Sunday, September 26, 2004

Footwear Fest Held in Laguna Town: Local Officials Cited

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LILIW, Laguna – Showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Liliweños, the municipal government of Liliw held recently the third annual Liliw Gat Tayaw Tsinelas Festival.

Located at the footsteps of the Mystical Mount Banahaw, Liliw, dubbed as the footwear capital of Laguna, is also known for its delicacies such as uraro (arrow root) cookies, sweet lanzones, lambanog (coconut wine), cool mountain springs and its booming footwear and bag industry.

On its third year, the festival was conceptualized to promote Liliw and its thriving industry.

The five-day festivity that started last April 21 was graced by provincial officials led by Laguna Gov. Teresita “Ningning” S. Lazaro, Liliw Mayor Jonathan Polistico and other local officials.

Activities in the weeklong festival included a street party which featured an all-night dancing; street dancing participated in by different cultural dance troops who performed native and traditional dances depicting historical tales of early Liliweños; Music in the Making; and the Search for Mutya ng Liliw which picked the smartest and prettiest young Liliweña.

In her speech, Governor Lazaro lauded the municipal officials of Liliw led by Mayor Polistico and the organizers for staging the festival.

Being the Footwear Capital of Laguna, Lazaro said, Liliw will someday be like Marikina which is included in the Guinness Book of World Records for exhibiting the biggest pair of shoes.

Lazaro noted that through the festival, the craftsmanship and perseverance of the people further promote Liliw as a tourist and business destination, adding that this is a sure boost to the economy of the town.

CHRIS SANJI, April 25, 2004, Manila Bulletin

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Saturday, September 25, 2004

Filipino Firm to Receive International Award in Paris

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The image of the Philippines as a top producer of quality products received a major boost in the international community when a Filipino firm bagged the highest international award (Gold Category) from a prestigious world business group recently.

The firm, A.M. Malaya, Jr. Southern Enterprises Inc., owned and managed by inventor-scientist Antonio M. Malaya, Jr., was chosen by the Business Initiative Directions (BID) to receive the WQC International Star Award in the Gold Category during the group’s 21st International World Quality Commitment (WQC) Convention on October 10-11 at the Hotel La Fayette, Paris, France.

The Madrid (Spain) based BID, a group composed of prestigious businessmen and professionals from various parts of the world, presents annual awards to firms and individuals in the field of quality endorsement, business models, public relations, products quality, publishing, and individual efforts which cause a major impact on the worldwide business industry.

BID president Jose F. Prieto informed Malaya in a formal letter that his firm was adjudged winner of the Gold Category Award after satisfactorily passing the criteria, which are technology, innovation, and expansion.

The voting process in this category was based on consumer satisfaction, communication strategies, bench marking, information and date analysis, leadership, planning and decision-making, human resources, continuing education and technology, financial outcome, and business results.

Malaya’s firm started as manufacturer of Hairbac, a natural hair-growing emulsion with domestic distribution outlets.

Later, it expanded operations and successfully invaded the global market with an increasing demand for its product, which the BID noted, institutionalized an effective process of growing hair.

The firm then branched out to manufacturing of soaps and shampoo, which equally generated growing demand in Europe and other parts of the world.

The event will be attended by other companies from all over the world, which will receive the awards in the gold, platinum, and diamond categories, together with outstanding leaders from different business fields, quality experts, professionals in the realm of culture, and members of the diplomatic corps.

It will be covered by the global media, including the Philippines’ ABS-CBN, which was also invited to grace the affair.

EDGAR J. TAMAYO, August 15, 2004, Manila Bulletin

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Fil-Am Hollywood Star in Manila, will Promote Tourism

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Young Filipino-American singer and actress Lalaine Vergara is the country’s new tourism poster girl.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo give thanks to the 19 year old international teen sensation for helping the Philippines as a travel destination during a courtesy call in Malacañang.

Lalaine gained Hollywood fame after she starred alongside actress and singer Hilary Duff in the now defunct Disney Channel television series “Lizzie Maguire.”

The young teen star is currently in the country shooting a 13-episode television program, “Flipside,” about rediscovering her roots, values and traditions and visiting local travel spots.
“We appreciate your role. We’re glad you came here as you could help promote the Philippines, Metro Manila and Tagaytay as one destination,” the President said.

