San Fernando City and La Union Province [Archive] - Page 15

william :D

September 18th, 2010, 08:00 AM

Northrail

Main line
La Union
San Fernando - San Fernando City
Bauang - Bauang
Caba - Caba
Aringay - Aringay
Agoo - Agoo
Santo Tomas - Santo Tomas
Damortis - Brgy. Damortis, Rosario [terminus for car/bus shuttle service to Baguio City]
Pangasinan
Poponto - Brgy. Poponto, Bautista
Bautista - Bautista
Bayambang - Bayambang
Malasiqui - Malasiqui
San Carlos - San Carlos City
Calasiao - Calasiao
Dagupan - Dagupan City
Mangaldan - Mangaldan
San Fabian - San Fabian
Tarlac
Moncada - Moncada
Paniqui - Paniqui
Gerona - Gerona
Tarlac City - Tarlac City Proper, Tarlac City
San Miguel - Brgy San Miguel, Tarlac City
Capas - Capas
Bamban - Bamban
Pampanga
Mabalacat - Mabalacat
Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (proposed) - Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City
SM City Clark (proposed) - Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City
Dau - Brgy. Dau, Mabalacat
Balibago - Brgy. Balibago, Angeles City (Main gate - Clark Special Economic Zone)
Angeles - Angeles City
Calulut - San Fernando City
San Fernando - San Fernando City
Apalit - Apalit
Bulacan
Calumpit - Calumpit (originally closed, but still a stopping station)
Plaridel - Plaridel
Malolos - near the Bulacan Provincial Capitol, Malolos City
Guiguinto - Guiguinto (ruins only)
Balagtas (Bigaa) - Balagtas [Terminus of the Balagtas-Cabanatuan branch line, now defunct]
Bocaue - Bocaue (ruins only)
Marilao - Marilao
Meycauayan - Meycauayan City

[B]Metro Manila

Trains parked at Tutuban station in Manila.
Valenzuela - near Gen. T. de Leon Street (C5), Barangay General T. de Leon, Valenzuela City
Malabon - Brgy. Tugatog, Malabon City
Caloocan - Sangandaan, Caloocan City [The major repair shops and depot of the PNR are located here]
Tutuban (Tayuman) - Tutuban Mall, Tondo, Manila
Tarlac-San Jose branch
Tarlac
Tarlac City - Tarlac City
Nueva Ecija
Cabanatuan - Cabanatuan City (Terminus of the Balagtas-Cabanatuan branch line)
Guimba - Guimba
Muñoz - Science City of Muñoz
San Jose - San Jose City
source (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Philippine_National_Railways_stations)

hugodiekonig

September 19th, 2010, 01:47 AM

By Margaux Salcedo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 18:01:00 09/18/2010

Filed Under: Small Business, business, Entrepreneurship, Food

A BRILLIANT idea goes a long way.

And so it was for Bibingkinitan.

When Richard Sanz got into the kiosk business selling various kinds of iced tea in Market! Market! and Food Choices in Glorietta IV, he found out that it wasn’t as lucrative as he had imagined. So he sat down with his family and brainstormed over what kind of product the market would go crazy over. The conclusion was a family favorite: bibingka.

But the keen observation was that as a general rule, since the regular bibingka size is larger than what can be consumed by an individual in one sitting, there is much that is left over. So they literally cut the bibingka down to size. Thus was born the bibingkinitan.

It was an instant hit. I remember the first Christmas that I saw this kiosk near the escalator at Food Choices in Glorietta IV. There was a line! The only other store I remember having that kind of impact was Bread Talk. (I figure it’s largely due to their wise factoring in of the element of smell into their business set up.) Even at that time, the buzz was that Bibingkinitan was grossing at least P100,000 a day from kiosk sales.

No wonder that in just a few months, they were approached for franchising.

“I was not so keen on franchising initially but I did explore the idea with a consultant,” Sanz shared in an interview. The result, as proudly stated on their Facebook page: “Established in 2004 with a humble capitalization of P100,000 with its first store in Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City, Bibingkinitan has grown to 180 stores in 2010 in all major cities and towns in the whole Philippines.”

From the small kiosks, they have also expanded to cafes where you can now sit down and enjoy the bibingka with a cup of their signature Barako blend of coffee, aside from other Filipino favorites like pancit palabok. They also have stores now in Baguio, Pangasinan, La Union, Pampanga, Bulacan, Quezon, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, and Iloilo. There are also plans of expanding to Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Las Vegas.

continuation (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/sim/sim/view/20100918-293008/How-to-Set-Up-a-Business-That-Sells-Like-Bibingka)

:eat::eat::eat::eat::eat::eat:

william :D

September 19th, 2010, 04:02 AM

Northrail
Further Extensions

Philippine National Railways, operating two different rail lines, serves various parts of Luzon with its numerous stations. This list of stations lists all stations of both PNR Northrail and Southrail, as well as stations within Metro Manila, which are part of the Strong Republic Transit System, and the various spur lines from both Northrail and Southrail. The Northrail is also known as the Green Line while the Southrail is also known as the Orange Line.

Stations and lines that are closed are in italics, while terminus or terminal stations, whether open or not, are in bold.

Northrail is proposed to be extended from San Fernando City in La Union northwards to Tuguegarao City in Cagayan. Likewise, Southrail will extend from Legazpi City in Albay southwards to Matnog in Sorsogon.

Northrail

La Union

San Gabriel - San Gabriel
Balaoan - Balaoan

Ilocos Sur

Sugpon - Sugpon
Alilem - Alilem
Sigay - Sigay
Gregorio del Pilar - Gregorio del Pilar
Candon - Candon City
Sta. Maria - Sta. Maria
Narvacan - Narvacan
Vigan - Vigan City
Magsingal - Magsingal

Ilocos Norte

Nueva Era - Nueva Era
Badoc - Badoc
Batac - Batac City
Laoag - Laoag City
Vintar - Vintar
Adams - Adams
Saud Beach - Pagudpud

Cagayan

Claveria - Claveria
Abulug - Abulug
Allacapan - Allacapan
Alcala - Alcala
Amulung - Amulung
Tuguegarao - Tuguegarao City
source (http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/List_of_Philippine_National_Railways_stations#Cagayan)

ergit222

September 19th, 2010, 12:14 PM

Today is a city-wide coastal clean-up in San Fernando. Originally, we are to clean the Ilocanos area, but then just last night, we were then informed that we are then diverted to clean the san vicente area. this is going to be fun! I hope that this would be a wake-up call especially to residents to keep our coastal areas clean by not throwing garbage in order nor to pollute seas.:banana::banana::banana:

magandang project ito kaya lang dapat gawin regular ang clean-up. kasi ilang beses na rin yan nagkaroon ng clean-up at pagkatapos ng ilang linggo, madumi ulit dahil sa walang disiplina ang ibang mga nakatira sa area na yan. :ohno::ohno:

ergit222

September 19th, 2010, 12:22 PM

yeah, it is. mahal talaga, pero nasa visitor narin iyon kung paano niya susulitin ang mahal na resort fee. kung suswertihin, pwede rin naman ipantaya sa casino yung ibang pera nila, at pwedeng lumago naman iyon, bawing-bawi rin ang nagasto sa resort, o diba? hehehe:lol::lol::lol:

kaya nga 5-star resort hotel, 5-star din ang hotel rate pero sulit naman sa amenities at services. wala ka ng hahanapin pa kung gusto mo ng first class all the way ang service, di ba? kaya nga medyo maswerte tayo na taga LU, meron ng pinuputahan ng mga "big spenders" galing sa ibang lugar. :):)

kung matatalo naman sa casino, doble ang gastos. :lol::lol:

hugodiekonig

September 19th, 2010, 01:09 PM

kaya nga 5-star resort hotel, 5-star din ang hotel rate pero sulit naman sa amenities at services. wala ka ng hahanapin pa kung gusto mo ng first class all the way ang service, di ba? kaya nga medyo maswerte tayo na taga LU, meron ng pinuputahan ng mga "big spenders" galing sa ibang lugar. :):)

kung matatalo naman sa casino, doble ang gastos. :lol::lol:

yes, we are lucky indeed. bukambibig ngayon ng mga "high persons" around and outside the province na natin ngayon ang Thunderbird. sa wakas, may first class resort din tayo.:banana::banana::banana:

hugodiekonig

September 20th, 2010, 01:17 PM

September 19, 2010, 5:20pm

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — At least 13,924 jobs had been generated since July this year by the national government in Ilocos Region through its emergency community employment program.

Region 1 office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE 1) Director Henry John Jalbuena said that these jobs were created from the implementation of different infrastructure projects for the period July to December 2010, and require both skilled and unskilled workers.

He said that these jobs were based on the reports from various national line agencies and local government units in the region.

It was learned that under President Aquino’s 22-point labor platform agenda, the DoLE is tasked to work with relevant government agencies in strengthening the emergency community employment program (ECEP) to create jobs immediately so that people can have income for their basic needs.

“We are firming up ties with other government entities to scale up employment opportunities in the region,” Jalbuena said. (Freddie Lazaro)

source (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/277934/ilocos-area-gets-13924-jobs)

hugodiekonig

September 20th, 2010, 01:20 PM

PUGO, La Union — Adventure and nature lovers will have all the reason to visit a new adventure haven here with the opening of the Pugo Adventure (PUGAD) which is located along Marcos Highway between Baguio City and La Union, particularly at Sitio Kagaling in Barangay Palina, this town.

PUGAD, which hosts to three ziplines, one of which is considered one of the longest zipline nationwide with a total length of 38 meters and an elevation of 200 feet above the ground, is located 300 meters below the Marcos Highway after a 30-minute drive from Baguio City, one-hour drive from San Fernando City, La Union, and a four-hour drive from Manila.

Aside from its ziplines, measuring 80, 20, and 250 meters, respectively, the new adventure site for foreign and domestic tourists have challenging rappelling and wall climbing facilities to meet the requirements of team building efforts of government and corporate offices wanting to go out and spend a break.

PUGAD also offers the use of nipa huts, cottages, and conference rooms, among others, plus the chance to wade through the free-flowing waters of the Pugo River that passes through the place. (Dexter See)

source (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/277934/ilocos-area-gets-13924-jobs)

:banana::banana::cheers:

hugodiekonig

September 20th, 2010, 01:25 PM

By Paolo Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:19:00 09/19/2010

Filed Under: Railway, Transport

MANILA, Philippines—The government is considering the revival of the train line from Metro Manila all the way to Bicol by next year—a project seen as instrumental to the growth of the Southern Luzon economy.

Newly appointed Philippine National Railways (PNR) head Jun Ragragrio said in an interview that the rehabilitation of the train line to Naga City, which is estimated to cost P500 million, would be one of his main objectives.

“By next year, we hope to have at least two trains a day making the trip from Manila to Bicol,” he told the Inquirer.

“I want to finish the reopening of the South Line up to Naga City, or hopefully, even as far as Legaspi,” he said.

At the moment, the PNR manages a passenger train
line from Tutuban in Manila to Alabang in Muntinlupa. The PNR also runs a train line from Alabang to Biñan, Laguna.

Only two million passengers use both train lines a year. This pales in comparison to the overhead train systems in Metro Manila—the two Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) along Edsa. The three commuter train lines carry an average 1.2 million passengers a day.

The PNR used to operate a 479-kilometer line from La Union to Bicol, but decades of neglect and problems with informal settlers near the railroad tracks led to the deterioration of services.

The train service to Bicol was terminated in 2006.

Transportation Undersecretary Glicerio Sicat said the extension toward Southern Luzon would complement the PNR’s NorthRail project, which will rehabilitate the train line going up to La Union.
:banana::banana::cheers:
The first phase, which will stretch 42 kilometers from Caloocan to Malolos City, Bulacan, is under construction.

Sicat said the rehabilitation was about 22 percent done.

“The target is to be able to ship cargo and passengers using the trains,” Sicat said, noting that this would reduce congestion on the roads and make moving cargo cheaper and more efficient.

source (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20100919-293224/Govt-considers-revival-of-train-line-to-Bicol)

hugodiekonig

September 20th, 2010, 01:29 PM

http://launiontimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/PREPAREDNES2-300x200.jpg
The naval forces: always on standby for disasters. CSF Mayor Pablo Ortega looks on during the disaster preparedness demonstration.

SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION- The Naval Forces Northern Luzon moves its men and women to spearhead cleaning as they join the International Cleanup Day. Armed with cleaning tools, sacks and determination, the enlisted personnel raked the sands of Barangay San Agustin, Barangay Canaoay, and Barangay San Francisco and filled their containers with garbage that has been floating, scattered in the area. The barangay citizens along with officials. According to Rodolfo Tejada, deputy commander of Naval Forces Northern Luzon, the Navy is always on standby to help the citizens. He also added that the citizens should help one another in cleaning the shores especially the known tourist spots because clean surroundings allow more visits from them. The navy believes that doing its part is also a commitment to the public as well as sending a message to them to join this great cause to have a clean environment. There were 26 sacks collected according to local reports. The said activity is part of the many activities scheduled in connection with the Naval Forces Northern Luzon Anniversary that has been moved on September 17, 2010.

source: launiontimes.com (http://launiontimes.com/navy-joins-international-cleanup-day-message-to-people-always-clean-tourist-spots/)

william :D

September 20th, 2010, 01:30 PM

^^ibang line kaya yan sa northrail at southrail?^^ :)

hugodiekonig

September 20th, 2010, 01:30 PM

http://launiontimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/vegetable-on-bike-300x213.jpg

SANTOL, LA UNION- Market vendors and ambulant vendors of the municipality of Santol took advantage of the opportunity in attending the free livelihood seminar conducted at the Municipality’s Multipurpose Hall last September 17, 2010. The livelihood training/seminar concerns on meat processing/food preservation. It includes: tocino making, embutido, longganisa, tinapa makin g, fish.

Participants were delighted as they listened to the demonstrations.

source: launiontimes.com (http://launiontimes.com/ambulant-market-vendors-join-livelihood-seminar/)

william :D

September 20th, 2010, 01:30 PM

^^ahhh..iisa lang pala.bale pagduduktungin lang ang northrail at southrail.hahaha

hugodiekonig

September 20th, 2010, 01:33 PM

^^ibang line kaya yan sa northrail at southrail?^^ :)

oo, baka iba. syempre sa maynila kasi may mrt at lrt na doon. la union hanggang caloocan, caloocan hanggang taguig, tapos taguig hanggang legazpi na. siguro ganoon

hugodiekonig

September 20th, 2010, 01:35 PM

naalala ko. may PNR line pala mula caloocan hanggang staguig sa maynila waaaa nakalimutan ko. magdurugtong nga ang north at southrail

william :D

September 20th, 2010, 01:37 PM

naalala ko. may PNR line pala mula caloocan hanggang staguig sa maynila waaaa nakalimutan ko. magdurugtong nga ang north at southrail

oo..yon na nga yung project na iyan.hahaha, buti kahit papano di pinapabayaan ang malalayong probinsya sa maynila.:banana:

hugodiekonig

September 20th, 2010, 01:37 PM

By Miriam P. Aquino

San Fernando City, La Union (20 September) -- "The 5th La Union Surfing Break is sure to outshine the past four years of Surfing Break that we had in the past."

This is what Atty. Rodolfo V. Yabes, President of the San Juan Beach Resorts Association and Chairperson assured the members of the media and all other guests from the national-line agencies and public-private sector on the press launching which was recently held at the Sea and Sky Hotel and Restaurant, this city.

"We have made the preparations earlier and made so many improvements on the various activities lined-up for the upcoming event, so we can proudly say that this is going to be the Best Season," Yabes added.

Provincial Board Member Henry B. Balbin, Committee Chairman on Tourism, Sisterhood and International Relations said in his message that the Surfing Break is an efficient tool in promoting the Province of La Union not just as a premier surfing destination for tourists, both local and international, but also a sports and lifestyle adventure for the family.

"Ipasa natin ang sport na surfing sa mga mas nakababatang henerasyon", he added.

Provincial Information and Tourism Officer Adamor L. Dagang presented the profile of events and components of this year's 3-day Surfing Season.

The usual activities being lined-up are the Surf Clinic, beach volley, Frisbee, Search for Surfing Bodies 2010 (Grand Pageant Screening on Sept. 25, 2010 at Coconut Grove Beach Resort, 9am - 2 pm), Photography Contest, Sand Castle Fun Building Contest, Surfboard Design Contest, national surfing competition, Amazing Race, Oktoberfest, Bonfire party, etc.

Dagang mentioned that added to the usual games and competitions, they have thought of including the Sala ti Dalluyon (Street Dance),Pinta Alon or a Tattoo Fest with the used of henna, Halloween Beach Party, and the fire dance clinic which would really complete the event as if in Boracay.

The target market of the event are youngsters/students from Manila, Baguio, and other cities, as this is in-time with the semestral break.

In an open forum which later followed, the committee proudly mentioned that for the past four years that they have been conducting this event, number of participants / guests tremendously increased, as well as the media coverage and exposure it generated.

"Rain or shine, and even the previous typhoons particularly "Pepeng" has not deterred surfing enthusiasts from participating this yearly activity which is now on its 5th year", Dagang said.

With the yearly remarkable outcome of the previous Surfing Breaks which contributed to an influx of tourists coming in from both domestic and international, the primary goal of achieving small business start-ups which can possibly generate jobs, idea transfers, and greater tourism promotion is likely on a bright light. (PIA-RO1/LU)

source (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=r01&y=&mo=&fi=p100920.htm&no=33)

:banana::banana::cool::nocrook:

hugodiekonig

September 20th, 2010, 01:40 PM

oo..yon na nga yung project na iyan.hahaha, buti kahit papano di pinapabayaan ang malalayong probinsya sa maynila.:banana:

dapat lang na di pabayaan. tayong mga probinsiya ang nagsusupply ng pagkain sa maynila. kapag may tren, mas mabilis ang transportasyon ng mga pagkain:cheers::cheers: haaay matagal pa bago uli magdugtong ang bicol at la union, pero at least ngayon inuumpisahan na diyan sa bulacan na gawin:banana::banana::banana:

hugodiekonig

September 20th, 2010, 01:41 PM

By Jennilyne C. Role

San Fernando City, La Union (20 September) -- Various activities are being conducted by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) - La Union for this year's celebration of the Land Management Service (LMS), in partnership with the government agencies, local government units, non-government agencies, private institutions, media and the local populace.

This year's theme, "Komputerisadong Talaan ng Lupa para sa Maayos at Mabilis ng Serbisyo sa Madla", addresses the long-time problem of slow manual processing of free patent application (FPA), along with ensuring transparency in the office-to-office transactions.

PENRO-La Union enjoined all stakeholders to hang streamers highlighting the celebration of the 110th LMS Month Anniversary to create awareness regarding the celebration and the importance of knowing the rights of every land owner and its proper management.

Forum between PENRO, barangay officials and local populace of the municipalities of Naguilian and Luna were conducted to advocate the Handog Titulo Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and enjoined the people in availing the free patent program of LMS at a lower cost compared to judicial patenting.

Review of accomplishments vis-à-vis adoption of strategic plans/targets will also be conducted sometime third week of this month to assess how far the office is flaring in terms of meeting and/or exceeding their targets for this year.

The highlight of which is the Kapihan sa PENRO with PENRO officials, LMS officials, provincial and municipal assessors, the Department of Agrarian Reform, real estate brokers and the media.

