Failed rocket launch shows Friday the 13th is no unlucky day for Aurora

BALER, Aurora, April 15, 2012–Friday the 13^th may be a perennial jinx to most people but to Aurorans, including its leaders, it’s no unlucky at least insofar as the failed rocket launch of North Korea is concerned.

Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo stressed this yesterday as she and the rest of Aurorans heaved a collective sigh of relief that North Korea’s heralded long-range rocket test ended in failure Friday, disintegrating in mid-air soon after blastoff and plunging into the sea.

“To many, Friday the 13^th may be a bad sign. But fortunately, this is not the case with Aurora,” she said. She said the failed rocket launch was clearly an act of God and that Divine Providence spared the calamity-prone province from yet another tragedy of epic proportions.

Angara-Castillo said divine intervention played a part in the failed rocket launch because human errors could have caused it to stray somewhere and hit the province.

“You never know what to expect. When human error comes into play, it could cause irreparable damage even to our province. Thank God it failed,” she said.

But she cautioned against nations relaxing their guard, saying North Korea might make up for a loss of face by staging another rocket test in the future.     

At least five of this province’s towns were earlier identified by disaster officials as possible danger zones due to the satellite launch.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director Benito Ramos said among the areas threatened were  the northern Aurora towns of Casiguran, Dilasag and Dinalungan, Dingalan in southern Aurora and this capital town.

This province is no stranger to calamities. Aside from the destructive typhoons which sowed destruction in the province in 2004, a tsunami also wiped out the oldtownship of Baler, wiping out 500 families. Only five families, including the Angaras, survived.

 Angara-Castillo expressed grave concern over the lack of safety measures by the national government in dealing with the threat of the missile launch. She said that while the missile launch is alarming, also equally alarming is the lack of safety guidelines drawn up by the NDRRMC.

Angara-Castillo convened the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council and the provincial government and implemented the “no-sail zone” and “no-fishing zone” over areas covered by the declaration in the province. 

TREKKERS MEDITATE ON CHRIST’S RESURRECTION IN THE MOUNTAIN JUNGLES OF AURORA PROVINCE

MARIA AURORA, Aurora, April 15, 2012-As part of the “Akyat Para Sa Turismo at Kalikasan” Program of the Noble Blue Falcons International( Environmentalists, Peace Crusaders) and  in support of the Tourism campaign of Aurora Governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo and Maria Aurora Mayor Ariel S. Bitong,  32  combined Pinoy mountaineers from Isip Berde Mountaineering Club(IBMC), Concerned Aduana Mountaineers of the Philippines(CAMP) and Noble Blue Falcons Environmental Mountaineers(NBFIEM) climb and do mountain clean-up and outreach of Mt Maaling-aling(Mt Vincent) in Brgy. Villa Aurora, Maria Aurora,Aurora,Philippineslast Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, April 5-6, 2012 dubbed as “Lenten Climb for Tourism and Nature.”

During the 8-hour grueling ascent to the peak under the summer heat, fruit-bearing trees were planted to augment the food supply of the Aeta (Agta) Indigenous people prevalent in the locale as requested by Brgy Villa Aurora Brgy Captain Henry A. Padilla (also NBFI Villa Aurora Chapter Chairman). The participants are: Benjie Ramosa, Dackie Cagapa, Neyz Royol, Chris Sinadian, Alvin Magistrado, Jonel Valdisimo, Jaime Mendoza, Dan Bagagnan, Marvin Olivar, Ron Baladan, Christine Asignacion, Marlon Pila, Jonar Raon, Joselito Geneveo, Michael John Sayaman   of Isip Berde; Nobert Astamillo and Anasor Inumpa of Aduana; and Alvin De Guzman, Ruel Villar, Vicente Porte, Noriel Salazar, Guides Lito and Randong,  Arjun Nocete, Arnie Somido, Vicente Porte,  Leopoldo Casanova, Rommel Bautista, Ronald Sabalo, Janet Gañosa, Edgar Beliganio and Ronald Go of  Noble Blue Falcons. Among the NBFI participants, the NBFI mountaineers’ song was sung and the Rules and Definition of Environmental Mountaineering were taught.

According to Prof. Joseph Beatriz Usita, National Chairman of Noble Blue Falcons Int’l (NBFI) and the Father of Environmental Mountaineering in the Philippines, “Mountaineering is not only about conquering heights or breaking personal records-it is about motivating people, rich or poor, to the mountains for them to both enjoy and protect it. I would rather climb a single mountain with a multitude of transformed environmental mountaineers with me rather than scale a hundred peaks alone and for my own glory. For I learned in my life, that the hardest things to conquer are not the highest mountains but the hearts of men.”

