Cherry Esconde / Provincial Information Office

Ombudsman decision on 9 Capitol officials' dismissal case reversed by CA
By Michael R. Cigaral
BALANGA CITY, Bataan -- The Court of Appeals (CA) recently granted the petitions filed by ten provincial capitol officials who were previously dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman for "lack of substantial evidence" in relation to a case on the controversial purchase of a patrol boat nine years ago.
Attorney Aurelio "Joey" Angeles, Provincial Legal Officer and Acting Provincial Administrator, confirmed to this reporter that the petitions filed by the capitol's Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) officials along with other respondents were granted by the CA.
Earlier, a two-page order (OMB-C-A-08-0659-L) was released by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales who signed the 1st Indorsement last January 6, 2014 and told the office of DILG Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II to inform her within five days from receipt of the order if it has been effected.
Ordered dismissed were Rodolfo de Mesa, provincial administrator and acting Balanga city administrator; Imelda Inieto, provincial agriculturist; Alicia Magpantay, provincial accountant, Emerlinda Talento, provincial treasurer; Ludivina Banzon, acting general services office (GSO) chief; Enrico Yuzon, provincial engineer; Evangeline Diaz, retired department head of GSO; Godofredo De Guzman, chief of the environment and natural resources office (ENRO); Pedro Baluyot, retired supply officer; and, Francisco Caparas, acting municipal treasury chief of Limay town.
The above-mentioned officials were found guilty in connection with the purchase of a patrol boat – a six-cylinder gas engine – which turned out to be a four-cylinder one – worth P142,500 last January 24, 2006 as stated in a document from the Office of the Ombudsman dated August 13, 2012.
"Actually we filed five appeals to the CA. One for BAC officials namely Talento, Engr. De Guzman, Ludy Banzon, and Yuzon; one appeal for Magpantay; one appeal for Inieto; one for Caparas as inspector; and, one for De Mesa," Angeles said.
Based on the documents gathered by the local press here, among the five petitions filed only four were granted, thus, nine officials were exonerated by the CA except De Mesa.
The petition of Pedro Baluyot and Evangeline Diaz, both retired capitol employees involved in the purchase of boats, were also granted by the CA.
The case against former governor now second district Congressman Enrique Garcia, Jr., Orion Mayor Antonio Raymundo, Jr. and fisheries division chief of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Danilo Abrera was earlier dismissed by the Ombudsman.
"We are confident that De Mesa will be exonerated too just like the others. Rudy has no actual participation in the purchase of boat except he signed the check in behalf of the governor," Angeles stressed.

1st earthquake drill held in biggest mall in Bataan

BALANGA City, Bataan- The City Public Safety Office (CPSO) on Tuesday held an earthquake drill in the four-story Galeria Victoria adjacent to the Plaza Mayor in Balanga City.

Workers and early morning customers in order and at ease, one by one went out of the building to safer grounds at the Plaza Mayor de Balanga with two hands over their heads as the alarm sounded.

The city rescue medics showed their expertise in responding to emergencies when they demonstrated how to attend to injured victims during an earthquake.

“Ito ang kauna-unahang earthquake drill sa Galeria Victoria bilang bahagi ng Disaster Information for Nationwide Awareness (DINA) ng pamahalaan sa layuning maiwasang may masaktan sa mga kalamidad tulad ng lindol,” said Engr. Dennis Mariano, CPSO chief.

He said that per directive of City Mayor Enrique Garcia III, they have already prepared sets of earthquake drills for the whole year especially to be undertaken in all public and private schools from colleges down to daycare centers.

“Malaking bagay ang ganitong mga drill upang maging aware at handa sa ano mang kalamidad hindi lamang ang mga manggagawa sa isang gusali kundi maging ang mga mamimili,” Narcon Sanchez said.

Sanchez, administrative officer of Robinsons Supermarket, led workers and customers of the store in the earthquake drill.

He said that from 1,000 to 2,000 customers patronize the Robinsons branch daily.

Aside from Robinsons, scores of stores selling different merchandise and fast food chain occupy the Galeria Victoria of businessman Jerry Acuzar..
perla.esconde

Bistek leads LCP national executive board in strategic planning in
Bataan

BALANGA City, Bataan- The National Executive Board of the League of Cities of the Philippines on Thursday led by its President Quezon City Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista started its two-day strategic planning in Balanga City.



About 40 city mayors from all over the country started their day in Bataan by visiting the Bataan Tourism Center where they were entertained by the Banda Kawayan and served native delicacies like suman, kalamay, buko juice for their merienda.