Mrs. Arroyo suggested that Lalaine should visit Boracay, describing it as “the most beautiful beach in the world.”

She also commended the young Filipina-American for her early achievements in Hollywood and expressed hopes she would not forget her local roots and find fulfillment in her international career.
“Congratulations. I’m sure you will successful and you’re doing us proud. We Filipinos are very proud of you and claim you as ours,” she said.

Lalaine was accompanied by her mother Lilia, CCi Asia Television chairman Emily Abrera, CCi managing director Lourdes Rosales, Michael Patrick Lee, Antero Javier, Evelyn Reyes, and Sari Sari Group vice president Ma. Nimfa Ocampo.

Since she arrived, Vergara has visited the historic walls of Intramuros, enjoyed lechon in La Loma, Quezon City, shopped in Greenbelt, Makati and Greenhills, San Juan and bought a wooden rosary bracelet in Quiapo, Manila.

Today, she will travel to Batangas to see the scenic towns of Taal and Cuena, where her mother Lilia hails from. She will also go to the Tagaytay Highlands and try the Nature Spa in Tagaytay City.
Lalaine, who has few memories of childhood here, is still conversant in Filipino and enjoys sinigang, her favorite dish.

She will be here for the nest 10 days and is scheduled to be back by the end of September to shoot the second leg of the television program that links her especially to the younger generation in the United States and other countries.

The television program is a con-production of the Living Asia Channel, Sari Sari Group, and the Philippine Airlines. It will be aired in Asia and North America.

GENALYN D. KABILING, August 15, 2004, Manila Bulletin

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Friday, September 24, 2004

RP now recognized as top Asian jewelry supplier in Italy

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The Philippines is now being recognized as a top Asian supplier of export quality jewelry to Italy, thanks to the continuous efforts of Philippine Ambassador to Italy Philippe J. Lhuillier.

In 2003, the Philippines exported US$1, 814, 964 worth of precious, beautifully and meticulously crafted jewelry. This figure reflects an increase of 33.53 percent over the country’s 2002 exports of US 1,359,262.

This improvement in trade is attributed to the continuing presence of the Philippines in the leading Italian jewelry fairs, more specifically, the annual Vicenza trilogy of fairs which include; Vicenza Oro 1 in January, Vicenza Oro 2 in June and Orogemma in September. These fairs are the leading international exhibitions of gold, jewelry, silverware, watches and jewelry production machinery.

Six companies joined the recently concluded CITEM-organized Philippine Participation to Vicenza Oro1, last 11-18 January, which generated US$241,000 total negotiated sales and about US$193,300 which are under negotiations. This participation was coordinated by PTIC Milan/ PE Rome. The fair attracted 21,000 trade visitors coming from Italy and from 127 foreign countries.

Ambassador Lhuillier has shown unflinching support in highlithing the country’s jewelry artisans and their world-class products as he continues to make continues representations with the management of these fairs and exhibitions. Infact, the present well-located Philippine stand in Pavillion G1 has been attributed to the ambassador’s efforts.

He has been promoting the jewelry industry in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Guild of Philippine Jewelers, among others, since the first participation of the country in this fairs in September 2001. Aside from these fairs, Ambassador Lhuillier also opened doors for the country’s jewelry industry.

The Philippine jewelry industry employs more than 100,000 literate and qualified workers with high quality yield. The Philippine jewelry Training Center in Meycauyan, Bulacan and San Eligius Jewelry Training Center located at the DTI Cottage Industry Technology Center in Marikina were specifically established to upgrade the skills of the jewelry workers and improved their productivity.

Meycauyan is the traditional jewelry industrial district of the Philippines and the Meycauyan Jewelry Industry Association (MJIA) is the manager of the Philippine Jewelry Training Center in Bulacan.
Last 16-25 January, the 11-man mission of the MJIA visited Italy as part of the Asia – invest Business Priming Fund/Technical Assistance of the European Union.

Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier assured Cecilia Ramos, MJIA Chairman, and Peter Zuniga, MJIA President, of PE Rome’s support through PTIC Milan/PE Rome.

The mission visited two jewelry training schools, Le Arti Orafe Jewelry School in Florence and Scuola d’ Arte e Mestieri of Vicenza. The mission members under went a two day training in goldsmithery, stone setting and engraving, casing and surface finishing at the Scuola d’ Arte e Mestieri.