So, in order to both enjoy and protect the mountain, the Rules of Environmental Mountaineering, according to Prof. Usita, must be observed which states that, “Aside from pictures-take nothing but garbage; Aside from footprints- leave nothing but tree seedlings; Aside from Time-kill nothing but bad habits. Save the only world we have-the Mother Earth.”

This mountaineering event is meant to promote Aurora’s mountains to both local and international tourism as an alternative economy to destructive forest-based livelihoods such as logging, kaingin, wood charcoal-making, illegal vegetable gardening, mining and quarrying. Other famous mountains of the province where monkey-eating eagles are in dangers due to logging and kaingin are: Mt Falcon (Danayag),Mt King(Minoli,)Mt Beatrice(Kabulao)-San Luis; Mt Ravelo (Pamazam-pazam), Mt Rodel (Udok)-Maria Aurora; Mt Egay-Dipaculao; Mt Legaspina-Casiguran; Mt Paradero-Dilasag and Mt Galvez (Anacuao)-Dinalungan.

Meanwhile, other NBFI environmental scheduled climbs are: Sierra Madre traverse (Jan.19-March 19, 2013), The Reunited Climbers: Outreach in Mt Quebal,Gen. Nakar, Quezon (April 27-29, 2012), Summer Climb for Tourism and Nature in Mt Isarog (Mt Agulay), Camsur (May 12-13, 2012), The NBFI: Dumagat Outreach in Umiray, Dingalan, Aurora(May 17-18, 2012) and the nationwide simultaneous Independence climb for Tourism and Nature(June 1-12, 2012) in Mt Balagbag (Mt Emil)- Marinduque; Mt Maaling-aling (Mt Vincent)-Aurora; Mt Arayat(Mt Colambo)-Pampanga in Luzon; Mt Madjaas (Mt Acido)-Antique in Visayas and Mt Apo (Mt David)-Davao Del Norte/North Cotabato and Mt Kitanglad(Mt Gil)-Bukidnon in Mindanao.

Founded in March 19, 1996 in the Philippines, Noble Blue Falcons Environmentalists has 444,000 members(maximum cap) scattered nationwide with 8,000 Environmental mountaineers helping the provincial Government of Aurora to protect the province’s fast diminishing forest cover and promoting Aurora’s tourist spots thru eco-tourism advocacy.

NBFI Environmental Mountaineers hold the Pinoy record of the most number of combined Pinoy and Foreign climbers in a single ascent on a single mountain at 197(American, French, South Korean and Pinoy mountaineers) in the Philippine International Climb 2011 to Save Sierra Madre in the conquest of Mt. Falcon in Ditumabo, San Luis, Aurora, Philippines last April 30-May 1, 2011. A pioneer in Environmental Mountaineering, the Noble Blue Falcons Int’l is the biggest environmental group in the country today in terms of manpower strength. (Noble Blue Falcons Aurora)

 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CLIMBERS EMBARK ON A MAIDEN CLIMB OF SIERRA MADRE MOUNTAIN ON CHINESE NEW YEAR

Quezon City- On the positive outlook that the Black Water Dragon will bring luck to the country’s tourism and environment, the Noble Blue Falcons International Mountaineers, Meow Outdoor Group Specials, Green Philippines,  LGU-Villa Aurora, Phil Red Cross-Aurora, Yappak, United Trekkers, PDRRMO-Aurora, Aeta Indigenous People and San Diego e.-Quezon City Mountaineers trekked the jungles of Aurora on January 21-23, 2012. Of the combined climbers, 69 conquered Mt Maaling-aling (Mt Vincent) at 1,885 MASL via Maria Aurora, Aurora. The 3-day exploration is highlighted by 9-hour ascend and 7-hour descend into the summit.  The activities were a mixed of environmental climbs and get-together between NBFI members nationwide and guest climbers.

