February 17, 2005

 Seminar on good manufacturing practices/haccp set on feb. 22-24

the Dipolog Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the Canadian government’s PEARL2 Project and the Department of Science & Technology, is inviting local enterprises engaged in the food manufacturing and processing business to attend a three-day Seminar-Workshop on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) scheduled on February 22-24, 2005 (Tuesday to Thursday) at the ZN Provincial Library, Dipolog City.

The course, to be conducted by experts coming from the Department of Science & Technology in Manila, is designed to create awareness on Good Manufacturing Practices and HACCP for food industries. The seminar deals with set of current sanitary and processing guidelines which apply to all food processing establishments or food workers to assure safe, wholesome and quality products

The three-day seminar includes lecture and case studies on Standard Safety Operating Procedures, the 5 S of Good Housekeeping and HACCP Planning, among others. Participants will also be able to visit processing facilities and conduct actual plant audit. The seminar is intended for individuals who are directly involved in the food business such as company owners, production managers/engineers, technical staff, quality control supervisors and others who are interested to engage in the food industry business.

The seminar is a component of the Chamber’s partnership project with Pearl2 which aims to develop business communities in Zamboanga del Norte that are friendly to tourists and attractive to investors by enhancing the capabilities of the local small and medium enterprises. (Reference: Arfel Paqueo, Executive Director, DCCI)

Thinking Aloud…
By: Atty. Paul G. Gudmalin

Each Filipino owes P45,000

Local and foreign borrowing to cover the country’s budget deficit increased national government debt to 3.8 trillion before the close of year 2004. With 84 million Filipinos, each now owes about P45,000 to creditors.

The Department of Finance data showed that P1.99 trillion of the total debt came from domestic sources and the remaining P1.81 trillion from abroad. The regular auction of treasury bills and bonds is the source of government’s local borrowing. Foreign debts are incurred through the issuance of sovereign bonds in the international credit market, as well as development assistance deals with lending agencies. Accordingly, the foreign debt was computed using the 56-1 to a dollar exchange rate during the period. However, outgoing Finance Secretary Juanita Amatong said profile of the country’s debts, most of which have long term maturities, places the government far from the much feared fiscal crisis.

The government has adopted the policy of “opportunistic” borrowing taking advantage of long term debt facilities. The government prefers local borrowing to avoid foreign exchange risk. The government is left with no other alternative than resorting to borrowing as its expenses continue to outpace revenues. The government has been in deficit since the late 90’s.

The reason why the government has proposed several measures, such as an increase in the value added tax rate, to “increase revenues and narrow the budget gap”. Will the government able to close the budget gap on or before 2010, the end of President Arroyo’s term is the big question? Will the government succeed in passing increased tax and revenue measures is another guess? If the Senate does not concur with the House version on the increased tax burden, the proposal will be consigned to oblivion, and naturally it has some international repercussion insofar as foreign money borrowing is concerned.

The resounding appeal of Finance Secretary Amatong to our legislators is to pass and consider the administration tax measures certified as urgent by the President and as a means of ending the impending fiscal crisis.

Quotes of the day

-There is enough for the needy but not enough for the greedy- Anonymous. (Tingog PENINSULA, Vol. X No. 14)

The New Nandau Guest Editorial
Florante and Gloria

President Arroyo’s indecisive move against Florante Soriquez, former Public Works secretary now demoted to undersecretary, amid a flurry of graft accusations against him again mirrors Gloria’s style of governance based on accommodations. With Soriquez accepting the denigration of going down the ladder to join the ranks of his accusers reflects the tenacity of Gloria’s appointees to hang on to lucrative positions for obvious reasons.

It also heavily reflects Gloria’s penchant for protecting the appointed officials who serve her well - for personal purposes and perhaps even for gain as too many suspect. Soriquez’s demotion was a jackass of a decision. The presumption was that there was proof of irregularities on Soriquez for Gloria to find it necessary to remove him from his post in a graft-ridden government agency.

