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Zubiri: Black coral probe may cover local governments
Thursday, June 2, 2011

THE Senate may haul local government officials before its committee on the environment once authorities determine where corals and other marine life were poached from, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said Wednesday.

In a press briefing after a committee hearing on poached corals, committee chairman Zubiri said enforcement of the Fisheries Code and the Wildlife Conservation Act rests on local governments.

He gave the example of towns in Batangas that have put up their own Bantay Dagat programs to combat dynamite and cyanide fishing. Failure to enforce the law also falls on local governments.

"It's important to find out which barangays, which localities these were harvested from. And when we find out, rest assured that we will ask and invite these LGUs to attend and we will bear down on them and maybe accuse them of neglect," he said.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) will be sending a team to Zamboanga to find the source of the confiscated corals, a bureau official said.

Lawyer Benjamin Tabios, Bfar officer-in-charge, said a composite team from Bfar and the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau will start its investigation in Zamboanga, the port that the shipment of corals and stuffed sea turtles siezed in Manila were shipped from.

He said there is a "fairly good chance" that the corals actually came from Balabac Strait near Palawan since most poaching of sea shells and corals is undertaken in that area.

Zubiri said there is a need for stiffer penalties against poaching because the destruction of coral reefs affects food security.

"I'm suggesting life imprisonment for people who do this, for collectors, poachers, and financiers because this is economic sabotage," he said.

During the hearing, Jose Lorenzo Tan, CEO of World Wildlife Fund Philippines, said the Philippines was one of nine countries at risk from coral degradation.

He said that a joint study by Silliman and James Cook Universities 10 years ago found that coral degradation had drastically reduced fish production.

The study estimated fish production at around 177,500 metric tons a year while potential fish production was at 350,000 metric tons.

"That was 10 years ago. Today the situation could be worse," Tan warned.

Under current laws, poaching carries a penalty of 12 to 20 years in prison, and fines of P120,000 to P1 million. Zubiri said he will consider consolidating the Fisheries Code and the Wildlife Conservation Act.

He also urged the creation of an inter-agency task force against poaching, and the creation of marine ranger units to patrol the seas as long-term solutions to "the rape of our seas."

Also on Wednesday, Exequiel Navarro, the consignee for the confiscated shipment of coral, was ordered arrested for failing to show up at the Senate.

Zubiri said Navarro had already confirmed his attendance but sent him text messages to excuse himself from attending.

He told Zubiri that he would miss the hearing because his brother had an "attack" after Navarro's name came out in the news.

"And besides, I don't have any documents to prove that I had nothing to do with what I am being accused of," Navarro's text message read in Tagalog.

He said he would attend when he has all the documents he needs.

Zubiri proceeded with the hearing but later ordered the Office of the
Senate Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest Navarro and make sure he attends the next hearing set for next Monday.

The senator said Navarro would have been vital in getting to the bottom of corals and stuffed sea turtles confiscated by Customs Police.

"He said he was just a dummy and that he doesn't own the shipment. We want to find out who are the real masterminds and financiers of this shipment," he said.

The arrest order was later downgraded to a subpoena but Zubiri warned that Navarro would be arrested if he fails to show up Monday.

Navarro, meanwhile, faces charges for violating the Wildlife Conservation Act.

Since he cannot be cited for actually killing the corals, he may be charged with illegal transport which carries a lower penalty.(Jonathan de Santos/Sunnex)

Source: www.sunstar.com.ph (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/06/02/zubiri-black-coral-probe-may-cover-local-governments-158834)

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Taniola, Medalist in the Int´l Math Olympiad

In the recently concluded 7th International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) held at Aston Hotel in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, one of De La Salle Lipa´s Math wiz students, Johannes Matthew V. Taniola - a level 6 student, was among the delegates of the country.

A total of 150 participants from 9 countries, namely: Iran, Sri Lanka, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines competed in the annual competition. The event took place from 10th to 16th October 2010.

The first day of the competition marked the grueling challenge of answering questions, one after another; beginning from the short-answer questions, to essays and finally the complex part of the test. The contest proper lasted for two days. The participants waited for another two days to give ample time for the tutors to check all the papers and come up with the results.

The Philippines placed third, after garnering 19 medals: two gold medals, two silvers, and 15 bronze medals. Taniola was one of the winners who received the bronze medal. Thailand placed first while the host country, Indonesia, placed second.

Credits are given to Taniola´s parents, Mr. Ramon Taniola and Mrs. Maria Melanie Florence Taniola, who gave their full support to the young Math whiz. His father, together with his coach, Pines D. Pangan, a Mathematics faculty member, overcame all hurdles to accompany the young Lasallian.

Teacher Pines, one of the people responsible for Taniola´s triumphs, considers the award tantamount to a gold medal, after conducting intensive trainings and surpassing all the hardships that they encountered. She witnessed how her student outscored and outwit his competitors in the district, division and regional contests, in which Taniola consistently emerged as the champion, to qualify for the 7th IMSO. “I´m honored and proud to be his coach and be a part of his success,” says the mentor.

The award served not only as a fruit of Taniola´s labor, but, likewise, as a special present as he celebrated his 12th birthday on October 17.