The participants were: Sindac, Richelle; Fernando, Rowellson; Rosario, Ronald; Cassanova, Leopoldo; Serencio, Aisa; Lacandazo,Vanessa; Reyes, Harold; De Vera, Gary; Somera, Joselito; Ayao, Marvin; Sornosa, Mark; Morillo,Jomari; Ramos,Ket; Pascual, Maricris; Fernandez,Weller; Almadin, Haidee; Borja, Harold; Buan,Edith; Somera, Joseph; Lova, Jerald; Garcia, Jovel; Barias, Winston; Bumbase, Nico; Arcillo, Maida Shiela; Aganad, Anthony; Salazar, Noriel; Estacio, Jaime; Quizon, Jeffrey; Anasan, Norman; Buencamino,Jean; Bagaoisan Antonio; Calugtong, Jovito; Lopez, May; Lorilla, Erwin; Capuz, Ferdinand; Somera, Romulo; Espana, Khaselyn; Natividad, Mark Angelo; Guzman, Jordan; Nocete, Arjun; De Guzman, Alvin; Porte, Vic; Rosales, Ruel; Marzo, Michelle Loiza; Bautista, Rommel; Angara, John Arvin; Loba, Gerald Jay; Aguillar,Cheryll; Dayson, Erickson; Tugade, Joel; Marzo, Niño; Kuizon,Jeffrey; Dela Torre, Rochelle Mae;  Quematon, Cherry; Dan, Zafra; Victorio,Venus; Bihasa ,Bong,Jr; Sison, Cynthia; Frojibido, Lito; Puno, Leverando; Sarmiento, Pepito; Sarmiento, Lorenzo; Mohanda, Genalyn; Norman; Lorenzo Sr; De Guzman;  Ador; Poyan, Edith; Sindac; Loba; Custodio,Cyrus; Villar, Ruel; Usita, Boboy and Go, Ronald.

Interviewed in Quezon City, Prof. Joseph Beatriz Usita, NBFI National Chairman and Father of Environmental Mountaineering in the Philippines said that “On top of the Chinese new year, the twin-climb is our way of supporting environmental protection via eco-tourism. If we could make mountains popular to local and foreign trekking enthusiasts, local economy will be stronger and thus, the destructive forest-based livelihoods such as kaingin, wood charcoal –making, logging and mining could be avoided and thus prevent further environmental degradation. Mountaineering is not a competition and as such it should never be limited to the best of the best. Under this principle, is the doctrine of composite climb where different mountaineering clubs, DENR, Tourism, rescue, paramedics and LGU’s are represented. Let us climb together so we can appreciate the mountain splendor together and not hide its beauty to others or find happiness in its exclusivity. Twin-climb, Tree-planting, Clean-up,  Mountain exploration for tourism and nature, lectures, Medical mission,  Gift-giving, Food-feeding and other outreach programs combined into one activity is a manifestation of Environmental mountaineering where we give back to Nature and our less fortunate fellows our individual blessings and thus climb for something higher than ourselves. As part of the Akyat Para Sa Turismo at Kalikasan Program of the Noble Blue Falcons Int’l ( Environmentalists, Peace Crusaders), people climb to protect the environment and not just to conquer heights.”

According to Bro. Cristopher “Boboy” Usita, National Executive Director of NBFI and Chairman of the host NBFI Aurora Province, “We are promoting environmental protection via eco-tourism and thus sway away people from destructive forest-based livelihoods prevalent in Philippine hinterlands. This is in the essence, the concept of Environmental Mountaineering popularized by the Noble Blue Falcons since 1996.The distinctive features of Environmental climbs are: trekking, tree-planting, clean-up, medical mission, exploration and outreach programs rolled in a single activity. With God’s help, we were able to record the first documented conquest, reforestation, outreach and exploration of Mt. Maaling-aling (Mt Vincent) via Villa Aurora, Aurora, a much feared mountain in Aurora province because it is guarded by snakes, scorpions, tarantula (dangerous spiders), limatiks and wild poisonous plants. Through the climb, we hope to make Brgy. Villa Aurora, a prime mountaineering destination and allow it to recover economically.  ”

Founded in March 19, 1996 in the Philippines, Noble Blue Falcons Environmentalists has now 444,000 members scattered nationwide with 8,000 Environmental mountaineers helping the provincial Government of Aurora (where it has a National Environmental Base) to protect the province’s fast diminishing forest cover thru LGU-NGO Partnership. It also pioneered mountain exploration in the province starting in Mt. Falcon where it was founded in 1996.

NBFI Environmental Mountaineers hold the Pinoy record of the most number of combined Filipino and Foreign climbers in a single ascent on a single mountain at 197 (American, French, South Korean and Filipino mountaineers) in the Philippine International Climb 2011 to Save Sierra Madre in the conquest of Mt Falcon (Danayag) in Ditumabo, San Luis, Aurora, Philippines last April 30-May 1, 2011. At the headcount of 444,000 membership (maximum cap), the Noble Blue Falcons International is the largest environmental group in the country today in terms of manpower strength. (Blue Falcons-Aurora)

 

 

 

 

 

‘WE HAVE YET TO MAXIMIZE THE FULL POTENTIAL OF ICT’ – ANGARA

MANILA, April 14, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara underscored that the Philippines has yet to fully capitalize on the benefits of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), beyond those that help prop up the fast-growing Philippine Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry.

