Diorama made of medical scraps

CABANATUAN CITY - Nativity scenes, tall Christmas trees, lights, a community of faithfuls -- all made of hospitals scrap materials.

Medical professionals and employees of the Nueva Ecija Doctors' Hospital proved their ingenuity as they created expensive-looking Cahristmas decorations and dioramas out of wastes such as used X-ray film, empty vials and rubber caps, dextrose, nasal hosts, among others.

The dioramas, numbering 16, are presently placed in different department areas in the four-storey hospital.

Dr. Fulgencio Ruiz, medical director, said the project which bring joy to patients and visitors alike, also showed the creativity of their personnel.

"You see, you can no longer say these things are made of scraps," Ruiz said, saying hospital officials had to pass the hat to "make them (employees) happier."

Other than electricty to lighten up the scenes, the employees were not allowed to use non-scrap material. The costings shall also not exceed P750, Ruiz said

RP tech in milk production, practice in "great magniture" in China -- official

CABANATUAN CITY – The technology being used in China in mass producing carabao milk was acquired from the Philipppines, particularly in Nueva Ecija , ranking officials revealed on Tuesday.

Thus Dr. Libertado Cruz, executive director of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) based in Science City of Munoz said the country can produce cattle milk as much as the China does if only the money being spent in importation be used to help local farmers.

Cruz placed at $450-million the estimated expenses in milk importation per year. That is roughly equivalent to P25 billion a year, he stressed.

Cruz said Chinse officials have surprised his team once in a visit.

“Akala namin ay may seminar kaming dadaluhan,” he said. But to their surprised, they were toured in several villages where milk production technologies from Nueva Ecija were being applied.

“Mas agresibo nga lang,” said Cruz, adding the Chinese government has intensified the use of Philippine-earned technologi
Cruz disclosed the demand for carabao milk surged in the last few weeks. The supply, however, was not enough to satisfy need of the market that includes producers of pastries and other milk-based products.

The PCC, he said, is looking for milk popwedering machines so that losses of milk during periods of high production can be prevented and preserved for periods of high demand.

This is to answer the problem where the peak of carabao milk supply happens when the deman is in its lowest while the demand surges when the production decreaseses. "our technology is applied only in great magnitute," Cruz said. -30-

DA distributes 1,000 bags of fertilizer; party list solon, multicabs

JAEN, Nueva Ecija - The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed 1,000 bags of granular fertilizers to farmers in this town even as the Buhay Party list released multi-cabs to 18 barangays here over the weekend.

Mayor Santy Austria said the fertilizers that were coursed through the DA was the realization of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's promise during her visit in this town last September.

Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino, 4th district, said the distribution has no connection with the controversial P728-million liquid fertilizer program that was reported to be scam. "nakasako ito," Antonino said.

Antonino and Austria, along with other local government officials, led the distribution. They also assisted Buhay Party List Rep. Carissa Concoslluela in the distribution of the multi-cabs to 18 barangays here.

The party list solon, according to Antonino, also handed down to Austria another piece of grant worth P1.5 million. -30-

Rice farmers told: Make it 40

Sowing the right amount of seeds results in strong and healthy seedlings. Hence, rice experts recommend the use of 40 kg certified seeds of an inbred variety or 20 kg hybrid for one hectare.

This 40-kg technology disproves the common belief that more seeds planted per hectare ensure enough and healthy seedlings.

According to experts, 1 kg of palay seeds is equivalent to approximately 40,000 seeds, thus, for 40 kg seeds, there are approximately 1,600,000 seeds. If two seedlings (20 to 25-day old) per hill are transplanted at a distance of 20cm x 20cm, a hectare would require some 500,000 seedlings.

Field trials show that even if 50% of the seeds from the 40 kg seeds do not germinate or get eaten by birds or golden apple snails, the remaining 50%, which is equivalent to 800,000 seeds, would still be more than enough to transplant a hectare of ricefield.Experts explained that 40 kg seeds should be sown in a 400m2 seedbed to produce enough healthy seedlings. At this density, the seedlings will not compete with each other for nutrients and sunlight.

However, sowing seeds greater than 40 kg or using less than 400m2 seedbed can result in too close spacing between seedlings. This will make the seedlings tall and thin. Such seedlings may not survive or have a hard time recovering when transplanted in the field.

Healthy seedlings, on the other hand, can produce a good canopy and compete better against weeds. These seedlings are green, with good growth, free from pests and diseases, and can produce sufficient productive tillers and panicles.

The 40-kg technology also stresses the importance of certified seeds which have high germination rate and high seedling vigor, thus, better survival and growth. These seeds will produce uniform plants, and have a 5 to10 percent yield advantage over farmers’ home-saved seeds.

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is a government-owned and –controlled corporation attached to the Department of Agriculture that aims at developing high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos.

Kenney: RP, US cooperation to continue amid global financial slowdown

GUIMBA, Nueva Ecija - United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney expressed belief the cooperation between the Philippine and American forces will continue despite the recurring global economic slowdown.

Kenney led the inauguration of a classroom built by soldiers participating in the annual Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercixe (Phiblex) in the far flung Bagong Barrio Elementary School in this town Sunday.

Askef of such activities would continue amid feared global financial crisis, Kenney cited the disasters where Filipino and American soldiers have worked together in opursuing the interest of the victims.

She also noted the surging cooperation among nations affected by the financial turmoil.

Kenney also said the feared crisis would end soon having all contries "working together."

Meanwhile, Board Member Edmund Abesamis, president of the Federation of Barangay Captains in Nueva Ecija, said the project shows the "true picture" of what the cooperation between two nations can do.

Vice Mayor Lenny Dela Cruz of Guimba said the classroom donated by the Talon Vision Piblex would greatly help the children in the village.

No let up on HB 5043

CABANATUAN CITY - Bishop Sofronio Bancud of the Diocese of Cabanatuan called on the faithfuls here to fight the controversial Reproductive Health Bill or House Bill 5043 to the end.

