Today, blowing in the wind is not just a song but a rising (or falling?) energy business. In the Philippines, harnessing wind power is best illustrated and felt via the famous sight of 15 giant turbines (windmills) along the coastline of Bangui, Ilocos Norte -- a commendable project of Northwind Power Development Corp. through the efforts of then Governor, and now Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. Without the benefit of analyzing the financial performance of the said "blowing in the wind" business, it is a pity how the wind-rich Philippines is taking so much time replicating this green project in areas such as Samar, Batanes, La Union and other commonly known windy areas in the country. I am sure though that it doesn’t take sheer innuendo to build one. Clearly, funding is likely to top the list of challenges and I think that sans excellent country salesman and a willing foreign investor, another set of windmills is not forthcoming.

Bangui has become a tourist destination of sort, but high-heeled travelers may have seen the best of these turbines in Europe where this energy generation process is most advanced with government subsidy playing a significant role. Asia has seen a few offshore turbines in China and Japan.

Turbines can be seen onshore, nearshore or offshore and as the terms indicate, the turbines can be had on solid ground, in shallow or deep waters. In colloquial terms, deep waters mean in trouble, and indeed, another challenge faced by the offshore installations is about making it as efficient as onshore installations so much so that it can compete with not just onshore efficiency, but also those of traditional sources of energy.

The windpower energy potential was analyzed by global professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) through its new report "Offshore Proof -- Turning Windpower Promise into Performance." The report’s transmittal has PwC saying: "that offshore wind generation is fast-growing and has great potential to meet energy needs in the future in a sustainable way. But many challenges -- technical, financial and logistical -- need to be overcome if this new energy source is to come of age and take its place as an enduring and significant part of the generation mix. The coming few years will be ‘make or break’ time in deciding whether offshore windpower will be able to get on track to prove its place as a source of large-scale generation. Ultimately, it needs to show it can reach efficiencies and cost levels near enough to onshore installations to make it competitive in the energy mix."

Along this line, the report presents the results of a survey which canvassed the views of the major players who are central to determining the pace of growth of the industry in Europe and Asia -- developers, contractors/original equipment manufacturers, utility companies, governments and financial institutions. In total, 57 telephone interviews were carried out with executives in 12 countries by Global Business Intelligence Research, PwC’s partner on this study.

Notable of the survey results is the strong government confidence in the potential of windpower as an enduring part of the energy mix for the next 20 years or more. In the area of clean energy investment, onshore wind generation is favored over offshore but biomass/biogas is also viewed in favorable terms. The survey is not all praises however as it also counts supply chain constraints as a major challenge more especially as viability becomes apparent, and the greater challenge of competitiveness with little or no subsidy.

The Philippines has an abundance of natural wealth, and unfortunately, also of natural disasters being within the so-called "Ring of Fire." Such energy that creates or generates typhoon, earthquake, volcanic eruption, etc. has, in a layman’s perspective, direct correlation to a possibly massive source of energy which can be tapped or harnessed to cushion our dependence on crude oil and the price spikes that go with it.

Climate change -- > sustainability -- > renewable energy -- > government subsidy -- > harnessing windpower -- > turbines, are some of the issues that cloud our energy future. The question, my friend, is -- given the abundance of energy sources in the Philippines, shouldn’t the government be assessing as to how foreign investors are behaving or asking why they are not scampering to aggressively invest and mine the Philippines? Let alone the hard decision of going onshore, nearshore or offshore for windpower? "The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind" -- but has anyone ever heard of, or acted on it?

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?id=31573

by Miriam P. Aquino

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union May 18 (PIA1) --- Thinking of the very important benefit that most people are getting from the Lon-oy Spring serving as the main water resource where the Metro La Union Water District(MLUWD) extracts and supplies the water requirement of the City of San Fernando, and the municipalities of San Juan, Bacnotan and San Gabriel which are also component towns of the Central La Union Metro Planning Area (CELUMEPA), Mayor Divina Velasco of San Gabriel conceptualized the Lon-oy Watershed Development Plan to address the environmental degradation and progressive depletion of the Lon-oy Spring in Barangay Lon-oy, San Gabriel, this province.

Based on the data provided by the Provincial Information and Tourism Office, Provincial Capitol, Mayor Velasco, upon assumption of office on July 2007, together with then officer-in-charge municipal treasurer Eduardo Laroza, reviewed San Gabriel’s claim to its lawful share to the water distributed by MLUWD.

It was a thorny issue which past municipal administrations tried to work but Mayor Velasco never gave up and made representations to MLUWD.

She sent inquiry letters to the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) and made correspondence to the Sangguniang Bayan and to Governor Manuel C. Ortega thru the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union.

At the height of her crusade, she found allies and support from the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) while enrolled in their Masters in Public Management (MPM) program and networked with friends from the academe which offered encouragement.

On August 10, 2010, MLUWD signed a Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) recognizing San Gabriel’s share to the water which their office extract for commercial use.

Determined to push through with her plans and had taken what she learned from the MPM Program by heart, that sustainable development entails responsibility of meeting the requirements of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their needs, came up with the Lon-oy Watershed Development Plan.

Luck made its way for the lady mayor when San Gabriel was one among only three LGUs in the Philippines selected by Dean Tony La Viña of the ASoG and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Poverty Environmental Initiative Project (PEIP) to be assessed on its capabilities in Poverty-Environmental linkages mainstreaming in Local Development Planning.

From what they have learned from the PEIP, the Municipal Poverty Reduction Action Team (MPRAT), assessed and identified priorities towards watershed protection/environmental sustainability and poverty reduction.

Integrating the various livelihood programs of the municipality, the local government has expanded the highland vegetable production program to barangay Lon-oy.

Presently, a group of 13 farmers were given financial assistance and have reaped three to four- fold increase in their profits and a poultry raising project is on the work for the women of the barangay. Recently, a gardener was given a soft loan to start a nursery-green house for cut flower farming.

In the latter part of 2010, the HOLCIM group came to San Gabriel in search for LGU-partners for their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and came up with Adopt a Watershed Project.

Being a 4th Class, Internal Revenue Allotment -dependent Municipality, HOLCIM’s offer to help and support San Gabriel’s Lon-oy Watershed Development Project boosted a partnership that also brought the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led by Dir. Samuel Songcuan to actively participate in the project.

The three partner-groups made their way to conduct meetings in rotation, workshops on how to establish the work plan and made site-visits and stakeholder’s meeting in Barangay Lon-oy which later on led to the signing of the MOA during the International Earth Day celebration on April 25, 2011 at the Sangguniang Bayan Hall of San Gabriel.

Pushing for good governance and transparency, Mayor Velasco, invited the Lon-oy Punong Barangay and his Council, the different farmer’s groups, women’s organizations in the barangay, the President of the Senior Citizen’s Association in the Barangay and representative from the print and broadcast media to witness the MOA signing.

The MOA included the initial reforestation of 25 hectares which will be funded by HOLCIM through the provision of 50,000 seedlings, preparation and weeding of the re-forestation site and continuing care and replanting for the next three years.

An incentive and reward system for the barangay townsfolk who will take care of the trees up to its two-meter maturity will ensure the sustainability of the project. DENR-PENRO on the other hand will provide technical assistance and additional 100,000 seedlings to cover another 50 hectares in line with the National Greening Program.

Bearing in mind that this undertaking which involves the whole community of San Gabriel and includes other LGUs who depend on this water reservoir may not ensure an easy trail, the lady Mayor believes that taking the initial step is the most important one. She understood well what her favorite inspirational writer John Maxwell said: “There is no shame in starting small; in fact if you don’t start small, you’ll probably never start at all.” (ANL/MPA-PIA1 La Union with reports from PITO-LU)


http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=33153

BY MYLA IGLESIAS

Liberty Telecom Holding Inc., the telecom subsidiary of diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Cop., is allocating $17.9 million or about P770 million for the rollout of wireless broadband services in Subic Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) next year.

In a filing with the National Telecommunications Commission, Liberty asked approval to operate and deploy wireless services infrastructure in Subic so it can start offering Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Long-Term Evolution (LTE) by next year.

"The proposed target date for full commercial operation will be next year. The estimated life of the project will be 10 years (from the) start of full commercial operations in 2012 to 2022," the company said.

Aside from the $17.9 million capex, the company committed to spend $1.75 million or about P75.2 million a year for network operational expenses.

Liberty, through its subsidiary wi-tribe, will be utilizing cutting-edge cost-efficient technologies that will provide seamless access to various value-added services that include internet data access and multimedia services at lower prices.

The company will also establish a Domestic Transmission Network with an initial 2 PoP Nodes within the SSEZ and two hubs located in Subic Bay Free Port and in Hermosa, Bataan.

The company will also put 75 access points across the economic zone supporting WiMAX, LTE and other distribution of technology.

The unit of Liberty Telecoms will also establish a National Transmission Network (NTN) connecting the Hermosa POP and Subic Free Port POP to the international gateways of other telecommunication firms’ data centers in Metro Manila connected to various international cable stations located in Cavite, Batangas, La Union and Cagayan province.

For the initial roll-out, the company will be use the current frequency assigned on the 2.5 Ghz and 700 MHz nationwide. However, in SSEZ, wi-tribe will be deploying 75 sites using 2.5 Ghz frequency at 5 Mhz or 10Mhz channel bandwidth.

In 2010, Liberty net loss grew 51 percent to P1.146 billion from the previous year’s P557 million due to higher expenses in the soft launch of WiMAX last year.

"The management of the company expects to capture a portion of the market by offering reliable broadband services to specific customer segments at competitive prices," Liberty said.

The company’s costs and expenses have reached P1.39 billion last year, compared with P586 million in the previous year.

Liberty Telecoms is still under corporate rehabilitation with a total debt obligation of P1.7 billion.

San Miguel, through wholly owned subsidiary Vega Telecom Inc., has acquired a 32.7 percent stake in Liberty Telecommunications Holdings Inc. for P1.88 billion. The company intends to buy up to 60 percent of the capital stock of LTHI.

Qtel, the telecommunications provider in Qatar, has a 27.12-percent stake in Liberty Telecoms through subsidiary wi-Tribe Asia Ltd.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/may19/busi3.html

A May 18, 2011 press release by the Department of Labor and Employment

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz recently announced that the third wave of the registration of workers in Region 1 (Ilocos) into the Skills Registry System has begun with the signing of a Memorandum of Undertaking (MOU) on April 4, 2011 between DOLE Regional Office 1 Director Henry John Jalbuena and Mayor Alexander Boquing of Sudipen, La Union.

“The MOU will institutionalize the SRS in Sudipen,” Baldoz said adding that the barangay captains in 17 barangays in Sudipen have been oriented on the process of registering interested workers in their respective barangays with the SRS.

“The Registry will provide employers in Ilocos an online data on workers in the region who have the skills they need and are available to fill up vacancies in their establishments, thereby, facilitating their search for skills as well as placement of workers in search of jobs in the region,” she said.

The skills registration into the SRS started in Ilocos last March, specifically in San Fernando City’s 43 barangays. It was the first wave of efforts to localize the National Skills Registry System (NSRS) in Ilocos.

This was followed by the implementations of the NSRS on 06 April 2011 in Rosales’s 37 barangays, in Pangasinan, through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO), which constitutes the second wave of local skills registration.

Early last month, the DOLE Regional Office No. 1 conducted consultation-briefings and orientation on skills registration among local chief executives of the 17 barangays of the Sudipen town, namely, Brgys. Bigbiga, Castro, Duplas, Ipet, Ilocano, Maliclico, Old Central, Namaltugan, Porporiket, San Fernando Norte, San Fernando Sur, San Jose, Sengngat, Turod, Up-uplas, Bulalaan, and Poblacion.

“Barangay leaders support our efforts to promote quality jobs for our workers and economic growth in communities here in Sudipen,” said DOLE-RO1 Director Henry John S. Jalbuena. He thanked the municipal government of Sudipen for its support to SRS.

DOLE has started the NSRS to enable investors and employers find the skills they need and are available in particular areas of the country where they may set up or expand their businesses. The system will also let workers advertise themselves to their prospective employers—that they are available for work right there, right now.

This is in line with President Benigno Aquino III’s 22-point platform and policy pronouncements on labor and employment—to address the labor mismatch problem by promoting better coordination between employers, academe, and government by strengthening both public (through the PESO) and private sector labor market information.

Implementation of SRS has also started in 39 other towns and cities in 15 regions of the country.

“Jobseekers in Region 1 should take the opportunity to ‘advertise’ their skills to secure quality employment through the SRS,” Director Jalbuena said.

http://www.gov.ph/2011/05/18/dole-starts-third-registry-of-workers-in-ilocos/

Post away! :cheers:

Theme for 8th Thread: Towards Unity and Progress


Sana parang ganito ang San Fernando City sa Future, parang Vancouver, BC

http://www.avsim.com/pages/0206/Vancouver/VanC-Night-city.jpg

source (http://www.avsim.com/pages/0206/Vancouver/Vancouver.htm)

by Miriam P. Aquino

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union May 18 (PIA1) --- Thinking of the very important benefit that most people are getting from the Lon-oy Spring serving as the main water resource where the Metro La Union Water District(MLUWD) extracts and supplies the water requirement of the City of San Fernando, and the municipalities of San Juan, Bacnotan and San Gabriel which are also component towns of the Central La Union Metro Planning Area (CELUMEPA), Mayor Divina Velasco of San Gabriel conceptualized the Lon-oy Watershed Development Plan to address the environmental degradation and progressive depletion of the Lon-oy Spring in Barangay Lon-oy, San Gabriel, this province.

Based on the data provided by the Provincial Information and Tourism Office, Provincial Capitol, Mayor Velasco, upon assumption of office on July 2007, together with then officer-in-charge municipal treasurer Eduardo Laroza, reviewed San Gabriel’s claim to its lawful share to the water distributed by MLUWD.

It was a thorny issue which past municipal administrations tried to work but Mayor Velasco never gave up and made representations to MLUWD.

She sent inquiry letters to the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) and made correspondence to the Sangguniang Bayan and to Governor Manuel C. Ortega thru the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union.

At the height of her crusade, she found allies and support from the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) while enrolled in their Masters in Public Management (MPM) program and networked with friends from the academe which offered encouragement.

On August 10, 2010, MLUWD signed a Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) recognizing San Gabriel’s share to the water which their office extract for commercial use.

Determined to push through with her plans and had taken what she learned from the MPM Program by heart, that sustainable development entails responsibility of meeting the requirements of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their needs, came up with the Lon-oy Watershed Development Plan.

Luck made its way for the lady mayor when San Gabriel was one among only three LGUs in the Philippines selected by Dean Tony La Viña of the ASoG and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Poverty Environmental Initiative Project (PEIP) to be assessed on its capabilities in Poverty-Environmental linkages mainstreaming in Local Development Planning.

From what they have learned from the PEIP, the Municipal Poverty Reduction Action Team (MPRAT), assessed and identified priorities towards watershed protection/environmental sustainability and poverty reduction.

Integrating the various livelihood programs of the municipality, the local government has expanded the highland vegetable production program to barangay Lon-oy.

Presently, a group of 13 farmers were given financial assistance and have reaped three to four- fold increase in their profits and a poultry raising project is on the work for the women of the barangay. Recently, a gardener was given a soft loan to start a nursery-green house for cut flower farming.

In the latter part of 2010, the HOLCIM group came to San Gabriel in search for LGU-partners for their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and came up with Adopt a Watershed Project.

Being a 4th Class, Internal Revenue Allotment -dependent Municipality, HOLCIM’s offer to help and support San Gabriel’s Lon-oy Watershed Development Project boosted a partnership that also brought the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led by Dir. Samuel Songcuan to actively participate in the project.

The three partner-groups made their way to conduct meetings in rotation, workshops on how to establish the work plan and made site-visits and stakeholder’s meeting in Barangay Lon-oy which later on led to the signing of the MOA during the International Earth Day celebration on April 25, 2011 at the Sangguniang Bayan Hall of San Gabriel.

Pushing for good governance and transparency, Mayor Velasco, invited the Lon-oy Punong Barangay and his Council, the different farmer’s groups, women’s organizations in the barangay, the President of the Senior Citizen’s Association in the Barangay and representative from the print and broadcast media to witness the MOA signing.

The MOA included the initial reforestation of 25 hectares which will be funded by HOLCIM through the provision of 50,000 seedlings, preparation and weeding of the re-forestation site and continuing care and replanting for the next three years.

An incentive and reward system for the barangay townsfolk who will take care of the trees up to its two-meter maturity will ensure the sustainability of the project. DENR-PENRO on the other hand will provide technical assistance and additional 100,000 seedlings to cover another 50 hectares in line with the National Greening Program.

Bearing in mind that this undertaking which involves the whole community of San Gabriel and includes other LGUs who depend on this water reservoir may not ensure an easy trail, the lady Mayor believes that taking the initial step is the most important one. She understood well what her favorite inspirational writer John Maxwell said: “There is no shame in starting small; in fact if you don’t start small, you’ll probably never start at all.” (ANL/MPA-PIA1 La Union with reports from PITO-LU)


http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=33153

By LIEZLE BASA IÑIGO
May 16, 2011, 6:02pm
ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan, Philippines — The proposed inter-city ferry system, which will interlink Alaminos City, San Fernando City in La Union and Dagupan City using the Lingayen Gulf, will soon be realized through the Public Private Partnership program of the national government.

“I promised my constituents that before I leave my office, this dream will come true, and we are almost there,” Mayor Hernani Braganza said Monday.

Braganza said he expects the system will shorten the travel time between major cities and municipalities in Region 1 that are located on the Lingayen Gulf.

Possible ports being eyed for the project are in this city and Dagupan in Pangasinan as well as Agoo town, and San Fernando City in La Union.

Aside from shortening the travel time, Braganza believes the projects will boost economic development in the region and attract more tourists and investors.

The mayor said the most visited part of his city is still the famous Hundred Islands National Park.

Alaminos City is practically isolated due to distance, preventing potential visitors who need take to travel circuitous routes to reach the place.

“I hope Alaminos, and the province as well, will be open to commercial traffic. That will hopefully become a reality if we can put up major infrastructure. It is the only way that Alaminos can attain economic development and to help the province.” Braganza said.

“Once the inter-ferry system is completed, it will draw more investments for the province that would create more opportunities for the people,” he added.

The mayor said the cities of Cebu and Davao have reached substantial economic progress by having appropriate basic infrastructure.

He explained that “this is the main reason why we asked the national government to build the first commercial airport in the city of Alaminos.”

Braganza was also inspired by Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin Lim “for having the same vision.”
source (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/318455/ferry-system-sought-lingayen)

:banana::banana:

by Miriam P. Aquino

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, May 16 (PIA) --- In line with their plan to update land use information and identify agri-investment opportunity and development zones towards further progress and sustainable rural agriculture, the local government of Bauang recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM) and the Department of Agriculture – regional office I (DA-RO1) regarding the conduct of land use assessment and the integration of strategic agriculture and fisheries development zone (SAFDZ) in the comprehensive land use plan, held at the Bauang Farmer’s Hall, this province.

The signatories for the MOA were mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman, BSWM director Silvino G. Tejeda and DA OIC-regional executive director Renato A. Maguigad, and also attended/witnessed by the Sangguniang Bayan members, different department heads and 39 barangay captains from the municipality.

Bauang champions in its efforts on protecting the environment, promoting livelihood, achieving food security, and in disaster-risk management. (ANL/MPA-PIA 1 La Union – with reports from the Bauang media desk))

http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=32690

:banana::banana::banana::cheers: SULONG BAUANG!

May 16, 2011
Krista Angela M. Montealegre, The Manila Times, Philippines

After selling down its traditional businesses to raise money for its new ventures, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) said it plans to shed its interests in these maiden projects to boost its cash reserves.

"The idea is to sell everything and keep all companies [at] 51 [percent]," Ramon Ang, SMC president, said on the sidelines of the stockholders' meeting of San Miguel Pure Foods Co. Inc.

"Kapag may pera ka, mas may opportunity ka to invest sa magandang bagay," he added.

This announcement comes on the heels of a credit outlook downgrade by Standard and Poor's (S&P) amid concerns over the depletion of SMC's cash holdings to finance its diversification drive.

At end-March, SMC's consolidated cash balance stood at P126.4 billion.

Ang said SMC does not intend to give up its controlling interest in all its businesses. Last year, the conglomerate failed to sell its 49-percent stake in Purefoods after the final bidders insisted on acquiring SMC's entire shareholdings in the food company.

"That's our condition. If not, we will not sell," said Ang.

SMC earlier sold off its 43.2-percent interest in its beer unit to partner Kirin Holdings of Japan.

SMC has been trimming its stake in its traditional businesses since 2007 to support its diversification into high-yielding investments "such as but not limited to power generation or transmission, water and other utilities and infrastructure."

At end-December, SMC held at least a 51-percent stake each in Purefoods, San Miguel Brewery Inc., Ginebra San Miguel Inc., San Miguel Foods and Beverage International Ltd., San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp., San Miguel Yamamura Packaging International Ltd., San Miguel Paper Packaging Corp., San Miguel Yamamura Asia Corp. and San Miguel Properties Inc.

The conglomerate also owns 68 percent of Petron Corp. and wholly owns SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. and San Miguel Holdings Corp., which holds a 93-percent stake in TransAire Development Holdings Corp., formerly known as Caticlan International Airport Development Corp.

In the telecom sector, SMC also owns Bell Telecommunication Philippines Inc., as well as a 41.5-percent stake in Liberty Telecom Holdings Inc. and a 40-percent interest in Eastern Telecommunications Philippines Inc.

In mining, wholly owned subsidiary San Miguel Energy Corp. owns the coal mines of Daguma Agro Minerals Inc., Bonanza Energy Resources Inc. and Sultan Energy Phils. Corp.

SMC also owns a 33.19-percent interest in Manila Electric Co., a 51-percent stake in Metro Rail Transit Line 7 proponent Universal LRT Corp., and a 35-percent interest in Private Infrastructure Development Corp., the concession holder of the 88.58-kilometer Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway.

Last year, SMC secured the approval of its stockholders to waive their pre-emptive rights to the company's planned issuance of new shares and to shed its interest in existing businesses to no more than 49 percent.

For its part, Purefoods will hold a public offering of secondary shares before the November 30 deadline to comply with 10-percent minimum public ownership requirement of the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Francisco Alejo 3rd, Purefoods president, said the company will hold a share sale only to meet the bourse's ownership requirements since the company remains profitable.

Source: Copyright (c) 2011, The Manila Times, Philippines. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/2011/5/16/san_miguel_to_shed_new_businesses.htm

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/221301_215505455134727_204145946270678_813223_3061547_o.jpg

Gov. Manuel C. Ortega assured La Union’s preparedness to become springboard for progress in Northern Philippines. He expressed his enthusiasm to open the Port of San Fernando to containerized shipping during the opening program. Attended by Customs Deputy Commissioners Ma. Caridad Manarang and Peter Manzano, as well as officials and stakeholders of Region 1, the event took place at Thunderbird Resorts, Poro, City of San Fernando, La Union on May 11, 2011.