Angara, Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, emphasized that broadband technologies can also help initiatives in climate change adaptation, citing a recent study from the Broadband Commission for Digital Development.

“The study points out that ICT can usher in a low-carbon future because these help dematerialize physical products and systems, such as in a so-called paperless society, for example,” said Angara, also Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science & Technology and Engineering (COMSTE). “Of course, ICT are not carbon-neutral, but the efficiencies these drive aid in making industrial processes more green and environmentally sustainable.”    

The veteran lawmaker then noted a case study on low-carbon growth in India where smart grid technologies were seen to be a cornerstone in lessening electrical transmission and distribution losses, in turn leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.   

The UNESCO- and ITU-sponsored study also outlined that ICT can directly improve disaster mitigation and resiliency through real-time weather information systems and citizen-centric alerting mechanisms.

Angara said that the report simply adds more to the list of far-reaching gains that can be attained if ICT in the country is developed further.

“Clearly, government will take a big leap in this direction if an agency dedicated to ICT is established,” said the former UP president, who is also the main sponsor of a measure calling for the establishment of a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

The DICT bill calls for the reorganization of some agencies under the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and other communications-related government entities into a separate department that will formulate, promulgate and implement policies towards ICT development. The measure has been passed in both house of Congress, and will undergo bicameral review before it is transmitted to Malacanang for signing.     

“Various stakeholders—such as the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce and the Business Processing Association of the Philippines—have vocalized their support for the creation of a DICT, saying it will further enhance the attractiveness of our growing IT-BPO industry,” stressed Angara. “But the benefits of ICT go beyond IT-BPO.

“Telemedicine, e-learning, more accurate weather monitoring, and even improved agricultural and industrial production become realities with advanced ICT. Ultimately, having a DICT helps boost our ability to maximize on this vast potential and direct it towards solving the numerous challenges we face as a country.” (Rikka Sotto)

OH MY GULAY! CULMINATES SCHOOL YEAR WITH HARVEST DAY

MANILA, April 13, 2012-The Oh My Gulay! (OMG!) advocacy program, spearheaded by Senator Edgardo J. Angara, held a Community Day celebration on Wednesday at the Jose Rizal Elementary School in Tondo, Manila.

The event brought together eight different Manila schools adopted under the OMG! program, where vegetable gardens were established and maintained by students and teachers throughout school year 2011-2012.

Donor companies such as Asian Terminals, Inc. and Aboitiz Foundation financed the creation of the gardens. East-West Seed Company, OMG!’s implementing partner, provided technical training in each of the schools and monitored the gardens throughout the year.

 

 

A plentiful harvest of vegetables such as kamatis, pechay, sili, upo and talong greeted the students and teachers at the end of the school year.

 

Some of the produce was used for a cooking contest participated in by members of the school and community, while the rest was distributed for the consumption of the students.

 

 

Each school is equipped with the skills and materials to sustain the gardens in the years to come.

 

 

“Studies show that young people are more inclined to eat vegetables when they participate in the planting and harvesting,” said Angara. “OMG! has brought that knowledge to these students, and they can now plant their own vegetables at home, and possibly even make a profit by selling their produce.”

 

 

The program celebrated the year’s worth of hard work put in by the students and their partners from OMG!, government and the private sector. Representatives from the donor companies joined the faculty, staff and students of the OMG! schools together with OMG! Executive Director Josie Paule, East-West Seed General Manager Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc and Department of Education Health and Nutrition Council’s Dr. Jun Araojo at the event.

 

 

 

The participating schools in the celebration were the AV Hernandez, Magat Salamat, T. Paez, Lakan Dula, Almario, H. Atienza, P. Burgos and the host Jose Rizal Elementary School.

 

 

Community Day celebrations were likewise held in other parts of the Philippines where the OMG! school gardening program is being implemented.

 

 

 

OMG!, a brainchild of Angara, welcomes prospective donors to pledge for the coming school year 2012-2013. (Rikka Sotto)

ANGARA AT ASPEN PHILIPPINES LAUNCH

Senator Edgardo J. Angara delivers a special message at the official launch of Aspen Philippines, the first unit of Aspen PharmaCare in Asia. Aspen is the largest pharmaceutical company in South Africa, and one of the biggest generics manufacturer in the world.

