2009 National Population Congress (Part 5) Speech by Hon. Francisco T. Duque III, M.D., MSc, Secretary – Department of Health and Chair, Popcom Board

It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to speak to this gathering of advocates and stakeholders of the Responsible Parenthood-Natural Family Planning program, a component of the Department’s Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program. At the onset, I would like to commend the Commission on Population and all of you here present, our Service Providers, our partner local government units and non-government organizations, including our religious sector for working hand in hand with us in the three year implementation of this flagship program, where we have conducted Responsible Parenting and Natural Family Planning classes at the grassroots level. All this for the purpose of making our couples aware of their responsibilities as parents - to not want more children they cannot afford to raise - to clothe, to feed, to educate, and to give the best in life. Responsible parenting is our way of empowering Filipino families so that they can have the will and the ability to respond to the needs and aspirations of their families. We have also raised their awareness of their fertility, and the natural processes of their reproductive function. The theme, “Sa tamang agwat ng panganganak, pamilya ay aangat,” is a clear manifestation of the Commission on Population’s contribution in the Department of Health’s Integrated Maternal and Newborn Child Health and Nutrition Program. This program is a commitment to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, planned, and supported; every childbirth is health facility based and managed by skilled birth attendants; thus, working to raise the 61.8 percentage of births delivered by a health professional and raising the 43.8% of births delivered in a health facility, as shown by the 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey. Furthermore, the program aims to ensure that mothers and newborn children are provided with proper post-partum care. Spacing births gives the woman’s body enough time to recover and return to optimal health. After a live birth, the recommended interval before the next pregnancy is at least two years to reduce the risk of maternal as well as infant death. Admittedly, we do not have the luxury of having enough resources to attain this important goal. This is a gigantic task ahead of us, that is why we need the efforts of different stakeholders. The national government, the local governments, the business sector, the civil society and NGOs, academe, and the media should come and team-up with us in our commitment to ensure that no woman should die from giving life, thus every birth should be wanted, planned and supported. Responsableng pagpapamilya ang susi para makamit natin ito. On a government program that concerns the health and lives of mothers and their children, we cannot afford to be complacent; we cannot afford to be disunited. I would like to recognize your contribution, and your heart for our program which is essential to development. Your labor is and never will be in vain. Let us continue our commitment to ensure that Sa tamang agwat ng panganganak, pamilya ay aangat. OK DOH K Para sa Kalusugan, kaya natin ito, basta’t tayo’y nagtutulungan at nagkakaisa. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

2009 National Population Congress (Part 4) –The Responsible Parenthood Movement-Natural Family Planning: a Convergence: The Tanay Experience, Message

Ang maisakatuparan po at mapalawig ang programa ng Responsible Parenting Movement – Natural Family Planning ay isa na pong maituturing naming malaking achievement , Lalo’t higit ng ito po ay maipaabot naming sa aming mga kababayang katutubo o Indigenous People, subalit higit po an gaming nararamdamang kasiyahan na kami ay maparangalan bilang Best Practice sa buong isla ng Luzon. Dahil po ditto, I want to take this chance to share this honor, to the members of the Inter-agency: my department heads, the elective officers in barangay and Municipal level, barangay health workers, Tanay Local Council of Women and to all the couples who are the true advocate of RPM-NFP. At syempre, hindi po magiging matagumpay ang programang ito kung hindi sa pangunguna ng amig masipag na Popcom Officer, at sa supporta at pagsubaybay n gaming Regional Director, ma’am Lolita Layser. Maraming maraming salamat po. Muli po, sa bumubuo ng popcom, sa panelist na silang pumili sa Tanay, at higit sa lahat sa poong maykapa, tanggapin po ninyo an gaming taos pusong pasasalamat.