The mission also met with the Vicenza Crafts Association as part of its networking activities and visited the facilities of Ronco spa, a leading manufacturer of jewelry that has successfully combined Italy’s great goldsmith tradition and the latest technological innovation in jewelry making.

Ambassador Philippe J. Lhuillier also announced that Ronco spa of Via Trento, 31,36010 Montecello Conte Otto (Vicenza) has invested in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Ronco represents a line of jewelry that is famous worldwide. Mr. Leonardo Ronco already left for the Philippines to start the setup of the factory. Ronco spa is the third Italian company to locate in Subic. The two others are Ilios Jewelers Subic International and Galante International who have been in SBMA since 2001.

April 25, 2004, Manila Bulletin

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Wednesday, September 22, 2004

Once more, Samal City wins award for reviving cultural heritage

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ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL(PNA)- The Island Garden City of Samal made it again this year as a national awardee for best practices from among 117 cities in the Philippines.

The Sama Cultural Heritage Revival and Enhancement Program was chosen as second best among the 10 finalist during the third league of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) Best Practices 2004.

The project came next to Sorsogon’s Mauswag na Ciudad Health Services.

From among praise-worthy programs and projects of LCP’s member-cities, the selection was trimmed to pool of 20 great ideas and further cut to 10 finalist. Of the finalist, three were from Mindanao. They were the “Tuloy Aral, Walang Sagabal” of Butuan City and the Kibalabag Watershed Development Program of Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

The other finalist were the food Security Program of Bayawan, Bridging Youth Scholarship Program of Calapan, Countryside Development Program of Ligao, Buklod Barangay of Palayan, Preserving Heritage for progress of San Fernando, Pampanga, and One Barangay, One Livelihood Program of Tuguerao. The Samal program for the Sama tribe aims to revive and enhance its rich cultural heritage.

Benefiting 30 tribal communities, the program is managed by the city government of Samal and supported by the National Commission for IndigenousPeoples (NCIP), the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and the Ateneo de Davao City University.

Accounts passed on from generation to generation indicate that the Samal group of islands has been inhabited by members of the Sama tribe with distinct forms of music, art expression and tribal rituals. Nothing has been written about the group, only speculations and myths about the origin of Sama, city information officer Noel Daquioag said.

He said that Sama’s rich cultural heritage faded into near extinction as a result of the Visayas and Luzon, pushing the tribes to the outskirts of the islands. He said it was found out that the Sama’s elders had been harboring ill feelings and were even suspicious about the programs of the governments for them, leading to the fragmentation of the tribal communities.

With this situation, Mayor Rogelio Antalan pushed for a comprehensive approach in reviving the tribe’s cultural heritage with city administrator Cleto Gales, leading the technical working group for a comprehensive intervention in partnership with the Sama.

The project started with Step I consisting of confidence-building measures, followed by step II consisting of research, documentation and promotion of the culture of the tribe.

Activities focused on Sama art, dances, literature, rites (including Sama dance workshops), institutionalization of Bai Liwaling and the Pangapog Festival celebration, and the showcasing Samal culture in venues such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Philippine Travel Mart, and WOW Philippines in Intramuros, Manila.

August 1, 2004, Manila Bulletin

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Thursday, September 16, 2004

Pola is home to nation’s purest virgin coconut oil

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POLA, Oriental Mindoro – This smallest, and probably the poorest, town in Oriental Mindoro is home to the country’s best virgin coconut oil.

The town’s virgin coconut oil contains the only "pure organic lauric acid" or POLA, which can only be found in this town. To health enthusiasts, lauric acid is the source of medium chain fatty acid, an element which is closest to mother’s milk.

Lauric acid is present in coconut oil as it provides energy, boosts the immune system, counters bacteria, virus, fungus, and allergies, according to health experts. "But, not all coconut oil contains the highest concentration of lauric acid."

Those virgin coconut oils produced in Negros, Quezon, Laguna, and Batangas, and Manila "contain only 48 percent of lauric acid." But "those produced in Pola carry the highest concentration of organic lauric acid, which is unbelievably 90 percent," they said.

The main reason why Pola produces pure organic lauric acid, which is unique to the town, is because it is a "prime land organic area."