Dr. Fernando de Castro, Aspen Philippines Medical Director; Dr. Norma Ona, spouse of DOH Sec. Enrique Ona; Senator Edgardo J. Angara; Ambassador Agnes Nyamande-Pitso of South Africa; Mr. Greg Lan, Aspen Australia CEO; Ms. Ace Itchon, Aspen Philippines President and CEO; Mr. Trevor Ziman, Aspen Australia Deputy CEO; Mr. Keith Iu, Aspen Asia Director for Asian Markets; Asec. Elmer Punzalan of the DOH and Mr. Anthony Weymouth of the Australian Commission pose with the iconic leaf logo of Aspen Pharmacare at the launch of the company’s Philippine unit.

Dr. Fernando de Castro, Aspen Philippines Medical Director; Dr. Norma Ona, spouse of DOH Sec. Enrique Ona; Senator Edgardo J. Angara; Ambassador Agnes Nyamande-Pitso of South Africa; Mr. Greg Lan, Aspen Australia CEO; Ace Itchon, Aspen Philippines President and CEO; Mr. Trevor Ziman, Aspen Australia Deputy CEO; Mr. Keith Iu, Aspen Asia Director for Asian Markets; Asec. Elmer Punzalan of the DOH and Mr. Anthony Weymouth of the Australian Trade Embassy pose with the iconic leaf logo of Aspen Pharmacare at the launch of the company’s Philippine unit.

Lahat ng LGUs na malapit sa dadaanan ng misayl ng North Korea kinakailangan ang pag-iingat – Robredo

BALER, Aurora, Abril 12, 2012-Hinikayat ni Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo ang lahat ng local government units (LGUs) na malapit sa dadaanan ng long range ballistic missile ng North Korea na magsagawa ng kinakailangang pag-iingat upang mapangalagaan ang kanilang mga nasasakupan mula sa mga labi ng pagbagsak ng rocket.

 

Ibinigay niya ang babalang ito sa mga opisyal ng pamahalaang lokal na nasa mga Rehiyon 1, 2, 3, 4-A, 5, at Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

 

Inaasahang ilulunsad ng North Korean ang misayl nito sa ika-12 hanggang ika-16 ng Abril.

 

“Considering that the debris of the missile test might fall in Philippine territory, you are hereby directed to take all precautionary measures to prevent loss of lives and property (Isinasalang-alang na ang mga labi ng pansubok na misayl ay maaaring bumagsak sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas, kayo ay inaatasan na gawin ang lahat na hakbang sa pag-iingat upang maiwasan ang pagkawala ng mga buhay at ari-arian),” pagbibigay-diin ni Robredo.

 

Hinimok din ng hepe ng DILG ang mga local chief executive na ilagay sa alertong katayuan ang kani-kanilang disaster response unit para sa anumang mangyayari.

 

Idinagdag pa ni Robredo na dapat iulat kaagad ng publiko sa mga kinauukulan kung may mga labi ng rocket ang bumagsak sa kanilang lugar.

 

Una rito, inihayag ni Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator at National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Undersecretary Benito Ramos na ang bansa ay magpapatupad ng “no-fly zone (walang-liparang pook)” sa aerospace (kalawakan) kung saan ang mga labi ng misayl ay inaasahang tatama.

 

Sinabi ni Ramos na ipapatupad ng Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) at ng Philippine Air Force (AFP) ang “no-fly zone.”

 

Ang babagsakang lugar ay tinatayang mga 190 nautical miles sa hilagang-silangan ng Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

 

At dahil walang kakayahan ang Pilipinas upang mahadlangan ang mataas na paglipad ng misayl tulad ng Japan, South Korea, kung saan inalerto na ng mga interceptor unit nito upang wasakin ang rocket ng North Korea kapag dumaan ito sa kanilang kalawakan, sinabi ni Ramos na pagtitibayin ng bansa ang istratehiyang “get out of the line of fire” tulad ng pagpapatupad ng “no-fly zone” mula Abril 12-16.

 

Ang babala ay ipinadala na sa mga civilian air carriers at shipping lines na gumagamit sa lugar.  (Jojo S. Libranda)

QUALITY HEALTHCARE NEEDED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE – ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara called for improved access to healthcare in the countryside when he spoke at the recent launch of Aspen Philippines.

“Filipinos in rural areas have very limited access to quality healthcare facilities and professionals. It’s about time we address this issue,” he said.

Also present at the Aspen Philippines’ event were Ambassador Agnes Nyamande-Pitso of South Africa, Hon. Anthony Weymouth of the Australian Trade Commission, Department of Health Asec. Elmer Punzalan, and selected officials from Aspen.