2009 National Population Congress (Part 3) Speech by Hon. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. - National President, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines,

The honorable City Mayor of Mandaluyong City, concurrent National President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines send his regrets not to have come because of several commitments which he cannot move to another date. The ULAP, through its member – leagues has adopted several advocacies relative to population management and these have yet to graduate into policies. In all these advocacies the Population Commission has always been in the forefront and we have to congratulate it by contributing its big share in term of resources and mechanisms on how on to impede fast population growth per survey , our population will short up to 91 million in the near future which is alarming, indeed, we despite the program launched among them, “kakaunti ang pamilya, kayang kaya”, by the League of Municipalities, the anti-poverty Hunger Mitigation and Population Management by the ULAP, the pieces of legislation passed in the local levels . We have yet come up with data on the regulation of population. A question maybe asked, are these data authentic? If no do we have efforts to match with the deserve goals and if this is not the case, is there a need to change the gear? What should be our paramount concerns and the ancillary?

2009 National Population Congress (Part 1)

About 1,300 people from Local Government Units, Local Chief Executives, Population Offices, Responsible Parenting Movement teams and Natural Family Planning Movement, Popcom Regional Directors and staff, Non Government Organization, Faith Based Organization, Academe, Donor Agencies and Media attended the 2009 National Population Congress at Manila Hotel, November 25, 2009.

Provincial Consultative Meeting on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) @ 15 (Part 12)

Synthesis: Two top officials of national government agencies in Bicol (POPCOM, DOH) revealed that three major goals such as infant mortality, maternal health and combating HIV-AIDS and Malaria under the ICPD and MDGs programs might not be attained/ difficulty to accomplish with the remaining five years implementation. No strong and national policy on RH due to lack of political will of the politicians and massive intervention/opposition of catholic leaders. An increasing infant mortality prevalence taking place across the region due to pneumonia following poverty as numerous families could not afford to buy off medicines. Maternal mortality incidence also rising in the region following complications related to pregnancy occurring in the course of labor, delivery and post delivery period. While the participants discussed extensively religion matter which hinder the passage of RH care bill in the country. Despite of complexities, the participants vowed to push and mobilize signature campaign from all sectors of the society including informal sector, students to come up with sufficient figure to compel Congress and President Arroyo to approve the SB3122 immediately. Aside from pushing for the immediate approval of the RH bill, the activities also focused on responsible parenting, adolescent and sexuality, information dissemination through the help of mass media. The group also vowed to urge LGUs to take the lead, to allocate funds for the attainment of ICPD and MDGs PoA.

Provincial Consultative Meeting on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) @ 15 (Part 11)

The participants divided into four groups for them to come up with plan of action, insights, good practices, lessons learned and good practices for the attainment of ICPD PoA and MDGs. The major topics being discussed and should be addressed are the following; reduction of maternal and newborn mortality, adolescent sexuality and education, unmet need or low family planning use, population, poverty and development. After the brainstorming activities, each group pushed to illicit strong support from the public as well as lawmakers to pass the RH bill to be able to come up with national population policy in the country. Pursue massive information and education campaign in the localities through public fora. Solicit support from media for thorough awareness program, continuous counselling and to encourage or appeal to politicians and political aspirants to include in their political agenda important programs under the ICPD and MDGs to meet the target set by the United Nations. To urged local government officials to allocate funds for family planning, poverty eradication, reduction of infant and maternal mortality in their respective localities as priority programmes. The participants also decided to make a petition papers seeking the assistance of all stakeholders to urge lawmakers and President Arroyo to enact into law the proposed RH care bill as national policy before her term of office ends. Each group presented its findings and recommendations.

Provincial Consultative Meeting on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) @ 15 (Part 10)

Prospects and Challenges: Only Senator Pimentel might oppose the passage of SB 3122 in the Upper House as majority of the senators expressed strong support for the approval of the RH bill. The never-ending opposition of Roman Catholic leaders getting stronger which might block the passage of Reproductive Health Bill while House Speaker Prospero Nograles commitment to pass the bill is puzzling as more changes might be done in the Lower and Upper chambers. The passage of SB 3122 was put on hold in the House due to impeachment and charter change issues. Reyes said that Albay governor Joey Salceda assured the PLCPD that the RH bill will be signed by President Arroyo before the end of this year. While presidential wannabes like Loren Legarda, Joseph Estrada, Mar Roxas, Manny Villar also vowed to include population issue as part of their political agenda.