Its unspoiled lush vegetation and chemical-free environment, and its rustic character produce the best and healthy coconuts. In turn, these coconuts grown in the town produce the virgin coconut oil with the highest concentration of pure organic lauric acid, the experts said.

Pola, out of 14 municipalities and a city, is the only coconut-producing town in this province. Some 10,000 hectares of the total land are of its 24 coastal barangays, which are "all prime land organic areas," are planted to coconut.

Pure organic is "present in locations, which are pollution-free, chemical-free, petroleum-free, fertilizer-free, and insecticide-free," according to Ramon A. Tan, president of Carica, producer of POLA virgin coconut oil.

Pola, the hometown of Vice President Noli "Kabayan" de Castro, is a prime organic land are because it has rainforests and green agriculture environment, volcanic acid, abundant oceans, rivers, lakes, creeks, falls and springs, chemical-free, clean mountain air, crystal-spring water, and pertoleum smog-free.

The presence of POLA in the area drove the Pola municipal government to forge a joint venture agreement with Carica to mass produce virgin coconut oil for national and international markets, according to Mayor Alex M. Aranas, the executive vice president of League of Municipalities of Oriental Mindoro.

virgin coconut oil project in the tow got a big boost when De Castro joined its launching recently in Manila to signify its importance for the economy of the people of Pola, and the health wellbeing of the people, in general, according to Aranas.

"The town will become a unique production center for virgin coconut oil," Tan said, explaining that the Pola municipal government, the Carica, and the Mindoro Kabuhayan Foundation Inc. (MKFI) have joined hands to put up a small virgin coco oil processing center in all the 24 coconut-producing barangays in the municipality.

Aside from the health benefits that consumers will derive from Pola’s virgin coconut oil, it will also provide the much-needed employment to some 5,000 townsfolk living in the 24 barangays. Initially, according to Tan, "70 islanders will be employed, but as capacity increases, employment will correspondingly increase."

Once the project is in full operation, the value of the coconut will increase from P3.50 to P10 per nut. "Sa simula ay 5,000 nuts or 500 kilos ng virgin coconut oil ang mapa-process. Pero pag ang skills ay na-develop na, the number may double, triple, or quadruple which will give more income to more people in my town," Aranas said, stressing that P800 income daily will be derived by a family of four from the project.

Aside from the economic benefits that can be derived from the project, the health care program in the municipal government will soon launch "Botelya Sa Barangay." Part of the profit generated from it will be used to distribute free bottles of virgin coconut oil to every family to reduce ailments.

The Botelya sa Barangay, a brainchild of Aranas, will not only reduce the budget of the cash-strapped municipality for its expensive medical care program, but "it will also provide the poor folk of Pola free and effective medical assistance and remedial cure in cases of ailments right at their fingertips."

As a fourth-class, sleepy municipality aiming to rise, Pola is "setting a model of rural production system which can be replicated all over the Philippines," said Tan, adding that: "If a small municipality of 30,000 can do it, then the whole country can do it. And Pola is the best example of what can be done."

September 15, 2004, Manila Bulletin

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Tuesday, September 14, 2004

Big Agusan Sur area to be planted to high-value crops

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PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Agusan del Sur, the acknowledged food basket of the Caraga Region, is planning to develop one-million hectares of agricultural land into a plantation for high-value crops and fruit trees.

Chris Lindo, executive chief of staff of Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza, said that the entire provincial government machinery and its resources are now focused on developing the agricultural potentials of Agusan del Sur, the biggest province of Caraga Region in terms of land area and population.

"This is to keep up with the official directives of Governor Plaza to make agriculture and education as the top priorities of his agenda in his three-year governance," Lindo told the Manila Bulletin.

Nearly 47 percent of Caraga Region’s land area of 2,542,976 hectares is the territory of Agusan del Sur whose geographical terrain is composed of huge valleys ideal for tree farming, fruit-tree plantation and plantation for high-value crops.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Caraga Region, meanwhile, is determined to make the province not only as a timber corridor but as a center of wood processing facilities.

"We will make use of the full potentials of Agusan del Sur which will be enjoyed not only by future generations but by the present one as well," Lindo said.

Big mining firms have expressed interest in exploiting rich gold-mining areas of the province, it was learned.