Source: www.dlsl.edu.ph (http://www.dlsl.edu.ph/f46dd47ff5278e126e959983c0c20445853c47e06e1915f77e37ebae6c56ffa2.aspx?page=eQcuiLf7iYYeueh6x/TwNw==&vwid=QcsEvEtcjVb105gkqrWG5/2ophcERDevIrN6DfiD63A=)

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LPU produces 24 topnotchers in just 18 months

Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) in Batangas City, today’s leading academic center in Region IV, is reaping manifold victories, particularly in licensure (board) examinations.

In just 18 months, LPU has already produced twenty four (24) topnotchers:

TOP 1 RUDY V. ORTEA
August 2008 Criminology Licensure Exam

TOP 2 BRYAN NOEL C. ASIS
November 2009 Nursing Licensure Exam

RONALD C. MANONGSONG
2008 Deck Officers Licensure Exam

TOP 3 MERLA I. BITONIA
March 2010 Medical Technology Licensure Exam

PAULITO M. BINAY
February 2010 Master Mariner Licensure Exam

TOP 5 DANNY C. AGENA
November 2009 Chief Mate Licensure Exam

TOP 6 MARY GRACE A. LANTIN
January 2010 Physical Therapy Licensure Exam

ROMMEL P. CUETO
November 2009 Chief Mate Licensure Exam

TOP 7 JHUN G. ARAJA
February 2010 Chief Mate Licensure Exam

ARIS M. MATRE
January 2010 Marine Engineer Officers Licensure Exam

MARY ANN A. GARING
November 2008 Nursing Licensure Exam

VICTORINO M. SUAREZ
2008 Engine Officers Licensure Exam

TOP 8 ROBERT C. REÑA
November 2009 Nursing Licensure Exam

ARNEL M. AGUILA
2008 Deck Officers Licensure Exam

TOP 9 ERIC C. MANALO
November 2009 OIC-NW Licensure Exam

ALICIA R. AREGLADO
October 2009 Customs Broker Licensure Exam

SANTIAGO A. CUERDO
2009 Deck Officers Licensure Exam

TOP 10 BERNARD V. GARCIA
February 2010 Master Mariner Licensure Exam

JOSEPH D. BANAYAD
February 2010 OIC-NW Licensure Exam

JOYCE C. RAMIREZ
January 2010 Marine Engineer Officers Licensure Exam

TOP 12 MYREEN T. MAESTRO
2008 Customs Broker Licensure Exam

TOP 14 DHENNIS M. CASTILLO
2008 Customs Broker Licensure Exam

RYAN D. PIOL
2008 Customs Broker Licensure Exam

TOP 16 LOVELY D. BOOL
2008 Customs Broker Licensure Exam

Source: www.lyceumbatangas.edu.ph (http://www.lyceumbatangas.edu.ph/news/topnotcher.php)

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First Asian Bags 7th Place in Nursing Board Exams

Hanako Sasaki-Aranilla of First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) emerged as the seventh placer among the 29,711 passers in the recently concluded December 2010 Nursing Licensure Examination. Last year, Sarah Beth Z. Bendoy, another FAITH alumni also landed in the top 4 of the November 2009 Nursing Licensure Examination. FAITH, established 10 years ago, is the youngest school in Batangas to have a Board topnotcher.

Source: www.firstasia.edu.ph (http://www.firstasia.edu.ph/news.asp?contentid=231)

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BSU Board Topnotchers
Mechanical Engineering


MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Name Rank Date of Exam
Orlando Ruel Arga 1 October 1990
Gilmar Espiritu 1 October 1997
Roderick C. Ilagan 1 October 2000
Edwin Adia 3 October 1989
Benigno Silva 3 April 1996
Aldwin A Arcega 3 October 2000
Julio D. Caringal 4 April 2001
Eric E. Fruelda 4 October 2004
Virgilio Lipana Jr. 5 October 1987
Richard Celemin 5 October 1990
Manuelito Mandigma 5 October 1991
Aldin Justiani Anico 5 April 1992
Alberto C. Rosita Jr. 5 October 2003
Ronald Cabrera 6 August 1995
Norman C. Male 6 May 2002
Erwin M Sancha 6 October 2001
Noel Ret Sampol 7 October 1990
Reynato Endaya 7 October 1997
Dante D. Diaz 7 October 2000
Alan Eric Marasigan 8 October 2000
Ramil Gualberto 9 October 1987
Edwin I. de Torres 9 October 2003
Jayson C. Inciong 9 October 2003
R. Bagulbagul 10 October 1992
Dean Mark Soriano 10 October 2000
Ronaldo Endaya 11 October 1987
Roberto Jusi 11 October 1988
Pepe Ramos 11 October 1990
Gina Bobadilla 12 October 1994
Ruel Castor 14 October 1990
Manuel Ilagan 14 October 1990
Jose Jojo Bulalacao 14 October 1990
C. Tumbaga 14 October 1994
Randy C. De Castro 14 October 2004
Angelito Agasino 15 October 1990
Rogelio Ramirez 15 October 1990
Rolando Dolor 15 October 1990
Vicente M. Adao 15 October 2004
Lexther R. Catipon 16 October 2003
Arnel Magsombol 18 October 1991
Gilberto S. Aguado 18 October 2000
Bimbo C. Abante 18 October 2004
Efren Liwanag 19 October 1987
Ceferino De Castro 19 October 1988
Joselito Recto 19 October 1989
Oliver Ramos 19 October 1994
Vanessa R. Medina 19 October 2004
Ronilo C. Magtibay 20 October 2000


