lamang at may ibang mga pamilya ang nagpapaabot sa kaalaman ng Task Force Hanjin tungkol sa pagkamatay o pagkakasakit dahil sa malaria ng kanilang mga kapamilya na nagtatrabaho sa Hanjin shipbuilding project, paano na lamang yong hindi na nagpapasabi baka mas marami pa palang maiiulat na apektado ng malaria.

Ayon sa ulat ng National Epidemiology Center ng Department of Health ay talagang endemic ang lamok na may dalang malaria sa tatlong mga barangay sa Subic, Zambales kagaya ng Naugsol, Aningway-Sakatihan at sa Cawag kung saan naroroon ang Hanjin shjipbuilding project na mayroong mga 13,000 mangagawa at patuloy pang dumarami.

Inirekomenda ng nasabing DOH sa Hanjin ang patuloy na pagbibigay kaalaman sa mga mangaggawa nito kung paano makakaiwas sa malaria at gayundin naman ang palagiang pagmomonitor at agarang paggagamot sa mga apektado ng malaria na mga mangagawa nito. Mon Lacbain - Task Force Hanjin

P80M Cosme damage in Zambales

MAHIGIT SA 80 MILYONG PISONG HALAGA NG MGA PROYEKTO SA AGRIKULTURA AT IMPRASTRAKTURA SINALANTA NI BAGYONG COSME SA LALAWIGAN NG ZAMBALES

Sa pinakahuling ulat ng Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council ng Zambales ay umabot ng P82,447,143.00 ang nasalanta ng bagyong Cosme sa walong bayan ng Zambales.

Umabot ng P41, 883,843.50 ang nawasak na mga puno ng iba’t-ibang prutas at mga pananim na gulay at bigas. Pinakamalaki rito ang mga nabali o nabunot na mga punong mangga na nagkakahalaga ng P34,251, 375.00.

Sa pangisdaan naman ay umabot ng P12,950,000.00 ang halaga ng mga nasirang mga bangkang di-sagwan at di-motor at pati mga palaisdaan sa buong bayan lamang ng Sta. Cruz.

Umabot naman ng P1,463,300.00 ang nasirang livestock kagaya ng baka, kambing at baboy sa mga bayan ng Sta. Cruz at San Marcelino.

Sa bayan ng Sta. Cruz, na pinakamatinding hinagupit ng bagyong Cosme noong Sabado ay maraming mga kabahayan at mga gusaling pampubliko at pribado ang natanggalan ng mga bubong o nawasak na buo. Umabot ang halaga ng mga nasirang mga pampublikong imprastratura lalong-lalo na ang mga paaralan sa P26,150,000.00.

Sa pinakahuling ulat din ng Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council ay umaabot na ng 62,789 ang mga residenteng naapektuha ng bagyong Cosme at higit sa 10,000 naman ang mga bahay na nasira ng buo at bahagi lamang.

Noong Lunes ng umaga ay idineklara ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Zambales ang State of Calamity sa buong lalawigan kasabay ng pagbibigay ng kapangyarihan kay Governor Amor Deloso para gamitin ang halagang P10 milyong mula sa calamity fund ng Zambales para sa taong ito.

Inaasahan ang pagdalaw ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo sa Biyernes sa bayan ng Sta. Cruz upang personal niyang makita ang napakalaking pinsalang idinulot ng bagyong Cosme sa Sta. Cruz, Zambales.

Umaasa ang mga magulang at mga guro na sa lalong madaling panahon ay maaayos ang mga paaralang napinsala ng bayong Cosme para sa pagbubukas ng mga klase sa Hunyo 9. Mon Lacbain

CONSTRUCTION WORKER SA HANJIN SHIPBUILDING PATAY

ISANG CONSTRUCTION WORKER SA HANJIN SHIPBUILDING PATAY AT 6 NA IBA PA
NAOSPITAL DAHIL SA MALARIA

Masinloc, Zambales, Isang construction worker sa Hanjin shipbuilding project sa Subic, Zambales na si Mark Anthony Daan, 28 taon gulang ang namatay dahil sa sakit na malaria noong Mayo 14.

