Headlines
LTO patrols outreach services to CV towns
The Land Transportation Office in Region 7 gives a new meaning to the government drive to give inclusive services to its constituents in its e-patrols. Facing the problem of clogged transactions due to limited district offices which are also cramped by backlogs, the LTO 7 puts up its own version of a mobile service through its outreach off-site service licensing and renewal operations in Bohol. Launched in Panglao, February 18, the e-patrol is comprised of an air-conditioned bus loaded with a mini office complete with counters for documentary processes, plus a complimentary support of LTO staff handling out application forms, doctors to issue medical certificates, insurance providers, and a police clearance booth so those intending to have their LTO transactions can be served. LTO 7 Regional Director Victor Caindec said they are putting up the e-patrol outreach in Region 7 to get to the most number of people who have been stumped at the sheer number of clients and the waiting time there at district officers. Now slowly cutting their backlogs through the use of offsite printing offices to decongest the clients, five-year validity for licenses to cut on the number of renewals, but it still has other services including the decades old backlog in vehicle plates and other transactions. We have to thank Mayor Nila Montero for inviting us to come, Caindec who led the regional team told the modest crowd of applicants gathered at the town gym. Montero arranged for the team’s billeting and accommodations in the town, a huge cost that the LTO could not singlehandedly afford, the LTO 7 chief added. Before the program, a... read moreIPOPHL to hold intellectual property themed MCLE Program to Cebu on March 18-22
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) will be mounting the 2019 edition of the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) on March 18 to 22 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City in order to reach out to IP practitioners in the Visayas. “Scaling up our IP Education and Awareness drive is at the forefront of IPOPHL’s agenda. The MCLE Program’s first run outside of Luzon will be an essential learning opportunity for lawyers and non-lawyers alike. The curriculum for this lecture series is a diverse offering of updates on IP legislation, strategic innovation on IP core processes & appeals, commerce-related concepts of IP,” said Director General Josephine Santiago. Intellectual property processes, particularly in application and appeals, as well as the special rules and procedures on IP cases will also be discussed. Intellectual property is a game-changer of scientific innovation and creativity, and has been entrenched as a component of economic growth in the Philippine Development Plan particularly in chapters on advancing science, technology, and innovation & expanding economic opportunities for industry and services. The area of intellectual property is a new and exciting field in legal practice that remains to be fully tapped by a new generation of lawyers. With every sector, from manufacturing to banking, now being infused with technology, expertise in the field of intellectual property will complement law firms’ existing competencies in high-demand practice areas such as information technology and cyber law . Intellectual property has increasingly been a salient feature of modern free trade agreements, both bilateral and multilateral ones, putting it in a prime intersection with trade law. The lecture series... read more
Aris to D2 mayors: Update your CLUPs
By JUNE S. BLANCO REP. Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado has exhorted the 2nd District mayors to update their respective Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) – ensuring that these are aligned with the District Economic Master Plan (DEMP). Aumentado said the updated CLUPs must consider the development and progress of the towns in 10 to 20 years, including the inevitable expansion of the needs for growth centers. These include markets and malls, bus terminals, seaports, airport and other infrastructure, along with the widening of the road network. The expected boom in population must also be inputted. More people will need more vehicles, more spare parts and bigger parking spaces and terminals, more farm produce, bigger markets with more products offered for sale, fast food stores, and eateries ranging from carinderias to restaurants, boarding houses and hotels, even more classrooms, bigger infirmaries or hospitals, housing projects, and power, water, and telecommunications utilities, among others. From three to four buses at a time, Aumentado said the mayors should, as early as now, think of terminals that can accommodate from 10 to 50 buses, with proper ticketing and pre-departure areas. The towns should also conduct inventories and identify their tourism potentials and the accompanying road requirements. Buildings must not be randomly constructed. Building officials must see to it that they set back construction according to road classification, otherwise, this will pose a problem when the local government unit (LGU) decides to widen the road. Aumentado said on top of paying the owners for their property now encroaching into the road right-of-way, they might ask for payment anew for the improvements. The solon said...PH advances support for startups, opens hub in San Francisco