Source: ares.batstate-u.edu.ph (http://ares.batstate-u.edu.ph/bsu/boardpassers/topnotchers.html)

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BSU Board Topnotchers
Electrical Engineering


ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Top 20
Name Rank Date of Exam
Ryan Anthony K. Umali 1 Sept. 2004
Andreu Castillo 2 October 1990
Joseph M. Hernandez 4 October 1998
Christopher A. Catilo 4 October 2000
Jason Jay Munar Adora 4 October 2001
Ramil A. Dimaculangan 4 Sept. 2004
Jaycee De Torres Balita 5 October 2001
Marben P. De Chavez 6 October 2000
Cesar Asilo 10 October 1990
Ronald Henry Ilagan 10 October 1990
Marichu Sanchez 10 October 1994
Martin Jayson S. Onal 11 October 2000
Nelson Dio 12 October 1987
Robert Manalo 14 October 1987
Ritchie Joseph Coronel 14 April 1995
Bryan M. Veneracion 17 October 2000



Source: ares.batstate-u.edu.ph (http://ares.batstate-u.edu.ph/bsu/boardpassers/topnotchers.html)

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BSU Board Topnotchers
Master Electricians


MASTER ELECTRICIANS
Name Rank Date of Exam
Allanito Antes 1 April 1994
Ritchie Joseph Coronel 4 April 1995
Donald C. Torio 4 October 2000
Ramil A. Dimaculangan 5 Sept. 2004
Christopher A. Catilo 5 October 2000


Source: ares.batstate-u.edu.ph (http://ares.batstate-u.edu.ph/bsu/boardpassers/topnotchers.html)

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BSU Board Topnotchers
Electronics and Communication Engineering



ELECTRONICS and COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
Name Rank Date of Exam
Francis Keith SJ. Hernandez 1 November 2003
Vincent Niño Andal 5 November 2001
Ronald Allan R. Mauhay 6 November 2000
Cordson H. Punzalan 9 November 2000
Melvin Mendoza 10 November 1999
Ronel Dipalac 15 November 1999
Carlo Antenor 16 November 1999
Rolando Dimaculangan Jr. 16 May 2000
Tirso Ronquillo 20 November 1995



Source: ares.batstate-u.edu.ph (http://ares.batstate-u.edu.ph/bsu/boardpassers/topnotchers.html)

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BSU Board Topnotchers
Civil Engineering



CIVIL ENGINEERING
Name Rank Date of Exam
Rizza C. Bauson 3 November 2001
Danilo Mañibo 4 November 1999
Ramses C. Sanvictores 4 November 2001
Joey Reyes 5 November 1986
Honesto Tolentino, Jr. 8 May 1992
Ernesto Magundayao 13 May 1987
Benedict De Jesus 13 November 1992
Ma. Josephine Datinggaling 16 November 1994
Vilma Ramos 20 November 1989
Sofronio Dimayuga 20 November 1988
Noriel Morales 20 November 1998


Source: ares.batstate-u.edu.ph (http://ares.batstate-u.edu.ph/bsu/boardpassers/topnotchers.html)

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BSU Board Topnotchers
Chemical Engineering


CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Name Rank Date of Exam
Jeffrey L. Esteban 3 May 2005
Florencio Lopez Jr. 8 November 2001


Source: ares.batstate-u.edu.ph (http://ares.batstate-u.edu.ph/bsu/boardpassers/topnotchers.html)

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3rd Place LET Teacher
April 2010

CHARINA VASQUEZ GOZANO - 87.20
BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY-ARASOF-NASUGBU

Source: ares.batstate-u.edu.ph (http://ares.batstate-u.edu.ph/bsu/boardpassers/topnotchers.html)

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US Science Expedition Chooses PHL for Biodiversity Study
A June 1, 2011 press release from the Department of Tourism (http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Pages/default.aspx)

Some thirty-one leading marine and terrestrial scientists, science educators and aquarium staff from the California Academy of Sciences (CAS) are here in the country conducting a scientific research and educational expedition since April 24 until early June of this year. The CAS is one of the largest museums of natural history in the world. Founded in 1853, it is the first society of its kind in the western part of the United States.

The project, known as the 2011 Philippine Biodiversity Expedition, has launched an extraordinary and multi-disciplinary field expedition to the Philippines. Expedition leader Dr. Terrence M. Gosliner, Dean of Science and Research Collections at CAS, stated: “I am very excited to take on this internationally collaborative expedition to study the marine, terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity of the Philippines with our many Filipino partners. This type of research is more important now than ever before.” A statement sent through e-mail reads: “Funding for the California Academy of Sciences’ 2011 Philippine Biodiversity Expedition was generously provided by Margaret and Will Hearst, a San Francisco couple who understand the value of learning more about the species with whom we share our planet and the urgency of doing so before a great many of them disappear.”

The CAS had identified the University of the Philippines (UP) as a major partner in this expedition, in recognition of its leadership role as a research and teaching university in biodiversity, as well as the lead training institution in producing future biodiversity experts in the country.