“Aspen Philippines will meet the growing demand for quality but affordable generic medicines. Hopefully this will help bring down the prices of medicines especially for our folks in the countryside,” he said.

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited is the largest listed pharmaceutical company in South Africa. It supplies branded and generic drugs in approximately 100 countries, but is distinguished for being one of the 20 leading generic manufacturers worldwide, as well as being South Africa’s number one generic brand.

Angara, Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, explained that despite the establishment of PhilHealth, whose enabling law he had sponsored, almost 40 percent of Filipinos remain without access to quality healthcare.

“That is the void we need to fill—the unresolved and unsolved dilemma of our country. As one philosopher once said, ‘Show me how a country treats the health of its citizens, and I will tell you its level of civilization’,” said the veteran legislator.

He cited his home province of Aurora as a prime example of rural health development in the Philippines, which is facing a unique adjustment problem.

“We just built a brand new hospital there, where Secretary Ona and I, together with the President just opened—modern and fully equipped. We brought in those nine specialists from Cabanatuan so that we could get outside advice on how we can run such a modern hospital in a rural environment,” he said.

In conclusion, Angara reiterated his call for reform especially in the country’s health sector.

“I’m glad that we now have a three-pronged approach to rehabilitating our health system. If you remember, about a year and a half ago, BBC ran a documentary on the status of the Philippine health system. Unless we do something about our health system, it will collapse in five years. So it’s about time that a progressive and dynamic reform is led by our Secretary Ona.” (Rikka Sotto)

LET’S WORK ON DEVELOPING THE COUNTRYSIDE – ANGARA

MANILA, April 11, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara urged the Aquino administration to roll out more initiatives that will spur growth in rural areas.

During a dinner for Minister Choi Joong Kyung, former Korean Ambassador to the Philippines, Angara, Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science & Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), said migration from the provinces is intensifying.

“This happens while we are already experiencing problems in our mega cities like Metro Manila,” said Angara, also vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography. “And these challenges will only multiply if we continue to be remiss in spreading and pushing development to our countryside.”

Angara lauded Ambassador Choi for being instrumental in laying the groundwork for initial partnerships between the Philippines and Korea in establishing so-called Multi-Industry Clusters (MICs) where government, the private sector and local communities cooperate to improve agricultural productivity, increase manufacturing activity, and generate more employment opportunities for Filipinos in the countryside.

In 2011, Misamis Oriental became the first province to test-run the developmental framework. Later in the year, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the Department of Agriculture and Korea’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for the further implementation of the MIC project in the Philippines.

“If we can just push this MIC concept vigorously, then the countryside will bloom,” emphasized Angara, who is a former agriculture secretary. “The many who are poor in the countryside, especially in coastal areas, will finally be able to experience the fruits of real, long-term economic development.”

Last year, Angara filed Senate Bill 3089 which seeks to amend the Rural Bank Act of 1992 (RA 7353) to allow foreign nationals to have 40 percent ownership of rural banks and infuse foreign equity into them.

Through COMSTE, Angara also pushed for the establishment of innovation clusters—public-private partnerships (PPPs) among government, the academe and the private sector in energizing research and development (R&D) and innovation in universities outside of Metro Manila.

“I think these may just be some of the long-delayed solutions to our perpetually impoverished countryside,” stressed Angara. “While we still need to face many challenges in our urban centers, we should also expand our developmental efforts to include the country’s many rural areas.” (Rikka Sotto)

Angara-Castillo alarmed over lack of gov’t preparedness in dealing with rocket launch; no evacuation yet seen in Aurora

BALER, Aurora April 11, 2012-Amid government warnings that no less than five of this province’s towns will be affected once North Korea pushed its controversial satellite launch this week, Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo yesterday expressed grave concern over the lack of safety measures by the national government in dealing with the threat of the missile launch.

Angara-Castillo told The STAR by phone that while the missile launch is alarming, also equally alarming is the lack of safety guidelines drawn up by the national government, particularly the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management council.

“The national government has to have specific guidelines. They should have clear prescribed measures to be followed by local government units,” she said.

Angara-Castillo aired her concern after the NDRRMC on Tuesday sounded the alarm on areas that will be affected by debris from the North Korean rocket.

NDRRMC executive director Benito Ramos said among the areas to be affected are the northern Aurora towns of Casiguran, Dilasag and Dinalungan, Dingalan in sourthern Aurora and this capital town.

