TRANSCO CONDUCTS SUCCESSIVE REGIONAL ELF-EMF FORUM

NASUGBU, BATANGAS - The National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) addressed the issues concerning extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) through a successive regional ELF-EMF forum and was finally conducted in South Luzon region last April 11 this year at Chateau Royale Resort, Nasugbu, Batangas.
This forum aims to provide information about ELF field emanating from power transmission lines, the possible effects of field exposure and probable impacts on health within traversed communities and workplace (substations).
Mr. Lambert M. Gacuya, District 1 SLOM Manager, pointed out that any health consequences need to be clearly identified and appropriate mitigation steps must be carried out cautiously.
Controversies on possible health risks from exposure to electromagnetic fields from power lines bring us all to the question, “What level of exposure may be considered low so as not to pose significant health risks?”
Dr. Apolinario D. Nazarea, Biophysicist, urged that such issues can be resolved by taking appropriate measurements of such fields by a team composed of all the sectors concerned under close supervision of multidisciplinary team of experts and scientists. The results of such measurements may then be compared with the ICNIRP guidelines which are acceptable by all countries of the world.
“However, the epidemiological evidence is not strong enough to justify a firm conclusion that [power-frequency magnetic] fields cause leukemia in children." Dr. Nazarea said, "There is little evidence to suggest that cancer risks of other types, in children and adults, might arise from exposure to [power-frequency magnetic] fields. The results of epidemiological studies, taken individually or as collectively reviewed by expert groups, cannot be used as basis for derivation of quantitative restriction on exposure to [power-frequency magnetic] fields,” he added.
Ms. Agnette P. Peralta, Director of the Bureau of Health Devices and Technology of the Department of Health (DOH), also emphasized the vital role of the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) in which she is a member of the ICNIRP Main Commission (2004-2008).
Despite the fact that ELF field levels around transmission and distribution lines are not considered a health risk, citing decisions are often required to take into account aesthetics and public sensibilities. Open communication and discussion between the electric power utility and the public during the planning stages can help create public understanding and greater acceptance of a new facility.
On this account, Mr. Vincent Cordero, President of Batangas Industry Group, said, “This forum is very informative and should be regarded with greater priority and so I suggest that EMF on health issues should also be part of the academic curriculum in engineering courses for more comprehensive studies.”
“ELF-EMF face-off forum is an effective health information communication among scientists, governments, industry and public which disseminates general awareness dealing with exposure to ELF fields. Such meetings help remove any mistrusts and fears among humans and their niches,” concluded Mr. Jesusito Sulit, Sr. Vice President, TransCo. (ANNA KATRINA NAVA)

CITY GOV'T CITES TOYOTA AUTO PARTS' SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL-BASED SWM

SANTA ROSA CITY – The Local Government kicks off its Earth Week celebrations by citing the efforts of its long-time partner, Toyota Auto Parts (TAP), in implementing the Ecological Solid Waste Management (SWM) Act in schools.
Mayor Arlene Arcillas-Nazareno handed TAP President Yasuro Takeuchi a plaque of recognition during City Hall's flag raising ceremonies today.
A year ago, TAP launched a school-based SWM program for select high schools which had the aim of supporting SWM initiatives until it develops into a level of sustainability.
Two school-recipients from Santa Rosa, St. Peter the Apostle Academy and Canossa School ranked third and first, respectively, among TAP's adapted schools. Lumil National High School from Silang, Cavite meanwhile won second rank. Yasuro also announced that in the spirit of corporate social responsibility TAP targets to adopt 15 Santa Rosa schools this year, which shall reach 64 schools in three years time.
The Santa Rosa City Government under Arcillas-Nazareno has been involved on a number of pilot environmental management programs. Recently, Santa Rosa launched the first ecological sanitation toilet in the region, done in partnership with the local government of Enkoping Kommun in Sweden. It is also among the four selected cities chosen as members of the Philippine Sanitation Alliance, a partnership between local government units, private sector companies and non-government organizations that aims to provide 900,000 Filipinos with access to sanitation services to lessen public health risks. The city is also a recipient of the Carbonshed Project under the World Bank that employs composting technology to reduce carbon emissions from household wastes.
Arcillas-Nazareno affirmed her administration's commitment to sustainable environmental management. "Santa Rosa faces the challenge of balancing its rapid economic development and population boom against environmental degradation. Taking care of the environment is not anymore an option, its now an imperative for survival. And for as long as I am mayor, Santa Rosa shall be active in this imperative," she said. (AYA JALLORINA/LAWRENCE RAMOS City Information Office)

Photo Caption: Mayor Arlene Arcillas-Nazareno poses to congratulate Toyota Auto Parts President Yasuro Takeuchi upon receiving a plaque of recognition from the Santa Rosa City Government for his company's consistent support for sustainable environmental practices in the city.