Some of the city executives even tried the bamboo instruments of the band. Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia 3rd welcomed the group and showed them a picture of World War II in the province through a diorama of events.



“Strategic planning ito kung ano mangyayari sa loob ng Liga for the next three years, kung ano puwedeng maitulong sa kanya-kanya naming lugar at sa kabuuan ng bansa,” Bautista said.



Other issues to be taken up in the strategic planning are about disaster management, how to help city residents and the strengthening of the capacity of mayors in leadership, the former actor said.



Bautista, now 45 years old, reminisced his days in Bataan when at 17 years old he joined stage shows during fiesta. “Ang laki na ng ipinagbago ng Bataan lalo na ng Balanga, kitang-kita ang pag-unlad.”



Garcia said for the LCP to choose Balanga as site of the planning session was a humbling experience. “This is an opportunity for us to showcase best practices like our ‘no smoking’ policy and the beautiful tourist spots not only in the city but in the province,” said the mayor who is LCP vice-chairman.



After the strategic planning at the Crown Royale Hotel, on Thursday afternoon the mayors visited GN Power Plant and the Maritime Academy of Asia in the Pacific, both in Mariveles after which they had a taste of scenic view at the roof deck of the new Eba Hotel adjacent to the Plaza Mayor de Balanga.



On Friday early morning at the Balanga plaza, the mayors will be joining health undersecretary Eric Tayag in a “hataw” and bird-watching with breakfast at the wetland and nature park.



They then continue their second day on Friday of strategic planning. In the afternoon, they will go to historic Mt. Samat and in the evening at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac town where Gov. Albert Garcia will welcome them. ..
perla.esconde

DTI continues launching million peso SSF projects in Bataan

BALANGA City - The Department of Trade and Industry continued awarding million-peso Shared Service Facility projects in Bataan, the third this year launched Friday about a packaging center for processed food in Balanga City.

DTI Region 3 director Judith Angeles said they have given under a conditional grant the Bataan

Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (BACCII) equipment worth P1.6 million for use in the processing of tuyo, tinapa and kasuy.

BACCII under its new president Amanda Battad has the distinction of being the first commerce and industry organization in Region 3 to be handed a SSF project.

Battad is owner of Amanda Marine Products in Balanga City that processes multi-awarded tuyo, tinapa, bagoong and other marine products.

She thanked DTI for helping BACCI which is composed of small, medium and macro –entrepreneurs.

“Iba-ibang equipment ang ipinagkakaloob ng DTI upang tumaas ang kalidad at tumagal ang self-life ng produkto,” the DTI regional director said.

The towns of Pilar and Limay were the first two recipients of SSF projects this year in Bataan.

Pilar is into processing of peanut butter and banana chips while an Aeta organization in Limay is into the processing of root crops.

DTI Region 3 has a budget of P100 million for the SSF project with P30M for Bataan.

“Hangarin ng DTI na matulungan ang mga entrepreneurs na hindi kayang bumili ng sariling makina,” Angeles said, adding “this is our contribution to the inclusive growth program of Pres. Benigno Aquino 3rdThe SSF program started last year.

Gov. Albert Garcia congratulated BACCII for helping small businessmen in the province. He said that its new president Amanda Battad will be a good example for striving entrepreneurs.

Battad started in the tuyo business that has grown leaps and bound and turned to be one of the most successful ventures in food processing in Bataan.”
perla.esconde

Villar advocates for empowerment of women

BALANGA City, Bataan- Senator Cynthia Villar on Thursday greeted women of Bataan in the celebration of the Provincial Women’s Day in Balanga City, announcing her advocacy in the empowerment of women across all sectors of society in the country.

“When we empower women, we empower families and generations of people. In fact, by empowering women, society is doing itself a favour,” the senator said.

She expressed the belief that women play an important role in nation-building. “We need more empowered women to participate and take the lead,” she said.

Villar said it was heart-warming that in the legislative sector of government, in the senate, the 16th congress recorded the presence of many women lawmakers among them Senators Miriam

Santiago, Pia Cayetano, Loren legarda, Nancy Binay and Grace Poe and herself.

“Marami kayong kakamping kababaihan sa senado,” she said.

Villar said she has filed many bills in both congress and the senate in the protection of women and provisions of livelihood and education. “What we need is the implementation of these laws.”

She promised that she would not stop helping women and asked other women to go on helping the poor and depressed women towards the success and progress of the country.