Photo by: Wendell B. Tangalin, Provincial Information and Tourism Office

La Union Information and Tourism Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=215505455134727&set=a.208595342492405.55111.204145946270678&type=1&theater)

:applause:

By: Israel O. Rudio
Provincial Information and Tourism Office-La Union

http://www.launion.gov.ph/e107_images/newspost_images/05-4-2011_prodmeeting.jpg

San Fernando City, La Union - “There are just so many meetings in the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) due to its various development undertakings, that is why it is important to make meetings productive,” stressed Provincial Administrator Geoffrey S. Tilan during the opening of the two-day seminar on “Managing and Making Meetings Highly Productive” held on May 3-4, 2011 at the Diego Silang Hall of the Capitol Building, this city and province.

Conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Region I led by Dir. Leonardo N. Quitos, Jr., participants included Department Heads, Chiefs of Hospitals, Officers-In-Charge, Division Chiefs and other personnel of PGLU.

The seminar was divided into six parts. The first session titled “Group Dynamics,” was led by Director Quitos where he emphasized will be productive if properly managed most especially in preparing the participants. Session 2 titled “How Group Works” and Session 3 titled “Planning of Meetings” were led by Assist. Regional Dir. Nestor G. Rillon. Session 4 titled “Meeting Proper” was facilitated by Marissa D. Gorospe, Division Chief of the Project Monitoring and Evaluation Division; Session 5 (Managing Meeting Problems) by Lucila D. Torio, Division Chief of the Knowledge Management Division; and Session 6 (Post Meeting Activities) by Dr. Fe D. Domingo, Division Chief of the Project Development, Investment, Programming and Budget Division.

With the completion of the seminar, residents of La Union can expect faster delivery of public services from PGLU through immediate and credible decisions on policies, programs and projects as well as resolutions of problems that may arise through effective and efficient conduct of meetings among stakeholders and development partners.

Official Website of the Province of La Union (http://www.launion.gov.ph/news.php?item.231.2)

[/QUOTE]

BOC to implement containerized system in Port of San Fernando starting end-May

By Joann Santiago

MANILA, May 3 (PNA) -– The plan to introduce container system in the Port of San Fernando in La Union will become a reality starting end-May 2011, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced Monday.

Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez said the first trip of a container vessel from the Port of Manila to the Port of San Fernando is scheduled at the end of this month and initially planned to be done three times a week.

He explained that implementation of this plan was first introduced in the early 1990s when several companies like Bacnotan Cement, San Miguel Corporation (SMC), and Philipps Mining conveyed their interest to avail of the fast, safe and cost-efficient container system.

“The project, however, was indefinitely shelved when the proponents could not find funding sources to upgrade the structural foundation of the Port of San Fernando piers, which could only support bulk and break bulk shipments but not those in container vans,” he said.

However, this hindrance was addressed through the system of using a mother vessel to collect all containerized shipments bound for Region 1 from the Port of Manila and transport these to the Port of San Fernando through the use of smaller containerized feeder vehicle.

“Smaller vessels would naturally require smaller equipment to conduct loading and discharging operations,” Alvarez said.

The BOC chief said Poro Point Industrial Corporation, which owns a 25-year contract as exclusive cargo handler at the pier, has offered to reduce arrastre and wharfage dues, a wide container yard that can accommodate 1,000 twenty-foot equivalent (TEUs) container vans at any given day, a provision for reefer containers, dangerous cargo area, stalag for motor vehicles and clearer traffic for haulers and other cargo trucks.

Also, the Poro Point Management Corporation, the management arm of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) for the Poro Point Free Port Zone, offered a 24/7 secured 1,000 square meters adjacent lot as holding area and Customs examination area.

“The new regime of containerization in the Port of San Fernando is expected to enhance Region 1’s attractiveness to investors and thus create opportunities for enhanced job creation that will jump-start economic activities in the area,” Alvarez said.

He added that this program received the support of Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino and Vice Governor Ferdie Calimlim, La Union Governor Manoling Ortega, former Deputy Speaker Eric Singson, and the regional executives of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Tourism (DOT). (PNA)

http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Business_19/BOC_to_implement_containerized_system_in_Port_of_San_Fernando_starting_end-May.shtml

THE PORT of San Fernando in La Union can become a hub for containerized cargo in the Ilocos region after expansion work there is completed by the end of this month, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) said yesterday.

"The new regime of containerization in the Port of San Fernando is expected to enhance [the region’s] attractiveness to investors and, thus, create opportunities for enhanced job creation that will jump-start economic activities in the area," Customs Commissioner Angelito A. Alvarez said in a statement.

The Ilocos region, composed of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan, has its center in San Fernando City, La Union.

Businesses operating in nearby Poro Point Freeport Zone are expected to be the primary beneficiaries, Mr. Alvarez said, citing the likes of Thunderbird Pilipinas Hotels & Resorts, Inc.; wood manufacturer La Union Quality Timber Manufacturing Corp.; and Mama Sita Corp.

The BoC had wanted to introduce a container system in the Port of San Fernando back in the 1990s, citing interest from firms like Bacnotan Cement Corp. and San Miguel Corp. to use it as entry point, the statement explained.

The project was shelved due to a lack of funding to upgrade structures of the port’s piers, which could support bulk and break bulk shipments -- cargo shipped individually or in small quantities -- but not containers.

Under the new system, containers bound for the Ilocos region from the Port of Manila are shipped to San Fernando using containerized feeder vessels that unload the mother ship in Manila.

Shipments, expected to start at the end of this month, will be three times a week, Mr. Alvarez said. -- D. C. J. Jiao

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=La-Union-port-readied-for-containerized-cargo&id=30635

:banana::cheers:

VILLAR-LED developer Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. wants to start projects in close to 20 new areas around the country, the property firm said in a statement on Monday.
Expansion in new areas will allow the company to tap low to mid-market segments for families of overseas Filipinos, the firm said.
“The majority of our overseas Filipino workers hail from the provinces and there is strong preference for house and lot in their hometown or province of origin which they intend to live-in with their families," Benjamarie Therese N. Serrano, president and chief executive of Vista Land, said in the statement.
"We intend to further cement our hold in this market with the country-wide expansion,” Ms. Serrano added.
Sixteen new areas were cited: Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Nueva Ecija, Bicol, Batangas, Quezon, Bataan, Pampanga, Davao, Butuan, Agusan del Sur and Zamboanga.
Shares in Vista Land, whose profits jumped by 31% to P3.013 billion last year, fell by one centavo to close at P3.15 each on Monday. --Neil Jerome C. Morales
source (http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Corporate&id=30584&title=Villar%20property%20firm%20eyes%20projects%20for%20more%20provinces)

:banana::banana::banana::cheers:

Strong inflow from overseas Filipino worker remittances continue to boost the real estate sector, as more developers expand development projects outside Metro Manila.

“The majority of our OFWs hail from the provinces and there is strong preference for house and lot in their hometown or province of origin where they intend to live with their families. As the runaway leader in horizontal housing, we intend to further cement our hold in this market with the country-wide expansion,” Vista Land Chief Executive Officer Benjamarie Therese N. Serrano said.

“The upward trend in the level of OFW remittances bodes well for our expansion drive,” she added.

Government figures said OFW remittances grew by 6.9 percent for the first two months of the year and reached US $ 18.8 billion in 2010 for 2011.

Remittances are expected to grow by eight percent from last year’s figure.

Property holdings group Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc., the country’s largest homebuilder, disclosed its expansion plans in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte; La Union; Nueva Ecija; Bicol; Batangas; Quezon; Bataan; Pampanga; Davao; Butuan, Agusan del Sur and Zamboanga.

The expansion in these areas gives Filipino families more opportunities for home ownership as Vista Land provides options for low to mid-market segments at various
price points.

A typical subdivision project usually covers an area of at least 10 hectares and would be strategically located, within easy access to commercial developments.

Buyers have a myriad of house models to choose from and can look forward to living in themed, masterplanned communities, she said.

Vista Land ensures that all its projects are well-maintained even after turnover through property managers.

She noted a significant chunk, about 60 percent, of Vista Land’s reservation sales come from OFWs, particularly those based in Europe, Middle East and Asia.

At least five to 10 percent of the total sales uptake is cornered by US-based overseas Filipinos.

“Vista Land already has the widest presence in the Philippines among all the major property developers and we intend to further enhance this competitive edge. The
company is currently present in 20 provinces, 47 cities and municipalities around the country,” she said.

Vista Land has allocated P45 billion for capital expenditures from this year up to 2013.

Future Vista Land developments include vertical projects, commercial space, BPO office buildings, and more residential properties.

http://www.usnewslasvegas.com/business/strong-ofw-remittances-investment-spur-real-estate-devt-outside-mm/

Vista Land on major expansion in 16 new locations nationwide

By JAMES A. LOYOLA
May 2, 2011, 9:51pm

MANILA, Philippines – Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc., the country’s largest homebuilder, is undertaking a major expansion drive to 16 new areas across the country within the next 12 months.

The firm said these areas include Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, La Union:banana::banana::banana::banana::cheers:, Nueva Ecija, Bicol, Batangas, Quezon, Bataan, Pampanga, Davao, Butuan, Agusan del Sur, and Zamboanga.

Vista land said the expansion to these areas gives Filipino families more opportunities for home ownership as Vista Land provides options for low to mid-market segments at various price points.

According to Vista Land president Benjamarie Therese N. Serrano, the company’s expansion into these geographical locations is anchored on the strength of its overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) market.

“The majority of our OFWs hail from the provinces and there is strong preference for house and lot in their hometown or province of origin which they intend to live-in with their families,” Serrano said.

She added that “as the runaway leader in horizontal housing, we intend to further cement our hold in this market with the country-wide expansion.”

A significant chunk of about 60 percent of Vista Land’s reservation sales come from OFWs, particularly those based in Europe, Middle East, and Asia. At least 5 to 10 percent of the total sales uptake is cornered by US-based overseas Filipinos.

“The upward trend in the level of OFW remittances bodes well for our expansion drive,” she added.

OFW remittances grew by 6.9 percent for the first two months of the year and reached $18.8 billion in 2010. For 2011, remittances are expected to grow by 8 percent from last year’s figure.

“Vista Land already has the widest presence in the Philippines among all the major property developers and we intend to further enhance this competitive edge. The company is currently present in 20 provinces, 47 cities and municipalities around the country,” Serrano said.

She noted that ‘Camella’s track record and popularity are key factors. Our Camella brand is widely recognized and the most preferred brand in housing.”

A typical Vista Land subdivision project covers an area of at least 10 hectares and would be strategically located, with easy access to commercial developments.

Buyers have a variety of house models to choose from and can look forward to living in themed, masterplanned communities. Vista Land ensures that all its projects are well-maintained even after turnover, through property managers.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/316568/vista-land-major-expansion-16-new-locations-nationwide

Private partner for Clark terminal seen this year

By Doris Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:47:00 05/01/2011

Filed Under: Air Transport, Infrastructure, Government, Investments, Philippines - Regions
MANILA, Philippines—The state-run Bases Conversion Development Authority plans to prioritize the upgrading of the budget terminal at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, Pampanga, by taking in a private partner within this year.

In an interview with Inquirer, newly appointed BCDA president and chief executive Arnel Casanova also said the upgrading of a dormant airport in San Fernando, La Union, was now nearly finished. He said this airport, which is under BCDA’s subsidiary Poro Point Management Corp., could open up a major gateway to Northern Luzon soon.

Continue Reading... (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20110501-334064/BCDA-to-prioritize-airport-projects)

:banana::banana:

By Rimaliza Opiña
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

THE public will see more of this call center company.

Soon, fare matrices, garbage cans, jeepney sign posts, vests of street sweepers and garbage collectors and waiting sheds will bear Sitel’s logo, a call center company based at the Loakan economic zone.

Post your prayers and condolences for Cebu Vice Governor Greg Sanchez's family.

Considered Baguio City’s biggest employer Sitel regional Human Resources manager Emil Ching said the donation is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.

He said this is Sitel’s way of giving back to the Baguio community, which contributed to its success since it began operating in 2004, with only 35 employees.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Sitel, the City Government and transport officials was formalized in simple ceremonies yesterday in Camp John Hay.

Ching said the donation is to also expand the call center’s marketing capacity and possibly to invite more people to apply in the call center.

Ching said the company is not threatened by the increasing number of call center companies in Baguio, as it helps steer Baguio’s economy.

“It is not something we are afraid of. We are just making our presence felt,” Ching added.

Sitel vice president for human resources Haidee Enriquez said a more aggressive marketing campaign this year is part of their growth strategy this year.

After Baguio, Enriquez said they are branching out in Poro Point, La Union and in Manila for those who could not be accommodated in Baguio.

In its MOA with the City Government, Sitel will repaint 15 waiting sheds at the CBD and will sponsor the tailoring of 169 vests for street sweepers and garbage collectors.

The City Government, on the other hand, is under obligation to prepare the design and color of the vests as well as choose the color of the waiting sheds.

In its agreement with the Public Transport Affairs Office Sitel will pay to a billboard producing company P225,000 for the production of 90 PUJ loading and unloading signages.

Sitel will also be paying P80,000 to a company, which manufactures stickers for the production of fare matrices which will be distributed to all jeepney drivers after printing.
source (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2011/04/27/city-inks-pact-call-center-152285)

:cheers:

http://philippines.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/program_highlights/origphoto/ee_10.jpg?1303711272

Workers complete the construction of two lagoons that will be used to treat septage from septic tanks throughout San Fernando City. The project is part of the USAID-Rotary San Fernando City Sewerage and Septage Management Program.

USAID Supported Construction of Septage Treatment Plant

Septic tanks have been confirmed as major drivers of groundwater, river, and coastal water pollution. The Clean Water Act and a local ordinance require that all the septic tanks in the city be desludged every five years beginning in September when the treatment facility becomes fully operational. In partnership with Rotary International, USAID supported the completion of the construction of a treatment facility in San Fernando City in La Union that will be used to treat septage from the city’s septic tanks. Two lagoons were financed by the province’s congressman, Victor Ortega. The rest of the facility is being financed by USAID through the Philippine Sanitation Alliance. The treatment lagoons will increase the proper maintenance of septic tanks in the city. The operation of the septic tanks is expected to significantly contribute to the city constituent’s health and productivity.

http://philippines.usaid.gov/program_highlights/energy-and-environment-9

CSI CITY MALL - SAN FERNANDO CITY
http://i53.tinypic.com/o09p9i.jpg
by sundaebrain (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sundaebrain/)

http://i56.tinypic.com/ofbpeg.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/1zfmwd1.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/kbezk3.jpg
by sundaebrain (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sundaebrain/)

THUNDERBIRD - SAN FERNANDO CITY
http://i51.tinypic.com/awu7g4.jpg
by Ane Balanon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/anesb/)

North Philippines: Best pizza restaurants north of Metro Manila
LA UNION PROVINCE

Olives Restaurant (Thunderbird Resort, Poro Point, La Union; +63 72 8887777) serves delicious wood-fired pizzas. Their best seller is Four Cheese: goat, parmesan, feta and mozzarella cheese. My personal favorite is Quattro Stagioni: kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, parma ham, fresh mushrooms. Also try the Spicy Sausage, Roasted Peppers, Mozarrella & Oregano Pizza or the Smoked Salmon & Mushroom Pizza: smoked salmon, fresh mushrooms, tomato sprinkled with oregano and cheese.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-fGx2wDrdVc/Sx9aeNZ8-WI/AAAAAAAAFq8/MopikHpr_Hw/s400/pizza-t-quatro.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-fGx2wDrdVc/Sx9akXOOzOI/AAAAAAAAFrE/B4mTV7RzoQU/s400/pizza-t-salmon.jpg
all credits to ivan henares
http://www.ivanhenares.com/search/label/Cagayan%20Valley

North Philippines: Best pizza restaurants north of Metro Manila
LA UNION PROVINCE

Olives Restaurant (Thunderbird Resort, Poro Point, La Union; +63 72 8887777) serves delicious wood-fired pizzas. Their best seller is Four Cheese: goat, parmesan, feta and mozzarella cheese. My personal favorite is Quattro Stagioni: kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, parma ham, fresh mushrooms. Also try the Spicy Sausage, Roasted Peppers, Mozarrella & Oregano Pizza or the Smoked Salmon & Mushroom Pizza: smoked salmon, fresh mushrooms, tomato sprinkled with oregano and cheese.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-fGx2wDrdVc/Sx9aeNZ8-WI/AAAAAAAAFq8/MopikHpr_Hw/s400/pizza-t-quatro.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-fGx2wDrdVc/Sx9akXOOzOI/AAAAAAAAFrE/B4mTV7RzoQU/s400/pizza-t-salmon.jpg
all credits to ivan henares
http://www.ivanhenares.com/search/label/Cagayan%20Valley

La Union: Surfing lessons with the Billabong Surf School in San Juan

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-fGx2wDrdVc/S3BGDyaiTgI/AAAAAAAAF4k/EvCSAkVLIAs/s400/launion-surfing1.jpg


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-fGx2wDrdVc/S3BGFBdZkvI/AAAAAAAAF4s/Br4xXnQoRyA/s400/launion-surfing2.jpg
all credits to ivan henares
http://www.ivanhenares.com/search/label/Ilocos%20Region

La Union: Surfing lessons with the Billabong Surf School in San Juan

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-fGx2wDrdVc/S3BGDyaiTgI/AAAAAAAAF4k/EvCSAkVLIAs/s400/launion-surfing1.jpg


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-fGx2wDrdVc/S3BGFBdZkvI/AAAAAAAAF4s/Br4xXnQoRyA/s400/launion-surfing2.jpg
all credits to ivan henares
http://www.ivanhenares.com/search/label/Ilocos%20Region

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/230210_166469110080666_100001527352978_377554_5377009_n.jpg



Pugad Pugo Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=166468710080706&set=a.166468660080711.39488.100001527352978&type=1&theater#!/photo.php?fbid=166468930080684&set=a.166468660080711.39488.100001527352978&type=1&theater&pid=377551&id=100001527352978)
ito yung mga lumang bahay ng mga ifugao di ba? :)

Thread 8 na ba? yung Thread 7 di yata naka locked.

CSI CITY MALL - SAN FERNANDO CITY
http://i53.tinypic.com/o09p9i.jpg
by sundaebrain (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sundaebrain/)
Nag-open na ba ang CSI ngayon May 22, 2011?

Nag-open na ba ang CSI ngayon May 22, 2011?
yup, reopen ang csi today. :)

ito yung mga lumang bahay ng mga ifugao di ba? :)

yup! pero hindi rin naman lahat ng bahay doon ay luma. ganoon lang talaga ang disenyo ng ibang mga bahay doon

fill ko na yung thread up to post no 999


sana lagyan narin ng cat's eye reflectorizer ang mc arthur highway portion ng 2nd district ng la union

yup, reopen ang csi today. :)

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::cheers:

Nakita ko kaninang biyahe ko mula Laoag, Nakalagay na ang tarpaulin ng Pancake House sa ONP:banana::banana::banana::banana::cheers: Di ko mahintay ang pagbubukas nito. Sana bumalik na ang Tokyo Tokyo

Visit these La Union Threads:

San Fernando City and La Union Province Thread Archives
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=367465

La Union Urban Planning and Infrastructure
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1374603

Thunderbird Resort Complex, Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1374955

And this active thread

Visit these La Union Threads:

San Fernando City and La Union Province Thread Archives
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=367465

La Union Urban Planning and Infrastructure
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1374603

Thunderbird Resort Complex, Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1374955

And this active thread

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EV8KN2vJ6YI/S3K0Yf8lgQI/AAAAAAAAADE/dQnDU_b4p_o/s320/pancake+house.gif
http://www.pancakehouse.com.ph/

nakalagay na ang tarp niya sa ONP!:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Congrats sa bagong thread niyo..:banana::banana:


Kulang pa ng 3 Post ang previous thread...:D

http://i56.tinypic.com/ofbpeg.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/1zfmwd1.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/kbezk3.jpg
by sundaebrain (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sundaebrain/)

My Wish for San Fernando ay palitan na ang mga luma at sira nitong streetlights sa highway. Sana ay maging kagaya sa Urdaneta, Candon at Batac kaliwanag ang highway

tumamlay ang thread nung magbakasyon ako. Sa aking pagpunta sa Maynila, sana ay mapuno parin ang San Fernando at La Union province thread ng mga updates. Sana rin ay umunlad na ng umunlad ang San Fernando at buong La Union

Wala lang

Ngayong may Pancake house na sa san fernando, ito naman ang aking mga nasa wishlist para sa San Fernando

1. Starbucks La Union
2. Yellow Cab La Union
3. Tokyo Tokyo La Union
4. Kenny Rogers La Union
5. Wendy's La Union



:):):):):):):cool::colgate:

iyan muna sa ngayon

My Wish for San Fernando ay palitan na ang mga luma at sira nitong streetlights sa highway. Sana ay maging kagaya sa Urdaneta, Candon at Batac kaliwanag ang highway

Maayos pa naman ang street lights, malinaw pa naman, ang Ina-Admire ko yung pagiging smooth ng Crossing na iyan, walang Lubak..Smooth asphalt paving. :cheers1:

Maayos pa naman ang street lights, malinaw pa naman, ang Ina-Admire ko yung pagiging smooth ng Crossing na iyan, walang Lubak..Smooth asphalt paving. :cheers1:

agree, iyon nga lang ang maganda sa M Arthur Highway portion ng San Fernando compared sa mga cities na nabanggit ko. maganda ang kalsada at may reflectorizer rin siya. Hindi matagtag ang mga sasakyan na dumadaan dito

Wala lang

Ngayong may Pancake house na sa san fernando, ito naman ang aking mga nasa wishlist para sa San Fernando

1. Starbucks La Union
2. Yellow Cab La Union
3. Tokyo Tokyo La Union
4. Kenny Rogers La Union
5. Wendy's La Union



:):):):):):):cool::colgate:

iyan muna sa ngayon

lagyan rin sana ng 7-11 convenience store sa mga areas na ito:

1. San Juan
2. San Fernando City
- Lingsat (maraming schools at mga boarding houses doon)
- ONP (para naman may store rin along the highway)
- DMMMSU (maraming boarding houses doon)
3. Bauang
- Paringao
4. Naguilian

Congrats sa bagong thread niyo..:banana::banana:


Kulang pa ng 3 Post ang previous thread...:D

salamat kevin!:)

Pinupuno ko na ang thread 7. ginawa ko lang yung thread 8 para atleast naman maipunta na yung thread 7 sa archives. tradition naman sa SSC Philippines ang ilagay na sa archives kapag umabot na ng 1000 post ang thread, so far 6,016 posts ang nasa archive. kung ilalagay na yung 987 posts ng thread 7 sa archives edi 7,003 posts na siya, so more or less parang nasunod parin yung pupunuin munang 1,000 posts sa thread bago ipunta sa archives

lagyan rin sana ng 7-11 convenience store sa mga areas na ito:

1. San Juan
2. San Fernando City
- Lingsat (maraming schools at mga boarding houses doon)
- ONP (para naman may store rin along the highway)
- DMMMSU (maraming boarding houses doon)
3. Bauang
- Paringao
4. Naguilian

No need na sa Bacnotan dahil may mga convenience stores na doon

Road to thread 8

Theme: Towards Unity and Progress

North Philippines: Best pizza restaurants north of Metro Manila
LA UNION PROVINCE

Olives Restaurant (Thunderbird Resort, Poro Point, La Union; +63 72 8887777) serves delicious wood-fired pizzas. Their best seller is Four Cheese: goat, parmesan, feta and mozzarella cheese. My personal favorite is Quattro Stagioni: kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, parma ham, fresh mushrooms. Also try the Spicy Sausage, Roasted Peppers, Mozarrella & Oregano Pizza or the Smoked Salmon & Mushroom Pizza: smoked salmon, fresh mushrooms, tomato sprinkled with oregano and cheese.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-fGx2wDrdVc/Sx9aeNZ8-WI/AAAAAAAAFq8/MopikHpr_Hw/s400/pizza-t-quatro.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-fGx2wDrdVc/Sx9akXOOzOI/AAAAAAAAFrE/B4mTV7RzoQU/s400/pizza-t-salmon.jpg
all credits to ivan henares
http://www.ivanhenares.com/search/label/Cagayan%20Valley


sana makatikim rin ako nito :eat:

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::cheers:
dumaan ako sa csi today, sinarado nila ang east side parking area tapos grabe ang pila sa mga payment counters sa may grocery dept. sarado na yung papasok papunta sa appliance/cinema area. napansin ko lang mas lumamig ang aircon sa loob ngayon.

dumaan ako sa csi today, sinarado nila ang east side parking area tapos grabe ang pila sa mga payment counters sa may grocery dept. sarado na yung papasok papunta sa appliance/cinema area. napansin ko lang mas lumamig ang aircon sa loob ngayon.

grabe ah garud, talagang hinintay ng mga tao na magbukas ang mall na ito. At saka sa mga ibang grocery stores kasi hindi kumpleto ang mga paninda unlike sa csi na kumpleto.