In over a month of field study in the Philippines, the expedition is making a comprehensive survey of both terrestrial and marine diversity, literally from the high mountain forests to the deep sea, with digital data capture and real-time communication. Among the places included in the expedition are Lake Taal, Anilao and the Verde Island Passage in Batangas as well as in Mt. Makiling in Laguna, Mt. Banahaw in Quezon, Mt. Malarayat in Batangas and Mt. Isarog in the Bicol region.

These 31 American expedition team members are joined by local botanists, entomologists, herpetologists, mammalogists and marine biologists from the University of the Philippines (UP), as well as from the De la Salle University, University of Batangas, the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture, and the National Museum of the Philippines. Science journalists and videographers from both the Philippines and the US are also part of the expedition.

The Philippines was chosen for this groundbreaking expedition because it is one of only three countries in the world which is considered as one of the hottest of the hotspots for diverse and threatened life on earth. “Our country is remarkably rich in biodiversity, from coral reefs to forests, rivers and lakes. Conservation of these resources is most critical to species survival, stable ecosystems and economic development on the Philippines and the world as well,” revealed Perry Ong, director of the UP Institute of Biology and co-chair of the UP Steering Committee – 2011 Philippine Biodiversity Expedition. “The extent of biological diversity in the Philippines is poorly known and new species are discovered with almost every scientific investigation. Much of the diversity is under threat due to human activity and non-sustainable utilization of resources,” Ong, a wildlife biologist, stressed.

“We are privileged that the Department of Tourism is extending assistance to this very significant expedition. From our overseas office in San Francisco to Manila-based Team North America, our humble contribution facilitated some logistical support, airport courtesies and domestic tours to the expedition members from start to finish,” Secretary Alberto Lim enthused. “We are looking forward to another presentation of their unprecedented findings during our Pinoy Homecoming Road Show in the US. With over one million visitors annually, the CAS shares its resources with Filipino partners as well as with other countries to help build in-country capacity for research, conservation and education while strengthening fruitful collaborations in these times of rapid climate change,” Lim added.

With the completion of the intensive study of shallow-water, deep-sea and mountain environments in some parts of Luzon, the preliminary results and conservation challenges will be presented to the public for the first time at a symposium entitled: ‘The 2011 Philippine Biodiversity Expedition’ on June 8, 2011 at the National Institute of Geological Sciences Auditorium, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. The symposium will provide the current state of knowledge about Philippine biodiversity, conservation challenges for the unique biota of the Philippines and discussions on developing effective strategies to mitigate the increasing impacts of climate change.

Source: www.gov.ph (http://www.gov.ph/2011/06/02/us-science-expedition-chooses-phl-for-biodiversity-study/)

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DA-BFAR to provide water pumps, fingerlings to those affected by fish kill

A June 2, 2011 press release by the Department of Agriculture (http://www.da.gov.ph/)

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said government will distribute an initial 50 water pumps to affected fish cage owners in Taal Lake, Batangas that will help aerate lake waters and improve oxygen level.

Also, the Department of Agriculture through its Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is ready to distribute over 1 million bangus and tilapia fingerlings to affected fish cage owners in Taal Lake and Pangasinan, once the oxygen level in their respective fish pen areas have stabilized and improved, Alcala said.

Speaking at the sidelights of the 60th anniversary of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management in Quezon City, Secretary Alcala said the DA-BFAR will hold a consultative meeting next week in Batangas with bangus fishcage owners and local government officials to come up with long-term, sustainable strategies and measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“What we need are permanent solutions. We can’t allow the same practices to go on after this unfortunate incident,” he said.

For his part, newly appointed BFAR national director Atty. Asis Perez said the agency is conducting regular daily monitoring of the situation in Taal Lake, and in the towns of Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan.

He said the DA-BFAR, even before the fishkill episodes in Batangas and Pangasinan, has been issuing regular advisories, particularly on maintaining recommended fish stocking levels, proper feeding, and on maintaining water quality. They have also advised fish cage owners to ‘de-populate’ by harvesting their fish early.

Perez said fish cage owners may temporarily keep their harvested fish for free at the DA’s Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) cold storage facilities in Navotas (which has a capacity of up to 100 tons) and in Lucena (with a capacity of 40 to 70 tons).

Perez said the fish kill may have been caused by natural and man-made causes.

In the case of Taal Lake, a natural phenomenon resulting from long dry spells to sudden rains causes a “water overturn” or upwelling that greatly reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water.

Further, fish cage owners in Taal Lake and in Pangasinan may have overstocked their pens and cages, in violation of the BFAR’s prescribed code of practice for aquaculture and local government ordinances on proper fish cage management.

“It was found out that some fish cages had been overstocked and the depth of the fish cage increased from the prescribed 5 meters to 15 meters. These wrong practices exacerbated the fish kills,” Perez said.

He said for closed water systems like in Taal Lake, the prescribed stocking density is 20 fish per cubic meter. For open waters, the stocking rate is 30 fish or more per cubic meter, depending on water circulation and quality.

Source: www.gov.ph (http://www.gov.ph/2011/06/02/da-bfar-to-provide-water-pumps-fingerlings-to-those-affected-by-fish-kill/)

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Guarantee fund for fishers affected by fish kill sought
06/02/2011 | 04:13 PM

A lawmaker has called on the government to immediately establish a guarantee fund for agricultural workers such as fishermen following the fish kill incidents in Batangas and Pangasinan.