Villar said she has made arrangement with the Department of Agriculture to provide women’s groups of composting facilities for turning wastes into fertilizers and with the Philippines Coconut Authority for machines in the production of coco nets from coconut husks.

Vicky Garcia, chairperson of the Provincial Women’s Commission, said women in Bataan are interested in livelihood projects.

“Maging matatag sa lahat ng paghamon sa buhay na darating, kayang-kaya natin ‘yan basta huwag tayong makakalimot sa Diyos,” Vicky advised women.

Gov. Albert Garcia said Villar should be lauded for her advocacy on women’s empowerment and social justice.

“I greet all women in Bataan and the country in the celebration of International Women’s Day,” the bachelor governor said.
[email protected]

Biggest.longest vegetables and fruits showed in Bataan

BALANGA City, Bataan The provincial agriculture office on Wednesday started its three-day Provincial Achievement Day to pay tribute to farmers and fishermen in Bataan, showcasing the biggest, longest vegetables and fruits in the province.

“Ang tatlong araw na Provincial Achievement Day ay naglalayong pasalamatan, kilalanin at bigyan ng parangal ang mga natatanging magsasaka at mangingisda sa lalawigan na pinanggagalingan ng ating pagkain,” said provincial agriculturist Imelda Inieto.

Some farmer’s association will be given a farm tractor, collapsible dryers, multi-purpose drying pavement, knapsack sprayers, among some other items.

“Ang mga gamit na ipagkakaloob sa samahan ng mga magsasaka ay sa kolaborasyon ni Congressman Enrique Garcia at ng Department of Agriculture,” Inieto said.

She said that during the celebration, farmers and fishermen will have the opportunity to discuss new business trends.

The activity has for the theme “Pagharap sa hamon ng Globalisasyon sa Agrickultura at Pangisdaan.”

Showcased were the biggest and longest vegetables like kalabasa, camote, singkamas, sitaw, patola, ampalaya, okra, kamatis, upo, sili, bunga ng malunggay and patola.

Also vying for the “pinaka” award are coconuts, mais na puti at dilaw, suha, apple mango and manggang kabayo. Twin kamatis because of deformity were also displayed.

For sale in different booths are garden plants, kapeng barako, araro cookies and other processed food, slippers, kapis products, vegetables, vinegar, bibingka, peanut butter, cashew nuts, among some others..
[email protected]

Unique biomass cooking stove invented in Bataan

ABUCAY, Bataan- An agricultural engineer in Bataan on Tuesday said he was asking for the commercialization of his invention, a biomass cooking stove, that he considered as unique and already recognized by a United Nation’s agency.

Engr. Jonathan Lacayanga, 42, chief of the Research Division of the Bataan Polytechnic State University branch, said that he has proposed to his school to set aside funds for the commercialization of the cooking stove he calls as “vertical-fed stove”.Through commercialization, he expects to derive carbon trading for his invention that does not emit too much smoke when cooking unlike other cookstoves using biomass. “Kapag maraming gumagamit, pwedeng i-lobby sa carbon market para bayaran sa emissions na nabawas sa atmosphere,” he said.

“Ito lamang ang may patayong panggatong. Bagama’t meron ng lumabas na tulad nito pero walang pag-aaral para ayusin ang combustion ng kalan. Itong sa amin, kapag tuloy-tuloy ang apoy walang usok sa exhaust at hindi na kailangang hipan ng hipan,” the university instructor said.

“Kalimitang principle ng maraming kalan ay ang tinatawag na ‘top lid, up draft’ pero itong sa amin eh ‘bottom lid, down draft’ dahil pababa ang hangin, hindi pataas,” the engineer said.

Lacayanga teaches and does research works at the BPSU branch near an Aeta upland village in Abucay, Bataan that used to be the Bataan National Agriculture School.

“Tapos na kami sa research pero patuloy pa ang pag-aaral to further improve it,” he said.

He said that his invention started in 2004 but almost perfected in 2007 was recognized in 2012 by the UN’s Global Alliance for Clean Cook Stoves. That earned for BPSU membership in the alliance.

He said that the UN targeted to distribute millions of efficient cooking stoves for biomass-dependents in the world.

Recent result of study by the World Health Organization showed that the No. 5-turned No. 4 killer in countries using biomass-fed stoves is the smoke from inefficient stoves that produces Air Indoor Pollution, Lacayanga said.

He said that 86 percent of the households in the Philippines use stoves fuelled by wood, coconut shells and other biomass materials.