BOARD MEMBER NEIL NOCON BATS FOR TECHNOLOGY SAVVY ENTERPRISES IN TOURISM INDUSTRY

LOS BAÑOS - Putting Laguna on track to getting a larger share of the market for tourism and wellness products, to benefit its thriving village enterprises, was the thrust of the one-day marketing strategy conference called by 2nd District Board Member Neil Andrew Nocon of the Provincial Government of Laguna.
The event, with the theme “ICT and Tourism-based micro/small/medium enterprises: moving towards the Digital Economy”, was held at the ACTETSME (APEC Center for Technology Exchange and Training for SMEs) Complex, at the Science & Technology Park, University of the Philippines – Los Baños Campus, 15 April 2008.
Some seventy entrepreneurs from Laguna and neighboring provinces of Batangas and Cavite joined representatives of various government agencies and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) experts from the private sector in getting a comprehensive view of how to position products and services in the tourism industry in the global marketplace. With the use of modern tools such as computers, e-commerce and networking, these enterprises are in the best position to widen their markets and extend their marketing reach.
Laguna Board Member Neil Nocon, in his keynote address, said that “Laguna’s SMEs could use modern technology such as computers, broadband internet and networking in gaining strong presence in the global marketplace, specially for its tourism services and products.”
“With the combined efforts of government, industry, academe and the community, working together as partners, Laguna’s SMEs stand to reap more benefits from the emerging tourism markets globally,” he said.
“Our natural advantage, in terms of skilled human resources, natural endowment from our pristine environment, technology savvy entrepreneurs and world-class services and products, should propel us to further frontiers of the global competition in our open, seamless one-world economy,” he said, also citing the proximity of Laguna to the innovation centers and research institutes at UPLB and to the institutions that support international trade.
He further stressed that, on the platform of the OTOP (one-town-one-product program) of the DTI, Laguna’s tourism industry could move as one team and carve a brand and a niche in the international market. (Office of BM Nocon, 2nd Dist. of Laguna)

Shown in photo are Board Member Neil Nocon (seated 5th from left) with Ms. Regina Austria, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer-Laguna (seated 3rd from left), Ms. Kat Luna- Abelarde- SME NATION Group Head, PLDT (seated, 4th from left) Dr. Sue Liza C. Saguiguit-Dean UPLB College of Human Ecology (seated 6th from left) and other resource persons from the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, Smart Communications and officials of DTI-Laguna ACTETSME and participants from the Provincial Government of Laguna.

DTI: ENOUGH FLOUR SUPPLY IN THE COUNTRY

Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila assured bakers that there is enough supply of flour in the market, thus, ensuring sufficient bread for consumers.
In a meeting with the Trade Chief, the Philippine Association of Flour Millers (PAFMIL) reported that there is enough supply of wheat and flour for the year.
Presently, PAFMIL has an inventory around 900 million metric tons of wheat and 1 million metric of flour in the country, which adds to around10 million metric tons of flour, PAFMIL Executive Director Ric Pinca said. “This inventory is even bigger that last year which stood at 8 million metric tons.”
In addition, PAFMIL expects a steady supply of wheat up to May next year. “We have committed booked shipments from the United States. We are not going to run out of wheat”
The Philippines yearly book shipments are from June to May 31 each year.
There is another reason to be optimistic as industry leaders are expecting a bountiful harvest of wheat worldwide this year.
Richard White, president of Manildra - a flour importer from Australia, is optimistic that international wheat prices will go down September this year.
For the meantime, Ric Pinca said we have to contend with the price adjustments that are happening worldwide.
In has been reported that international wheat prices have gone up in past few years due to the lean harvest in 2006 and the upsurge in wheat demand.
In the spring of 2006, a drought in the US Plains resulted in the short wheat crop. This was followed by harsh drought that cut Australian production. The wet fall in 2006 limited soft red winter (SRW) plantings; spring freeze and excessive rainfall slashed HRW yields. This was compounded by drought in North Africa and Canada.
The drought in 2006 resulted in the tight supply of wheat worldwide, thus, pushing international wheat prices upward.
“There is no need to panic. Consumers will just have to shell out of few more pesos to buy their bread,” Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya.
"We are hoping that the bumper harvests in 2008 will result to the softening of the wheat prices and that flour millers will make the necessary adjustments," Secretary Favila said. “We are counting on the flour industry players to make bread cheaper again once the 2008 bumper havest kicks in.”
Meanwhile, the government is looking for ways to make bread more affordable or less dependent on wheat flour by developing alternative sources of flour such as coconut, squash and cassava.
“We can source from other agricultural products and these raw materials are now being introduced in local and international markets. Hopefully, by increasing the production of these agricultural products we can produce enough inventories to supplement the needs of the industry,” Undersecretary Maglaya said. (CHARLIE S. DAJAO-DTI IVI-A Regional Office/ARJAY SALGADO)