In a statement issued Thursday, Butil party-list Rep. Agapito Gunlao said a guarantee fund, which will be called the State Agricultural Guarantee and Insurance Protection Funds (SAGIP) Fund under House Bill 1773, is imperative to cushion the impact of the millions of pesos lost by fishermen due to the fish kill incidents.

"I wish that President Aquino will see the immediate need for this measure. We are facing constant threats to our food security... We must protect our sources of food such as the local fish industry, but we must also protect those helping produce them," Gunlao said.

The party-list lawmaker compared the SAGIP Fund to the Home Guaranty or PAG-IBIG Fund to provide housing to poor Filipinos, only this time targeted towards farmers and fisherfolk.

An estimated 800 metric tons of fish perished in the province of Batangas due to low levels of oxygen in the area’s waters. Similar incidents of fish kill were also reported in Pangasinan.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources pegged the amount lost due to fish kill to P3 million, causing fish pen owners and workers to have bleak hopes of profit during the harvest season.

SAGIP Fund

Under HB 1773, the SAGIP Fund will be initially allocated P50 billion from both the government and a private sector. A corporate body, which will be known as the SAGIP Corporation, will manage this fund.

The measure proposes that the SAGIP Fund be used to provide farmers and fishermen who are members of the corporation with livestock and aquaculture insurances, loan guarantees, life insurances and social security benefits.

The bill is currently pending before the House committee on government enterprises and privatization. It will have to get a majority vote of all committee members before it is tacked at the House plenary. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222361/nation/guarantee-fund-for-fishers-affected-by-fish-kill-sought)

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BSU Board Topnotchers
Geodeticl Engineering



Geodetic Engineering
Name Rank Date of Exam
Jovito Matibag 6 August 1995
Jerson Zulueta 9 August 1995
Jennifer Macaraig 10 August 1995


Source: ares.batstate-u.edu.ph (http://ares.batstate-u.edu.ph/bsu/boardpassers/topnotchers.html)

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Malacanang orders dismantling of illegal fishpens in Taal Lake
02-Jun-11, 5:40 PM | Philippine News Agency

The government has ordered police to clear Taal Lake of illegal fish cages following a massive fishkill that has placed seven Batangas towns under a state of calamity. Malacañang on Thursday said the Department of Interior and Local Government will issue instructions to the Philippine National Police in Batangas to deal with the illegal fishpens as assessed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the DILG order is in line with an order from the Protected Management Area Bureau in 2009 recommending bringing down the number of fish pens to 6,000 from an initial high of 14,000.

“Unfortunately, some followed while some disregarded the order and so, as a result, we have this recent phenomenon of fishkill,” Lacierda said. “DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo will order the Batangas police to dismantle illegal fish cages in the municipalities surrounding Taal Lake,” he added.

He said that the PNP would also put up checkpoints within the province to prevent the proliferation of the "double-dead" fish in the market. “The PNP will be putting up checkpoints in those towns surrounding Taal Lake to prevent these fish from penetrating the wet market,” Lacierda added. At least 375 tons of milkfish (bangus) were killed in Taal Lake last week due to lack of oxygen in the water.

Source: www.interaksyon.com (http://www.interaksyon.com/article/4731/malacanang-orders-dismantling-of-illegal-fishpens-in-taal-lake)

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Foul-Plastik Styro All Star Basketball
Public Information Office
May 31, 2011

Isang naiibang kampanya sa malinis na kapaligiran kontra plastic at styro ang isinagawa sa Batangas City Sports Coliseum noong Sabado, ika-28 ng Mayo. Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng "All-Star Basketball Game For A Healthy Environment" na programa ng pamahalaang lokal.

Naging katuwang ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas sa proyektong ito sina Junel Baculi, Athletic Director ng National University at head coach ng Barako Bull, kasama si Aries Dimaunahan na isa sa mga star players ng nasabing team at at si Bobby Parks na 7-time PBA Best Import Awardee at PBA Hall of Fame.

Pinuri ni Dimaunahan ang kampanyang ito ng pamahalaang lokal para sa pangangalaga ng kapaligiran.

Inaasahan ng pamahalaang lungsod na sa pamamagitan ng mga kabataan ay mapapalawak ang kaalaman at kooperasyon ng mga mamamayan ukol sa pangangalaga ng kapaligiran. Una na rito ay ang pagbabawal sa paggamit ng plastic bags bilang lalagyan ng "dry goods" sa mga pampublikong lugar tulad ng pamilihan, government offices, plaza at iba pa. Ganoon rin ay ang pagbabawal sa paggamit ng styro bilang lalagyan ng pagkain. Ito ay nakasaad sa Batangas City Environment Code na nakatakdang ipatupad sa Hunyo.

Samantala ang nasabing Foul sa Plastc All Star Basketball game, ay pinangunahan ni Mayor Vilma Dimacuha sa pamamahala ng City Environment and Natural Resources Office at City Council for Youth Affairs. Dumalo rin dito si dating Mayor Eddie B. Dimacuha. (Ritchel Atienza, PIO Batangas City)

Source: www.batangascity.gov.ph (http://www.batangascity.gov.ph/pressrelease_newsflash_501.htm)

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Police Oplan Brigada Eskwela
Public Information Office
May 30, 2011

Ibayong police visibility ang ipatutupad sa pag bubukas ng pasukan sa Batangas City partikular sa mga pam publikong paaralan upang masiguro ang kaligtasan at maayos na pagpasok ng mga mag aaral.