The call was made by Bishop Sofronio Bancud as he led the canonical erection of the new St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Parish that holds jurisdiction over 19 villages here recently.

"Malinaw ang posisyon ng Simbahan, tutulan natin ang Reproductive Health Bill 5043 ngayon ay kailanman," Bancud told faithfuls in his homily.

Bancud earlier anointed Rev. Jose Salvador Mallari as Parish Priest and sked him to reach out with the community to let the people receive the word of God.

The Bishop said respect with the dignity of life is a responsiblity of the people to God and their selves. This, he added, is within the spirit of vocation.

The call was readily accepted by the Knights of Columbus, an association of Catholic men, saying the group has since stand against abortion.

Blood shed!

IN HOUSE BLOOD SHED. Some 40 members of the Nueva Ecija POlice Provincial Office under Senior Supt. Ricardo Marquez, along with 12 barangay peacekeepers, donate 52 bags of blood to the Philippine Blood Council (PBC). The blood will be stored at the local Red Cross blood bank for local patients.

Gapan vendors want ordinance blocked

GAPAN CITY - The officers and members of the 500-strong marvet vendors association n this city have filed a mnifestation before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to block the ratification of an ordinance that provides for the increase of fees in market stalls and spaces.

Adelina Roque, president of the Gapan City Market Vendors Association, said they appealed to the SP to block the ratification of the Resoulution No. 24 Series 2008 or City Ordinance no. 02 series 2008 of Gapan City.

The measure, "an ordinance regulating the establishment, classification, administration and operation of government owned/operated public markets in the local government of Gapan," was approved by the city council, presided by Vice Mayor Christian Tinio and approved by Mayor Ernesto Natividad.

Otherwise known as Market Code of Gapan, the ordinance explains that the "on going and future development projects for the improvement and expansion of sxisting city owned, controlled or operated public markets designed to promote and improve the capabilities of the local government to deliver desired public services, and to ensure the safety, comfort and well-being of vendor and the buying public."

Such goals, the council raesones out "can only be achieved if the administration of the city markets are improved or stremlined" and the "income from the operation thereof are made more realistic."

But Roque's group claimed there was not even a public hearing for the measure. This, the group said, violated the Article 276 of the implementing rules and regulations of the Local Government Code.

The old public market of Gapan City was razed by fire on Aug. 12, 2007. It was rebuilt through a bank loan of reportedly P238 million.

Roque said under the recently approved ordinance, vendors are asked to pay P17,000 to P22,00 per sq meter for the wet section and P22,000 to P27,000 per sq meter for the enclosed stalls.

Arroyo visits family of road accident victim

SAN ISIDRO, Nueva Ecija : President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo personally expressed sympathy and extended assistance to the family of Leopoldo Odulio, the 60-year-old man, who died in a vehicular accident during her latest visit in the province.

Mayor Sonia Lorenzo of this town said the Odulios were very thankful that the Chief Executive had to attend to them personally despite the fact that what happened was an accident and she was actually not directly involved."

She has since wanted to visit the family. Kahit hindi naman niya talaga alam ito," Lorenzo said.Odulio was backriding a single motorcycle when it was bumped by a military truck that transports the K-9 units used earlier for security when she led the inauguration of a bridge in the nearby town of Cabiao.

Two others were hurt during the accident.Fourth Dist. Rep. Rodolfo Antonino said Mrs.Arroyo put up a thrust fund for the education of Odulio' 12-year old son, Roy, and business capital for the family.

She also encouraged Juliet, the daughter, to finish her computer studies. Julieta supposedly stopped attending school with still one year to finish the course."

Dati na nating nakikita 'yang sinseridad ng pangulo. Ngayon alam naman natin na pwede niyang iutos na lamang ito pero ganoon talaga katindi ang kanyang concern sa pangyayari na ito," Antonino stressed."

Lahat po ng kailangan namin ay ibinigay niya," Julieta said.

Massive vaccination vs cattle disease held

CABANATUAN CITY - The veterinary officers in this city is waging an all-out war against the dreaded cattle disease that was found positive in provinces of Tarlac and Pampanga, a ranking official said on Thursday.

Dr. Ricardo Bautista, head of the Cabanatuan City Veterinary Office, said that on order of Mayor Alvin Vergara, his men are conducting massive vaccination against the flu-like Hemorrhagic Septicemia in rural barangays.

They target to treat at least 2,000 carabaos from at least 45 of the city's 89 barangays.Besides giving vaccine which supplies come from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) regional office in Pampanga, Bautista said, his office also gives doses of vitamins to cattle."

Masyadong masakit sa isang magsasaka na mamamatayan ng kalabaw dahil napakamahal nito at kailangang-kailangan sa pagsasaka," Bautista said.

The youngest animal, he said, costs for about P20,000. The working age is at P50,000, he added.Cabanatuan City is still considered agricultural in nature despite its booming industrialization.

Bautista said the effort was prompted by confirmation from the provincial veterinary office of Nueva Ecija that the disease was found in the two provinces.

The disease, he said, is highly contagious and can be acquired by the animal through various ways, including contact and feeding.An infected animal would die from 8 to 12 hours after the bacteria is acquired.

Military, town gov't try reach

SANTA ROSA, Nueva Ecija - Military and local government officials are trying to solve the the legal battle between them over the right on a two-hectare land where the municipality's material recovery facility, a systematic garbage processing system, is installed in Barangay Mapalad here.

The Army's 7th Infantry Divsion under the command of Major Gen. Ralph Villanueva, wanted to stop the operation of the MRF on the contention that the land is within the Fort Magsaysay Military reservation.

Being a military reservation, according to Villanueva, the area cannot be converted into any other purposes based on a Presidential Proclamation issued in 1955.Municipal officials explained, however, the piece of land was bought at about P1-million by the town government from a private individual in 2003 purposely for the implementation of the Solid waste Management Act or Republic Act 9003.