Big wood foreign firms are likewise interested in establishing huge tree plantations in Agusan del Sur and in developing large tract of lands into palm-oil plantations by Malaysian companies.


GIL M. ABARICO, September 12, 2004, Manila Bulletin

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Solar power as RP’s alternative energy source eyed

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CEBU CITY (PNA) – Solar power may well be the Philippines’ greatest potential alternative energy source as the country has plenty of sunshine all year round.

Solar power is now being used in massive rural electrification projects, according to a report of the Linthicum, Maryland, USA-based BP Solar, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) or solar electricity products and systems.

BP Solar operates manufacturing plants in the US, Australia, Spain, United Kingdom, and France and has joint ventures in India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand and Indonesia.

It also sells solar products in over 150 countries.

BP Solar and the Spanish and Philippine governments have agreed to bring solar power to 150 isolated villages in the Philippines.

The project will be implemented in two phases by the Department of Agrarian Reform with funds coming from the Spanish government. The solar energy project is the largest ever in the country, involving a contract worth $48 million.

The first phase of the project will focus on 35 Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in Mindanao.

BP Solar uses solar power in around 70 villages to power: 5,500 home lighting systems; 25 irrigation systems; 97 potable water and distribution systems; 68 schools, 68 community centers, 35 health clinics and 100 communal lights; 35 new AC power supply systems for income generation purposes; and social preparation, community development and training for 200 community organizations.

The second phase provides an additional 44 ARCs with: 9,500 home lighting systems; 44 irrigation systems; 79 schools, 80 community centers, 35 health clinics and 100 communal lights; 44 AC power supply systems for income generation purposes; project management and installation of 442 packaged solar systems; and social preparation, community development and training for 220 community organizations.

Harry Shimp, BP Solar, president and CEO, said in the world’s most isolated areas, use of solar power is often the most cost effective way of supplying basic, essential needs such as lighting, and for water pumping, irrigation and refrigeration for vaccines and medications.

BP Solar has completed a $30-million rural electrification project in the Philippines and a similar $30-million project in Indonesia.

The firm and the government of Australia have also partnered with the Philippines to supply solar power to rural villages, bringing 1,145 solar-powered systems to 52 new municipalities.

Solar energy uses PV cells which convert sunlight to electricity, bypassing thermodynamic cycles and mechanical generators.

PV stands for photo (light) and voltaic (electricity), whereby sunlight photons free electrons from common silicon.

The use of PV cells was first discovered in the 18th century.

The photovoltaic cells were developed at Bell Labs in 1950 primarily for space applications.

The Hubble telescope uses solar panels for its energy requirements.

Considering that the Philippines has sunlight the whole year round, solar power is considered most ideal for generating electricity.

Since technology on solar power has become so advanced in recent years, more rural projects using solar energy have been recommended.

The Department of Energy has reported that the country has been relying heavily on crude oil, natural gas, coal, and geothermal power for its energy needs.

MANUEL S. SATORRE, JR., September 12, 2004, Manila Bulletin

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Monday, September 13, 2004

Amazing Philippine birds

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MANILA – This is one bird show that can give Singapore’s famous bird shows a stiff competition.

The famous Malagos Garden’s Amazing Bird Show coming all the way from Davao will be staging a three-month long show at the Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Center in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City starting on October 19, to entertain local and foreign tourists with never before seen tricks and at the same time educate them of the preservation of these avian species.

With the support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Tourism (DoT), the Amazing Bird Show features 200 birds from 20 different species, which were trained to perform awesome tricks like, singing Filipino ballads, riding a scooter, and even play hoops.

Dr. Roberto "Bo" Puentespina, wildlife veterinarian and conservationist who is behind the success of the Malagos Garden'’ Bird Show in Davao City said: "The bird Show has been designed in such a way that the audience is familiarized with birds and their functions in the environment."

A regular feature in Davao since 2002, Dr. Puentespina had thought expanding the show’s horizons by bringing it to Metro Manila.

"We wanted to bring the bird show to a wider audience. It is an alternative (form of entertainment) that we want to offer in Manila." This is a show by the Filipinos, for the Filipinos," said Dr. Puentespina.

The show also aims to create awareness about the preservation of our country’s various bird species.

"The Philippine has often been cited as one of the prime centers of biodiversity.

