by admin | May 12, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
TAGBILARAN CITY, May 12, (PIA)–There might be a little hope for Balicasag, Panglao and maybe Cabilao to set up their municipal ports to be supervised by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), but they have to redo the proposals to get the plan back on track.
PPA Engineering services Division chief Engr. Richard Elopre told members of the Association of United Development Information Officers in Bohol (AUDIO) meeting at the PPA Multi-Purpose Hall that there used to be a proposal for the PPA to help build Balicasag and Cabilao Ports.
Although technically beyond the jurisdiction of the PPA, as the proposed ports would be serving small motorized boats and are regulated by the Maritime Industry Authority of the Philippines (MARINA) and fishing boats by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the PPA would have all operated ports under their supervision, PPA chief safety officer and public information officer Archt Epelito Arao-arao bared.
Earlier, information officers who listened to the PPA mandates asked how the PPA determines the establishment of ports.
Concerned about the haphazard manner by which boat operators dock in Panglao’s tourism island Balicasag, Panglao Information Officer and Executive Assistant Danny Reyes asked if the PPA can help put up a port of sorts to streamline Balicasag dive, snorkel and island hopping operations and spare the tourists from the hassle.
Reyes said around 80 to 100 motorized bancas come to Balicasag every day and dock just everywhere.
On this, Archt Arao-arao explained that since the 1970’s creation of the PPA, it has predetermined ports based on revenues, income, size and strategic locations as part of PPA ports system, then which were strategically spaced less than 50 kilometers.
Balicasag happens to be less than 50 kilometers from Tagbilaran.
All [established] ports in the country shall be under the supervision of the PPA, Araoarao, who has almost 20 years of PPA work in his belt, cited the mandate of the office and added that in Bohol, the PPA also exercises supervision over municipal ports like Bien Unido, Loay and Alburquerque.
He said, “we evaluate, as we are mandated by law, to assess the capacity of the operator, private entities, individual private ports.”
For those starting to operate one, he advised, they should have approval and permission from PPA as the agency will have it under its supervision.
In Bohol, PPA operates the ports of Tagbilaran, Loon, Tubigon, Getafe, Talibon, Ubay, Tapal and Jagna.
But, for Panglao, Archt Arao-arao, who presented his presentation by soliciting ideas, insights or suggestions on how to further develop the PPA services, also leaked that the PPA in Tagbilaran may help endorse the project proposed to the Central Office.
Engr Elopre said a common port for Balicasag and Cabilao has been tackled way back but the move died, himself not privy to what had happened.
The PPA engineering chief even added that an ocular inspection has been completed then and resurrecting the plan would also restart the paper process.
For now, the establishment of a PPA supervised port in Balicasag could be a move supportive of the town’s efforts to regulate and streamline motorized banca operations as well as stop the degradation of Balicasag coral cover, the indiscriminate dropping of anchors ruining patches of marine coral gardens. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | May 12, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita, Police Reports
TAGBILARAN CITY, May 11, (PIA)–Proven to be very reliable, information from the grassroots about the where-about of the remaining two wounded members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has kept government troops on their toes.
It might not be long before the timely report could come anytime and the capture of the remaining bandits could happen, Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño said, May 10.
With plenty unfiltered information getting in and communities on their toes, a regional police official summed, “right information at the right time should help.”
To do that, authorities are now organizing communities and capacitating residents what to look out for the of terrorists trying to evade government troops, through security briefings and impressed on the need to organize for information networking, while asserting and assuring tourists that travel in Bohol is still safe.
The Provincial Government gathered Bohol local officials: mayors and barangay captains including barangay peacekeeping action teams (BPATS) May 10, for the authorities to talk about helping government troops in reporting the presence of suspicious persons and of the Philippine National Police program Bikes for Peace and its events.
Explaining to members of the BPATS, barangay officials and local officials gathered for the Anti-Terrorism Information Drive at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran and at the Quinale Beach in Anda, General Taliño emphasized Boholano courage and unity which thwarted the terror attempts of the notorious group here.
The police regional chief cited the crucial information of the community in Napo, in validating the presence of the armed men after the intelligence sources report a plan by the ASG to venture into the Visayas.
The information resulted to the encounter and the death of 4 armed men, 2 supporters and 4 government troopers.
He also cited the information from a motorcycle for hire driver about the presence of suspicious men near a cave in Bacani Clarin, a week later.
Band leader Joselito Melloria and three of his armed companions died in the ensuing gunfight after the validation of the information.
The community also efficiently caused the apprehension of another ASG bandit who survived over nearly a month roaming the jungles of Inabanga, Clarin and Tubigon before giving himself away when he attended a fiesta and refused to eat pork.
In fact, Taliño pointed out that the government troops’ engagement with the bandits succeeded because of the timely action of local authorities.
Without the courage and unity, [of Boholanos] the ASG could have done [what they intend to do], he pointed out.