A demotion therefore is unconceivable in this case. Because, if one goes by logic, bringing Soriquez one step down the ladder would point to the conclusion that while Gloria believes that the impropriety committed by Soriquez is a disgrace, or a potential one for a Cabinet member, it is, however, not too much of a disgrace for somebody a rung lower, else why, after removing him from the top position in the DPWH, she appoints him immediately as undersecretary, when she cannot place him under preventive suspension, or fire him outright.

Or was she afraid to do so, since it is commonly believed that Soriquez knows too much, or at least knows enough to blow her to kingdom come? Like most of Gloria’s appointees. Soriquez was appointed as DPWH chief on the strength of his closeness to the presidential couple, as well as through the backing of the cabal of power brokers in Malacañang.

It is widely believed that First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo was Soriquez’s sponsor and Gloria’s pussyfooting was the result of the presidential spouse’s influence over government’s affairs. But that may be giving the presidential spouse too much credit, when the credit, as knowledgeable people, should be shared by Gloria Arroyo. After all, wasn’t the road tax diverted to the Gloria-for- President Campaign handled by Soriquez? And weren’t all those overpriced DPWH projects - amounting to some P4 billion atop the price - being rushed leading to the campaign of Gloria?

There was something else to note on Soriquez’s conduct of everyday business at the DPWH, which is his seemingly warped sense of etiquette. The way he explained his way out from allegations made by Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza that he had extorted P50,000 from each of the country’s 173 district engineers was that all he had been asking was for the supply of bougainvilleas for a beautification project in Manila.

If there was indeed such a project, then funds should have been alloted for it but the way Soriquez explained it, he was asking the district engineers to deliver the flowers at their expense.

But why should even the DPWH get into the flower business? The lame reason that is expected from Soriquez for this would be that funds for the project are short.

This was the same line of reasoning when Mrs. Arroyo asked the country’s top businessmen to contribute to the coffers to prevent a financial crisis, where she tapped them for P1 million up from the top 50,000 businessmen. After a time, Gloria announced that the country was over the fiscal crisis hump. Corruption is defined as the use of a position of trust for dishonest gain and this appears to be evident in Soriquez’s case, whether in the matter of bougainvilleas or outright cash being solicited from each DPWH officer. A decision to demote him may mean, in the baffling mind of Gloria, that evidence of crookedness against Soriquez was not vulgar enough if he were an undersecretary.

The argument then goes that the least impropriety Soriquez committed was that of soliciting bougainvilleas for the state’s interest, which is a project that still should have been backed by government funds, thus the demotion, which is the least of the penalties that can be imposed on Soriquez. So the question that follows is what does it make of Gloria soliciting money from businessmen for a fiscal crisis that evidently came out, and she backing it up with a declaration shortly of being out of the fiscal woods as merely a tactic to pressure Congress into passing harsher tax measures?

A demotion for her would suffice. She was, after all, before the power grab, just a Vice President. (The New Nandau, Vol. XIV No. 38)

Credits: The New Nandau is a member of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI). Editorial office is located at 076 Quezon Avenue, Dipolog City with Tel. No. (065) 212-3794; Cell No. +639205201041

 Mindanao Star Editorial
Shattering the myth of Gani’s legacy

All his life ex-governor Isagani Amatong wanted to believe that he is alone in the pedestal of intellect and superior knowledge, at least in the area of public administration and governance.

He wanted everybody to believe that he is the only Mr. Clean that could deliver the goods that could make the difference in the lives of the poor people. He wanted to convey that good governance could only be carried out with him at the helm of power.

But Amatong was just dreaming, he’s just pondering illusions because the fact is, it                       was just a myth, a web of fantasy wrap by good marketing and public relations. Armed with his media wares, his newspaper and his radio station, Amatong thread the way to a one-sided public relations that had cleansed his dark side. That he is just an ordinary guy projected by his cabal of journalists as becoming a false god. He was a man that relies mainly in public relations because the fact is, they think they’re powerful enough because they have this very dangerous political and public relations weapon, the media.

