BANCAS FOR LOCAL FISHERMEN

BANCAS FOR LOCAL FISHERMEN – At least 30 marginal fishermen from Carael, 30 from Salapingao and 25 from Calmay receive bancas with a paddle each from the city given out under the livelihood program of Mayor Belen T. Fernandez (center) to be used by them for their alternative source of livelihood as part of the city government's unrelenting campaign against illegal fishpens. The recipients were told to help clean the rivers from trash when they go out and catch fish along the rivers. Also in photo are City Agriculture Officer Emma J. Molina (5th from right), Salapingao Punong Barangay Delfin De Guzman (6^th from right), Calmay Punong Barangay Evangelita Dela Cruz (4th from left) and Carael Punong Barangay Luzviminda Velasquez (5^th from left). (CIO photo by Joseph C. Bacani)

Pag-IBIG Fund-Dagupan accepts calamity loan applications

DAGUPAN CITY – The Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund has started accepting calamity loan applications from members living or working in this city which was proclaimed under state of calamity.

On August 17, Dagupan City was placed under a state of calamity due to the onslaught of flood brought about by the monsoon rains or habagat.

Becker Van Ramos, information officer of Pag-IBIG Fund Dagupan branch, said the calamity loan program is part of government efforts to extend assistance to Pangasinenses who were badly affected by the recent weather disturbance.

“An active member can loan as much as 80 percent of his or her total savings with a very low-interest rate of 5.95 percent per annum and payable within two years,” Ramos told the Philippine Information Agency.

Qualified applicants should submit a fully-accomplished calamity loan application form and a photocopy of two valid IDs to the Pag-IBIG Fund office, he said, adding that loan applications can also be filed through their Fund Coordinators.

For more information, interested and qualified members can visit the Pag-IBIG Fund office located at Burgos Street in this city or inquire through the landline number (075) 522-3865 and 522-3266. (PIA-1, Pangasinan)

DOST releases P1.1-M to machine works firm in Calasiao

 

          Datuin Machine Works (DMW) hopes to expand its operation after availing the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program on August 9.

          For almost 28 years of operation, Engr. Bryan V. Datuin, manager of DMW in Calasiao, Pangasinan said the business  specialized in all kinds of engineering and reconditioning works, and industrial machineries fabrication.

 

         The P1,128,000 worth of assistance will be used for the acquisition precision machineries. Datuin said they wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to increase productivity to increase income and generate additional employment.

 

         Datuin further said they have shops in Calasiao and Ilocos Norte. Among the regular clients of DMW include Philex Mining Corporation, National Irrigation Administration in Region 1 and 2, Universal Leaf Tobacco Corporation, Pepsi Cola Bottling Company, Sual Power Plant, Mhel Bhen Bus Line and Barangay Machine Works.

"Liberate ourselves against modern-day tyrants like the drug lords" - Cayetano

Statement of Sen. Alan Peter S. Cayetano

on the Occasion of the National Heroes Day

August 28, 2016

Senator Cayetano

In the course of our nation's history, generations of patriots heeded the call to fight for nationhood against colonizers and tyrants. Lapu-Lapu, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, and Ninoy Aquino are some venerated heroes who sacrificed blood, sweat, and tears to help our country move forward. Today, we are at a crossroad as a nation and as a people. The challenge is to fight and liberate ourselves against modern-day colonizers and tyrants. These are the drug lords, the criminal syndicates, the corrupt, and the oligarchs. President Rodrigo Duterte is rising to the occasaion, along with fellow patriotic Filipinos, to rid society of these present-day oppressors, and is fighting a day-to-day battle, which he is poised to win decisively. We are one with him in pursuing societial reforms where no modern president has ever tried. We also honor members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on National Heroes Day. Our law enforcers deserve to be recognized as modern-day heroes for their sacrifices for our people in the fight against illegal drugs and criminality. On National Heroes Day, we honor gallant Filipinos who laid down their lives to liberate our people from oppression and foreign domination. This occasion also allows us to recognize the brave men and women of today who continue to ensure that we live in a society that is safe, free and peaceful.

MBTF COMFORTS FAMILY OF 5-YEAR OLD VICTIM OF DRUG WAR

DAGUPAN CITY – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez comforted the family of Danica Mae Garcia, the five-year old girl who was killed on August 23 by the bullet fired by armed men that was meant for her grandfather, when she visited the Garcias at their residence in Sitio Kamanggaan, Barangay Mayombo on August 25 in a show of sympathy and condemnation to the dastardly killing.

