Strong RP Growth

Opinions Unlimited

by Atty. Tony(APA) Acyatan (Atty. APA – chairman of Acyatan & Co., CPAs-DFK International is president of PICPA in 1990 and ASEAN Federation of CPAs (1998-2000) and Accountancy Hall-of-Famer (2006).

FORECAST:  The Development Bank of Singapore – one of ASEAN’s biggest financial institutions – is predicting a higher growth rate for the Philippines.  Instead of the government target of 4.5% for 2010 – DBS says it will reach 6.5%.  Excellent enough – but not better than our neighbors.   – Singapore will have 15%, Taiwan – 9.5%, Thailand – 9%, and Malaysia – 8%.  Vietnam and Indonesia have GDP growths almost the same as ours.

The RP GDP upsurge – which started during the second quarter of 2010 was ushered in by the consumer and retail records generated during the national and local elections.  The Private and Public Partnership Program initiated by the new Aquino Administration also brought in positive results with the inflow of more investments from both local and foreign capitalists.  The solid foundation of all is provided by the consistent OFW remittances.

BONANZA? As more foreign investments come in – and bigger OFW remittances are received (second semester tuition support and early Christmas gifts), the local currency is expected to further appreciate in value against the mighty US dollar.  With this “positive” change, Filipinos can afford to buy imported goods now at “cheaper” prices. Foreign travels will also be more affordable for peso-earners.

But the strong peso ushers negative factors.  Filipinos may prefer imported items against locally-produced ones.  The peso equivalents of OFW remittances will be proportionally reduced.  Exporters will earn the similar amount of dollars from their sales – but these will translate to lower amount of pesos with which to pay for their domestic raw materials and labor.  We are happy for the exchange rate improvement – but we are jittery about the economic side effects.

DFI INFLOWS:  Our country is receiving bigger amounts of direct foreign investments – signifying trust and confidence in the new Administration.  US firms operating in the Philippines has in effect “blessed” our local business and industry by their optimism as regards our economy.  Despite corruption, tax structure and infrastructure concerns, we have been ranked second to Singapore in the ASEAN Business Outlook Survey 2010.

Let us just hope that these FX investment inflows will not be just “hot money” coming in – which are taking advantage of the positive domestic developments.  While big ticket inflows are welcome since the positive effects are immediately felt, the sudden departure of said foreign exchange can create havoc with the first signal of economic deterioration.  Foreign investments come and go without any loyalty at all.

SABAH:  We had a vacation last weekend in Kota Kinabalu, capital city of North Borneo.  In three days – we never saw any beggars (nor traffic aides or policemen on the highways and roads.  Although the independent state of Sabah relies mainly on farming, fishery and tourism – unemployment is almost nil.  In fact, many of the retail clerks are either Filipino informal immigrants or Malaysian subjects with Filipino family ties (principally from Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi).

We were there during the Muslim holidays at the end of the Ramadan so we were unable to observe the real run of business and industry.  Our purchases were limited to souvenir items and Sabah tea.  Apparel and shoes there are comparatively inferior than what we have.  Food is cheap – as in fact our buffet breakfast in the hotel costs only P168.00 while buffer lunch is equivalent to just P210 (Exchange rate is M$1/Ringgit = P14.00).

LESSONS:  As human beings, we are like little pencils in the hand of our Lord. We are the instruments in writing His love letters to the world.

Successful Tercentenary Celebration and Food Affects Our Brain

FROM MY WINDOW

By NENITA FUENTEBELLA-PEŇONES

Thank God and to our Ina, Our Lady of Penafrancia, we were able to celebrate our regional feast peacefully, joyously and with more religious fervor. Once again we were united as Bicolanos and devotees of Mama Mary from different parts of the country and the world. There were thousands of foreign and local pilgrims which makes me believe that our spiritual Mother and Intercessor is indeed our greatest religious and tourist attraction. I learned from the sermon of Fr. Gaite that President Aquino declared Naga City as Center of Pilgrimage. This is very apt.

We, Filipinos like to eat especially during fiestas, on special occasions and even without any occasion. So, here’s an information from the Science/Health page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated February 19, 2010 entitled “What you eat affects your brain – experts.”