After Amatong lost in the last elections his real self was exposed as being a vindictive sour graping losser, a politician without a good sense of sportsmanship. His idea of using two bird-brained commentators to destroy his enemy is in itself a bad public relations move. He thinks he already has gotten back on his nemesis, but his thoughts became a sharp weapon that would eventually slice-up his political destiny. He is even less than Frankenstein because he was consumed by his creatures, these two air lane monsters that are on the loose. Now how could somebody say that he was the same Gani portrayed by his boys? When he already let loose that myth when he threaded the road to perdition. Poor man. (Mindanao Star, Vol. I No.9)

Credits: Mindanao Star is published once a week and is circulated to the 25 Municipalities and 2 Cities of the province of Zamboanga del Norte. Mindanao Star can be reached through the following contact info: #096 C.M. Montaño Building, Gen. Luna Street, Dipolog City; Phone/Fax No. (065) 212-2576; Email: mindanaostar@zamboangadelnorte.com

Credits: Mindanao Star is published once a week and is circulated to the 25 Municipalites and 2 Cities of the province of Zamboanga del Norte. Mindanao Star Editorial Office: #096 C.M. Montaño Building, Gen. Luna Street, Dipolog City; Phone/Fax No. (065) 212-2576; Email: mindanaostar@zamboangadelnorte.com

Vital Life
By: April del Rosario-Lopez, M.D.
Near Death Experiences (NDEs)

Psychic researches now recognize a physical state called “near death” wherein on nearly dies and comes back to life usually after a successful resuscitation. Not all who were in the brink of death have gone through an NDE but a few have lived to tell their stories. What happens in an NDE is a supernatural mystery. Scientists in the paranormal fields have studied these extensively and have come up with numerous interpretations and controversies. Other critics dismiss these as merely visions and illusions brought about by a dying brain devoid of oxygen, releasing hallucinogenic chemicals in the process. A few researchers have grouped themselves to form the Near Death Experience Research Foundation (NDERF) to conclude that NDEs are not due to hallucinations or mental/psychiatric dysfunctions. Persons who have experienced this phenomenon have felt their experience was significant, meaningful and real. Through the years, many were interviewed but no two NDEs were identical. However, certain patterns can be noted in many NDEs.

-Nine Traits of an NDE-

· Associated life-threatening event and a sense of feeling dead.

· A deep sense of peace and painlessness.

· An out-of-body experience (separation of consciousness from the body). Some see their bodies from a distance.

· A tunnel experience. Many see themselves entering a dark tunnel. A bright light is seen at the end of the tunnel and movement towards it is accelerated. Usually, one travels through this by himself. Occasionally, others are accompanied by another being(s).

· Sees people of light, often deceases relative and friends.

· Sees a being of light, often perceived to be Jesus or an angel.

· Experiences a life review. This is described as a rapid panoramic review of one’s life, just like watching a fast-forward movie. This is a rapid presentation of how the experiencers actions have affected other lives. Some have even received previously unknown information about one’s life, eg. Adoption or deceased siblings.

· Reluctance to return. The decision to return may be voluntary or involuntary. If voluntary, the return is often preceded by discussion with the spiritual beings and is often associated with unfinished life responsibilities. If involuntary, the person usually comes back to life with feelings of sadness and loss.

· Changes of attitudes and beliefs. NDE experiencers come back to life with a reviewed vigor for life, a heightened belief in God, a loss of fear of death, and establish a more loving relationship with others.

-The Greater Journey-

Alex Dealey, professor of New Testament at Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, explains, “Some NDEs are clearly the work of God. The curtain between this world and the next is pulled back by God for the reassurance of his people in distress.” Another medical practitioner, Dr. David Hager from Lexington, Kentucky feels that “it is a drawing near of God’s presence in our lives to reassure us to help us through the fear of that transition (death).

Death should not be something to be feared at. Ideally, it must be something to look forward to. A last journey that each of us eventually takes. Of all the stories that have been told, NDEs present us with a heart-warming reality that all of us could one day see our creator face-to-face – “No eye has seen, no ear has heard”, what our Father has prepared for us in His kingdom. No earthly royal majesty can compare with what awaits us in heaven. As Jesus said, “In my father’s mansion, there are many rooms and I will come back to prepare one for you.” Such are reassuring words for each one of us to prepare for the greatest journey that awaits us back home to our heavenly Father. (Tingog PENINSULA, Vol. X No. 14)