The kapihan was intended to discuss latest issues, concerns and new trends in the Land Management Service. (PIA Region 1/La Union)

source (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=r01&y=&mo=&fi=p100920.htm&no=34)

william :D

September 20th, 2010, 01:45 PM

dapat lang na di pabayaan. tayong mga probinsiya ang nagsusupply ng pagkain sa maynila. kapag may tren, mas mabilis ang transportasyon ng mga pagkain:cheers::cheers: haaay matagal pa bago uli magdugtong ang bicol at la union, pero at least ngayon inuumpisahan na diyan sa bulacan na gawin:banana::banana::banana:

oo nga.yung sa inyo ang tagal tagal pa non.hahahaha, kasi yung sa bulacan 2013 pa magsisimulang mag-operate.phase 1 lang iyon at section 1 lang.. may section 2 pa ang phase 1 na malolos-clark.mas mahaba iyon kesa sa caloocan-clark.may phase 2,at phase 3 pa,tapos pinakamahaba ang phase 4,halos doble ng phase 1...haha

hugodiekonig

September 20th, 2010, 01:55 PM

oo nga.yung sa inyo ang tagal tagal pa non.hahahaha, kasi yung sa bulacan 2013 pa magsisimulang mag-operate.phase 1 lang iyon at section 1 lang.. may section 2 pa ang phase 1 na malolos-clark.mas mahaba iyon kesa sa caloocan-clark.may phase 2,at phase 3 pa,tapos pinakamahaba ang phase 4,halos doble ng phase 1...haha

naku, baka 4 na ang mga anak ko niyan saka uli kami makakakita ng tren sa probinsiya hehehe. maaari naman na iba't ibang contractors o yung tinatawag na mga construction firms ang gumawa ng phase 2 hanggang phase 4, at pwedeng sabay-sabay na gawin. siguradong may pagpapautang naman o magpopondo ng proyekto sa pamamagitan ng public-private partnerships

william :D

September 20th, 2010, 04:08 PM

naku, baka 4 na ang mga anak ko niyan saka uli kami makakakita ng tren sa probinsiya hehehe. maaari naman na iba't ibang contractors o yung tinatawag na mga construction firms ang gumawa ng phase 2 hanggang phase 4, at pwedeng sabay-sabay na gawin. siguradong may pagpapautang naman o magpopondo ng proyekto sa pamamagitan ng public-private partnerships

kapag napa-aga ka eh baka 8 na anak mo.hahahaha, tagal pa nga non.

at maganda nga sana kung pagsasabay-sabayin ang pag-gawa, kaya lang di ba utang iyan?sana may magpondo niyan hanggang phase 4..kapag wala, eh mag-intay nalang.hehe

hugodiekonig

September 20th, 2010, 07:10 PM

kapag napa-aga ka eh baka 8 na anak mo.hahahaha, tagal pa nga non.

at maganda nga sana kung pagsasabay-sabayin ang pag-gawa, kaya lang di ba utang iyan?sana may magpondo niyan hanggang phase 4..kapag wala, eh mag-intay nalang.hehe

tama. sana may magpondo,esp pondo galing sa isang mayamang kumpanya dito sa pilipinas, hindi mula sa world bank o ano, or else may panlabas na utang nanaman tayo. waaaaa

william :D

September 21st, 2010, 01:32 PM

tama. sana may magpondo,esp pondo galing sa isang mayamang kumpanya dito sa pilipinas, hindi mula sa world bank o ano, or else may panlabas na utang nanaman tayo. waaaaa

kapag pinondohan iyan ng company satin at hindi galing sa labas ng bansa,baka maging private company ang nagmamanage sa northrail...hahaha,

hugodiekonig

September 21st, 2010, 02:43 PM

BAUANG, LA UNION- Manager Giovanni Palabay of the National Tobacco Administration announced over local news that the said agency continues to buy tobaccos from farmers in Region I. Palabay added that farmers should grab the opportunity of considering the planting of tobacco in their farms citing that tobacco is still the number one cash crop in the province. He added that there is increase in pricing of tobacco as he mentions the three most common types: Virgina, Burly and Native tobaccos.

Palabay also confirms that the trading center continues its services as buying of the said crop continues. There are 20 million kilos of tobacco that were harvested from the province of La Union, Ilocos Sur, Abra and Ilocos Norte, 1.80 million kilos Burly were harvested from La Union and 1.76 million kilos are native variety. In July, 10 million kilos of Virginia tobacco were harvested from La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, CAR including Abra and 8.7 million kilos were harvested in Pangasinan. The said official clarifies over local reports that there is currently 1.76 million kilos of native tobacco being traded to the National Tobacco Commission and the said variety is continuously being accepted despite its sluggishness in the market. The agency also encourages farmers to plant tobacco through integrated farming.

source: launiontimes.com (http://launiontimes.com/national-tobacco-administration-encourage-farmers-plant-tobacco/)

hugodiekonig

September 22nd, 2010, 12:37 PM

http://launiontimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/DSC02928-300x220.jpg

SUDIPEN, LA UNION – The Sudipen Yellow Corn Growers Association, in cooperation with the Sudipen Municipal Agricultural Office met on September 16, 2010 at the ABC Hall on the said municipality to reorganize and reactivate the association.

Ms. Gloria Bacate, municipal Agricultural Technologist informed that the Association had been structured to serve as an avenue for the local farmers to get access to government agricultural supports. She explicated that the association is already SEC registered and has been passing annual report to SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). However, since 2008 to present, the association has not been passing annual reports because the association has been lacking in the accounting and marketing arm. There is a need to reactivate it through electing new set of officers who will focus on the coordination, marketing and accounting line of work, she added.

Two Corn Seed Developer Companies were invited to give light on corn planting, managing, harvesting and marketing issues through lecture and open forum. The A formal program was prepared and orderly followed to give direction and culmination to the open forum and election of new set of officers. The meeting has been determined by the new set of officers and it shall be done quarterly. The first meeting shall be on November 12, 2010 and the second meeting is set on January 28, 2010. The last two schedules will soon be determined. The first schedule is a chancy one since November is harvest month for the rice farmers in the lowland but it was motioned that it shall however be continued because it will just come once.

In an earlier interview with Mr. Delfin Lales, an Agricultural Technologist of Sudipen, he elucidated that those farmers of the upland barangays of Sudipen are turning to corn planting instead of the typical tobacco planting. This is because when summer time comes, upland fields which can’t be reached by irrigation becomes dry and conducive to tobacco and corn. But since in the past few years, when the Agriculture department saw the big losses of tobacco farmers due to farming mismanagement, weather and pest factor, low pricing and rejecting of tobacco by middle men and tobacco companies, the Agriculture Office started initiatives to promote corn planting as an alternative livelihood which offer even more promising output.

Mr. Antonio Ibeng, a corn planter from barangay Up-uplas disclosed that his friend who has been planting both tobacco and corn for long observe that his gains in tobacco have gone nowhere while his gains in corn has been significantly felt. This is due to the fact that middle man buyers penetrates the interior areas. They buy tobaccos and entice farmers to loan amounts from them for use on their purchase of tobacco seeds, fertilizers and insecticides. It has been alleged that by Mr. Ibeng that his fellow farmer’s income on tobacco only goes back as payment to credits and loan interest they had from buyers.

Mayor Alexander O. Buquing, in his speech that the problems of Sudipen farmers saying that after a good planting, managing and harvesting on the side of the corn planters; the planters still suffer from low output to losses because they are hard in contacting buyers who offer good prices. What usually come to them are middle men who dictate prices at lower rate. Marketing is one area that needs to be seen by the Agri-Office. The farmers confirmed this by reporting that in the past corn harvesting season, prices of corn even swerved down up to P10/kilo compared to the good P13.50/kilo. This is blamed on the role of middle men, they said. In response, the Corn Companies explained that Yellow Corn buyers are companies that have tied up with feeds manufacturing companies. Feeds manufacturing does not slow down and so Yellow Corn buyers do not stop buying, not like buyers of conventional White Corn who offers low price to corns if the corn demand decreases. The decrease in the demand is due to the increase in the supply of white corn in the market and increase in white corn planters. Even though these farmers’ alliance is not as compact as a cooperative and is not yet working as such, there is still a need to be serious in the marketing line, said Ms. Castro.

The event concluded in the forming of new set of officers: President – Sergio Magile, Vice President – Raymund Mangay-ayam, Secretary – Cesaria Pabona, Treasurer – Gloria Arce, Auditor – Nestor Ariola, Business Manager – Nomar Narcise. Barangay coordinators were also appointed as follows: Poblacion – Ricardo Benicta, Turod – Joel Dian, Porporiket – Joseph Badungan, Up-uplas – Antonio Ibeng, Duplas – Salvador Bisoy. The coordinators of other barangays were temporarily not appointed since not all barangays have representatives.

source: launiontimes.com (http://launiontimes.com/yellow-corn-growers-in-sudipen-reorganized/)

hugodiekonig

September 23rd, 2010, 12:07 AM

BY GERARD NAVAL

THE number of dengue cases has breached the 80,000-mark but health officials said there is no cause for alarm because dengue incidents have been on a downtrend for the past two weeks.

The Disease Surveillance Report of the National Epidemiology Center listed 84,023 cases, with 567 deaths, from January 1 to September 11. The figure is 117.73 percent higher than that in the same period last year.

Last month, NEC chief Dr. Eric Tayag said the cases might reach 80,000 if the trend would continue.

However, the Department of Health said incidence is already on a sharp downtrend.

"We are closely monitoring the situation nationwide… From a peak of 7,296 from August 15 to 21, the number of new dengue cases nationwide went down to only 367 from September 5 to 11," said Health Secretary Enrique Ona in a press conference.

Among the regions with the highest number dengue cases are Western Visayas with 15,321 followed by Calabarzon with 9,906 and the National Capital Region with 8,180 cases.

Ona also said the declaration of states of calamity in the provinces of La Union and Cebu, where dengue cases are still on the rise, was a decision made by local government and health officials.

source (http://www.malaya.com.ph/09232010/news7.html)
:bash::bash::bash: I think dapat ma-alarma na na ang DOH. kawawa mga dengue patients sa La Union, yung iba walang hospital beds doon, sa mismong government-run hospital paman din iyon. hupakkkkk!!!

hugodiekonig

September 23rd, 2010, 12:13 AM

by Ed Andaya
Wednesday, 22 September 2010 19:23
KHANTY-Mansiysk, Russia -- The Philippines completed a rare double celebration in the 39th World Chess Olympiad, pulling off similar easy 4-0 victories over South Korea in the men’s division and Netherlands Antilles in the women’s category in the first round Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time).

GMs Wesley So, John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo and IM Richard Bitoon swept their lowly-rated Korean rivals in one of 44 shutout victories on opening day and put the 37th-seeded Filipinos in the early lead in this prestigious, two-week long competition considered as the ‘Olympics’ of chess.

So, manning the top board for the country in only his third appearance in the Olympiad since 2006 Turin, made short work of Sanghoon Lee (ELO 2146) to set the tone for the Filipinos’ dominant showing.

Gomez, who achieved his GM title during the 38th Olympiad in Dresden, Germany two years ago, trounced Kyul Lee (ELO 1971) on board two.

Laylo, who saw action during the World Chess Cup held in this oil-producing region in Western Siberia last year, whipped Munkhbat Chogdov (ELO 2236) on board three, while Bitoon, a last-minute replacement to GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., crushed Hoon Young Jun on board four.

Cheradee Chardine Camacho, Catherine Perena, Shercila Cua and Rulp Ylem Jose also hurdled their matches against Netherlands Antilles to boost their chances in the women’s division.

Camacho, the 16-year-oldpride of La Union who emerged as the top Filipina player during the Dresden Olympiad, demolished Maria Elisabeth Delemarre.

Perena humbled Nadiniela Coffie, Cua bested Azry SalimMoussa and Jose dumped Benigna Coffie to complete the Filipinas’ day of triumph.

“I’m happy with the performance of our players,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president/chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay, who is set to join the 13-man Filipino delegation in Khanty-Mansiysk later this week.

“Unlike top seed Russia, we did not allow a single point to escape our grasp in the first round and that shows the focus and determination of the team to do better in this Olympiad,” added Pichay, who closely followed the games live on the Internet.

Expectedly, the twin victories put the Filipinos in an early collision against powerhouse countries in the second round Wednesday.

So will get an early acid test when he plays black against super GM Alexei Shirov (ELO 2749) as the Philippines battles No. 16 seed Spain, 3.5-.5 winner over No. 90 seed Algeria in the first round.

This will be the second time that So and Shirov will meet in the Olympiad. The Filipino battled the highly-rated Shirov to a draw, although the Filipinos dropped a 1-3 decision during their sixth-round encounter in Dresden.

Gomez meets GM Ivan Salgado (ELO 2595), Laylo faces GM Jordi Magem Badals (ELO 2589) and Bitoon tackles GM Daniel Alsina (ELO 2523) in other crucial matches.

NCFP executive director Willie Abalos and men’s team coach Atty. Edmundo Legaspi said Bitoon is being fielded on board four for the second straight time -- instead of Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre -- to give the Cebu City-born IM enough exposure in his bid for a GM title.

Torre, the most-experienced member of the team, is also being given enough time to take a rest following a tiring, whole-day flight from Manila to Doha, then Doha to Dubai and finally the chartered flight to Khanty-Mansiysk.

The 52nd-seeded Filipinas, on the other hand, draw No. 14 seed Romania as their second-round opponents.

Led by IM Cristina Adela-Foisor, the Romanians also blanked Egypt, 4-0.

Camacho will take on Foisor, Perena battles WGM Elena Kosma, Cua meets WGM Carmen Voicu and Jose faces WGM Alina l’Ami.

The fifth player in the squad, Jedara Docena, gets another rest.

Although most of the favorites had trouble-free opening day, top seed Russia-1 managed only a 3.5-.5 win over lowly Ireland with GM Alexander Grishuk (ELO 2760) settling for a draw with IM Sam Collins (ELO 2431).

Second seed Ukraine, bannered by GMs Vassily Ivanchuk (ELO 2754) and Pavel Eljanov (ELO 2761), whipped Iraq , 4-0, while third seed China, led by GMs Wang Yue (ELO 2732) and Wang Hao (ELO 2724) beat Kyrgyzstan, 3.5-.5.

Two-time defending champion Armenia, led by GMs Vladimir Akopian (ELO 2691) and Gabriel Sargissian (ELO 2677), nipped Costa Rica, 3-1.

In other matches, fourth seed Russia-2 outclassed IBCA, 4-0; fifth seed Hungary overwhelmed Jordan, 3.5-.5; seventh seed Azerbaijan crushed South Africa, 3.5-.5; eighth seed Bulgaria clipped Bangladesh, 3.5-.5; ninth seed United States pulverized Faroe Island, 4-0; and No. 10 seed France outplayed Paraguay, 3.5-.5.

source (http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/sports/18829-fiery-start-by-rp-chessers.html)

Congratulations RP chess team!!!:banana::banana::banana::cheers::nocrook:

william :D

September 23rd, 2010, 11:07 AM

Saint Louis College
San Fernando, La Union

http://i988.photobucket.com/albums/af8/williamroi/29877_1443724886175_1024681040_31283167_7352417_n.jpg

all credit to the owner. (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31283167&fbid=1443724886175&op=1&o=global&view=global&subj=189669121083&id=1024681040)

kiretoce

September 24th, 2010, 02:05 AM

Starting around 02:30 GMT on Saturday, September 25 (10:30 AM [Philippine Time] on Saturday, September 25), SkyscraperCity will be down while we re-work our back-end network. The downtime may take as much as 7 hours as we have to move servers around a bit.

For Questions or Comments, please visit this thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1221255).

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 05:06 AM

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 05:10 AM

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http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs323.ash2/60367_1374688219904_1612790914_30802723_2485399_n.jpg

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 05:12 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs643.snc4/60290_1374686939872_1612790914_30802714_4439281_n.jpg

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hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 05:13 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs685.snc4/62566_1374686539862_1612790914_30802711_4576769_n.jpg

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 05:14 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs665.snc4/60578_1374686699866_1612790914_30802712_2445712_n.jpg

any idea what is this cave for? This is found along aguila road in front of the La Union Capitol

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 05:16 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs638.snc4/59884_1374691979998_1612790914_30802752_7797379_n.jpg

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http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs637.snc4/59726_1374693180028_1612790914_30802755_7371715_n.jpg

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 05:19 AM

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http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs707.snc4/62742_1374694420059_1612790914_30802761_3700005_n.jpg
Quezon Ave

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs707.snc4/62701_1374694700066_1612790914_30802762_2900808_n.jpg
Rizal Ave

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http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs682.snc4/62246_1374695300081_1612790914_30802766_4542568_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs658.snc4/61852_1374695740092_1612790914_30802768_1141062_n.jpg
Road Repair at Catbangen

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs659.snc4/59899_1374696020099_1612790914_30802770_8093144_n.jpg
Philippine Postal Office

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs026.snc4/33642_1374696940122_1612790914_30802774_2488885_n.jpg
Soiltech

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 05:20 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs698.snc4/63868_1374697060125_1612790914_30802775_3095193_n.jpg
SFC Airport

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs653.snc4/61311_1374697900146_1612790914_30802779_5487974_n.jpg
Brgy. San Vicente Coastal Area

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 05:22 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs709.snc4/62967_1374698140152_1612790914_30802781_2453149_n.jpg

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http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs684.snc4/62481_1374700540212_1612790914_30802794_2055237_n.jpg
That's me!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs645.snc4/60504_1374701900246_1612790914_30802802_4812540_n.jpg

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 05:24 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs319.ash2/59979_1374712420509_1612790914_30802816_7869282_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs041.snc4/34404_1374712900521_1612790914_30802818_4892146_n.jpg
Don Eulogio de Guzman Economic Center

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs061.snc4/34404_1374712940522_1612790914_30802819_7740315_n.jpg
Bauang Town Hall

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs651.snc4/61091_1374713780543_1612790914_30802820_8012624_n.jpg
Town Plaza

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs651.snc4/61091_1374713820544_1612790914_30802821_6065549_n.jpg

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 05:26 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs331.ash2/61091_1374713860545_1612790914_30802822_5929394_n.jpg
a 3-storey commercial building

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs331.ash2/61091_1374713900546_1612790914_30802823_1090285_n.jpg
Villa Marand

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs671.snc4/61091_1374713940547_1612790914_30802824_4637307_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs325.ash2/60489_1374715060575_1612790914_30802828_2058919_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs665.snc4/60489_1374715100576_1612790914_30802829_7460642_n.jpg

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 05:27 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs342.ash2/62239_1374716340607_1612790914_30802840_2474910_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs682.snc4/62239_1374716380608_1612790914_30802841_5039582_n.jpg

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 05:28 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs353.ash2/63359_1374717780643_1612790914_30802849_881179_n.jpg

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 12:04 PM

By Miriam P. Aquino

San Fernando City, La Union (24 September) -- The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) and the Provincial Council of the Five (5) Pillars of Criminal Justice System convened on Tuesday, Sept 21, in a joint meeting held at the Diego Silang Hall, Provincial Capitol, this province.

Highlights of the meeting are the discussion on issues regarding the Peace and Order Situation in the province, La Union Drug Cases/Situation, Status of Major Cases Filed in Courts or under Prosecution, Status of Cases of Provincial Jail Inmates in various Regional Trial Courts (RTC) in La Union and Recommendations for Jail Decongestion, Response or Action Being Taken on RTC cases, as well as the various Action Plans made for calendar year 2010.

La Union Police Provincial Director Ramon O. Purugganan, also the Vice-Chair for the PPOC, presented the Peace and Order Situation in the province as of July 1 ? Aug 31 of this year vis-à-vis that of same period last year and the Action Plan of 2010.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency - Regional Office Director Roberto S. Opeña briefed the participants on the Drug Cases / Situation with PADACs Action Plan for this year.

The Status of La Union Major Cases Filed in Court or under Prosecution was discussed by Provincial Prosecutor Danilo S. Bumacod.

Provincial Jail Warden Albert C. Palomique updated the group on the Status of Cases of Provincial Jail Inmates in various RTCs and presented his recommendations for Jail Decongestion.

In reaction to all the reports, Governor Ortega enumerated the priority issues on which he would like to be address effectively.

Among these priority concerns are : the strict implement of Mayors and Station Commanders to the curfew hours especially during weekdays; for law enforcers to be keen on graffiti vandals making fun of sidewalks/streets; law enforcers to be really hard on nailing down drug pushers particularly here in the province; the continuous implementation of his program MIA which stands for Magsidalus Iti Arubayanna.

The Governor pledged to provide full support to the needed facilities and trainings of SWAT Teams, PDEA and the judiciary.

Ortega, also the Chairman, spearheaded the event in cooperation with the Local Government Units (LGUs), different line-agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), Regional and Municipal Trial Court Lawyers, and the like. (PIA-RO1/LU)

source (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=r01&y=&mo=&fi=p100924.htm&no=50)

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 12:07 PM

By: Israel O. Rudio
Provincial Information & Tourism Office

In his visit to the Province of La Union last September 5, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay urged local government officials to help construct low-cost housing projects to solve the growing problem on lack of decent shelter in the country.

Speaking before national, local and national government agency officials; real estate developers; and Non Government Organization (NGO) officials at the Diego Silang Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building, Binay explained that Local Government Units (LGU) can donate lands as their participation while the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) which he chairs shall shoulder the construction cost through affordable loans. He explained that the land cost constitutes the lion’s share in the realization of a home. With the decreased expenses, HUDCC can provide more shelters nationwide and eventually result to sustainable progress and development. Prior to the Vice President’s visit, Gov. Manuel C. Ortega has already ordered the fast-tracking of the Provincial Employees Housing and Human Settlements Project in Brgy. Sagayad in the City of San Fernando as part of his P-E-A-C-E Development Agenda under Comprehensive Social Services Development Program.

Answering a question from BM Jose Ma. “Pepe” C. Ortega during the Open Forum on the issue of Barangay Election this coming October, he shared that the electoral exercise is imminent as shown by weak resistance from Congress. A renowned Local Government Guru, he also expressed hesitation to the election as it entails huge government money. He further shared his desire for the amendment of the Local Government Code, specifically for the granting of powers among Mayors to appoint Barangay officials and eventually abolish Barangay Elections. The former Local Chief Executive of Makati City believes that the Mayors are familiar with the potential community leaders who can help them with their programs and projects, thus ensuring success of their respective advocacies.