The Department of Trade and Industry through its Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Silicon Valley advances efforts in promoting the Philippine startup ecosystem development through projects that support the growth of the community. In partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco (SF PCG), PTIC Silicon Valley recently launched the Spark447, a co-working space and resource center at the Philippine Center’s building in San Francisco that aims to cater to Filipinos and Fil-Am start-up communities in the Bay Area. Ambassador Jose Miguel Romualdez and Consul General Henry Bensurto Jr. led the soft launch last 22 May 2017. “SPARK447 provide avenues for bringing the community in San Francisco closer together. But it doesn’t stop there, it will bring the Filipino tech community in San Francisco closer to our ecosystems in Manila and make change happen,” said PTIC Silicon Valley Trade Representative May Niña Celynne Layug. Spark447 is a shared office space, networking hub, and a place uniquely designed for rising entrepreneurs, freelancers, digital nomads and internet professionals. It is part of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco’s “Spark, Connect, Empower” (SCE) movement that aims to gather Filipino and Fil-American communities and individuals in the United States in building collaboration and partnerships that promote nation building. According to DTI Trade and Investments Promotion Group Undersecretary Nora Terrado, the establishment of Spark447 will be instrumental in showcasing the technology and business opportunities in the Philippines. “This will greatly complement our initiatives in promoting opportunities in the Philippines and the talents that we have particularly in advanced industries including manufacturing and the IT-BPM,” said Terrado. DTI in close partnership with...Local News/ Bohol Balita
AirJuan braces to serve Bohol ‘in flight’ and ‘in fright’
BOHOLANOS CAN NOW count on having seaplanes readily available in Bohol, whether it be for commercial flights to take them to business or pleasure destinations; or for emergencies or assistance in times of distress. Early this week, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto met with Peter Dejaresco of Bohol Chronicle/DYRD, Sarah Dejaresco of Angel’s Wings Tours and Travel, AirJuan Director of Operations Christian von Strombeck and AirJuan Legal Counsel Atty. Christer James Ray A. Gaudiano. The talk was about possible but imminent ties with Bohol not only for commercial flights but also, for possible assistance to our very own TaRSIER 117 for it to have available aircraft for its operations, especially in times of calamities or emergencies. Aside from this, Gov. Chatto and AirJuan executives are also mulling over the possibility of having airlifts for dam operations, especially during dry spells. The latter, of course, would still need the nod of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). If plans push through, a MOA Signing could possibly take place this month, in time for the Korea-Tagbilaran direct maiden flight on June 22. AirJuan is a charter airline that began in 2012 with a commitment to Philippine progress by making business and leisure destinations easily accessible by air. With a fresh and vibrant approach to business, its focus is on delivering best-in-class service by providing a pleasant and refreshing travel experience. In 2014, AirJuan began their scheduled charter flights in Palawan, flying from Puerto Princesa to the quaint island of Cuyo and the paradise island of Coron on their nine-seater Cessna Grand Caravan landplane. The...TRUE BOHOLANO, FUN, FOOD AND MORE AT SANDUGO 2017
The 2017 Sandugo festival kicks off with the opening of the Sandugo Night Market and the Sandugo Food Festival tomorrow, June 19 at the CPG Sports Complex. A celebration of Bohol cultural identity and creativity, this year, the festival puts together a distinct roster of activities that highlight the history, tradition, hospitality, culture, and creativity of the Boholanos. Festivities offer various events rolled into a grand fete for a diverse audience of Bol-anons and visitors alike. Night Market at CPG Complex The night market and food festival that runs until July 30 feature a food fair and trade fair, a carnival, cultural shows, and nightly entertainment that guarantee fun, flavor, and entertainment. Among major happenings are the International Fusion Nights that will run from July 21-30 simultaneous with the night market and the DTI Product Showcase that will be held on July 19-23 at the Island City Mall. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the Fun Run on July 2, a Boxing Competition on July 14, a Swimming Competition on July 15, and a Dragon Boat Competition on July 16. Original Boholano Songs at its best The Sandugo Song Festival will display Boholano singing and songwriting talent on July 20 at the Bohol Cultural Center. 12 finalists have been named as follows: Pangandoy Mo Matuman by Analiza Orcullo of Loon, Bohol; Ampingan Ko by Alfie James Anana of Poblacion, Inabanga; Bulan by Sergie Peter Balaba of Malbog, Jagna; Tokhang by Humphrey Mark Nicasio of Cogon, Tagbilaran City; Awit sa Hangin by Joseph Gara of Mayacabac, Dauis; Ms. Maldita by Geed Manfred Suaybaguio of...Space agency bill goes to plenary