“We deeply sympathize with the family of Danica Mae. It is unfortunate that an innocent life was lost due to drugs. We have always valued the sanctity of life, that is why we set up a Rehab Desk at the City Action Service Team (CAST) office to accommodate drug victims who wish to undergo rehabilitation and help them renew their lives", said Fernandez.

She said the city also launched its anti-drug text line so it could reach out those who had been into illegal drugs and extend assistance to them so that they can recover from their vices and start a new life.

During the “Kapihan at Salo-salo” of Breakfast Club Incorporated at the President’s Hotel in Lingayen, Pangasinan on August 25, Fernandez disclosed that the police under the stewardship of P/Superintendent Neil O. Miro are now ascertaining the identity of the perpetrators. There was a report that a witness came face to face with one of the suspects in that incident.

Fernandez expressed confidence that in due time, the investigation being conducted by the police will yield a positive result and finally unmask the identities of the suspects as she expressed hopes that the unfortunate incident will be the last.

Reports indicate that the supposed target of the gunmen was Danica’s grandfather Maximo Garcia who already surrendered to the police three days before the incident after he was informed that he is in the drug watchlist of the police.

Utit, Calabia “Last Men Standing” in BIR-Region-1 Revamped

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

CALASIAO - Maria Isabel B. Utit and Ariel M. Calabia have remain unscathed on the first revamped of all six revenue district office (RDO) chiefs in Region-1 after the Duterte Administration released on August 15 the Revenue Travel Assignment Order No. 168-2016 for 55 RDO chiefs all over the country.

Revenue District Office -6 Chief

 Maria Isabel B. Utit 

“The concerned officials are directed to report to their new assignments on or before August 31, 2016. They shall strictly comply with the provision of Revenue Memorandum Order No. 38-2011 dated September 16, as amended by Revenue Memorandum Order No. 39-2011 dated October 15, 2011, regarding turn-over of all accountabilities and compliance to issued RTAOs covering transfer of personnel. This order takes effect immediately,” contained at the RTA’s No. 168-2016 and signed by Bureau of Internal Revenue's Commissioner Ceasar R. Dulay.

 Utit, a Certified Public Accountant-Lawyer, and Calabia are the present RDO chiefs of Urdaneta City and Laoag City, respectively.

In the latest RTAO it shows that RDO-2 chief Eduardo Obero based in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur was assigned to head RDO-52 in Paranaque City, RDO-3 OIC Chief Luis Alberto, Jr based in San Fernando City, La Union was assigned as OIC RDO-61 chief in Gumaca, Quezon, RDO- 4 Chief Fely Simon based here was assigned as RD0-34 chief in Paco, Pandacan, Sta. Ana Areas, and RD0-5 Chief Josephine Catamco based in Alaminos City, Pangasinan was assigned as OIC –RDO chief of RDO-87 in Catbalogan, Samar.

The new RDO bosses in the Ilocos Region are RDO-2 Chief Aldo B. Esmena (Ilocos Sur), RDO-3 Chief Ernesto Mangabat (La Union), RDO-4 Chief Merlyn Vicente (Central Pangasinan), and RDO-5 Chief Jose Maria Hernandez (Western Pangasinan).

Meanwhile, the regional director of the BIR in Region 1 disagreed to the tag that the agency is one of the most corrupt offices in the country.

“It takes two to tango, ‘di ba? Hinde lang po taga BIR, mga taxpayers diyan na naiimbistigahan siguro nabibigatan sila sa laki ng assessment bribing examiners nandoon ang temptation,” Director Marina de Guzman stressed.

She said that 98 percent of the BIR’s tax collection came from the voluntary taxpayers where BIR personnel do not need to directly transact with them.

PMA CADETS WITH GUV

PMA CADETS WITH GUV.  Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets Sheila De Guzman

 (Manaoag), Manny Lonzarida (Urdaneta City), Jan Patrick Oh (Aguilar) and Joemar Ladislao (Binmaley), escorted by Major William Romero of the Philippine Army and two officials from the

 Philippine Air Force, pay a courtesy visit on Governor Amado I. Espino, III at the Urduja

 House in Lingayen on August 25, a day after the PMA entrance examination was held in 

the University of Pangasinan – Phinma in Dagupan City. /Photo by BSison/MGNO.