Binay also thanked the people of La Union for their overwhelming support during the last national and local elections last May 10 under the leadership of Governor Ortega. The Vice President got the votes of more than 42% of the more than 350,000 actual voters in the province.

surce: launiongov.ph (http://www.launion.gov.ph/news.php?item.202.2)

hugodiekonig

September 24th, 2010, 01:24 PM

Photos by: La Union Times, from Karen Michelle Calacal launiontimes facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=38483&id=133357106692669&saved#!/album.php?aid=27828&id=109075665804311)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs675.snc4/61513_141847475860463_109075665804311_249304_3395126_n.jpg

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Perseus II

September 24th, 2010, 04:03 PM

ang ganda! ang saya siguro sa festival na iyan :cheers:

kiretoce

September 25th, 2010, 01:36 AM

salamat po sir kiretoce! bale last week din po pala na-notice namin nag-down ang ssc from 6pm - 10pm

Yeah, there are a few major upgrades going on here at SSC. So please bear with us. :colgate:

hugodiekonig

September 25th, 2010, 05:14 PM

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:14:00 09/24/2010

Filed Under: Dengue, Health

SAN FERNANDO CITY—Dengue cases in La Union slid noticeably in September, but not before the number beat last year’s record when it rose to 1,193 patients, including four fatalities.

The figure is way above the 792 cases recorded in 2009, said Rolando Lecitona, dengue coordinator of the La Union provincial health office (PHO).

The high number of cases has prompted the provincial board to declare the province under a state of calamity to enable the La Union government to buy equipment and conduct mitigating measures against the disease.

This city posted the most number of cases at 352, followed by neighbor town Bauang with 175 cases, Naguillan, 127, Bacnotan, 71, and Agoo, 59.

Other towns reported addressing their respective dengue cases, which ranged from four to 49 patients.

The PHO recorded only 123 dengue cases from January to June. The number jumped to 267 in July, then to 560 in August before it dipped to 242 in September.

more (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20100924-294117/La-Union-under-state-of-calamity-due-to-dengue)

Beware of Dengue! keep our surroundings clean!

hugodiekonig

September 25th, 2010, 05:20 PM

By Kim Arveen Patria
VERA Files

Music broke the silence of a humid Monday afternoon in a small neighborhood in San Pablo City. Inside a school gymnasium along a poorly paved road, a rondalla, an ensemble of string instruments, rehearsed melodic pieces for everyone to hear—everyone except those playing them.

Those who held the guitars, the 12-stringed bandurrias and lauds and the double bass are students of Paaralang Pag-ibig at Pag-asa—School of Love and Hope—a public special education (SPED) center in this city in Laguna, about 100 km south of Metro Manila. Most of the 35 members of the group suffer from hearing impairment; others are blind or with learning disabilities.

But as they plucked their strings to the tune of “Sway,” the Mexican mambo song that has seen revival time and again, it was as if they wanted to dance to the music although they simply played from what their trainer, Lina Mercado, gestured to them in sign language.

“Most of them can’t hear what they are playing,” said Mercado, who teaches in preschool but took on the rondalla since she knew her way around musical instruments. As she conducted, her students’ eyes were fixed on both her hands. The left hand told them what note to play; the right hand signaled the beat.

The rondalla is the brainchild of Elma Orosa-Paraiso, a retired obstetrician-gynecologist who has been president of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association since 1974. Paraiso said she was inspired when she saw a “blind rondalla” play in the 1980s, during the inauguration of Sergio Brillantes as president of the Philippine Medical Association.

At the event, she whispered to her husband, also a doctor, about her vision of a rondalla for Paaralang Pag-ibig at Pag-asa—one composed of deaf students. Recounted Paraiso: “My husband said, ‘Naloloka ka na yata (I think you’re going crazy).’ I smiled back and said, ‘It can be done and will be done!’”

A group of students played from 1984 until they graduated in 1988. But they were never replaced. It was only in 2006, or 18 years later, that the rondalla was revived.

A mother to eight sons and a daughter who has special needs, Paraiso refers to the school as her “apostolate.” At 82, she continues to manage the school alongside teachers and administrators who fondly call her “Doktora,” which simply means lady doctor.

Their most recent project was a school canteen where students could buy healthy meals at low prices. Through Paraiso’s efforts, the school was also able to build a gymnasium with a basement and, more recently, a home economics building.

The school is public: The Department of Education (DepEd) pays the teachers. “But aside from teachers’ salary, this school is practically left to fend for itself,” Paraiso said.

Paraiso said she openly solicits money from her friends, prompting a warning from her son that people might avoid her because of it.

“But I told him that these people should actually thank me; I am giving them a way to share their blessings,” she quipped. Paraiso always has a booklet of receipts in hand, ready to accept donations for the school.

She said in jest: “Napakadali palang magpayaman kung magtatarantado lang (I could easily get rich were I a crook).” But she said she wants a good name to be one of her legacies.

Teachers in Paaralang Pag-ibig at Pag-asa said they could not imagine the school without Paraiso. Most of the improvements in the school are products of partnerships Paraiso arranged with private groups and individuals. The home economics building was built using funds from her classmates. Funds pooled from donations were also used for the gymnasium and the canteen.

The school also has a small computer laboratory with some desktop computers and 10 laptops donated by the Ayala Foundation in 2007. The facility boasts of a computer equipped with software that allows blind students to use the machine through audio instructions.

Stephen Egamil, an 11-year-old who is totally blind, maintains an account in a social networking site using the computer. “Pwede niyo po akong i-add sa Facebook (You can add me up on Facebook),” he said, after singing at the gymnasium where the rondalla also rehearsed.

Stephen, who is now in sixth grade, recently won a singing competition for children with disabilities, besting contestants from all over Calabarzon, the region composed of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Quezon.

The song Stephen sang that afternoon, Whitney Houston’s “On My Own,” aptly described his positive if not cheerful disposition. Although blind, he respectfully refused to be escorted back to his classroom after his number. “Kaya ko pong mag-isa (I can do it alone),” he said, while thanking the hand that offered guidance.

“This is where we see our fulfillment as teachers,” said Alegria Cosico, the school principal. “Blind children learn how to read and write, the deaf can play musical instruments and all of them can hope for a better future.”

Cosico said some of their high school students have been admitted to special programs in colleges and universities in Manila. She added that two of the high school graduates who took up SPED in college now teach in the school. Two others teach in other SPED centers—one in Batangas and another in Cebu.

Paaralang Pag-ibig at Pag-asa was recently named third best SPED center in the country, next to La Union SPED Center in San Fernando City and Zapatera SPED Center in Cebu City, during the DepEd’s celebration of 100 years of the SPED program.

In 2005, only 151 SPED centers like the school in San Pablo City were accredited while some 1,504 public schools that only integrated SPED programs were registered. Paraiso noted that in Calabarzon, only Paaralang Pag-ibig at Pag-asa was a complete SPED center, accepting enrollments from preschool to high school.

Latest statistics from DepEd show that a total of 156,270 students with disabilities or special needs were enrolled in 2005, about 95 percent of them in public schools. Only 1,191 students were enrolled in high school.

Early this year, then Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said that number only represented 2 percent of the population in need of SPED, which he estimated at seven million.

Saying that other countries provide full support to the disabled and those with special needs, Lapus pushed for the creation of a Special Education Bureau. At present, SPED falls under DepEd’s Bureau of Elementary Education as its Special Education Division.

“Most people have not yet recognized that certain children with special needs and persons with disability have very distinct talents and skills. And their integration and mainstreaming into the society will contribute significantly to national development,” reports quoted Lapus as saying.

In the last Congress, DepEd supported Senate Bill 2020 which provides P600 million yearly for five consecutive years for the SPED program. The bill also mandated the establishment of at least one SPED center in every school division and three SPED centers in big school divisions.

In the new Congress, the Kabataan party-list group has filed a similar bill, House Bill 6771. Entitled “Free Special Education Act of 2009,” the bill also proposes the creation of a Bureau of Special Education while stressing the need for government to provide free education for the disabled and children with special needs.

more (http://ph.yfittopostblog.com/2010/09/25/deaf-kids-make-music-in-school-of-love-and-hope/)

hugodiekonig

September 25th, 2010, 05:27 PM

http://launiontimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/IMG_3232-300x225.jpg

SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION- The City Information and Tourism Office has started disseminating information by posting announcements and accepting registrations regarding the travel and portrait photography seminar workshop which will be conducted on October 1-3, 2010 at La Union College of Nursing Arts and Sciences (LUCNAS).

Mis Anne Flores, the City Tourism Operations Assistant disclosed that the occasion is a series of events that culminates within a 3-day seminar workshop. The first event has just been done. The second is the photo exhibit by photo enthusiasts to kick-off on September 23 that will last until October 3 at a mall at Biday, San Fernando City- this will serve as a prelude to the travel and portrait seminar. These photo exhibits will be seen on the second floor of the mall. SILIP Camera Club organized the seminar and some of its members were spotted taking pictures during the recently-concluded Ma-Tzu Festival last September 12, 2010 in preparation for the exciting photo exhibit.

Miss Flores shortly discussed the objective of SILIP Foundation stating the program’s benefits, “Instead of you going to Manila to avail of photography seminars [which usually costs a few thousand pesos for only one topic], why not bring the seminar here, a complete seminar package that includes both portrait and travel photography in a cheaper price?” She implied that for photography enthusiasts to be a well rounded photographers- they have to undergo trainings both in portrait and travel photography which the SILIP foundation offers at lower cost. She detailed out that the first day of the seminar will be consumed in basic photography and portrait photography. The subject matter for the second day is travel photography. It also includes on-the-spot travel and portrait photo contest. It will be a guided tour-workshop to Vigan City then round about back to San Fernando City in the afternoon. The third day wraps up for the submission, judging, critiquing and awarding of on-the-spot photo contest entries.

She discussed that SILIP Foundation is a group of locally- based photography enthusiasts. It has been founded two years ago and as of now it is already a member of the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, Inc. The speakers of the travel and portrait seminar are skilled members of this foundation. She dded that depending on arrangements the foundation made with sponsors, it [the foundation] may conduct free photography seminars. Miss Flores recalled that they had done a free seminar to students during summer period once.

The registration fee for the 3-day seminar is pegged at P5,000 which is already good for the whole event including: travel, food, snacks and kits. Miss Flores said that discounts could be given if one registers prior to the event. She also encouraged photography enthusiasts who wish to join the said event to bring along their cameras especially those who own SLRs so that they could learn the basics from the master photographers.

source: launiontimes.com (http://launiontimes.com/s-i-l-i-p-camera-club-conducts-3-day-travel-and-portrait-seminar-workshop/)

william :D

September 26th, 2010, 04:00 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs675.snc4/61513_141847475860463_109075665804311_249304_3395126_n.jpg

parang yung chinese temple/bell temple(?) sa baguio...baguio na ba yun o la trinidad?hahaha.basta don.. :)

ergit222

September 27th, 2010, 02:44 AM

source (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100927-294527/34-LGUs-show-way-to-good-governance)
By Tarra Quismundo
Central Luzon Desk
First Posted 04:47:00 09/27/2010

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Looking for good governance models?

Try looking at this Pampanga capital and 33 other local governments that are doing a quiet kind of revolution in the last seven years.

Their common tool comes in the Performance Governance System
(PGS), which makes local government an efficient service organization. PGS, Philippine style, also taps civil society and communities in decision-making.

In the Harvard University-designed PGS, everything such as vision, mission, goals and objectives is measured using the “balanced scorecard.”

“We have strategies for the changes we want to make, baseline data and targets. We perform our roles according to our respective scorecards,” Mayor Oscar Rodriguez said. “It’s a systematic sort of people power by the public and private sectors.”

The beauty of having the scorecard, he said, is that “you don’t have to tell department heads and employees what to do all the time because they’re guided by the scorecards.”

Leaders, he said, come in to bring in political will in such efforts as stopping corruption and raising taxes to improve the quality of life and restore hope.

With five years of experience in using the PGS, the city government was inducted to the “Palladium Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame for Executing Strategy” on Sept. 22.

The award validates that the city government is a top-performing organization, said Jesus Estanislao, founding chair and president of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA).

The ISA introduced the practice of PGS initially to eight cities, including Iloilo, the first Philippine city to qualify for the hall of fame.

The experience is not unique to the City of San Fernando. The initial “dream cities”—Calbayog, Iloilo, Marikina, Naga, San Fernando (La Union), Sorsogon and Tagbilaran—have success stories to share.

The ISA also cited the following local governments as PGS partners: Sorsogon (city and province), Iriga, Tagaytay, Balanga, Bani, Bayawan, Cebu, Dumaguete, Tangub, Tacurong, Toledo, Dagupan, Ligao, Panabo, Tuguegarao, Escalante, Masbate, Sagay, Santiago, Isabela, Legazpi, Tabaco, Dipolog, Talisay and Santa Fe.

The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), which Rodriguez heads, wants to be initiated into the PGS, said Estanislao.

“It will be good for the entire country if the 123 cities that host 40 million Filipinos would have the kind of the process that San Fernando went through,” said Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza, LCP secretary-general.

hugodiekonig

September 28th, 2010, 01:11 AM

Tarlaqueno-ako

September 28th, 2010, 12:26 PM

I recently visited the La Union Official website, and i noticed the monthly update of the financial statement of the province. the link to details below:

http://launion.gov.ph/e107_files/downloads/FINANCIAL%20STATEMENTS_AS%20OF%20AUGUST%202010.pdf

Ang laki pala ng kinikita ng Launion sa tobacco excise tax.:):cheers: Ang ganda ng FS ng province ninyo, very liquid ang assets (mostly in the form of cash), pero kaunti lang ang pagkakautang at malaki rin ang tinatamasang net income.

hugodiekonig

September 28th, 2010, 01:59 PM

Ang laki pala ng kinikita ng Launion sa tobacco excise tax.:):cheers: Ang ganda ng FS ng province ninyo, very liquid ang assets (mostly in the form of cash), pero kaunti lang ang pagkakautang at malaki rin ang tinatamasang net income.

oo, medyo malaki nga ngayong buwan. maliit din ang pagkakautang at pananagutan nito. ramdam din ang economic progress lalo sa sa mga upland towns dito.

hugodiekonig

September 28th, 2010, 02:29 PM

william :D

September 29th, 2010, 01:43 AM

Perseus II

September 29th, 2010, 02:43 AM

I may not visit skyscrapercity oftenly starting tomorrow until the 15th of October. We are tattered with school requirements. I'll flood the thread with posts once I come back!!! Watch out!!! :banana::banana::banana:

visit ka pa rin kahit 1 or 2 post lang each day gaya ng ginagawa ko. Minsan almost midnight na kapag naglog-in ako.

toxic talaga ang school pero yan kasi ang susi sa magandang bukas kaya go lang ng go :)

Tarlaqueno-ako

September 29th, 2010, 12:59 PM

Go lang ng go, God bless sa inyo.:D

hugodiekonig

October 1st, 2010, 01:08 PM

Oh yeah, before I go out tonight, samahan ninyo kami dito sa Oktoberfest ng San Fernando. 6cyclemind, Chicosi, Kamikazee are here!!! :banana::cheers::cheers::cheers:

hugodiekonig

October 2nd, 2010, 11:05 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs157.snc4/37193_143905182321359_109075665804311_260741_7513844_n.jpg

photo sourced from: La Union Times

hugodiekonig

October 2nd, 2010, 11:09 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs005.snc4/33606_112807335445196_100001477915237_95782_578234_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs651.snc4/61171_112808935445036_100001477915237_95789_2778671_n.jpg

more (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?pid=95789&id=100001477915237&ref=fbx_album&fbid=112808935445036)

:cheers2::cheers2::cheers2:

hugodiekonig

October 2nd, 2010, 11:15 AM

qxUnTU8smNo&feature=player_embedded#!

video by: daboy2345 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxUnTU8smNo&feature=player_embedded#!)

hugodiekonig

October 2nd, 2010, 11:18 AM

http://launiontimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/bsp-300x199.jpg

SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION – In a La Union Times interview with Mr. Primo B. Quetulio, Director of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), La Union Regional Office; the official uncovered a summary of the demonetization process. He said that demonetization is necessary so that unusable, defaced, mutilated, perforated and retired coins and banknotes would be properly disposed or recycled in accordance with existing environmental laws.

Mr. Quetulio divulged that unusable retired coins are sold as collector’s item while perforated coins are collected for minting and banknotes for shredding. He said that BSP Regional Offices practice shredding after auditing and as a matter of fact, they even have online shredding machines. The central bank does not burn shredded banknotes because burning is not in accordance with the Clean Air Act oe RA NO 8749. The final disposal of the shredded banknotes is given to an authorized treatment facility. He further explained [when asked how BSP transacts with these treatment facility], “actually it is us who pay for authorized and accredited treaters to pick-up the shredded banknotes to be directly used as fuel. Examples of these treaters are cement manufacturers who follow environmental regulations like the clean air act. They use these shreds as fuel. The banknote shreds are not dumped in pits because it contains health hazardous chemical called Dioxin due to its prints. Unlike some factories, accredited treaters follow a treating process so that hazardous chemicals would not spread. This is ensured by a representative from the Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB).”

Gamblers: the worst banknotes mutilators

BSP has an ongoing campaign for clean banknotes. Mr. Quetulio said that the worst mutilators of banknotes in the country are the gamblers at the cock derbies who crumple the paper bills on their palms for throw, the ‘kondoktor’ or passenger booker- who folds the bills lengthwise and further folds it crosswise in between fingers, and the fish vendors at the wet market. When it comes to issues regarding printed advisory against the illegal use of coins; BSP urges the public in reporting persons who are involved in defacing/mutilating or smuggling Philippine coins. Both are criminal acts punishable by law under Presidential Decree 247 and BSP Circular 98, series of 1995 in relation to section 2530 (f) of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines. He added that the existence of a currency analysis and redemption division make it possible for burnt/mutilated/perforated currencies to be exchanged with currencies in good condition provided that the owner follows: submission of the preserved burnt money (wherein details such as bills’ serial number can be read/ kept intact) together with an affidavit and the measurement of the remains should not be under 3/5 of the original size.

Recirculation Program

On the BSP Coin Recirculation Program, he explained that the country is not experiencing shortages of coins. He said that the ratio of coins (in all denomination) to the present population is approximately 187 coins per individual. He asserted that there is a real need to have lower denomination of coins to circulate particularly the “sentimo” coin denominations. This is good so that when consumers buy goods and services, cashiers will not short change them of 25 sentimos and if bus commuters pay in higher denomination, the ‘kondoktor/driver’ will not be hard-up in locating for coin sources. This is the reason why they always say “Barya lang po sa umaga”, he said. He held that some commercial stores usually practice rounding off to the nearest tens and hundreds but this should not be the case since, essentially we are not lacking in sentimo coins for change. The official mentions that this practice may have an impact to the economy as a whole.

BSP presents sufficient information on strengthening the Coin Recirculation Program. Complete information on this matter can be read at http://www.bsp.gov.ph/bspnotes/coin.asp.

source: launiontimes.com (http://launiontimes.com/bsp-official-explains-coin-recirculation-demonetization/)

hugodiekonig

October 2nd, 2010, 11:20 AM

CADACLAN- Tree planting activities are almost contagious in all government agencies in the province as the Civil Service Commission plans to conduct its own tree-planting activity at famous La Union Botanical and Zoological Garden located at Sitio Japan, Cadaclan, San Fernando City on September 29, 2010. Dir. Violeta Mendoza has told local news that their plan to plant 300 seedlings of mahogany tree and expressed concern over the planted seedlings’ survivability. The said official mentions that tree planting should not be focused on the number of seedlings planted but on the number of seedlings that are able to survive to become full-grown trees. She also said that tree planting shall help in alleviating global warming. On the other hand, the Naval Forces Northern Luzon also had tree planting in an allotted 1 hectare of the mentioned area as part of its recently concluded Navy Anniversary last September 17, 2010. The LU Botanical Garden has been a favorite site for tree-planting activities by students, employees, clubs, and others. It composes of several smaller themed gardens- showcasing different types of plants. These are the Sunken Garden, Shade Garden, Medicinal garden; Arid, fragrance, fernery, palmery, evergreen gardens. It has also has a distinct Japanese and Chinese Garden. The meditation garden is the last addition to the garden theme.

source: launiontimes.com (http://launiontimes.com/contagious-tree-planting-favorite-site-botanical-garden/)

hugodiekonig

October 3rd, 2010, 01:41 PM

The government will see its income share from state gaming firm Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and airport agencies dwindling next year despite rosy economic projections.

Pagcor is only expected to turn in dividends worth P10.940 billion from this year’s programmed P12 billion or a decline of 8.83 percent.

The gaming agency has already turned over P5.04 billion in the first half of 2010.

Pagcor’s remittance from January to June this year went down by P448 million from the P5.488 billion that the agency remitted in the same period in 2009.

The gaming agency remitted about P9.88 billion in 2009, below the P11 billion it turned over as part of the government’s share in 2008. In 2007, Pagcor contributed P10.31 billion to state coffers.

The government’s share from airport terminal fees would also be cut by P12 million next year to P300 million from this year’s target of P312 million.

Share from airport terminal fee has also been on the wane from P425 million in 2009.

Even the government’s share from the profits of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the agency running NAIA terminals, will also fall by 3.71 percent next year to P700 million from this year’s expected income share of P727 million.

This is also a significant drop from the P1.032 share turned in by the MIAA to the government in 2009.

As a government-owned and controlled corporation, Pagcor and MIAA are required by Republic Act 7656 or the Dividend Law to remit at least 50 percent of its annual gross earnings to the government.

Pagcor operates 13 agency-run Casino Filipino facilities and has four licensed casinos – Fontana Casino in Pampanga, East Bay Casino in Rizal, Poro Point Casino in La Union and Fort Stotsenberg also in Pampanga.