Maliban kay Mark Anthony ay naospital naman ang 6 pang kasamahan niyang construction workers ng Less Builders na isang sub-contractor ng Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Company. Ito ay sina Aron Ebuen, Bernard Efe, Noel Esman at Jojo Estella na nakalabas na ng Iba provincial hospital matapos na gamutin sa sakit na malaria.

Samanatalang kasalukuyan pang nasa nasabi ring ospital sina Juven Pindon at Jano Elardo. Ang namatay na si Mark Anthony at ang 6 pang naospital ay pawing mga residente ng barangay Bani sa Masinloc, Zambales.

Ayon kay Grace ay umuwi sa kanilang bahay ang kanyang asawang si Mark Anthony noong Mayo 4 at ng sumunod na araw ay nagsimula na itong makaramdam ng sakit ng tiyan, lagnat at matinding pagka-ginaw.

Kaya’t noong Mayo 6 ay dinala nila si Mark Anthony sa Candelaria District Hospital at doon nga ay nakonpirma na ang kanyang dugo ay positibo sa virus na p. falciparum na nagdudulot ng sakit na malaria kaya sya ay agad namang inilipat sa Iba provincial hospital. Subalit makalipas ng ilang araw ay namatay si Mark Anthony.

Nakatakdang magsagawa ng inspeksyon ang Task Force Hanjin sa sinasabing barracks ng mga construction workers ng Less Builders at iba pang sub-constractors na nasa labas ng Hanjin shipbuilding compound na sinasabing wala sa maayos na kalagayan na maaring dahilan upang kumalat ang mga lamok na may dalang malaria.

Makikipag-ugnayan din naman ang Task Force Hanjin sa Department of Health para sa mga agarang gawain para maiwasan ang pagkalat ng sakit na malaria sa mga manggagawa ng Hanjin at mga residente ng apektadong barangay ng Cawag sa Subic, Zambales. By Mon Lacbain - Task Force Hanjin

Lacbain, binantaan ni Mayor Khonghun

Task Force Chairman Ramon Lacbain binantaan ni Mayor Khonghun ng Subic

Subic, Zambales- “ Magkakagulo dito pag humawak ka pa ng mike (mikropono)” mariin na banta ni Subic Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun kay dating Bise-gobernador at ngayon ay Task Force Hanjin Chairman Ramon Lacbain matapos nitong agawan ng mikropono habang ito ay nagsasalita sa ginawang meeting kaharap si Zambales Governor Amor Deloso at ang mahigit 200 residente sa sa Sitio Nagyantok , Cawag Subic, Zambales kahapon.

Nagtungo si Gob. Amor Deloso at ang buong grupo ng Task Force Hanjin sa pamumuno ni dating bise Gobernador Ramon Lacbain sa Sitio Nagyantok, Cawag, Subic, Zambales matapos na pumunta ang mga resident e ng naturang lugar na apektado ng gingawang expansion ng P1.6 Billion na projekto ng Hanjin Heavy Industries, Inc. (HHIC) sa opisina ng Gobernador upang humingi ng tulong sa nag-aambang demolisyon sa kanilang lugar.

Hindi naman inaasahan ng grupo na sasalubungin sila ni Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun sa naturang lugar , ngunit ganon pa man ay malugod namang pinasalamatan ng Gobernador ang kanyang ginawang pagsalubong dito.

Sa ginanap na programa, isa-isang inilahad ng mga residente ng Sitio Nagyantok ang kanilang karaingan sa Gobernador katulad ng relokasyon, kompensasyon, kabuhayan at di pa tapos na pasilidad katulad ng tubig, koryente ,daan at eskwelahan sa ginawang relokasyon .

Isa-isang nagsalita si Gob. Deloso, Mayor Khonghun, SBMA Ecology Chair Ameth De LLana- Koval upang saguting ang lahat ng katanungan ng mga residente.

Sa mensahe ni Mayor Khonghun sinabi niya na mayroong itatayong eskuwelahan, simbahan, plaza, healtlh center, at day care center.

Sa mensahe ni Task Force Chairman Ramon Lacbain, binigyan niya ng diin na masuwerte ang mga residente ng Sitio Nagyantok at mayroon silang Gobernador ngayon na makikinig sa kanilang karaingan hindi katulad ng naranasan ng mga taga Sitio-Agusuhin sa nakaraang administrayon na naging biktima din ng demolisyon at hanggang ngayon ay walang maayos na relokasyon at kompensasyon.

