Maybank injects US$100m into Philippine operations

Maybank also started building in Davao City.
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Maybank injects US$100m into Philippine operations

The German Ambassador For the Philippines/Der deutsche Botschafter auf den Philippinen

is 

During my last Manila trip I got the chance to meet German Ambassador for the Philippines, Dr. Joachim Heidorn in the Embassy in Makati City/Manila. He took a lot of time allowing me to talk with him about "God and the whole world" - as a saying goes...

Dr. Heidorn is indeed a incredible statesman.

He was born in Hanover, Lower-Saxony in 1951, is married and has three children. He received his Ph.D. in Political Sociology in the University Marburg.

Dr. Heidorn stayed in several countries in the past, i.e. in the German Embassy London - as Deputy Head also in the German Embassies in Tripoli, Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Riad (Saudi Arabia). As he told me: Colombo was his most challenging time so far.

From 2008 till 2011 Dr. Heidorn became German Ambassador in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Since October 2011 he appointed in the Philippines.

Yes, it has been his wish to stay in the Philippines as German Ambassador. Long time ago he has been visited the Philippines as a tourist and fell in love to this tropical nation and its people. His family and he are feeling very well here and are well established already. 

Dr. Joachim Heidorn likes diving, the Beatles and reading. His favourite books is Thomas Mann's "Buddenbrooks".

The German Ambassador in Manila Dr. Joachim Heidorn: a very pleasant representative of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Philippines.

Thank you very much Ambassador for taking time and allowing me to ask many questions.

Philippine German Month February 2013

ComVal Suffers More...

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE (Jan. 23)----- The rain has stopped but the Provincial, Municipal, and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils remain ready with their respective rescue teams and keep on watch for any sudden change of the weather condition.

There were family evacuees in the province as rains poured in since Friday evening (January 18).  Per flooding incident official report issued by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) as of 8:00 a.m. of January 21, 2013, there were 2,143 families who vacated for safety to the identified evacuation centers.  As of 8:00 a.m. of January 22, the number of families became 441.  As the water subsides, those residents of flooded areas which are accessible already have started to go home.

Governor Arturo T. Uy being the Chairman of the PDRRM Council earlier issued an order for the suspension of classes in schools for the safety of the students and teachers considering the flood risks. But today, classes have resumed already.

PDRRM Officer Raul Villocino said that with the experienced weather disturbance, the people are advised to stay alert and abide to any issued public warnings and safety measures implemented by the local authorities. 

Thank you Grace Almedilla, ids-comval for your update...

 

Philippine German Month 2013

Enjoy - and more details right here...

Flood in Davao and its Neighbours

DAVAO CITY – More than 5,000 families or 25,000 individuals have been affected by the flooding that hit riverside villages here following non-stop rain since Saturday night.

The city government has called off classes from kindergarten to high school, in both public and private schools, Monday as the city continues to assess the extent of the damage from one of the worst flooding the city has experienced in the past years.

Emmanuel Jaldon, the chief of the Davao City Disaster Risk and Management Council (DCDRMC), said local officials have issued the warning as early 9 p.m. Saturday because of the overflowing of the Tamugan river, one of the main tributaries of the Davao river.

As a result, at least 12 barangays (villages) lining down Davao river was submerged in flood.

Jaldon, however, said some residents who have already been used to floods, refused to evacuate, which was the reason some of them were trapped.

“The problem is their coping threshold, most of them have already experienced the worst of flooding, so, they just don’t evacuate until the waters reach critical level,” he said. “They still stayed on the second floor of their houses, believing they still have a second chance.”

Jaldon also said the rain still continues in the upland areas of Davao City, and that as of 2:30 p.m. Sunday, the water continues to rise.

Dante Donayre, operations chief of the DCDRMC, said that despite the disaster-preparedness training held for community leaders in the past, the disaster-preparedness is still wanting in the community level as elected barangay officials still fail to re-echo these in the communities.

Malou Bermudo, chief of the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO), said a total of 5,165 families from 12 city barangays affected by the flood are now in different evacuation centers; among them, are 2,700 families from Buhangin area, which covered the Jade Valley and Juliville Subdivisions.

Choreyn Mae Dumape, 20, a resident of Jade Valley who was rescued from the top of their house, said her parents were still inside the village.

“My parents are still there,” Dumape said, adding that the water rose at around 1 a.m. Sunday.

In Compostela Valley, at least 178 families have left their homes, even as authorities forced some residents to evacuation centers as water levels in major rivers there continue to rise, threatening low-lying communities, according to Raul Villocino, provincial disaster officer.

In neighboring Davao del Norte province, over 800 people have been evacuated overnight as floodwater swamped the rice-producing municipalities of Kapalong, Sto. Tomas, Braulio Dujali and Asuncion, said Romulo Tagalo, Davao del Norte assistant administrator.