Provincial Consultative Meeting on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) @ 15 (Part 9)

Status of the SB3122: The current status of the proposed SB 3122 is within the second reading period in the bicameral however some delaying tactics being employed by the oppositors which affect the immediate passage of the bill. But Reyes said that the SB 3122 might be passed before October 30 as numerous solons including partylist groups is pushing for the passage of RH Bill with the “big push”. At least 130 legislators agreed as co-authors of the proposed RH Bill in the Lower House wherein as of June 2009 the bill is within the second reading period. Currently, there are ordinances enacted in six provinces, eight city ordinances and 22 municipal ordinances across the country. In 2007, through Lagman initiatives, the government allocated 180 million or 81.37 which was released to LGUs under the GAA 2007 budget. In 2008 at least P1.2 billion allocated for the purchase of RH commodities but not yet release to LGUs. This year, the government allocated at least P180 assured budget for RH and family planning.

Provincial Consultative Meeting on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) @ 15 (Part 8)

Resource Speaker: Ms. Irene Reyes National Advocacy Officer of PLCPD She presented the status of proposed SB 3122 Reproductive Health Bill. If enacted into law, SB 3122 will promote and address abortion and its complication. The bill also mandated if enacted into law responsible parenthood and provide adequate number of midwives in the localities across the country, improved the health of women, couple and infant, advances the right of women, couples and individuals thus fosters development by addressing high fertility and population growth rates specifically among the poor which exacerbates poverty. The bill also directed all local government units to procure mobile health clinic.

Provincial Consultative Meeting on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) @ 15 (Part 7)

Resource Speaker: Dr. Eden Divinagracia PNGOC Executive Director She discussed the NGO Report on the ICPD@15. NGO communities and concerned government sectors shall prepare extensive data related to ICPD. Outputs from various regions shall be consolidated and submitted prior to a top level management meeting to come up with necessary plan of action. The nonexistence of a national policy RH was emphasized and called for strong support from the media, NGOs, GOs and LGUs for the approval of RH Care Bill and for the attainment of ICPD agenda and the MDG particularly the reduction of maternal mortality rate. She cited Manila Mayor Lito Atienza’s strong opposition to modern family planning methods as example of the various forces affecting the attainment of the universal programs for reduction of maternal health care, and unmet needs in family planning. The national government declined to purchase contraceptive supplies while very minimal budget is being given to NGO on reproductive health promotions. This conference in Bicol is the fifth held in the country to gather sufficient data and come up with program of actions at the regional level.

Provincial Consultative Meeting on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) @ 15 (Part 6)

Resource Speaker: Dr. Magdalena Abellera POPCOM Bicol Director She reported the key ICPD@ 15 indicators with strong emphasis on the significance of the Program of Action (PoA) putting people first as the core of development side-by-side with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Philippine government according to Dr. Abellera lags behind compared to other countries in ICPD PoA and MDGs attainment due to strong opposition by influential sectors which include among others the Roman Catholic Church. Among examples discussed is the Reproductive Health Bill. There is a need for the Philippine government to renew its commitment to ICPD and MDG agenda through expanded action on poverty reduction and humanitarian assistance. There is a need for various stakeholders to work together in disseminating information and influence behaviour, she said. There is a low level of understanding on the use of contraception that results to low level of contraception use in the Philippines. Dr. Abellera expects the country’s population might double by 2039 or within 32 years from now. The access to Reproductive Health Services target by 2015 seemed unachievable including MDG programs and ICPD goals like maternal health care, primary education, malnutrition and population and environment with merely five years remaining, she said. There is an urgent need to establish national and local reproductive health and population policies.