Villanueva said the military has already informed the town government of its position since the initial stage of development "but they continued."A town official said the municipality produces about 2o tons of garbage a day.

He underscored the need for the proper disposal to keep the town's vicinity clean ands promote the health and welfare of its constituents.Villanueva said his officer was told the Santa Rosa government would insist its law. "Sabi namin, the laws of Santa Rosa does not apply within the military reservation."

The facility where fertilizers and office materials are being processed out of recyclable wastes are complete with heavy equipment and processing tools.

FortMag sends troops to Mindanao

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City: The Army's 7th Infantry Divsion based here sent a total of 428 soldiers to help in the fight against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front lost command, a ranking military official said on Wdenesday.Major Gen. Ralph Villanueva, 7ID commander, said the troops from its unit, 69th Infantry Battalion, was led led by ed by its Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Cesar D De Mesa.Loaded in a six by six trucks, the soldiers were brought to the Villamor Airbase, Pasay City where they boarded the C-130 plane bound to Mindanao, Villanueva said.“The Mindanao deployment of 69th IB is a part of the government’s effort for national peace and security and end the on-going armed conflict,” he added.“Discipline, training, and experience will be the weapon of the 69IB troopers to surpass the challenges in pursuing their mission. Our soldiers are at all times ready to risk their lives but we always observe force protection in our operations. However, it is better that our soldiers continue to live to protect the people and preserve our territory,” said Villanueva.

CABANATUAN CITY - Ipinagmamalaki ng mga kandidata sa Bb. Nueva Ecija ang mga lugar sa lalawigan na bahagi ng kasysaysayan at natatangi para sa turismo.Sa ginanap na press presentation noong Lunes ng gabi sa Microtel In and Sites sa lunagsod na ito, inisa-isa ng mga kalahok sa Bb. Nueva Ecija pageant ang mga anila'y "pride ng Nueva Ecija."

Kabilang dito ang makasaysayang Plaza Lucero kung saan pinalsalang si Antonio Luna, Ninoy Aquino Freedom Park na ipinagalan sa martir na dating Sen. Benigno Aquino at moog para sa mga di-kilalang bayani, (kapwa nasa Cabanatuan City), Pantabangan na kinaroroonan ng kauna-unahan at pinakamalaking earthen dam sa Souteast Asia, Palayan City bilang sports tourism capital.

Inihirit din ng isang kalahok ang Sciece City of Munoz sapagkat naroroon ang mga scientific institution na tulad ng Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Bureau of Post Harvest Research Institute (BPRE), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) at Philippine Carabao Center (PCC).

Para naman sa kandidata mula sa bayan ng Laur, pinaka-dapat bigyan ng pansin ang pagiging onion basket ng Bongabon sapagkat ddoon nagmumula ang pinakamalaking bahagi ng kinukunsumong sibuyas ng bansa.

Ang Pangatian Shrine and Sundial Monument kung saan naganap ang kilala sa buong mundo na "The Great Raid", o pagliligtas ng magkasanib nga puwersang Amerikano at gerilyang Pilipino ang dapat isang maipagmamalaki ng Nueva Ecija, ayon naman sa Bb. Nueva Ecija candidate mula sa bayan ng Llanera.

Ang Bb. Nueva Ecija ay isang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng "Unang Sigaw ng Nueva Ecija" na ang kulminasyon ay sa Sept. 2, ayon kay Board Member Edmund Abesamis, pangulo ng Araw ng Nueva Ecija 2008.

Ang Bb. Nueva Ecija ay inorganisa ng Provincial Tourism Office sa pangunguna ni Carolina de Guzman-Uy at Wyzminds Event and Productions.Ayon kay Uy, bukod sa P50,000 piso na cash prize sa magwawagi, magkakamit din ito ng scholarship grant mula sa isang technical school.

Ang kaibhan, gayunman, ng pageant na ito sa mga naunang edisyon ay bibigyan din ng gantimpala tulad ng cumpoter set at iba pa ang munisipyo na kinakatawan nanalo, at bawat barangay sa nasasakupan ng naturang bayan ay bibigyan ng maliit na regalo.

Ang Grand Coronation ng Bb. Nueva Ecija ay gaganapin sa Aug. 31.

Recall move vs. Umali dead

PALAYAN CITY - The Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija (Balane), the political party led by the influentrial Joson clan, has finally dropped the idea of seeking a recall elections against Gov. Aurelio Umali.

First District Rep. Eduardo Nonato Joson, party chair, said the idea which was floated as early as December last year, could have been best way to remove Umali from office owing to the governor's "failure to deliver," good governance."But the party decided not to go with it," Joson said, saying the decision was reached during the recent meeting among party officials and members in Cabanatuan City.

He maintained a recall election was all for the advantage of a party candidate.

"Una, maliit ang gastos dahil one on one ang laban," he said. The campaign could be conveniently carried by party members since they are not in a fight. "Ikaw lang ang ikakampanya nila," Joson added, pertaining to whoever the party will field against Umali.

He also believes that Iglesia Ni Cristo, a powerful religious group that effectively endorses some candidates during elections, would take a neutral side this time.

The INC reportedly favored Umali during the 2004 gubernatorial elections over Joson's younger brother , former Vice Gov. Mariano Cristino Joson.

Umali said he was not in a position to comment of the "wisdom and efficacy" of the decision to "recall the recall" but vowed an un-distracted discharge of duties and Nueva Ecija's chief executive.Being not a member of Balane, he said, he would not know the reason behind the move.

He said the reports of a drive to subject him to a recall elections cropped up even he was only a few months from office.

Joson also said the party has yet to decide on the who will be it's standard bearer for the 2010 elections. This amid reports that former Gov. Tomas Joson, his elder brother, would be the strongest bet.