Pagtabok ni Berto sa APP welcome devp’t

Gikalipay ni Konsehal Atty. Uldarico “Ricky” Mejorada II ang pagtabok ni Dipolog City Mayor Roberto Y. Uy sa Alliance of Parties for Progress kun APP. Gipahayag sa konsehal nga usa ka

“welcome move” dili alang lamang sa mayor ang mao niyang pagbatok sa APP kun dili para kini sa kaayuhan sa katawhan ning dakbayan.Aminado ang konsehal  mihulma ug mga

The Other Side of Midnight

I was approached lately by true friends asking me to keep my 'attacks' on Governor Yebes to the minimum as possibly I can. Curiously, they could not even pinpoint a thing which could nearly come to an "attack" the way such adjective should aptly apply to my style of writing, Jose. Nonetheless, I assured my friends that I shall "attack" only constructively, and always as objectively as the situation calls for it to be.

o0o

Frankly, the critics of Yebes are succeeding in eroding, nay, casting a doubt as to the capability of the smiling governor to command respect among his people. The occurences of how underlings and inconsequential casuals and other "small-time governors" abuse government property and defy public accountability is at the core of the problem of respect that Yebes so heart-rendingly hunger for. It is only when the governor stops smiling and starts snarling will he perhaps earn the ears of his own people.

o0o

Curiously, people now start to respect the brother of the governor, the venerable Mr. Pink, as the Amatong press derisively calls him then. He earns my respect, hands down, because after having been criticized more unfairly than fairly in most of the times, he was able to get the signal and asked his brother -governor to be allowed to stay off the corridors of Capitol now. Admiringly, if governor Lando can do that to his brother, order him to stay away, that is, I wonder most loudly, why he could not tell the other "boys", literally, from playing their marbles at the hallowed halls of power! It takes the depth of my imagination actually, why these people could not understand that they are eroding instead of helping Governor Lando achieve his purpose at Capitol. It is not hard to imagine actually, that people who have figured out in the criticisms should now start answering for their OWN acts rather than drag the governor in their notoriety and infamy.

o0o

Take the case of the casuals who figured in the fistfight during the Christmas party. Should not they have the decency to get out rather than wait for the governor to be beaten black and blue over such childish aberrations? Take for example Damuag. Isn't the most honorable thing to do is just to fade away rather than seek comfort under the skirts of the governor's influence after having been exposed for the dubious scholastic records he submitted to the Civil Service? Take Dumat-ol and all the rest of the drivers who figured in controversies which are dragging the columns of Capitol more successfully than a blind Samson who toppled the columns of that biblical palace! These are the small pests that gnaw more in the psyche of the public and the governor. They hurt Lando more than the acid thrown by the critics of the administration, mind you! I should know better to criticize Lando for an insignificant error. Maybe it is good to recall that even before Lando came to this province; I have been friend and critic to all the officials who ever sat here, including the last occupant at Capitol- Gani Amatong. This may sound bashful, Jose, but I have the fear that whoever my pen washes with acid, is doomed to reap the curse they did not learn from their predecessors. I admire Lando for "standing by his men". But I also pity him for "standing by his men, wrongly." There must be a limit to friendship. Governance demands so. (Tingog PENINSULA, Vol. X No. 14)

Credits: Tingog PENINSULA is published by the Horn Blower Publications with editorial office at MINAOG HIGHWAY (100 meters after GSIS going to Dapitan City) Dipolog City with Tel. No. (065) 212-4703; Cell No. +63918346-8133

The Egg and The Hen

So far, the good news regarding the “love gift” for City Hall and Capitol employees remains elusive. It seems their hope for a happier Valentine’s Day Celebration this year has totally faded away. National employees are luckier though. They are going to receive cash by all means, sooner or later, depending on the mood of the people in Malacañang.

There may be no windfall for local government employees this Valentine’s Day, but one thing should at least make their day. Our ‘Peso’ is getting stronger against the dollar. The country is still in a deep financial crisis, but with the declaration of the Philippine government of a reinvigorated mining industry, the value of the Peso suddenly improves.