Bilang paghahanda, inilunsad nila ang Oplan Balik Eskwela upang matutukan ang kaayusan at katahimikan ngayong darating na pasukan kung saan inaasahan ang pagdagsa ng mga estudyante sa mga paaralan.

Ayon kay P/Chief Insp. Julieta Rigat Deputy Chief of Police Batangas City, nag dagdag sila ng pulis sa mga schools para mag bantay sa kaayusan ng mga batang papasok. Patuloy din ang pag ikot ng kanilang mobile patrol na nag momonitor at check points ng mga sasakyan na papasok at lalabas sa lungsod.

Samantala, katulong ng mga pulis ang ibat-ibang organisasyon sa pagpapatupad ng oplan Balik Eskwela katulad ng Community Base Suport System o CBSS, Crime Watch Force o CWF, Defense and Security Service (DSS) Transportation Development and Regulatory Office (TDRO) Barangay Officials at Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team o BPAT na malaki ang maitutulong sa aktibong pakikilahok at kooperasyon sa komunidad sa pagsugpo ng kriminalidad at pag papanatili ng kaayusan at pangangalaga ng kapaligiran. (Liza Perez Delos Reyes, PIO Batangas City)

Source: www.batangascity.gov.ph (http://www.batangascity.gov.ph/pressrelease_newsflash_497.htm)

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AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2011
Public Information Office
May 30, 2011

Inalala ng isang Non-Government Organization sa pakikiisa ng Pamahalaang Lunsod ng Batangas ang mga namatay sa sakit na HIV o mga AIDS victims sa pamamagitan ng pagsisindi ng kandila na isinagawa sa People's Quadrangle noong May 30, 2011.

Ang AIDS candlelight memorial 2011 ay isang international event na ginugunita tuwing buwan ng Mayo upang alalahanin ang mga taong nasawi o namatay sa sakit na ito gayundin ang pagbibigay suporta at kalinga sa mga infected persons at kanilang pamilya na pinangunahan ni Papo Lardizabal, president ng BaRako Batangas at volunteer ng TLF Share Collective, Inc.

Ang tema para sa taong ito ay "Touching Lives" na ang paliwanag ni Aivan Alvarez, miyembro ng grupo, ay bukod sa malawakang paglaban sa HIV, isa ring advocacy at malawakang activism ay maabot ang apektadong pamilya ng mga infected person. Naglalayon din ito na maitigil ang discrimination at stigma laban sa mga biktima.

Matapos ang candle lighting ay nagkaroon ng seminar sa Teacher's Conference Center kasama ang kinatawan ng City at Provincial Health Office. Sa seminar ay binigyan ng update tungkol sa HIV, tinalakay din ang bilang ng kaso nito sa Pilipinas. Nagbigay rin ng malawakang impormasyon na makakatulong hindi lamang sa mga MSM kundi pati sa general population.

Nanawagan din siya sa mga tao na alamin ang karapatan at sapat na proteksyon sa sarili sapagkat lahat ay at risk sa STI o sexually transmitted infection. Sundin ang ABCDE upang maligtas sa sakit na AIDS. A - abstinence, B - be faithful, C - correct and consistent condom use, D - don't inject drugs at E - empowering people kung saan ang huli ang kasalukuyang ginagawa ng grupo.

Idinagdad pa niya na laging naka-agapay ang City at Provincial Health Office para sa STI screening at treatment kaugnay ng sakit na ito.

Sa Pilipinas, humigit-kumulang 6,669 na ang naitalang may HIV mula noong 1984 - Abril 2011. (Dimpy Lontoc Matienzo, PIO Batangas City)

Source: www.batangascity.gov.ph (http://www.batangascity.gov.ph/pressrelease_newsflash_495.htm)

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GKBCI
Public Information Office
May 31, 2011

Isang non profit organization ang naglalayong makatulong sa mga higit na nangangailangang mga mamamayan sa lungsod ng Batangas at ituro ang value inculcation at spiritual development.

Ito ay ang Gabay sa Kaunlaran ng Batangas City Inc o GKBCI na binubuo ng sampung myembro kung saan ang ilan sa kanila ay mga retired government employees, mula sa religious sector at mga Handmaid of the Lord.

Ang GKBCI ay accredited sa Securities and Exchange Commission at naitatag noong January 2009.

Ang vision ng samahan ay magkaroon ng responsable at mahusay na uri ng pamumuhay sa lungsod.

Naniniwala sila na ang pagbabago ay nararapat na simulan sa sarili at sa pag-uugali.

Ayon kay Gng Lolit Maligalig, isang retiradong anagement and audit Analys at internal auditor ng DSWD RIV-A , hangad nila na makatulong sa maliit o malaking paraan man. Masarap aniya ang pakiramdam kapag sila ay nakakatulong. Bukod sa tulong pinansyal, kaakibat nito ang kanilang oras, panahon at commitment.

Nagsimula sila mula sa limitadong pondo mula sa kani-kanilang bulsa.