Aba at pinalitan siguro ang aircon? :colgate: as if kabubukas noong 2004. Mayat ah garud:applause:

By Joan Diaz, Governor’s Press Corps-Bauang

http://www.launion.gov.ph/e107_images/newspost_images/05-18-2011_eco1.jpg

Bauang champions in its efforts in protecting the environment, promoting livelihood, achieving food security, and in disaster-risk management.

A MOA-Signing between the Local Government Unit of Bauang led by Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III, the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM) led by Dir. Silvino G. Tejada and the Department of Agriculture- RO I headed by OIC-Regional Executive Director Renato A. Maguigad was inked on May 4, 2011 for the conduct of a Land Use Assessment and the integration of Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zone (SAFDZ) in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

“This is an important event as we plan to update our land use information and identify agri-investment opportunity and development zones in our track towards further progress and sustainable rural agriculture,” Mayor De Guzman III shared.

In another event of the same day, a workshop-planning on the use of urine as an alternative liquid fertilizer as a part of the Demonstration of Ecological Sanitation and other Decentralized Sanitation in the Philippines Project was also held. Presidents of farmers’ associations and organizations, Department of Education District Supervisors and Principals and concerned LGU Department Heads were present to take part in the activity. Participants committed to use the nutrient-rich urine as alternative fertilizer in their backyard gardens and target school gardens. The two demo farms in Barangays Ballay and Urayong are already using the technology for corn and tomatoes and are regularly yielding good harvests.

Official Website of Province of La Union (http://www.launion.gov.ph/news.php?item.232.2)

Protecting Lon-oy Waters: Mayor Velasco’s Continuing Crusade
Administrator

Dr. Herminigildo M. Velasco, MD, MPM
Municipal Poverty Reduction Action Team (MPRAT) Coordinator

http://www.launion.gov.ph/e107_images/newspost_images/05-20-2011_mayor-divina.jpg

The water extracted by the Metro La Union Water District (MLUWD) in Barangay Lon-oy, San Gabriel, La Union is the life-line that supplies the water requirements of San Fernando City and the Municipalities of San Juan, Bacnotan and San Gabriel which are also component towns of CELUMEPA (Central La Union Metro Planning Area).



Few days after assuming office on July 2007, Mayor Divina Daligues-Velasco, with then OIC-Municipal Treas. Eduardo Laroza, reviewed San Gabriel’s claim to its lawful share to the water distributed by MLUWD. It was a thorny issue which past Municipal Administrations tried to work. Mayor Velasco made representations to MLUWD; had sent inquiry letters to the BLGF (Bureau of Local Government and Finance); and made correspondence to the Sangguniang Bayan and to Gov. Manuel C. Ortega thru the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union. Midway through her crusade, she found allies and support from the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) while enrolled in their Masters in Public Management (MPM) program and networked with friends from the Academe who offered encouragement. Three years later, on August 10, 2010, MLUWD signed a MOA recognizing San Gabriel’s share to the water which their office extract for commercial use.

Taking to heart what she learns from the MPM Program that sustainable development entails the responsibility of meeting the requirements of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their needs, Mayor Divine conceptualized the Lon-oy Watershed Development Plan to address the environmental degradation and progressive depletion of this water resource. It was a great help that San Gabriel was one among only three LGUs in the Philippines selected by Dean Tony La Viña of the ASoG and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in their Poverty Environmental Initiative Project to assess LGUs’ capabilities in Poverty-Environmental linkages mainstreaming in Local Development Planning. From what they have learned from the Poverty-Environmental Initiative Project, the Municipal Poverty Reduction Action Team (MPRAT), assessed and identified priorities towards watershed protection/environmental sustainability and poverty reduction.

Official Website of Province of La Union (http://www.launion.gov.ph/news.php?item.232.2)

http://businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/daily_images/2011/May/05242011/comp01.jpg

ZEST Air is exploring a possible partnership with another airline to boost its operations both here and abroad.

The airline’s president and chief operating office Alfredo Yao said three or four airlines have approached him but the management has yet to arrive at a decision. “It really depends on what [the airlines] have to offer. But there is no decision yet,” he told reporters yesterday.

Yao said the partnership could be in a form of equity infusion or joint operations of both carriers’ aircraft. “There is no commitment yet. We are giving it a serious study,” he said.

Zest Air is expanding its domestic and regional routes this year as it takes delivery of four additional Airbus A320 on top of the six A320s it is currently using. “We plan to add four new aircraft every year,” said Yao. 

The new fleet of A320s will be used to add flights to existing routes and to fly to new one. Zest Air is slated to inaugurate two new flights: the Beijing-Kalibo route starting June 26 and the Cebu-Shanghai route starting July 2. Zest Air already offers two weekly flights from Kalibo to Pusan and twice weekly from Cebu to Incheon. It also plans to mount flights to China, Taipei and possibly to Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

This year, the airline is aiming to carry 3 million passengers from 1.2 million last year. Revenues are expected to hit P6 billion this year on account of the new routes that Zest Air is going to service this year, said the airline’s senior vice president for commercial and external affairs Butch Rodriguez.

“We made P2.2 billion in revenues last year and our target this year is to hit P6 billion. The growth will come from the additional domestic and international routes.

“We achieved more than what was projected except for yield but the passenger load went up and revenue in the first quarter was up by about 30 percent from the first quarter of last year. In one month, our revenues are hitting about P250 million,” said Rodriguez.

Fuel remains to be the highest expense [item] of the airline. “We hedge our fuel requirement monthly. In our case, [fuel prices were] up by 60 percent from 40 percent,” added Rodriguez.

Zest Air now now flies to a total of 23 destinations. It flies five times daily to Cebu, and thrice daily to Davao and twice daily to Bacolod, Iloilo, Tacloban, Tagbilran and Puerto Princesa. It also has regular flights from Manila to Kalibo, Legazpi, Busuanga, Calbayog, Catarman, Kalibo, Masbate, Marinduque, San Fernando, La Union, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

International flights take passengers to Incheon and Pusan in Souh Korea and to Shanghai, China.

“We are currently expanding our fleet so we could provide [passengers] with more flights to their favorite destinations. As we do this, rest assured we will stay focused on our passengers’ needs, comfort and security,” said Yao.

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/companies/11490-zest-air-in-talks-with-airlines-for-tie-up

by Esteleta M. Rafanan

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, May 23 (PIA) --- Surviving children of deceased Overseas Filipino Workers will receive financial assistance from the Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA) through the agency’s Education and Livelihood Assistance Program. The program has started since July last year, according to regional director Esperanza Cubarrubias.

One child for every family will receive P5,000 for elementary, P8,000 for high school and P10,000 for college per year, Cubarrubias said.

Some 30 students in Region 1, 20 from the elementary level, nine from high school and one from college have received financial assistance through the sponsorship of Filipino communities abroad.

Under the Livelihood Assistance Program, OWWA prioritized those who attended training on entrepreneurship development and learning support conducted by Central Bank of the Philippines, she said.

If they have little capital they can start-up a business while waiting for the financial assistance. It is just to augment the needs of existing project, she added.(ANL/EMR/PIA-1 La Union)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=33977

Wala lang

Ngayong may Pancake house na sa san fernando, ito naman ang aking mga nasa wishlist para sa San Fernando

1. Starbucks La Union
2. Yellow Cab La Union
3. Tokyo Tokyo La Union
4. Kenny Rogers La Union
5. Wendy's La Union



:):):):):):):cool::colgate:

iyan muna sa ngayon

Congratz sa bago ninyong thread at sa muling pagbubukas ng CSI Mall. Di malayong mangyari ang mga wish list mo. Malaki ang market sa San Fernando City dahil sa masigla nitong economy, tanda nito ang malalaking investment na pumapasok sa larangan ng turismo at iba pang proyekto.:):cheers:

Mary Holly Anne E. Rimando, PITO-La Union
by La Union Information and Tourism on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 9:08pm


Gov. Manuel C. Ortega asked mayors of La Union to study the possibility of helping jeepney and tricycle drivers through fuel subsidy. In a Memorandum dated May 6, 2011, endorsing to all Local Chief Executives of La Union the immediate dissemination and implementation of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2011-63 otherwise known as the Public Transport Assistance Program (PTAP), Gov. Ortega emphasized the contribution of this group in the development of the province.

With the fact that the transport sector is one among the most affected groups in the difficulties of oil price hikes, President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Executive Order No. 32 granting assistance to the transport sector to cushion the impact of continuing increases in fuel prices.

The PTAP aptly called as the Pantawid Pasada program of the government partially subsidizes the average consumption of identified public transport group provided that they have legitimate franchises under the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). In the case of the tricycles, the PTAP will subsidize a portion of their average consumption while the remaining portion will be funded by local government units through counterpart allocations.

Gov. Ortega is hoping that the localized version of the Pantawid Pasada program will ease the burden of the transport sector with the hope that they can also pass the saving to regular commuters.

La Union Information and Tourism Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/notes/la-union-information-and-tourism/apo-manoling-supports-pantawid-pasada-program-mary-holly-anne-e-rimando-pito-la-/217664621585477)

Congratz sa bago ninyong thread at sa muling pagbubukas ng CSI Mall. Di malayong mangyari ang mga wish list mo. Malaki ang market sa San Fernando City dahil sa masigla nitong economy, tanda nito ang malalaking investment na pumapasok sa larangan ng turismo at iba pang proyekto.:):cheers:

Yup, good na marami uli magaganda at bagong developments dito sa San Fernando at sa buong La Union narin. If ever solid buong La Union sana ang market ng mga businesses sa San Fernando. Ang iba kasi ay nakikipag- transact mostly sa Baguio at Dagupan lalo na sa mga taga south La Union. Kung parang sa Ilocos Norte sana na solid buong Ilocos Norte ang market ng mga businesses sa Laoag, San Nicolas at Batac dahil narin sa geographical location nito na malayo sa mga kakumpitensiyang cities like San Fernando, Baguio at Dagupan

Karaniwan kasi, nagbrabranch out ang mga businesses sa mga lugar na sa tantiya nila ay maraming tao na may sapat na kakayanan para bilihin ang kanilang products or services gaya ng mga cities. Ang disadvantage nito ay kung marami silang nagsisiksikan doon (especially if they have the same line of business) kaya nababawasan tuloy ang kanilang revenues. Maganda siguro, gaya ng nasabi mo ay magconduct sila ng feasibility study sa mga towns na di ganoon kalayo sa San Fernando City baka doon nila makita ang oppurtunity.

Karaniwan kasi, nagbrabranch out ang mga businesses sa mga lugar na sa tantiya nila ay maraming tao na may sapat na kakayanan para bilihin ang kanilang products or services gaya ng mga cities. Ang disadvantage nito ay kung marami silang nagsisiksikan doon (especially if they have the same line of business) kaya nababawasan tuloy ang kanilang revenues. Maganda siguro, gaya ng nasabi mo ay magconduct sila ng feasibility study sa mga towns na di ganoon kalayo sa San Fernando City baka doon nila makita ang oppurtunity.

Agree. At ang feasibility study rin will tell if whether feasible or not. If not feasible, why. If feasible, anong size ng store ba or amount/quantity ng goods or services ang maioofer sa possible market nito, parang ganoon. :cheers:

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227499_217664484918824_204145946270678_830089_7963450_n.jpg

LET’S PLAN TOGETHER & WORK TOGETHER . . . . . Gov. Manuel C. Ortega assures the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) the Provincial Government’s full support in keeping La Union the safest province in Ilocandia during the Planning Workshop for La Union’s Peace Order and Safety Strategic Plan, CY 2011-2913 held at the Diego Silang Hall, Provincial Capitol Building, San Fernando City, La Union on May 17-16, 2011.

Photo By: Wendell B. Tangalin, PITO-LU

La Union Information and Tourism Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=217664484918824&set=a.208595342492405.55111.204145946270678&type=1&theater)

Farm Tools Given to La Union Land Tillers Mary Holly Anne E. Rimando, PITO-La Union

Mary Holly Anne E. Rimando, PITO-La Union





Anchored upon Gov. Manuel C. Ortega’s Food Sufficiency and Food Security Program, the Provincial Government of La Union through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) headed by Mrs. Imelda J. Sannadan distributed farm machineries, tools and equipments on May 19, 2011 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, City of San Fernando.

Water pumps, hoses, knapsack and power sprayers, jetmatic pumps, grass cutters, mini tractors, power tillers or “kuliglig” and threshers were distributed to various barangay officials of La Union – with the sincere intention that these implements will enhance our farmer’s welfare.

This is the third batch of farm machineries distributed to farmers of La Union. Other farmers received their tools in simple ceremonies last March 24 and 31, 2011.

Apo Manoling’s administration pays close attention and significance to the contributions of farmers. The Provincial Government believes that farming plays an inherent role in sustainable development which is why farm mechanization is one of its forefront projects.

Governor Ortega wanted to commence the distribution before the start of the planting season this June.

Present to grace the event were Senior Board Member Francisco “Kit” C. Ortega, Jr., BM Henry B. Balbin, BM Jose Ma. “Pepe” C. Ortega, BM Joaquin C. Ostrea, BM Robert B. Madarang, Jr., BM Reynaldo M. Mosuela, BM Henry A. Bacurnay, Jr., BM Victoria L. Aragon, BM Ruperto R. Rillera, Jr., BM Manuel Victor “Mannix” R. Ortega Jr., and BM Kenneth Paulo C. Tereng.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/229171_217662581585681_204145946270678_830082_5967112_n.jpg

ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER. A barangay official receives her share of farm implements from the Provincial Government during the Turn-over Ceremony held at the capitol grounds, City of San Fernando, La Union on March 24, 2011. Leading the distribution are Board Member Manuel Victor “Mannix” R. Ortega, Jr. (far left), Senior Board Member Francisco “Kit” C. Ortega, Jr. (3rd from left), BM Rolando V. Rivera (3rd from right), BM Reynaldo M. Mosuela (2nd from right) and Provincial Agriculturist Imelda J. Sannadan (far right)
Photo by: PITO-La Union

La Union Information and Tourism Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/notes/la-union-information-and-tourism/farm-tools-given-to-la-union-land-tillers-mary-holly-anne-e-rimando-pito-la-unio/217662491585690)

National Flag Day to Jumpstart Independence Day 2011 Rites

By: Israel O. Rudio

Provincial Information & Tourism Office-La Union



To further flare up the patriotism that dwells in La Union, Gov. Manuel C. Ortega issued a Memorandum dated May 6, 2011, endorsing to all Mayors of La Union Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2011-61, encouraging Local Chief Executives to conduct simple but meaningful celebration of the National Flag Day on May 28, 2011 as a prelude to the celebration of the 113th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 2011.



The DILG Memo duly signed by Sec. Jesse M. Robredo, further encouraged local officials to collaborate with the private sector, non-government organizations and People’s organizations for the annual celebration. Suggested activities include the display of the Philippine Flag on or before the 28th of May in homes, government buildings, universities, hospitals, public places, restaurants, hotels, department stores, malls, banks and roads; simultaneous ringing of church bells, fog horns; and flag-raising ceremony.



The Provincial Government of La Union will have a Flag Raising Ceremony on May 27, 2011 at the Capitol Grounds. This will be followed by “Trivia Contests” which are aimed to reinvigorate employee’s awareness on Philippine History.

La Union Information and Tourism Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/notes/la-union-information-and-tourism/national-flag-day-to-jumpstart-independence-day-2011-rites-by-israel-o-rudio/217661684919104)

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/230335_217659438252662_204145946270678_830068_5025150_n.jpg

From left to right, Bureau of Soil and Water Management Director Silvino G. Tejada, Bauang Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III and Department of Agriculture- RO I OIC-Regional Executive Director Renato A. Maguigad, signing the MOA for the Land Use Assessment and the integration of Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zone (SAFDZ) for Bauang’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan on May 4, 2011.

Photo by: Governor’s Press Corps-Bauang

La Union Information and Tourism Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=217659438252662&set=a.208595342492405.55111.204145946270678&type=1&theater)

Maayos pa naman ang street lights, malinaw pa naman, ang Ina-Admire ko yung pagiging smooth ng Crossing na iyan, walang Lubak..Smooth asphalt paving. :cheers1:

Super agree ako jan dahil ilang beses na ako nagbyahe ng papuntang bicol, kahit anong ganda ng sasakyan mo super matagtag sya, di katulad pag nagbbyahe ka paNorte mas maayos ang highway...mas pwet-friendly :nocrook:

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250376_217659284919344_204145946270678_830067_573246_n.jpg

Bauang Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III (right), listening intently to a speaker during an Integrated Coastal Management and Participatory Coastal Resources Assessment Training held on May 6, 2011 at the Bauang Municipal Hall as part of the town’s celebration of the Ocean Month.

Photo by: Governor’s Press Corps-Bauang

La Union Information and Tourism Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=217659438252662&set=a.208595342492405.55111.204145946270678&type=1&theater)

Wala lang

Ngayong may Pancake house na sa san fernando, ito naman ang aking mga nasa wishlist para sa San Fernando

1. Starbucks La Union
2. Yellow Cab La Union
3. Tokyo Tokyo La Union
4. Kenny Rogers La Union
5. Wendy's La Union



:):):):):):):cool::colgate:

iyan muna sa ngayon

magandang business ang kapehan, nakapagtataka nga kung bakit hanggang ngayon wala pang ka-compete ang Mocha Blends...lalo na jan sa downtown...

Super agree ako jan dahil ilang beses na ako nagbyahe ng papuntang bicol, kahit anong ganda ng sasakyan mo super matagtag sya, di katulad pag nagbbyahe ka paNorte mas maayos ang highway...mas pwet-friendly :nocrook:

Kagabi noong pauwi ako galing Laoag at nasa La Union na ako (i am talking about southbound), medyo pangit yung kalsada sa lagpas ng Balaoan. Kanina rin nung papunta ako ng Pangasinan, pangit yung kalsada sa Santo Tomas area. sana irelayeran uli nila ng asphalt or gawing concrete narin yung shoulder ng kalsada para once umulan ay hindi pagmumulan ito ng mga sira sa kalsada lalo na sa mga areas na nabanggit ko

magandang business ang kapehan, nakapagtataka nga kung bakit hanggang ngayon wala pang ka-compete ang Mocha Blends...lalo na jan sa downtown...

yung Rafael's coffee at yung kapehan rin sa Plaza Hotel, pero syempre iba parin pag popular na kapehan gaya ng Starbucks. malapit nanaman ngayon ang tag-ulan. Maganda rin ang mag-kape instead of uminom ng alak

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248631_217659038252702_204145946270678_830065_3359543_n.jpg

Environment stakeholders composed of farmers’ groups, Department of Education officials, Provincial Government of La Union representatives, Center for Advanced Philippine Studies officials and LGU-Bauang officials, during the workshop-planning on the use of urine as an alternative liquid fertilizer as part of the Demonstration of Ecological Sanitation and other Decentralized Sanitation in the Philippines Project held on May 4, 2011 at the Bauang Municipal Hall.

Photo by: Governor’s Press Corps-Bauang

La Union Information and Tourism Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=217659038252702&set=a.208595342492405.55111.204145946270678&type=1&theater)

Think I have to retract yung statement ko sa LU Infra thread about sa Rosario.

Nakita ko sa daytime ang Rosario. WOW! Heto ang mga ongoing projects sa town na ito

- Woodspark Real Estate
- Isang factory sa malapit sa harapan ng Pepsi Rosario Plant
- Mga commercial buildings; at marami pang iba

Yung friendship mall rin pala malawak siya. At least rin maraming mabibili ang mga tao doon. Halos occupied rin ang lahat ng mga pwesto sa bago nitong public market kahit may isyu noon na mas mahal ang bayad nito sa upa kaysa sa dati nitong public market

I think bagay ang rosario maghost ng mga pabrika

Marami rin palang developments sa town na ito. Marami paring traces dito ng mga abandoned buildings/ establishments, pero I can say na hindi na siya stagnant at moving forward na sila.

Cangrats La Union sa thread 8!!!:cheers::cheers::cheers:

^^ ^^^^^^:banana::banana::banana: Welcome kayo lagi! :cheers:

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/163865_185033994850780_173572149330298_504012_2198448_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/165180_185034104850769_173572149330298_504014_5528002_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/179443_185034201517426_173572149330298_504015_4634490_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/168485_185034371517409_173572149330298_504017_7588192_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/180590_185034544850725_173572149330298_504019_2377597_n.jpg

Their Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=185034544850725&set=a.185033838184129.37408.173572149330298&type=1&theater&pid=504019&id=173572149330298)

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/171445_185037678183745_173572149330298_504059_2552466_o.jpg

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/171812_185038174850362_173572149330298_504065_404777_o.jpg

http://hphotos-ash1.fbcdn.net/171583_185038478183665_173572149330298_504069_4454874_o.jpg

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/171136_185037334850446_173572149330298_504055_4683170_o.jpg

Their Facebook Page (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&region=reg01)

http://www.baniladtowncentre.com/files/btc/imagecache/store_logo_default/store_images/logos/Pancake%20House%20-%20logo.jpg

At One Nisce Place, San Fernando City :banana::banana::banana::banana:

magandang business ang kapehan, nakapagtataka nga kung bakit hanggang ngayon wala pang ka-compete ang Mocha Blends...lalo na jan sa downtown...
alam mo naman kung ganu "ka-boksingero" ang taga LU...:lol:. P95 ang isang brewed coffee sa Starbucks, baka sa Nescafe 3-in-1 na lang mag-kakape. Kidding aside, I wish also popular coffee franchices like Starbucks, Seattle's Best, Figaro, Blenz, and Gloria Jean could find their way to SFC very soon.