Lacayanga said his invention was under patent with the Intellectual Property Rights of the Philippines. He said he has presented his biomass cookstove in Cambodia and that he was also invited in China.

Several non-government organizations in Africa wanted the technology transferred to them.

“Nakita nila na kailangang-kailangan ito sa Africa na hindi tulad ng malakas na usok galing sa tungkong kalan,” he said.

The engineer said he prefers the masses in our country to benefit from his invention.

“Nakahanda kong ituro sa kanila ang paggawa nito. Ang habol ko lamang ay ang kilalanin kung saan nanggaling ang technology.”

Zorille Villaflores, staff assistant of Lacayanga, and housewife Maribel Ecalla demonstrated how the cookstove operates.

“Mas matipid ito kesa ibang lutuan lalo na ng gamit ang LPG at walang usok sa loob ng bahay,” said Ecalla who was cooking rice, adding “pulot-pulot lang ng maliliit na kahoy, pwede ng magluto.”

There are three types of the biomass cookstove invented by Lacayanga – made of plain G. I. sheet at P1,2000; made of concrete at P900 – P1,000 and combination of clay and plain G. I. sheet at P550 a unit.
[email protected]

277- Out of School Youth graduated ALS

BALANGA City, Bataan- Some 277 out-of-school youth, including some more than 50 years old, in this city have passed the Accreditation and Equivalency Test of the Alternative Learning Center (ALS).

Ernesto Robles, ALS supervisor, said that after meeting with parents they have set the graduation on March 27, 2014 of 268 test passers in high school and nine in elementary or a total of 277.

The city supervisor said those who passed attended ALS in different barangays in Balanga every Mondays and Wednesdays from January to October this year.

“This is in line with the desire of Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III to wipe out illiteracy in 25 barangays of the city and for them to be able to pursue higher education,” Robles said.

Graduates in the Alternative Learning Center have the same privilege as graduates in any public or private secondary and elementary schools.

ALS graduates in high school can enroll in any college or university as long as they satisfy the requirements of the school, Robles said.

He said the ALS program started in 1998. In 2013, some 267 graduated...
[email protected]

Skate for a cause of Bataan's skateboarders

BALANGA City, Bataan- The Bataan Skateboarders held on Saturday “skate for a cause” at the province’s only skating rink in Dona Francisca, Balanga City.

Margin Ryan Makov, president of the association of skateboarders, said proceeds of the event and relief goods collected by their members and participants will be turned over to the provincial social welfare office for victims of Yolanda in the Visayas.

“Kahit sa maliit na paraan ay gusto naming makatulong sa ating mga kababayang sinalanta ng super typhoon,” Makov said.

Some 200 skaters from Pampanga, Zambales, Manila and majority from Bataan participated in the one-day affair showing their talent in skateboarding run and hurdling of various obstacles like rail, ramp and fun box.

A teenaged girl tried the rail while a four-year old boy did a simple turn on his skateboard.

Some fell while doing a high jump on the ramp or the rail but the young boys merely smiled and continued."
perla.esconde

First IOS application in Bataan

- A three-day training to develop IOS applications, the first in Bataan, started on Tuesday at the new library in this component city.

Ronald Ramos, Smart trainor, said the project is under partnership between Smart Communications and the city government of Balanga.

“This is to provide basic skills to develop IOS applications. In short, to teach people kung paano gumawa ng applications for Apple devices.” the trainor said.

Jennifer Suerte Felipe of the City Management Information Service Office said that the trainees are using computers donated to Balanga Mayor Joet Garcia. New Star donated 10 sets of MacBook Air while the League of Barangays of the Philippines gave 10 sets of Ipad air.

“After a few months, the training will be continued for more advanced concept,” Ramos said.

There were 20 participants coming from the city and provincial governments and from computer schools like Microcity, Eastwoods and Asia Pacific College, all in Balanga City.

“We hope to learn more about developing mobile applications,” said Cheryl Sacdalan, Microcity instructor and one of the trainees. (30)"
perladinoilaesconde

Juan Luna 2013 Peace @ Cooperation winner

Earl John B. Castaños won First place in the International 2013 Peace and Cooperation School Award with the theme “ Art as the Universal Language- Creativity for Peace.

