by btpo | Jun 1, 2009 | Headlines
. Duty Free Philippines (DFP) becomes Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC), to run the tax-free merchandising system in the country after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed the National Tourism Act of 2009 known as Republic Act 9593. Republic Act 9593 declares a national tourism policy and attempts to integrate all tourism development efforts to boost the country’s competitiveness. RA 9593 before it was approved into law it was resolute and passed through congress by the First District Representative of Bohol, Congressman Edgar M. Chatto. Moreover, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano the Cebuano tourism chair said the Act reorganizes the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation into the Tourism Promotions Board, a corporation responsible for the marketing and promotion of the Philippines as a global tourism destination by highlighting its tourism products and services. It also recognizes the Philippine Tourism Authority into the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, a body mandated to designate, regulate and supervise tourism enterprise zones as well as develop, manage and supervise tourism projects in the country.
by btpo | May 31, 2009 | Headlines
After the successful launch of the Register and Vote campaign via Rock the Vote concert in several areas, the RV bus follows through its advocacy by providing assistance in registering youths nationwide. As part of the RV advocacy, transportation and other assistance that registrants need will be provided,” says independent senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. Pangilinan added that it is just a part of RV initiative to register people for the 2010 elections. “We will take our RV bus all over the country to create awareness and stress the importance of registering and voting in the coming national elections”, Senator Pangilinan said. The RV bus is expected to roll on through Naga, Cebu, Bohol, Pampanga, Zamboanga, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Pangasinan, and the campaign may possibly go abroad for overseas absentee voters.
“We cannot stress enough the importance and significance of the coming elections,” says Pangilinan. “The unregistered, hence ‘voiceless’, electorates will definitely usher in much needed change that the Philippine political landscape needs.”
by btpo | May 31, 2009 | Headlines, Major Events
A problem on classroom shortage is foreseen in the opening of classes. Bohol Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Elpidio Jala expressed concern in an increased of enrollment expected this school year of classroom shortage. Dr. Jala said it is most likely to be experienced this school opening as more grade levels are opened and with the increase on enrollment this year. The division superintendent finds possibility of students to be temporarily holding classes under trees until new classrooms are available. He further mentioned classrooms that are already old and dilapidated that need rehabilitation. Executive Conference Dr. Jala said he will be conducting a meeting with schools supervisors and principals to discuss the emergence of the issues and find immediate solution to the problem. However, Jala said that P8 million pesos worth of school chairs and furniture from the 2008 appropriation are still to be delivered and another P18 million pesos is up for bidding this year 2009. He also acknowledged the recent simultaneous launching of Brigada Eskwela on May 18-22 that had greatly helped prepare the classrooms ready for the opening of classes.
In pursuant to DepEd secretary Jesli Lapus order, Dr. Jala reiterated that no children will be denied enrollment and there should be no collection of any contribution, payment of unpaid obligations during the school opening.
by btpo | May 31, 2009 | Headlines
The Influenza A(H1N1) virus is now regarded as a deadly force, destructive like a tropical disturbance. A(H1N1) has attacked 15,000 humans and killed almost 100 others. This prompted the government through the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to draw up a “warning system” similar to what is used during the typhoon season.
Officials from the DepEd, Ched, the National Disaster Coordinating Council, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) discussed progress reports and updates on the current situation of the A(H1N1) cases and disseminate information nationwide.
Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde cited a warning system – like in the scale of Tropical Storm Signals –Alert Level 1 and could peak at Alert Level 4, during such an announcement classes in an entire school would be suspended. However, Local DepEd officials in the Province said the new “alert level” system, which, draft is expected to be final in the coming week would bestow powers on school principals, school administrators, and regional DepEd officials to suspend or postpone opening of classes.