If you are what you eat, then it necessarily follows that your brain is what you eat, as well. The kinds of food we consume play a significant role in our thought processes and emotions. Indeed, the frontal lobe, the seat of decision-making, is swayed by our palates.

Nutritional and medical experts now offer food for thought—foods your brain would actually benefit from.

‘Takip kohol’

Former health secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan reveals, “I eat takip kohol or Centella asiatica L. The World Health Organization says it is neuroprotective and considered anti-dementia and anti-Alzheimers. I place seven fresh leaves of takip kohol in my salad or my sandwiches.”

Galvez-Tan, whose diet is mostly plant-based, adds that the medicinal takip kohol is a wild vegetable widely found in all corners of the country.

‘Luyang dilaw’

Tan’s other “brain food” is luyang dilaw (turmeric or Curcuma longa L.) taken as fresh tea or the powder of which is integrated into soup and other dishes.

He also recommends drinking coffee, but only up to three to five mg per kg of body weight (no more than three cups a day) for average-sized Filipinos.

VCO, niacin, wheat germ

Dr. Omar Arabia, a nutritionally oriented medical doctor, has been a vegetarian and taking wheat germ for more than 30 years. Wheat germ is high in Vitamin E (tocopherol), which he says is good for the brain.

“With virgin coconut oil and a high dose of B3 (50 mg of niacin) you’ll definitely feel the push,” Arabia says.

He attests the combination of VCO, niacin and wheat germ as “comprehensive team play” for the brain, with a diet that includes seeds and sprouts as the “supporting cast.”

Arabia is quick to add that cellular nutrition (at the level of the mitrochondria—the energy factories of the cells) does not only mean eating the right foods but taking adequate rest and sleep as well.

Ginkgo biloba

Ruth Winters, MS, the author of “A Consumer’s Guide to Medicines in Food,” wrote that Ginkgo has been reported to improve circulation, mental functioning, and help stop tinnitus (constant ringing in the ears), and to alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (a circulatory problem), arthritis, hardening of the arteries, dizziness and anxiety. The leaves and nuts of Ginkgobiloba—also called maidenhair—have been used in ancient Chinese remedies.

The ‘ABCE’ vitamins

In various researches on Down Syndrome, Vitamins A and C have shown much potential.

The B vitamins (B12, 6, 1, 2, and folic acid) are appropriately called “brain boosters.”

Mentally superior diet

Doctors Neil Nedley and David de Rose, in “Proof Positive,” strongly encourage the consumption of grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, as the most healthful and nourishing for both body and brain.

This group of foods, they write, “imparts the strength, endurance, and vigor of intellect not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet.”

Meat, sugar, diminishing intelligence

All that cholesterol from the burgers and pork chops you’ve been eating may not only clog up your heart. It can addle the brain, too.

“Eating much meat will diminish intellectual activity. Students will accomplish much more in their studies if they never tasted meat. When the animal part of the human nature is strengthened by meat-eating, the intellectual power diminishes proportionately,” wrote Nedley and De Rose. Nedley also noted that a vegetarian diet for pregnant women would also benefit fetal brain development. Perhaps, consulting nutritionally oriented doctors can help you decide.

Large amounts of sugar in the diet have been demonstrated to impair frontal lobe functions in schoolchildren.

Arabia debunks the claims of some doctors that there are “so-called beneficial effects of bulalo (bone marrow broth) for the brain.”

“Bulalo has lots of chemicals and its DNA nature is not considered as whole food,” he counters.

Dr. Romy de Villa, a nutritional oncologist who is also into a mostly plant-based diet, says the brain is generally made of good fats omega-3, lecithin and other phospholipids. Good sources of these fats include full cream powdered milk from grass-fed cows.

He also cites steamed or boiled fish (small ones with scales) from the sea, and krill, which has phospholipids where the omega 3 is in the position best for the brain and nervous system.

Brain-y exercises

Nedley and De Rose, in “Proof Positive,” suggest activities that strengthened the mind include playing bridge and solving crossword puzzles. On the other, they point to watching television and playing bingo as “mind killers.”