Provincial Consultative Meeting on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) @ 15 (Part 5)

Resource Speaker: Dr. Alejo S. Aralar DOH-CHD Bicol Medical Specialist He presentated the health situation in Bicol region The regional statistics revealed Bicol’s population is 5,497,200 as of 2008. Camarines Sur has the highest population among the provinces with 1,830,100 or 33.29% followed closely by Albay province with 1,268,000 or 23.01%, Masbate - 835,800 or 15.20%, Sorsogon - 771,500 or 14.03 %, Camarines Norte - 544,500 or 9.91 % and the island province of Catanduanes with 247,300 total or 4.50%. Among the seven cities in Bicol, Legazpi has the highest population with 181,501 or 3.30 %, followed by Naga with 161,722 or 2.94 %, Tabaco - 123,882 or 2.25% Sorsogon - 109,033 or 1.98%, Ligao - 104,736 or 1.91 %, Iriga - 104,317 or 1.89% and Masbate with 83,922 or 1.53%. There are 116 hospitals across the region. Of them, 66 are private hospitals and 50 are government-run. Albay province has the most number of private hospitals with 27 followed by Camarines Sur with 13, Camarines Norte - 9, Masbate - 8, Sorsogon - 6 and Catanduanes with 3. On public health facilities, Camarines Sur has the most numberl with 13, followed by Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate with 9 each, Catanduanes - 7 and Camarines Norte with 3. There are 124 rural health units and 1,123 total barangay health stations across the region. On crude birth rate as of last year, records showed Masbate has the highest number of birth rate per 1,000 population at 23.63% followed by Camarines Norte at 22.75%, Albay - 22.37%, Sorsogon - 21.8%, Catanduanes - 19.94% and Camarines Sur at 19.91%. On highly urbanized cities, Legazpi has the highest at 25.67% followed by Iriga at 23.46% percent and Naga at 20.18%. Bicol’s crude birth rate declined to 21.56% in 2008 compared to 2003 - 2007 rate of 22.55%. On crude death rate by province, Catanduanes ranked first with 5.44% per 1,000 population followed by Sorsogon at 4.64%, Albay - 4.53 percent, Camarines Norte - 4.52 %, Camarines Sur -3.79 % and Masbate at 3.63%. Among the urbanized cities, crude death rate per was highest in Naga City at 7.12%, followed by Legazpi - 6.36%, and Iriga - 5.78 percent. Crude death rate in 2008 declined to 4.4 percent compared to 4.6% in 2003 - 2007. The most alarming issue discussed by Dr. Aralar was the rising infant mortality rate in Bicol due to pneumonia, maternal mortality prevalence caused by complications related to pregnancy occurring during delivery and post delivery periods, and abortion cases. Legazpi City has the highest infant mortality rate in 2008 at 17.75% per 1,000 live births followed by Naga City at 15.9%, and Iriga City - 14.3 %. Among the provinces, Camarines Norte ranked first at 14.85% followed by Masbate at 11.34%, Catanduanes - 9.33%, Camarines Sur - 8.48 %, Albay - 7.67% and Sorsogon at 6.84%. The leading causes of infant mortality are pneumonia and malnutrition and inability to buy medicines due to poverty. Data showed that about 9.93 percent per 1,000 babies in Bicol succumbed to pneumonia and most of them are attributed to nutritional problems. On maternal mortality prevalence per province, Sorsogon had the highest followed by Masbate and Albay. Among the highly urbanized cities, Legazpi ranked first followed by Iriga and Naga.

Provincial Consultative Meeting on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) @ 15 (Part 4)

Resource Speaker: Ms. Joy Alcantara UNFPA PPC Masbate She discussed the salient features of ICPD@15: universal access to primary education by 2015 specifically among girls and women; reduction of infant and child mortality; reduction of maternal mortality; and access to reproductive and sexual health services including family planning. Five years after the specific benchmarks reflected in the 1994 ICPD Program of Action (PoA), the 179 member-state of the United Nations have again set new benchmarks for four priority programs which include: education and literacy for both sexes should be at least 90 percent and universal access to primary education by 2015; reproductive health care; unmet need for contraception, maternal mortality reduction; and HIV/AIDS.