N. Ecija has new dev't plan

PALAYAN CITY - The new medium term development agendaof the Nueva Ecija government was approved, yearsafter the prrevious version lapsed, by members of theprovincial development council (PDC) the other day.

Gov. Aurelio Umali, PDC chair, said the new mediumterm development plan that tackle of economic andhuman resources of the province was a product ofextensive study by the local chief executives andtheir municipal or city planning and developmentoffices.

Dr. Abraham Pascua, director of the Department ofInterior and Local Government (DILG)-Nueva Ecija,presented the pplan to PDC memebrs that includemayors, MPDCs and non-government organizations, duringthe first general assembly meeting at the Nueva EcijaConvention Center (NECC).

Umali explained that the MTPDP serves as the farmeworkof development of all LGUs, in coordinbation withnational implementing agencies for 2008 to 2010.Bert Bolinao, city planning and development officer ofPalayan City, moved for inclusion of some otherprojects which the local government is readying.

MayorLorna Vero of Llanera town said irrigation andenvironment projects are on top of their local agenda.All these issues, Umali said, will be tackled laterand the plan could actually be subject to amendments.The province, according to the governmenr, has indeeda large room for development.

Ecija police scores big in anti-drugs drive

CABANATUAN CITY – A sustained anti-drug abuse campaign by the police, in cooperation with civilian-led Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), has "dramatically" reduced the number of drug-infested territories in Nueva Ecija, the police reported.

Nueva Ecija police director, Senior Supt. Napoleon Taas, that of 32 towns and cities of the province, 14 have already been declared drug-free. This accounts to only 51 of over 859 villages.

Of the five cities, Palayan City was declared drug-free while the drug-freetowns are Aliaga, Bongabon, Gen. Natividad, Laur, Licab, Llanera, Lupa, Nampicuan, Pantabangan, Quezon, San Isidro, Sta. Rosa and Zaragoza, accoprding to police records.

This as the police keep a tight watch on at least 252 drug users and pushers even as it enlisted the help of the Barangay Anti-Drug AbuseAction Councils in fighting the menace, a report to Gov. Aurelio Umali disclosed yesterday.

The report, submitted by Taas also showed that the suspected drug offenders are mostly in Cabanatuan City with 56, followed by Guimba,34; 29 in GapanCity, 25 in San Jose City, 21 in Gen.Tinio, 18 in Talavera, 17 in San Leonardo, 15 in Carranglan, 8 in San Antonio, seven in Gabaldon, four each in Cabiao and Penaranda, two in Sto. Domingo, one each in Talugtog, Cuyapo and Rizal.

CABANATUAN CITY - The city government yesterday announced a plan to implement a "no segragation no collection" policy in garbage collection here, a highly urbanizing city dubbed as trade and education center of Nueva Ecija.

Mayor Alvin P. Vergara said the policy, is in compliance with the provision of the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecoligical Solid Waste Management Act of 200, will be implemented starting July 16.

The step is aimed at reducing garbage dumped in the city's dump site, currently situated in Barangay Valle Cruz, Cabanatuan City. The dumpsite is now subject of conflict between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the city government.

The DENR wants the dump site closed with its operation supposedly against RA 9003. Despite attempts, however, the previous city administration, under former Mayor Jay Vergara, failed to establish new sanitary landfill due to resistance of residents in identified areas.

Vergara said the garbage trucks will also be color coded for easy identification.

Trucks to be used in collecting biodegradable materials, for instance will be colored green while those of the non-biodegradable has yet to be determined.

GMA vows heads will roll in ferry sinking

BALER, Aurora – President Arroyo yesterday vowed that heads will roll in connection with the ill-fated sinking of the Princess of the Stars off the coast of Sibuyan Islands last week, including the cancellation of the franchise of the Sulpicio Lines,Inc. (SLI).

Speaking during the sixth anniversary of the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day at the Quezon Memorial Park here yesterday morning, Mrs. Arroyo said those responsible for the tragedy will not go unpunished.

“We demand full accounting. Pananagutin natin ang lahat ng mapapatunayang nagpabaya at naging sanhi ng pagkamatay ng marami nating kababayan (We will hold accountable those who will be proved to have been negligent and caused the deaths of many of our countrymen),” she said

It was her first official statement about the incident since arriving in the country at dawn yesterday. The tragedy, the offshoot of typhoon Frank, struck when she was on official trip abroad.

The President, who flew here a few hours after arriving in the country, said that even before she flew to the United States to meet with President George Bush and other officials, she already directed the various government agencies to brace for the coming typhoon. She said it was a difficult decision to forge ahead with the trip but she went ahead nevertheless because of several reasons.

She said that as President, she had to make the difficult choice whether to cancel important meetings with Bush and leaders of the US Congress who specifically asked that she be in Washington to lobby for pending legislation on the Philippine Veterans’ Bill.

She added that while in the US, she was overseeing relief efforts and was in constant touch with officials on the ground and personally directing activities.

The Chief Executive said that over the next few days, she and her Cabinet would be meeting with government officials for the rescue and relief operations to ensure the speedy rehabilitation of the affected areas.

She said she will fly to Cebu tomorrow to meet with the families, express condolences and to pledge to them that the government will get to the bottom of the tragedy.

She also thanked the Spanish government for being one of the first countries to extend assistance to the Philippines in the wake of the typhoon and the ferry accident. She said that a plane of the Spanish Air Force is now on its way to the country to deliver relief goods.

In an earlier speech, Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias-Romero conveyed his government’s condolences to the victims of the ferry accident.

At the same time, Mrs. Arroyo said the government should take pains to be more prepared in the event of another typhoon. She said the government will install new Doppler radars or weather forecasting instruments in Surigao del Sur, South Cotabato, Mactan, Tagaytay,
She added that two Doppler radars in Baguio and in this province will be upgraded to make them more responsive during calamities.