PANSOL, SAFE PALIGUAN

CALAMBA CITY - Nais patunayan ng Barangay Pansol na ligtas ang tubig sa kanilang mga resort upang paliguan at pagpahingahan ng mga turistang tumatangkilik sa mainit na tubig dito. Nais din kilalanin sila bilang Wellness Capital of the Philippines dahil na din sa mainit na tubig (hot springs) at sa serbisyo ng "Hilot Pansol". Sa ngayon ay gumagawa na ng paraan ang Sangguniang Barangay katulong ang Pansol Tourism Council sa pamumuno naman ni Raffy Tabora kung paano manunumbalik ang dating sigla ng pagpasok ng mga turista sa naturang lugar. Nangumbida sila ng National Television coverage, inanyayahan din nila si Senator Dick Gordon, Governor Ningning Lazaro, Mayor Jun Chipeco at ilang pang mga opisyal ng bayan sa gagawing "Lublubang Bayan" upang ipakita na ligtas paliguan ang tubig dito. Gustong ipakita ng Pansol na hindi kontaminado ng Typhoid bacteria ang mga resort dito. Paliwanag ni Kapitana Sally Dela Cruz sa Sulong News, galing sa deep well ang mga tubig ng mga resort operators. Sa pag-iikot ng Sulong News Team sa Pansol, iminungkahi ng ilang mga concern citizen na dapat magkaroon din daw ng inumang bayan kung saan iinom ang mga opisyal ng bayan ng tubig mula sa mga gripo sa mga resorts upang ipakita na ligtas ang tubig na iniinom sa loob ng mga resorts. Naapektuhan daw ang turismo ng Pansol gawa nga ng Typhoid Outbreak pero di ang pagpaligo sa mga resort ang pangunahing problema kungdi ang Typhoid. Ayon kay Kagawad Danny Cuevas "Nais namin ipakita na ang tubig sa Pansol ay di nakaka apekto bagkus nakakagaling pa."
Natiyempuhan naman si dating kagawad Bong Ibuna sa kanilang resort at nalungkot din siya sa paghina ng negosyo sa Pansol, "Walang ngang trapik, wala ding costumer, malaki ang inilugi sa negosyo namin." aniya.
Sa kaugnay na balita, malakas sa kabuuan ang pagpasok ng turismo sa lalawigan ng Laguna. Ito ang sinabi ni Bokal Karen Agapay ng ikatlong Distrito ng lalawigan. Maliban sa Pagsanjan Falls. Tinatangkilik ng mga turista ang Tourist spot sa mga lugar ng Cavinti at Majayjay. Ang mga bayang nabanggit ay may mga magagandang pasyalan, Falls at white water rafting. Itinatampok ni Agapay sa kanyang Cable TV segment program ang mga tourist spot ng lalawigan. Umaasa naman si Agapay na manunumbalik muli ang sigla ng turismo sa Calamba, partikular sa Brgy. Pansol kung saan naroon ang napakaraming mga resorts. Marami namang mga turistang lokal na naniniwalang hindi apektado ang mga tubig sa mga resorts dahil aniya’y mga hot springs ito, sa init daw ng tubig na bumubukal mula sa ilalim ng lupa at hindi mabubuhay ang anumang bacteria dito. Karamihan kasi aniya ay halos sa mga hot springs galing ang tubig ng nasa malalaking resorts pati na ang mga private pools. (SULONG NEWS TEAM)