They pointed to studies showing watching TV as increasing daydreaming, fostering nonpractical fantasies that children, and even adults, are tempted to “live in,” while at the same time decreasing an individual’s creative ingenuity or imagination.

They also urge individuals to eat in moderation. Eating too much “destroys the healthy action of the digestive organs, affects the brain, and perverts the judgment and prevents rational, calm, healthy thinking and acting.”

Rich and poor matters

Weekly Reflection

By FR. ALLAN S. FENIX

Being rich or poor is not an exclusive category. It is relative. As each country, using its own standardized assessment system,  has its own  definition of who is who. So, being one depends on every person’s  priority in life. If one values virtues like diligence, frugality, wise investing…, he could, indeed, be rich at no time. But, on the other hand, if one’s life is overwhelmed by vices, the person, his family and all of his hard-earned riches will all go to naught and he will be reduced to poverty. From the point of view of freedom, one either wills oneself to be rich or poor.

In anything, being rich or poor, attitude is very important. It is how one looks at oneself. This is a vice versa situation.  As there are many rich people who, seeing that they were gifted with much, have the heart enough to be so charitable as to be so generous with whatever they have, there are also many people in poverty who, thinking that they were grossly exploited, are imprisoned in their desire to get even. They go, as far as, robbing others of their possessions.

Life is one cyclic repetition. It goes on and on. It does not come to a definite end until we learn our precious lessons.  With life is time which is a great help in unlearning whatever is wrong in our life and learning whatever is rightly needed and true.

Our life today, whatever and wherever it might be now due to the numerous economic downturns and difficulties it had been through, is much much better than it was yesterday and it is getting well and well as the days go by. Because we have learned enough from our bitter experiences. These things had made us strong and better persons to go and face whatever life might throw our way. He who stays the course and not give up , in the long run, is the adjudge winner. God will surely reward us. If not in this life, then in the next.

It’s nice to be rich. Most of us want to be one. Just think and do what you need to do. In time, you will really be one.

NIA, exec win CSC awards

Fraginal with CSC Chairman Duque

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) was adjudged by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as Bicol region’s Outstanding National Government Agency (NGA), while its administrative officer was chosen as Outstanding Human Resource Management Practitioner (HRMP) during the CSC’s Honor and Award Program ceremonies held at the La Roca Suites, Legazpi City on Sept. 8.

CSC cited NIA-Bicol for its exemplary performance and unwavering support to public personnel management. NIA won over 13 other finalists consisting of NGAs, Water Districts, and State Universities and Colleges (NGA/WD/SUC) under the non-accredited category.

NIA Bicol’s administrative services chief, Eva v. Fraginal, was also chosen as Bicol region’s Outstanding HRMP among seven finalists under NGA/WD/SUC non-accredited category.

Fraginal received her plaque of recognition and that for NIA from CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III.

In June this year, NIA Bicol was also awarded with “The Most Improved Group Performance Award” by the NIA top management in Quezon City for its unprecedented feat that led to a P22.8 million net income for the agency’s regional operation in 2009.

The award was based on the unparalleled performance of NIA Bicol in 2009 when it posted a total income of P67.8 million from irrigation service fee’s (ISF) current and back accounts, amortization of communal irrigation system (CIS), equipment rentals and other revenues. Less operational expenses for personnel salaries and benefits, and maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) amounting to P45  million, Ragodon’s office earned a net income of P22.8 million based on the audited financial statement last year.

Naga pushes ‘GROW Negosyo’ program

NAGA CITY— The city government of Naga has come up with a novel approach to help improve the living condition of its less endowed constituents through micro-entrepreneurial livelihood programs.

Dubbed Barangay GROW Negosyo, the program seeks to address a priority concern of Mayor John G. Bongat which is to provide opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs in the city’s 27 barangays.

With the city’s Metro Naga Public Employment Office (Metro PESO) as the lead implementing office, the program will work for the development of industries based on the concept of One Barangay One Product (OBOP).

The barangay-based micro-entrepreneurs have started last month a series of capability-building trainings that will end in March next year. Product identification/differentiation and other related activities such as direction setting and training needs assessment were held earlier.