Ilan sa kanilang mga proyekto ay ang feeding program at pamimigay ng school supplies sa mga kabataan ng Barangay 4 at Sitio Ferry ng barangay Kumintang Ibaba.

May siyam na kabataan ang nagsanay sa Buklod Unlad upang maging mga disaster reduction and mitigation volunteers.

Tinuturuan din nila ang naturang mga bata ng mga responsibilidad sa bahay at sa komunidad.

Nais ni Maligalig at ng kanyang mga kasamahan na maging mga agents of change ang mga myembro ng GBKCI youth group kung kayat bukod sa pagrorosaryo, tinuruan din nila ang mga ito ng kagandahang asal kagaya ng katapatan, kasipagan, paggalang, kalinisan at kaayusan.

Kaugnay nito, kaisa ng barangay ang nabanggit na mga kabataan sa paghihiwalay ng basura at paglilinis ng kapaligiran.

Para naman sa mga ina ng tahanan at mga kababaihan, nagkakaloob ang grupo ng Modular training package.

Ilan sa kanila ay sumailalim sa pagsasanay sa food processing o paggawa ng tocino, longanisa, hamonado at iba pa.

Ang iba naman ay tinuruan ng pagggawa ng siomai, puto, kutsinta sa tulong ng mga trainors mula sa Home Extension Division ng OCVAS.

Idinagdag pa ni Maligalig na ang GKBCI ay myembro din ng Batangas City Nutrition Council.

Plano nila na sa darating na Nutrition celebration ay magkaroon ng booth na magkakaloob ng demonstration sa paggawa ng nutritious at low cost recipes for feeding na gagamitan ng malunggay.

Lubos ang pasasalamat ng GBKCI sa Jollibee Rizal Avenue dahil sa ipinagkakaloob na Christmas Party para sa mga bata tuwing Pasko, bigas mula kay Librada Flores at scholarship grant mula sa City Women's League gayundin sa DSWD sa pagiging responsive nito sa kanilang mga referral para sa medical assistance.

Ayon pa rin kay Maligalig, plano ng kanilang samahan na ipagpatuloy ang pagsisilbi at pagtulong sa mga nangangailangan at umapela sa mga mamamayan na magkaloob o magbigay ng puhunan sa kanilang mga beneficiaries upang magamit sa pagsisimula ng maliit na negosyo.

Sa pagdaan ng panahon, hangad ng GKBCI na higit na mapagbuti at mapag ibayo ang kanilang pamamaraan ng pagtulong at paglilingkod sa kapwa. (Ronna Endaya Contreras, PIO Batangas City)

Source: www.batangascity.gov.ph (http://www.batangascity.gov.ph/pressrelease_newsflash_502.htm)

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CHED Scholarship
Public Information Office
May 31, 2011

Ang Commission on Higher Education o CHED ay patuloy na nagbibigay ng Financial Asistance Program para sa mga nagnanais ipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag aaral sa kolehiyo ngunit kulang sa kakayahang pinansyal. Kwalipikado rin dito ang persons with disabilities.


May Tulong Dunong Program para sa mga Solo Parents and their Dependents, Study Grants para sa mga Rebel Returnees, CHED - PASUC Study Grant Program at ang Loan Program na " Study Now, Pay Later Plan".

Ang mga nagnanais na mag apply ay dapat na filipino citizen at may good moral character. High school graduate o candidate for graduation sa high school. May average na hindi bababa sa 80%. Hindi lalampas ng 30 taong gulang, may pinagsamang gross income ang mga magulang na hindi tataas ng 300 libong piso at wala pang nakukuhang scholarship sa kahit alinmang programa ng gobyerno.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, maaaring magsadya sa Office of Student Services, 3rd Fl. HEDC Bldg. C.P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman Quezon City o tumawag sa telepono bilang (02) 441 1220 at (02) 385 4388. (Alvin M. Remo, PIO Batangas City)

Source: www.batangascity.gov.ph (http://www.batangascity.gov.ph/pressrelease_newsflash_500.htm)

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Campaign vs illegal fish cages
By GENALYN D. KABILING, RIZAL OBANIL and CHITO CHAVEZ
June 2, 2011, 7:20pm

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang Thursday ordered an intensified police crackdown on illegal fish cages in Taal Lake as well as sale of double-dead fishes in markets following the fish kill that has plagued Batangas province.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Batangas police department has been directed to dismantle illegal fish cages in the towns surrounding Taal Lake to resolve congestion that contributed to the fish deaths in recent days.

To ensure public health, Lacierda said police checkpoints will be established to transport and sale of double-dead fishes from fish kill-affected areas in markets.

“Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo will order the Batangas police department to dismantle illegal fish cages in the towns surrounding or municipalities surrounding Taal Lake. The PNP will also be putting up checkpoints in those towns to prevent the double dead fish from penetrating the wet markets,” he said in a press briefing at the Palace.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has sent an initial 50 water pumps to fish cage owners in Taal Lake to aerate the waters there and improve oxygen levels to prevent another fish kill.

Alcala added the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will also distribute more than a million bangus and tilapia fingerlings to fishpen operators in Taal and in Bolinao and Anda, Pangasinan to restock their pens and help them recover from their losses.

Alcala said the Department of Agriculture (DA) and BFAR will hold a consultative meeting next week in Batangas with bangus fishcage owners and local government officials to come up with long-term, sustainable strategies and measures to prevent fish kills in the future.