The finance department, the Bureau of Internal Revenues (BIR) and the National Tax Research Center (NTRC), meanwhile, are pressing Pagcor to pay corporate income tax pursuant to Republic Act 9337 or the Reformed Value Added Tax law.

The government also wants to impose VAT on Pagcor, saying VAT had already replaced the 5 percent franchise tax imposed on the corporation.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima earlier said it was possible that the domestic economy as measured by gross domestic product (GD) will continue to trudge its present growth path and even post a stronger seven percent expansion in 2011.

The GDP growth in the first half this year has surpassed expectations with the first quarter growth at 7.8 percent and the second quarter at 7.9 percent resulting to a 7.9 percent average for the first half, the highest after the 9.3 percent in the second half of 1988.

The economy’s second quarter growth this year is also far higher than the 1.2 percent registered same period last year.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), meanwhile, is maintaining a conservative growth estimate of four percent in 2011 from a projected six percent growth this year.

Dino Ng

source (http://www.remate.ph/?p=4781)

hugodiekonig

October 4th, 2010, 04:15 PM

SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION – With the continued escalation of hospitalized clients and the ballooning of patient expenses these past months, the conduct of the Nationwide Philhealth Registration Day on October 2 proves to be a timely measure by the Department of Health to address the increasing health needs of the Ilocanos.

Also dubbed as Philhealth SABADO, the program is pursuant to RA 7875 or the National Health Insurance Act of 2005 of which President Aquino responds to by ensuring that each and every Filipino, especially the poor, acquire access to health care services in all dimensions.

Simultaneously conducted in 100 different sites located in selected areas in the country, the national insurance registration drive intensifies its reach to poor families, indigents and individually paying members located in La Union. Critical to the conduct of the event are the DOH Health Promotions Team which was preceded by Mr. Bernabe Garcia as well as staff from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Increasing public awareness regarding entitlements and responsibilities afforded by the insurance program are priority objectives of the program.

Despite the power outage last Saturday, booths situated in front of the San Fernando City Hall from 8am to 5pm have offered easy and more mobile access to clients enlisting in the public insurance program. New members have the privilege to acquire their Philhealth card on site while being briefed comprehensively about guidelines relative to the Philhealth coverage.

Indigent membership specifically those targeted communities with underprivileged households is also emphasized through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Based on the National Household Targeting System-Proxy Means Test (NHTS-PMT), a listing of poor families in the locale will be consolidated and background checked to allow proper proportioning of the 100 Philhealth insurance cards. The PH cards are given to eligible indigents free of charge as they are sponsored and subsidized by DOH. These insurance IDs may be used the next day after their registration.

The insurance enlistment will continue even after PH SABADO commences. Philhealth desks will be established in identified registration centers such as schools, barangay/municipal halls as well as other government health institutions to facilitate the enrolment of the informal sector in the locale. Trained designated PhilHealth AKO ( Advocates and Knowledge Officers) situated in the barangay level, public schools and public health centers will assist in mobilizing indigents and interested individuals to enjoin the program.

source (http://launiontimes.com/philhealth-sabado-expands-nationwide-membership-100-lu-indigents-receive-ph-insurance-card/)

hugodiekonig

October 5th, 2010, 02:02 PM

Marking its ninth straight year, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)-La Union Chapter once again held Ammoyo, the chapter’s annual provincial student press congress, last September 24 to 26 at UCCP-Condora, Damortis, Rosario, La Union. The event which was attended by more than a hundred student journalists from across Ilocandia also served as CEGP’s regional student press convention.

Ammoyo 2010 featured various lecture-workshops on basic, intermediate and advanced journalism skills training given by local and alternative media practitioners such as Marisol Jane Jomaya of La Union Times and Alexandra Valdez of Bulatlat.com. Personalities from national youth organizations such as Lee Erwin Biscarra, the vice-president for Luzon of Kabataang Artista Para Sa Tunay na Kalayaan or KARATULA and Trina Melissa Federis, the national president of CEGP also served as lecturers for the journalism skills discussions.

These discussions are in line with the Guild’s commitment to raise the student press’ standards in journalism.

“The convention is aimed to arm the participants of the needed skills and knowledge to help them in their task as student journalists,” Lovely Upindo, CEGP-La Union chairperson, 2009-2010 explained.

Moreover, discussions on the socio-political topics were also given during the convention to equip them of knowledge on various issues confronting the youth and society.

“Marami kaming natutunan na magagamit namin pagbalik namin sa mga publication namin. Hindi lang tungkol sa pagsusulat kundi tungkol sa lipunan natin tulad ng budget cut sa mga State Colleges and Universities na kailangang tutulan,” Rachel Jimenez of Lorma Highlights said.

Literary and the Arts workshops

The convention also offered lecture-workshops on literary and the arts topics which featured two award-winning writers, Danillo Antalan and Mark Angeles, and facilitators from Dap-ayan Ti Kultura Ti Kordilyera (DKK) and Tanghalang Bayan ng Kabataan ng Baguio (TABAK).

Antalan who is also a radio commentator for Radio Tirad Pass (DZTP) and a writer for various other media organizations is a multi-awarded Iluko writer. He has won numerous awards for his works such as from the Don Carlos Palanca Awards for Literature (Palanca Awards) and other award-giving bodies. He served as the convention’s lecturer on Iluko short story writing.

Mark Angeles who is also a Palanca Awardee served as the lecturer on creative writing and poetry writing.

Facilitators from DKK gave a workshop on indigenous music and dances while members of the cultural organization TABAK gave a workshop on basic theatre arts.

Bayanihan for student writers

According to Ulpindo, Ammoyo is not only about improving the writing skills of student journalists but forging unity among campus publications in La Union.

She shared that the convention was named after the old iluko term ‘ammoyo’ which means a kind of bayanihan among Ilocano peasant communities.

“Ammoyo is a venue for the different campus press in the province to unite under one common interest of defending campus press freedom. The convention is an opportunity for different student publications to share experiences and problems and hopefully we could learn from each other. Ammoyo wishes to invoke the spirit of bayanihan among student writers in helping one another especially in this troubling time for campus press,” Ulpindo shared.

“Unlike other campus press conventions, Ammoyo is aimed more to unite student journalist and not pit them against each other. The goal is solidarity and helping one another in upholding campus press freedom,” John Osias Jacaban, head of the Ammoyo 2010 Organizing Committee added.

Gawad Manuel Arguilla

Ammoyo 2010 also served as the venue for the 4th Gawad Manuel Arguilla, CEGP-L a Union’s annual literary contest for student writers. The Gawad aims to invoke the nationalist spirit of the late Arguilla in the students’ literary pieces.

Gawad Manuel Arguilla has six categories (poetry, short story, essay, tula, maikling kuwento and sanaysay).

Only three entries won in the Tula category. Jennilou Pigao and Rachael Jimenez both from Lorma Highlights won third and second places, respectively, while John Mark Lachica won first place.

“Unfortunately, only three entries merited awards. The Award Committee and the judges reserve the right to decide which entries will be awarded based on the standards set forth for the literary contest. However, this does not mean the other entries are not good. It only means that they can still be improved”, Lee Erwin Biscarra who served as the head of the Award Committee explained.

Mark Angeles, Alexandra Valdez and Rod Lawrence Tajon served as the judges for the contest.

Arguilla, a native of Nagrebcan, Bauang, La Union, started as a writer for the La Union Tab, the student paper of La Union National High School (LUNHS). He will later be known as one of the best Filipino fictionist of his time. He died as a martyr, serving as a spy for the liberation movement during the Japanese colonial occupation.

New set of officers

CEGP-La Union elected their new set of officers on the last day of Ammoyo 2010. Rachel Dennise Galang (Lorma Highlights) was elected chairperson while Dean Badua (Green Valley Treasures) was elected vice-chairperson for first district of La Union and Reynold Rex Gracias (PCLU Scribes) was elected vice-chairperson for second district of La Union.

Girlie Gutang (DMMMSU-SLUC Forum) was appointed as the new secretary-general of the provincial chapter and Rachel Jimenez (Lorma Highlights) the new deputy secretary. Erika Alyanna Bobiles (Lorma Highlights) was appointed first district representative and Edilcar Grace Dulay (Healthspeak) as the second district representative.

The appointed high school representatives were Janine Laddaran (Lorma Insights) and Ervi Fabros (Ang Tulay) as first district representative and second district respectively.

“The election of the new set of officers will mean continuing the struggle for a freer campus press. It is a challenge to all campus press to defend not only our right to press freedom but to defend all our democratic rights as students especially our right to education” , Galang said

source: launiontimes.com (http://launiontimes.com/la-union-student-press-converge-in-9th-ammoyo/)

hugodiekonig

October 6th, 2010, 02:07 PM

San Fernando City, La Union (6 October) -- "A well-informed and vigilant consumer is the best consumer."

In the fight against environmental degradation, the government has tapped the consuming public to be 'change agents' in various measures to protect and conserve the environment in this year's celebration of the Consumers Welfare Month.

This year's theme, "Consumers: Green Multipliers", aims at empowering every consumers by educating them and trying to mainstream in their daily lives the imperative need to promote environmental awareness.

The major objective here is unify and orchestrate every efforts as consumers towards promoting and/or building a healthy and sound environment considering that one of the basic consumer right is the right to a healthy environment.

As 'change agents', the consumers will be tapped along the promotion of the 3Rs of the Ecological Solid Waste Management (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), promotion of clean air, Water Conservation program, Electricity Conservation Program, greening campaigns/movements, promotion of the Green procurement program, and Disaster Preparedness and Management Response Program.

In the region, the Regional Consumer Affairs Council (RCAC-1) have lined up lectures on environmental concerns and livelihood training using recyclable materials to include 'How to be Green Consumer/Green Multiplier', 'Ozone Science and Climate Change', 'Livelihood Training on Recycled Materials' and 'Waste Characterization with Demo'.

Such lectures and livelihood training, together with the identified film showing activity will be conducted at the CSI The City Mall on October 26 to 29 with the RCAC member-agencies to include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as the lead agency in this year's celebration, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Information Agency, the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, National Food Authority and the National Meat Inspection Office.

A radio interview is also scheduled by the PIA on October 7 using their in-house program dubbed as "Ammuentayo" live at DZNL Aksyon Radyo, this city with the DENR, DTI and DepEd as panelists/guests.

The DTI has also scheduled a week-long consumer trade fair at the CSI The City Mall on October 22-31 tapping the small and medium enterprises showcasing the many products of the region, hand in hand with advocacy activities/information dissemination on various government programs and projects which the public can avail.

Legal and technical assistance will also be extended during the said fair.

A consumer quiz bee headed by the Department of Education is set on October 27 tapping high school students, both in the public and private schools in La Union as participants. Questions in said quiz bee will revolved around environmental concerns/issues.

The opening program for this year's celebration of the Consumer's Welfare Month will be on October 22 at CSI The City Mall.

The yearly celebration protecting consumers is supported by various laws and policy issuances to include Presidential Decree 1586 or the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System of 1978; Republic Act 6969 or the Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990; Republic Act 8749 of the Clean Air Act of 1990; Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000; Republic Act 9637 of the Biofuels Act of 2006; Republic Act 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008; and the Executive Order 301 of 2004 or the Establishing a Green Procurement Program for all Departments, Bureaus, Offices and Agencies of the Executive Branch of Government. (PIA Region 1/La Union)

source (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p101006.htm&no=64)

hugodiekonig

October 6th, 2010, 02:20 PM

nothing photos to share up to this moment. I am currently piling up newest pics of San Fernando and the Rest of La Union!

ergit222

October 6th, 2010, 03:04 PM

http://vimeo.com/15390460

The province of La Union is popularly known for its fine beaches. But it is fast becoming more than these fine beaches and its monicker as the surfing capital of the Ilocos. “Pugad” which means bird’s nest is one reason for this transformation.

Pugo, a municipal town of La Union is the site of the newly opened adventure and recreation destination in Ilocos. This picturesque destination with more than 3 hectares of lush mountain and clean river is called PUGAD or Pugo Adventure.

Zip Line Adventure

For adventure seekers, PUGAD offers a new kind of adventure. For instance, you can fly high like a bird with its zip line facility. Pugad boasts the longest zip line (380 meters) in Luzon. It is reportedly 2nd in the entire Philippine archipelago. As of this date, two more zip lines are in the pipe line to provide visitors a much better view of the entire scenery.

Rapelling, wall climbing and trekking

If you would like to test your stamina, try its breath taking rappelling and wall climbing facilities. Trekking in the area is also fun because of its natural sceneries. The place is endowed with a clean river and sloping terrain that flows right at the heart of the village of Kagaling.

All terrain vehicle driving

Are you looking for a unique driving experience? PUGAD offers all terrain vehicle driving adventure. You do not need to be a professional driver to try this driving adventure and tour around the premises. PUGAD is a three-hectare land in the peaceful barangay of Palina.

Swimming pool and other facilities

For a relaxing atmosphere, enjoy PUGAD’s crystal clear swimming pool suitable for children and adults. For the meantime, PUGAD caters to team-building and to small-group activities while the cottages, function hall and main building are still under construction.

To assist guests in the different facilities and to ensure an enjoyable and safe adventure, PUGAD maintains a pool of well-trained personnel and state-of-the-art equipment .

PUGAD is 300 meters away from the Marcos Highway Pugo La Union after a 30 minute drive from Baguio and about an 1 hour ride from San Fernando City La Union. For those coming from Manila, travel by land can take around 4-5 hours.

hugodiekonig

October 6th, 2010, 03:11 PM

I think Pugo's tourism is on a rebirth! That's good!:banana::banana:

hugodiekonig

October 7th, 2010, 02:13 PM

A magnitude-5.2 quake rocked Sultan Kudarat province in Mindanao before dawn Thursday, state seismologists said even at they warned of possible aftershocks.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake was recorded at 5:58 a.m., with the epicenter traced to 19 km northeast of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Phivolcs said the quake was tectonic and was felt at Intensity IV in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; and in Matan-ao, Davao del Sur.

The quake was felt at Intensity III in Kidapawan City; Kabacan, North Cotabato; Malita, Davao del Sur; Tulunan, North Cotabato; Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur; Padada Davao del Sur; Tacurong City; Matalam, North Cotabato; and Makilala in North Cotabato.

It was felt at Intensity II in Davao City; General Santos City; Koronadal in South Cotabato; and Digos City.

No damage was initially reported.

The United States Geological Survey recorded the quake at magnitude 5.2, with the epicenter at 65 km north-northwest of General Santos City; 95 km west-southwest of Davao; 95 km southeast of Cotabato; or 975 km south-southeast of Manila.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs said a magnitude-3.2 quake rocked San Fernando in La Union in Ilocos region in northern Luzon at 2:10 a.m.

It said no damage was recorded, and no aftershock was expected.— LBG, GMANews.TV

link (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/202806/phivolcs-predawn-quakes-rock-mindanao-north-luzon)

I was awake at that time. It was a feeble shock:nuts::nuts:

hugodiekonig

October 7th, 2010, 02:14 PM

Weather bureau to use cell towers for rain gauges

by Rio N. Araja

THE weather bureau has teamed up with Smart Communications Inc. to put up telemetric rain gauges in 63 cell sites nationwide to strengthen its ability to issue timely forecasts and flood warnings, Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo said Wednesday.

He and the weather bureau’s officer in charge, Graciano Yumul Jr., told reporters the deal with Smart would complement efforts to improve the accuracy of weather forecasts.

Smart president Napoleon Nazareno promised to complete the machine-to-machine communications project on time, saying it was the first of its kind in the country.

“This is a breakthrough for the mobile industry. It excites me personally,” Nazareno said.

The rain gauges would study rainfall patterns in different areas around the country and send real-time data to the weather bureau through text messages, Nazareno said.

“This way, the government can provide the agricultural sector and other stakeholders with authenticated data on the amount of rainfall and timely weather forecasts,” he said.

“Our network is already in place, and we do not have to spend a single centavo to build another facility.”

Smart’s head of corporate communications, Ramon Isberto, said the company’s engineers would be working with the weather bureau to get the gauges in place over the next three or four months.

The weather bureau said the sites ideal for setting up the rain gauges were Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Bulacan, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Metro Manila, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, Northern Samar, Mindoro Oriental and Marinduque in Luzon.

Smart cell sites in Negros Occidental, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Bohol and Leyte, in the Visayas, and Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Saranggani, Davao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur in Mindanao were also being eyed for the project.

Nazareno said Smart had allotted up to P2 billion to build 500 more cell sites in the remote areas to fill in the gap in coverage in its existing network of 9,000 sites.

Most of the new sites would be in Mindanao, he said.

Globe Telecom, Smart’s biggest rival, had about 6,334 cell sites as of the end of June, while Sun Cellular had about 7,000 sites nationwide. With Jeremiah de Guzman

source (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNews.htm?f=2010/october/7/news3.isx&d=2010/october/7)

william :D

October 9th, 2010, 03:02 PM

kamusta mga kapatid!!!! :D

traxex000

October 9th, 2010, 05:27 PM

I think Pugo's tourism is on a rebirth! That's good!:banana::banana:

town ba yang pugo?hehe btw nice name katunog ng saiyo:D

william :D

October 10th, 2010, 01:18 AM

hugodiekonig

October 10th, 2010, 02:14 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Ph_locator_la_union_pugo.png/250px-Ph_locator_la_union_pugo.png

map from wikipedia.com

Madadaanan mo ang Pugo kapag papunta ka ng Baguio via Kennon Road or Marcos (now Aspiras) Highway

hugodiekonig

October 10th, 2010, 02:16 AM

kamusta mga kapatid!!!! :D

wahahaha eto nagbabalik ako! pero busy parin ako, actually super busy ako ngayon, pero pasttime ko nalang ang ssc. tagal narin ako hindi nagpopost sa ibang thread hehehe.

william :D

October 10th, 2010, 02:20 AM

wahahaha eto nagbabalik ako! pero busy parin ako, actually super busy ako ngayon, pero pasttime ko nalang ang ssc. tagal narin ako hindi nagpopost sa ibang thread hehehe.

naunahan kita hugo.ako medyo maluwag luwag na.konti nalang ang ginagawa ko eh.hahahaha, good luck!!!!

william :D

October 10th, 2010, 02:20 AM

ergit222

October 12th, 2010, 05:23 AM

ahh.oo naaalala ko na!!! PUGO nga yung bayan na yun bago mag-kennon..haha
actually, yung Marcos Bust nandyan sa Pugo along Marcos Highway papunta sa Baguio. Yung Kennon Road nasa Rosario town naman. :)

william :D

October 12th, 2010, 12:19 PM

actually, yung Marcos Bust nandyan sa Pugo along Marcos Highway papunta sa Baguio. Yung Kennon Road nasa Rosario town naman. :)

ahhh..la union pa pala nakakasakop nong mukha ni marcos..akala ko benguet na....:cheers:

hugodiekonig

October 12th, 2010, 01:44 PM

ahhh..la union pa pala nakakasakop nong mukha ni marcos..akala ko benguet na....:cheers:

actually may dispute between La Union and Benguet about sa territorial dispute about iyang Marcos Bust.

hugodiekonig

October 12th, 2010, 01:54 PM

By Gabriel Cardinoza
Inquirer Northern Luzon
First Posted 21:04:00 10/09/2010

Filed Under: Charity, Weather

BAUANG, La Union, Philippines—For almost a year, Corazon Estigoy and her family lived in a small box-like structure she called “cubicle” in the coastal village of Pugo here.

It was built from materials found in the ruins of their house that was crushed by floodwaters at the height of Typhoon “Pepeng” in October last year.

“We were cramped like sardines then,” says Estigoy, 51. Six of her eight children live with her. Her eldest works in Metro Manila, while another has a family of her own and stays in another house.

But on Wednesday, Estigoy and 36 other Pugo residents received “transitional shelter” from the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) in ceremonies held in Naguilian town.

“It’s called ‘transitional shelter’ because the structure is in between [the category of] emergency and permanent shelters. Transitional shelters can only last from seven to 10 years,” says Almira Abrazado, PNRC La Union chapter administrator.

Abrazado says 172 such shelters were given to typhoon victims in 19 villages in Bauang, Naguilian, Bagulin, Aringay and Tubao towns.

“We could not have built this house by ourselves,” says Estigoy, who earns P2,500 a month as barangay secretary. Her husband is a tricycle driver.

Her new house, which has a floor area of 20 square meters, has sawali (bamboo slats) for walls and galvanized iron sheets for roof. It was built with a toilet and a septic tank.

“We required every beneficiary to help construct the shelters so they will have a sense of ownership,” Abrazado says.

A beneficiary’s counterpart, she says, also includes the improvement of the house, such as providing floors and partitions.

Estigoy used plywood panels and hollow blocks in her house’s frontage. She also has glass jalousie windows.

“We hope we can also have concrete floors and partitions soon,” Estigoy says.

Judy Perez, a shell gatherer who lives about 100 meters from Estigoy’s house, says he could not still believe he and his family now have their own house.

After the flood, all he could build was a makeshift shelter made from whatever material is available.

“I was very lucky to have been given this house,” Perez says.