CL has enough rice for 'gawat'

CABANATUAN CITY - About 2.4 million bags of rice arestored in National Food Authority warehouses inCentral Luzon, ensuring ample supply of the stapleduring the traditional lean months of June toSeptember, grains officials said on Thursday.

Engr. Nicolas Crisostomo, NFA-Region 3 director, saidthe volume strategically positioned in the agencywarehouses is even supplemented by 1.8 million bags incommercial sector.

He said that Central Luzon, a rice producing region,"is better prepared" for the anticipated tight supplyduring lean period. An inventory, Crisostomo said, showed that thepresent stocks that include private and households'will last up to 95 days based on daily riceconsumption requirement of 69,700 Bags.

Besides existing stocks, the food agency is stillexpecting to receive a tentative volume of 577,000bags of imported rice which represent the balance ofCentral Luzon as 2008 import allocation.

PANTABANGAN, Nueva Ecija - The Philippine movie's BadBoy, Robin Padilla, his fellow actor-brother and NuevaEcija board member Rommel, and other industrypersonalities made a pitch on campaign again globalwarming as they joined irrigation officials in atree-planting activity on a mountain range here onMonday.

Padilla who brought with him almost the entire castof the teleserye Joaquin Bordado where he plays thelead role, planted seedlings with Engr. Alex Coloma,manager of the Casecnan Multi-Purpose IrrigationProject wat the vicinity of the multi-billion pesoirrigation and power project.

He readily conceded on the appeal of a fellow actor tostop illegal logging activity.

Rommel who is the province's senior board memberhaving garnered the highest votes, said his brotherbelieves that the problem on global warming issomething to be addressed properly by all sectors."This is a problem which people from the governmentand elsewhere should help address," Rommel whorepresents Nueva Ecija's first district said.

Coloma said the project was supported by the officialsof the CalEnergy, a foreign consortium that undertakesthe build-operate-transfer portion of the project.Casecnan diverts water from Taan and Casecnan Riversin the tri-boundaries of Nueva Ecija, Aurora andNueva Vizcaya for irrigation and energy trough the26-kilometer underground tunnel to Pantabangan Dam, Reservoir.

Nueva Ecija police, businessmen agree on peace agenda

CABANATUAN CITY- Business leaders and the police  

hierarchy in Nueva Ecija vowed over the weekend to

work hand in hand in keeping sound peace and order

amid occurrence law infractions in some parts of the

country.

Jojo Cadiz, board chair of the Nueva Ecija Chamber of

Commerce and Industry, said local businessmen have to

protect their "limited resources," thus they need to

feel secure from law offenders, such as robbers. 

Cadiz said that no businessman has unlimited resources so they just use them "for maximum end."

For his part, Senior Supt. Napoleon Taas, director of the provincial police, said his office instituted

various steps to thwart criminalities, including those against properties.

With limited resources, he explained, the police implements the "where needed, when needed," and

conduct of anti-crime checkpoints.

He said that every Thursday morning, he sits with police officers from all over the province for two

hours, from 7:00 to 9:00 am, to discuss all intelligence inputs and peace and order assessment.

187,000 seedlings, target ng Cenro-Cabanatuan

Inaasahang maaabot ng Community Environment and

Natural Resources Office (cenro) ng Cabanatuan City ang target

nito na makapag-produce ng 187,000 seedlings ngayong

2008.

Ito ay matapos bisitahin ni Cenro Arthur Salazar ang mga

nursery sa kanyang hurisdiksiyon, lalo na ang nasa

bayan ng General Tinio, Nueva Ecija.

Ayon kay Salazar, ang mga seedlings na ito na karaniwang

mga kahoy-gubat ay kanilang ipinamamahagi sa taumbayan

para sa tree planting activities bilang bahagi ng

refrestation program.

Ang Cenro cabanatuan ay sumasakop sa mga bayan at

lungsod sa timog nueva ecija.

Professional lens peep through Nueva Ecija

Nueva Ecija is far different from what people from the outside see it, thus a group ofprofessional photographers finds.The president, Boy Samson, and members of the Societyof Portrait Photographers of the Philippines (SPPP) took several rounds of pictures of various tourism potentials some of which now loaded in the newly created website of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO).

Senior Supt. Napoelon Taas, acting NEPPO director, thepictures are featured in the website, along with thetraditional crime statistics and crime prevention tips.

Samson said they found a new face of the province with the tour.

Contrary to prevailingperception,he said, Nueva Ecija is one of the mostpeaceful and secured provinces to visit.

“All six of us went around unescorted in themunicipalities of Bongabon, Rizal, Pantabangan,Gabaldon, and Cabanatuan from April 18 to 20.

Thoseplaces offer some of the most picturesque locationsthat an amateur phographer would surely love tovisit." Pantabangan he said, is one photogs paradise. He agreed with Taas in saying that Pantabangan is practically "Tagaytay and Baguio put together." Launched Monday, the website of the Nueva Ecija PoliceProvincial Office, features the "beauty and serenityof a province that was once known for its violence."

Senior Supt. Napoleon Taas, acting director of theprovincial police, said the website also contains softmaterials on crime statistics and crime preventiontips but reveals the scenic spots and places of humaninterests in Nueva Ecija.

Congressional consultation on agriculture held in Nueva Ecija

The House Committee on Agriculture andFood vowed Monday to bring to Congress the sentimentsof Novo Ecijano Farmers, particularly their call touse National Food Authority fund in procuring locallyproduced palay instead of importing rice.

Palawan Rep. Ramon Kahlil Mitra, chair of the HoyuseCommitteee on agriculture and food, also said he willbring out the issue on alleged swine swindling thatsupposedly crippled a once strong women’s cooperative in the province.