Provincial Consultative Meeting on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) @ 15 (Part 3)

Objectives: Raise awareness of various sectors on ICPD at 15 through contribution to country assessment. To gather insights, lessons learned, good practices from the NGO/CSO including GOs programs and projects. Come up with plan of action to urge local officials in the region and lawmakers to support the RH Bill.

Provincial Consultative Meeting on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) @ 15 (part 2)

Mario Arguelles, main facilitator and moderator of the “Provincial Consultative Meeting on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) @ 15 explained to the participants that the primordial thrust of the conference is to come up with solid support and plan of action from various stakeholders, local government units and lawmakers across the region to push and realize the specific target set in the 1994 ICPD programme of action which was agreed upon by 179 countries 15 years ago.

Provincial Consultative Meeting on International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) @ 15 (Part 1)

July 28, 2009 Kanzo Hall, Legazpi City

RIGODON IN AQUINO-ROXAS TANDEM LOOMS

On November 20, the start of the official filing of certificate of candidacy for all politicians eyeing elective posts in the 2010 national elections, Senators Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas, both publicly declared as the Liberal Party’s standard bearers for the presidential and vice presidential posts, will probably have a reversal of roles. It is intended to shock and surprise everybody, mostly supporters of the Noynoy-Mar tandem, and will be implemented at the very last minute. This plan is now being worked out by a group aptly called “The Firm”, the same brains behind the eager preparation of Mr. Palengke to take the top post since early last year. To undertake their plans, “The Firm” has been taking advantage of a brewing conflict between self-proclaimed Pro-Noynoy advocates, namely: Hyatt 10 led by former DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman; civil society groups led by the Black and White Movement of singer Lea Navarro; members of the Liberal Party to which Noynoy belongs; and, of course the Aquino siblings and other close family members. Apparently, the close knit relationship of the neophyte senator with his sisters and other relatives is being resented by his other backers who are viewing this as an intrusion to their political turf and which could jeopardize their absolute hold on Noynoy. The Firm which obviously got wind of this situation is now planning to change their tactic by adding fuel to the fire and playing up the in-fighting in Noynoy’s camp. It was discovered that the surprising visit of Imee and Bongbong Marcos during President Cory’s wake and the public apology issued by Imelda Marcos to the Aquino family was pre-conceived by the Roxases, upon the distinct recommendation of The Firm, to specifically court Noynoy to be Mar’s vice president for 2010. In return, Bongbong Marcos will be included in their senatorial slate under the Liberal Party banner. However, Noynoy’s tactless statement pertaining to the Marcos wealth endangered the plan – with the Marcos backing out and reneging on their pledge of support to a Mar-Noynoy team up. Bongbong Marcos now in the senatorial line up of Erap Estrada. The death of former President Cory and the hype on the Aquino name has forced members of “The Firm” to temporarily give in to the clamor for Noynoy’s candidacy. However, not wanting to stay on supporting roles, these highly important and very influential supporters of Mar Roxas is now slowly clawing their way to reinstall their bet as the Liberal Party’s official standard.

FOILED ABDUCTION ON ROMULO NERI

The armed men who fired upon Social Security System (SSS) Secretary Romulo Neri’s house brought along tools such as sledge hammers probably for easy access in breaking in given an opportunity. Rumors have been spreading around the objective was to force Neri out and bring him to a safe house somewhere in Pampanga. From there, Neri will be forced to speak out about information on the NBN-ZTE deal which the brains of the crime had hoped would eventually resort to a people’s revolt against the current administration. However, the plan went pffft! Who planned to kidnap Neri? What was the motive for attacking Neri? Did he conspire with his kidnappers? Was the administration behind the incident? All these lack accurate answers as there are indeed many possibilities. Earlier reports revealed that it was all propaganda as the Election Day is nearing. Others say it was well planned to scare and put pressure on the secretary to speak the truth behind the NBN-ZTE deal. People behind the scenario probably would like to get the Filipino masses’ sympathy in order to attain their personal goal in rising to power. A well-known politician is allegedly the producer and the director of the crime after his alleged exposé in the Senate.