Abrazado says there should have been more beneficiaries in La Union but not all of the typhoon victims met the criteria that the PNRC had set.

Aside from losing their houses to Pepeng, beneficiaries should also own the land where the transition shelter would be built.

“Or if they do not own the land, they should be able to get a permission from the landowner,” Abrazado says.

The location of the beneficiaries was also important. Abrazado says they should not be in “unsafe” areas, such as riverbanks or mountain slopes.

source (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20101009-296871/La-Union-typhoon-victims-get-roofs-above-heads)

hugodiekonig

October 12th, 2010, 01:55 PM

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — To facilitate the registration of college graduates in the skills registry system of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), a new school-based Public Employment Services Office (PESO) was created in La Union.

This developed after a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between DoLE Region 1 Director Henry John S. Jalbuena and Lorma Colleges, Inc. executive director Jose P. Mainggang.

Jalbuena said that this latest development is in harmony with President Aquino’s 22-point labor and employment policy agenda which seeks to address the labor mismatch problem through better and strengthened coordination among various social players. He said that the skills registry system (SRS) was launched by President Aquino during the opening of the 10th National PESO Congress held from October 5 to 7 in Tagaytay City.

“The SRS will capture the available skills and qualifications of jobseekers in a national registry which will be posted in PhilJobnet, the country’s official job portal, where employers can easily find the needed manpower for their industries,” Jalbuena said.

“For years now, the Lorma Colleges, Inc. has been an active partner of the DoLE in carrying out its mandate of achieving full, decent and productive employment. (Freddie Lazaro)

source (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/281515/la-union-creates-local-job-center)

:banana::banana::banana:

hugodiekonig

October 12th, 2010, 01:56 PM

The Agriculture Department said Monday that Japan will turnover to the Philippines some 7,000 metric tons of ammonium sulphate fertilizer worth P354 million.

A turnover ceremony will be held Tuesday at Port of Poro Point in San Fernando City, La Union the department said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Japanese embassy said the turnover is part of Japan’s eighth Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA) that was given in February 2009.

“These comprise part of the 42,184 MT of fertilizers in total worth ¥700 million [about P354 million] procured by the Philippine government under the 8th NPGA," the Japanese embassy said in a separate statement Monday.

The Japanese embassy said the fertilizer will “certainly help [Philippine] farmers improve the productivity for the next cropping season."

Before the last shipment of 7,000 MT, five other shipments arrived in Iloilo in April, in Davao in June, in Batangas in July, in Davao in August, and in Poro Point in August coinciding with the cropping season.

The shipments were consigned with Soiltech Agricultural Products Corp., La Filipina Uygongco Corp., and Danat Ferilizer Corp.

The fertilizer that will be turned over Tuesday represents the last of six shipments supplied by Mitsubishi Corp., which won the supply tender in UK in February 2010.

Japan’s Minister of Economic Affairs Akio Isomata and Economic Sections’ second Secretary Hirochika Namekawa will be present at the ceremony.

National Agricultural and Fishery Council special project division chief Cecilia Lupisan and regional chairperson Vincent Adorna will also be there.

source (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/203130/tokyo-to-complete-rp-fertilizer-grant-says-agri-dept)

william :D

October 12th, 2010, 01:56 PM

actually may dispute between La Union and Benguet about sa territorial dispute about iyang Marcos Bust.

ahhhh...malapit na ba sa boundary iyong marcos bust?:cheers:

hugodiekonig

October 12th, 2010, 02:05 PM

By ATTY. ROMEO V. PEFIANCO
October 11, 2010, 6:43pm

Remember the Northrail experience

In November, 2004, Northrail proudly announced that at last a modern railway system, replacing the old and inefficient PNR, would ferry passengers/commuters in new comfort between Manila and the towns of Pangasinan and La Union.

Huge loan

The huge loan for this railway was not disclosed in newspaper ads, double spread always, but Northrail officials said the new transport system was comparable to modern railways in Europe. When new rails were brought to replace the Spanish regime’s rotting facilities squatters by the tens of thousands refused to leave or move their homes that blocked the railway.

Most expensive railway system

To this day, after six years, the so-called new transport system was announced, it has not advanced far enough. This month there’s a new announcement, not from but about Northrail: President Nonoy ordered renegotiation of the loan in dollars for which RP has not stopped paying interest of countless millions.

The Senate referred to Northrail as the most expensive railway system in the world.

source (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/281626/pasig-run-northrail)

hugodiekonig

October 12th, 2010, 02:08 PM

It’s not the size that counts, but at the Shanghai Expo...

IT IS SUPPOSED to be the "greatest show on earth," expected to attract a record 70 million visitors mostly from the emerging superpower that is China. The Philippines, however, has among the smallest booths on the block.

Indonesia’s three-storey forest city, Thailand’s 4-D cinema in a pointy-tipped sala and Japan’s "Purple Silkworm Island" are just a few of the national pavilions at Expo 2010 Shanghai China jostling for the attention of the world’s largest market.

The Philippines’ daily musical numbers at its boxy space, admittedly, has drawn a sizeable share of the crowd. But local officials say the country’s tourism and exports message could have been drowned out by the song-and-dance.

As of Oct. 8, the Philippine pavilion has had roughly 6.621 million visitors or 11.1% of the 59.853-million swarm that piled in through new roads and subways built just for the event, Ramon De Veyra, Jr., market specialist of the state-run Philippine Convention & Vistors Corp. told visiting reporters last week.

The Ed Calma-designed exhibit drew an average of 42,000 visitors daily, just about keeping up with Thailand’s 50,000 tally, Mr. De Veyra said.

"Our curator chose performing cities," pavilion manager Tess H. Mauricio said, referring to the 11 picked for featuring at the site: Iloilo, Naga, Cebu, Manila, Malaybalay, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Calbayog, San Fernando in La Union, Makati and Taguig.

"[They perform] not just in terms of entertainment but also economic growth and good governance," Ms. Mauricio said, adding that the musical numbers serve to represent how Filipinos coordinate and work together.

But posters on planned city renovations and displays of food and craft exports are dwarfed by the central stage where performances are held every 10 minutes. The Loboc Children’s Choir was playing last week, following earlier performances by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Ballet Philippines, and pianist Cecile Licad.

Philippine-made furniture and home decor, meanwhile, are relegated to a private room entered only by VIPs.

Tourism Secretary Alberto A. Lim admitted that the booth -- prepared by his predecessor -- "isn’t the best looking."

"And in terms of content, the feedback I get is that other pavilions have nicer content," Mr. Lim said in a telephone interview last week.

Indonesia, for instance, highlights ecotourism with a jungle-themed exhibit while Malaysia’s two-storey pavilion starts off with familiar beach and city landmarks and then pairs this image recall with a display of key consumer exports like rubber gloves and chocolate.

The Philippine pavilion does, however, offer brochures on upcoming Philippine trade fairs and fora for business matching, although Mr. Lim says the focus has been more on food and entertainment.

"It’s too late to change our pavilion because it is shutting down by the end of the month. You cannot change directions anymore," he said.

Despite this, the Tourism department is still upbeat that the pavilion traffic will translate into visitor arrivals from the Asian giant, he said.

"China is a big market. [Chinese tourist arrivals] are ranked number four after Korea, the United States and Japan," Mr. Lim said.

"But we’re only scratching the surface there. It could very well be number one."
|

source (http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=19325)

hugodiekonig

October 12th, 2010, 02:11 PM

ahhhh...malapit na ba sa boundary iyong marcos bust?:cheers:

oo. May parte na doon ng Tuba, Benguet at ang iba naman ay sa Pugo, La Union.

hugodiekonig

October 12th, 2010, 02:25 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs887.snc4/72025_440055343411_161064168411_5421822_6026723_n.jpg

photo sourced from : Thunderbird Resorts's Photos
(http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?fbid=440055343411&set=a.440055113411.231597.161064168411)

hugodiekonig

October 12th, 2010, 02:27 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs396.ash2/67406_440055218411_161064168411_5421817_3060233_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs908.snc4/72134_440055268411_161064168411_5421819_8161188_n.jpg

Photos sourced from: Thunderbird Resorts Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?fbid=440055268411&set=a.440055113411.231597.161064168411&pid=5421819&id=161064168411)

hugodiekonig

October 12th, 2010, 02:42 PM

La Union Surfing Bodies

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs376.ash2/65444_114055178653745_100001477915237_101654_6361236_n.jpg

meet some of them!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs005.snc4/33606_112807335445196_100001477915237_95782_578234_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs122.ash2/39425_112808612111735_100001477915237_95785_6138161_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs061.snc4/34394_112805628778700_100001477915237_95766_4633691_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs651.snc4/61171_112808935445036_100001477915237_95789_2778671_n.jpg

photos from: SurfingBreak LaUnion's Photos (http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Fernando-Philippines/La-Union-Store/128059030544243?ref=ts&v=wall#!/)

hugodiekonig

October 12th, 2010, 03:05 PM

The La Union Surfing Break was conceptualized and launched in 2006 to educate and expose surfing to the general public through proper teaching methods. Timed during semestral break, the target market of the event was students from Manila, Baguio and other Northern Luzon cities. Among the three other well-known surf sites in the Philippines- Siargao in Surigao del Norte, Baler in Aurora and Daet in Camarines Sur-- La Union is the most accessible for those coming from Mega Manila. The event turned the beach cove of Urbiztondo, Sa Juan, La Union into the likes of one hot summer getaway in Boracay.

The staging of La Union Surfing Break in the past four year was a tremendous success if we are to gauge by the steady increase of the number of people that participated in the event, as well as the media coverage and exposure it generated. This national surfing event has positioned La Union as the Surfing and Active Lifestyle Holiday Destination of the Philippines. It was also told that the activity has become a “buzz word” in the surfing community.

Now on its 5th year, this year’s La Union Surfing Brea promises to be bigger in terms of attendance and beach-oriented fun activities which will further promote the dominance of the province as the premier surfing destination and will promote the La Union “lifestyle” with surfing as the iconic product of the province.

In the bigger picture, the La Union Surfing Break is a real nudge to La Union’s over-all tourism industry as well as other business ventures. With the expected influx of people coming over, the goal in the end is to ensure the event leaves a trail of small business start ups, idea transfers, and enough momentum to promote La Union as a sports and adventure destination as well as the premier surfing destination in North Luzon, prepared and ready to take on an influx of tourists.

sourced from a blog (http://metrosexualsociety.blogspot.com/2010/10/la-union-surfing-bodies-2010-official.html)

hugodiekonig

October 12th, 2010, 03:08 PM

http://langyaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/la_union_surf_5.jpg

http://langyaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/la_union_surf_1.jpg

http://langyaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/la_union_surf_3.jpg

http://langyaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/la_union_surf_4.jpg

photos from: Langyaw (http://langyaw.com/2010/05/04/surfing-in-la-union-riding-the-waves/)

hugodiekonig

October 13th, 2010, 01:12 PM

Vigan City (13 October) -- To facilitate the registration of college graduate in the skills registry system of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), a new school-based Public Employment Services Office (PESO) was created in La Union.

This developed after a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between DOLE Region 1 Director Henry John S. Jalbuena and Lorma Colleges, Inc. Executive Director Jose P. Mainggang.

Jalbuena said that this latest development is in harmony with President Benigno S. Aquino III's 22-point labor and employment policy agenda which seeks to address the labor-mismatch problem through better and strengthened coordination among various social players.

Meanwhile, he informed that the skills registry system (SRS) was launched by President Aquino during the opening of the 10th National PESO Congress held from October 5-7 in Tagaytay City.

"The SRS will capture the available skills and qualifications of jobseekers in a national registry which will be posted in the PhilJobnet, the country's official job portal, where employers can easily find the needed manpower for their industries," Jalbuena said.

"For years now, the Lorma Colleges, Inc. has been an active partner of the DOLE in carrying out its mandate of achieving full, decent and productive employment. It has already hosted several job fairs, and as an academic institution, it continually strives to be a center of excellence in the north, especially in its medicine-related courses," he added.

Highlighting the agreement, Lorma Colleges, Inc. will provide office space, equipment and supplies for the operation of the PESO; appoint or designate a full-time PESO manager and other personnel to manage, operate and maintain the PESO; maintain an up-to-date Manpower Registry and Skills Profile of its college graduates; and submit to the DOLE-RO 1 monthly accomplishment reports.

The DOLE-RO 1, for its part, will provide technical assistance, training services and other related assistance necessary to enhance the operational capacity of the school-based PESO in its employment facilitation services.

"So far, our office has already established 125 municipal PESOs, 4 provincial PESOs and 2 school-based PESOs, or a total of 131 PESOs. The establishment and institutionalization of PESOs is one of our strategies to assist jobseekers in their search for the right job and to promote employment," Jalbuena told. (PIA-Ilocos Sur with reports from DOLE-R1)

source (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p101013.htm&no=48&r=r01&y=&mo=)

hugodiekonig

October 13th, 2010, 01:48 PM

http://photoworldmanila.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/express-your-art.jpg

Thunderbird Resorts Philippines, part of an international chain of luxury resorts, is launching the Express Your Art Photo Contest, Year 2 on October 1, 2010. This year’s theme of the photo contest is: Environment Sustainability.

Express Your Art Photo Contest has a total of P450,000 worth of prizes to be awarded to the best photos that bring attention to the contest theme of environment sustainability, promoting natural conservation and the protection of the earth’s environment.

advertisement from: launionbiz.com (http://launionbiz.com/da_entry.php?name=Express%20Your%20Art%20Photo%20Contest%202&id=41)

william :D

October 14th, 2010, 12:13 AM

^^sarap mag-surf!!!! waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.! :)

ergit222

October 14th, 2010, 02:44 AM

source (http://enjoythunderbirdresorts.blogspot.com/2010/10/10-10-10-celebration-for-mother-earth.html)
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_e3NYyBv7yNA/TLErNF_nw3I/AAAAAAAABYg/fRu59Pm7l3Y/s400/33617_166486013367116_100000171562449_584797_1691072_n.jpg

Today, 10-10-10 marks a significant event for Mother Earth as people from around the world joined together
in the fight against climate change.

As part of Thunderbird Resorts Efforts on Environmental Sustainability (T.R.E.E.S) and in one with 350.0rg in
a celebration for Mother Earth, two clean up drives were held in the communities of Binangonan, Rizal and Poro Point, La Union.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_e3NYyBv7yNA/TLErYkgeM1I/AAAAAAAABYo/iEYp6TfkBw8/s400/39605_147446228631957_100000997426553_222564_806066_n.jpg

Thunderbird Resorts Rizal spearheaded the Laguna de Bay Clean Up Drive participated by the local government,
Thunderbird Resorts executives and employees lead by Mr. Raul Sueiro, vice president for Asian & European operations.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_e3NYyBv7yNA/TLEri3koqpI/AAAAAAAABYw/DKPQrRg48tc/s400/66285_166482376700813_100000171562449_584726_7282214_n.jpg

In Poro Point, La Union, employees gathered seaweeds and cleaned the beach shores. The Coastal Clean Up
was in partnership with DENR, NEDA, Philippine Navy, the local government units (Brgy Poro and Brgy San Agustin),
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University and Caritas Manila.

Still in the works and is part of a developing plan, the collected seaweeds are being eyed as a source for a livelihood project.

Last year, also as a way of taking part in the cause of 350.org in fighting climate change, Thunderbird Resorts held
a simultaneous tree planting activity in both of its properties in Rizal and La Union.

With these projects, Thunderbird Resorts continues to live by its thrust of helping its communities and the environment.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_e3NYyBv7yNA/TLEr1m0JnzI/AAAAAAAABZQ/Iuqqm5mTEiE/s400/66560_166482596700791_100000171562449_584729_3925937_n.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_e3NYyBv7yNA/TLEr1YH8-PI/AAAAAAAABZI/HmHu4WcV7as/s400/66030_166482500034134_100000171562449_584728_2341861_n.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_e3NYyBv7yNA/TLEr1IvBUhI/AAAAAAAABZA/U7obzST4iTo/s400/67320_147444178632162_100000997426553_222560_1799421_n.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_e3NYyBv7yNA/TLEr0z3xicI/AAAAAAAABY4/uJB2wwciDm4/s400/40122_147443111965602_100000997426553_222558_926412_n.jpg

Posted by enjoythunderbirdresorts at 6:26 PM

ergit222

October 14th, 2010, 02:47 AM

La Union Surfing Bodies

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs122.ash2/39425_112808612111735_100001477915237_95785_6138161_n.jpg

YUMMY!!! :lol::lol:

ergit222

October 14th, 2010, 02:55 AM

hugodiekonig

October 14th, 2010, 05:51 AM

This is good news for residents in La Union as long as the job applicants will work for a good paying job within the province not outside the province or the country.

Marami nga tayong prospective job seekers pero mangilan-ngilan ang employers within the province. Business investors lang ang katapat nito para mabigyan ng magandang trabaho sila. Ang tanong, paano ngayon mahihikayat ng local governments ng mga investors na mamuhunan sa La Union?

hopefully maging investor friendly ang ating mga LGUs. Look at Pangasinan now.

hugodiekonig

October 14th, 2010, 05:52 AM

YUMMY!!! :lol::lol:

Yummy Talaga!!!! haaay:cheers:

hugodiekonig

October 14th, 2010, 09:22 AM

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Oct. 14 (PNA) -- At least 7,000 metric tons of fertilizer that came from Japan arrived at Poro Point here and subsequently turned-over by the Japanese government to the Philippine government on Tuesday.

Japanese Embassy Minister for Economic Affairs Akio Isomata was on hand to formally turnover the fertilizer to Crispulo Bautista, a regional technical director of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit here, representing the Philippine government.

Bautista said the fertilizers were part of the 42,184 metric tons made available to the Philippine government by Japan through its 8th Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA) worth 700 million yen or P354 million.

According to Isomata, the initiatives of the Philippine government to avail off fertilizers produced from Japan will eventually strengthen the partnership between the two countries in the field of agricultural development and modernization.

Bautista said the fertilizers are intended for distribution to farmers in Northern Luzon to increase their crop production as well as their income. (PNA)

source (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/7_000MT_of_fertilizers_from_Japan_arrive_at_La_Union_port.shtml)

hugodiekonig

October 15th, 2010, 12:50 PM

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_e3NYyBv7yNA/TLgS2g9Al7I/AAAAAAAABbk/BHNXF79WLrU/s1600/Halloween-Party_web_400.jpg

http://enjoythunderbirdresorts.blogspot.com/2010/10/escape-to-thunderbird-resorts.html

hugodiekonig

October 15th, 2010, 04:41 PM

The events details and guidelines for the 5th La Union Surfing Break scheduled on October 29-31,2010 in Urbiztondo San Juan, La Union are now available online. Below is a summary description of all the events extracted from the official source.

SALA TI DALLUYON STREET DANCE CONTEST
It is a celebration of La Union’s natural scenery and pristine beaches that gave La Union titles as such, “Surfing Capital of North Philippines” and “The Place of Endless Summers”. It is a celebration expressed in music and dance.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
Visual images get even more powerful as they are captured with multi-media gadgets. Using the best in technology today, art gets better in the hands of multimedia artists. With the artistic genius of the mind plus the technical capabilities of the gadgets, this particular form places art in its highest form.

SAND CASTLE FUN BUILDING CONTEST
This is a sand art (modelling sand into an artistic form). It is a type of sand sculpture resembling a miniature building, often a castle.The two basic building ingredients, sand and water, are available in abundance on a sandy beach, so most sand play takes place there, or in a sandpit. Sand castles are typically made by children, simply for the fun of it, but there are also sand sculpture contests for adults that involve large, complex constructions.

SURFING BODIES BIKINI CONTEST
The Search for La Union Surfing Bodies is a personality and modeling search for young men and women that aims to discover the most beautiful and most refreshing faces that have the best potential to penetrate the advertising and fashion industry and eventually crossover to be the next teen idol.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL
This is the classic beach game which cannot go missed. Teams from colleges, universities and/or organizations will compete, or can be formed together by interactive game marshals monitoring interested individuals wanting to play. Interested teams will compete for the LUSB Beach Volley Tournament.

FRISBEE
It is a disc game in which individual players throw a flying disc into a basket or at a target. The object of the game is to traverse a course from beginning to end in the fewest number of throws of the disc. It is inexpensive and is physically accessible for all ages and athletic ranges and therefore attracts a diverse range of players.

SURFING CLINICS
The same surf clinic module implemented in the past 4 years will be used this year. Each registered participant will be entitled to an hour surf lesson. With 30 surfboards and 10 hours per day, a total of 600 trail surfers can be accommodated for two days.

FIRE DANCE CLINIC
Fire dancing also known as “fire twirling,” “fire spinning,” “fire performance,” or “fire manipulation” is a group of performance arts or disciplines that involve manipulation of objects on fire.

SURF BOARD DESIGN COMPETITION
Participants to this competition will utilize a surfboard-shaped ply wood with a dimension of 2 ft x 4 ft and will paint the latter. Design must connect with the theme: “Riding La Union’s Waves”. Painter-participants should experiment with board design as surfers search for that “perfect board.”