This allegedly involvedthe government owned financing firm Quedancor.The concerns were raised during the consultativemeeting at the provincial capitol here which was also attended by farmers’ organizations and othersofficials, including Gov. Aurelio Umali, Reps. LeonilaChavez of Butil Partylist, Roberto Etsrella of Abono Partylist , Cherry Umali of Nueva Ecija’s 3rd district and Rodolfo Antonino, 4th district.

Assistant Secretary Dennis Araullo of agriculturedepartment , Dir. Redentor Gatus of DA Region 3 and Dir. Nicolas Crisostomo of NFA-Central Luzon andprovincial manager Edelino Alejandro joined the consultation.

Mayor's brod dies in road accident

RIZAL, Nueva Ecija - A brother of Pantabangan town mayor Romeo Borja was killed after a motorcycle collision caused by palay drying on
a national road here.

The victim, Danilo Borja of East Poblacion, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, was initially rushed to Dr.
Bautista Medical Clinic in this town for multiple injuries but had to be transferred to Cabanatuan City
due to the gravity of his condition.

Investigation disclosed that the victim was on his way to Cabanatuan City on board a motorcycle with license
plate RH 4103 when hit by another motorcycle driven by a minor.

SPO1 Ariel Alcantara, police investigator, said the minor who was running for Rizal took the wrong way
because of the palay being dried on the highway pavement.

village head shoots cop

ALIAGA, Nueva Ecija - A police officer was shot by a
village chair over an old grudge in this town the
other day.

The victim was identified as Senior Police
Officer 2 Antonio Manucot,41, detailed at Santa Rosa
Police Station and resident of Barangay Umangan here.

The suspect was barangay captain Rodrigo Dionisio of
the said place.

Reports reaching the office of Senior
Supt. Napoleon Taas, Nueva Ecija police director,
showed Manucot was in front of the house of barangay
councilman Primo Cabahil when the suspect suddenly
arrive and after an altercation shot the victim.

The cop had to cover himself inside Cabahil's house for
safety.

More offensive cops on the go

CABANATUAN CITY - "Mamang Pulis on the very doorstep of the criminals."

Senior Supt. Napoleon Taas, director of the Nueva Ecija provincial police office, ordered all the chiefs of the 32 police stations and directors of provincial mobile groups to take an offensive stance against wanted criminals as part of it "shift to second gear" of anti-ciminality campaign.

"Mamang Pulis will be on the very doorstep of the criminals, their lairs," Taas said saying the next few days will be marked by more aggressive servings of arrest warrants and massive manhunts where no stone will be left unturned.

Taas said that of 295 rrest warrants issued by the court in the last 70 days, 140 have effectively been effected by the various police offices in the province. That he said, is for na average of two wanted persons arrested per day.

These arrests, Taas said, should send signal to other criminal elements that they have no place in Nueva Ecija. He expressed belief this would also deter crimes.

The command maintains 40 personnel actively visible everyday, he added.

Nueva Ecija: Umali challenges "Mamang Pulis"

PALAYAN CITY - Gov. Aurelio Umali yesterday challenged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to immediately solve the murder of two aides of one his most trusted men at the Capitol Thursday night.

“I challenge PD (Provincial Director Napoleon) Taas and Mamang Pulis to work towards the immediate solution of this case,” Umali said in an interview.

Motorcycle-riding men gunned down the two driver-escorts of Umali's top man, Dr. Reymund Sarmiento, acting head of the provincial affairs monitoringoffice (PAMO) a few meters away from his residence.

Taas said that Roy Malijana, driver-aide Sarmiento died on the spot while Michael Pritanio expired at theto Paulino J. Garcia Memoria Research andMedical Center (PJGMRC) in Cabanatuan City.

Investigation showed the victims were in Poblacion, Sto. Domingo town at about 8:30 p.m. when fired at by unidentified men.

Ecijanos rush for affordable rice

With Novo Ecijanos rushing to get kilos of affordable rice, the National Food Authority (NFA) in the province has set up Tindahan Natin outlets right on the doorstep of its warehouses in the province.

NFA Central Luzon Director Nicolas Crisostomo and Provincial Manager Edelino Alejandro, meanwhile, personally supervise deliveries of the staple to intended market.

Josons charged; 'Pure harassment', says former guv

PALAYAN CITY – The provincial government of Nueva Ecija, thourgh an acting division head, has charged five members of the influential Joson family of graft before the Office of the Ombudsman over the donation of a number of heavy equipment to various local government units early this year.

In a complaint filed by Dr. Raymund Sarmiento, officer-in-charge of the Public Affairs Monitoring Office (PAMO), the respondents were identified as former Gov. Tomas Joson III, his son and now Vice Gov. Edward Thomas Joson and Quezon town Mayor Eduardo Basilo Joson and former Guimba town Mayor Jose Pocholo Dizon, son-in-law of incumbent 1st district Rep. Eduardo Nonato Joson.

The other respondents were Bongabon Mayor Amelia Gamilla, Board Member Cesar Cucio, former Mayor Marvin Martin of San Leonardo and former provincial board members Bella Aurora Dulay, Jose Bernardo Yango, Cesar Eduardo, Leonardo Garcia and Allan Gamilla.

But Tomas III said the complaint was a plain harassment by the incumbent administration even as he clarified no money is involved in the graft charges.“

Pag sinabi kasing graft, akala ay may nagnakaw. Sa kasong ito, walang kahit isang sentimong sangkot,” Joson said in an interview.Sarmiento sought the preventive suspension of the incumbent officials pending the outcome of the investigation by the anti-graft body.

Vice Gov. Edward was named respondent being a member of the provincial board which approved the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution 37-A which provides for the donation of the heavy equipment to the towns of Quezon, Bongabon, Guimba, San Leonardo and Talugtog.

In the complaint Sarmiento alleged that the respondents violated Section 3.e of RA 3019 when it passed on January 22,2007 the resolution authorizing Tomas III to donate the heavy equipment to the above-mentioned towns.