Those evacuated, according to Villocino, included 129 families in the villages of Andap, Cogonon and Cabinuangan, in New Bataan, the town which suffered the most number of casualties in last December’s killer storm.

At least 37 families also headed to the evacuation centers in Basak and Magsaysay villages in Nabunturan, while 12 families from Sitio (Sub-village) Pag-ibig, in the mining village of Mt. Diwalwal in Monkayo town sheltered at the village hall due to fear of a landslide, the disaster official said.

Waist-deep floodwater has submerged most of Maniki village, the center of Kapalong town, forcing many residents to flee to safer grounds, Mayor Edgardo Timbol said. Germelina Lacorte, Dennis Jay Santos, Karlos Manlupig, Ayan C. Mellejor and Frinston L. Lim, Inquirer Mindanao

How is the Weather in The Philippines?

Davao Light and Power Co. has now made weather updates and forecasts available to its customers and all readers of this website through its own website www.davao-light.com .

This has been made possible through the site's link to the Weather Philippines Foundation (WPF) website.

WPF provides localized and regularly updated weather forecasts in major cities in the Philippines, of course, including my new home town Davao City. Weather Data is transmitted every 10 minutes automatically.

Thanks a lot to Davao Light and Power Information Officer and friend, Mr. Rossano Luga.

The Sound of Music - The Musical - IN DAVAO

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In 1930's Austria, a young woman named Maria is failing miserably in her attempts to become a nun. When the Navy captain Georg Von Trapp writes to the convent asking for a governess that can handle his seven mischievous children, Maria is given the job. The Captain's wife is dead, and he is often away, and runs the household as strictly as he does the ships he sails on. The children are unhappy and resentful of the governesses that their father keeps hiring, and have managed to run each of them off one by one. When Maria arrives, she is initially met with the same hostility, but her kindness, understanding, and sense of fun soon draws them to her and brings some much-needed joy into all their lives -- including the Captain's. Eventually he and Maria find themselves falling in love, even though Georg is already engaged to a Baroness and Maria is still a postulant. The romance makes them both start questioning the decisions they have made... 

INDIGENT CHILDREN EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE, INC.

ICEA OERFORMING ARTS

in cooperation with

CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE - ARCHDIOCESE OF DAVAO

presents

A NIGHT ON BROADWAY FEATURING

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

February 9, 2013, Saturday at 7:30 PM CAP Auditorium, Anda Street, Davao City,

For more information and ticket reservations please call:

MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR, publisher Marietta F. Siongco, 082 - 2275716 or 082 - 2224595 and all MERCO outlets.

Tickets: 500, 300 and 200 Pesos.

A Philippine Hero

MANILA, Philippines - A member of the Philippine Contingent to the Golan Heights territory received a Peacekeeper of the Month Award at a United Nations Office in Syria for saving the lives of 14 Austrians, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported on Tuesday.

Technical Sergeant Herman Galiza of the Philippine Battalion was awarded by the UN Disengagement Observer Force for his "exemplary performance and devotion to duty rendered" as bus driver for the Austrian and Croatian Contingents' rotation convoy from Camp Faouar to Damascus International Airport last Nov. 28. Galiza managed to secure and protect 14 Austrian passengers when the 25-vehicle convoy came under heavy fire from anti-government forces while on its way to the airport.

“This award will reflect on how the 6th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights performed well in its mandated tasks and mission. Likewise, this will boost the morale of the officers, men and women of the Philippine Battalion,” Lt. Col. Nolie Anquillano, commanding officer of the Phillippine Contingent said.

The sixth Philippine Contingent assumed peacekeeping in the Golan Heights last Nov. 19.

"Technical Sergeant Herman Galiza’s bravery and exemplary performance in the line of duty are truly remarkable and worth noting.  He highlighted the gallantry and selflessness of each and every Filipino soldier at home or anywhere in the world. He truly deserves the award, commendation and recognition of the Community of Nations. The Philippines is proud of you.  Mabuhay po kayo and the rest of the Philippine Contingent in the Golan,” Philippine Ambassador to Israel Generoso D.G. Calonge said.

Sarah and GMA Fight

GMA Network addressed all issues raised by Sarah Lahbati - starting from her posts in the social networking and microblogging site Twitter, which were eventually picked up by the media.

"Sarah Lahbati's Artist Management Contract with GMA Network is effective until February 21, 2015. There is no provision for leave of absence in said contract. Any leave is subject to prior agreement between the Network and Sarah. Therefore, Sarah's unilateral decision to go on leave, despite its earlier disapproval by the Network, is a violation of her contract with the Network. Further, her declared trip to Switzerland for an indefinite period, without the prior and approval of the Network, will be an additional violation of her contract!"