Angara-Castillo said she has already convened the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council and the provincial government has prohibited people from staying in the beachfront as well as implemented the “no-sail zone” and “no-fishing zone” over areas covered by the declaration in the province.

However, she said the national government is not clear as to what extent of dangers to health and the public fragments from the rocket could use.

“The national government, particularly the NDRRMC has to be more specific so that the people, particularly in Aurora will be sufficiently alarmed,” she said.

She said no forced evacuation of local residents is yet being considered by the provincial government even if such possibility is being raised by the Department of the Interior and Local Governments.    

SECTOR REFORM WILL BOOST WATER SERVICE DELIVERY – ANGARA

MANILA, April 9, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara underscored that proposed measures in reforming the water sector will help improve water service, especially in the country’s numerous water districts.

Angara noted that according to Vicente Tuddao, Executive Director of the River Basin Control Office (RBCO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), around 112 billion cubic meters—roughly 70 percent of the total water resources available to the country—is either wasted or lost each year.  

“A portion of this refers to the water we lose from leaking pipes and illegal connections,” said Angara, who is Chair of the Senate Sub-Committee on Water. “But a lot of this is also the rainwater that just flows back into the sea instead of being preserved for irrigation, industrial purposes, or even everyday use.”

“We do lack water catchments and other appropriate infrastructure. But the core of the problem is really in how disjointed water policy in the country is,” emphasized the veteran lawmaker, noting that around 16 major agencies have some hand over the country’s water resources. “And this is precisely why we need to undertake reforms in how we regulate our water sector.”

Angara is the main author and sponsor of the Water Sector Reform Act or WSRA (SBN 2997), which lays down a framework for the efficient and effective management of water in the country by adopting an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach.

Among other things, the bill aims to organize the country into Provincial Water Resource Zones (PWRZs), with certain portions grouped together as River Basin Clusters (RBCs).

It also seeks to rationalize how water utilities are operated, as well as how Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements in the provision of water services are granted.

Various stakeholders have raised concerns that the proposed measure poses a threat to the existence of the water districts, many of which run local water utilities.  

“Actually, the success of these reforms hinges greatly on whether the current water districts are able to scale up and improve on their services,” explained Angara. “In fact, under this new framework, the pie becomes bigger for the water districts. Not only is their scope widened, but technical and financial assistance are also made more available to them.”

Angara added, “Some have said, ‘[The WSRA] is confiscatory. They’re going to take over our water districts.’ But in truth, this will benefit all and lift everyone’s boat.” (Rikka Sotto)

DOLE at ASCOT nagdaos ng career summit

BALER, Aurora, April 8, 2012-Nagsagawa kamakailan ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), sa pakikipagtulungan ng Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), ng una nitong career summit sa lalawigan. 

Sa temang, “Choosing the Career You Dream For the future (Ang Pagpili ng Karerang Pangarap Mo Para sa Hinaharap),” nilahukan ang summit ng Aurora National Science High School, Baler Essential Adventist Academy, Baler Institute, Baler National High School, at Calabuanan National High School. 

Dumalo ang may kabuuang 162 mag-aaral sa ika-apat na taon ng sekondarya sa summit na umaasang magagabayan sa pagpili ng mga tamang karera sa kanilang pag-aaral sa kolehiyo. 

Sa kanyang mensahe, hinikayat ng pangulo ng ASCOT na si Dr. Eusebio V. Angara ang lahat ng mga mag-aaral na magko-kolehiyo na ituon ang isip sa pagkamit ng kanilang mga pangarap sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral nang mabuti. 

Nagbigay naman ng pananalita si Antonio M. Mutuc Jr. ang pinuno ng DOLE-Aurora Field Office sa karera at pagtuturo ng trabaho at sa kaalaman sa labor market. 

Tinalakay ni Mutuc ang mga paksa sa tamang mga hakbang sa pagpili ng tamang karera ng mga mag-aaral sa pagbibigay ng tama at napapanahong kaalaman sa kasalukuyang merkado sa trabaho. (Jojo S. Libranda)

CONSENSUS KEY TO SUCCESFUL WATER SECTOR REFORMS – ANGARA

MANILA, April 7, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara underscored that close collaboration and consensus among stakeholders are essential to the success of proposed water sector reforms.
 
Angara, principal author and sponsor of the proposed Water Sector Reform Act or WSRA (SBN 2997), highlighted that water policy in the country is highly fragmented—where around 16 government agencies have a say in various aspects of the sector—and therefore tends to be implemented in a piecemeal fashion.  
 