LWUA AT CWD IPINAKITANG SAFE INUMIN ANG TUBIG

CALAMBA CITY - Matapos ang isinagawang pagpupulong ng mga matataas na opisyales sa pagitan ng Local Water and Utilities Administration (LWUA) at ng Calamba Water District (CWD) na isinagawa sa tanggapan ng huli, ipinakita sa harap ng media ng pamunuan ng dalawang ahensiya na malinis at ligtas inumin ang tubig mula sa CWD. Ang nasabing pagpupulong at pagharap sa media ay naganap noong Abril 1, taong kasalukuyan.
Hiniling ng Chairman ng LWUA na si Proceso T. Domingo na dapat ipaalam ng CWD at ng Lokal Officials ng siyudad na ito sa publiko na ligtas at milinis ang nasabing tubig na sinu-supply ng una.
Ayon kay Engr. Alberto Cervancia, GM ng CWD, magkakaroon sila ng long-term plans para sa mas epektibo at mas malinis na pag-supply ng tubig sa buong siyudad sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng mga deep well sourcing o ang pagkuha ng tubig mula sa ilalim ng lupa na may lalim na 500 feet o mahigit. Aniya, ito’y upang mas masiguro ng kanilang tanggapan na hindi kontaminado ang tubig na pagkukunan nila. Ayon naman kay Atty. Emilio Capulong, isa sa mga Board of Directors ng CWD, patuloy pa din nagsasagawa ng testing at monitoring ang CWD sa isinu-supply na tubig.
Dinagdag pa niya, kung mayroon man reklamo laban sa CWD, dapat magkaroon muna ng matibay na batayan at ebidensiya.
Nagpahayag naman ang ilan sa mga opisyales ng LWUA na dapat ipakita din ng mga local officials ng siyudad na ito na nirerespeto nila ang resultang ipinalabas ng DOST sa isinagawang pagsusuri sa tubig kamakailan. Anila’y hindi puwedeng matapos mag-anunsyo ng outbreak noong isang buwan ay tahimik naman ngayon dahil tapos na ang epidemya at napatunayang hindi sa CWD nagmula ang nasabing bacteria. Uminom din sila ng tubig namin." ani ng isang opisyal. (SULONG NEWS TEAM)

OPISYALES NG SAMAHAN NG MGA "SEASONED CITIZENS" NAGPULONG

CALAMBA CITY - Pinulong ng Office of Senior Citizen Association (OSCA) Head na si Dr. Rodolfo Yu at Kgg. Ruth Hernandez, City Councilor at Chair ng Committee on Senior Citizens o "Seasoned Citizens" ang ilang pangulo ng mga Chapters ng samahan ng nakatatanda ng iba’t ibang barangay na nabibilang sa minorya ng mas malaking bahagi sa pamumuno ni G. Josefino B. Melgar, Sr. noong ika-4 ng Abril, taong kasalukuyan sa City Hall. Paksa sa nasabing pagpupulong ay tungkol sa honorarya o lalong dapat tawagin na insentibo o biyaya para sa kanila.
Subali’t, simula pa lamang ng pagpupulong ay malinaw na pinupuna ang pagkakahalal ng pamunuan ng Calamba City Federation of Senior Citizens Asso., Inc. (CALCIFESCA) sa pamumuno ni Josefino B. Melgar, Sr. si Hernandez at Yu at ipinahayag ang pangangailangan ng bagong eleksyon para mapagisa ang CALCIFESCA at ilang “factions” umiiral kabilang din iyong direktang nakikipagugnayan sa OSCA Head katulad ng Chapter ng Mayapa sa pamumuno ni Benjamin Aldaba. Aniya'y sa pamamagitan nito mabibigyan daan ang pagtatatag ng Council of Elders at ang mamumuno ay OSCA Head ang at pangalawang pangulo ay ang pangulo ng pederasyon.
Lumilitaw sa pagpupulong na nakakaligtaan ang tunay na katayuan ng samahan ng Senior Citizens ay isang non-government organization (NGO) na umiiral sa demokratikong ideyolohiya na kumikilala sa kapangyarihan ng nakararami at binibigyang pagkakataon ang minorya sa pagpuna at pakikilahok sa talakayan at palitan ng kuro-kuro.
Si Enrique Pons, nahalal na pangalawang pangulo, sa pagtatanggol sa samahan ay nagsalaysay na ang eleksyon ay naganap at pinagkasunduan ng iba’t-ibang “factions” na ang napiling Pangulo ay si Melgar sa paraan viva voce o taasan ng mga kamay at hindi secret balloting. Ang panawagan para sa muling eleksyon ay pinanukala ni Hernandez at Yu.
Samantalang dumalo din si Atty. Fernando Alonzo, City Legal Officer at sinumulan ang pagtalakay tungkol sa honorarya para sa mga opisyales at ipinaliwanag ang legalidad nito at pangagailangan ng pagsasaayos nito ng naayon sa batas. Ani ng isang kasapi ng samahan "mabuti at karapatdapat pagusapan ang mga biyaya ng mga opisyales pero paano ang mga miyembro" habang kapulong ang SULONG News Team, "ano naman ang para sa kanila. Dapat ang lahat na kasapi ay may bahagi din sapagka’t dito lamang mapagtatanto na mahal sila ng mga taong nasa pamahalaan." dagdag nito. Sa kabilang dako, binanggit naman ni Hernandez kung ano ang magagawa ng samahan para sa paamayanan. (ED SACOPLA)