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines — The province of La Union was adjudged anew as the cleanest, safest and greenest place of Region 1 defeating for the third time the provinces of Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte.

“With exceptional programs and projects on cleanliness, waste management, sanitation and peace and order, the award qualifies the province for the national search,” according to Dr. Leonardo Quitos, director of the National Economic and Development Authority, and chairman of the Regional Development Council (RDC).

Governor Manuel Ortega personally received the award during the State of the Regional Development Conference and RDC Awarding Ceremonies held at Hotel Ariana in Bauang, La Union.

Ortega said La Union is already a “Hall of Famer” of the much-coveted award regionwide and will once again competing with other champion provinces from the other regions in the country. (Dexter A. See)

DIY Home Improvement Store is Now Open to serve the public located at Ground Floor of Drema Tower Building, just infront of Plaza Hotel, Quezon Ave., SFC.

grabe ah garud, talagang hinintay ng mga tao na magbukas ang mall na ito. At saka sa mga ibang grocery stores kasi hindi kumpleto ang mga paninda unlike sa csi na kumpleto.

Aba at pinalitan siguro ang aircon? :colgate: as if kabubukas noong 2004. Mayat ah garud:applause:
mukha ngang sabik silang mag-shopping ulit sa CSI. nagiisang mall kasi. sana "lesson learned" na ng CSI yung pagkasunog nito. salamat naman at back to normal ulit, lumiit nga lang space dahil nga sa re-construction sa likod ng 2nd level.

alam mo naman kung ganu "ka-boksingero" ang taga LU...:lol:. P95 ang isang brewed coffee sa Starbucks, baka sa Nescafe 3-in-1 na lang mag-kakape. Kidding aside, I wish also popular coffee franchices like Starbucks, Seattle's Best, Figaro, Blenz, and Gloria Jean could find their way to SFC very soon.

P7 lang ang Nescafe 3-in-1 sa 7-Eleven tapos P6 lang sa mga grocery stores, pero for experience narin na makainom ng masarap na kape ng Starbucks kaya marami parin ang pumupunta rito:)

mukha ngang sabik silang mag-shopping ulit sa CSI. nagiisang mall kasi. sana "lesson learned" na ng CSI yung pagkasunog nito. salamat naman at back to normal ulit, lumiit nga lang space dahil nga sa re-construction sa likod ng 2nd level.

Agree. Aside from kumpleto, malawak rin at maraming pagpipilian doon. Sana isali narin nila sa renovation ang pagpapaganda ng facade at interiors ng mall pati narin ang pag-improve sa mga cr nito

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RvZgoEVrIDw/TdJDZ0q0C8I/AAAAAAAACUw/_LmWLrghamQ/s400/fathers-day-poro-web-upload-400px.jpg

http://enjoythunderbirdresorts.blogspot.com/2011/05/treat-dad-to-special-day-out.html

DIY Home Improvement Store is Now Open to serve the public located at Ground Floor of Drema Tower Building, just infront of Plaza Hotel, Quezon Ave., SFC.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226956_1693409387734_1612790914_31258304_496501_n.jpg?dl=1

Welcome DIY! Sana gawan narin nila ng signage

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/230919_1693399347483_1612790914_31258260_7788346_n.jpg

Treats, Chowking, Select, 7 - Eleven and Soul Cafe

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/230167_1693400067501_1612790914_31258264_5111201_n.jpg

Hugo Le Roi

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225928_1693400427510_1612790914_31258265_5974330_n.jpg

Pasensya na ergit222, di ko ma-timingan ang pagpicture sa render nito. araw araw naman ako lumalabas ng bahay. haaay gagalingan ko ang timing ko next time

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248642_1693420708017_1612790914_31258345_810876_n.jpg
:bash::lol::lol::lol:

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248987_1693400707517_1612790914_31258266_280785_n.jpg
Rizal St.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/226951_1693401027525_1612790914_31258267_2625101_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/231186_1693401187529_1612790914_31258268_6949256_n.jpg
Landslide at Sibuan-Otong

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226781_1693401507537_1612790914_31258269_2875048_n.jpg
Serene fields at Brgy. Tanquigan

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/230985_1693401907547_1612790914_31258271_8204889_n.jpg

Hugo Le Roi

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/231029_1693402507562_1612790914_31258275_8144599_n.jpg
Brgy. Bungro Hall

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248278_1693402787569_1612790914_31258276_2365724_n.jpg
Transmission lines of National Grid of the Philippines

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/226740_1693403147578_1612790914_31258277_1659415_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249809_1693403307582_1612790914_31258278_3583731_n.jpg
Oasis Country Resort Kainan 24/7

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/230898_1693403547588_1612790914_31258279_5185238_n.jpg
Oasis Country Resort

Hugo Le Roi

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/246815_1693403787594_1612790914_31258280_2090800_n.jpg
Along Oasis-Topwood-IRH area

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250965_1693404027600_1612790914_31258281_5547073_n.jpg
Max's La Union

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227440_1693404147603_1612790914_31258282_7117994_n.jpg
IRH

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248547_1693404627615_1612790914_31258284_7891123_n.jpg
Furnisys and Chimes San Fernando Branch

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/228325_1693404787619_1612790914_31258285_4464446_n.jpg
Tan Building - Offices BIR, Marina and other government offices

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/229321_1693405107627_1612790914_31258287_4379589_n.jpg
Hyundai San Fernando City, LU (Other Hyundai Branch at Rosario, La Union)

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225799_1693405547638_1612790914_31258289_1668592_n.jpg
Bugayong Building

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248610_1693406027650_1612790914_31258291_3434712_n.jpg
April Joy Home Decor

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248257_1693406347658_1612790914_31258292_7453908_n.jpg
Christ The King College

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/227853_1693406467661_1612790914_31258293_583322_n.jpg
Ice Cream House - San Fernando Quezon Ave.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249280_1693406707667_1612790914_31258294_3311683_n.jpg
Virginia Building - Offices NSO Region 1, ABOEX Travel and Tours, Philippine Business Bank, Dominion Bus Company, etc

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250357_1693406947673_1612790914_31258295_4857389_n.jpg
Mc Donalds La Union

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249833_1693407187679_1612790914_31258296_6278845_n.jpg
BSP La Union Regional Office

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246652_1693407467686_1612790914_31258297_8120514_n.jpg
An SKM Building

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248465_1693407747693_1612790914_31258298_7454297_n.jpg
And Another SKM Building

Hugo Le Roi

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248401_1693407907697_1612790914_31258299_2792703_n.jpg
Rapide La Union

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250888_1693408187704_1612790914_31258300_7526887_n.jpg
Landbank 1 Bulding

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246936_1693408347708_1612790914_31258301_5697895_n.jpg
Zambrano Building - Offices Philam Plans, Plantersbank, ABS-CBN La Union Sales Office 1, Cocolife, etc.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250247_1693408587714_1612790914_31258302_3070591_n.jpg
One Nisce Place with Pancake House Soon to Open :banana::banana::banana::banana::cheers:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/227867_1693409027725_1612790914_31258303_3828260_n.jpg
Busy Downtown San Fernando City

Hugo Le Roi

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226956_1693409387734_1612790914_31258304_496501_n.jpg
Drema Tower with Guani Eye Clinic and the newly Opened DIY Store:banana::banana::cheers:

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246616_1693409667741_1612790914_31258305_3091092_n.jpg
KFC La Union

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/250779_1693410067751_1612790914_31258306_3612393_n.jpg
BDO San fernando-Quezon Ave, Jollibee SFE Plaza, Red Ribbon, Beso Beso and CAP Building

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/228279_1693410467761_1612790914_31258308_4618737_n.jpg
San Fernando City Plaza

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/226879_1693411027775_1612790914_31258311_6179567_n.jpg
Mercury Drug San Fernando Main 24/7 and Mang Inasal San Fernando at MAR Cinema Building

Hugo Le Roi

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225947_1693411467786_1612790914_31258314_3449803_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226958_1693411867796_1612790914_31258315_862171_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/226250_1693412107802_1612790914_31258316_3760380_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226973_1693412507812_1612790914_31258318_4277759_n.jpg
Havilah Residencies

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/230533_1693412747818_1612790914_31258319_5316725_n.jpg


Hugo Le Roi

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250210_1693412947823_1612790914_31258320_2651917_n.jpg
A line of Banks from San Fernando City

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/230383_1693415747893_1612790914_31258322_5875724_n.jpg
Kaw Bins under renovation to increase competence in a growing market in food business

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/229007_1693416107902_1612790914_31258324_3044404_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225424_1693416307907_1612790914_31258325_6766237_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229316_1693416627915_1612790914_31258326_4336386_n.jpg
San Fernando Town Plaza 1955

Hugo Le Roi

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249064_1693416707917_1612790914_31258327_6148302_n.jpg
Macagba Building - Plaza Hotel, SMART, Netopia, etc

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249939_1693416947923_1612790914_31258328_6527571_n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/228730_1693417387934_1612790914_31258329_6883068_n.jpg
One Nisce Place with Pancake House Soon to Open

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225913_1693417627940_1612790914_31258330_6620333_n.jpg
UCPB

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/250588_1693417867946_1612790914_31258331_690523_n.jpg
Shania Tower with Union Bank

Hugo Le Roi

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/247783_1693417947948_1612790914_31258332_6654381_n.jpg
Dyro Building

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/247889_1693418187954_1612790914_31258333_5418796_n.jpg
A line of business establishments outside Christ the King College

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249223_1693418547963_1612790914_31258334_3369803_n.jpg
Recently Opened Ilaw, atbp. San Fernando City Branch

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/250211_1693418827970_1612790914_31258336_2863466_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247249_1693418987974_1612790914_31258337_7659393_n.jpg
Jollibee Sevilla 24/7

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225880_1693419387984_1612790914_31258338_3462111_n.jpg
Haay Robinsons ka pa ba talaga o Puregold na? :colbert::colbert::colbert::shifty::shifty::shifty:

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226261_1693419667991_1612790914_31258339_6528638_n.jpg
Tan Building

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225818_1693419827995_1612790914_31258340_2655776_n.jpg
Swire

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248709_1693420108002_1612790914_31258341_6455399_n.jpg
Oasis Country Resort Hotel

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/228796_1693420228005_1612790914_31258342_1522273_n.jpg
Commercial Building Under construction beside DZNL

Hugo Le Roi

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248507_1693420348008_1612790914_31258343_3813792_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249949_1693420508012_1612790914_31258344_541084_n.jpg

Hugo Le Roi

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225855_10150181398693412_161064168411_7071762_4009525_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222890_10150181398908412_161064168411_7071768_5384039_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224030_10150181399063412_161064168411_7071772_4470028_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/230480_10150181399313412_161064168411_7071777_262647_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224186_10150181399663412_161064168411_7071789_8054426_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225936_10150181400618412_161064168411_7071820_19409_n.jpg

Fiesta Casino Poro Point Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150181400618412&set=a.10150181398603412.302542.161064168411&type=1&theater&pid=7071820&id=161064168411)

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247506_219462724748610_214559131905636_868133_8091588_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225845_219462804748602_214559131905636_868137_6769588_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249363_219462884748594_214559131905636_868140_3061911_n.jpg

Komunidad ti Ilokano Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=218777558150460&set=a.215043498523866.68356.214559131905636&type=1&theater&pid=862875&id=214559131905636)

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229442_218777558150460_214559131905636_862875_1313897_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226732_218778071483742_214559131905636_862878_5157602_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/250800_218778571483692_214559131905636_862883_4198251_n.jpg
Santol Falls


Komunidad ti Ilokano Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=218777558150460&set=a.215043498523866.68356.214559131905636&type=1&theater&pid=862875&id=214559131905636)

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227192_219026744792208_214559131905636_865084_3610507_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/230913_219026818125534_214559131905636_865086_4866291_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247879_219026798125536_214559131905636_865085_4717031_n.jpg


Komunidad ti Ilokano Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=218777558150460&set=a.215043498523866.68356.214559131905636&type=1&theater&pid=862875&id=214559131905636)

^^Ang daming magaganda sa Siyudad ng San Fernando. :D


@Hugo, nasa La Union po ba kayo?

^^Ang daming magaganda sa Siyudad ng San Fernando. :D


@Hugo, nasa La Union po ba kayo?

Salamat kevin! Sana makapunta ka rin dito. ipapasyal kita dito sa city namin

Yup, dito pa ako La Union

http://multiply.com/mu/pugoadventure/image/2/photos/25/600x600/1/Rates.jpg?et=jC57PavgyZX5crlljqQ7tw&nmid=442134260

Their website (http://pugoadventure.multiply.com/photos/album/25/Rates_as_of_May_7_2011?utm_source=cp&utm_medium=facebook-cp&utm_campaign=pugoadventure#photo=1)

http://multiply.com/mu/pugoadventure/image/3/photos/24/600x600/1/WAF-2317-Edit.jpg?et=2c6i0GnrJVGKjslNPKQufA&nmid=442133088

pugoadventure@multiply.com (http://pugoadventure.multiply.com/photos/album/24/Panoramic_View_of_PUGAD#photo=1)

http://multiply.com/mu/pugoadventure/image/2/photos/23/600x600/1/WAF-1419.jpg?et=%2CPM00nhjlmzYOZKWAjS0fw&nmid=442132384

http://multiply.com/mu/pugoadventure/image/1/photos/23/600x600/4/WAF-2396.jpg?et=igmLR0i%2Bd%2CJh8DvBb8NkzA&nmid=442132384

their website (http://pugoadventure.multiply.com/photos/album/23/Cottages#photo=4)

http://multiply.com/mu/pugoadventure/image/2/photos/18/600x600/1/WAF-2297.jpg?et=Ozx3rNH%2CKHbI28Qz8n5dxw&nmid=442124178

Their website (http://pugoadventure.multiply.com/photos/album/18/Waiting_Area_Restaurant_and_Function_Hall_Building#photo=1)

Finally my timing got right!:cheers:

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/250280_1695185432134_1612790914_31261070_3236881_n.jpg?dl=1

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sites/default/files/a_images/objects/052511_-Penis-shapedplant.jpg

MANILA, Philippines - A strange-looking, smelly plant suddenly sprouted out of nowhere in a quaint barangay in Agoo, La Union.

While the residents of Sta. Rita were celebrating their fiesta and parading their patron saint last weekend, most were suddenly drawn to a plant that grew near the road.

“I thought they were looking at a fetus… From afar, it looked like decaying meat,” a resident said of the eggplant-colored plant with a huge cone structure in the middle.

Nobody knew who planted it there, and so it became the barangay’s attraction. People from out of town suddenly emerged and took their pictures with the plant, notwithstanding the foul smell.

People likened it to the rafflesia, the world’s biggest flower, but upon looking at the pictures, an expert identified it as Amorphophallus campanulatus.

Amorphophallus means 'amorpho' (without shape or misshapen) and 'phallus' is penis.

Previous consultations with the late botanist Dr. Daniel A. Lagunzad would show that the flower belongs to the Araceae family in the genus Amorphophallus.

It is also called elephant yam or pongapong in Filipino. Lagunzad had said It is known only from Luzon and Mindoro.

In his blog, botanist Abercio Rotor said, “Pongapong is a rare plant. Its reproductive stage is in the form of a single bulbous flower arising from an underground enlarged root. The flower is pollinated by flies attracted by putrefying odor of meat.”

He also called it a “wild plant.” It was once used as hog feed in Ilocos during the pre-war era, he said.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/classified-odd/05/25/11/penis-shaped-plant-seen-la-union

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246900_1695145911146_1612790914_31260990_4539658_n.jpg
The only 7-11 store in the city (sana madagdagan pa sa ibang populated ares ng city)

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248275_1695146191153_1612790914_31260991_4567080_n.jpg
Osias St. - various line of shopping and grocery stores

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248835_1695146551162_1612790914_31260992_5488095_n.jpg
A commercial building under construction (do you have any idea of the possible occupants in this building?

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248895_1695147031174_1612790914_31260993_449604_n.jpg
San Fernando Dry Market

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/246660_1695147151177_1612790914_31260994_4215113_n.jpg

Hugo Le Roi

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248140_1695147391183_1612790914_31260995_7304994_n.jpg
La Union Metro Houseware

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246720_1695147671190_1612790914_31260996_1798186_n.jpg
These trees minimize the pollution in the city

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250585_1695147871195_1612790914_31260997_4450962_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249980_1695148111201_1612790914_31260998_6043953_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247200_1695148351207_1612790914_31260999_7696873_n.jpg
Busy San Fernando City


Hugo Le Roi

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250589_1695148791218_1612790914_31261000_3345345_n.jpg
In front of the city hall

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249888_1695148951222_1612790914_31261001_1921333_n.jpg
empty lot at Brgy. Biday

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250429_1695149071225_1612790914_31261002_2300954_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248922_1695149191228_1612790914_31261003_3687870_n.jpg
to the left: San Fernando By-pass road to San Juan
to the right: San Fernando by-pass road to Brgy. Sevilla

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247858_1695149471235_1612790914_31261005_5337644_n.jpg
The newly re-opened CSI

Hugo Le Roi

At CSI La Union

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250755_1695149631239_1612790914_31261006_4496750_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247519_1695150191253_1612790914_31261010_7169894_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246943_1695150351257_1612790914_31261011_2276820_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/250186_1695150671265_1612790914_31261012_6387099_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250103_1695151271280_1612790914_31261014_543149_n.jpg

Hugo Le Roi

At CSI La Union

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248394_1695151471285_1612790914_31261015_8374959_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250989_1695151671290_1612790914_31261016_3129371_n.jpg
Temporary Appliance Center

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/246947_1695151911296_1612790914_31261018_1115881_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249422_1695152071300_1612790914_31261019_8078940_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250480_1695152271305_1612790914_31261020_5939142_n.jpg

Hugo Le Roi

At CSI La Union

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247123_1695152551312_1612790914_31261021_2919972_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249016_1695152711316_1612790914_31261022_7181052_n.jpg
Temporary Department Store

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249022_1695152911321_1612790914_31261023_3020797_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247971_1695153591338_1612790914_31261025_4970626_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247393_1695153751342_1612790914_31261026_6201888_n.jpg

Hugo Le Roi

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249185_1695153911346_1612790914_31261027_5879852_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/247517_1695154271355_1612790914_31261029_4767644_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249305_1695154471360_1612790914_31261030_8105249_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247379_1695154671365_1612790914_31261031_7413624_n.jpg

Hugo Le Roi

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247407_1695155031374_1612790914_31261033_4722943_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/247598_1695155271380_1612790914_31261034_2022916_n.jpg
Coca Cola Carlatan Plant

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/247884_1695155631389_1612790914_31261035_5876919_n.jpg
Carlatan River (At the far side of the Photo: Poro Point)

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247889_1695155831394_1612790914_31261036_4147236_n.jpg
At Juanita Building

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248259_1695155991398_1612790914_31261037_3629048_n.jpg
Asia United Bank - newest bank in the city

Hugo Le Roi

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248439_1695156671415_1612790914_31261038_6677730_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247057_1695156791418_1612790914_31261039_4318052_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249444_1695156951422_1612790914_31261040_3210265_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247754_1695157031424_1612790914_31261041_3315035_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248495_1695157391433_1612790914_31261042_2808274_n.jpg
San Fernando City Plaza


Hugo Le Roi

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247774_1695157831444_1612790914_31261044_1856283_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250413_1695157911446_1612790914_31261045_4072956_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/250507_1695158111451_1612790914_31261046_1091451_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247328_1695158231454_1612790914_31261047_2653968_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250822_1695158471460_1612790914_31261048_5636737_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/250121_1693390387259_1612790914_31258220_6555722_n.jpg

Hugo Le Roi

Closed na ba talaga ang Illonggo Grill sa CSI? para naman kasing bilang lang sa daliri ang kumakain roon lagi noon. Naging tambakan naman na ng ibang appliances, pero nandoon parin ang mga equipments ng restaurant. Anyone who can answer?:dunno:

Update: Halo halo de Iloko Modernorte in Carlatan has been moved near its main branch. It is then renamed as Halo Halo de Iloko Balay

As the construction of the Septage Treatment Facility continues, the partners in the Septage and Sewerage Management Project continue to iron out details of the operations of the septage management program. To assist this process, on May 12 and13, 2011, USAID sponsored a study tour of the wastewater treatment facilities in Dumaguete and Bayawan Cities for key members of the government, civil service and Rotary Club of San Fernando, La Union.

The purpose of the trip was to facilitate sharing of knowledge and experience between LGUs. Dumaguete City and Bayawan City have both already constructed septage treatment facilities and are at varying stages in implementing their septage management programs. In Dumaguete, the participants toured the Septage Treatment Facility, which is already operational and processing its full capacity of 80 cubic meters of sludge per day. They also saw the wastewater treatment facility at the City Market. On May 13 the participants travelled to Bayawan City to see the sanitary landfill and septage treatment facility, a wastewater treatment facility for the Fishermen's Village, and a biodiesel processing plant.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_dtJiIXDOT_w/TdRuoxyY60I/AAAAAAAAAro/pbIOtXZnTGI/DSC00923_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_dtJiIXDOT_w/TdRurzTqlCI/AAAAAAAAArw/Q-0hHFeBNCk/DSC00932_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800

http://sfluseptage.blogspot.com/2011/05/learning-by-example.html

Mayor Pablo Ortega expressed his enthusiasm about the tour and his commitment to sanitation in San Fernando. “We learned a lot by coming here, and seeing their systems,” he said. On the topic of septage management, Mayor Ortega went on to say, “People often ask me, 'why are you doing this now?' Several barangays in San Fernando already have groundwater so polluted that you cannot dig an uncontaminated deep well. If we start now we can prevent it from getting even worse.”

