by admin | Feb 10, 2017 | Announcements, Headlines, Tourism
New tourism campaign aims to take Bohol to dazzling new heights with more flights
Promo fares from as low as P1,599 are up for grabs now at airasia.com
MANILA, 9 February 2017 – AirAsia and Provincial Government of Bohol in partnership with USAID-COMPLETE today formally signed a partnership agreement to promote Bohol as a premiere tourist destination for travelers in the Philippines, in the whole of ASEAN region and in greater Asia where the world’s best low cost carrier by Skytrax provide unparalleled connectivity.
Philippines AirAsia CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, “Our partnership is a another step forward in an ongoing journey towards providing connectivity and convenience with fresh new approach and experience to engage guests and increase passenger traffic to and from Bohol.”
To celebrate the partnership, AirAsia is increasing its 3x daily flights between Manila and Bohol (Tagbilaran) to 4x daily starting March 1 with promo fares from as low as P1,599 only and up for grabs now at airasia.com for travel period betweenJuly 1 to November 30, 2017.
“Our collaboration is built on a foundation that values a strong and innovative service culture which are the hallmarks of AirAsia’s brand of service. We value the community that we serve and as your official airline partner we are committed to connect Bohol and the Philippines to Asean and beyond,” Comendador added.
“Following the success of our alliance especially after the 2013 earthquake with the LGUs, USAID-Compete and tourism partners, it would be exciting to see Bohol connect to giant markets in Asia not only for tourism but to engage and promote stronger social and economic ties,” he said.
Bohol Provincial Governor Edgar Chatto, Deputy Head of Program Office for US-AID Philippines Christopher Foley, NEDA Director General Dr. Ernesto Pernia, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Alma Rita Jimenez and Philippines AirAsia CEO Captain Dexter Comendador led the signing ceremony which coincided with the formal launch of Bohol’s newest tourism campaign titled Behold Bohol.
AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, services the most extensive network with over 120 destinations. Within 15 years of operations, AirAsia has carried over 330 million guests and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to over 170. The airline is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, India and Japan. AirAsia was named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for eighth consecutive years from 2009 – 2016.
by admin | Feb 8, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines
The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) issued a Memorandum Circular to clarify the proper use of the Philippine Standard (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks on products under mandatory certification.
The BPS disseminated Memorandum Circular 16-04 or the Clarificatory Policy on the Use and Monitoring of the Product Certification Marks Prescribed by the Department Administrative Order (DAO) 04:2008 and 05:2008 and their Implementing Guidelines to address concerns of manufacturers, importers, and traders on the use of the prescribed PS Mark logo and on the location where to affix the ICC stickers.
The Circular specifies how a PS mark or an ICC sticker should be affixed; and provides the appropriate dimensions and design of the PS Mark; and, the verification process for the said marks.
The Circular also specifies that the PS or ICC mark should be placed on the product. As exceptions, the circular indicates when a mark/sticker is not practicable: on a ballast, lamp, circuit breaker, electric tape, wires and cables, and, flat cord; and, when affixing the sticker, will cause damage to its original packaging such as on television set, air conditioning unit, refrigerator, and, microwave oven.
The correct design of the PS Mark including the license number is prescribed in Annex C of the IRR of DAO 04:2008. The PS license number shall be part of the PS mark indicated at the bottom of the said mark.
On the verification of the PS mark or ICC sticker, the Circular also indicates that the manufacturers and importers shall allow the DTI monitors and enforcers to access their stock room or warehouse to verify their product inventories bearing either the PS or ICC mark. When a manufacturer or importer fails to present the appropriate product’s box/package, the Circular cites that it shall be construed as a violation of the provisions and be dealt with in accordance with established rules and policies.
Signed last 19 August 2016, the BPS Memorandum Circular No. 16-04 or the Clarificatory Policy on the Use and Monitoring of the Product Certification Marks Prescribed by the Department Administrative Order (DAO) 04:2008 and 05:2008 and the Respective Implementing Guidelines took effect after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation last 22 December 2016.