The complaint claimed that the respondents, in the “malevolent and reprehensible” performance of their official functions conspired with evident bad faith to “seriously prejudice, if not totally paralyze” the then incoming administration of Umali, in the process giving unwarranted benefits to the respondent mayors.

Tomas III said that the donation was part of the government’s program to upgrade the provincial engineering by acquiring more new heavy equipment and donating the old ones to LGUs that lack them. The plan, he said, was hatched as early as 2006.The resolution was apparently approved January 2007. “Noong panahong ‘yon ang alam naming magiging gubernador ay si Boyet (his younger brother Mariano Cristino),” he said.

He said he knew fund sources to finance the procurement of new equipment.Questioning the propriety of charging him for implementing a board resolution, Tomas III also wondered why even the recipients were charged.

Among the heavy equipment donated were seven units of heavy equipment to the municipality of Guimba; six units of heavy equipment, Tomas III’s Ford Expedition and a Nissan Terrano to the town of Bongabon; five units of heavy equipment, the provincial mobile clinic, a Toyota Revo, a Ford F150 and a Nissan Urvan to the town of Quezon. Then followed with six units of heavy equipment to the municipality of San Leonardo consisting of three units of Isuzu 10-wheeler truck, one Mitsubishi Road Grader, one PHH Komatsu Excavator and one Komatsu bulldozer.

PNP, Army vow to finish insurgents in Ecija in 2 months

CABANATUAN CITY - Government security forces in Nueva Ecija have set a "next level" drive against insurgency as its officials signed over the weekend an agreement the spelled out actions to have the province free of rebels in the next two months.

Senior Supt. Napoleon Taas, Nueva Ecija police director, and Army Lt. Col. Gilbert Gapay, commanding officer of the third Mechanized Infantry Brigade, both expressed belief that local government units can take the lead role against the insurgency by June 2008 because the internal security is settled by then.They signed the memorandum of agreement at the provincial police headquarters here Friday.

Police chiefs fron various stations such as Cabanatuan City, and the towns of San Antonio, Jaen, San leonardo, Sta. Rosa, Zaragoza, Aliaga, Quezon and Licab also gined the MOA along with officers from the police's elite 307th and 309th Mobile groups.

The MOA proveides for an intensified joint police-military operations against the insurgents operating within their respective area of responsibility, particularly at the provincioal boundary. T
he 3MIB holds jurisdiction over Eastern Nueva Ecija and Tarlac.Both the police and the Army will man checkpoints to pursue internal security operations.

Central Luzon rice stocks sufficient

CABANATUAN CITY - With a total of stocks inventory of 4.5 million bags as of date, which is 46 per cent higher than that of last year, the rice market can feed the people in the seven provinces of Central Luzon for at least 67 days, ahead of the peaking harvest season.

National Food Authority Regional Director Nicolas Crisostomo said that last year, the inventory of this same period was placed at only 3.1 million bags. The stocks represented those from the NFA warehouses, traders and households.

The increase, he said, can be attributed to the governments stocks that from only 182,800 bags in its r warehouses for the same period last year, is now at 1.5 million bags.

"This is due to the prudent management of stocks during the last quarter of 2007 and the early arrival of our partial imported rice allocation for 2008," Crisostomo added.

Besides the warehouse inventory, Crisostomo revealed, around 2.2 million bags of imported rice will be allocated to Central Luzon this year. Of this volume, 403,000 bags from Vietnam have already arrived at the Subic port via two vessels. The balance of 1.8 million bags will arrive in the coming months.

On top of them is the expected production from the harvest that peaks this summe for which the food agency has posititioned itself for aggressive procurement at support price of P12.00 per kilo, including incentives in order to add up to our buffer stocks in anticipation of the coming lean months in the 3rd quarter.

The stocks, he said, are strategically positioned in the seven provinces of the region with 1,5000 accredited outlets to ensure the availablity in the market of the P18.25 per kilo NFA rice. The grains are repacked in one and two-kilogram plastic bags.

Meanwhile, Crisostomo asked NFA provincial managers to deploy their monitoring and "Palengke Watch" teams that will oversee the grains trading operations in their areas. "We will make sure that NFA rice will be visible and available in all public markets" he said.

Moreover, he reported that they are now in the process of sanitizing and revoking the existing passbooks of all their retailers in response to President Gloria Arroyo’s directive to purge the industry of unscrupulous traders.

Aside from the food agency’s regular rice distribution operations in public markets, the NFA also prioritizes the provision of rice to outlets under the hunger mitigation program of the government such as the Food for School program, Tindahan Natin and Tindahan sa Parokya.

Nueva Ecija: Military general is now a Sultan

Barely seven days to go before bowing out from the military service, a testimonial parade and review has been accorded to Mgen Juanito P Gomez, Commander, 7TH Infantry Division, Philippine Army early Monday morning of 17 March 2008 at the Grandstand, 7ID. The testimonial parade and review, is a traditional way in recognition and honor for the outgoing 7thID Division Commander for his meritorious, loyal and dedicated service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a high ranking official.

Major General Gomez’ accomplishments of all his mission could be attributed not only to his capability to formulate and execute strategies and plans during his stint as a Division Commander, 7TH ID from 11 September 2006 to February 2008, but most importantly is his unique leadership his highly ethical conduct with the masses has significantly in promoting civil military operations.

There is also an awards giving during the said ceremony for those deserving officers and units at 7th ID, categorized as follows: Command plaques has been given to BGen Manuel E Mariano Jr, Assistant Divison Commander, 7ID; BGen Rommel A Gomez, AFP, Commander, 703rd Bde and to Chief Master Sergeant Manuel T Ayon Ayon, Division Sergeant Major. For the military merit medal awards goes to Maj Esmael Mama, Cpt’s Ramir Rodesendo, Chamberlaine Esmino and Lieutenants Evangeline Manzolim and Evangeline Espanola. Also Certificates of Appreciation has been given to twenty-three (23) officers and Certificates of Appreciation for the units of 702nd and 703rd Bdes; for the Division Infantry Battalions like, 3IB, 24IB, 48IB, 56IB, 69IB, 70IB, 71stIB and other units inside post.