Klaro? No more comments.

It's Fun to Be A Senator in The Philippines

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Ever wonder why many are dying to become senators?

Philippine Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago posed this question during an interview with Radyo Inquirer Wednesday after Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile reportedly played Santa Claus last Christmas, giving gifts using so-called "savings" that she said had become the "grandmama of all scandals."

She then proceeded to outline why nothing beats being a senator.

Related story: Enrile: Cash gifts were 'lambing' not bribe

Imagine a yearly pork barrel of 200 million pesos (US$4.9 million), 2.2 million pesos monthly for staff salaries and office expenses, a 500,000 pesos annual travel allowance and an honorarium that ranges between 30,000 to 60,000 pesos a month as chair of a Senate committee.

And don't forget the regular monthly salary of 75,000 pesos.

An unscrupulous senator can simply make it appear that he or she is using all these perks legitimately and then pocket these. Here is where Santiago wants the Commission on Audit (COA) to come in.

Also read: Like senators, House members got more funds last Christmas

Santiago asked COA Chairperson Ma. Gracia Pulido-Tan to instruct auditors assigned to the Senate and the House of Representatives to examine and audit so-called "savings" or "secret funds" available to the Senate President, House Speaker, and other heads of offices, to ensure transparency.

Santiago's revelations followed Enrile's supposedly selective release of a total of 1.618 million pesos in two tranches as additional "maintenance and other operating expenditures" (MOOE) to each of her 18 colleagues from "savings" of the chamber in 2012. Four other senators Enrile wasn't exactly fond of-Santiago included-got 250,000 pesos each.

Nat'l scandal

"The so-called savings of each public office have turned into a national scandal, the grandmama of all scandals. The Constitution allows savings to be used by the office at the end of the year. But in reality, the head of office manipulates the books and creates so-called savings by refusing to fill up vacancies, or refusing to buy essential office supplies or services, or capital equipment. These so-called 'enforced savings' are then distributed among the highest officials, in the guise of Christmas bonuses," Santiago explained.

In many cases, the COA auditor usually accommodates the "enforced savings" ordered by the head of office, because COA auditors are often afraid of politicians, or the COA auditors themselves share in the "enforced savings," she said.

In other news: Aquino rejects gun ban calls

"I challenge the COA to reveal to the public the total income annually of every senator and every representative. This total income should include basic salary, Christmas and other bonuses, monthly honoraria for committee work, monthly appropriation to be spent at the senator's discretion for staff salaries and for MOOE, appropriations for consultants, foreign travel funds, etc.," she said.

Members of each Senate committee are also given an allowance, but she did not give a specific amount.

"That's why some of my colleagues become members of so many committees," she noted. "This amount is given whether or not you attend the hearings conducted by the committee."

The same policy holds true for the 500,000 pesos travel allowance. "We are given that every year, whether we use it or not. It is for official trips such as those to international conferences. But even if you don't leave, you still get that," she said.

Biggest perk

The biggest perk, however, remains the 200 million pesos pork barrel, or the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Santiago recalled that when she was still a newbie senator in 1995, she was approached by a contractor who guaranteed her a "clean" 10-percent kickback from her pork-funded infrastructure projects.

Also read: President Aquino Predicted To Fall

She calculated that during a six-year term, a senator can earn 120 million pesos from kickbacks, enough to jumpstart a reelection bid.

"One who wants big money should run for senator," Santiago said.

As for Enrile's "gift," Santiago said she sent it back to the Senate President because he had returned her gift of biscuits to him.

"You don't like my biscuit, I also don't like your money," was how she explained it.

A report by Fe Zamora.

It's More Fun in the Philippines...

Compostela Valley - Stands Up!

The Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation visits ComVal and conducts relief goods distribution and medical mission on January 5 in Compostela and January 6 in New Bataan.  Guiding them were Governor Arturo T. Uy and Congresswoman Maricar Zamora. The Foundation has four major Missions consist of Charity, Medicine, Education, and Humanity.  It is said that the founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen is often referred as  “The Mother Teresa of Asia.”  (A. Dayao/ IDS ComVal)

Mount Pinatubo Travel Advisory

MT. PINATUBO TRAVEL ADVISORY NO. 01-2013

The recent spate of untoward incidents that has occurred in and around the crater of Mt. Pinatubo demonstrates a dire need for the Department of Tourism – Region 3 Office to issue its own travel advisory relating to the safety and security of foreign and local tourists aiming to venture into a lahar-laden landscape.