DTI STRENGTHENS MEASURES TO ADDRESS SUPPLY AND PRICE CONCERNS

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues its tight watch on the price and supply situation of basic goods and prime commodities in the market with Secretary Peter B. Favila assuring the public that the government remains on top of the situation.
“We are fervently working on our petition to China’s Trade Ministry for at least 150,000MT flour allocation to the Philippines. As soon as the allocation is granted we will fast track testing for immediate release to markets in order to ease the price situation.”
Studies are also underway on the possibility of coconut flour as substitute to wheat flour. “We will be meeting with coconut growers and flour millers soon to come up with the best way to develop this new venture,” said Favila.
On the other hand, the Trade Secretary announced that aside from the 2.2 million metric tons of rice that the National Food Authority (NFA) was authorized to import, the government is also expecting domestic yield to increase by seven percent this year to boost supply, thus ease the price, which is a good news to the public.
In addition, intensified monitoring and strict enforcement against the diversion of NFA rice is also in earnest with Favila issuing a warning to hoarders and profiteers. “The government will not just issue warnings or notices. We will make sure that arrests are made and appropriate charges are filed.”
Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Consumer Welfare Zenaida Cuison Maglaya advised consumers to always refer to DTI Price Billboards in determining the latest prevailing prices of processed commodities such as canned fish and meat, instant noodles, powdered milk and coffee; and agricultural products such as rice, meat, poultry, fish and vegetables.
“We have coordinated with market masters to daily update the DTI Price Billboards to make sure that they register the correct prevailing prices, and ordered local DTI representatives to verify the accuracy of data posted. Moreover, we will be publishing price guides in newspapers to inform consumers where prices are low so that they can exercise their right to choose and buy products that suit budget the best,” shared the Undersecretary.
Currently, a total of 216 price billboards have already been set up by DTI; 53 of these were allocated to Metro Manila, 26 to Region III, and 21 to Region IV-A. DTI’s regional and provincial offices, with the support of local government units (LGUs) in their respective areas, were able to install 142 price billboards comprising of 79 in Region I, and 63 in Regions II, V, VI, VIII, X, XI, XII and CAR.
Furthermore, DTI continues to protect consumers by increasing market visibility to check on retailers refusing to place price tags on their products and assist LGU officials in the crackdown versus faulty weighing scales.
Undersecretary Maglaya said that consumers deserve to get the value of their hard-earned money and that short-weighing goods are a violation of the Consumer Act’s provisions on weights and measures. She urged the public to make use of the Timbangan ng Bayan to ensure that weighing scales in the market are properly calibrated.
The Trade department has enjoined the assistance of consumer advocates, civil society groups, NGOs/labor unions, among others to participate in the intensified monitoring and enforcement activities. The agency has also activated hotlines and consumer complaints desks in various government agencies and LGUs to act on complaints.
The DTI also encourages the public to report complaints in price and/ or quality, NFA rice diversion, hoarding and profiteering activities to DTI Direct 751-3330 open from Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm or call the nearest DTI Regional and Provincial offices. Complaint may also be sent by keying in DTImessage and send to 2920 for both Globe and Smart subscribers. (Charlie S. Dajao DTI Region IV-A PIO)

NEW OWWA REGIONAL FEDERATION OFFICERS

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Regional Welfare Office IV-A conducted its Regional Federation Meeting on March 14, 2008 at Samaral Restaurant in Halang, Calamba City with the election of new set of regional federation officers. From top: left to right: Board of Director from Cavite Aida Juniller; Auditor Gemma Agranum; Treasurer Tess Lapitan; OWWA RWO IV-A, OIC Julia F. Fabian; Secretary Louie Lobredo; Board of Director of Quezon Siony Canota; Vice President Sonia Andal; Board of Director Marapi Agustin (Batangas).
Bottom: right to left: Board of Director Bart Perey of Cavite; President Reynaldo del Mundo; and Board of Director (Rizal) Claudio de Ungria.