“It’s as if no one is in charge,” said Angara, who is Chair of the Senate sub-Committee on Water. “There are pockets of success in some areas, where both water supply and sanitation are good. But this is unacceptable when many are still without access to safe water or a sewerage system that works.”

A 2005 World Bank study pointed out that there are approximately 5,000 water service providers in the country, representing a mixture of large private operators, LGU-sponsored water districts, and such community-based organizations (CBOs) as cooperatives, Barangay Water and Sanitation Associations (BWSAs) and Rural Water Supply Associations (RWSAs).

Angara, who is also Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, said that according to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), 16 million Filipinos spread across 432 waterless municipalities do not have adequate access to safe drinking water.
 
DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo recently shared that out of the 444 operational water districts across the country, only 53 actually provide more than 50 percent water service coverage.
 
Angara then noted that according to the joint monitoring program (JMP) between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), around 22 million Filipinos—roughly 28 percent of the population in 2008—did not have access to improved sanitation facilities.  

“These figures show just how water sector development in the country has been uneven and relatively unsuccessful,” stressed the veteran lawmaker. “But in no way does that mean we will have to start from scratch as some water districts have already made some headway. We do ourselves some good if we learn and build from their experiences.”
 
The former UP President noted that the WSRA provides an entire chapter on reforming the water services industry, which include provisions for a unified database of the water industry, and the broad guidelines which lay the basis for the amalgamation of existing water service providers.

Angara concluded, “The challenges we face in reforming the water sector are immense but can only be surmounted through collaboration and cooperation that is equally extensive. It is my hope that even at the very beginning—as we deliberate on the WSRA and work on other related legislation—all the stakeholders participate and voice out their concerns. I am convinced that this is the only way we can assure that safe water and sanitation will finally be available to all.” (Rikka Sotto)

ANGARA AT SOUTHEAST ASIAN COLLEGE’S COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

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PNP Aurora Tree Planting Activity re: Women’s Month Celebration 2012

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BALER, Aurora, April 3, 2012-Police Senior Superintendent Benjamin T Hulipas, Provincial Director together with all available personnel of Aurora Police Provincial Office, personnel of Dipaculao Police Station, Barangay Officials led by their Brgy Capt. and Barangay Peace-keeping Action Teams (BPATs) of Sitio Mijares Brgy Gupa, Dipaculao, Aurora conducted tree planting at Sitio Mijares, Barangay Gupa, Dipaculao Aurora on March 24, 2012.

The activity was conducted in connection with the Celebration of Women’s Month 2012 with a Theme: “Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility”. PNP Aurora supports the program of the government in risk reduction management through planting of trees wherein three hundred (300) trees were planted.Likewise, this activity aims to support the National Greening Program of the Government.

 

Said activity were participated in by more or less fifty (50) PNP personnel including all Policewomen undergoing PNP Scout training and fifteen (15) Barangay Officials and BPATs member of said Barangay. (Jojo S. Libranda)

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CAN RAISE PHL COMPETITIVENESS–ANGARA

MANILA, April 2, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara urged the new members of the country’s pool of professionals to serve the country by contributing to its international competitiveness ranking during the 15^th Commencement Exercise of the Southeast Asian College Inc. at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC)

“I am glad to see so many new graduates in science and technology-related courses. You probably do not know it, but our country needs a lot of you. There has been no more exciting time in our history to be a student of science and technology than today, where technology aids and drives almost all that we do,” he said.

According to Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, we need to be able to transport and transplant the world’s most advanced technologies into the country, make them useful to the Filipino people. And to make this happen, we need qualified scientists, researchers, technologists and healthcare professionals.

He reminded the graduates of the college that most of them would be the future practitioners in the field of medicine and other related disciplines and therefore would be shouldering enormous responsibility in our society.

He recalled that he himself had grown up in a very health-conscious household as both his parents were nurses.

“Growing up in my hometown of Baler, with both my mother and father serving the townspeople, we developed a deep respect for the medical professionals, especially those in the countryside where they are badly needed,” he said.

Angara further recalled that as a young student, they had to pore over voluminous tomes at the library, noisy typewriters and listened to music on big vinyl records—in contrast to the tiny gadgets used now to do practically everything.

“Now, you have access to a wealth of knowledge through the Internet, with everything going digital,” he said.

Angara, who also chairs the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering, concluded by encouraging the young graduates to take advantage of each opportunity offered to them by the fast-paced S&T industries.

“With the world so open, so accessible through technology, only your imagination will limit the opportunities you can create and seize. You must not pass up the chance to contribute to the growth of our country,” he urged. (Rikka Sotto)