Sinabi rin ni Lacbain na ang kaslukuyang kaso ng Sitio Nagyantok ay hindi muna pinakilaaman ng opisina ni Gob. Deloso at Task Force Hanjin sapagkat may kasunduan sila na SBMA , Hanjin at Gawad Kalinga muna ang aayos sa problemang ito hanggat walang reklamo mula sa mga residente na idudulog sa opisina ng Gobernador.

Dagdag pa niya na sapagkat lumapit na ang mga tao sa opisina ng Gobernador kaya nagsagawa ang Task Force Hanjin ng inspekyon noong Marso 29 sa Relocation Site para sa Nagyantok na ginawa ng Gawad Kalinga.

“Sa araw na ito ang available na bahay na puedeng tirahan ay 100 na bahay, sa araw na ito ay wala pa pong tubig at koryente, sa araw na ito marami pa po ang mga bahay na hindi pa tapos, sa araw na ito yung mga daan ay hindi pa rin tapos,sa araw na ito ang elementary school building ay sinisimulan pa lang gawin, sa araw na ito ang high school building pinaplano pa lang gawin,sa araw na ito ang retaining wall ay hindi pa rin tapos at ito ay delikado para sa mga taga Sitio Nagyantok, at ang drainage ay hindi pa rin tapos at delikado para sa mga residente, kaya kami po sa Task Force Hanjin sa harap po ng mga taga Sitio Nagyantok nirerekomenda po namin kay Gob. Deloso na hindi pa panahon para ilipat ang mga taga Nagyantok, sapagkat naniniwala po kami na hindi pa handa ang relocation site “ mensahe ni Lacbain na tinugunan naman ng malakas na palakpak at sigawan ng mga residente ng Nagyantok.

Sa puntong ito ay tumayo si Mayor Khonghun at inagaw ang mikropono kay Lacbain at sinabi niya, ”Alam mo mon masama yang ginagawa mo, ginagawa mo kaming sinungaling! Wala naman ganyanan, wala namang ganyanan!”

Habang sumisigaw ang mga mga tao ng “Boo!....Boo! “ di pa rin binigay ni Mayor Khonghun ang mikropono at sinabing” sa harapan ginagawa mo akong sinungaling eh.. sinasabi ko lamang sa inyo ang pinag-usapan natin noon, hindi ko sinasabing tapos na o hindi pa.. ang sinsabi ko sa inyo ay meron diba? meron.. pero wag mo namang sasabihin sa harap ko na sinasabi nila kanina ay meron.. sinasabi ko gagawin kung meron gagawin.. mahirap naman yan ramon yan ginagawa mo eh sa harap ni gobernor parang ano…at saka yang report mo dapat direkta ka lang kay gobernor.. hindi tama yan…”

“ Kung tapos ka na mayor pwedeng mahiram na ang mike at tatapusin .. “ sabi ni Lacbain

“HINDI! HINDI KA NA HAHAWAK NG MIKE DITO!MAGKAKAGULO DITO AG HUMAWAK KA PA NG MIKE!..”mariing banta ni Mayor Khonghun kay Lacbain.

Sa puntong ito ay namagitan ang Gobernador Amor Deloso upang hindi magkagulo.

Sinabi ni Gob. Deloso na kaya siya narito ay para ayusin ang lahat. “ lets put things in order.. anyway nandito na ako mga kapatid no..at lahat ng isyu dito ay aking pakikinggan at aayusin”.

Naging maayos naman ang sumunod pang pag-uusap sapagkat pinakinggan ng mga residente ang Gobernador.

“ Maraming salamat po sa pagpunta niyo dito, kung wala kayo di naming alam kung sino ang magtatanggol sa amin sa kalagayan naming ngayon” bigkas kay Gobernador ng isang residente ng Sitio Nagyantok ng ito ay umalis.