INT’L FILM ARTIST VISITS CAPITOL

INT’L FILM ARTIST VISITS CAPITOL. Pangasinan Brotherhood – United States of America

 (PB-USA) president Jun Caringal (4^th from left) explains to some department heads and 

employees of the Capitol the purpose of visit to Pangasinan of world renowned Italian-Iranian film artist Antonio Gellini (5^th from left) which is anchored on investment and tourism promotion and

 trade cooperation. Gellini toured several top tourism attractions and historical sites of the 

province, including the famous Hundred Islands National Park, where participants of the

 Olympia awards he is considering to hold in the Philippines could visit and enjoy. 

Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce Southeast corridor President Felix Lopez

 escorted Gellini in visiting his home province. /Photo by RPGutierrezIII/MGNO

Cops should liaise with PDEA prior to Drug Raid – Director Tacio

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

DAGUPAN CITY – The new regional chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 1 said that all operations of the Philippine National Police on the implementation of raids and searches against suspected dangerous drug personalities should be coordinated with the PDEA.

PDEA. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s Regional Director Jeoffrey C. Tacio 

poses with Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez at the world class Stadia during the

 turn-over ceremony of the new Chief of Police (COP) Superintendent Niel Miro from 
outgoing COP Christopher Abrahano. PHOTO: Mortz C. Ortigoza

“Hinde hinde, they have to coordinate prior to the operation,” stressed by Regional Director Jeoffrey C. Tacio, when asked if the police can coordinate after their raid or search on the residence or den of drug personalities.

According to the The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic Act No. 9165 and PNP Manual on Anti-Illegal Drugs Operation and Investigation, a PNP unit, prior to any anti-drug operations shall, as far as practicable, coordinate with the PDEA.

Even after the raid or search, it says there that “(b) In any case, the PNP anti-drug units shall coordinate or inform the PDEA of the anti-drug operation within 24 hours from the time of the actual custody of the suspects or seizure of said drugs and substances as well as paraphernalia and transport equipment used in illegal activities involving such drugs and/or substances and shall regularly update the PDEA on the status of the cases involving the said anti-drug operation. (Section 86 (a) IRR RA 9165); (c.) The word “As far as practicable” as being used in Section 86, IRR, RA 9165, means that which prior coordination with the PDEA may be done, practiced or accomplished and which is feasible and possible to be performed”.

SP rallies behind sons of P’sinan allegedly dragged in NBP drug matrix

Lingayen – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) rallies behind former Pangasinan Governor and now 5^thdistrict Representative Amado T. Espino, Jr., Board Member Raul Sison and former Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan who were tagged as alleged subjects in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) ‘drug matrix’ released by President Rodrigo Duterte at the wee hours of August 25.

 

            The SP convened a special session to pass Provincial Resolutions Nos. 114, 115 and 116 – 2016 to express full faith, trust and confidence in the integrity and competence of prominent sons of Pangasinan, Cong. Espino, Jr., BM Sison and former PA Baraan who were allegedly involved in the ‘drug matrix’ which includes former Justice Secretary now Senator Leila de Lima.

            Maintaining its full-support to Gov. Espino, the SP underscored that during his nine years of good governance as provincial chief executive, “There is no iota of doubt that he had been involved in such an illegal drug trade operation inside

KAPIHAN AT SALO-SALO WITH MEDIA

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez (2^nd from right, seated) of Dagupan City joins
 media
 personalities of Pangasinan at the Breakfast Club Incorporated’s “Kapihan at
 Salo-salo” at the President’s Hotel in Lingayen
, Pangasinan on August 25 upon the invitation of veteran journalist Jun Velasco
 (left, seated). Joining Fernandez was
 Police Chief Inspector Ferdinand S. Lopez, Deputy Chief of Police, Dagupan City 
Police Station who represented
Police Superintendent Neil O. Miro, Chief of Police, DCPS. (CIO photo by Jojo 
Tamayo

)

Malacanang, solon: Postphone Barangay poll in 2017

InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

MANILA – There is a broad consensus among the Executive Department, Congress and 
Commission on Elections to postpone to 2017 the barangay elections scheduled this October, 
Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said Wednesday.

In a press conference after hearing the proposed measure, Angara said Comelec only needs
 a clear indication from Congress as legal cover to postpone the election.

“I think, very likely [that it will be] postponed, given that there’s overwhelming support. I
 originally thought that support for such postponement  only came from Congress," Angara said.

In fact, he said, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mike Sueno, the alter ego of the 
President, had expressed support for the postponement.

“Sabi nga nila ay alter-ego ng presidente, ay nagsalita na in favor sila sa postponement dahil 
ayaw naman nilang nakatiwangwang lang ang ma proyekto kasi magkaka-election ban
 na naman. Parang sabi nila, sayang yung panahon,” Angara said.