DTI-BPS Officer-in-Charge Atty. Marimel D. Porciuncula emphasizes, “More importantly, this Circular will benefit the consumers. Considering that the industry has been clarified on the issue of where to place the PS and ICC marks on a certified product, it will be easier for consumers to locate these marks thus, are assured of their safety.”
For a copy of the Memorandum Circular 16-04, visit the BPS Standards and Conformance Portal at www.bps@dti.gov.ph. For more info on the said circular, call BPS at (02) 751.4720/ 507.7307.#
by admin | Feb 5, 2017 | DOH Updates, Headlines, Health and Medicine, Infrastraktura, Local News / Bohol Balita
By JUNE S. BLANCO
INABANGA and Buenavista towns in northern Bohol stand to have their ports improved this year.
This after Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado (Bohol, 2nd District) inserted funds for the purpose in the 2017 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Aumentado said a new and bigger P50-million port will be built for Inabanga in barangay Uog. This will replace the existing one which is behind the public market in barangay Tungod.
The seawater off Uog is deeper. He said this augurs well for larger pump boats and motorized bancas. This will make regular the trips to Cebu and back. Many residents and store-owners buy provisions and stocks from Cebu rather than go on land trips to the capital Tagbilaran City.
The solon, however, vowed to secure additional funds for this port when he returns to Manila, as this is a new construction, not just an improvement.
On the other hand, also in the GAA is P40 million for the improvement of the Buenavista fishport.
Of the three congressional districts in Bohol, the 2nd District has the most islands and islets. This means islanders travel a lot by sea to buy from the mainland or from Cebu, their needs at home or in school, or to bring patients to hospitals.
Aumentado said the improved ports will also improve travelling conditions for the islanders and their cargoes.
Meanwhile, the medical team of the Faces of Tomorrow arrived yesterday morning for a week-long surgical mission to correct cleft lips and cleft palates as well as perform general dentistry.
Aumentado led the welcoming delegation at the Tagbilaran City Airport to meet the team headed by its director, Dr. Brian Rubinstein.
At 10:30 a.m. today, the team will start screening the shortlisted patients for operation on Feb. 6-7 for the first batch and Feb. 9-10 for the second batch. Feb. 8 will be for a break/rest day, to be capped with a dinner treat courtesy of the solon.
Feb. 11 is set for the recognition of the surgical team that will be departing from this city in the afternoon of Feb. 12.
The operations – the second surgical mission in Bohol by the Faces of Tomorrow, in cooperation with the Abounding with Love Foundation – will be performed at the Medical Mission Group Hospital and Health Services or the Bohol Cooperative Hospital in Dampas District, this city.
. Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado (standing, center) led in welcoming the members of the Faces of Tomorrow surgical and dental team headed by Dr. Brian Rubinstein (standing directly behind Aumentado) at the city airport yesterday morning. A delegation from the Medical Mission Group (MMG) Coop Hospital (left) and some lady Jaycees (right) joined the welcoming fete. FOTO: Aris Aumentado’s Facebook Account
by admin | Feb 4, 2017 | Headlines, Kontra Droga, Local News / Bohol Balita
TAGBILARAN CITY, February 4, (PIA)—Joint Councils of Bohol Peace and Order (PPOC) and Anti-Drug Abuse (PADAC) approved a resolution en masse, adopting a community based drug rehabilitation program suited for drug users with light to moderate affectation.
At a joint meeting held inside the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Mansion January 31, both councils headed by Governor Edgar Chatto formalized the adoption of the Community Based Drug Rehabilitation Without Walls (CBDRWW).
By the approval, the councils also green lighted the adoption of the program to all towns as the official drug rehab program for all drug users who opt to undergo the process.
CBDRWW is an adoption with minor modifications, of the Talibon Drug Rehabilitation Program without Walls, Argao Drug Rehab center program and best practices, explained the governor.
Then episcopal vicar of Talibon Diocese and among the program implementers since September 2016, now Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy said the program “works on poverty, demands no experts because we have no psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors.”
As the name suggests, the program uses no confinement in a medical or correctional facility for treatment, and rather looks on to the physical, emotional, psychological, economic and spiritual needs of the drug victims end encourages them to stop alcohol, smoking, gambling and most especially the use of illegal drugs, bishop Uy explained.