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_dtJiIXDOT_w/TdRuvMmjGhI/AAAAAAAAAr4/7mg3FXyCbTA/DSC00951_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800

Vice Mayor Gualberto also was convinced of the value of the tour. “This is very important for us, we need to compare our [sanitation] ordinance with other LGUs, and identify good practices that we can learn from. In this way we can ensure our septage management project is feasible and workable for us,” he said.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_dtJiIXDOT_w/TdRuycQAxcI/AAAAAAAAAsA/ae815BRKBzo/DSC00956_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800

http://sfluseptage.blogspot.com/2011/05/learning-by-example.html

:applause: Kudos to SFCLU Officials! Sana ay mai-apply na agad sa San Fernando ang mga natutunan mula sa out-of-town trip na ito:cheers:

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/247351_10150188474848412_161064168411_7129473_4901056_n.jpg

Thunderbird Resort facebook Page
(A whole lot of flavor this June 18. MOCHA visits Fiesta Casino Poro Point.)

http://himanshumonga.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/convergys-logo.gif

La Union Job Caravan May 25-27, 2011

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224025_10150620217475383_681855382_18711201_6649095_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226934_10150620217085383_681855382_18711196_6833582_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/228009_10150620216410383_681855382_18711178_6239703_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/230335_10150620215790383_681855382_18711165_1457950_n.jpg

Rey Balingit Bonifacio - Surfing San Juan Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150620215790383&set=o.14941812013&type=1&theater&pid=18711165&id=681855382)

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248019_228488067167617_100000192752238_1079184_5792186_n.jpg
Empanaderos

Halo-halo de Iloko Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=228497043833386&set=a.228497023833388.75730.100000192752238&type=1&theater)

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248944_228497043833386_100000192752238_1079346_5596590_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249589_228497213833369_100000192752238_1079357_4711889_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250573_228497263833364_100000192752238_1079365_6890576_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247184_228497300500027_100000192752238_1079367_6663207_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247887_228498587166565_100000192752238_1079393_4742434_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246957_228498840499873_100000192752238_1079401_7017275_n.jpg

Halo Halo de Iloko Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=228499633833127&set=a.228497023833388.75730.100000192752238&type=1&theater&pid=1079422&id=100000192752238)

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249370_228498957166528_100000192752238_1079404_5591439_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246671_228499037166520_100000192752238_1079406_5706671_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/250827_228499120499845_100000192752238_1079408_7187218_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250567_228499230499834_100000192752238_1079410_1959000_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/246959_228499307166493_100000192752238_1079412_783934_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/247590_228499633833127_100000192752238_1079422_7502287_n.jpg


Halo Halo de Iloko Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=228499633833127&set=a.228497023833388.75730.100000192752238&type=1&theater&pid=1079422&id=100000192752238)

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/226742_10150174291038204_336893718203_6754478_3095274_n.jpg

BAUANG, LA UNION Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150174291038204&set=a.365147188203.146283.336893718203&type=1&theater)

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/228289_10150172888610509_753325508_7155509_138346_n.jpg

Jerz Oliveria (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150172888610509&set=a.10150172863225509.307594.753325508&type=1&theater)

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/226613_10150179430680509_753325508_7217478_4840555_n.jpg

Mukhang malaki ang CSI Mall. Ilan ang branches ng Metrobank sa Launion?:)

Mukhang malaki ang CSI Mall. Ilan ang branches ng Metrobank sa Launion?:)

maliit sa kabuuan kung ikumpara sa mas malalaking malls sa ibang probinsiya, pero ang maganda dito ay malawak ang supermarket nito. kahit magtatakbo pa ako sa lawak nito

By MYRNA M. VELASCO
May 27, 2011, 12:47am

MANILA, Philippines — To reinforce the reliability of the transmission system, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has escalated the repair and equipment replacements at some facilities, including those damaged by typhoon.

The newly-completed projects covered the Bakun-Sudipen line in northern Luzon; Iriga substation in Camarines Sur; and the 2.5-megavolt ampere (MVA) transformer for the Amlan hydropower plant in the Visayas.

The 230-kilovolt (kV) Bakun-Sudipen transmission line was damaged by typhoon Pepeng in 2009. The repair in the facility, according to NGCP, involved the replacement of three damaged structures with new steel towers.

“To secure the towers from the meandering Amburayan River which swells with heavy rainfall, the new towers were also re-designed and re-routed,” the transmission firm noted.

The 54-tower line which stretches along the boundaries of Sudipen in La Union to Tagudin in Ilocos Sur, was commissioned roughly a decade ago as a transmission highway underpinning the wheeling of the generated capacity of the Bakun hydroelectric power facility to the Luzon grid.

Meanwhile, the replacement of 5.0 MVA transformer at the Iriga substation enabled the restoration of power delivery services to the 1.8-megawatt PESI hydroelectric facility in the Bicol region. The transformer has been de-energized since November last year.

NGCP explained that the project involved two-tiered repair processes at the facility. Firstly, it required the replacement of the defective Iriga 2.0 MVA transformer; and the second phase involved an upgrade to 5.0-MVA load-end substation facility.

“With the stronger 5-MVA transformer in place, the PESI hydro plant has been restored well to the Luzon grid and will continue to deliver power to its customers,” the company has emphasized.

For the NGCP transformer bank linked to the connection facility for the Amlan plant, the company bared that it has already been energized since March 26 this year; following its collapse in November 2010.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/320063/ngcp-sets-equipment-replacements-and-upgrade-its-transmission-facilities

Mukhang malaki ang CSI Mall. Ilan ang branches ng Metrobank sa Launion?:)

di ko pala nasagot yung isa mo pang tanong. bale 2 ang branches ng metrobank sa san fernando tapos isa lang sa agoo, bale 3 lahat

haaay matagal ako mawawala sa SSC. sana pagvisit ko rito minsan ay marami akong masagap na new updates sa La Union. :banana::cheers:

by Jennilyne C. Role

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, May 27 (PIA) --- The city government of San Fernando, in its aim to help its constituents, joined the Tour of Hope (TTOH), a biking tour in Northern Luzon in the fight against cervical cancer.
The tour, dubbed as “The TTOH 2011 500: Going the Extra Mile Against Cervical Cancer”, the biggest anti-cervical cancer cycling tour in the country, is expected to arrive in the city for their second lap on Sunday, May 29, to undergo outreach activities against cervical cancer.
Around 100 women from the province of La Union will get vaccinated against cervical cancer.

Lectures on the prevention of cervical cancer will also be conducted at the People’s Hall in the City Hall, simultaneously with the vaccination activities.
City Mayor Pablo Ortega will welcome the cyclists headed by celebrities - Gem Padilla, Jeena Lopez, and David Charlton, together with their TTOH bikers.
TTOH, the tour organizer, is an international non-profit initiative which programmed biking tours as a charity project purposely to help raise funds and strengthen awareness campaigns for the prevention of cervical cancer.
It is a five-day tour that kicks off in Quezon City and will pass through key areas in the northern Luzon with its identified stop-over in Tarlac, San Fernando City in La Union, Vigan, Laoag, and Paoay. (JCR/PIA 1 La Union)

http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=34892

may malaking billboard rin pala ang The Point Residencies sa La Union - Pangasinan border sa Rosario at sa SLEX sa Clark!:banana::cheers:

may malaking billboard rin pala ang The Point Residencies sa La Union - Pangasinan border sa Rosario at sa SLEX sa Clark!:banana::cheers:

kahit sa Mabalacat SCTEX portion marami rin.

haaay matagal ako mawawala sa SSC. sana pagvisit ko rito minsan ay marami akong masagap na new updates sa La Union. :banana::cheers:

why naman?

Thanks sa info Hugo. Ang ganda naman ng Poro Point.:)

http://www.thepoint.com.ph/photo-gallery.html

kahit sa Mabalacat SCTEX portion marami rin.

Ang lakas ng marketing strategy ng Thunderbird

Thanks sa info Hugo. Ang ganda naman ng Poro Point.:)

http://www.thepoint.com.ph/photo-gallery.html

Sana makapunta rin kayo dito, basta maraming pera hihihihi. Hindi pa ako nakapasok sa mismong resort pero nalibot ko noon yung buong compound niya

MANILA, May 28 (PNA) -- An innovation on decentralized waste water treatment systems (DEWATS) is enhancing the prospect for expanded and improved sanitation in developing countries like the Philippines.

The innovation by Germany-based Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) involves using pre-fabricated DEWATS fiber modules - now being piloted in Indonesia - instead of conventional ones that are built on-site.

"It's easier to dig out the pre-fab boxes and to add more of these if needed," BORDA liasion officer Maren Heuvels said on the side of the on-going Quezon City-based conference on DEWATS, a technical approach for providing organic waste water treatment at costs affordable to households and other users connected to the low-maintenance facility for such purpose.

She noted that the pre-fabs last for about 20 years since these are made of reinforced fiber used in ship construction while conventional DEWATS have an average lifespan of around 10 years only.

"Costing for pre-fabs and conventional DEWATS is pretty much the same, however," she clarified.

Aside from tackling quality concerns, she said pre-fabrication addresses some communities' problem on lack of local skilled workers to build conventional DEWATS infrastructure.

The main components for physical and biological wastewater treatment in BORDA's DEWATS projects are settlers, anaerobic baffled reactors as well as anaerobic and planted gravel filters.

Pre-fabrication's advantages help enhance the prospect for facilitating provision of wastewater treatment in developing nations where poor sanitation and hygiene continue wrecking havoc on the economy and people.

Available data point to urgency in facilitating action on wastewater treatment.

A World Bank (WB) report shows the economic cost of poor sanitation and hygiene in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Vietnam and the Philippines exceeded USD9.2 billion annually at 2005 prices.

At least 180 million disease episodes and 100,000 premature deaths there yearly also resulted from poor sanitation and hygiene, WB reported.

For the Philippines, WB's report further noted poor sanitation resulted in an estimated economic cost of USD1.4 billion representing 1.5 percent of the country's gross domestic product.

International Water Association (IWA) spearheaded organizing the conference to help keep Philippine water stakeholders, particularly local government units (LGUs) and water districts, abreast on the latest DEWATS developments.

Such information can help stakeholders concerned implement DEWATS in respective areas of jurisdiction using funding available for such undertaking.

The conference covers technology options, management and planning, promotion and advocacy, regulatory frameworks, economics and other aspects of DEWATS.

"We also included best DEWATS practices and case studies which stakeholders concerned can learn from," IWA East Asia and Pacific Regional Office Director Ryan Yuen said on the conference's side.

He reported about 60 percent of the conference's 200 participants are representatives of LGUs and water districts.

Heuvels cited DEWATS' practicality, noting this helps communities meet respective sanitation needs while investment-heavy and complex centralized wastewater treatment systems aren't available yet.

"DEWATS help fill in the gap," she said.

By the time a centralized system eventually replaces a DEWATS facility, she noted that the latter would have at least served people through wastewater treatment.

DEWATS can be built in rural and urban areas and even under streets if there's no available space for this, she continued.

"BORDA coordinates with and helps governments in Asia provide basic sanitation for people," Heuvels said.

The non-profit organization also prepares feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs so its DEWATS projects meet demand and needs of communities these will serve aside from providing training for those who will manage the treatment facilities.

Heuvels said wastewater treated in a DEWATS facility can be used for non-drinking purposes like irrigation, gardening and raising fish.

Such are agricultural activities which can help boost income of DEWATS communities.

La Union's Bgy. Central West is among LGUs which established DEWATS with technical assistance from BORDA and its partner Basic Needs Services (BNS) Philippines Inc. so wastewater from toilets and communal toilets there can be treated accordingly.

Constructed at a cost of PhP650,000 only, such DEWATS can treat a maximum 10 cubic meters of wastewater discharged daily from households there.

Bgy. Central West availed of funding from Bauang municipality and Center for Advance Philippines Studies as domestic wastewater or sewage from the community directly contaminated the groundwater aquifer there, causing various illnesses among people in the area.
V.R. Abattoir in Antipolo City also set up its PhP2.4 million self-financed DEWATS facility with technical assistance from BORDA and BNS so wastewater from its operations can be treated properly.

Untreated wastewater become pollutants in water bodies.

Waste generated from the abattoir's operations include animal blood, manure and urine, dissolved fats, bone chips and intestine content.

The abattoir's DEWATS is capable of treating 35 cubic meters of wastewater discharged daily. (PNA)
fpv/CJT/mec


http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Main_News_1/Innovation_further_boosts_sanitation_prospect_in_developing_nations.shtml

Thunderbird Resort
Poro Point, La Union

by Jer (http://gwapoi.multiply.com/photos/album/317/October_Pleasures#photo=18)


http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/0/photos/317/500x500/16/Thunderbird-Poro-Point-3.jpg?et=HzZbFcDmVhstzPyE8%2BK%2CTw&nmid=387357034

http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/0/photos/317/500x500/25/Thunderbird-IR-2.jpg?et=i37jkUmtyLcc4YIwd1fEAg&nmid=387357034

http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/0/photos/317/500x500/19/Thunderbird-Poro-Point-7.jpg?et=d0do5frAlGNTxtAp4TO91g&nmid=387357034

http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/1/photos/317/500x500/22/Thunderbird-Poro-Point-9.jpg?et=CapkwclRwvNKJRRTKu88xA&nmid=387357034

http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/0/photos/317/500x500/21/Thunderbird-Poro-Point-10.jpg?et=55pC2J3LmneiWnmqgBpiBA&nmid=387357034

http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/0/photos/317/500x500/27/Thunderbird-IR-5.jpg?et=PiOgufUcK5%2CAZCuBSF0m7g&nmid=387357034

http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/6/photos/317/600x600/18/Thunderbird-Poro-Point-4.jpg?et=zf63xIr3SJzH3RmMe8dsMA&nmid=387357034

all credits to the owner
http://gwapoi.multiply.com/

Thunderbird Resort
Poro Point, La Union

by Jer (http://gwapoi.multiply.com/photos/album/317/October_Pleasures#photo=18)


http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/0/photos/317/500x500/16/Thunderbird-Poro-Point-3.jpg?et=HzZbFcDmVhstzPyE8%2BK%2CTw&nmid=387357034

http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/0/photos/317/500x500/25/Thunderbird-IR-2.jpg?et=i37jkUmtyLcc4YIwd1fEAg&nmid=387357034

http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/0/photos/317/500x500/19/Thunderbird-Poro-Point-7.jpg?et=d0do5frAlGNTxtAp4TO91g&nmid=387357034

http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/1/photos/317/500x500/22/Thunderbird-Poro-Point-9.jpg?et=CapkwclRwvNKJRRTKu88xA&nmid=387357034

http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/0/photos/317/500x500/21/Thunderbird-Poro-Point-10.jpg?et=55pC2J3LmneiWnmqgBpiBA&nmid=387357034

http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/0/photos/317/500x500/27/Thunderbird-IR-5.jpg?et=PiOgufUcK5%2CAZCuBSF0m7g&nmid=387357034

http://multiply.com/mu/gwapoi/image/6/photos/317/600x600/18/Thunderbird-Poro-Point-4.jpg?et=zf63xIr3SJzH3RmMe8dsMA&nmid=387357034

all credits to the owner
http://gwapoi.multiply.com/

Ang galing ng pagkaka-edit sa mga litrato, parang computer animated. idol ko rin yung pink dome!:cheers:

Originally Posted from Tarlac City and Province Thread

MRT 7 seen completed in ’14

By Paolo Montecillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:40:00 05/05/2011

Filed Under: Railway, Road Transport, Infrastructure, Investments

MANILA, Philippines—Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) expects to complete two of its big-ticket infrastructure projects—the MRT 7 train line and a new highway to La Union—by 2014 and 2015, respectively.

In a disclosure earlier this week, the company said it would start work on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) line 7 project—involving the construction of a 22-kilometer train line and the six-lane road beneath it—before the end of the year.

The project is estimated to cost $1.5 billion, with 25 percent to be funded by equity and the rest through loans.

SMC expects to shell out over $190 million for the project.

“It is expected to take three and a half years from the fourth quarter of 2011 to complete MRT 7,” SMC said.

The MRT 7 project will have 14 train stations from San Jose del Monte in Bulacan to the corner of North Avenue and Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa) in Quezon City.

It will be linked with the MRT-3 train line and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) line 1 via a common station in North Avenue.

On Nov. 8, 2010, SMC acquired a 51-percent equity interest in Universal LRT, which holds the concession for MRT-7, a planned expansion of the metro rail system in Manila, home to more than 10 million people.

MRT 7 is one of the several rail extension projects for the existing metro rail system, which services Metro Manila.

SMC will have 25 years to operate the train line.

In the meantime, the conglomerate said the first phase of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) project, the stretch from Tarlac to Carmen, Pangasinan, was scheduled for completion by August 2012.

Revenue collection through toll will start immediately after the first phase is opened, “while the remainder of the expressway is projected to be completed by August 2014,” SMC said.

SMC currently holds a 25-percent stake in TPLEx concessionaire Private Infrastructure Development Corp. (PIDC), which is a joint venture between DM Consunji Inc. and DM Wenceslao & Associates Inc.

SMC has the right to increase its stake in the company through a P3.32-billion equity investment, which will help fund the project. This will increase SMC’s interest in the company to a controlling 51 percent.

The project cost for the development of TPLEx was estimated at P821.6 billion, which will be funded by a combination of debt (45.8 percent), equity (40.8 percent) and Philippine government subsidy (13.4 percent.)

The government subsidy will be available at the start of construction of Stage 3 of TPLEx, the section from Urdaneta to Rosario, La Union.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20110505-334799/MRT-7-seen-completed-in-14

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250087_1782188071325_1138154543_31544828_117821_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249735_1782210471885_1138154543_31544889_2805868_n.jpg?dl=1

Photo by: Giesel Anne Pulido

Matagal tagal ka ring mawawala dito?

Kumusta na ang Robinsons diyan?

Matagal tagal ka ring mawawala dito?

Kumusta na ang Robinsons diyan?

yup! 6 months ako sa Manila

di na ata tuloy yung Robinsons La Union. Puregold na raw ang magpapatayo ng mall nila sa vacant lot na iyon sa San Fernando, according sa architect na kakilala ko

Awww. sayang naman.. haha..

Talaga manila ka? e di pwede a na namin puntahan ni Tarlaquenyo? bonding naman tayo one time... lahat naman pala tayo nasa Manila e...

ae sir sama niyo ko kapag nagkita kayo. hehe :D

Awww. sayang naman.. haha..

Talaga manila ka? e di pwede a na namin puntahan ni Tarlaquenyo? bonding naman tayo one time... lahat naman pala tayo nasa Manila e...

parang sa ngayon di kailangan ang SM o Robinsons sa San Fernando. ANg dami pang bakanteng mga mall spaces sa city proper namin. Matuloy sana yung National Bookstore, tokyo tokyo, chowking, isa pang 7-eleven sa One Nisce Place namin. kanya-kanyang pag-occupy rin ng iba pang business firms rito gaya ng Pancake House, DIY, Ilaw atbp. at RRJ. parang yung mga usual na tenants rin sa mga SM or Rob Malls ay nag-oocuppy sa mga commercial spaces dito sa city proper

yup, magkita kita rin tayong MILABIT forumers

ae sir sama niyo ko kapag nagkita kayo. hehe :D

kita kits tayo sa may Quiapo

tAMA SIGE... Kelan ka ba darating ng Manila?

tAMA SIGE... Kelan ka ba darating ng Manila?

dito ako rizal ngayon. tutuloy ako sa Maynila bukas

Ayan.. Sige itetext ko si Emilio.. Ayan... itext ko nalkang kayo... kelan niyo gusto lumamon?

kita kits tayo sa may Quiapo

Nasa Manila kana Uli? :D

Nasa Manila kana Uli? :D

Bukas lipat na ako ng Manila. dito ako Rizal ngayon

Nasa Manila kana Uli? :D

sama natin si pau at yung pinsan nya

di ba sa cavite lang naman kayo pau?

Ayan.. Sige itetext ko si Emilio.. Ayan... itext ko nalkang kayo... kelan niyo gusto lumamon?

basta weekend

DIY Home Improvement Store is Now Open to serve the public located at Ground Floor of Drema Tower Building, just infront of Plaza Hotel, Quezon Ave., SFC.
Okay yan, another place to visit and shop.

Anyone who has the idea about what factory is now on completion after its construction in front of Pepsi La Union in Rosario, parang Japanese factory ata yun

Okay yan, another place to visit and shop.

Yes indeed. Sana pati rin Ace Hardware magtayo ng shop dito, pati rin Best Home

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/252300_1699877709438_1612790914_31265731_2486031_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/253463_1699878829466_1612790914_31265734_6375599_n.jpg

Sana maglagay narin sila ng signage nila para naman makita ng mga tao na may DIY shop na dito

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254403_1699879509483_1612790914_31265738_3468254_n.jpg

I wonder if paano nila mai-rerelocate ang store sa pagitan ng 2 skm buildings na ito. obstruction siya sa construction pero kawawa rin naman yung pamilyang nakadepende sa sari sari store na ito

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254287_1699879949494_1612790914_31265739_5776943_n.jpg

Magkakaroon parin kaya ng Mc DOnalds 3 sa San Fernando? What I know ay tuloy na ang Mcdo Agoo

http://www.baniladtowncentre.com/files/btc/imagecache/store_logo_default/store_images/logos/Pancake%20House%20-%20logo.jpg

At One Nisce Place, San Fernando City :banana::banana::banana::banana:
Another classy place to have a break...

Finally my timing got right!:cheers:

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/250280_1695185432134_1612790914_31261070_3236881_n.jpg?dl=1
Dito na lang ako bibili ng sasakyan sa 2012. May choices are whether a Fortuner, Avanza or Vios...?

Dito na lang ako bibili ng sasakyan sa 2012. May choices are whether a Fortuner, Avanza or Vios...?

Wow sosyal! bibili ka! pabinyag din new car mo alter on ha?:colgate:

I think mag-oopen siya by August. Siguradong dudumugin ito ng mga bibili ng sasakyan from Ilocos at La Union. hindi na kailangang pumunta ng Dagupan para bumili ng Toyota car

Another classy place to have a break...

mahal ang pagkain rito, pero classy naman. I wonder if yellow cab rin ay susubukin ang San Fernando market hmmmm :|

repost ko lang

MANILA, Philippines - New Carcar still Billet Manufacturing Corp., which is majority-owned by the Yao Group of SteelAsia Manufacturing Corp., is investing P10.57 billion for the establishment of three steel billet production facilities in Carcar Cebu in the Visayas, La Union in Luzon, and Davao del Norte in Mindanao in what is deemed as the company's strategic move to take advantage of the current construction boom in the country by making steel products available to their clients nationwide at their convenience and at cheaper cost.

The Board of Investments has already approved the project with tax and fiscal incentives as this activity is listed in the current Investment Priorities Plan of the government.

Lucita P. Reyes, BoI executive director told reporters these new still billet plants would utilize scrap metals from SteelAsia. The agreement is covered under a memorandum of agreement between the two companies.

Reyes explained that each plant has a project cost of P3.523 billion or a combined cost of P10.57 billion for the three projects. Each plant has also the same production capacity of 400,000 metric tons or a combined registered capacity of 1.2 MMT per year, all to be supplied to the local market.
These plants will have simultaneous start of commercial operation in January 2014 with 513 workers.

''For easier administration of incentives and monitoring the BoI has approved the three steel billet projects as one single registration,'' Reyes said.
This makes the Yao Group the biggest steel billet producer in the country with plants strategically located in three regions. In case, one plant bogs down the other plant can fill up the slack, Reyes said.

''They spread out the location so they can be readily available to their clients and to save on freight cost,'' Reyes said.