AMAZING RACE CHALLENGE
It is a race against time with a competitive team element. The race consists of a series of clues to get from one checkpoint /pit stop to another. Route Markers which will either contain a Road Block or Detour shall be in place to each checkpoint where the team or one of their members must complete a given task before going on to the next pit stop/checkpoint. Route Markers mark the location of additional route information; Road Blocks on the other hand, shall outline a specific task to one member which one must complete to be able to proceed while detour gives a choice of two tasks the whole team must complete before moving on. The first team to reach the final pit stop/checkpoint shall be the winner of the race.

PINTA ALON COMPETITION (SKIN ART CHALLENGE – TATTOO FEST)
It is a body painting contest that celebrates the human skin as a perfect venue to showcase art.

more from tarabitab.com (http://www.tarabitab.com/blog/2010/10/07/la-union-surfing-break-5-events-details-and-guidelines/)

william :D

October 16th, 2010, 03:28 AM

[OT]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUGO!

:dance::dance::dance:
:dance::dance::dance:
:dance::dance::dance:

party party!

hugodiekonig

October 16th, 2010, 03:44 AM

[OT]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUGO!

:dance::dance::dance:
:dance::dance::dance:
:dance::dance::dance:

party party!

wahahaha weeeee salamat william! hehehe sana may Northrail na para kahit makikain ka dito sa La Union hehehe

Tarlaqueno-ako

October 16th, 2010, 06:27 AM

Happy Birthday Hugo! Naalala ko, ha ha. Pareho tayong October.:D

Anong handa mo? Agparte ka kadi ti kalding?

Keep it up! May all your wishes be granted (present and future).:D

Tarlaqueno-ako

October 16th, 2010, 06:38 AM

hopefully maging investor friendly ang ating mga LGUs. Look at Pangasinan now.

Yap, more investor friendly, intensive marketing effort in the part of the LGU's and private entities to attract more businesses in the provinces. I think tourism activities may likewise a big help toward this purpose. Pag madaming tao, di lang locals, kundi tourists, buhay ang mga businesses sa countryside.

Sarap mag surf sa Launion!:):cheers::banana:

hugodiekonig

October 16th, 2010, 06:57 AM

Happy Birthday Hugo! Naalala ko, ha ha. Pareho tayong October.:D

Anong handa mo? Agparte ka kadi ti kalding?

Keep it up! May all your wishes be granted (present and future).:D

salamat ng marami! waaaa:banana::banana::banana: gipit kami tatta isu spaghetti laeng ken manok ti handa mi hehehe agpaninumak met hehehe isu lang ti nakaya ti budget ku hehehe. Kita kits nalang sa Surfing break namin if ever makapunta ka hehehe. salamat uli!

hugodiekonig

October 16th, 2010, 07:10 AM

Yap, more investor friendly, intensive marketing effort in the part of the LGU's and private entities to attract more businesses in the provinces. I think tourism activities may likewise a big help toward this purpose. Pag madaming tao, di lang locals, kundi tourists, buhay ang mga businesses sa countryside.

Sarap mag surf sa Launion!:):cheers::banana:

i believe that big investments start with tourism.

OT, belated or advance happy birthday din pala! hehehe

Tarlaqueno-ako

October 16th, 2010, 09:39 AM

salamat ng marami! waaaa:banana::banana::banana: gipit kami tatta isu spaghetti laeng ken manok ti handa mi hehehe agpaninumak met hehehe isu lang ti nakaya ti budget ku hehehe. Kita kits nalang sa Surfing break namin if ever makapunta ka hehehe. salamat uli!

Ok lang iyan, marami ka nang mapapasaya diyan he he. Halla, baka mabartek kayo, moderate lang ah, he he.:D

You're welcome, enjoy your day! I will keep always updated with Launion happenings here in your thread, at salamat din sa pagbati. God bless!:)

william :D

October 16th, 2010, 03:20 PM

salamat ng marami! waaaa:banana::banana::banana: gipit kami tatta isu spaghetti laeng ken manok ti handa mi hehehe agpaninumak met hehehe isu lang ti nakaya ti budget ku hehehe. Kita kits nalang sa Surfing break namin if ever makapunta ka hehehe. salamat uli!

mukhang makakapunta ka sa surfing break jan...damihan mo picture! haha. parang masaya don aahhh. :)

hugodiekonig

October 17th, 2010, 06:02 AM

Saturday, 16 October 2010 20:22

SURFING takes the limelight with the staging of the fifth La Union Surfing Break scheduled Oct. 29-31 at the Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, La Union.

An annual undertaking of the La Union provincial government, headed by Gov. Manuel C. Ortega and Vice Gov. Eulogio Martin de Guzman III, and the Department of Tourism, thru Region I director Martin S. Valera, the three-day event is expected to attract participants from Manila, Baguio City and other Northern Luzon cities.

Dubbed as the ‘Surfing Capital in the North’, La Union is the most ideal and accessible surfing destination compared to the three other well-known surf sites in the country -- Siargao in Surigao del Norte, Baler in Aurora and Daet in Camarines Sur.

“Now on its fifth year, the La Union Surfing Break promises to be bigger in terms of attendance and beach-oriented fun activities, which will further promote the dominance of the province as the premier surfing destination,” said Director Valero.

“With the expected influx of people coming over, the goal in the end is to ensure the event leaves a trail of small business start-ups, idea transfers and enough momentum to promote La Union as a sports and adventure destination,” added Valero.

La Union Surf Break chairperson Atty. Rodolfo Yabes said the three-day festival will kick off with a motorcade to be participated in by the event organizers, partners, sponsors and participants.

The Search for Surfing Bodies 2010 ( bikini contest) will also be launched on opening day.

Other highlights of opening-day festivities are sala ti dalluyon (street dance) competition, sand castle fun-building contest, photography contest, beach volleyball, frisbee, surf clinics and bonfire party.

Simultaneous second-day action will see beach volleyball, frisbee, surfing clinic and fire dance clinic, as well as surf board design contest and ‘Oktoberfest.’

On Oct. 31, the national surfing competition will be finally held simultaneously with the amazing race, surf clinic, frisbee, beach volleyball and tattoo festival competition.

The awarding and closing ceremony and the halloween beach party will cap the three-day event.

For inquiries on the La Union Surfing Break, call the La Unon information and tourism office at tel. (072)- 888-2797 and the Department of Tourism at tel. (072) 888-209.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/sports/20425-surfing-break-in-la-union.html

ergit222

October 17th, 2010, 12:49 PM

happy beerday hugo...

ingat lang tayo sa super typhoon "juan". let's pray for our safety in North Luzon.

hugodiekonig

October 17th, 2010, 01:06 PM

happy beerday hugo...

ingat lang tayo sa super typhoon "juan". let's pray for our safety in North Luzon.

thank you po Sir ergit222! Merci beaucoup Monsieur Ergit222! Yeah, last night was really a beerday. I got drunk :drunk::lol::lol::lol:

Strong winds are already felt at Cagayan at this moment. Hopefully the typhoon will not devastate our country much. Let us just pray:angel::angel::angel:

hugodiekonig

October 17th, 2010, 01:25 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs729.snc4/64934_1398049963933_1612790914_30842831_6364632_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs276.snc4/40154_1398050483946_1612790914_30842832_3016545_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs737.snc4/65734_1398051003959_1612790914_30842833_668257_n.jpg

hugodiekonig

October 17th, 2010, 01:27 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs394.ash2/67289_1398049403919_1612790914_30842828_2528747_n.jpg

freightrunner

October 17th, 2010, 03:23 PM

@hugodiekonig
Imbag ka pay bro...bukod sa HAPPY :banana: ka na, BIRTHDAY :cheers: mo pa. Pang-ilang October mo na ba yan hehe?

____________________

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/5153/2904166dc56c8902c63d53cp.gif

hugodiekonig

October 17th, 2010, 05:46 PM

Perseus II

October 18th, 2010, 02:11 AM

Take a bunch of care mga kaibigan namin sa La Union. Here's praying for your safety.

May God keep you all safe!

May God keep us all safe from the wrath of typhoon Juan!

hugodiekonig

October 18th, 2010, 05:13 AM

Take a bunch of care mga kaibigan namin sa La Union. Here's praying for your safety.

May God keep you all safe!

May God keep us all safe from the wrath of typhoon Juan!

Thanks! Right now it is very cloudy here. Umulan lang ng mahina, but we expect winds to bash us by afternoon

Tarlaqueno-ako

October 18th, 2010, 01:36 PM

Storm signals lowered as 'Juan' crosses N. Luzon
By Jojo Malig, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 10/18/2010 6:32 PM | Updated as of 10/18/2010 6:32 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Public storm signals across Luzon were lowered Monday afternoon as super typhoon Juan (international name Megi) lost strength after slamming into the Sierra Madre mountain range, weather bureau PAGASA said on Monday afternoon.

The typhoon, however, remained a serious threat to lives and properties, as it still packs maximum winds of 180 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of 215 kph, according to PAGASA.

Cagayan, Isabela, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Ifugao are no longer under a storm signal number 4 category, state weather forecasters said in a 5:00 p.m. briefing.

The provinces, which will still experience 100-185 kph winds, were placed under storm signal number 3 alongside Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and La Union.

Signal 2 remained hoisted over Batanes, the Babuyan group of islands, the Calayan group, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, and Tarlac.

Metro Manila, Batangas, Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Northern Quezon, and Polillo Island, are still under storm signal number 1.

The typhoon dumped 54 millimeters of rain in Tuguegarao City, 17 mm in Aparri, 28 mm in Baguio City, and 10 mm in Baler, Aurora, PAGASA said.

However, its rainwater has yet to fill up dams in the region, the agency added.

The water level of Magat, Pantabangan, Angat, and San Roque dams remained below normal levels.

Strongest typhoon for 2010

Juan is the world's strongest typhoon of the year so far, according to website Accuweather.com.

It packed maximum winds of 225 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 260 kph on Sunday night before making landfall over Luzon.

As of posting, the typhoon was traversing the mountainous terrain of Cordillera and will exit along the western coast of La Union-Ilocos Sur area between 11:00 p.m. Monday night to 1:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, PAGASA said.

Juan made landfall at Sierra Madre’s Mt. Estagno Point at Divilacan Peak at 11:25 a.m.

It was located 60 kilometers southwest of Tuguegarao City and was travelling west-southwest at 19 kph as of 4:00 p.m.

Residents living in low-lying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signals are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides, the state weather agency said.

It warned residents in coastal areas under signals number 3 and 2 to remain alert for possible storm surges.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/18/10/storm-signals-lowered-juan-crosses-n-luzon

hugodiekonig

October 19th, 2010, 02:15 AM

Electricity is back, but we expect it not to last for long yet. Salamat sa diyos at di gaano ang damage ng bagyo dito sa area namin. I can say na minor damages lang ang effect ng bagyo dito. kaunti lang ang mga natumbang puno. may supply parin ng tubig mula sa poso.

hugodiekonig

October 19th, 2010, 07:20 AM

AaYXD2wpnoQ&NR=1

video from: voxph (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaYXD2wpnoQ&NR=1)

hugodiekonig

October 19th, 2010, 09:30 AM

S7aYZNvyehQ

hugodiekonig

October 19th, 2010, 09:36 AM

Video ng Typhoon Juan sa house namin sa Bauang, La Union

csW7URB2nJY

balcita_RN

October 19th, 2010, 12:28 PM

Trulala na may oil spill daw sa Poro ngayon kz may ntumba na barko dahil sa bagyo?? huhuhu kawawa nman ang beach if totoo yan...

296619

October 19th, 2010, 12:37 PM

S7aYZNvyehQ

Grabe din ang hangin pala sa La Union... Dito rin sa Manila kagabi, habang nag eexam ako, lakas din ng hangin...! ST nga si Juan...^^

296619

October 19th, 2010, 12:40 PM

Video ng Typhoon Juan sa house namin sa Bauang, La Union

csW7URB2nJY

Wahahha... Hugo ikaw ba yan? Parang Sid Lucero lang a... hehe:lol:^^

william :D

October 19th, 2010, 01:01 PM

^^HUGO lakas nga ng hangin aahhh..hehe

at dami mong exposure diyan sa video aahhh..pa-autograph....hehehe, piz :)

sir rod kamusta sa isabela?:)

296619

October 19th, 2010, 01:10 PM

^^HUGO lakas nga ng hangin aahhh..hehe

at dami mong exposure diyan sa video aahhh..pa-autograph....hehehe, piz :)

sir rod kamusta sa isabela?:)

Mukhang ok naman sa Southern Isabela, sa Santiago, bumalik din ang kuryente around 8pm to 9pm kahapon. Ngayon, ok na daw, wala na daw hangin... Pero matindi pinsala sa Northern Isabela sa Ilagan.^^

william :D

October 19th, 2010, 01:17 PM

Mukhang ok naman sa Southern Isabela, sa Santiago, bumalik din ang kuryente around 8pm to 9pm kahapon. Ngayon, ok na daw, wala na daw hangin... Pero matindi pinsala sa Northern Isabela sa Ilagan.^^

mukhang grabe din pinsala sa La Union at Ilocos Region.pero di gaya ng Ondoy, napaghandaan kasi ang Juan.hehe...:)

hugodiekonig

October 19th, 2010, 02:10 PM

Trulala na may oil spill daw sa Poro ngayon kz may ntumba na barko dahil sa bagyo?? huhuhu kawawa nman ang beach if totoo yan...

whaaattt? di ko alam yan. baka naman sa Ilocos Norte iyong oil spill na iyon, or if sa Poro nga, baka closed media

hugodiekonig

October 19th, 2010, 02:12 PM

Wahahha... Hugo ikaw ba yan? Parang Sid Lucero lang a... hehe:lol:^^

oo ako yan hehehe. Video ko yan mga bandang 4pm sa Veranda ng bahay namin. Sa ngayon malakas parin ang hangin, pero wala nang ulan

hugodiekonig

October 19th, 2010, 02:13 PM

mukhang grabe din pinsala sa La Union at Ilocos Region.pero di gaya ng Ondoy, napaghandaan kasi ang Juan.hehe...:)

oo, mas napaghandaan ngayon ang bagyo kaya mas kaunti ang casualties kaysa sa Pepeng at Ondoy noon

hugodiekonig

October 19th, 2010, 02:18 PM

^^HUGO lakas nga ng hangin aahhh..hehe

at dami mong exposure diyan sa video aahhh..pa-autograph....hehehe, piz :)

sir rod kamusta sa isabela?:)

wehehehe may ipopost pa ako na 1 video. sana matawa kau hehehe

hugodiekonig

October 19th, 2010, 02:59 PM

nvjBte2sEIw

hugodiekonig

October 19th, 2010, 03:29 PM

Ang kaunti ng mga nakabukas na establishments ngayon. kaunti lang din ang mga bus at jeep na papunta at paalis ng SFC. natumba din yung tolda sa may state sa city plaza

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs008.ash2/33763_1400605227813_1612790914_30846938_7841769_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs905.snc4/71832_1400605947831_1612790914_30846940_7461966_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs446.ash2/71924_1400606067834_1612790914_30846941_1560249_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs769.snc4/66990_1400611147961_1612790914_30846952_6458349_n.jpg

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http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs908.snc4/72095_1400608907905_1612790914_30846944_954859_n.jpg

hugodiekonig

October 19th, 2010, 03:30 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs409.ash2/68766_1400609307915_1612790914_30846945_4944613_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs442.ash2/71538_1400609667924_1612790914_30846947_1424447_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs387.ash2/66585_1400610067934_1612790914_30846949_1739972_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs923.snc4/73670_1400610507945_1612790914_30846950_1295907_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs769.snc4/66990_1400611147961_1612790914_30846952_6458349_n.jpg

Tarlaqueno-ako

October 19th, 2010, 04:07 PM

Buenas noches Launion.:D Ang lakas din pala ng hangin sa inyo Hugo.

ordunapaulo

October 20th, 2010, 06:05 AM

Video ng Typhoon Juan sa house namin sa Bauang, La Union

csW7URB2nJY

^Ang lakas ng hangin grabe, pero hindi sya pumipito:D

hugodiekonig

October 20th, 2010, 06:08 AM

Buenas noches Launion.:D Ang lakas din pala ng hangin sa inyo Hugo.

hanggang ngayong 12 malakas parin hangin dito waaaa. pabugso bugso parin ang ulan

hugodiekonig

October 20th, 2010, 06:09 AM

^Ang lakas ng hangin grabe, pero hindi sya pumipito:D

Malakas ang hangin talaga, pero salamat sa Diyos at hindi kasing lakas noon ni Emong (May 7, 2009) yung hangin

william :D

October 20th, 2010, 06:14 AM

hanggang ngayong 12 malakas parin hangin dito waaaa. pabugso bugso parin ang ulan

dito man may hangin pa pero hindi na ganong kalakas.hehe

para sa MEDIA, LGU,NGO..'ITS HERO'S TIME!'

hugodiekonig

October 20th, 2010, 06:18 AM

dito man may hangin pa pero hindi na ganong kalakas.hehe

para sa MEDIA, LGU,NGO..'ITS HERO'S TIME!'

malawak kasi yung diameter ng bagyo, yung buntot niya ramdam parin natin haay

ordunapaulo

October 20th, 2010, 06:21 AM

Malakas ang hangin talaga, pero salamat sa Diyos at hindi kasing lakas noon ni Emong (May 7, 2009) yung hangin

Mas malakas ang hangin kapag paalis na ang bagyo.

Ngunit nagpapasalamat ako dahil walang mga namatay dala ng bagyo.:)

william :D

October 20th, 2010, 06:24 AM

Mas malakas ang hangin kapag paalis na ang bagyo.

Ngunit nagpapasalamat ako dahil walang mga namatay dala ng bagyo.:)

meron po.ang huling basa ko kahapon sa news eh SAMPU (10) ang nabawian ng buhay.

hugodiekonig

October 20th, 2010, 06:26 AM

Mas malakas ang hangin kapag paalis na ang bagyo.

Ngunit nagpapasalamat ako dahil walang mga namatay dala ng bagyo.:)

oo, salamat sa Diyos at hindi gaano ang pinsala ng bagyo dito sa amin. May mga namatay parin dahil sa bagyo, pero masasabi kong natuto narin ang mga Pinoy mula sa trahedya gaya ng bagyong ito

ordunapaulo

October 20th, 2010, 06:28 AM

Speaking sa mga namatay, aksidente talaga iyon, kung hindi lang naging maingat ang tao ngayon, tiyak na maraming namatay.

hugodiekonig

October 20th, 2010, 06:31 AM

Speaking sa mga namatay, aksidente talaga iyon, kung hindi lang naging maingat ang tao ngayon, tiyak na maraming namatay.

oo nga, mga nabagsakan ng puno, nalunod, nakuryente, maiiwasan naman ang mga ito talaga kung naging mas maingat sana ang tao. mas mabuting mamalagi lang sa bahay o sa evacuation center kapag may bagyo

hugodiekonig

October 20th, 2010, 12:17 PM

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, released P10M from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for the relief and rehabilitation of provinces battered by Typhoon Juan.

The provinces include Benguet, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya.

"Nakikiusap tayo sa ating mga kasamahan sa gobyerno na maglabas ng agarang tulong para sa mga lalawigang nasalanta ng bagyong Juan. Ang mahalaga ay ang makatugon tayo nang mabilis para matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng mga kababayan nating naghihirap sa kabila ng pinakamalakas na bagyo sa mundo ngayon."

Pangilinan clarified that the PDAF release is just for the immediate alleviation of disaster-stricken areas, and reiterated that long-term solutions are needed to ensure food security and livelihood for the country's agricultural workers.

"Our farmers need immediate help, but let's not lose sight of the long view," Pangilinan reminds colleagues. "We urgently need to work together to develop our road map for agriculture and ensure that the proper long-term solutions are developed to bring our agricultural practices and the welfare of our farmers closer to first-world standards."

Among the measures proposed by Pangilinan include the strengthening of crop protection measures and crop insurance, the modernization of agriculture facilities, and more effective risk mitigation measures in light of the country's vulnerability to climate change.

source (http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2010/1019_pangilinan1.asp)

hugodiekonig

October 20th, 2010, 12:20 PM

http://www.launion.gov.ph/e107_images/custom/sb_header.jpg

The La Union Surfing Break was conceptualized and launched in 2006 to educate and expose surfing to the general public through proper teaching methods. Timed during semestral break, the target market of the event was students from Manila, Baguio and other Northern Luzon cities. Among the three other well-known surf sites in the Philippines --- Siargao in Surigao del Norte, Baler in Aurora and Daet in Camarines Sur --- La Union is the most accessible for those coming from Mega Manila. The event turned the beach cove of Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union into the likes of one hot summer getaway in Boracay.

The staging of La Union Surfing Break in the past four years was a tremendous success if we are to gauge by the steady increase of the number of people that participated in the event, as well as the media coverage and exposure it generated. This national surfing event has positioned La Union as the Surfing and Active Lifestyle Holiday Destination of the Philippines. It was also told that the activity has become a “buzz word” in the surfing community.

Now on its 5th year, this year’s La Union Surfing Break promises to be bigger in terms of attendance and beach-oriented fun activities which will further promote the dominance of the province as the premier surfing destination and will promote the La Union “lifestyle” with surfing as the iconic product of the province.