But in the case of Bird species, only 172 endemic (found only in the Philippines) species are left, with half of them under the threat of extinction," Theresa Mundita Lim, DENR Director of the Protected Areas and Wildlife said.

Much worse is that "some bird species are hunted for sports and some are hunted because they are thought to be competition for crops and fish catch," added Dr. Puentespina.

The show will run from October 19, 2004 to January 30, 2005 and which proceeds will be used to fund succeeding bird shows throughout the country, support efforts to rehabilitate sick and injured wild birds, finance the breeding of endangered bird species, and construct a covered amphitheater at the Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Center.

The Malagos Garden’s Amazing Bird show is an opportunity for Filipinos to take a breather and be proud of their country, especially during these trying times.

MANUEL S. SATORRE, JR., September 12, 2004, Manila Bulletin

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Friday, September 10, 2004

Southeast Asia,major partners in 2-day meet to boost regional trade

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JAKARTA, Indonesia (Reuters) – Southeast Asian economic ministers meet on Saturday and Sunday with counterparts from regional powerhouses China, Japan, and South Korea in an effort to liberalize trade and boost business.

Ministers from the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will also be talking with officials from India, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand.

The ASEAN ministers agreed on Friday on steps to further liberalize trade and commerce among themselves, but many also think it is essential for their 500-millionstrong region to break down economic barriers with other areas.

"ASEAN must remain open to the global economy. ASEAN must continue to improve its trade and economic ties with its main partners," Indonesia President Megawati Sukarnoputri said in a speech on Friday at the meeting’s opening ceremony.

Endorsing free trade agreements with important world economies, she said the main objective is to widen the market for good produced in ASEAN, and to enable the region to gain access to cheaper sources of capital goods and products.

ASEAN countries have total annual trade worth $720 billion, and their leaders agreed last year to transform the region – which includes military ruled Myanmar, struggling democracy Indonesia, and prosperous Singapore – into a giant EU-style free trade zone by 2020.

Towards that goal, their economic ministers agreed on Friday tariff and non-tariff barriers in 11 sectors should be removed by 2007 by ASEAN’s six most developed members – Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines – and by 2012 by the rest – Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

Specific roadmaps were set for 10 areas, among them electronics, textiles and apparel, tourism, and wood products.

Ministers expect a similar plan on air travel by November, when ASEAN leaders meet at a summit in Laos to decide whether to endorse the recommendations.

ASEAN Secretary General Ong Keng Yong told Reuters the main topic would be free trade agreements (FTAs) when ASEAN ministers meet counterparts on Saturday and Sunday.

"How do we quickly advance the FTA talks which we have with China, India, and Japan and how to launch new talks with the Republic of Korea and Australia and New Zealand?"

ASEAN expects free trade agreements to be completed with China in 2010, India in 2011, and Japan a year later.

Ong said ministers were likely to recommend the formal launch of free trade talks with South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand to ASEAN heads of government, who could formalize the decision at the Laos meeting.

The urgency of ASEAN moves to create trading blocs was increased by the failure of world trade talks last year in Cancun, Mexico, and a dramatic loss of capital inflows since Asia’s 19971998 financial crisis.

However, enthusiasm about moving fast to establish FTAs varies within ASEAN. Not all members feel ready to compete on level playing fields in manufacturing or agriculture.

Megawati warned against too high expectations and comparing ASEAN with the EU or North American Free Trade Area.

"Their experience also demonstrates that, even up to the present, not all their problems have been resolved," she said.

Some experts say FTAs may widen economic disparities both among and within countries.

According to one study, an FTA between Japan and ASEAN would boost the gross domestic product of Thailand and Malaysia by far more over a decade than Indonesia and the Philippines.


JERRY NORTON, September 5, 2004, Manila Bulletin

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Thursday, September 09, 2004

Fil-Am CEO meets Kerry in California

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CHICAGO, Illinois – An active Filipino-American civic leader in Dally City, California was given an enviable opportunity to introduce US Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry who spoke before some 400 Californians last August 27 at the Westmoor High School Gymnasium in Daly City.

Mario Cendana Panoringan, chief executive officer of the Daly City-Colma Chamber of Commerce, was pleasantly surprised when he got a call from a communications official of the Kerry Presidential Campaign from Washington, D.C., asking him if he wanted "to escort, welcome, and introduce Mr. Kerry before a big crowd in Daly City."