Reyes pointed out that iron and steel industry is a major economic contributor because of its various applications in the construction industry.
''Production of steel billets will make us competitive because they will be sourced locally,'' she added.

At present, Steel Asia is using imported steel billets to produce rebars.
''The steel billet operation is part of their backward integration,'' Reyes said. SteelAsia is a joint venture between Philippines steel industrialists, Yao and Go families, and NatSteel Holdings Limited of Singapore.

The Yao and Go families have partnered in steel manufacturing for the past 45 years.

NatSteel Holdings Pte. Ltd. is one of the largest steel enterprise in the South East Asia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel of India, the 6th largest steel company in the world.

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/steelasia-invest-p10-6-b-3-billet-production-115702322.html

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/252970_1700148956219_1612790914_31266388_7906772_n.jpg
Poro Point

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254245_1700149796240_1612790914_31266394_4926897_n.jpg
San Fernando City Proper and suburbs

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250223_1700150716263_1612790914_31266395_1852070_n.jpg
South San Fernando City

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248817_1700151196275_1612790914_31266396_5556572_n.jpg
North San Fernando City

mahal ang pagkain rito, pero classy naman. I wonder if yellow cab rin ay susubukin ang San Fernando market hmmmm :|
Kapag pumupunta kami sa Manila dyan kami nagla-lunch sa Pancake sa Luisita kasama namin yong Medical Representative ng Glaxo...

Wow sosyal! bibili ka! pabinyag din new car mo alter on ha?:colgate:

I think mag-oopen siya by August. Siguradong dudumugin ito ng mga bibili ng sasakyan from Ilocos at La Union. hindi na kailangang pumunta ng Dagupan para bumili ng Toyota car
Last year noong May 2010 nakabili ako ng brand-new 2010-model ng Isuzu Crosswind SPORTIVO sa Isuzu Dagupan. Kaya kong mag-add pa ako ng bagong sasakyan dito na lang ako sa Toyota La Union bibili sa 2013 pa siguro.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250223_1700150716263_1612790914_31266395_1852070_n.jpg
South San Fernando City

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248817_1700151196275_1612790914_31266396_5556572_n.jpg
North San Fernando City
Just asking, Ano sa palagay mo ang mas-progressive, South San Fernando City OR North San Fernando City...?

Just asking, Ano sa palagay mo ang mas-progressive, South San Fernando City OR North San Fernando City...?

I think... South SFC. Magmula Mocha Blends kasi hanggang sa caltex sa bago pagdaraoan ay mahabang linya ng mga business establishments at mga institutions, sa North SFC kasi putol putol nalang. Mas marami ring urban areas sa south SFC gaya ng Sevilla, Madayegdeg, Catbangen, Pagdalagan Norte, eh sa North SFC Lingsat lang ang alam ko. Considered as rural parin ang Biday at Carlatan kahit dumarami narin rito ang business establishments. Maganda rin na karamihan sa schools sa city ay located sa North SFC para mas conducive sa learning mula sa busier south SFC

Last year noong May 2010 nakabili ako ng brand-new 2010-model ng Isuzu Crosswind SPORTIVO sa Isuzu Dagupan. Kaya kong mag-add pa ako ng bagong sasakyan dito na lang ako sa Toyota La Union bibili sa 2013 pa siguro.

basta pa-binyag rin ng new car mo later on ha :colgate:

Pag makaipon rin ako I will buy rin a car :D

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, May 29 (PNA)--A total of 68,683 marginal farmers and fisher folks in the Ilocos Region will benefit under the Aquino administration's Cash- for- Work Program (CWP).

The program will be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) using the data compiled in a survey undertaken by the the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction.

The same data was earlier used by the DSWD in determining the beneficiaries of conditional cash transfer program (CCT)- Pantawid Pampamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps).

DSWD OIC Regional Director Marlene Peralta said there are at least 29, 974 beneficiaries of CWP in Pangasinan, 14,974 in La Union, 13,309 in Ilocos Sur and 10,346 in Ilocos Norte.

Peralta said the total target allocation of the Aquino administration for the program is P211,143,240.

Under the program, the beneficiaries will work on identified community projects for 11 days, for which they will be paid P3,080 or P280 daily to augment their existing family income.

Among the community projects they will work on include river dredging and embankment, digging and dredging canals and drainage, repair of small -scale irrigation projects, tree planting or reforestation projects; or related projects identified by local officials.

Peralta said CWP not only provides temporary employment to farmers and fisher folks for them to augment their family income but will also improve existing community facilities and infrastructures that are beneficial to the people. (PNA)

http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/Cash-_for-_Work_program_to_benefit_68_683_farmers_fishermen_in_Ilocos_region.shtml

basta pa-binyag rin ng new car mo later on ha :colgate:

Pag makaipon rin ako I will buy rin a car :D
Oo...pero sa 2013 pa...

^^ mag-iipon ka muna :)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxR2yC-JnW4/TdpmcMWugiI/AAAAAAAAAEo/1HrOIXyKWtM/s400/bauang+beach.JPG

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wuw5YSObH2o/TdpmjFQNWaI/AAAAAAAAAEs/gpcjfAFanz0/s400/bauang+la+union.JPG

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KEAakCJwaE4/TdpmmFd1MTI/AAAAAAAAAEw/RnPl9M-GXnw/s400/beach+bauang.JPG

http://launionplace.blogspot.com/2011/03/bauang-beach.html

^^ mag-iipon ka muna :)
Oo...mag-iipon muna...kasi kulang pa ang pera...

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246993_1699881869542_1612790914_31265748_1773940_n.jpg

Hugo Le Roi

From juices to jets

BY TESSA MAURICIO-ARRIOLA SUNDAY TIMES MAGAZINE EDITOR
THE Sunday Times Magazine hoped for a more engaging story when it asked business magnate Alfredo Yao why he ventured into the airline industry. Was it a dream as a young boy to own a fleet of planes? Did he have a secret ambition of becoming a pilot?

Laughing, Yao replied, “As in all my businesses, this all happened by accident.”

The answer would have been a dud had it come from someone other than Alfredo Yao. His “accidents” so far have all turned out to be multi-million enterprises.

Yao is the man behind the nation’s favorite childhood drink, Zest-O, which was a mere by-product of his packaging company, Solemar Commercial Press. Solemar, in turn, is the result of his sheer hard work, having been orphaned by his father at 12 years of age, and left to look after his mother and five other siblings.

Throughout his teenage years, Yao had to take on odd jobs to earn a living, one of which took him to a warehouse packaging company, where he saw the potential of making food wrappers. He made it his goal to own a packaging business one day, and with perseverance, eventually saw himself overseeing the production of cellophane wrappers for biscuits and candies via Solemar.
When he chanced upon the “Doy Pack” technology during one of his travels in the late ‘70s, he tried selling the idea of packing juices into foil containers to juice manufacturers in the country. No one bought his proposal, so Yao concocted his own juice drink, which marked the birth of Zest-O. Today, the brand dominates 90 percent of the market share in ready-to-drink juices.
In 2008, with a razor sharp business sense, Yao found his AMY Holdings Corporation (AHC) in a position to buy into local carrier Asian Spirit, just as he chanced upon the Doy Pack technology some 30 years ago. It was by no accident thought that he recognized the opportunity for growth in the airline industry and decided to infuse the needed capital into Zest Air, add more airplanes to the existing fleet, assemble a well-oiled management team, and formulate innovative marketing strategies.

Three years since Zest Air jetted off into the skies, the carrier has flown almost 2.5 million passengers to both domestic and nearby destinations, and is aiming to go beyond the number for the year 2011 alone.
To date, the young airline company has a total of six airbuses in its fleet and has acquired five more aircrafts, which are expected to fly by July. It further boasts of 60 highly trained pilots to ensure the comfort and safety of passengers to a total of 23 destinations.

Currently, Zest Air flies five times daily to Cebu, thrice daily to Davao, and twice daily to Bacolod, Iloilo, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, and Puerto Princesa. Other regular flights include Manila to Kalibo, Legazpi, Busuanga, Calbayog, Catarman, Kalibo, Masbate, Marinduque, San Fernando, La Union, and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

As for its international flights, Zest Air’s roster of destinations includes Incheon and Pusan in Korea, and Shanghai and Beijing in China. Also in the pipeline are services to Taipei, Palau, Singapore, Bahrain and Dammam.
Clearly, once Yao gets started on something, he goes all out to see it through. While a man of few words, his closest friends attest that he remains the hard worker he has been since his childhood.

“He tirelessly sits behind his desk with his point persons for his different companies, astutely gives out hisorders and ideas, and at the end of the day, refuses any of the credit of his success,” disclosed an associate.

While he humbly describes his highly profitable ventures as “accidents,” everything that happens next is far from it. They are the fruits of the kind of persevering attitude rooted from tragedy, that can turn anything—be it juices or jets—into gold.

http://www.manilatimes.net/sunday-times/sunday-magazine/from-juices-to-jets/

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254245_1700149796240_1612790914_31266394_4926897_n.jpg
San Fernando City Proper and Suburbs

Important Places:
1) 39 Streets
2) 15 Banks
3) 9 Churches/Places of Worship
4) 1 Entertainment
5) 3 Gas stations
6) 28 Government Buildings
7) 5 Hospitals/Clinics
8) 3 Hotels/Resorts/Pension/Inns
9) 30 Landmarks
10) 9 Parks/Recreation
11) 10 Restaurants/Fast Foods
12) 20 Schools/Universities
13) 10 Services
14) 4 Shopping

source:
PHILIPPINES Travel Atlas, 3rd Edition, EZ MAP

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225880_1693419387984_1612790914_31258338_3462111_n.jpg
Haay Robinsons ka pa ba talaga o Puregold na? :colbert::colbert::colbert::shifty::shifty::shifty:
Up to now, unknown pa ang vacant lot na ito in to what will be really constructed in this...just wait and see na lang muna.

Up to now, unknown pa ang vacant lot na ito in to what will be really constructed in this...just wait and see na lang muna.

Based from reliable sources, Robinsons ang nagpa-demolish ng old rabbit terminal na iyon, but again mula sa ko uling reliable source Puregold na ang ipapatayo rito. ibinenta na ng Robinsons ang lote na ito sa Puregold

Important Places:
1) 39 Streets
2) 15 Banks
3) 9 Churches/Places of Worship
4) 1 Entertainment
5) 3 Gas stations
6) 28 Government Buildings
7) 5 Hospitals/Clinics
8) 3 Hotels/Resorts/Pension/Inns
9) 30 Landmarks
10) 9 Parks/Recreation
11) 10 Restaurants/Fast Foods
12) 20 Schools/Universities
13) 10 Services
14) 4 Shopping

source:
PHILIPPINES Travel Atlas, 3rd Edition, EZ MAP

:okay: :rock: :righton:

Wala pang render ang mcdo Agoo?

Wala pang render ang mcdo Agoo?2 z

Based from reliable sources, Robinsons ang nagpa-demolish ng old rabbit terminal na iyon, but again mula sa ko uling reliable source Puregold na ang ipapatayo rito. ibinenta na ng Robinsons ang lote na ito sa Puregold
Kahit Puregold na. Okay din.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254403_1699879509483_1612790914_31265738_3468254_n.jpg

I wonder if paano nila mai-rerelocate ang store sa pagitan ng 2 skm buildings na ito. obstruction siya sa construction pero kawawa rin naman yung pamilyang nakadepende sa sari sari store na ito

i guess skm is still clearing the site between the 2 bldgs. tapos pagsasamahan nila lahat ito na iisang bldg. notice ko yung "construction joints" sa 2 erected bldgs.

Finally my timing got right!:cheers:

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/250280_1695185432134_1612790914_31261070_3236881_n.jpg?dl=1
thanks hugo...nice capture.

San Juan, La Union
by:death327 (http://death327.multiply.com/photos/album/146/Sea_Summit_Collection)


http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/4/photos/146/500x500/1/Sea-Summit-A34.jpg?et=FKjmdQX6HeZ4Hg3Yitzh7w&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/2/Sea-Summit-BQ13.jpg?et=5VqQLY9vH52fgqY4H%2BOqkA&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/3/Sea-Summit-D42.jpg?et=nRmHznB1YAWDYiSBwvsi9g&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/4/Sea-Summit-EO21.jpg?et=Wj5tZD0gW1Du5cG2WAfAgA&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/5/Sea-Summit-F18.jpg?et=WZzqm8e8SqS9NBi5rfC3eA&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/6/Sea-Summit-GJ25.jpg?et=stsf8CTRbgeUsKIEm4cCng&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/7/Sea-Summit-HN59.jpg?et=IZQUm454jM7uL0jaKjj4zw&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/8/Sea-Summit-J61.jpg?et=7fDyF8%2CVGAk9aRsI1ZLDMQ&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/9/Sea-Summit-K27.jpg?et=lY%2BWhc8BA3Zf7iL6ldkkaQ&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/10/Sea-Summit-L57.jpg?et=djrAEdG8kl7Q4l18SITojw&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/11/Sea-Summit-M50.jpg?et=cexcURpZW2Aq6xEuNTG8mA&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/12/Sea-Summit-MC43.jpg?et=pkoeRihH0IFNhaEWS4lVpA&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/13/Sea-Summit-N89.jpg?et=pFJb49dnV4ecoqM2ntoeZQ&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/14/Sea-Summit-P25.jpg?et=qyOma6o0zL2J%2CYaYoutDjg&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/16/Sea-Summit-Y93.jpg?et=%2BKg5K1GhkcQG3HoAVugivw&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/17/Sea-Summit-ZD37.jpg?et=P7%2BL4iCvvMhAfRhtrDbx9A&nmid=318526248
all credits to death327
http://death327.multiply.com/

San Fernando joins fight against cervical cancer

by Jennilyne C. Role


SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, May 27 (PIA) --- The city government of San Fernando, in its aim to help its constituents, joined the Tour of Hope (TTOH), a biking tour in Northern Luzon in the fight against cervical cancer.
The tour, dubbed as “The TTOH 2011 500: Going the Extra Mile Against Cervical Cancer”, the biggest anti-cervical cancer cycling tour in the country, is expected to arrive in the city for their second lap on Sunday, May 29, to undergo outreach activities against cervical cancer.
Around 100 women from the province of La Union will get vaccinated against cervical cancer.
Lectures on the prevention of cervical cancer will also be conducted at the People’s Hall in the City Hall, simultaneously with the vaccination activities.
City Mayor Pablo Ortega will welcome the cyclists headed by celebrities - Gem Padilla, Jeena Lopez, and David Charlton, together with their TTOH bikers.
TTOH, the tour organizer, is an international non-profit initiative which programmed biking tours as a charity project purposely to help raise funds and strengthen awareness campaigns for the prevention of cervical cancer.
It is a five-day tour that kicks off in Quezon City and will pass through key areas in the northern Luzon with its identified stop-over in Tarlac, San Fernando City in La Union, Vigan, Laoag, and Paoay. (JCR/PIA 1 La Union)
http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=34892

Wala pang render ang mcdo Agoo?2 z

wala pa sa ngayon

i guess skm is still clearing the site between the 2 bldgs. tapos pagsasamahan nila lahat ito na iisang bldg. notice ko yung "construction joints" sa 2 erected bldgs.

It will soon be one of the widest buildings in the city if ma-complete ang building na ito

San Juan, La Union
by:death327 (http://death327.multiply.com/photos/album/146/Sea_Summit_Collection)


http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/4/photos/146/500x500/1/Sea-Summit-A34.jpg?et=FKjmdQX6HeZ4Hg3Yitzh7w&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/2/Sea-Summit-BQ13.jpg?et=5VqQLY9vH52fgqY4H%2BOqkA&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/3/Sea-Summit-D42.jpg?et=nRmHznB1YAWDYiSBwvsi9g&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/4/Sea-Summit-EO21.jpg?et=Wj5tZD0gW1Du5cG2WAfAgA&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/5/Sea-Summit-F18.jpg?et=WZzqm8e8SqS9NBi5rfC3eA&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/6/Sea-Summit-GJ25.jpg?et=stsf8CTRbgeUsKIEm4cCng&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/7/Sea-Summit-HN59.jpg?et=IZQUm454jM7uL0jaKjj4zw&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/8/Sea-Summit-J61.jpg?et=7fDyF8%2CVGAk9aRsI1ZLDMQ&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/9/Sea-Summit-K27.jpg?et=lY%2BWhc8BA3Zf7iL6ldkkaQ&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/10/Sea-Summit-L57.jpg?et=djrAEdG8kl7Q4l18SITojw&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/11/Sea-Summit-M50.jpg?et=cexcURpZW2Aq6xEuNTG8mA&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/12/Sea-Summit-MC43.jpg?et=pkoeRihH0IFNhaEWS4lVpA&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/13/Sea-Summit-N89.jpg?et=pFJb49dnV4ecoqM2ntoeZQ&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/14/Sea-Summit-P25.jpg?et=qyOma6o0zL2J%2CYaYoutDjg&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/16/Sea-Summit-Y93.jpg?et=%2BKg5K1GhkcQG3HoAVugivw&nmid=318526248

http://multiply.com/mu/death327/image/1/photos/146/500x500/17/Sea-Summit-ZD37.jpg?et=P7%2BL4iCvvMhAfRhtrDbx9A&nmid=318526248
all credits to death327
http://death327.multiply.com/

thanks william! ang ganda! miss ko na diyan!

by Elaine R. Alanguilan

THE chairman of the powerful House committee on ways and means has rejected proposals to increase the excise taxes on tobacco products by as much as 400 percent, saying that would hurt thousands of tobacco farmers.

“The effect on tobacco farmers should also be considered,” Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas said.

“We can’t increase that much,” Mandanas said during a hearing of the House subcommittee on national internal revenue led by Ilocos Sur Rep. Eric Singson Jr.

His position was to keep the four-tier excise tax system, he said, but he pointed to the need to adjust the tax brackets.

“If we don’t adjust the current tax brackets, we will end up with only two brackets with very high tax rates. We cannot do that,” Mandanas said.

He said the low tax bracket that had a net retail price of less than P5 per pack should be adjusted to P8 per pack, considering the changes in prices and cost of production. But any adjustments would need further refinement. the increase will be 500 percent, which is too much,” Mandanas said.

“Some industry players are selling low-priced products, and 50 percent of the produce of tobacco farmers are being bought to manufacture low-priced products. So we have to keep the four tiers, and we need to calibrate the rate increases.”

On April 26, tobacco farmers wrote Mandanas and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima to protest the steep excise tax rates being put forward in Congress.

“You do not have sympathy for poor people like us,” the farmers wrote.

“You should go out of your air-conditioned office and plant tobacco so that you will experience the hardships that many Filipinos who are trying to earn a decent living are experiencing.”

Mandanas said his House Bill 3059, which was seeking to promote the equitable sharing of costs and benefits in the alcohol and tobacco industry, did not intend to increase taxes.

“My bill just seeks to correct what I consider irregular, which is basing our taxes on 1996 prices. It’s more of equity,” he said.

La Union Rep. Victor Ortega said increasing tobacco taxes would go against President Aquino’s “no new taxes, no additional taxes” policy.

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNews.htm?f=2011/may/30/news2.isx&d=2011/may/30

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Knowing that cervical cancer is the second killer disease among women, the city government and the Bravehearts here sponsored the vaccination of employees here over the weekend. At least 100 female city government employees were given free cervical cancer vaccination last Sunday. The activity was aimed at preventing the spread of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the microbes that cause cervical cancer, particularly on women – which the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics show to be the second killer disease for women. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/320530/lakeshore-fiesta-pampanga-a-hit

TAEKWONDO as many people are familiar with, is the Korean originated sports and also known as one of the more popular Olympic events. However, you still haven’t heard the voices of students in the taekwondo school in EDY along Kisad Road. and their mission to spread Christian values to the people through the “Dalant”.

Master Jongyong Won of the tae kwon do school and a trainer at the Philippine Military Academy, said the sport is the world’s favorite martial art. “The mission of our family by performing in local churches and local events is actually Christian in purpose,” he said, adding tae kwon do could be a source of joy for hopeless people.

An opportunity to participate in the biggest event in Baguio came during “Panabenga 2011” when it was suggested for a tae kwon do demonstration to be shown along Session Road, the economic hub of Baguio City.

“This was an awesome chance for us and even for the reputation of the nation,” Won said.

But he added, “The ultimate goal was more on helping people to receive the Christian spirit and serving local residents.”

The Admin Tae kwon do school plans to perform in far-flung areas with low literacy rates and poor condition in life. Won was also successful in bringing the sport to areas such as Dagupan City in Pangasinan and San Fernando City in La Union.

“I am often asked why I choose difficult ways others never go through. Because I believe the people we serve will also serve other people in the same spiritual manner. It is my happiness and my reason to live,” he said.

The young trainees of the Admin Taekwondo School are sweating it out in training and preparing a hopeful message, a hymn for God and all Filipinos.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on May 31, 2011.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/sports/2011/05/31/taekwondo-sending-message-service-and-hope-158506

Kahit Puregold na. Okay din.

yup ok narin ang puregold:cheers:

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250427_219690264716246_204145946270678_848171_6633111_n.jpg

PATRIOTISM IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE--Senior Board Member Francisco “Kit” C. Ortega, Jr. speaking on the importance of our freedom during the National Flag Day Celebration celebrated by the Provincial Government of La Union last May 27 at the Capitol Grounds, San Fernando City, La Union. Sitting behind is BM Reynaldo M. Mosuela.

Photo by: Alfredo R. Buenaventura, Jr.
Provincial Information & Tourism Office-La Union

La Union Information and Tourism Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=219690264716246&set=a.208595342492405.55111.204145946270678&type=1&theater)

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/258803_219667251385214_204145946270678_847754_1201225_o.jpg

PREPARATION IN MOTION--Office of the Provincial Governor Supervising Administrative Officer Mario Eduardo C. Ortega (seated, 5th from right), leading members of the La Union Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in a meeting held last May 26 at the Diego Silang Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building in preparation for the upcoming rainy season. From left to right are Provincial Information and Tourism Officer Adamor L. Dagang, BM Pepe C. Ortega, BM Kit C. Ortega and La Union Police Provincial Office Director PSSUPT Ramon O. Purugganan.