Earl John is a Grade 7 student under Special Program in the Arts (SPA) in Bataan National High School. He participated in the School Level Peace and Cooperation Award conducted by the Values Education Department on June 24-28, 2013. Different categories were included such as mural, drawing with written message and free art contests. Fortunately, Earl John’s drawing was chosen to be the entry for the international level; thus forwarded his original entry in Madrid and became part of the exhibition of Peace and Cooperation dubbed “Road to Manila” in different locations in Spain starting December 10, 2013.

Finally , Earl John was declared first place in Category 2: Poster and Slogan Contest . Ambassador Carlos C. Salinas said in his letter, “ his talent, creativity , passion and discipline must be recognized.”

He ,together with his father, Mr. Rogelio R. Castaños, Miss Anne Rhea De Castro , the coach and Miss Nenita Y. Hocson, the Values Education Department Head received his certificate of recognition and cash prize amounting to Ten Thousand pesos and Juan Luna award and a cash prize of 100 Euro during the awarding ceremony at Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Complex, Pasig City on February 28, 2014.

The Juan Luna Award sponsored by the Peace and Cooperation which is a Spanish non- governmental organization was named after Juan Luna for winning his “Spoliarium” a gold medal in the Exposicion Nacional de Bellas Artes held in Madrid , 1884.

Certificate of participation was given to the school not only for winning but for exploring the theme as an instrument to unite the world through participation in the said art competition .The contest did not only bring honor to the school and community but to our country as well. Earl John is now one among the Filipinos who copped awards in the Juan Luna 2013 Peace and Cooperation Award....
virginiadavidenriquez

ANG PAGKUHA AT PAGGAMIT NG ACCOUNT NG ISANG TAO SA KANYANG FACEBOOK, TWITTER AT IBA PANG SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES NG WALANG PAHINTULOT O PERMISO NIYA AY ISANG "IDENTITY THEFT" NA ISANG KRIMEN NA PINAPAPARUSAHAN NG KULONG SA REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10175 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "CYBERCRIME PREVENTION ACT OF 2012". KASAMA SA KRIMEN NA "IDENTITY THEFT" ANG PAGGAWA NG ACCOUNT SA FACEBOOK, TWITTER AT IBA PANG SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES NG WALANG PAHINTULOT O PERMISO NG TAO AT PAGGAMIT NITO SA MASAMANG PARAAN O UPANG GUMAWA NG KRIMEN.

Marami na ngayon ang nangyayari ng pagnanakaw, pagkuha o paggamit ng Facebook o Twitter account. Meron ding mga tao na gumagawa ng bagong Facebook account o Twitter account gamit ang picture ng kanilang kaaway at ito ay ginagamit sa kasamaan o panloloko o pangaaway. Ganito ang problema ng isang reader

"Liham" may dati po akong kaibigan at kasama sa bahay. Nagkagalit po kami dahil sa hindi niya pagbabayad ng utang sa akin. Palihim niya po binuksan ang laptop ko ng wala ako sa bahay at pinalitan niya ang password ko sa Facebook account. Siya lamang naman po nakakapasok sa kuarto namin. Nagyon po ay hindi ko na mapasok ang FB ko. Nabalitaan ko sa mga friends ko na may gumagamit na ngayon sa FB ko at nagmumura at nangaaway sa mga friends ko. Akala nila ay ako yon. Ano po maganda gawin?"

Ang mga Facebook at Twitter account ay parte ng identity ng isang tao at ito ay protektado ng batas. Dahil sa paglabas ng desisyon ng Korte Supreme kung saan kinakatigan ang bisa ng bagong batas na “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012″, isa nang krimen ngayon ang tinatawag na "Identity theft". Ang problema ng reader ay isang "identity theft".

Ayon sa Section 4 (b) (3) of Republic Act No. 10175 otherwise known as “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012″:

SEC. 4. Cybercrime Offenses. — The following acts constitute the offense of cybercrime punishable under this Act:

(3) Computer-related Identity Theft. – The intentional acquisition, use, misuse, transfer, possession, alteration or deletion of identifying information belonging to another, whether natural or juridical, without right: Provided, That if no damage has yet been caused, the penalty imposable shall be one (1) degree lower.

Ang parusa sa krimen na "identity theft" ay 6-12 years imprisonment at fine of at least P200,000 at ito ay nasa Section 4 ng R.A. 10175, to wit:

SEC. 8. Penalties. — Any person found guilty of any of the punishable acts enumerated in Sections 4(a) and 4(b) of this Act shall be punished with imprisonment of prision mayor or a fine of at least Two hundred thousand pesos (PhP200,000.00) up to a maximum amount commensurate to the damage incurred or both.
....