For his part as chairman of the Senate committee on local government, Angara said he will
 write the panel's report immediately, and report it out to the plenary before the August 31
 deadline set by Comelec for the postponement.

FISHERFOLKS BELIE REPORTED FISHKILL IN DAGUPAN

 Fishermen of Sitio Talaib in Calmay and Sitio Tocok in Lucao denied a reported fish kill that allegedly broke out in the city during the onslaught of “habagat” as published on August 20 in a national daily.

PHOTO CREDIT: PINTEREST.COM

In an interview, these fishermen jointly said there is no truth to the news report that there was a fishkill and if indeed it happened, only one or two pieces of bangus perished due to the murky water that flowed from the upstream at that time.

"Lumaki na kami sa ilog at walang fishkill na nangyayari," according to Ronald Vinuya of Sitio Talaib, Lucao.

“Ang maaring dahilan kung bakit napopollute ang tubig sa ilog ay dahil sa mga remnants ng fertilizers mula sa bukid na inaagos ng baha papunta sa ating mga ilog, bukod pa sa kulay lupa ang ilog dahil sa ilang araw na pag-ulan,” said Rosemarie Gonzales of Calmay.

"Masakit sa aming mga nag aalaga na sasabihin nilang may fish kill kasi wala naman talaga. Kaya kami nandito ngayon para sabihin kay Mayor Belen na walang fish kill na nangyari" -said Nelia Perez of Talaib, Lucao.

Since I became the City Mayor, I immediately formed Task Force Bantay Ilog which resulted in the demolition of 508 illegal fishpens.

On the other hand, 63 fishponds allegedly covered by land titles are under validation by the City Assessor’s Office in order to check the claim of the owners as to the veracity of their ownership over these properties after most of the fishponds became underwater over the years.

NO CAUSE FOR ALARM ON NUMBER OF REPORTED DENGUE CASES IN DAGUPAN

DAGUPAN CITY – The City Health Office (CHO) thru Program Coordinator for Dengue

Prevention and Control Dr. Windy Balingit-Bernardo belied a report that the city has

registered a 100 percent increase in dengue cases for the first half of 2016 as compared

to the reported cases for the same period in 2015.

Bernardo clarified that while there has been a substantial increase in the number of

reported cases of dengue in the city in recent months, the overall forecast for 2016 as

compared to the data gathered during the same period last year reflects a 20-30

percent reduction in the prevalence of the disease.

“This is based on data provided by the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office

1 updated as of Morbidity Week 29. These figures are based on data from the different

hospitals in the city which are duly validated and authenticated by designated CHO

personnel. The apparent discrepancy in the figures reported may be attributed to a

substantial percentage of reported cases being dengue fever suspect patients,” said Bernardo.

Bernardo further clarified that once a case of dengue fever has been admitted to a

health care facility in Dagupan, the particular case is not automatically registered in the

CHO census unless the patient is a bonafide resident of the city and/or has a registered

place of study/work in the city.

“It is a known fact that a reasonably substantial percentage of patients who re

side in

Malacanang bares regular, special holidays in 2017

DAGUPAN CITY - Malacañang has released Proclamation No. 50 declaring the national holidays to be observed in 2017 to allow the businessmen, various offices (both public and private) and schools to decisively plan their activities.

Under Proclamation 50, the following are the regular holidays and special non-working days to observed nationwide:

A. Regular Holidays

·         January 1 (Sunday) – New Year’s Day

·         April 9 (Sunday) – Araw ng Kagitingan

·         April 13 – Maundy Thursday

·         April 14 – Good Friday

·         May 1 (Monday) – Labor Day

·         June 12 (Monday) – Independence Day

·         August 28 (Monday) – National Heroes Day

·         November 30 (Thursday) – Bonifacio Day

·         December 25 (Monday) – Christmas Day

·         December 30 (Saturday) – Rizal Day

B. Special (Non-Working) Days

·         January 28 (Saturday) – Chinese New Year

·         February 25 (Saturday) – EDSA Revolution Anniversary

·         April 15 – Black Saturday

·         August 21 (Monday) – Ninoy Aquino Day

·         October 31 (Tuesday) – Additional special (non-working) day

·         November 1 (Wednesday) – All Saints Day

·         December 31 (Sunday) – Last day of the year

Meanwhile, Eid’l Fitr and Eidul Adha shall be celebrated as national holidays once the exact dates are determined in the Islamic calendar.

The Department of Labor and Employment will mandate the implementation of pay rules on these dates. (PIA-1, Pangasinan)