Metro PESO project development officer Mike Rico said the project timeline for September includes the submission of identified flagship industries to the city mayor for his approval.

Also part of the timeline is the year-round external fund sourcing activities by the Metro PESO that kicked off last month.

The industries, like the pili nut processing in Barangays Lerma and Triangulo, will be assisted by the city government in the establishment of their respective Common Service Facilities (CSF).

Other industries awaiting recommendation and approval are: Tinapa production in Barangay Abella; Misua production in Brgys. San Felipe and Calauag; Soy Bean processing, trophy-making and production of vegetable pickles in Brgy. Panicuason; Production of water lily charcoal briquettes in Brgy. Mabolo; Caskets for rent, Brgy. Concepcion Pequeña; Metal crafts, Brgy. Mabolo; Production of soft brooms by the Naga City Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCCWDP), bags and other tailored products in Brgys. Sta. Cruz, Concepcion Grande and Sabang.

Other priority industries also being considered are wax and candle-making, Bagumbayan Sur; Furniture-making, Igualdad; Upholstery, Bagumbayan Norte; Recycled tire parts, Liboton; Bamboo crafts, Balatas; Slippers and bags, Liboton; Pinangat-making, Calauag; Paper crafts, Pacol; Slippers, Cararayan; vegetable and cut flowers, in Brgy. Carolina.

Cacao processing, Concepcion Grande; Floor wax, San Felipe; Taho/tokwa, Concepcion Pequeña; Eateries, San Francisco/Sta. Cruz; Loglog kinalas, Dayangdang; Candies/wafer, San Isidro; Meat processing, Del Rosario; Rice-cake and tin-crafts, Tabuco; Balut making, Igualdad and toasted Siopao in Old Centro.

Metro PESO head Reuel M. Oliver said the program is expected to bring major impact in the community level like higher employment rate, improved household income levels and the emergence of model entrepreneurs.

In an interview, Mayor Bongat said the city will ensure the growth of the barangay-based micro-enterprises through comprehensive service suite in such a way that the city’s vision for economic empowerment will be met.

Soya bean micro-entrepreneur Fe Caranza, 51, of Barangay Pacol, said GROW (acronym for Growing Opportunities for Wealth) Negosyo “makes small-time businesses in the barangays fare well against the more established competitors because of the leverage being provided by the city government.”

Micro-entrepreneurs under the program are not only assured of micro-financing support, they will also be helped in marketing their products to obtain higher sales that will allow them to pay the money they loaned under the program on easy installment scheme.

Caranza observed that the program is a big help for micro-entrepreneurs because of its extraordinary and value-added services, especially on her part who experiences difficulties in marketing her own products being a polio victim.

“With the Barangay GROW Negosyo, I feel I am with a big brother who makes my entrepreneurial undertakings effectively working,” she concluded.

CamSur remains in DOT priority list

TOURISM POWWOW - CamSur Governor LRay Villafuerte (center) in a hearty huddle with Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim (extreme right) and Regional Director Maria Ravanilla (left) during the inauguration of the Gayon Bikol Wellness Center in Magarao recently. Top photo shows the three officials with Magarao Mayor Salvador Senar, Jr. with the “hilots” who will man the newly erected Gayon Bikol Wellness Center. - DOMENGRANERA

PILI, Camarines Sur – Even as the national government is set on focusing tourism projects among the numerous Visayan islands based on a preconceived development blueprint, the province of CamSur will remain a major component of the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) tourism development program.

This was announced by DoT Secretary Alberto Lim  during his visit to the province Sunday, Sept. 12.

In citing Governor LRay Villafuerte’s very successful tourism promotion initiatives, Lim underscored that the DoT cannot simply ignore the leading role of CamSur with its sports tourism and eco-tourism attractions as well as those of other Bicol provinces like Albay with its Mayon Volcano and Sorsogon with its butanding,

In just a few years after Governor Villafuerte launched his innovative tourism projects, CamSur’s local and global popularity has meteorically risen such that it is currently the most visited destination in the country, even eclipsing other long-established venues like Boracay, Cebu, Subic, Davao, Bohol and Palawan.