“Hanga kami kay Lacbain, ipinakita niya ang pagkamahinahon sa ginawa ni Mayor, di ito kumibo kahit binastos na siya” sambit ng isang residente ng tanungin ko kung ano ang masasabi sa mga pangyayari. By: Belen Figueras

AKBAYAN to seek congressional probe over corruption

AKBAYAN to seek congressional probe over corruption, other illegal acts in Hanjin investment


Deputy minority leader and AKBAYAN Rep. Risa Hontiveros said today that the explosion at the dry dock of Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co. Ltd in Subic is just the tip of the iceberg, adding that allegations that corruption and other illegal acts have been committed by public officials involved in the largest foreign investor under the GMA administration.

Rep. Hontiveros said that AKBAYAN would push for a congressional probe on the controversy once session resumes on January 28.

The solon, who was in Subic to inspect the relocation site for the fisherfolks who were illegally displaced to construct Hanjin's dry dock in Redondo Peninsula, Brgy. Cawag in Subic, said that occupational safety standards were not observed by the Korean firm. She urged the Labor Committee of Congress to investigate the lapse in enforcing labor standards in Hanjin.

"This was a tragedy waiting to happen. Clearly, there was negligence and a lapse in enforcing safety standards," she said. "There was not even a doctor in Hanjin's clinic when the explosion took place, proving that contingency measures are not in place in the site at all."

She also urged Congress to investigate allegations of corruption involving the relocation of fisherfolks displaced by the dry dock.

"Hanjin reportedly gave the government 18 million to relocate the fisherfolks. Ironically, the fisherfolks were relocated to a site on top of the mountain. Substandard and overprice materials were clearly used, and the living condition of the relocatees was disturbing," Rep. Hontiveros said.

She likewise said that overpriced materials were apparently used. "A bamboo flagpole cost P17,000, while incomplete bathrooms were priced at P400,000 each," she revealed. "About 23 projects for the relocation of fisherfolks were clearly ghost projects."

She said that the law was also violated when the fisherfolks were evicted from their homes to give way to the construction of Hanjin's dry dock. "There was no court order or damage compensation, as provided by existing laws. This is an act of development aggression," Rep. Hontiveros said, saying that the failure of the government to observe the law and the rights of Filipinos in attracting foreign investments should likewise be probed.

REDONDO SHIPYARD COORDINATING COUNCIL FORMED IN SUBIC

REDONDO SHIPYARD COORDINATING COUNCIL FORMED IN SUBIC

Council Formed To Support Hanjin Shipbuilding Project in Subic

Zambales Governor Calls for Unity of Local Government Officials on Shipbuilding Project

Iba, Zambales- In response to the growing issues and social concerns about the Multi-Billion Shipbuilding project in Subic, a consultative body was formed as Zambales Governor Amor Deloso's administration successfully called for the "First Consultative Meeting" last Saturday at the Provincial Capitol.

The meeting was attended by SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga, SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation (HHIC) President Jeong Sup Shim, Zambales Governor Amor Deloso, Task Force Chairman Ramon Lacbain II and heads of concerned government agencies like DENR, DPWH, PNP, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Provincial Engineer's Office .

The group decided to form the "Redondo Shipyard Coordinating Council (RSCC)" to ensure proper coordination in addressing critical issues and concerns as well as take appropriate actions for the benefit of the people and for the smooth operations of HHIC- Phils. Inc.

Redondo Shipyard Coordinating Council will be composed of SBMA Chairman, SBMA Administrator, the Municipal Mayor of Subic, the President of Hanjin and the Governor of Zambales as its head.

The Chairman of Task Force Hanjin and former Zambales Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain II will act as the Executive Director of RSCC and the other members of the Task Force on Hanjin will provide secretariat support. The heads of concerned government agencies like the DENR-PENRO, DPWH, PNP, PSWDO, PEO will provide technical support and facilitate the implementation of all agreements tackled by the council.

Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun of Subic was not able to attend the meeting but expresses his support through a phone call to the governor.

The said first consultative meeting tackles issues like relocation and compensation of residents at Sitio Nagyantok (part of the expansion area to be taken by HHIC-Phil. Inc.), compensation of the remaining unpaid residents of Sitio Agusuhin (the area presently occupied by Hanjin), clearing of the proposed Hanjin Village (housing project for Filipino workers), expansion of Hanjin perimeter fence and the transfer of affected families, livelihood fund for the 32 members of Agusuhin Community Reforestation (ACRA) and construction of the infrastructure projects at Agusuhin Relocation Site ( the anomalous 18M infrastructures at relocation).