COLLUSION FOR NO-EL AND TEMPORARY REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT IN RP

Who can forget the former nemesis of Senator Panfilo Lacson that almost placed his solon’s career into total collapse for a bunch of handcuffs? Blanquita Pelaez. She charged Lacson on a 3 million dollar handcuff deal at the Alameda County court. She subsequently revealed multi-million mansions listed under Lacson’s name in America. Interestingly, this came about during the Estrada administration which the “good” senator lately claimed, especially after the return to the Philippines by his former PACTF Man Cesar Mancao for the Dacer-Corbito doub le murder case he and the latter are both suspected behind the gruesome murder, was riddled with anomalous transactions. Among the possible agenda behind this Pelaez-Lacson collusion includes exonerating the senator’s name so as to make it acceptable for the people. Pelaez, the former adversary that pointed accusing finger against Lacson on the controversial handcuffs purchase in 1996 and subsequently unleashed a number of expose’ against the senator who formerly regarded as “Mr. Expose’”, is now coming clean – retracting her former allegations to probably earn or re-earn for Lacsom confidence of the masses. The 2010 presidential contender who readily left the race just as the Dacer-Corbito murders was about to drag his name is probably heading to Malacañang through an unconstitutional takeover. Pelaez would actually be queued on his pre-planned stunt to make him politically “untouchable”. Via demonization of Erap, Dacer-Corbito double murder is over with the former President, lacson’s former friend and ally nailed behind the killing. Whatever anomalies Dacer knew at that point would further worsen the then weakening Estrada administration and this was well said and projected in Lacson’s privilege speeches. Lacson needs substantial proof to lure public’s favor on him especially as the courts scrapped his petition to prohibit the conduct of investigation on him. However, should Lacson lose in the courts, he will have the victory probably in the eyes of the masses. With Pelaez clearing Lacson’s name on the handcuffs mess, the people is left to speculate on Lacson’s clean image. But Lacson is not merely sweetening his name for popularity in the electorate. He needs them to absolve him in the Dacer case and supposedly for the grounding of the transition council. By mid of September last year, the 12-paged Transition Revolutionary Government prompting the active AFP and PNP units to stand against the Arroyos was rumored propelled by Lacson’s camp. The proposition is actually instigating the need for revolutionaries that would help install a caretaker government the minute Pres. Arroyo vacates her position. Under the said temporary government, a Council where administrative powers emanate would elect a Head of State likely crafted for Lacson.

Navy reservists ready for disaster response and mitigation

A total of 150 naval reservists successfully completed the five-day training program on disaster response and mitigation cum humanitarian mission, sponsored by the Philippine Navy - Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL). The training program, dubbed as “Exercise Pagsasama ”, commenced Monday until Oct. 5, this year at the PN-NAVFORSOL headquarters in barangay Rawis, this city. Lt. Darwin Nieva, PN Southern Luzon spokesman, said the program educated and equipped college students on disaster emergency assistance and rescue training. Nieva said that as part of the program, last Sunday, some 699 residents of barangay Bigaa this city were provided free medical and dental services, while a total of 211 patients benefited from ophthalmology services and each received a pair of eyeglasses. The same contingents also conducted a humanitarian mission in barangay Arimbay, also in this city, offering free medical and dental services and medicines to the residents. Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal, lauded the Philippine Navy in initiating the program designed to train the youth in disaster response and rendering humanitarian works in times of disasters. Commodore Joel Babas, PN-NAVFORSOL commanding officer, said the training exercise would be a start of a regular program of the naval forces in educating the youth concerning the role of the youth in times of disaster. Babas said that aside from the training program, the participants who completed the training program will be recruited as a member of the Naval Network in Disaster Operation. Nieva, meanwhile, said the “Exercise Pagsasama ”, as part of its humanitarian mission repaired two barangay halls and a daycare center here and in the neighboring Daraga town. Repair and rehabilitation works were done at the Market site barangay hall and the Maroroy Daycare Center all in Daraga, and the Barangay Bigaa Multi Purpose Hall, in this city. Nieva said the repaired village facilities were turned over to the concerned local government unit at the program's closing ceremonies.(PNA, Oct. 8, 2009)