To demonstrate CamSur’s heightened popularity, when there used to be only three arrival and departure flights to and from the province each week, there are currently seven every day.

To further fortify CamSur’s inclusion into the Visayas cluster development thrust, Governor Villafuerte also announced that he is currently arranging Boracay-Naga-Boracay and Cebu-Naga-Cebu connections with the airlines.

Very well impressed by his first-hand view of CamSur’s tourism initiatives, Lim was further awed when he went to the town of Magarao to inaugurate the Gayon Bikol Wellness Center of the local hilots (bonesetters/physical therapists) whose clientele come from far and wide.

Governor Villafuerte has committed to help promote Magarao as the hilot capital of the Philippines if not of the world. – GBCLAVERIA

GBI top execs meet in Negros Occidental

The Guardians Brotherhood Inc. (GBI) National Policy Board (NPB) meeting and United Guardians Party (UGP) Executive Commission meeting was successfully convened at Josefina Hall, Palau Beach Resort, Calatrava, Negros Occidental last Sept. 4, 2010 hosted by GBI Region VI.

The  activity was attended by members of National Policy Board (Board of Trustees) from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with the special participation/guests of BGen Danilo “SGF DELTA” Lim, Chairman RAM; P/Director Quirinoi “SGF TORCH” dela Torre, Adviser GBI with P/Insp Jean dela Torre and Hon. Araceli T. Somosa, Municipal Mayor, Calatrava, Negros Occidental. Representatives from NPB Luzon were Raul “NF LAGALAG” Ramos Sr, Billy “NF COBRA” Tulag, Ferdinand “NF GEMINI” Casupanan, Giovanni “NF PRECY” Abenoja and Lt Col Ruperto “SGF BODSKIE” Bodino.

The participants, numbering 80 were top ranking GBI and UGP national/regional leaders including 14 newly promoted national founders who are also due for investiture.

Considering the proximity of the place of residence of NPB members, delegates and guests to the designated venue, it was set for one whole day activity in order to have ample time to discuss vital issues affecting the good image of the brotherhood perpertrated by other groups.

Among the agenda taken up during the GBI NPB plenary session were passing of different resolutions and it they were approved and ratified by the NPB members.

Reorganization of GBI new set of national officers was also installed hence,  last year 4^th GBI national convention was declared null and void by the chief of staff of GBI for some technical and valid reason, such as lack of representatives from other region like Region 5 in Luzon whose delegates staged a walk out, absence of vice president for Visayas and Mindanao, lack of delegates from Visayas, particularly in Mindanao with zero delegates/representatives and the presence of other aggrupations displaying their tarpaulin inside the venue.

The GBI new set of national officers were: Guardians House of Doctrine (GHOD): Clodualdo “MF HAZE” Dedicatoria-Prime Minister, Augusto “MF AWEL” Gana – Asst. Prime Minister, Raul “MF LAGALAG” Ramos Sr.-Deputy Prime Minister; GBI National Executive Commission: P/Director Quirino “NFSGF TORCH” dela Torrre – GBI National President, Virgilio “NF COBRA” Tulag – Vice President for Luzon, Atty Joel “NF MUMBAKI” Obar – Vice President for Visayas, Atty Evaristo “NF GRINGO” Gana – Vice President for Mindanao, Romualdo “NF BRYAN” Hermosisima – Floor Leader, Engr. Gil “NF GIL” Duremdes – Asst. Floor Leader, Adronico “NF BRAVO” Balais – Secretary General, Atty. Gregorio “NF GOYONG” Duremdes-Chief of Staff/Spokesperson, BGen Danilo “SGF DELTA” Lim – Chairman UGP and Rene “NF DAPAY” de Asis – Secretary General, UGP. The United Guarians Party is the political arm of the Guardians.

Promotion of three Master Founders who composed the GBI National Triumvirate were also confirmed during the NPB meeting. They were: Clodualdo “MF HAZE” Dedicatoria – Master Founder for Visayas, Augusto “MF AWEL” Gana – Master Founder for Mindanao and Raul “MF LAGALAG” Ramos Sr – Master Founder for Luzon. P/Director Quirino “SGF TORCH” dela Torre was elevated to the rank of National Founder Supreme Godfather (NFSGS) considering his position as GBI National President. The traditional investiture to the newly promoted national founders followed and solemnized by MF HAZE assisted by Adronico “NF BRAVO” Balais and Allan “NF DARK” Cometa.