The 7ID Commander during his speech said that he owed the success of his military career on the trust and confident the Army and AFP leadership entrusted to him through his numerous significant positions including the prestigious task to lead the 7th Infantry Division in September 2006. As he took the challenge with great faith, he convey that honor and tributes also is a credit to all of the officers and men of 7ID whom cooperation and support during his stint contributed most to his success.

Meanwhile, according to Major Fernando Los Banes, the 7th Infantry Division Spokesman, MGen Gomez being an adopted son of Islam religion was enthroned as Sultan a Masiricampo sa Pilipinas immediately just after the Testimonial parade and review held at the Multi Purpose Hall, 7ID It’s Sultanate will confirmed at Mindanao State University on 01 April 2008. He said that he is proud for his enthronement as Sultan a Misiricampo sa Pilipinas… and he thanks his brothers Moslems. Gomez said that religion is not a hindrance for peace. Being raised in marawi, a muslim community and his tour of duty in Mindanao as a military officer it has led to his conviction the advocacy for peace facilitating for a peaceful interaction between the christians and the Moslems.

4 kinasuhan sa pagpatay ng dating Ecija BM

CABANATUAN CITY -Sinampahan na ng kaso sa Nueva Ecija Prosecutor's Office ang apat na suspek sa pamamaslang kay dating Board Member Rodolfo Lopez.

Ayon kay Senior Supt. Napoleon Taas, acting provincial director ng Nueva Ecija police, ang mga kinasuhan ay sina Benito Hipolito, Lito Flores, Evelito Flores at isang hindi pa nakikilala.

Sinabi ni Taas na ang kaso ay isinampa batay sa dying declaration ng biktima kung saan sinabi nito habang lulan ng ambulansiya sa kanyang asawa at anak na si Flores ang bumaril sa kanya.

Lopez, dating pangulo ng Association of Barangay Captains at kagawad ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ay dating kapitan ng Barangay Pulo, San Isidro. Bago napaslang, siya ay consultant sa pagawaing bayan ni Rep. Rodolfo Antonino ng ika-apat na distrito ng Nueva Ecija.

Lopez, 52, ay pinagbabaril matapos dumalo ng Misa sa San Isidro Parish Church sa Barangay Poblacion, San Isidro, bandang ika- 7:40 ng gabi noong Sabado.

Ayon kay Taas, nalutas ang kaso sa loob ng 48 oras.

Malawakan naman ang ginagawang paghahanap ng mga otoridad laban sa mga suspek.

800 ex-rebels embrace development program

LUPAO, Nueva Ecija - About 800 members and symphatizers of the communist-led New People's Army took their oath of allegiance to the Philippine flag in this "once most organzied guerilla stronghold," on Tuesday.

This as the mass organization formed as a result of several months of military's special operations in northern Nueva Ecija towns, was turned over to the municipal government by the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Melquiadez Feliciano to the municipal government headed by Mayor Richard Ramos.

The mass organization is the umbrella group of the rebel returnees from various villages formed into economic clusters as facilitated by the Army in coordination with different government institutions such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian reform, Land Bank of the Philippines and the local government units.

Of the returnees, Feliciano said, 25 were regular armed members of the NPA while the rest served as the mass based of the movement who provided services, food, monies and intelligence information that made it strong in the past.

Nueva Ecija: Umali to veto budget

PALAYAN CITY- Gov. Aurelio M. Umali will veto the P1.07 billion 2008 budget approved by the provincial board which is over P325 million short of the proposed P1,400,117,806, a ranking official said on Thursday.

The official said the budget cut was detrimental to the interest of Novo Ecijanos since the slashed amount was intended for basic social services as well as education and health programs.

Based on the transmittal made by Sangguniang Panlalawigan secretary, lawyer Bembol Castillo, the Appropriaton Ordinance 02-2008 allocated P1,074,613,945 out of the general fund of the province for this year.The SP used the phrase “set aside and transferred to un-appropriated balance” for the proposed amount that are not approved. It also stated in some cases: “subject to later appropriation upon justification of its utilization..”

Of the P325 million slashed from the proposed budget, P84 million was for the capital outlay of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office while P50-million was for Special Purpose Fund and P21 million intended for intelligence fund and confidential expenses. The SP also withheld budget for the maintenance and operating expenses of the Civil Security Services, Provincial Action and Monitoring Office, the Provincial Engineering Office and radio dwNE.

The official noted that the budget slashed from the PSWDO are for financial assistance from the provincial government such as mortuary and social services.The scholars who actually first availed of the support under the previous administration will also be adversely affected, he said. The province has about 5,000 scholars, it was learned.

Nueva Ecija's most wanted falls

The long arms of the law has caught up with the Nueva Ecija's most wanted man who got to ellude arrest for over 10 years, a suspect in the striong of murder and frustrated murder charges in connection with a land disipute in Gapan City, police said on Thursday.

Senior Supt. Napoleon Taas, officer-in-charge of the Nueva Ecija police office, the suspect Patricio Quiambao,60, was arrested in the mountainous village of Pita, Dinalupihan, Bataan by a composite team from the police's regional intelligence division under Supt. Pierre Bucsit, the
Nueva Ecija provincial intelligence branch led by Chief Insp. Alex Mariano and Bataan 303rd provincial mobile group.

The arrest, he said, was made on the strength of a warrant issued by Gapan City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 36 Judge Arturo Bernardo. Taas said the suspect's arrest was in line with the directive of PNP Chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. and Region 3 police director, Chief Supt. Errol Pan to focus more on manhunt operations as outlined in the “Mamang Pulis” program.