Because of this, Police Chief Superintendent Taliño led the Regional Police Office and the Bohol Provincial Police Office and civilian bike enthusiasts in a two day Bike of Peace events in Bohol.
For the 20 kilometer Ride for Peace in Panglao May 9, General Taliño said the Rides for Peace would be held to assure tourists that it is still safe to go to Bohol or any place in the Visayas.
In Anda, after taking the 44 kilometer ride, bikers danced the zumba while waiting for the barangay officials for the terrorism briefing.
Topics during the forum with the local officials and peace advocates include Community and personal Profiling as well as Community Organizing.
Both topics are very important in fortifying communities against the entry of suspicious strangers that may further do crimes and start terror cells, the Tagalog speaking police chief said.
Importanteng bagay ang gusto nating ma-achieve, he said of the Bike for Peace and the Anti-Terrorism Forum.
We want people to help and we want fortified communities to help take care of their security, he added.
As to the Bike for Peace, Taliño said we will be doing this [Bike For Peace] in Bohol, Cebu or Siquijor, little this may be, but anything that can help, we will do, he capped. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
PCSuperintendent Noli Taliño speaks to BPATS and barangay officials of Anda, Candijay and Guindulman during the recent Anti-Terrorism Forum held at the Quinale Beach in And Bohol following a 44 kilometer Bike for Peace Ride from Jagna to Anda. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | May 12, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminds business owners whose BN registrations will expire on June 30, 2017. DTI Bohol accepts early renewal of business name registration three (3) months before its expiry.
BN registrations that have already expired, but are still within three (3) months or ninety (90) days from the expiry date will be renewed without penalty. On the other hand, BN registrations that expired ninety one (91) days or more after their expiry dates can still be renewed but, with a fifty percent (50%) penalty/surcharge on the basic fee.
Business name registrations not renewed beyond one hundred eighty (180) days will be deleted automatically from our records thus, a new registration will be required.
by admin | May 8, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
TAGBILARAN CITY, May 8, (PIA)–Bike enthusiasts: mountain bikers and roadies including those with tri-aero bikes gather as much energy this week in preparation for the 263 kilometers 2017 Unity Bike Ride for Peace, Environment and Anti drugs, set May 13-14.
An event organizers, TriBohol said the ride needs no Lycra, no training, no racing, is just an easy fun.
Bohol’s 2017 Unity Ride is on its 6th year of taking the entire belt road of the island, Bohol Circumferential Road, in a two-day fun ride that unites all bike enthusiasts and the bike clubs all over the province.
Taking the Tagbilaran to Talibon route on day 1, the Unity riders, would meet up at the Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran from 3:30 AM May 13.
They would then set off via the eastern belt to Jagna where the ride breakfast would happen as riders check in between 8:00 to 9:00.
Then the bikers would take the road again to Ubay some 53.3 kilometers for lunch and the noon break.
While the organizers have assured the hot summer ride would have both emergency medical support and police escorts, rests have been declared to riders, between 11 to 2 PM.
The ride picks up again in the afternoon to the long flat highway to Talibon, about 38.2 kilometers away.
In Talibon, riders would relax with a unity rider program and solidarity night of games, raffles and dinner, before preparing for the next morning’s ride.
By May 14, the group would be leaving Talibon at 4:30 and is expected to be in Tubigon around 8:00 for the breakfast, before heading off again back to the city.
In previous rides though, bikers who would be running at an average of 21 to 25 kilometers would be the first batch to be freed first, followed by those who could spin at 26-29 kilometers a few minutes later.
The faster riders who would be taking the 30-40 Kilometers per hour would be last to be sent out. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | May 6, 2017 | DTI Updates, Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
TAGBILARAN CITY, April 28, (PIA)–While Jagna town celebrates its calamay industry in an aptly named festival, April 28-30, it also brings out to the world 17 other local products that the town’s small medium enterprises development churned in the past years.
Jagna Mayor Fortunato Abrenilla, during the opening ceremonies of the festival that celebrates a product support for Bohol’s tourism industry said the 3rd Calamay Festival is not anymore just about the calamay, but also about the new products which the communities have developed.
Most of these new products however produced by are small organizations assisted by Jagna Small and Medium Enterprise Development (JASMED) Unit and are in the food and home industry line.
Jagna information Officer Amiela Balaba identified the newest developed products as doormats, rugs and potholders of Jagna Relief Society Homemakers, a group organized by the Mormons of Poblacion, in town.
Another new hip product in line with vitamin fortification program of the government is the Malunggay Cookies and Rosquillos of Pangdan Women’s Association, the famous Ampao of the Tejero Women’s Association, candles by Faraon Women’s Association, peanut butter from Cambugason and the Torta de Jagna of Malbog Development Women Association.
Years back, JASMED also assisted communities in town develop their products to make them open for the market.