In the bigger picture, the La Union Surfing Break is a real nudge to La Union’s over-all tourism industry as well as other business ventures. With the expected influx of people coming over, the goal in the end is to ensure the event leaves a trail of small business start ups, idea transfers, and enough momentum to promote La Union as a sports and adventure destination as well as the premier surfing destination in North Luzon, prepared and ready to take on an influx of tourists.

launiongov.ph (http://www.launion.gov.ph/page.php?19)

hugodiekonig

October 20th, 2010, 12:22 PM

http://www.launion.gov.ph/e107_files/downloads/FINANCIAL%20STATEMENTS%20AS%20OF%20SEPTEMBER%202010.pdf

hugodiekonig

October 20th, 2010, 01:16 PM

M0st of the ordinances that has passed the 1st reading done at the 1st out-of-hall session last September
28, 2010, also passed the 2nd reading done on October 5, 2010 at the People’s Hall when the SFC councilors resumed regular session.

Committee on Rules, Ethics and Privileges City Councilor Joseph Bernard D. Valero motioned that these draft ordinances be approved and adopted for the third reading, to which it was affirmatively responded. These draft ordinances are as follows:

1.) Draft City Ordinance # 2010-005 An ordinance seeking transparency in the local government in the city of San Fernando,
2.) Draft City Ordinance# 2010-006 An ordinance strengthening drive of the people to participatory governance,
3.) Draft City Ordinance # 2010-007 An ordinance providing for the rules and regulation toward the establishment, operation and maintenance of all tourism-oriented and tourism-related businesses in the City of San Fernando and prescribing penalties for violation thereof,
4.) Draft City Ordinance # 2010-008 An ordinance creating the Youth Development council of the City of San Fernando and for other purposes,
5.) Ordinance amending Traffic Ordinance # 1 series of 1995 (Ordinance qualifying traffic ordinance in the span of San Fernando Province of La Union) amended by City Ordinance # 2004-007,
6.) Draft City Ordinance # 2010-10 An Ordinance requiring the playing of the prescribed audio-video tape of the Philippine National Anthem before the initial and final screening in all movie houses in the City and repealing Ordinance # 12 series of 1972,
7.) Draft City Ordinance # 2010-012 An ordinance providing for the creation of the City Price Coordinating Council,
8.) Draft City Ordinance # 2010-013An ordinance penalizing fraudulent practices relative to weights and measures,
9.) Draft City Ordinance
# 2010-014 An Ordinance requiring the installation of 8-watt energy saving bulb outside empty stall/
store/commercial establishment in the city including those in the public market and providing penalty
for the violation thereof and repealing of ordinance # 3 series of 1960,
10.) Draft City Ordinance # 2010-
011 An ordinance propagating the rules and regulations with protection and welfare of senior citizens
in the city of San Fernando and repealing Ordinance 2005-01.

Related to the numerous motions to suspend some internal rules just to be able to carry on with the order of business and readings of the entire ordinances to dully dispense with, a motion to create a blue ribbon committee was raised but there was an objection made by City Councilor Alfredo Pablo R. Ortega.

City Councilor Rodolfo M. Abat motioned that the business be properly dispensed with after a lunch break. He insisted that lunch time be respected since the session has long been overdue for 30 minutes over lunch. He detailed out that he is diabetic and he needs to eat on-time as he showed his trembling hands.

The session was called to a break. It resumed at 1:00 PM in order to carry- out a voting process to fix the matter. The negative side won by 3 votes higher against the affirmative which garnered only 5 votes.

source: launiontimes.com (http://launiontimes.com/health-issues-halted-proceedings-of-a-session/)

:banana::banana::banana:

fall_17

October 21st, 2010, 09:07 PM

Good morning la union province!

This is my first post:D

william :D

October 22nd, 2010, 08:06 AM

Rural La Union town offers zip line adventure
Thursday, 21 October 2010 12:07 Mauricio Victa / Correspondent

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/daily_images/2010/October2010/10222010/Reg%20pic01.jpg

PUGO, La Union—A small village known for its pleasant and serene environment is becoming popular to adventure seekers, and sports and outdoor events enthusiasts since the Pugo Adventure or Pugad facility was set up and continuously improved to cater to the public.

With three zip lines, your childhood dream to be flying high like a bird is for real. You can be like Superman flying over 200 meters above verdant rice fields, trees and a clean river that flows right at the heart of the village of Kagaling.

Fun and excitement do not end with the zip lines. Well-trained guides are available to assist guests in rappelling and wall climbing.

 Guests need not be professional drivers to try Pugad’s all-terrain vehicles for them to tour the premises of the facility which is nestled in a three-hectare area and forms part of the peaceful barangay of Palina.

Trekking is also fun and a dip at the clean river is perfect for tired souls.

Pugad also caters to team-building and small-group activities while the cottages, function hall and main building are still under construction.

At present, facilities being offered are the nipa huts, two outdoor pools for adults and children, clean toilets and shower rooms.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/2783-rural-la-union-town-offers-zip-line-adventure
from Travel and Tourism Industry Thread 10 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1203597&page=44&highlight=mindoro).

ganito gusto ko! haha.nice La Union!

hugodiekonig

October 22nd, 2010, 11:55 AM

Good morning la union province!

This is my first post:D

hello po! welcome na welcome po sa La Union Thread!:banana::banana::banana:

hugodiekonig

October 22nd, 2010, 11:57 AM

from Travel and Tourism Industry Thread 10 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1203597&page=44&highlight=mindoro).

ganito gusto ko! haha.nice La Union!

akala ko kung anong zip line adventure nayan kung may tour bus o ano. ganyan pala iyan. waaaa exciting yan, parang sa subic yan! hehehe

william :D

October 22nd, 2010, 11:59 AM

akala ko kung anong zip line adventure nayan kung may tour bus o ano. ganyan pala iyan. waaaa exciting yan, parang sa subic yan! hehehe

na-experience ko na yan sa Tagaytay dati, haha.sana pag napunta akong La Union makasakay din ako diyan.gusto ko ng ganyan! haha.dito samin wala pa ata niyan...kakainggit naman.:cheers:

william :D

October 22nd, 2010, 12:36 PM

PNP to deploy 2,700 cops for Oct 25 polls in Ilocos Region

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — A total of 2,700 police personnel will be deployed on Monday, Oct. 25 to secure voters as they troop to 19,544 polling centers in the four Ilocos provinces for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

Chief Superintendent Orlando M. Mabutas, regional director of the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1), said cops would be posted at the polling centers located in schools across Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan and La Union hours before the official opening of the polls at 7 a.m.

"We are doing all we can to ensure honest, orderly and peaceful elections this coming Monday," Mabutas said.

The police will secure the election precincts while augmentation personnel will be used as additional forces outside the poll areas to conduct foot and mobile patrols.

For the past weeks, PRO1 has been coordinating closely with local officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), military commanders in Region I and other stakeholders in preparations for the polls, Mabutas said.

"Checkpoint operations have been intensified across the region, and our implementation of the gun ban has been in full swing since the start of the election period," he added.

Region 1 has 3,265 barangays with the bulk located in Pangasinan, which has 11,113 polling precincts in 364 barangays.

Mabutas said PRO1 will be deploying the same number of policemen to avert the possibility of crime during the observance of All Souls’ and Saints’ Days, locally known as "Undas." — DM/RSJ, GMANews.TV
source (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/204068/pnp-to-deploy-2700-cops-for-oct-25-polls-in-ilocos-region)

hugodiekonig

October 22nd, 2010, 02:03 PM

na-experience ko na yan sa Tagaytay dati, haha.sana pag napunta akong La Union makasakay din ako diyan.gusto ko ng ganyan! haha.dito samin wala pa ata niyan...kakainggit naman.:cheers:

oi kainggit ka! buti naranasan mo na yan hehehe:lol::lol:

296619

October 22nd, 2010, 02:05 PM

oi kainggit ka! buti naranasan mo na yan hehehe:lol::lol:

Haha.. parang nakakakaba e.. nasubukan ko yung parang hawla, at nakakawala ng hininga pag nasa gitna na... :lol:

hugodiekonig

October 22nd, 2010, 02:09 PM

THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is under fire in the House of Representatives for its proposal to impose new taxes, which would entail, among others, the restructuring of excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco products to "meet fiscal balance in a sustained manner."

Rep. Victor Ortega (1st district, La Union) said NEDA’s proposal which will result in the adoption of a unitary rate for tobacco products is "highly oppressive," particularly for the tobacco industry which has been generating income that is even beyond the government’s expected target.

"Imposing a single tax rate for cigarettes will unreasonably increase the excise tax on most of the local cigarettes sold in the market. This will result in a lower demand for cigarettes, which would lead local cigarettes manufacturers to cut down on their purchases of local tobacco leaf," Ortega said. "Why punish a legitimate industry which has been consistently providing stable revenues for the government?

Ortega, who hails from one of the biggest tobacco-producing provinces in the country, said the average monthly excise collection from cigarettes for the months of January to August this year was P2.406 billion.

Last September, collection from tobacco products shot up to P2.839 billion, an amount that is 79.19 percent higher than the September goal of P1.578 billion published by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) last January 7.

"The tobacco industry is contributing more than what is expected to help keep the government going. The fact that collection is almost 80 percent higher than the target set by the BIR shows a very high degree of tax compliance already," Ortega said.

"And yet, NEDA is proposing new and higher taxes on tobacco products to compensate for the inefficiency of the Department of Finance and its allied agencies to collect proper taxes from other industries," said Ortega. "There is failure of governance if this proposal will be supported by the Aquino government."

In the study "A Strategic Framework and Action Plan for Inclusive Growth," NEDA estimated that individual tax leakages alone could total at least P214.14 billion for 2011 to 2016 or P35.69 billion a year. In addition, citing estimates made by the DOF, the study added that about 35 percent of potential tax collection by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and 20 percent of the collections of the Bureau of Customs are lost to leakages.

Rep. Eric Singson Jr. (2nd district, Ilocos Sur) said the government cannot address the country’s ballooning budget deficit, which is placed at P290 billion for 2011 alone, by imposing new taxes.

"The problem is tax leakages so why not improve tax administration instead?" asked Singson, vice-chairman of the House ways and means committee. "It is unfair for the tobacco industry, which, sadly, is fast-becoming the milking cow of a cash-strapped government. NEDA should remember the promise of President Aquino that he will not impose new nor increase taxes."

Rather than pushing for new taxes, Singson said NEDA should bat for measures that would improve tax administration and collection, such as amendments to the Tariff and Customs Code and the Bank Secrecy Deposit Law to address the problem on individual tax leakages.

"There is no need to amend the excise tax law on tobacco and alcohol products since the tobacco industry has been exceeding collection targets set by the government," Singson said.

The lawmakers also castigated NEDA for coming out with its proposal which will result to higher taxes on all tobacco products just a day after typhoon "Juan" left a trail of destruction in Northern Luzon.

"Instead of compassion for the typhoon victims from Northern Luzon, composed mostly of rice and tobacco farmers, NEDA comes out with a proposal which potentially can wipe out the tobacco industry," Singson said.

"That is not how you treat an industry which has continuously supported the economy of the country," Ortega said.

source (http://www.malaya.com.ph/10222010/busi1.html)

hugodiekonig

October 22nd, 2010, 02:13 PM

Haha.. parang nakakakaba e.. nasubukan ko yung parang hawla, at nakakawala ng hininga pag nasa gitna na... :lol:

waaa buti pa kayo may experiences na sa ganitong mga adventure hehehe

william :D

October 22nd, 2010, 02:15 PM

sir rod at hugo, set kayo date meet mga milabit?hahahaha :)

296619

October 22nd, 2010, 02:18 PM

296619

October 22nd, 2010, 02:19 PM

sir rod at hugo, set kayo date meet mga milabit?hahahaha :)

Sure! ako pwedeng pwede na dahil sem break na... :) hehe:lol:

william :D

October 22nd, 2010, 02:21 PM

Sure! ako pwedeng pwede na dahil sem break na... :) hehe:lol:

ahaha.kahit sa summer pa okay lang.kung ngayong sembreak okay lang din.haha

pwede din sa pasko. :D

296619

October 22nd, 2010, 02:29 PM

ahaha.kahit sa summer pa okay lang.kung ngayong sembreak okay lang din.haha

pwede din sa pasko. :D

Hehe, si Sir tarlaqueno ay may trabaho, mukhang mahirap ang sked nun...:):lol:...

william :D

October 22nd, 2010, 02:31 PM

^^uu nga.haha, pero uuwe ata siyang tarlac ngayon.baka bibisitahin yung bayan nila na nasalanta ng bagyo. :(

296619

October 22nd, 2010, 02:33 PM

^^uu nga.haha, pero uuwe ata siyang tarlac ngayon.baka bibisitahin yung bayan nila na nasalanta ng bagyo. :(

Basta ako pwedeng pwede... alam mo naman facebook ko... yun lang kasi madalas kong binubuksan sa Cellphone ko e...:)

hugodiekonig

October 22nd, 2010, 02:34 PM

mahirap sked ku ngayon waaaa pero gusto ko na sana ng milabit meet hehehe

william :D

October 22nd, 2010, 02:41 PM

mahirap sked ku ngayon waaaa pero gusto ko na sana ng milabit meet hehehe

haha.oo nga graduating ka kasi eh.saka malayo ka, asa La Union ka..kami malapit lang sa maynila.hehe,san kaya magandang magmeet ano?:)
nakakaexcite naman.hehehe
Basta ako pwedeng pwede... alam mo naman facebook ko... yun lang kasi madalas kong binubuksan sa Cellphone ko e...:)

haha.pm ko sayo number ko para may contact ka sakin.sila sir tarlakenyo at hugo meron na kami number.:)

hugodiekonig

October 22nd, 2010, 02:43 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3300612538_4ec6dd9a96.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11791008@N08/3300612538/

According sa mga istorya na nasagap ko, dati daw ay may nag-rent ng building na iyan. dati rin daw may malaking billboard sa ituktok ng building na ito. nang maabando ang building na ito, yung nakigamit sa billboard na iyon (syempre sa bayad sa rent sa billboard for advertisements) ay hindi nagbayad sa may-ari ng odeon building. Worth php300,000 ang hindi naibayad sa may-ari ng billboard na iyon, kaya hanggang ngayon ay nakabinbin parin sa korte ang kasong ito.

Kaya pala hanggang ngayon, hindi mademo-demolish ang building na ito, or i-rennovate man lang

william :D

October 22nd, 2010, 02:47 PM

^^baka akala nung nag-re-rent ng billboard porke't abandonado na eh libre na sila sa bayad.ayan tuloy.sasakit ulo nila.:)

hugodiekonig

October 22nd, 2010, 03:06 PM

^^baka akala nung nag-re-rent ng billboard porke't abandonado na eh libre na sila sa bayad.ayan tuloy.sasakit ulo nila.:)

nasagap ko lang na kwento iyon. hindi accurate. pero yung makikita mong Fujifilm sa building na iyan, yung mga nagtatrabaho diyan sila ang nakakaalam ng tunay na istorya sa building na iyan. since bata pa kasi ako nandiyan na sila sa building na iyan umuupa

fall_17

October 23rd, 2010, 05:18 AM

@Hugo, thanks:D

@William, haha nag tagaytay ka pala, ok yan at least na-experience mo lumipad sa langit.:lol:

hugodiekonig

October 23rd, 2010, 02:00 PM

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news207.jpg

In relation to the establishment of Sewerage and Septage Treatment Plant at Brgy. Dallangayan Oeste, Rotary Club of San Fernando Inc. (Rotary International District 3790) conducts treeplanting activity along this area.

With the leadership of Rotary Club President Harvey Tan, in coordination with the City Government of San Fernando headed by Mayor Pablo C. Ortega together with the City ENRO Personnel led by Valmar Valdez and Rotaract Club Members of UCC Nursing Students, the project pushed thru.

The project was conducted for the Rotarians especially the students to be environmentally aware and participate in the protection of our environment.

For the initial day of tree planting there were 550 mahogany seedlings provided, though there are 5000seedlings that is needed to plant along the area. Mahogany was chosen because of its high wall and provides a windbreaker that helps in controlling the smell along the septage plant.

by: Myla B. Madrid

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/news207.php

hugodiekonig

October 23rd, 2010, 02:04 PM

OUR HOME

O – Opportunity for all possibilities will be the advocacy of this administration. We are a city of opportunity and optimism, with a sense of partnering and with real respect for each other.
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/img/ourhome/Home01.png

U – Unity in diversity will be our strength where we will include and embrace all the efforts of our citizens to bring their whole selves to everything that they do. Each citizen can and will face the world with honesty and integrity and be confident that he or she is from San Fernando.
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/img/ourhome/Home02.png

R – Responsible citizenship is our brand of community service. The balance and dynamic between the governor and the governed will enable the city leaders to respond in meaningful terms to the demands of their people while citizens are willing to bear their fair share of taxes and cooperate with their leaders to achieve community growth.
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/img/ourhome/Home03.png

H – Healthy city for good quality of life is our commitment. We will safeguard the mental, physical, environmental, social and economic health of our citizens to ensure optimum productivity.
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/img/ourhome/Home04.png

O – Ownership and belonging shall be the guaranteed right each San Fernandoan. Each citizen will be given prompt, adequate and accessible basic services for them to truly claim that San Fernando is their home.
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/img/ourhome/Home05.png

M – Management responsibility shall ensure that the city resources are equitably enjoyed by all the stakeholders in the community. Our elected and appointed leaders shall be persons of integrity, merit, deep understanding and compassion.
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/img/ourhome/Home06.png

E – Environmental sustainability and equity shall be our responsibility because we believe that we are responsible stewards of the infinite endowment of the earth and our Creator.
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/img/ourhome/Home07.png

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/ourhome.php

hugodiekonig

October 23rd, 2010, 02:08 PM

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/friendlycity.php

william :D

October 23rd, 2010, 02:10 PM

@Hugo, thanks:D

@William, haha nag tagaytay ka pala, ok yan at least na-experience mo lumipad sa langit.:lol:

i'm flying without wings....haha,kanta ata iyon. :lol:

anyway...hugo, ayos iyang tree planting na iyan.di ba nag tree planting na rin kayo dati?mukhang active ang La Union sa tree planting activity.. :okay:
kahit marami pang puno sa inyo hindi nakakalimot ang mga opisyal. :okay:

hugodiekonig

October 23rd, 2010, 02:23 PM

i'm flying without wings....haha,kanta ata iyon. :lol:

anyway...hugo, ayos iyang tree planting na iyan.di ba nag tree planting na rin kayo dati?mukhang active ang La Union sa tree planting activity.. :okay:
kahit marami pang puno sa inyo hindi nakakalimot ang mga opisyal. :okay:

westlife yan ah! favorite Irish boyband ko ang westlife hehehe

mahilig kami sa tree planting dito hehehe marami rin kasing bundok dito sa amin hehehe

hugodiekonig

October 23rd, 2010, 02:49 PM

As of 2008, pinakamayamang town parin sa La Union ang bauang, followed by Agoo, eto ang link. Pakitingin sa page 81/375

http://www.coa.gov.ph/Reports/AFR/2008AFR-Local_Vol3.pdf

william :D

October 24th, 2010, 02:37 AM

^^maaring Bauang ang next city niyo kung ganon! ^^ haha. :)

ordunapaulo

October 24th, 2010, 03:00 AM

Good Morning Sunday the Great to all la Union former!:cheers:

Really, totoo ba na maaring Bauang ang next city ng pangasinan?:D

i'm flying without wings....haha,kanta ata iyon. :lol:

anyway...hugo, ayos iyang tree planting na iyan.di ba nag tree planting na rin kayo dati?mukhang active ang La Union sa tree planting activity.. :okay:
kahit marami pang puno sa inyo hindi nakakalimot ang mga opisyal. :okay:

That is ok, maraming mga bundok sa la union ang higit na nangangailangan ng mga puno.:D

william :D

October 24th, 2010, 03:02 AM

Good Morning Sunday the Great to all la Union former!:cheers:

Really, totoo ba na maaring Bauang ang next city ng pangasinan?:D

That is ok, maraming mga bundok sa la union ang higit na nangangailangan ng mga puno.:D

nah....i'm just thinking na baka Bauang ang next city ng LA UNION..... :D:D:D:lol:

ordunapaulo

October 24th, 2010, 03:04 AM

nah....i'm just thinking na baka Bauang ang next city ng LA UNION..... :D:D:D:lol:

So, you think that, ha I'm, just wondering to say HOPEFULLY,.. :D

william :D

October 24th, 2010, 03:06 AM

So, you think that, ha I'm, just wondering to say HOPEFULLY,.. :D

nah?haha..sabi niyo po kasi Pangasinan.eh asa La Union Thread ka at nasa La Union ang Bauang. :D:D:D:D:D:lol:

ordunapaulo

October 24th, 2010, 03:08 AM

nah?haha..sabi niyo po kasi Pangasinan.eh asa La Union Thread ka at nasa La Union ang Bauang. :D:D:D:D:D:lol:

Oo nga no, Sorry for that so sa pangasinan thread nanatin iyan pag-usapan:D:D

hugodiekonig

October 24th, 2010, 06:03 AM

hehehe ok lang po yun hehehe. Dati naman po kasing part ng Pangasinan ang Bauang hehehe.