302 hectares of public lands in Sorsogon teeming with trees

At least 302 hectares of private lands in Sorsogon are planted with trees, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office in Bicol based in this city. Some of the trees were planted as early as 1940, like the 39 narra and five dao trees in the 0.75 hectare-lot owned by Domingo Bayan in Barangay Pamurayan, Sorsogon City. Bayan is among the 159 landowners granted certificate of registration for private tree plantation in the province of Sorsogon from 1997 to 2008, records at the Forest Management Service of the DENR here show. The DENR, per Memorandum Circular No. 97-09, has been encouraging since 1997 all private tree plantation owners to have their plantations be documented. This program recognizes the contribution of the private landowners in wood and lumber production. A private tree plantation refers to a private land planted to tree crops primarily for wood production and commercial purposes. Documentation of private tree plantations is needed in order to: 1) determine tree plants established within private lands; 2) facilitate the documentation requirements of future harvests; 3) establish a system for the recognition of the participation of private landowners in the tree plantation development of the government. Meanwhile, DENR Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada is inviting other landowners who have not yet registered their plantations to see the DENR Office near their locality. The registrants shall bring with them authenticated copies of land titles where tree plantations are established, Fragada said. Citing the benefits of the DENR private tree plantation registration program, Fragada said holders of certificate of registration are entitled to incentives under Republic Act No. 7161, exempting planted trees from forest charges; the Omnibus Investment Code pertaining to tree farmers, and relevant future laws that may be enacted. The planting and cutting of trees within private lands is in line with DENR Secretary Lito Atienza’s advocacy of “plant and harvest only.” This means that cutting of trees can only be allowed on areas planted a long time ago. In other words, one can only harvest or cut trees where one has planted. (PNA, Mar S. Arguelles Oct.0, 2009)

Re-green the Philippines

Bicolanos and the rest of the Filipinos should at all given opportunity plant trees and crops and make green every island across the Philippine Archipelago. RE-green the Philippines. Now na! No matter how many Typhoon Ondoy, Reming, Harurot, Sisang and other disastrous weather disturbances come planting is a must for every Pinoy — for food security and to battle global warming. Bicolanos can do it. Fortunately for the first semester of 2009, Bicol Region did not experience grave and harsh natural calamities. As revealed by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics’ survey for the first six months of this year Bicol emerged the top palay producer in the country. More than 50 percent of Bicolandia is devoted to agriculture. Only 30 percent are forestland and the rest are residential and for commercial and industrial purposes. Not less than 1.2 million hectares of the total land area have been classified alienable and disposable. Bicol posted 17.3 percent growth rate in palay production during the period with Camarines Sur province having the most surplus rice harvest. Ilocos Region came next at 13.08 percent while Central Luzon, third at 9.23 percent. Ilocanos and the rest of the Filipino race can do it! Unfortunately, the onslaught of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng ravaged the farmlands in the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Camarines Sur in Bicol Region. Bicolanos and fellow Filipinos are used to typhoons coming at a yearly average of 20 until 2003 and now reaches a maximum of 39 and its disastrous effects ever since. If typhoon intensity and its number on a yearly basis keep on increasing (huwag naman sana), Pinoys should not put a stop to planting and re-greening our environment. What Pinoys should put an end to, especially the influential ones – our beloved and respected government leaders, is graft and corruption. Propagate good governance. Uproot graft and corruption!

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