Envisioned and attuned to the philosophy of human dignity and value, the program delves on the personality of an individual, and his relation to the community in as much as reintegration to the mainstream would demand that the victim needs all the help to work, pray and play along with his family and the community.
A collaborative concept of the local government, the Diocese of Talibon, its inter-faith communities and sectors, the program acknowledges that it will do its share of the drug problem by offering an alternative rehabilitation program to invite more drug dependents who still refused to surrender due to the uncertainty of getting a good rehabilitation program.
In his executive order, creating the technical working group drafting the Talibon Drug Rehab program, Mayor Restituto Auxtero acknowledges the need for a clear drug rehabilitation program to further invite those still refuse to surrender, while entertaining the thought that without a program, those who showed goodwill in surrendering would return to their illegal and harmful trade.
CBDRWW gives new hope for drug surrenderers to be treated from their addiction and renew their lives through worship and prayer, community service, group value formation and spiritual enrichment, through psychosocial counseling and family education, healing of family relations and engaging in livelihood grants, stresses bishop Uy during the meeting.
At the same meeting approving the use of the rehab program, Governor Chatto also called on the national government agencies, non government organizations and interest groups offering livelihood opportunities to help Bohol set up a menu of choices for those who complete the 3 to 5 months rehabilitation program.
The program however, only works for drug surrenderers who voluntarily signify to undergo the program which commits them to follow the policies of the rehabilitation.
In Bohol, authorities implemented the community based Center for Drug Education and Counseling (CDEC) where among the most critical processes include getting drug surrenderers into a World Health Organization approved Alcohol, Smoking, Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) Brief Intervention (BI).
The test determined the level of substance abuse and categorizes drug dependents according to their levels of affectation to determine the levels of intervention, clarifies Dr. Cesar Tomas Lopez, CDEC executive officer.
Those who are severely affected are referred to a facility based medical treatment and drug rehabilitation center, we do not have the expertise for them, he noted.
Only those who are slightly and moderately affected individuals are eligible to the CBDRWW, Dr. Lopez added.
But, for the drug rehab without walls, authorities stress that it only works for those who are willing to get help, that is voluntary. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | Feb 3, 2017 | Announcements, Features
Republic of the Philippines
Province of Bohol
MUNICIPALITY OF CALAPE
OFFICE OF THE INFORMATION OFFICER
Press Release
Nick P. Sendrijas
09353087663
Inspired by the holding of the Miss Universe Pageant in the Philippines, the Calape Executive Committee has decided to hold the Miss Calape 2017 this coming fiesta celebration of the municipality’s Patron, Saint Vincent Ferrer on May 10, 2017.
According to Mayor Nelson N. Yu, the beauty pageant is open to Calapeños even those living abroad as long as they have roots from Calape and are still Filipino citizens.
This year’s beauty contest chairperson is Engr. Nicefora Yu, the wife of Mayor Yu.
Mrs. Yu said Candidates must be between 16 and 24 years old, at least 5’2” in highest, single never been married and has not given birth.
The minimum educational attainment must be high second level, with good moral reputation as attested by the Punong Barangay.
Mrs. Yu also said it is necessary that a photocopy of the candidate’s birth certificate is also filed, consent of parents for those below 18 years old, parent/guardian waiver, and a whole body photograph in a dress.
The team of Rene Gatal of Tagbilaran City will manage the whole beauty contest which has a prize of P20,000 for the Miss Calape and consulation prizes for all participants who would qualify in the final selection.
The pageant organizes will provide the official shoes, swim suits, evening gowns and production number outfits for the candidates. To complete the pageants preparation, hair and make up services will be provided by the a team of artists.
She said all candidates must prepare a talent to be performed during the talent night and it shall be performed not more than five minutes.
The candidates sponsoring entities will provide for their candidate’s talent show requirements.
Mrs. Yu has also announced that the Committee will start accepting applications on Wednesday February 15, 2017 and the deadline will be on February 28, 2017.
Should the number of potential candidates exceeds 12, the applicants will undergo the screenings in March.
For interested parties, kindly call or see Ms. Tata Yu, at 09171102382.