Many citizens of this country, including the various churches are opposed to mining, perhaps, for good reasons. After all, the last calamity that rendered more than four hundred people dead in Luzon, and many others homeless, was attributed to illegal logging. Mining, like logging, is very much an environmental issue. And sentimental as we are, any trade that has something to do with the environment faces a stiff opposition. Well, we can’t blame those who strongly oppose it. Experiences in the past tell us that there were people who exploited the industries to the detriment of the Filipino nation. However, this doesn’t mean that we should altogether stop the operation and development of these industries just because they are subject to abuse first, by mining firms and logging companies; and second, by government officials (from national to local) who demand “entrance fees” from the companies before they could start with their exploration. No entrance fees or less grease money means no “business.” Corrupt public officials are killing these industries and are driving investors away.

All this time when the country reels in deep financial trouble, mining, the industry that is acknowledged to resurrect our economy remains consigned to the doldrums. But sad to say, there’s a very slim chance for this industry to prosper in this country with the “urong-sulong” policy of the government. If the government is serious in making mining as our passport to recovery, then environmental safeguards must be put in place the soonest possible time. Those who are opposed to it for purely environmental reasons should start reconsidering their position and help instead in crafting an environmental safety net with government authorities and agencies. It is ironic that we should continue to wallow in poverty and be saddled with all the taxes that Madam Gloria’s administration can think of despite this God-given wealth just waiting for us to use and develop. God didn’t give us oil fields, but He gave us mineral and aquatic resources to make use of (correctly). The ‘oil fields’ in the Middle East pose a lot of dangers to people, yet, nations in that part of the world have successfully addressed their environmental problems and have made the oil industry their passport to economic prosperity.   

Contrary to what others believe, this paper considers mining as a ‘boon’, not ‘bane’. Environmental concerns notwithstanding, we believe that the wealth below the bowels of the earth is God’s gift to the Philippines worthy of envy, the whole world over. It is a  grave mistake to let this natural resource go untapped while the whole country literally begs from the dollar-rich nations for donations and dole-outs, not to count mercy for a debt we could not pay in a trillion years.

The environment can be protected when we have the money to spend for its protection. The environment can “heal and replenish” itself as fast as money can be channeled for that purpose. We always are made to believe that environment and mining destroy each other. But do they? It seems this age-old conflict is no less perplexing than the proverbial question of what came first: the hen or the egg? (Tingog PENINSULA, Vol. X No. 14)

No other way but up!

If we’re already down in the bottom of the ladder, then there’s no other way but up. Unless, of course, if we don’t strive hard enough to climb back up in the ladder of success, then we’ll remain in the bottom forever! Ha . . . ha! But nobody wants to stay in the bottom forever, no? Everybody wants to succeed. Many by working hard, putting their whole mind, heart and soul into their endeavors. Some by hook or by crook. Others by dreaming of winning the lotto jackpot. Heh  . . . heh! And a lot more by putting their faith in God.

-o0o-

But God only helps those who help themselves first. That’s why, as a nation, our leaders are struggling to keep this country afloat. Our sinking economy is now slowly but surely nursing back to health. Thanks to the initial tax measures passed by Congress, investors are coming in and our peso is gaining strength compared to the dollar. In short, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel that the budget deficit can be wiped out sooner than later. And we can expect more jobs as new businesses sprout and old ones expanded.

-o0o-

Life goes on, so to speak. “Sabungeros” still flock to the cockpits every cockfighting day. Lotto stations are crowded every day, too! Ha . . .ha! Carenderias are full and sometimes ran out of food if you’re a bit late. There are new building constructions everywhere. And new luxury vehicles are cruising on the streets and highways. Really, we wonder why some people continue to complain about the hard times when progress seems to be just around the corner. Heh . . . heh! They must be the unlucky ones or lazy ones or just plain “dimalas”. Ho . . .ho!

-o0o-

Anyway, we should be prepared for better times ahead because that’s exactly where we’re going. After all the hardships we’ve been through like the Asian financial crisis, the budget deficit, peace and order problems, calamities both man-made and natural, political upheavals and cultural conflicts, we must’ve already learned our lessons of the past, correct our mistakes and avoid committing the same blunders. Or else, we may never get ourselves back on the track to peace, progress and prosperity. As they say, only fools don’t change their minds.