Photo by: Alfredo R. Buenaventura, Jr.
Provincial Information & Tourism Office-La Union

La Union Information and Tourism (http://www.facebook.com/pitolaunion#!/photo.php?fbid=219667251385214&set=a.208595342492405.55111.204145946270678&type=1&theater)

by Miriam P. Aquino
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, June 1 (PIA) -- Adopting what they have learned as a result of the earlier conducted seminar on credible decisions and solutions on policies thru highly productive meetings, the Provincial Government of La Union is now ready to compete for the “Seal of Good Housekeeping” award 2011.
Getting the nod of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Region I Validation Team last May 24, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) is all set to compete in the national level for the Search for LGU Seal of Good Housekeeping award 2011 with an overall index of 4:18 which is way above the minimum average grade of 4.0., this is according to Israel Rudio, Provincial Information and Tourism Office, Provincial Capitol.
Aiming for a perfect score and index of 5.0 to bag the much-coveted award, Gov. Manuel C. Ortega recently directed all department heads, chiefs of hospitals and officers-in-charge of the Provincial Government to ensure continuous delivery of excellent public service.
In his memorandum dated May 25, 2011, Ortega reminded all PGLU employees to adopt earlier recommendations of the DILG Validation Team.
PGLU is bent on maintaining or improving Sound Fiscal Management practices by adapting Commission on Audit’s recommendations, that is to strictly implement cost-saving measures and implementing policies on timely liquidation of authorized cash advances.
On transparency and accountability governance, the posting of the Citizens Charter which serves as a guide for clients on the step-by-step procedures and process of services provided shall be maintained. Customer Relations Officers from the different divisions and offices shall serve as frontliners who shall immediately address various needs, and queries of clients or the general public.
Suggestion boxes are placed on accessible areas for the public to report certain problems and complaints they may encounter with the PGLU personnel, as well as giving them room for participation thru their suggestions and recommendations.
Full Disclosure of Local Budget and Finances and Bids and Public Offerings shall be complied. On Performance Management, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will continue to provide needed legislation to facilitate realization of development programs and projects and increase local revenue generation through lease rentals, loans, economic enterprises and the like.
On the aspects of peace, order and security in the province, members of the Provincial Council of the Five Pillars of Criminal Justice System maintains a regular schedule of meetings to ensure sustainability of operations and strategies.
If all the above mentioned policies and programs are effectively performed, this can lead the way for the PGLU in attaining the award which may give them a chance for a grant from DILG’s Perform Challenge Fund (PCF) amounting to a maximum of P7,000,000 with a fund counterpart of same amount for priority programs and projects classified under President Aquino’s Social Contract.
The DILG National Validation Team has scheduled the evaluation for La Union within the first to third week of June 2011. (ANL/MPA-PIA 1 La Union with reports from PITO-LU (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=35654))

A strange-looking, smelly plant suddenly sprouted out of nowhere in a quaint barangay in Agoo, La Union.

MANILA, Philippines – While the residents of Sta. Rita were celebrating their fiesta and parading their patron saint last weekend, most were suddenly drawn to a plant that grew near the road.

“I thought they were looking at a fetus… From afar, it looked like decaying meat,” a resident said of the eggplant-colored plant with a huge cone structure in the middle.

Nobody knew who planted it there, and so it became the barangay’s attraction. People from out of town suddenly emerged and took their pictures with the plant, notwithstanding the foul smell.

People likened it to the rafflesia, the world’s biggest flower, but upon looking at the pictures, University of the Philippines Diliman Institute of Biology Director Perry Ong said it is Amorphophallus campanulatus. In an E-mail exchange, Ong said, “FYI, Amorphophallus means “amorpho” (without shape or misshapen); phallus is penis.”

He also consulted botanists to check the specie. “From our botanist, Dr. Daniel A. Lagunzad, he says that the flower belongs to the Araceae family in the genus Amorphophallus. The species name, will check later, but seems to be an interesting species.”

Using available literature, Ong said it is called elephant yam or pongapong in Filipino.

“It is known only from Luzon and Mindoro...The central structure of this species is that raisin-like thing that you see in the middle. Of interest is the width of the “collar” around that raisin.”

He said, “When this flower dies, it sends out a single leaf blade of up to one meter wide.”

In his blog, botanist Abercio Rotor said, “Pongapong is a rare plant. Its reproductive stage is in the form of a single bulbous flower arising from an underground enlarged root. The flower is pollinated by flies attracted by putrefying odor of meat.”

He also called it a “wild plant.” It was once used as hog feed in Ilocos during the pre-war era, he said. (www.abs-cbnnews.com)

by Alex Romeo R. Fernandez
DAGUPAN CITY, May 12 (PIA) --- Two Pangasinan mayors have bared their plans to establish a ferry system that will provide water transportation between the province and La Union.
The system is intended to shorten travel time between major cities and municipalities in Region I along the Lingayen Gulf, with possible ports in here and in Alaminos, and in Agoo town and San Fernando City in La Union.
Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza said the ferry system will facilitate economic development in his city as it will encourage more tourists and investors to visit his place especially the famous Hundred Islands.
Alaminos City is practically isolated due to distance, preventing potential visitors have to travel circuitous routes to reach the place.
“I hope Alaminos, and the province as well, will open it for commercial traffic. That will hopefully become a reality if we can put up major infrastructures. It is the only way that Alaminos can attain economic development and to help the province.” he said during the Meet the Press forum of the Pangasinan Tri-Media Association (PATRIMA) Wednesday at the Jollibee in Lucao.
“Once completed it will draw more investments for the province and create more opportunities for the people,” he added.
Braganza cited the cities of Cebu and Davao as example of cities which have reached substantial economic progress by having basic infrastructures.
He explained that “this is the main reason why we asked the national government to build the first commercial airport in the city of Alaminos.”
Braganza complimented, Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin Lim “for having the same vision.”
Lim presented to the media the design of a catamaran that will be used as the main ferrying seacraft. “The two-hulled water vehicle can seat 102 passengers, four medium-sized vehicles and six tons of cargoes,” he said.
Lim noted that the Manaoag Shrine is the only easily-accessed place in Pangasinan. Other tourist destinations in the province will be more accessible once the ferry system is completed, he said.
He said that a port will be constructed near the historic Franklin Bridge in barangay Pantal tor the purpose. He disclosed that he, Braganza and San Fernando Mayor Pablo Ortega will meet soon to discuss the plan.
Lim also discussed his idea of the possible construction of a west-bound highway connecting to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). “Ang dapat pag-usapan ng ating provincial government, congressmen ay kung paano iku-connect ‘yong TPLEX to the west,” he said.
Lim sees the TPLEX as progenitor of economic development in areas traversed by it. “We have to catch up with the development,” he said.
On the ferry system, Braganza said, “I promise my constituents that this dream will come true before the end of my term.”(ANL/ARRF-PIA 1 Pangasinan)

by Miriam P. Aquino
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, June 1 (PIA) -- Adopting what they have learned as a result of the earlier conducted seminar on credible decisions and solutions on policies thru highly productive meetings, the Provincial Government of La Union is now ready to compete for the “Seal of Good Housekeeping” award 2011.
Getting the nod of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Region I Validation Team last May 24, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) is all set to compete in the national level for the Search for LGU Seal of Good Housekeeping award 2011 with an overall index of 4:18 which is way above the minimum average grade of 4.0., this is according to Israel Rudio, Provincial Information and Tourism Office, Provincial Capitol.
Aiming for a perfect score and index of 5.0 to bag the much-coveted award, Gov. Manuel C. Ortega recently directed all department heads, chiefs of hospitals and officers-in-charge of the Provincial Government to ensure continuous delivery of excellent public service.
In his memorandum dated May 25, 2011, Ortega reminded all PGLU employees to adopt earlier recommendations of the DILG Validation Team.
PGLU is bent on maintaining or improving Sound Fiscal Management practices by adapting Commission on Audit’s recommendations, that is to strictly implement cost-saving measures and implementing policies on timely liquidation of authorized cash advances.
On transparency and accountability governance, the posting of the Citizens Charter which serves as a guide for clients on the step-by-step procedures and process of services provided shall be maintained. Customer Relations Officers from the different divisions and offices shall serve as frontliners who shall immediately address various needs, and queries of clients or the general public.
Suggestion boxes are placed on accessible areas for the public to report certain problems and complaints they may encounter with the PGLU personnel, as well as giving them room for participation thru their suggestions and recommendations.
Full Disclosure of Local Budget and Finances and Bids and Public Offerings shall be complied. On Performance Management, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will continue to provide needed legislation to facilitate realization of development programs and projects and increase local revenue generation through lease rentals, loans, economic enterprises and the like.
On the aspects of peace, order and security in the province, members of the Provincial Council of the Five Pillars of Criminal Justice System maintains a regular schedule of meetings to ensure sustainability of operations and strategies.
If all the above mentioned policies and programs are effectively performed, this can lead the way for the PGLU in attaining the award which may give them a chance for a grant from DILG’s Perform Challenge Fund (PCF) amounting to a maximum of P7,000,000 with a fund counterpart of same amount for priority programs and projects classified under President Aquino’s Social Contract.
The DILG National Validation Team has scheduled the evaluation for La Union within the first to third week of June 2011. (ANL/MPA-PIA 1 La Union with reports from PITO-LU (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=35654))

Go go my home province! :rock: :banana::banana::banana::banana::cheers:

A strange-looking, smelly plant suddenly sprouted out of nowhere in a quaint barangay in Agoo, La Union.

MANILA, Philippines – While the residents of Sta. Rita were celebrating their fiesta and parading their patron saint last weekend, most were suddenly drawn to a plant that grew near the road.

“I thought they were looking at a fetus… From afar, it looked like decaying meat,” a resident said of the eggplant-colored plant with a huge cone structure in the middle.

Nobody knew who planted it there, and so it became the barangay’s attraction. People from out of town suddenly emerged and took their pictures with the plant, notwithstanding the foul smell.

People likened it to the rafflesia, the world’s biggest flower, but upon looking at the pictures, University of the Philippines Diliman Institute of Biology Director Perry Ong said it is Amorphophallus campanulatus. In an E-mail exchange, Ong said, “FYI, Amorphophallus means “amorpho” (without shape or misshapen); phallus is penis.”

He also consulted botanists to check the specie. “From our botanist, Dr. Daniel A. Lagunzad, he says that the flower belongs to the Araceae family in the genus Amorphophallus. The species name, will check later, but seems to be an interesting species.”

Using available literature, Ong said it is called elephant yam or pongapong in Filipino.

“It is known only from Luzon and Mindoro...The central structure of this species is that raisin-like thing that you see in the middle. Of interest is the width of the “collar” around that raisin.”

He said, “When this flower dies, it sends out a single leaf blade of up to one meter wide.”

In his blog, botanist Abercio Rotor said, “Pongapong is a rare plant. Its reproductive stage is in the form of a single bulbous flower arising from an underground enlarged root. The flower is pollinated by flies attracted by putrefying odor of meat.”

He also called it a “wild plant.” It was once used as hog feed in Ilocos during the pre-war era, he said. (www.abs-cbnnews.com)

After a giant flower sprouted in Agoo, here's next!

Giant turnip found in La Union



MANILA, Philippines - A growing giant turnip has been found in La Union province.

Measuring a foot high and 38 inches in diameter, the giant turnip was found in the backyard of the Lafradez family in Barangobong village.

The municipal agriculturist said the turnip could have grown from a hybrid seed, which only brings out humongous produce.

The Lafradez family said they have no plans of uprooting the vegetable, believing that it will bring luck. They said the turnip's huge size could be a sign of abundance. Report by Maira Wallis, ABS-CBN Baguio


http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/31/11/giant-turnip-found-la-union

By MARVYN N. BENANING
June 2, 2011, 4:03pm

MANILA, Philippines — The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) is serious in promoting tobacco dust as a control agent for snails in fishponds and a surefire organic solution to head lice.

NTA administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza says these are but two of other applications of tobacco, which had traditionally been used for cigarette manufacture.

Zaragoza also said the NTA has reduced its projection of tobacco output for the crop year ending this month, saying the more likely figure would be 77 million kilos from the 79 million kilos projected earlier.

He blamed La Niña for the reduced forecast, saying tobacco leaves are lighter this year due to heavy rains spawned by the weather phenomenon.

With the new figure, the value of tobacco will reach P5.05 billion or 4.2 percent higher than the P4.846 billion registered in 2010.

A facility for the manufacture of tobacco dust was established in Sto. Tomas, La Union precisely to supply fishponds in Central Luzon and elsewhere with the product, which had been tested for several years in Bulacan, Bataan and Pampanga.

Tobacco dust comes from the low-quality leaves of tobacco or leaves left in the field that are transformed into powder form to be applied in fishponds as organic solution to snails.

As organic molluscicide, tobacco dust fends off attacks by snails in a manner that is much better than inorganic molluscicides.

NTA established the facility in July 24, 2009 and it went on stream a week later to produce the tobacco dust that acts against predatory snails as a molluscidide and also performs the role of a fertilizer by hastening the growth of green algae or lablab needed by milkfish in pond culture.

With tobacco dust, fishpond owners need not apply sodium cyanide in battling the predatory snails since the chemical kills not only the snails but the milkfish as well.

Studies have shown that with tobacco dust rather the commercial mulluscicides, pond owners would save P1,426 per hectare for nursery and P19,401 per hectare for growout.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/320945/various-uses-tobacco-dust

The Cliffs Golf Club in Poro Point would like to advise everyone that the Golf Course will be closed on June 6 & 7, 2011 due to aeration and top dressing of fairways. Please be guided accordingly. Should you have questions, kindly call (6372)888.7777.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/thunderbirdresorts

MANILA, Philippines – Parliamentarians from Association of Southeast Asian Nations member-countries who met in a caucus here have agreed to propose to their respective governments a multilateral extradition treaty for high profile crime cases.

At the same time, the ASEAN lawmakers also raised the possibility of common legislation to protect the rights and welfare of children and women, fight drug trafficking and minimize risks of disasters brought about by climate change.

The participants to the third caucus of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) signed during closing ceremonies Thursday an agreement on the areas for possible common legislation that they will bring to the AIPA assembly in Cambodia this September.

ASEAN counts Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

“We are calling on the executive departments to enter into a multilateral extradition treaty … What we want is for these 10 countries to have a multilateral extradition treaty so that wanted criminals who flee and hide in the other countries can be brought back to where they committed their crimes,” Former Cebu Representative Antonio Cuenco, secretary general of the 3rd AIPA caucus, said.

Caucus chairman La Union Representative Victor Ortega said the ASEAN lawmakers agreed on the need for common legislation on concerns shared by all countries in the regional bloc, among these, climate change, the trafficking of women and children, and drug trafficking.

“We discussed among ourselves, if possible, to have uniformity of laws applicable to so many issues common to all … because we have common problems. It’s similar laws toward the same end,” he said.

Ortega noted that the Philippines does not have the death penalty unlike other ASEAN countries, which impose capital punishment for crimes such as drug trafficking. “In our case, we can have life imprisonment without parole, so that will have the same effect,” he said.

While there are thousands of laws covering the rights and welfare of children, Cuenco said the problem lies in their implementation.

The representative of Brunei said there is no problem implementing children’s laws in their country since they have been allocated a budget of 149 million BND (Brunei Dollars) for children’s welfare.

The representative of Cambodia said if parliamentarians want ASEAN to be a strong community, then they should work on laws that will take care of children “educationally and health-wise.”

Cambodia has defined two main priorities and directions for its efforts to safeguard children, namely adopting non-institutionalized care as the best alternative for caring for children at risk, and ensuring a minimum standard of shelter.

According to the representative of Indonesia, they have a Special Ministry for Women Empowerment and Child Protection that oversees the implementation of children’s laws.

Indonesia stressed the importance of the promotion and protection of children’s rights through national policies, and relevant laws for the protection and development of children.

The representative of Malaysia said there should be an understanding on how to handle stateless children.

She said in Sabah, there are many stateless children, mostly second-generation offspring who have been abandoned by their parents, for whom Malaysia has started an early childhood education program.

She added that Malaysia has numerous socio-economic policies and plans which seek to create a conducive and enabling environment sensitive to the needs of children.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/4729/asean-lawmakers-push-regional-extradition-pact-for-high-profile-crimes

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/258041_231176976897122_221247164556770_1098154_909897_o.jpg

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/258468_231177390230414_221247164556770_1098155_7068899_o.jpg

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/209671_221254904555996_221247164556770_1015968_209351_o.jpg

Lorma Colleges Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=221254904555996&set=a.221247211223432.72109.221247164556770&type=1&theater)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, June 1 (PIA) -- In order to ensure effective employment strategy, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued an order providing guidelines for job fair organizers to attain effective and efficient conduct of a job fair.

DOLE Order No. 3, series of 2011, or the Revised Guidelines for the Conduct of Job Fair sets new standards and requirements to all job fair organizers and key players.

Requirements and procedures in securing job permits were established and rationalized under the new department order, amending Department Order No. 2, series of 2001.

“The guidelines clearly define the roles and responsibilities of government agencies and entities before, during and after the holding of job fair,” DOLE 1 Director Henry John Jalbuena said, adding that these will ensure the effectiveness of the employment service strategy and protect jobseekers from unscrupulous or fake recruiters.

Jalbuena added that the guidelines apply to all job fairs and any similar activity conducted in a specific venue involving recruitment and placement of workers and participated in by more than one employer or recruitment agency whether for local or overseas employment.

As key partner and front line service providers in jobs generation activities, DOLE 1 met recently with the Regional Federation of Public Employment Services Officers (PESO) to enjoin its support in ensuring wider information dissemination of the Department order.

Under the guidelines, PESOs are tasked to ensure that all job fairs conducted in their jurisdiction are done in accordance with the prescribed systems, standards and procedures.

Likewise, they are required to prepare and submit to concerned DOLE Field Office monthly calendar of job fairs and reports. (JCR/ASV-DOLE1/PIA 1 La Union)

http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=35651

by Miriam P. Aquino

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, June 2 (PIA) -- To ensure the effectiveness of employment service strategy and provide full protection to jobseekers from the hands of illegal or deceiving fake recruiters, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Department Order No. 3, series of 2011 or the Revised Guidelines for the conduct of Job fair.

Amending D.O. No. 2, series of 2001, the new guidelines aim to ensure the efficient and effective conduct of job fairs through the rationalization and establishment of standards in the requirements and procedures in securing job permits to which job organizers and implementers are required to comply.

According to DOLE – Regional Office 1 Director Henry John Jalbuena, the guidelines clearly define the roles and responsibilities of government agencies and entities before, during and after the holding of job fair.

He said the guidelines apply to all job fairs and any similar activity conducted in a specific venue involving recruitment and placement of workers and participated in by more than one employer or recruitment agency whether for local or overseas employment.

Relative to the new guidelines, DOLE 1 met recently with the Regional Federation of Public Employment Services Officers (PESO) to enjoin its support in ensuring wider information dissemination, as they are the front-line service providers on such events.

Being the implementing entities in the conduct of job fairs, PESOs are tasked to ensure that all job fairs conducted in their jurisdiction are done in accordance with the prescribed systems, standards and procedures.

Monthly reports and job fair schedules are also required for them to submit to concerned DOLE field offices. (ANL/MPA-PIA 1 La Union with reports from Arly Valdez - DOLE-RO1)

http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=35957

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249886_220191087999497_204145946270678_852257_5025753_n.jpg

BRINGING THE GOVERNMENT CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE-Nutrition Division Staff under the Provincial Health Office of the Provincial Government of La Union, showing to kids proper hand-washing during an Operation Rang-ay iti Barangay sortie in Barangay Lettac Norte in the Municipality of Santol.

Photo by: Alfredo R. Buenaventura, Jr.
Provincial Information and Tourism Office-La Union

La Union Information and Tourism Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=220191087999497&set=a.208595342492405.55111.204145946270678&type=1&theater)

kailan kaya magbubukas ang Toyota La Union?

Kahit Puregold na. Okay din.
no choice din...:lol:

kailan kaya magbubukas ang Toyota La Union?
may balak ka yatang bibili ng sasakyan sa tanong mo...hehehe

no choice din...:lol:

:lol::lol::lol::lol: wahahahaha

may balak ka yatang bibili ng sasakyan sa tanong mo...hehehe

maging engineer muna ako saka ako mag-iipon at bibili ng Toyota Car hehehe

by Miriam P. Aquino

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union June 3 (PIA) -- Former Miss Universe Abbygale Arenas led recently the Bravehearts Group in their Tour of Hope 2011 - 500, advocating on the fight against cervical cancer.

The 500-kilometer journey which aims to raise funds for the vaccination of women started in Manila, had its first leg in Tarlac City followed by San Fernando City, La Union; Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; and the final leg in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

The tour gave the group the chance to save 500 women (100 per stop) as they biked for 500 kilometers in five days, which is the first time they provided vaccinations to women compared to the previous tours they had.

For their stop here, a lecture on cervical cancer was conducted to the 100 women beneficiaries before they were given free-vaccination.

Here, Arenas, together with her two OB-Gyne friends, Dr. Cecilia Llave and Dr. Ronald Cacho discussed the four familiar numbers that come with the cervical cancer illness – 2, 80, 12, and 5.

According to Arenas, 2 means that cervical cancer is the 2nd most common female cancer that afflicts Filipino women and all women worldwide, with half a million new cases and 250,000 deaths reported each year.

Over 80 percent of women can get Human papillomavirus or HPV in their lifetime and most of these cases occur in developing countries including the Philippines. HPV is a common virus that is easily transmitted particularly through sexual activities and causes cervical cancer.

Based on the Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates, 12 Filipinas die of cervical cancer everyday. “Ibig ding sabihin nito na 12 na mga lalaki ang nawawalan ng mga asawa/misis araw-araw, 12 na mga anak ang nawawalan o nauulila sa nanay, at 12 na tahanan ang nawawalan ng ilaw – ang mga ina,” Arenas explained.

More than half of the women with cervical cancer will die within 5 years after diagnosis and the Philippines has one of the lowest 5-year survival rates in the world.

Drs. Llave and Cacho said that it is not easy to detect early cervical cancer because it has no signs or symptoms.

Bravehearts called on all women to give much importance to their lives. Not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones, especially our children.
Cervical cancer vaccination alongside regular screening is a woman’s best defense against cancer, and it’s the only disease that has cancer vaccine.
All women are at risk of cervical cancer, regardless of age, lifestyle or economic status. (ANL/MPA-PIA 1 La Union)

http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=36223

by Miriam P. Aquino

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, June 2 (PIA) -- To ensure the effectiveness of employment service strategy and provide full protection to jobseekers from the hands of illegal or deceiving fake recruiters, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Department Order No. 3, series of 2011 or the Revised Guidelines for the conduct of Job fair.

Amending D.O. No. 2, series of 2001, the new guidelines aim to ensure the efficient and effective conduct of job fairs through the rationalization and establishment of standards in the requirements and procedures in securing job permits to which job organizers and implementers are required to comply.
According to DOLE – Regional Office 1 Director Henry John Jalbuena, the guidelines clearly define the roles and responsibilities of government agencies and entities before, during and after the holding of job fair.

He said the guidelines apply to all job fairs and any similar activity conducted in a specific venue involving recruitment and placement of workers and participated in by more than one employer or recruitment agency whether for local or overseas employment.

Relative to the new guidelines, DOLE 1 met recently with the Regional Federation of Public Employment Services Officers (PESO) to enjoin its support in ensuring wider information dissemination, as they are the front-line service providers on such events.