Pero kahit mas mayaman ang Bauang kaysa sa Agoo, mas mauuna paring maging city ang Agoo. Mas progressive ang Agoo, mas maraming business establishments doon. May mall narin sila at growing number of fastfood at restaurants hehehe

hugodiekonig

October 24th, 2010, 06:16 AM

Good Morning Sunday the Great to all la Union former!:cheers:

Really, totoo ba na maaring Bauang ang next city ng pangasinan?:D

That is ok, maraming mga bundok sa la union ang higit na nangangailangan ng mga puno.:D

hehehe naku sana ang mas taniman ng mga puno ay sa bandang Naguilian area. doon kasi nanggaling ang potable water ng halos kalahati ng La Union

hugodiekonig

October 24th, 2010, 04:20 PM

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=r01&y=&mo=&fi=p101022.htm&no=58

San Fernando City, La Union (22 October) -- "In behalf of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC), it is just proper for me to give commendation to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) headed by the Provincial Governor Manuel Ortega and co-chaired by PSSupt. Ramon O. Purugganan of the La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) for performing well during the typhoon 'Juan'. Through a concerted effort among the member agencies, the council made good in the pre-emptive preparation, which led to a zero typhoon-related casualty data after the typhoon."

These are the words of Regional Director Eugene Cabrera of the Office of the Civil Defense- Regional Office 1 (OCDR1), also Chairman of the RDRRMC, during the post-assessment meeting on the effects / damages caused by typhoon 'Juan' in the province recently at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, this city.

In response to this commendation, City Councilor Alfred Ortega, also the Committee Chairman on Disaster of the PDRRMC, said "we cannot pinpoint just one agency here because all the member agencies have done their part to counter the effects of typhoon Juan."

Based on the reports presented during this post-assessment meeting, it proved a positive picture of a council which work hand-in-hand and shared every effort to lessen the impact of the so-called "strongest typhoon ever in the whole world for this year 2010."

From the day the Council convened for an emergency meeting on October 18, Monday, the role of each and every member agency was specified and performed. Starting from the very hour that typhoon "Juan" struck the province, the Coast Guard (CG), Naval Forces North (NFN), LUPPO, the Air Force and the local government units (LGUs) (C/MDRRMC) have made earlier preparation of all the needed equipments for the Search and Rescue Operation like motorized bancas, life jackets, payloaders, dump trucks, etc.

(SAR) teams from the NFN and CG with their motorboats, life jackets, and other diving equipments conducted pre-emptive evacuation of families living in coastal / low-lying areas where risk was obviously seen particularly Brgy Mindoro in Bangar and Alaska in Aringay at the earliest possible time.

The local Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Red Cross - La Union Chapter, and the Department Of Health have made intensive checking of stockpiles of goods available, made coordination with the different suppliers and issued Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement (MOU and MOA) for the activation of their credit lines, early packing of foods, medicines, plastic containers and hyposol water treatments, and all other things needed in the various designated evacuation centers.

Provincial physicians have manned the government hospitals 24/7 to ensure that patients affected by the typhoon were attended immediately.

Department of Education, particularly the Division of La Union, made an advance identification of schools used as evacuation centers and made their way to coordinate closely with the LGU's to ensure that these centers are kept available / open as needed.

Updates on weather condition or the Social Weather Bulletin coming from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, thru the OCD-R1and the Department Of Science and Technology, were continuously sent to the Council members and especially to the broadcast media for dissemination.

The media gave all efforts to bring the information / updates to the public in a 24/7 scheme to keep the people aware and updated on the movement and strength of the typhoon as it approaches the province, before, during and after.

Departments of Agriculture, National Food Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources at the provincial level made their way in monitoring the farmers, as well as the fisherfolks, about how they can possibly secure their agricultural crops, fish farms, and livestocks.

Due to a proposal made, even the maintenance personnel and officials of Small Water Impounding Project or dams were tapped to avoid flashflooding in some areas, though we are thankful that the typhoon did not cause heavy rains like that of the previous typhoon "Pepeng".

To do away on overpricing of basic commodities, the Department of Trade and Industry moved their way to monitor prices and warn all market vendors and supermarkets to refrain from taking advantage of the situation.

The private sector to include the electric companies participated in this pre-emptive measures, so with the other private corporations, and non-government organizations who have shown their full support to the council by providing donations and the like.

The Department of Public Works and Highways in coordination with the PNP and the LGUs, have been very alert on providing/installing road warning signs to warn motorists of such impending hazards.

Continuous monitoring and updates on actual condition / situation of bridges and roads were also conducted and provided.

As a result of this, the Council was quite proud to announce, during the post-assessment meeting, that the effect of the typhoon was just minimal, though there were injuries seen, most importantly, there was no typhoon-related casualty reported.

On the other hand, despite pre-emptive measures made, some hindering factors have been observed like interpretation and clarification of terms to residents like the storm surge which happened on the evening of October 20, Wednesday, when the storm was said to be slowly moving out of the province. There were misconceptions heard of a coming tidal wave /tsunami which caused panic to the residents, along the coastal areas in particular.

Another thing was that some residents refused force evacuation even if their areas were in danger. Other evacuation centers have been forced open because the key holders were hardly reached.

Board Member Vicky Aragon proposed to the body that there should be a re-assessment next time as to what is really needed in a certain community.

Moreover, Cabrera raised the most important issue/concern which is the need for the PDRRMC and the RDRRMC to reconcile data/figures on the reports submitted and disseminated to prevent erroneous reports to be submitted to the DRRMC at the national level. (PIA-RO1/LU)

:banana::banana::banana:

hugodiekonig

October 24th, 2010, 04:23 PM

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=r01&y=&mo=&fi=p101023.htm&no=39

San Fernando City, La Union (23 October) -- The province of La Union was finally declared "under the state of calamity" after it was approved on a special session on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here.

On the post-assessment meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) on damages brought about by super typhoon "Juan" on Thursday, October 21, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee Chair on Disaster Preparedness and Management Relief Services, Honorable Alfredo Pablo R. Ortega announced the approval on the basis of the reported damages by various member-agencies.

The Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center data showed that the total number of affected barangays in the province - 242, families 10,695, and persons 40,080. A total of 73 evacuation centers in different municipalities were utilized.

Number of families and persons served were recorded at 3,390 / 13,262; with total cost of assistance extended from the DSWD valued at 141,430.00; from the Provincial Government ? 31,000.00; the City/Municipal Government 380,770.00; Barangay ? 45,000.00; non-government organizations, Philippine Red Cross and other donors valued at 18,600.00.

Totally Damaged houses is 358, partially damaged is 3,950 houses. Number of injured ? 5, and no reported typhoon-related casualty.

The Department of Education submitted partial reports on damages to classrooms with an estimated total cost of 3,580,000.00, all due to totally and partially damaged / blown down roofs. There were 8 schools with classrooms identified as evacuation centers used by 358 families/1,605 persons.

Damages to the provincial roads like cross-drainage and concrete road surface, washed out roads, roadway and slope protection and eroded shoulders, and the like and various types of damages to hospital buildings which needs repair and reconstruction were estimated to cost P36,250,000.00M.

On the part of Agriculture, estimated damages to livestock was valued at - 1,511,350.00, or a total number of 11,835 affected animals (carabao, cattle, swine, goat, chicken, and duck).

Infrastructure damages or on major roads, bridges, and FCDS which requires immediate restoration was given preliminary estimated cost of P109,750,000.00.

All these submitted reports served as basis on the assessment and approval given by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union to declare the Province of La Union under the "state of calamity." (PIA-RO1/LU)

hugodiekonig

October 25th, 2010, 03:12 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs911.snc4/72426_116848625041067_100001477915237_116387_6660137_n.jpg

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

We are looking forward to seeing you!
Nous sommes impatients de vous voir!

hugodiekonig

October 25th, 2010, 03:15 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs428.snc4/47155_106962226029707_100001477915237_57390_7610671_n.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?fbid=106962226029707&set=a.106960996029830.10430.100001477915237

hugodiekonig

October 25th, 2010, 03:16 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs204.ash2/46765_106964179362845_100001477915237_57410_3524742_n.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?fbid=106964179362845&set=a.106960996029830.10430.100001477915237&pid=57410&id=100001477915237

hugodiekonig

October 25th, 2010, 03:16 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs159.ash2/41303_106966919362571_100001477915237_57424_440591_n.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photo.php?fbid=106966919362571&set=a.106960996029830.10430.100001477915237&pid=57424&id=100001477915237

hugodiekonig

October 25th, 2010, 03:44 PM

October 25, 2010, 8:14pm

CAMP FLORENDO, La Union — The Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) based here reported Monday the general success of its security operations for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in La Union as it neutralized a number of armed groups (PAGs) ahead of Monday’s electoral exercise. The PRO1 said the most recent accomplishment related the neutralization of PAGs was the arrest last Saturday of an armed suspect in Naguilian, this province. Senior Superintendent Ramon O. Purugganan, La Union Police Provincial Office (PPO) director, identified the suspect as Fernando Tagudin Asprec, 43, married and a resident of Barangay Ortiz, Naguilian. Purugganan said Asprec was arrested inside a videoke bar while in possession of an M-16 rifle (Elisco) with one magazine loaded with 23 bullets. He said Asprec is listed as a member of a PAG linked to a certain defeated political candidate in this province. Asprec was also found to be the holder of a .45-caliber pistol duly registered under his name but with an expired license, said Purugganan. “The two registered firearms of Asprec were reported to the Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) in Camp Crame. A request for the revocation of his license was submitted to FED last April 15,” he said, adding that charges are being prepared for filing against him. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/284183/security-success-region-1

hugodiekonig

October 26th, 2010, 01:16 PM

October 26, 2010, 5:57pm

MANILA, Philippines — Daet surfers snatched major awards to emerge overall champion in the recent Ultimate National Surfing Challenge 2010 hosted by the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte held at Bagasbas Beach.

Lolita Edusma and Josiella delos Santos led Daet’s charge in the women’s division to snatch first and third place, respectively, leaving Daisy Valdez of La Union to salvage second place.

In the Men’s Division, Rommel Rojo of Baler outclassed Jeff Dela Torre of La Union and Allan Cabanela of Daet to capture the top spot.

In the Men’s Skim Boarding, Roderick Bazar of Borongan and Franco Orolfo of Daet bagged the top two slots, while Allan Eboña and Owen Ray Bagaporo of Daet dominated the Push Race Long Board Category.

Derick Mojica of Manila won the third place in both divisions.

According to Gov. Edgar Tallado, the event is expected to boost the popularity of the sport which could serve as a major tourist attraction of the province.

Bagasbas is endowed with kilometers of fine sand beaches, the most number of beach breaks, reefs, and river mouth breaks making it an ideal surfing haven even for beginners.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/284306...rs-top-tourney

Not bad LU Surfers!

hugodiekonig

October 26th, 2010, 01:18 PM

By Jennilyne C. Role

San Fernando City, La Union (25 October) -- "The ongoing barangay and sangguniang kabataan elections in the city of San Fernando are generally peaceful with the assistance of the city police and other stakeholders who are keeping watch over the happenings within various voting precincts in the 59 barangays of the city," Atty. Rhodora Gines-Arrocena, Election Officer III of the City of San Fernando said in a one-on-one interview by the Philippine Information Agency.

Despite reports on alleged vote buying last Saturday and yesterday in some barangays where politics is heated, no election-related death has been reported.

Most of the complaints received by the office of the city Commission on Election (Comelec) were the absence of voter's names in the masterlist provided by Comelec.

As such, the voters are advised to proceed to the office of the city Comelec to verify their names where they will be issued with certifications duly signed by city Comelec officer. Said certification should be presented to the chairman of the board of inspectors in their respective voting precincts.

Arrocena also said that as early as this morning, she received reports of illegal distribution of sample ballots with names of unidentified candidates therein in Barangay Tangui, and was immediately stopped by the city chief of police PSupt. Pedro Obaldo.

"Upon learning about the issue, I proceeded to the area and warned supporters of unidentified candidates who distributed sample ballots and even hanged tarpaulins inside voting precincts. Clearing operations was conducted in said area," Obaldo added.

To clarify the issue, Arrocena said that only if there is/are complainant that they can pursue necessary action against the candidates supported by still unidentified individuals.

Moreoever, hearsays was received by Arrocena in some barangays of alleged vote buying over the weekend which was inspected by her office but none so far was proven, since there are no complainants or individuals who are strong enough to voice out such alleged incidents.

In closing, Arrocena likewise warned all candidates for the barangay and SK elections to distance themselves 50 meters away from voting centers, to avoid disqualification. (PIA1-La Union)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=r01&y=&mo=&fi=p101025.htm&no=68

hugodiekonig

October 26th, 2010, 01:24 PM

Soon to Open

http://www.tokyotokyo.com/images/logo.png

San Fernando, La Union!!!

Tarlaqueno-ako

October 26th, 2010, 01:38 PM

Soon to Open

http://www.tokyotokyo.com/images/logo.png

San Fernando, La Union!!!

Wow, congratz, San Fernando City branch of Tokyo Tokyo!:cheers::banana::banana::banana:

Tarlaqueno-ako

October 26th, 2010, 01:40 PM

Kumusta ang election sa Launion sir Hugo? Malaki ba ang percentage ng nakaboto?:D

hugodiekonig

October 26th, 2010, 01:44 PM

Wow, congratz, San Fernando City branch of Tokyo Tokyo!:cheers::banana::banana::banana:

excited na ako. by December siguro mag-oopen yung Tokyo tokyo sa amin. Kasama din ng tokyo-tokyo na mag-oooccupy sa mini-mall na ginagawa ngayon ang 2nd franchise ng chowking at 2nd 7-eleven store, pero starbucks nalang sana yung isang 7-eleven para naman maiba hehehe

hugodiekonig

October 26th, 2010, 01:46 PM

Kumusta ang election sa Launion sir Hugo? Malaki ba ang percentage ng nakaboto?:D

Yung bago eleksyon ang may patayan, nakakahiya mang sabihin, pero hindi na peaceful ang La Union. Mapayapa naman ang eleksyon, pero bet ko mababa ang voter's turnout. sa amin sa family nalang namin na 5 registered voters, ako lang ang nag-vote. tinatamad ibang housemates ko na mag-vote hehehe

hugodiekonig

October 27th, 2010, 12:50 AM

By Jennilyne C. Role

San Fernando City, La Union (26 October) -- It was observed at the City of San Fernando that the processes imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) here were slow, resulting to slow announcement of official winners, despite early closure at 3:00 yesterday afternoon of almost voting precincts in the city.

Teachers, who served during this barangay and SK elections kept on complaining that retrieval of election paraphernalias yesterday has given them a hard time due to the late arrival of said paraphernalias, hand in hand with the sorting process of said paraphernalias by the Comelec.

Tonight, submission to the Comelec of said materials are a bit difficult again considering that there is no orderly system of acceptance being imposed by said office.

City Comelec personnel are just receiving sealed election results from the different precincts now, without initial tabulation made to determine at a glance immediate results of winners.

With the present set-up, the official election results are feared to be released tomorrow morning.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p101026.htm&no=86&r=r01&y=&mo=

hugodiekonig

October 27th, 2010, 12:57 AM

Tarlaqueno-ako

October 27th, 2010, 06:45 AM

excited na ako. by December siguro mag-oopen yung Tokyo tokyo sa amin. Kasama din ng tokyo-tokyo na mag-oooccupy sa mini-mall na ginagawa ngayon ang 2nd franchise ng chowking at 2nd 7-eleven store, pero starbucks nalang sana yung isang 7-eleven para naman maiba hehehe

Wow, ok iyan sunod sunod din pala ang mga bagong stores sa inyo at ang mini mall na iyan. May photo ka ba ng ginagawang mall?:)

Salamat sa info and news about election diyan sa Launion.:) Sana lang mas magiging maayos, peaceful at smooth ang takbo ng election sa bawat sulok ng bansa sa mga darating na taon.:)

hugodiekonig

October 27th, 2010, 08:01 AM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_575288796l.jpg
One Nisce Plaza - Soon to house the Second 7-Eleven Store in San fernando and third in La Union, Second Chowking in San Fernando and Tokyo-Tokyo. The second floor will be occupied by National Bookstore

Sa ngayon, inilalagay na tung mga trusses para sa roofing. By December siguro matatapos nang gawin ang mini-mall na ito

hugodiekonig

October 27th, 2010, 08:27 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs925.snc4/73861_447338511015_653081015_5883267_5968531_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs775.snc4/67543_447338601015_653081015_5883272_2380779_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs924.snc4/73780_447338691015_653081015_5883277_7130199_n.jpg

photos from: Airwind Bautista @ Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=447338511015&set=a.435304561015.233011.653081015&ref=nf#!/photo.php?fbid=447338851015&set=a.435304561015.233011.653081015&pid=5883283&id=653081015)

william :D

October 27th, 2010, 01:36 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs925.snc4/73861_447338511015_653081015_5883267_5968531_n.jpg

wow ayun yung wave! haha.sarap mag surf! gusto ko matuto tuloy.haha

hugodiekonig

October 27th, 2010, 04:14 PM

wow ayun yung wave! haha.sarap mag surf! gusto ko matuto tuloy.haha

hehehe kaya nga! :banana::banana::banana: nung may storm surge dito makaraang umalis ang bagyong si Juan iyon sana ang magandang oras na mag-surf, pero sana malaki parin ang alon sa san juan hanggang ngayon hehehe

hugodiekonig

October 27th, 2010, 04:29 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs734.snc4/65444_114055178653745_100001477915237_101654_6361236_n.jpg

Meet some of them
Répondre à certaines d'entre eux
Treffen Sie einige von Ihnen

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs061.snc4/34394_112805628778700_100001477915237_95766_4633691_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs651.snc4/61171_112808928778370_100001477915237_95787_7490378_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs651.snc4/61171_112808935445036_100001477915237_95789_2778671_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs005.snc4/33606_112807332111863_100001477915237_95781_2496906_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs005.snc4/33606_112807335445196_100001477915237_95782_578234_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs122.ash2/39425_112808612111735_100001477915237_95785_6138161_n.jpg

more/plus/mehr (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=95789&id=100001477915237&ref=fbx_album&fbid=112808935445036#!/photo.php?pid=95785&id=100001477915237&fbid=112808612111735)

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

hugodiekonig

October 27th, 2010, 04:32 PM

To have a an idea of what La Union Surfing Break is, here's a video link
Visitez cette vidéo du Surfing Break
Besuchen Sie das Video von Surfing Break

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=95789&id=100001477915237&ref=fbx_album&fbid=112808935445036#!/video/video.php?v=110555802337016

hugodiekonig

October 28th, 2010, 01:01 AM

Tourists are expected to visit the province as the holidays are fast approaching and series of activities are being organized by local governments, the business sectors as well as other stake holders. Despite initial fears previously brought about by the hostage crisis in Manila, the La Union provincial government including the Philippine National Police is confident that tourists will come from all points in the country, neighboring countries in Asia including “balikbayans” from USA and Europe. This week, initial waves of tourists are already booked in surfing sites at Urbiztondo, San Juan to come and enjoy a relaxing haven, learn the basics in surfing and acclimatize in preparation for the upcoming Surfing Sports events on October 29, 30, and 31. The sands of Urbiztondo are maintained and shores are kept clean while other structures had already being installed for the event. Meanwhile, neighboring municipalities are also preparing for a wave of tourists and other visitors in the province particularly the array of resorts in Bauang and neighboring towns of San Juan, La Union.

Surfing Break Opening day

Participants are expected to assemble at around 7:00 AM to give way for a grand motorcade on the 29th. At around 9:00 AM, a breath-taking and lively street dancing dubbed as “sala ti dalluyon” will begin along with a gathering of artists for the sand castle fun building contest and a photography contest. At around 1:00, there will be a surf clinic, a beach volleyball and Frisbee while the much awaited display of talents, wits and beauty will transform the night into a lively and spectacular evening as the Search for Surfing Bodies (Bikini Contest) heats up with a bonfire party at around 9 o’clock. The screening for the Search for Surfing Bodies was successfully done last September 25, 2010 at the Coconut Grove Beach Resort in Paringao, Bauang. Additional details are found at the La Union Surfing Break 5 and the pageant’s facebook page.

Second Day Fun

On La Union surfing Break 5’s second day, it will begin with a simultaneous and adrenalin-pumping sporting events- Beach Volleyball Tournament, Surf clinic, Frisbee and the calisthenics display of movements through fire dance clinic. During the afternoon, 1 o’clock, beach volleyball tournament, surf clinic and Frisbee continues another round with an iconic surfboard design contests, another roll of fire dance clinic and the much-awaited event for beer-lovers- Oktoberfest- wherein entertainment, beer and party continues.

Closing and memorable night

A Sunday becomes not just an ordinary family day as the sporting events are set to its completion with the National Surfing Competition, Beach Volleyball, and Frisbee in the morning. Another round of simultaneous events continues in the afternoon with the Amazing Race Competition. The much-awaited visual art demonstration dubbed as Pinta Alon Competition will follow before La Union Surfing Break 5 organizers and committees will award and conduct its closing ceremony. A Halloween Beach Party will also conclude the night.

source: launiontimes.com http://launiontimes.com/la-union-prepares-for-waves-of-tourists/