Deloso is hopeful that this council will strengthen ties between the local government and the business sector and eventually be "partners in development" of the Redondo Peninsula in Brgy. Cawag, Subic and the entire province of Zambales.

RSCC will convene regularly at the request of any member whenever urgent and critical issues and concerns must be addresses to ensure proper coordination and create workable business development plan for Zambales.

BOTIKA NATIN OPENS IN ANGELES CITY

BOTIKA NATIN OPENS ITS 1ST DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN ANGELES CITY

Angeles City. After opening two hundred fifty Botika Natin sa Nayon outlets in the province of Zambales and the city of Olongapo, the Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the Environmental Protection of Asia Foundation, Inc. opens its very first Botika Natin sa Nayon distribution center inside Lifeline Medical Center in Angeles City last September 18, 2007.

"I am glad that this project that I started in Zambales as a former vice governor in partnership with the Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation, Inc. (ZWAPFI) more than two years ago is now in Angeles City to provide its people with miraculously priced medicines", according to Ramon G. Lacbain II who is now serving as executive director of ZWAPFI.

The opening of first Animal Bites Treatment Clinic in Angeles City just beside the Botika Natin sa Nayon Distribution Center also coincided with the event. This clinic is a partnership between ZWAPFI and Family Vaccines and Specilaty Clinics.

As a result of a partnership between Family Vaccines and Specialty Clinics and ZWAPFI, the first animal bites treatment clinic was opened in Subic in August which was followed by Angeles City.

Two more animal bites treeatment clinics will be opned on October 1, 2007 and last week of October in Iba, Zambales and Olongapo City respectively.
These clinics being run by registered and trained nurses aim to educate the public on the prevention of rabies and provide very low cost anti-rabies vaccines to those victims of animal bites.

For more information you may visit - www.botikanatinsanayon.com

Zambales gov’t probes relocation site

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- The Zambales provincial government has asked officials of Subic town to release documents pertaining to a relocation project funded by a South Korean firm, and repair and complete the site’s facilities.

The relocation site in Sitio Agusuhin was funded by the Hanjin Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. for about 400 families displaced by its $1.684-billion shipbuilding project in Subic since April.

The provincial government’s Task Force Hanjin has requested at least eight kinds of documents and answers from Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun through a letter on Sept. 3.

Documents

These are the certified true copies of the program of work, plans and specifications of all projects listed in Hanjin’s purchase order for P18 million worth of construction materials for 33 public facilities in May, building permits issued to the contractor, and “change order” that authorizes the realignment of identified projects to the construction of four school buildings.

It also asked a list of actions taken by the mayor’s office and municipal board to address the ongoing concerns and problems of the residents, master plan of the relocation site, certified true copy of the environmental compliance certificate issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the relocation site, and copies of certificates of titles to the residents.

The task force, headed by former Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II, had found “several structures missing and damaged” at the upland relocation site located off the coast of the Redondo Bay.

Khonghun told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Sunday that he received a copy of the letter and that he would furnish the task force with documents.

He said structures were damaged because the “contractors rushed with work since the residents did not want to leave and Hanjin and the [Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority] already want the site.”

SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said it was the representatives of Hanjin, not SBMA’s, who negotiated with the residents for compensation damages.

Khonghun and former Zambales Gov. Vicente Magsaysay denied handling the P24-million budget as payments for demolished houses.

Funds

Khonghun also said he could not accede to the requests to repair and complete the structures since there were no more funds for these.

He said a Department of Public Works and Highways team had assessed that the contractor, North Bound Hardware and General Merchandise, had spent P22.5 million for the structures on site.

Cost

An Inquirer source at the DPWH, however, said the structures on site cost only P3 million.

Hanjin, in a March 2006 amended lease agreement with Khonghun and Arreza, said it should be “free from any cost overrun or any other demands whatsoever from any entities in relation to the project beyond the [P18 million] sum.”

Improvements

Khonghun said the town government could improve the relocation site with the help of the SBMA and the national government.