"At first, I thought, it was a joke. So I said, why not," the 56-year-old semi-retired business consultant said. But suddenly, it dawned on him that it was for real when he found himself playing the part.

"To tell you frankly," he told this reporter in Filipino, "Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala dahil marami namang ibang state, county, or city officials na puedeng mag-introduce kay Senator Kerry (Until now, I am still pinching myself because I did it over the heads of other state, county, or city officials to introduce Senator Kerry)."

But Panoringan credited former Daly City Mayor Adrienne Tissier for the opportunity. He said Tissier earlier asked him if he wanted to introduce Mr. Kerry and he told her, "I don’t know."

Although Panoringan was given 60 seconds to do the introduction, a lot of dignitaries, including Kerry, thanked him for doing the introduction. California State Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi congratulated him for "your excellent introduction."

And so did Lina Susbilla, member of the Commission on the Status of Women of the Country of San Mateo. San Mateo has jurisdiction over Daly City. An official of the Westmoor High School also congratulated him.

Although Kerry focused his topic in the meeting towards the Consumer Protection (Credit Card Fraud), Paroringan said he was overjoyed when the issue of the campaign for Filipino-American World War II veterans benefit cropped up.

He said Filipino-American war veteran Fred Gomez, who was given the chance to ask a question during the open forum, asked Kerry if he would support the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill (house Resolution (HR) 677) pending in Congress if he is elected president on November 2.

Panoringan, also a son of a Filipino war veteran, said that "Mr. Kerry, answered ‘yes’ and even executed a hand salute towards Mr. Gomez who saluted in turn."

Kerry also discussed the need to improve the economy and job creation.

Joseph G. Lariosa, September 05, 2004, Manila Bulletin

Mrs. Arroyo wants simple lives for government execs

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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has threatened to fire government officials living beyond their means as she directed them to strictly apply several austerity measures, including limited foreign and local travel, reduction of fuel and power consumption, and scrapping of parties and gift-giving, in view of the government’s cash flow problems.

The President demanded simple and modest living from public servants during last Tuesday’s Cabinet workshop which coincided with the release of Administrative Order (AO) No. 103 directing cost-cutting measures in all government agencies to save money.

"President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued a stern warning to all government officials against indulging in lavish lifestyle in the midst of an economic crunch confronting the country or face dismissal and possible prosecution for criminal offenses," a Malacañang statement said.

At the workshop, the President pointed out that the extravagant lifestyle of officials "brings shame not only to their employees, respective agencies, but also to me and the entire government."

In the order, which covers all presidential appointees, including those in state-run agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations, only travels abroad related to crucial ministerial meetings or trainings funded by overseas grants will be allowed.

Those seeking to travel will have to directly ask permission from Mrs. Arroyo’s office, which will review monthly reports of all government agencies on austerity measures, the order read.

The President also ordered a reduction of at least 10 percent in the cost of services of consultants and casual employees, as well as in the consumption of fuel, electricity, and other utilities in government agencies.

She also put on hold tax expenditure subsidies to government corporations and other government entities, except those approved by the fiscal incentives review board.

In the procurement of goods and services, government agencies are asked to strictly use the Government Electronic Procurement System for public bidding, advertisement of bid opportunities, and reporting of bid award results.

Employees rendering overtime will be given time or days-off in lieu of overtime pay in accordance with guidelines by the Department of Budget and Management and the Civil Service Commission.

The President also limited the grant of honoraria and other forms of allowance to the public school teachers, resource persons and facilitators in seminars and training programs, and officials of various commissions and boards.

New or additional benefits to fulltime officials and employees are also suspended, except for collective negotiation agreement and those provided by presidential issuances.

Also, the President also ordered the suspension of the purchase of motor vehicles, except ambulances and those required by the police and military.

Genalyn D. Kabiling, September 05, 2004, Manila Bulletin

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Tuesday, September 07, 2004

Employment in fisheries sector grew by 7M in last decade – FAO report

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CEBU CITY (PNA) – Employment in the world’s fisheries sector has increased by seven million in the last decade, a recent report of the Romebased United Nations (UN) Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) said.

In 2000, the report said an estimated 35 million people were directly engaged in fishing and fish farming as a full-time or more frequently part-time occupation, compared with 28 million a decade before.