This advisory hereby serves as a WARNING to all tourists who intend to mount an uphill climb to crater of Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales via the jump-off point in Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac that the serene yet crystal blue lake thereat is meant to be a glorious and majestic vista to behold only to be charmed by its natural beauty; never to be treated like a resort playground for swimming, kayaking or aqua cycling. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has determined that the Pinatubo crater lake water which contains hazardous substances such as arsenic (As), alluminum (Al), boron (BO), chloride (Cl), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), sulphate (SO4) and total solids (TDS) may affect the human health in various ways and may become fatal over an extended period of time. Tourists are forewarned never to stay close to the lakeshore as this poses a potential threat to one’s life due mainly to frequent occurrences of rock falls and landslides, especially during heavy downpour.

Further, any development in the area should be low impact, provide economic benefits, promote environmental protection, provide education to tourists, and encourage the full participation of the local communities as subscribed by Phivolcs in its most recent travel advisory.

After a physically stressful 2-hour trek, tourists are advised, instead, to lie down and rest awhile; if possible, say a little prayer before the deity of our indigenous brothers in the uplands called Apu Malyari.

For the guidance of all concerned.

Issued this 4th day of January 2013, Angeles City, Philippines.

Email cast by:

Department of Tourism - Region III (Central Luzon)
Paskuhan Village, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines
Phone: (63 45) 961-2612 / 5617 / 625-8525
Email: celtour@yahoo.com
Recipient (Best Ecotourism Project - Mt. Pinatubo): PATA Gold Intl Award 2001, Kalakbay Natl Award 2001, ASEANTA Intl Award 2002
Log on: www.visitmyphilippines.com

International Assistance to ComVal continues...

 

by Grace Almedilla

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE----- Aside from the various local donors, foreign and international assistance keep coming in through the United Nations with agencies like World Food Program, United Nation’s Children’s Fund or UNICEF, World Health Organization, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, United Nations Population Fund, International Labor Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Organization for Migration, among others.

These agencies extended support ranging from food and non-food, and even to the technical procedures and coordination management of the distribution of assistance.

Correspondingly, to fast track the province’s recovery from the destruction caused by the Typhoon Pablo in December 2012, Governor Arturo T. Uy has strengthen the coordination system by organizing a Provincial Coordinating Team which is parallel to the clustering system of the United Nations in facilitating for humanitarian response and recovery.

The provincial team is composed of different clusters like Food & Non-Food, Health & Psychosocial, Agriculture, Emergency Telecom, Information Management, WASH, Education, Early Recovery, Infrastructure/ Shelter, Logistics, Camp Coordination & Management, Protection, Nutrition, and Livelihood.

Each cluster shall facilitate in the provision of the needed assistance of the affected families and the necessary technical measures for the immediate recovery of the province. 

The move is part of the Rebuilding Program launched by Governor Uy on December 19 which is anchored on the battlecry, “Tindog ComVal, Walang Iwanan.”  (grace almedilla, ids-comval)

Philippine Snail Mail

 

 "I will just write him a quick note!"  Yes, sure, why not? But guys, as I warned you already several years ago: Don't mail it! What I mean, don't mail it per post. Email it- fax it or use messengers or companies like LBC or Air 21, just too mention two!

I am really more than mad. Season holidays, like Christmas, seem to worsen the situation.

Since I got tired to wait the mail man in Davao (NCCC-Village), I started renting a post office box - meanwhile for 1,000 Pesos annually. So far so good. The service of the Philippine Postal Corperation and nowadays also in the Central Post Office in Davao City, where I got my POB is getting more and more down.

Just one example: Big brown envelope, a Christmas calendar: mailed in Germany November 2, 2012, received in the Davao Central Post Office December 7, 2012 (as posted on the envelope!). Note card in my box December 21, 2012 (wow!). Finally I received the calendar on January 2, 2013 - handed over to me from a very unfriendly lady (Window 19).

Several weeks ago I wanted to mail a registered letter to Germany. I got the stamps and was informed to paste them myself onto the envelope. Then I should wait at the window for registered mail. Nobody was there. After three or four minutes I knocked at the glass - and got the harsh information, if I wouldn't learn how to wait...!

I could easily fill up the whole blog with innumerably similar examples - sometimes it gets really ridiculous. With the advent of technology, the "mail-coach century" should be left already behind us. 

I am looking forward to the privatization of the Philippine Postal Corporation!

Miss Philippines 2012 Janine Tugonon

Miss Philippines 2012 Janine Tugonon did the whole country proud with her first runner-up finish during the Coronation Night of the recently concluded 61st Miss Universe Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada last December 2012. Her performances throughout the competition garnered admires from all over the globe; the interview portion, for one, where she was asked whether English should be prerequisite for Miss Universe 2012 and her top-notch answer being "For me, being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language. It's all about being able t influence and inspire other people. If you have the heart to serve and a strong mind to show people then you can be Miss Universe!"

Prosit Neujahr 2013/Happy New Year 2013