By JUNE S. BLANCO HOUSE Science and Technology Committee Chair Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado (Bohol 2nd District) will submit to plenary shortly the bill proposing the creation of a space agency. Aumentado emphasized that it is high time that the Philippines upgrades its technology. One such leap would be by launching satellites into space to better communicate information to the people. The solon said the agency would be under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). He said on top of information gathering, satellites can also be a peace and order tool. He said they can best be maximized in surveillance activities as they can easily track the movements of people with suspicious activities. Satellites can locate suspects with surgical accuracy, he said. Aumentado expressed confidence that the bill will be approved in the plenary because it already has the backing of many of his colleagues. Applying the satellite to the Marawi City scenario, the solon said it can trace “with pinpoint accuracy” the location of the Maute terrorists agitating a rising rebellion in Muslim...Aris pushes for energy from waste, biomass
By JUNE S. BLANCO REP. Erico Aristotle Aumentado of Bohol’s 2nd District is looking at more sources of energy to meet the increasing demand of industries, and the population. On top of fossil fuel, geothermal, hydro (water), solar and wind that are currently in use, top on the chair of the House committee on science and technology’s sights are nuclear, waste and biomass power. To allay people’s fears of a repeat of the Chernobyl, Russia and Fukushima, Japan nuclear plant accidents, however, Aumentado, together with Zamboanga del Norte 1st District Rep. Seth Frederick Jalosjos, filed House Bill 3651 seeking to create a nuclear energy regulatory body. Meanwhile, Aumentado the other day talked with an investor keen on producing energy from waste – including plastics – as well as biomass, to meet the power demands of Bohol’s 2nd District. He said the former will cut government spending for the establishment of sanitary landfills. Funds saved from this, he said, can then go to infrastructure and even social projects instead. The solon expressed confidence that the mix of sources now and soon to be available will ultimately meet the growing power demands of the entire district – and even the province – without depending too much on the geothermal power plant in Tongonan, Leyte. An added advantage of biomass power, he explained, is the residuals in the conversion of biomass into power can be utilized as fertilizer – organic at that. The move, Aumentado said, will put his district one step closer to his aspiration of making it Bohol’s first “green”, that is environmentally sound, district. The waste and...Erico book launch set Thursday
By JUNE S. BLANCO WHEN it rains, it pours. This saying perfectly describes the four-point celebration that Rep. Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado (Bohol, 2nd District) and family wish to honor their father and grandfather – the solon’s immediate past congressional predecessor, Erico Boyles Aumentado, on his birthday on May 18. He would have turned 77 years old. When he was still alive, the Aumentado patriarch and his wife Grenie who was born on May 16, used to celebrate their birthdays together. The two-day difference did not matter. They were in love. And their union brought into this world eight children, 20 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. This year’s thanksgiving is made even more special with the passing of the bar of the only grandchild who took up law – lawyer Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor – daughter of Razel, Aris’ eldest sister. The Aumentado brood had taken up medical and other courses not related to lawyering. The elder Aumentado entered politics as senior Board Member, who was then elected at large. He became vice governor, completed three terms as congressman, completed three terms as governor, and was into another term as congressman when death overtook him. Through those years, he authored many ordinances, resolutions and laws. He also wrote long-running columns in local newspapers and was even a correspondent news writer-reporter and features writer for national dailies while still a student until he became a lawyer. His love for writing never faded – even during his final days on earth. But what he never got to finish because of his primary work was his autobiography. He had done several chapters,...National News
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