According to the report, the number of fishers has been growing at an average rate of 2.2 percent per annum since 1990 while aquaculture workers have increased by an annual average of about 7 percent.

These apparent increases, it explained, are in part a result of better reporting.

Most of the growth of employment in fishing farming and other cultural practices has occurred in Asia (85 percent of the world total), particularly in China, where the reported number of people engaging in cultivation of aquatic life has doubled in the past decade.

Fishers and aquaculture workers are also in Africa (7 percent), Europe, South America and Central America (about 2 percent each), the report revealed.

In 2000, the report said fishers and aquaculture workers represented 2.6 percent of the 1.3 billion people economically active in agriculture worldwide, compared with 2.3 percent in 1990.

This world average, it said, is reflected in most continents, except for Africa, where the percentage of fishing and aquaculture workers is a low 1.3 percent of the total agriculture labor force, and North and Central America, where the share is 1 percent higher than the world average.

The report said greater economic opportunities have been derived from the commercial aquaculture production sector.

In 1999, it said the average annual income of Japanese households engaged in aquaculture was nearly twice as much as that of households engaged in coastal fishing.

While the households engaged in aquaculture derived an average 64 percent of their income from aquaculture-related activities, the report said fishing-related activities accounted for an average 38 percent of the income of fishing households.

Employment in fishing, it said, is decreasing in capital-intensive economies, notably European countries and in Japan.

In Norway, it said employment in the fishery sector has been declining for several years.

In 1990, it said about 27,500 people were employed in fishing (excluding fish farming), but this number had declined by 27 percent to 20,100 in 2000.

In Japan, over the last decade, it said the number of marine fishery workers peaked in 1991 and has been failing even since to reach a low of 260,000 people in 2000.

Of these, it said about 85 percent were employed in coastal fishery operations, while offshore and pelagic fisheries employed the remaining 15 percent.

The report said the vast majority (75 percent) of fishers were self-employed workers. Confirming this special feature of the fishery professions.

September 4, 2004, Manila Bulletin

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Monday, September 06, 2004

Tabuk bodong council eyes removal of ‘gopas’ from peace pacts

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TABUK, Kalinga – The Municipal Bodong Council (MBC), which is composed of the eight original tribes inhabiting this town, may have found the solution to the problem of tribal wars in this province with its rejection of the "gopas" provision in the "bodong" or peace pact.

The provision, which is found in almost all the "bodongs" in the province and in neighboring Mt. Province, states that when a grave offense is committed and efforts to settle it amicably fails, the aggrieved tribe can sever the bodong.

The severance of the bodong is a declaration of war because it suspends the effects of the pact and gives the aggrieved tribe the freedom to redress its grievance through vengeance which would then set off a cycle of vendetta killings.

Tabuk Community Affairs Officer Alexander Gunaban said that the MBC has adopted a standard "pagta" without the "gopas" provision but only three bodong pairings in the MBC have so far incorporated it into their "pagtas" with the rest expected to follow suit shortly.

"Under Section 1 Article 6 of the MBC pagta, in the event that a peaceful settlement of an offense cannot be reached, the two tribes will help the victim find justice in the regular court by volunteering to stand witness against the culprit. Section 2 of the same article penalizes bodong-holders (enforcers) who allow their bodongs to be cut with a fine of two carabaos worth P10,000 each," Gunaban said.

Gunaban said that the eight tribes deemed it better for tribes to cooperate in bringing the matter to court rather than lose innocent lives in tribal wars.

"The bodong is supposed to mean peace, so what’s the sense if you break it when you are supposed to make it work to solve all problems between the tribes no matter how grave?" Gunaban asked.

The MBC standard "pagta" contradicts the standard "pagta" passed by the province-wide Kalinga Bodong Congress (KBC) in 1998 and amended in 2002.

Under Section 5 of Article 6 of the KBC pagta, in cases where amicable settlement is not possible, the bodong could be broken provided that the prescribed steps are followed.

The idea of removing the "gopas" came from immigrants who, during an information drive for the bodong conducted by the Kalinga Bodong Council and the Tabuk LGU in 2002 among immigrant residents of Tabuk, had expressed their puzzlement as to why bodong-practitioners cut their bodongs instead of using them to settle their differences.

Estanislao Albano Jr., September 04, 2004, Manila Bulletin

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