Being the implementing entities in the conduct of job fairs, PESOs are tasked to ensure that all job fairs conducted in their jurisdiction are done in accordance with the prescribed systems, standards and procedures.
Monthly reports and job fair schedules are also required for them to submit to concerned DOLE field offices. (ANL/MPA-PIA 1 La Union with reports from Arly Valdez - DOLE-RO1)

http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=35957

By: Victor B. Dacanay, PITO,LU 


Realizing the vital role of the youth in nation building as well as the need to protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well being, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) led by Gov. Manuel C. Ortega in collaboration with the Panlalawigang Federasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan (PFSK) headed by its President Kenneth Paolo C. Tereng held the 1ST SUMMER ECO-YOUTH CAMP at the Rosario Nature Park, Barangay Alipang, Rosario, La Union on May 20 to 22, 2011.

The first day of the three-day youth camp was graced by the presence of Senior Board Member Franciso “KIT” C. Ortega,Jr. who acted as the Opening Programs Guest Spealer. In his speech he lauded the SK Chairmen from the 576 Barangays of La Union for their enthusiasm and cooperation in making the affair successful. To further boost their participation in protecting the environment and in making La Union a clean and green province SPM “KIT” advised the youth leaders to make their proposal for an environment protection project in their respective barangays and submit this to Sangguniang Panlawigan (SP). The SP will later evaluate their proposal and recommend the granting of a financial assistance to ensure full implementation of their projects .

Ex-officio BM Tereng welcomed the participants from the different municipalities and barangays and also recognized BM Ortega’s concern for the youth and most especially the protection of our environment.

http://launion.gov.ph/news.php?item.235.2

By: Israel O. Rudio
Provincial Information & Tourism Office-La Union 

To further flare up the patriotism that dwells in La Union, Gov. Manuel C. Ortega issued a Memorandum dated May 6, 2011, endorsing to all Mayors of La Union Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2011-61, encouraging Local Chief Executives to conduct simple but meaningful celebration of the National Flag Day on May 28, 2011 as a prelude to the celebration of the 113th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 2011.

The DILG Memo duly signed by Sec. Jesse M. Robredo, further encouraged local officials to collaborate with the private sector, non-government organizations and People’s organizations for the annual celebration. Suggested activities include the display of the Philippine Flag on or before the 28th of May in homes, government buildings, universities, hospitals, public places, restaurants, hotels, department stores, malls, banks and roads; simultaneous ringing of church bells, fog horns; and flag-raising ceremony.

The Provincial Government of La Union will have a Flag Raising Ceremony on May 27, 2011 at the Capitol Grounds. This will be followed by “Trivia Contests” which are aimed to reinvigorate employee’s awareness on Philippine History.

http://launion.gov.ph/news.php?item.236.2

ngayon lang na-update uli ang San Fernando City website.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/News215a.jpg


The City Health Office of San Fernando City, La Union conducted a medical and dental check-up for senior citizens as part of Elderly Filipino Week celebration held at Lion’s Park, San Fernando City, La Union on Oct. 4, 2010. (Photos Erwin G. Beleo)

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/News215b.jpg

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

It was once again a momentous event in the political history in the City of San Fernando as officials of Barangay and SK held their mass oath taking on November 28, 2010.

No less than Provincial Governor Manuel C. Ortega and Mayor Pablo C. Ortega administered the oath-taking of the newly-elect Barangay and SK Officials respectively.

Prior to the oath-taking, a Holy Mass was conducted, officiated by Rev. Fr. Samuel Banayat. The holy mass was attended by the City, Newly-elect Barangay, SK and DILG officials along with their families and friends. Father Banayat encouraged the newly-elect Barangay and SK Officials to be more committed to public service and practice the values of transparency and accountability.

After the holy mass, the program proceeded. The Guest Speaker, Hon. Victor F. Ortega, District I Representative of the Province of La Union conveyed his message by pointing out that officials must forget about partisan politics and instead focus on their respective development agenda and encouraged them to deliver more for the welfare of their constituents.

On the other hand, Mayor Pablo C. Ortega reiterated in his message that Barangay and SK Officials must work hand-in-hand in working for the development of their barangays and should commit themselves to good governance for the protection of our city, "OUR HOME", San Fernando.

The program ended with group photos of the 59 Barangay Captains with their Kagawads and SK Officials together with Governor Manuel C. Ortega and the City Officials headed by Mayor Pablo C. Ortega. (by: Myla B.Madrid)

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/news216.php

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news217a.jpg

The month of December became more exciting, aside from the bonus and cash gifts each employee must received, the City Government organized a mini-olympics for its employees in line with the program of City Health Office "Hataw na! Para sa Malusog na Pangangatawan."

The employees were divided into 4 sectors; Governance, Li vability, Bankability, and Competitiveness. Various games were lined-up to be competed by the four sectors.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news217b.jpg

A cheering competition was conducted during the City Go- vernment Employees’ Christmas Party, the highlight of the celebration.

Among the 4 sectors, Governance Sector was declared as the over-all champion followed by Livability, Competitiveness and Bankability.

The event not only challenged the physical abilities of the city employees, it also promotes camaraderie and unity among themselves.(by: Myla B. Madrid)

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news217c.jpg

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news217d.jpg

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/news217.php

Hand-washing for hand is the act of cleaning the hands with or without the use of water or another liquid or with the use of soap for the purpose of removing soil, dirt and/or microorganisms (source according to Wikipedia).

The City Health Office headed by Dr. Eduardo Posadas in coordination with the different public schools in the city conducted the Annual Hand-washing day. Elementary pupils from various schools participated in the said event as it promotes healthy living by frequently washing their hands. The program revolves around schools and children to wash their hands with soap to improved sanitation.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news218.jpg

Organizers have chosen and focused on children for they are known to be enthusiastic, energetic, effective learners and even open to ideas, unfortunately, poor hygiene and lack of access to sanitation both contributes to the number of deaths of children from diarrheal diseases.

Hand-washing approach with children is far more effective rather than telling people directly to change the way they do things. Children proved keen advocates for better sanitation and child-friendly healthy education.

Hand-washing doesn't take much time and effort. It even offers great rewards in terms of preventing illness. Together, let us adopt this simple habit for this can play a major role in protecting our health. (by:Myla B. Madrid)

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news218b.jpg

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/news218.php

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news219.jpg

The Japanese government turned over some 42, 184 metric tons of fertilizer worth P354 million as part of its ‘non-project grant aid’ (NPGA) to the Philippines on October 12, 2010.

Akio Isomata, Japanese Embassy’s minister for economic affairs, turned over the fertilizer to the representatives of Department of Agriculture and Department of Finance at the Poro Point seaport where the shipment was unloaded.

“I hope that this assistance would serve as another bridge that would strengthen the strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines. The fertilizers procured under the 8th NPGA will certainly help farmers improve the productivity for the next cropping season,” Isomata said in an interview.

Isomata said the grant is part of an agreement signed last February 13, 2009 by Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo where Japan will provide non-project assistance to the Philippines.

He said the fertilizer grant is the 8th batch of the NPGA given by Japan where a total of 15 billion Yen or approximately P8 billion was already given to the Philippines for the implementation of various projects.
“I am confident that by selling this fertilizer, the Philippine government will establish a substantial amount of counter-value fund with which it will help implement new significant projects to promote the welfare of the Filipino people,” Isomata said.

Crispulo Bautista, Regional Technical Director of the Department of Agriculture, told that the fertilizer would be sold to private companies by the Department of Finance while the proceeds will be used by the government to finance various development projects that would benefit farmers and other marginalized sectors.

Also present during the turn over ceremony are San Fernando City Mayor Pablo Ortega, Rommel Herrera of the Department of Finance, Rene Venturina, the shipment consignee and President of Danat Fertilizer Corporation, and Cecilia Lupisan of the National Agriculture and Fishery Council. (Contributed Article by: Jun Elias)

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/news219.php

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news220a.jpg

The much awaited lighting of the giant Christmas Tree was unveiled on December 1, after the program of the City Government in support of the World AIDS Day. Kids and kids at heart anticipated this event for it marks the start of Holiday season.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news220b.jpg

City officials headed by Mayor Pablo C. Ortega and Vice-Mayor Dong A. Gualberto, unveiled to the public the lighting of the Giant Christmas Tree while members of the Rondalla of Saint Louis College Elementary performed Christmas Carols and Classic Ilocano Songs. To the delight of all the kids who witnessed the lighting, two Santa Claus gave away candies and chocolates infront of the City Hall. (by: Myla B. Madrid)

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news220a.jpg

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/news220.php

Friday, June 3, 2011

THE Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Caucus hosted this week by the House of Representatives ended on a high note, having identified legislative initiatives in disaster response management and promotion of the welfare of children.

Specifics of the proposed common legislation are embodied in the Caucus Report to be presented to the next AIPA in Cambodia for consideration and adoption by the General Assembly.


In his closing remarks, AIPA Caucus chairperson and La Union Representative Victor Ortega expressed elation over the determination of the participating countries in strengthening the region's collective actions in pursuit of a secure future of, not only Asean children, but of the world.



AIPA Secretary General Antonio Cuenco, a former Cebu congressman, echoed the region's concern for the harmonization of policies and laws on issues that cross national borders, especially on transnational crimes like the drug menace.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte earlier underscored the reality that the region's geophysical characteristics predispose the region's peoples to the perils of disasters, which become more acute as global warming intensifies.

"Unpredictable rainfalls, intemperate weather and heat waves, alternating droughts and flooding, inundations and rising sea levels, salt-water intrusions, and climate-sensitive diseases are only some of the challenges brought about by global warming," Belmonte noted.

Lee Chian Siong, representative of the Asean Secretariat, reported that eight out of 10 Asean member countries experienced major disasters and calamities over the past decades because of its unfavorable geographical and climatic condition.

During the Asean meet, Lee recalled that in 2003, Asean established the Asean Committee on disaster Management (ACDM) composed of heads of national agencies and organizations responsible for disaster management of member-states. It is tasked to coordinate and implement regional activities on disaster management and risk reduction.

In the course of consultations initiated by the ACDM, it came up with the Asean Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) which provides for a comprehensive regional framework to strengthen preventive, monitoring and mitigation measures to reduce disaster losses in the region.

Furthermore, he noted that the AADMER has initiated activities such as the annual Asean Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise, which will be conducted next year in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Speaker Belmonte expressed that another equally urgent concern for the Asean is children's welfare.

Belmonte said that even if the Asean countries affirmed in unison the deepest concern for our children as evidenced in the ratification of various international instruments, the countries need to transform these concerns into a regional consensus on solutions to these problems. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/06/03/phl-hosted-asean-meet-identifies-initiatives-vs-disasters-159208

Friday, June 3, 2011

THE Philippine Construction Association (PCA) has been granted a T-plex loan facility of P11.5 billion to finance local Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.

"It is high time that the public sector does its part in the development construction. The pronouncement of the government in promoting PPP will further improve the economy and the GDP for years to come," said Levy Espiritu, president of PCA and Datem Inc.


In a press conference for the launch of the PhilConstruct Mindanao 2011 Friday, Espiritu said the t-plex loan facility has been readily offered by the Banco De Oro, Development Bank of the Philippines and Landbank to finance infrastructure projects within the PPP scope.



"We will be starting to build hard and soft infrastructures like airports, toll ways, sea ports then we will be moving on to education and health sector for construction of schools and hospitals," Espiritu added.

Espiritu said they have forged an agreement with the Bankers Association and Investment House Association of the Philippines to promote infrastructure development in the country.

PCA will start the construction of the expressways in Tarlac, Pangasinan and La Union.

With this endeavor, he said, they would like to limit the use of loans or funds from Japan International Cooperation Agency, Espiritu believes that the Philippines is capable and rather intends to use local resources.

"Why do we need money from abroad if we are capable of funding on our own," Espiritu noted.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on June 04, 2011.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2011/06/03/construction-group-gets-p115-billion-loan-grant-159245

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news223a.jpg


San Fernando City Mayor Pablo C. Ortega doses water to worth of P100,000 banned pyrotechnics on December 31, 2010 in La Union. Also in photo are Fire Sen Insp Lani B. Carbonell, City PNP Chief Rolando A Bersola and City Permits and Liscensing personnel.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news223b.jpg

City Mayor Pablo C. Ortega and personnel of the DTI Provincial Office led by Ms. Daria Mingaracal (2nd from left), inspect substandard Christmas lights before they were destroyed at the Engineered Sanitary Landfill

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news223c.jpg

City Mayor Pablo C. Ortega and COMELEC employees inspect old ballot forms eaten by termites before they were burned at the Engineered Sanitary Landfill. The ballot boxes will be used for the local barangay election this coming October.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news223d.jpg

La Union Bikers led by Mayor Pablo C. Ortega show off their scary costumes as they parade along the national highway before the celebration of Halloween 2010 on October 30.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/news223.php

The Provincial Government of La Union, headed by Hon. Manuel C. Ortega and the City Government of San Fernando headed by Mayor Pablo C. Ortega led the joint celebration of the 114th martyrdom of our country's hero, Jose P. Rizal on December 30, 2010.

Flagraising, wreath laying infront of Rizal's monument and a short program was conducted with an execution of 21-gun salute by the members of Philippine Naval Force in commemoration of his martyrdom.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news224a.jpg

Also in attendance were Hon. Francisco "Kit" C. Ortega, Hon. Joseph De Guzman, Hon. Ramon F. Laudencia, Hon. Wilfredo P. Ordoño, ABC Vice-President Ramon C. Ortega and SK President Ramon Guio A. Ortega, Jr., Provincial and City Heads and Employees, members of Masonic Lodge #70, PNP and Philippine Navy.

City Councilor Ramon F. Laudencia, former Grand Master of Masonic Lodge #70 was tasked to recite the Ilocano version of Mi Ultimo Adios or MAUDI A PAKADA.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news224b.jpg

With a message from our Provincial and City officials, they remind us, that we should never forget whatever sacrifices Rizal has done and that officials must do their job well. His life and spirit be in our hearts and mind and his legacy be our inspiration as we support PNoy's "Tungo sa Matuwid na Daan." (by: Myla B. Madrid)

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news224c.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/acullador/2777340113/in/photostream/

Friday, June 3, 2011

THE Philippine Construction Association (PCA) has been granted a T-plex loan facility of P11.5 billion to finance local Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.

"It is high time that the public sector does its part in the development construction. The pronouncement of the government in promoting PPP will further improve the economy and the GDP for years to come," said Levy Espiritu, president of PCA and Datem Inc.


In a press conference for the launch of the PhilConstruct Mindanao 2011 Friday, Espiritu said the t-plex loan facility has been readily offered by the Banco De Oro, Development Bank of the Philippines and Landbank to finance infrastructure projects within the PPP scope.



"We will be starting to build hard and soft infrastructures like airports, toll ways, sea ports then we will be moving on to education and health sector for construction of schools and hospitals," Espiritu added.

Espiritu said they have forged an agreement with the Bankers Association and Investment House Association of the Philippines to promote infrastructure development in the country.

PCA will start the construction of the expressways in Tarlac, Pangasinan and La Union.

With this endeavor, he said, they would like to limit the use of loans or funds from Japan International Cooperation Agency, Espiritu believes that the Philippines is capable and rather intends to use local resources.

"Why do we need money from abroad if we are capable of funding on our own," Espiritu noted.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on June 04, 2011.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2011/06/03/construction-group-gets-p115-billion-loan-grant-159245

This grant of loan facility by big banks to the PCA is a great news. This will ensure smooth construction of the TPLEX project, oppurtunity to construct future infrastructures which are likely to spur economic growth. On the other hand, it will increase profitability in the part of the banks.:):)

akala ko sa panahon ni Mayor Pablo na ay parang wala na siyang concern sa mga namamalimos sa San Fernando. Noong si Mayor Mary Jane pa ang nakaupo, every wednesday ay may free meal siyang ibinibigay sa mga beggars, kaya kahit yung mga namamalimos pa sa bauang at agoo ay nagpupunta sa san fernando to avail of that free meal. heto naman ang aksyon ni Mayor Pablo ngayon sa mga beggars

Badjaos rounded up in the city due to risk while begging

At least 100 Badjaos from Zamboanga province were rounded up by authorities while begging in the main streets of this city because of complaints from motorists.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news225a.jpg

Mayor Pablo Ortega told that policemen and personnel from the City Social Welfare Office played 'hide and seek' for several hours until the beggars were subdued and were brought for temporary shelter at the motorpool of the city government in Barangay Tanqui here.

"Motorists and drivers are complaining because they (Badjaos) are becoming risk and some were nearly hit by vehicles. They can cause accident or they may become victim of accident. We are concerned with their safety," Ortega said.

He said Badjao parents never mind their kids playing in the streets which could easily be hit by vehicles.
Ortega said the influx of Badjaos and Aetas from Zambales in La Union started on October because of the Christmas season.

"They (beggars) are usually here to beg during the Christmas season. But because we have an ordinance banning mendicancy in our city, the police and social workers were prompted to take them for temporary custody," Ortega said.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news225b.jpg

The city government provided them cooked rice and canned goods for their meals after their apprehension while authorities are now preparing for the transportation back their destination.

A middle-aged Badjao man told that they were able to reach La Union from Zamboanga by hitch ride, through boats, trucks and buses.

They were believed to be victims of conflict in Mindanao. (by: William “Jun” Garcia)

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/news225.php

This grant of loan facility by big banks to the PCA is a great news. This will ensure smooth construction of the TPLEX project, oppurtunity to construct future infrastructures which are likely to spur economic growth. On the other hand, it will increase profitability in the part of the banks.:):)

Well said:cheers:

Kawawa naman ang mga Badjaos and Aetas. Mabuti, naaksiyunan agad ng city mayor and treated them well. Sana nakabalik na sila sa dati nilang lugar.

Kawawa naman ang mga Badjaos and Aetas. Mabuti, naaksiyunan agad ng city mayor and treated them well. Sana nakabalik na sila sa dati nilang lugar.

kaya nga. nakakaawa rin sila at the end. mga biktima ng digmaan sa mindanao. kung sana ay mabigyan nalang sila ng kahit anong disenteng hanapbuhay at doon nalang sila sa La Union tumira. peaceful doon

San Fernando City, La Union PESO (Region I) once again received a Citation Award from the Department of Labor and Employment on October 5, 2010 held in Tagaytay City.


Through it's Local Chief Executive, Hon. Pablo C. Ortega and its PESO Manager Melchor G. Ancheta, SFC PESO was nominated for the 2010 National Best PESO Award (Component City Category) for being the Top Regional Performer in Region I.
The Citation likewise recognizes SFC PESO's wholehearted and unwavering support in the promotion and delivery of the DOLE's Employment Program. (by: Myla B. Madrid)

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/news226.php

The local government of San Fernando City, La Union has been making great progress in developing a city-wide septic tank maintenance and wastewater treatment program. As required by law, all septic tanks in the city will be emptied regularly and the contents (called Septage) properly treated and disposed of to protect public health and the environment.

The city is receiving assistance in planning and implementing the program from Rotary International, the Rotary Club of San Fernando, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with additional assistance from Sustainable Cities International in Canada. This partnership has also resulted in the development of small sewage treatment systems (called 'Eco-tanks') in Barangays Poro, Catbangen, and San Francisco. Installation of the Ecotanks is already underway in Barangay Poro.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news227a.jpg

Regular emptying of septic tanks, referred to as septage management, is seen as an affordable, short-term solution to the Philippines' sanitation challenges. Poor sanitation results in 55 deaths per day, and more than P78 billion in economic losses, according to a study done by the World Bank. Septage management is being implemented in Metro Manila, Dumaguete City and Alabel, Sarangani to comply with the Clean Water Act of 2004. Many other cities and water districts are also developing these programs because of the many benefits. In terms of health benefits, the program will reduce contamination of well water. A study of well water in San Fernando showed that 56 out of 59 wells were contaminated with fecal coliform bacteria, which causes serious illness.

Septic tank maintenance will also result in cleaner rivers and lakes, reduction of foul odor caused by overflowing septic tanks, and an improved image for the City of San Fernando. Given the large amount of money lost each year due to poor sanitation, including health costs and reduced fish catches, proper sanitation saves money in the long run. Indeed, the City of San Fernando seems to be taking a step in the right direction.

With assistance from USAID and Rotary, a septage treatment facility will be built next to the landfill with construction beginning in the coming months. Once the facility is completed, the city plans to hire a local desludging company to empty the septic tanks throughout the city using a vacuum truck. All septic tanks should be emptied once every five years in order to lower the risk of overflowing and the subsequent contamination of groundwater. The schedule of desludging will be posted at all barangay halls so that residents are aware when their septic tanks will be desludged. The City is encouraging residents to become aware of where their septic tank is located within their home, and how it can be accessed so that the desludging can be done quickly and efficiently.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news227b.jpg

The City will also begin collecting a new Wastewater Management Fee to pay for the operation and maintenance of the septage treatment facility, the collection of the septage using vacuum trucks, and other wastewater management projects including future expansion of the treatment facility and other decentralized treatment options like the Ecotanks. The fee will be added to the yearly Real Property Tax (RPT) bill and although the amount has yet to be finalized, residents of San Fernando canbe assured that it will fall well below the current rate of P7,500 that they are currently paying for septic tank desludging - one of the highest prices in the country! For comparison, residents of Dumaguete are paying about P50 per month on average, while Metro Manila residents pay about P42 per month.

To learn more about the Septage Management Program in San Fernando, visit http://sfluseptage.blogspot.com (Contributed Article by: Meghan Larson and Kate Letizia)

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/news227.php

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news228.jpg

December 1st is World AIDS Day, where organizations and individuals around the globe acknowledge the worldwide struggle against HIV/AIDS.

With the theme: Universal Access and Human Rights, global leaders have pledged to work towards Universal Access to HIV/AIDS treatment. The protection of human rights is fundamental and essential in combating the global HIV and AIDS epidemic.
Office of the City Health spearheaded the celebration of World Aid's Day 2010. Joining them were City Officials headed by Mayor Pablo C. Ortega and Vice-Mayor Dong Gualberto, students from different colleges in the city, members of GPEHA, participating government agencies and non-government agencies.
CHO also conducted a Blood Screening for HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B from 8:00am-3:00pm and there were 349 individuals from different town availed the free service. Torch parade with more than a thousand, the biggest participants so far, was done after the sponsored Holy Mass at St. William Cathedral.

A short program was held at the City Plaza Auditorium to encourage everyone to support the campaign against HIV/AIDS. Yearly, a candlelight ceremony has always been the highlight of the program to remind us that we should be united and make a stand in the fight against HIV/AIDS. (by: Myla B. Madrid)

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/news228.php

kaya nga. nakakaawa rin sila at the end. mga biktima ng digmaan sa mindanao. kung sana ay mabigyan nalang sila ng kahit anong disenteng hanapbuhay at doon nalang sila sa La Union tumira. peaceful doon

Puede, kasi kung pababalikin sila sa dati nilang lugar, magulo din. Tama yung suggestion mo, basta may available na relocation site na sponsored ng national and local government. Tapos magkaroon din ng programang pangkabuhayan para sa kanila. Puede rin silang matulongan ng Gawad Kalinga, isang foundation na tumutulong sa mga mahihirap para mgakaroon ng desenteng bahay at hanapbuhay.:)