The next NPB meeting will be announced later.

Anti-dengue drive launched in CNorte

By RB MANLANGIT

DAET, Camarines Norte — The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Camarines Norte is conducting a massive information drive through its Rural Health Units (RHUs) to prevent the spread of dengue in the province.

PHO Camarines Norte has already recorded some 123 cases of dengue in the province from January to August with one casualty. Breakdown of cases shows that Daet has 56 cases, Labo 15, Jose Panganiban 14, Paracele 10, Vinzons 8, Talisay 5, 4 cases each in Basud, San Vicente and Mercedes towns and a case each in the municipalities of Capalonga, Sta. Elena and San Lorenzo Ruiz.

Dr. Arnulfo Salagoste, PHO chief said that in his meeting with the RHUs the campaign will focus on the Department of Health (DOH) 4-S strategy: Search and Destroy, Self-protective measures, Seek early treatment and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.

He said that instead of confining patients wilth mild dengue in a hospital facility, parents and caregivers can practice D.E.N.G.U.E which stand: D for daily monitoring of patient’s status, E- encourage intake of oral fluids like oresol, water, juices etc, N- note any dengue warning signs like persistent vomiting and bleeding, G-give paracetamol for fever and NOT aspirin, because aspiring induces bleeding, U-use mosquito nets and E-early consultation for any warning signs.

He added that a group from the National Epedimiology Center is now conducting visitation in barangay to monitor different cases of diseases like dengue and will also conduct a meeting on Friday after the visitation.

Naga’s POC urges PNP to restore checkpoints

Vice Mayor BORDADO

NAGA CITY — This city’s Peace and Order Council (NCPOC) has directed the Naga City Police Office (NCPO) to restore the police checkpoints in strategic areas of the city and to deploy mobile patrols to optimize police visibility, particularly in the upper barangays.

Naga City Vice Mayor Gabriel H. Bordado Jr., said members of the council expressed alarm over the high incidence of criminality during the past few months leading to the Peñafrancia Tercentenary celebrations. Bordado is acting presiding officer of the NCPOC, a multisectoral council tasked, among other things, to provide a forum for inter- disciplinary dialogue and deliberation of major issues and problems affecting peace and order.

“I already discussed the council proposals with Acting Police Director Vert Chavez during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and after our meeting with Local Government and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo,“ Bordado said.

The city government of Naga donated vehicles, VHF radios and other equipment to the police office during the incumbency of Secretary Robredo as city mayor. It also installed closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in commercial areas of the city.

In recent years, the setting up of police checkpoints and quick-response mobile police teams proved to be very effective as crime deterrents. Some quarters, however, cautioned the police regarding possible human rights violations insofar as the checkpoints were concerned.

Church VIPs attend Ina’s tercentenary

Archbishops and bishops from dioceses in and outside the Philippines attended Ina’s tercentenary celebrations together with some three million visitors, pilgrims, and devotees who flocked to Naga City  for the Peñafrancia festivities last week.

Over the week, for the traslacion last Friday (Sept. 10), Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales,  was here for the Mass at the Centennial Arch in the Metropolitan Cathedral grounds.

The novena days following the traslacion have been given to bishops from the dioceses in Bicol and visiting bishops and archbishops from other countries for their Pontifical Masses.

Aside from Cardinal Rosales, those who attended the tercentenary religious activities were: Most Rev. Edward Adams, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines; Most Rev. Adolfo Tito C. Yllana, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan; Most Rev. James Reece, D.D., Archbishop of Kingstown Jamaica; Most Rev. Michael Putney, D.D., bishop of Townsville, Australia; Most Rev. Robert Rivas, O.P, D.D., Archbishop of Castries, Saint Lucia; and
Most Rev. Charles Dufour, D.D, Bishop of Montego Bay, Jamaica.