Among those are Cambugason Women’s Organization’s Caffeine-free Maize Cape, squash noodles Pancit Yaning of LACEH – Tubod Monte, the famed calamay of Jagna Calamay Makers Cooperative (JACAMACO), Jagna cookies of Nausok Women’s Association, Ube Polvoron of Jagna Women Ube Processors and Confectioners Association, Inc.
Also in there was Jagna’s Tableya de Binsoy and Jagna Banana Chips of Canjulao League of Women, Kinabag-an Virgin Coconut Oil of Kinagbaan Coconut Farmers and Processors Organization.
Councilor Maricris Jamora explained that the product development was part of the long term vision of the town to come up with a one barangay one product, a vision ably supported by the creation of the Jasmed.
JASMED also presented to the world the newest products that Jagna has developed after three years of the Calamay Festival. Mayor Fortunato Abrenilla said Calamay Festival incidentally also includes other town products that now support the tourism industry. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | Apr 29, 2017 | Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
TAGBILARAN CITY, April 27, (PIA)–A fishery resource management program implemented among the municipalities sharing the Danajon Double Barrier Reef (DBR) in Bohol closes its project but not after making milestones in community empowerment for fisheries management towards poverty alleviation.
Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries (EcoFISH), with Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and the representatives of the United States Agency for international Development (USAID) received statement of commitments from people’s organizations in their assisted sites.
The statements of commitment from eight people’s organizations of fishermen declare that a sustainable protection and conservation of their marine resources is important in maintaining the well being of their communities.
Mocaboc Island Fishers Association, Entrepreneurs Association for Sustainable Economic Development (EASED) of Alumar Island in Getafe (seaweeds production and marketing enterprise), EASED in Asinan, Buenavista (seaweeds pickle production and marketing enterprise), EASED in Jandayan Getafe (seaweeds nursery, production and marketing enterprise), Bansan Islands Seaweed Farmers and Fisherman’s Association, Bagacay Seaweeds Farmers Association of Sag, Talibon, Bagacay Seaweeds Farmers Association of Bagacay Talibon, Bilang-bilangan Daku Women’s Association (BIDAWA) of Bilangbilangan island, Bien Unido, Union Farmers and Fisherfolks Organization all said they would implement the EcoFISH concept of ecosystems approaches to fisheries management (EAFM).
Fully understanding the need to decrease the tension in fisheries to allow the degraded resource to recover, the groups said any income derived from their economic enterprises, they would not use to buy more fishing gear that would contribute to the overfishing issue in their area.
EcoFISH is a government project implemented by the DA-BFAR with assistance from the USAid addressed the complex problem of fast dying marine ecosystems, diminishing fish catch and the pervading poverty that may have caused this vicious cycle of problems.
Implemented in the coastal towns sharing the Danajon DBR from Tubigon to Carlos P. Garcia in Bohol, project implementers have completed the zonification of the area to avoid more inter-local government unit conflicts in resource utilization, did multiple research activities on economic profiles, fisheries profiles which form the base of the enhanced ecosystems approaches to fisheries management (EAFM) as well as innovations in law enforcement, said Anecita Gulayan, project executive officer.
At the beginning of the project, EcoFISH intended to attain a 10% increase in fisheries biomass in the Danajon, an increase in employment caused by sustainable management of its fisheries, establish at least 8 public-private partnerships supportive of EcoFISH objectives and a large portion of Danajon marine environment placed under improved management.
We may have not done as much as those people want to see, after all, the earthquake that hit Bohol in 2013 also affected so much of Bohol’s underwater ecosystems, but, Gulayan reported a slight increase in fisheries biomass.
Danajon, is among the very few double barrier reefs in the world, and is stretching as a natural protection barrier for coastal towns of Tubigon, Clarin, Inabanga, Buenavista, Getafe, Talibon, Trinidad, Bien Unido, Ubay and Carlos P. Garcia.
Covering over 271 square kilometers, the Danajon, according to experts can have a yield of between $30K to $110 per square kilometer if properly managed.
This could already feed as well as adequately supply for the protein needs of the community as well as make sustainable fisheries a viable option for fishermen in the region, BFAR 7 Regional Director Dr. Allan Poquita said.
Considered a very valuable marine resource and the source of food of communities in 17 municipalities and cities in four provinces, experts including Danajon scientist Dr. Allan White have said that an effective collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders is needed to properly rehabilitate and manage the Danajon bank.
We may have not done as much as those people want to see, but after five years, we have significantly reduced boundary conflicts in the coastal towns sharing Danajon, Gulayan added.
The project has also set up a marine protected area network that collaborates with government that are supporting EAFM, Gulayan who has been a sector regular worker said.
Even without livelihood component, much of the work that EcoFISH leaves behind is one quantifiable only by the way of life coastal communities along Danajon are having and having a future to look forward to. This would be worth much more than the five years of empowering communities gives to people who now see their resource as finite and must be taken cared of. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