-o0o-

Oh, there are so many examples of nations which rose up from the ashes of defeat or failure to become triumphant again. There’s the USA which went through some civil wars, economic depression, disorder and, finally, the demolition of its navy and air force by the surprise attack by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. But the Americans didn’t surrender to every crisis they encountered. Instead, for love of country, they united themselves to make the USA the greatest and most powerful nation on earth that it is today.

-o0o-

Japan is another. Its military might was in ruins and its economy is shambles after suffering a devastating defeat in World War II. But it maintained its nationalism and national discipline to rise up from the grave to become one of the world’s economic powers that it is today. So, they’re no longer sending soldiers to invade nations. They’re resorting to economic invasion to conquer the world. That’s why, we’re seeing Japanese products everywhere. In return, we send them a new brand of “comfort women” as entertainers. Heh . . . heh!

-o0o-

Now, what do USA and Japan have in common that they were able to overcome their problems? Simple! They love their country and they united to make their country great again! Crab mentality is not their way of life. They think that what’s good for their country is good enough for them. They’re even willing to make sacrifices to achieve what their leaders or government believe is good for their country. There’s no “idjah-idjah, aho-aho.” As the majority decides, the rest of the people follow. Now, how many of us, Filipinos, can do just that? (The New Nandau, Vol. XIV No. 38)

-o0o-

But God only helps those who help themselves first. That’s why, as a nation, our leaders are struggling to keep this country afloat. Our sinking economy is now slowly but surely nursing back to health. Thanks to the initial tax measures passed by Congress, investors are coming in and our peso is gaining strength compared to the dollar. In short, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel that the budget deficit can be wiped out sooner than later. And we can expect more jobs as new businesses sprout and old ones expanded.

-o0o-

Life goes on, so to speak. “Sabungeros” still flock to the cockpits every cockfighting day. Lotto stations are crowded every day, too! Ha . . .ha! Carenderias are full and sometimes ran out of food if you’re a bit late. There are new building constructions everywhere. And new luxury vehicles are cruising on the streets and highways. Really, we wonder why some people continue to complain about the hard times when progress seems to be just around the corner. Heh . . . heh! They must be the unlucky ones or lazy ones or just plain “dimalas”. Ho . . .ho!

-o0o-

Anyway, we should be prepared for better times ahead because that’s exactly where we’re going. After all the hardships we’ve been through like the Asian financial crisis, the budget deficit, peace and order problems, calamities both man-made and natural, political upheavals and cultural conflicts, we must’ve already learned our lessons of the past, correct our mistakes and avoid committing the same blunders. Or else, we may never get ourselves back on the track to peace, progress and prosperity. As they say, only fools don’t change their minds.

-o0o-

Oh, there are so many examples of nations which rose up from the ashes of defeat or failure to become triumphant again. There’s the USA which went through some civil wars, economic depression, disorder and, finally, the demolition of its navy and air force by the surprise attack by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. But the Americans didn’t surrender to every crisis they encountered. Instead, for love of country, they united themselves to make the USA the greatest and most powerful nation on earth that it is today.

-o0o-

Japan is another. Its military might was in ruins and its economy is shambles after suffering a devastating defeat in World War II. But it maintained its nationalism and national discipline to rise up from the grave to become one of the world’s economic powers that it is today. So, they’re no longer sending soldiers to invade nations. They’re resorting to economic invasion to conquer the world. That’s why, we’re seeing Japanese products everywhere. In return, we send them a new brand of “comfort women” as entertainers. Heh . . . heh!

-o0o-

Now, what do USA and Japan have in common that they were able to overcome their problems? Simple! They love their country and they united to make their country great again! Crab mentality is not their way of life. They think that what’s good for their country is good enough for them. They’re even willing to make sacrifices to achieve what their leaders or government believe is good for their country. There’s no “idjah-idjah, aho-aho.” As the majority decides, the rest of the people follow. Now, how many of us, Filipinos, can do just that? (The New Nandau, Vol. XIV No. 38)

Credits: The New Nandau is a member of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI). Editorial office is located at 076 Quezon Avenue, Dipolog City with Tel. No. (065) 212-3794; Cell No. +639205201041