The task force, on the order of Gov. Amor Deloso, has asked the Subic government to demolish two damaged school buildings, construct a footbridge, build three elevated water tanks, do slope protection works, improve the roads and drainage system, and provide electricity to the site. Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon

TF Hanjin uncovers P18-M fund mess

SUBIC, Zambales – Task Force Hanjin, a probe body created by the provincial government here, has uncovered a graft case in connection with the P18-million fund intended for infrastructure development of a resettlement site.

Zambales Governor Amor Deloso said that the task force headed by former Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain has unearthed the anomalous infrastructure projects which deprived the relocated residents of better facilities.

Deloso, alleged that most of the P18-million financial support fund provided by the Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction, Inc. (HHIC) for various infrastructure projects were wasted due to massive graft and corruption allegedly committed by local government officials and erring contractors.

In a report, Lacbain noted the lack of school facilities, potable water supply, road network, and drainage system in the Agusuhin relocation site despite of huge allocation of funds intended for these infrastructure development.

Hanjin officials, meanwhile, have reportedly refused to add more funding for the improvement of the relocation site unless the P18 million funds earlier released would be properly audited by its recipient. (Franco G. Regala)

ICT firm renders big bite vs animal rabies

By Tonette Orejas - Inquirer
SUBIC, Zambales—Saving people from animal rabies infection is what the Intellectual Properties Ventures Group (IPVG) has chosen as its corporate social responsibility program.

The IP Foundation, corporate arm of the Filipino-owned information and communications technology firm, has expanded the program in Zambales, partnering with the Zambales War Against Poverty Foundation (ZWAPF) to open an animal bite treatment clinic (ABTC) in Barangay Wawandue here.

The ABTC—the 14th that the IP Foundation has established in the provinces since 2006, is housed at the ZWAPF’s drugstore, which supports a chain of 236 barangay-based outlets.
Also known as the “Botika Natin sa Nayon,” the outlets sell cheap generic medicines.

The newest facility is also run by the Family Vaccine and Specialty Clinics Inc. (FVSC), which the IP Foundation has organized, said Greg Ortile, FVSC general manager.

As of Aug. 3 or in just a week of operations, the ABTC has already rescued five children from the deadly virus, said Ramon Lacbain II, ZWAPF executive director.

“Our first patient was an Aeta child bitten by a monkey in Castillejos town. The others were children bitten by dogs,” Lacbain said.

The ZWAPF and FVSC are planning to open a second clinic in the capital town of Iba.

“The collaboration established between IP Foundation and the ZWAPF with the Botika Natin program is a milestone for the beneficiaries of both organizations. We are happy that our health service endeavors can be used to further the livelihood program for the people of Zambales at the same time address the rabies problem,” said IP Foundation chair Marco Santos after the launch on July 28.

“We are hopeful that nearby provinces will soon follow and join the campaign,” Santos said.
The goal of the foundation is to set up 100 ABTCs all over the Philippines, which ranked fourth among countries with high number of rabies cases. India, China and Bangladesh top the list, according to the World Health Organization.

The program supports the antirabies campaign of the Department of Health and WHO, Santos said.

What FVSC provides is “affordable, accessible and available” animal bite and antirabies treatment.

An injection of the vaccine costs P375.

The FVSC said residents would no longer have to travel long distances and buy expensive vaccines individually to get treatment.

“At the same time, the FVSC’s low-cost pricing is further augmented by a free injection to be given during the first and last visit out of the total eight [injections] required,” it said.
Citing DOH information, the IP Foundation said rabies, a viral infection of animals, can be transmitted to humans through the saliva of infected animals, most often by a bite or scratch or licks on wounds or cuts, or mucous membrane, such as the eyes, nose or mouth.

At least 98 percent of rabies cases in the Philippines come from dog bites and 2 percent, from cats. Rabies infection kills 300 to 600 Filipinos yearly, the DOH said.

The FVSC’s work comes at no cost to the local government. It provides vaccines, nurses and all the equipment in the center and uses only globally accepted, high quality vaccines.
The vaccines are all Bureau of Food and Drugs-approved, WHO-recognized and complies with WHO and DOH guidelines, the IP Foundation said.