The dismantling of the illegal fish cages will be based on the assessment report provided by the Department of Environment and Natural Resource, Lacierda said.

Lacierda bewailed that some fishermen have established fish cages without permits despite the declaration of the entire Taal Lake as a protected area.

“In 2009, the Protected Area Management Board had a zoning map wherein they recommended the 49,000 fish cases be reduced to 6,000,” he said. “Unfortunately some followed, some disregarded this order and so as a result we have this recent phenomenon of fish kill,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture will also lend 50 water pumps to local government units in towns near Taal Lake to help the lake to produce oxygen.

Source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/320977/campaign-vs-illegal-fish-cages)

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BFAR offers free storage for fish kill-affected operators

Posted by admin2 on Jun 2nd, 2011 and filed under National. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will shoulder all fees for storing live fishes harvested by fish cage operators affected by the latest fish kill episode in Taal Lake in Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) cold storage facilities in Batangas province.

“We’ll pay whatever storage cost will be incurred,” said BFAR Director Asis Perez.

He noted BFAR decided on such intervention to help operators concerned cope with the disaster as “they’ve incurred significant losses already.”

“Government is also lending a hand to stabilize price and supply of fish,” he said.

BFAR decided on such intervention as immediately storing the fishes in cold storage facilities will help preserve and lengthen the shelf life of such produce, making these marketable and fit for human consumption.

“Refrigeration helps arrest decomposition,” noted BFAR information officer Melanie Guerra.

She said refrigeration slows down enzymatic and bacterial
activities in fishes, both of which are the main culprits of such produce’s decomposition.

“This is why we’re urging operators concerned to first immediately bring their fishes to PFDA’s storage facilities for refrigeration before delivering these to the market,” she said.

Leaving fishes exposed to the elements hastens decomposition of such produce, she noted.

BFAR continues calling for emergency harvesting in the fish kill-affected waters to recover as many live ‘bangus,’ ’tilapia’ and other fishes there as possible.

Perez reported BFAR’s latest monitoring shows the latest fish kill episode in Taal Lake already affected about 900 tons of fish there.

Such produce could have fetched a gate price of about P78 per kilo, he noted.

It is still unclear how much BFAR will pay PFDA since this amount will depend on volume of fish that will be stored.

“What’s been discussed is for PFDA to bill us later,” Perez said.

He noted fishes recovered dead from the disaster area must be disposed of already.

The PFDA storage facility nearest Taal Lake is in Lucena regional fish port (RFP) complex in Quezon province.

PFDA administers such complex and other RFPs in Navotas, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Camaligan, Sual, Davao and General Santos.

Perez expects the fish kill-affected operators in Taal Lake to deliver their live produce to Lucena RFP beginning this week.

BFAR earlier clarified fishes harvested in the fish kill area are safe to eat if these are still in a fresh state.

Fishes in such state have clear and glossy eyes, bright red gills, fresh odor, firm flesh and intact scales, BFAR said.

“All spoiled fish, regardless of species, are not safe to eat and therefore must be discarded,” BFAR warned.

Guerra said chemical contamination did not trigger Taal’s latest fish kill episode so fresh fishes there are fit for human consumption.

Perez confirmed oxygen depletion from natural upwelling in Taal Lake triggered such fish kill.

BFAR also earlier identified the unsound aquaculture practices of overstocking and overfeeding as exacerbating depletion the lake’s dissolved oxygen (DO) which fishes need to survive.

Monitoring reports reaching BFAR on June 1 show improving DO level in Taal’s fish kill-affected waters, however, Perez said.

“It’s nearing six parts per million (ppm),” he said.

He noted ‘bangus’ needs levels exceeding six ppm to survive.

Source: www.usnewslasvegas.com (http://www.usnewslasvegas.com/national/bfar-offers-free-storage-for-fish-kill-affected-operators/)

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DA-BFAR to provide water pumps, fingerlings in fish kill affected areas

Posted by admin2 on Jun 2nd, 2011 and filed under National. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the government will distribute an initial 50 water pumps to affected fish cage owners in Taal Lake, Batangas that will help aerate lake waters and improve oxygen level.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), is also ready to distribute over one million bangus and tilapia fingerlings to affected fish cage owners in Taal Lake and Pangasinan, once the oxygen level in their respective fish pen areas have stabilized and improved, Alcala said.

Speaking at the sidelights of the 60th anniversary of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management in Quezon City, Secretary Alcala said the DA-BFAR will hold a consultative meeting next week in Batangas with bangus fish cage owners and local government officials to come up with long-term, sustainable strategies and measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“What we need are permanent solutions. We can’t allow the same practices to go on after this unfortunate incident,” he said.

For his part, newly-appointed BFAR national director Atty. Asis Perez said the agency is conducting regular daily monitoring of the situation in Taal Lake, and in the towns of Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan.

He said the DA-BFAR, even before the fish kill episodes in Batangas and Pangasinan, has been issuing regular advisories, particularly on maintaining recommended fish stocking levels, proper feeding, and on maintaining water quality. They have also advised fish cage owners to “de-populate” by harvesting their fish early.

Perez said fish cage owners may temporarily keep their harvested fish for free at the DA’s Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) cold storage facilities in Navotas (which has a capacity of up to 100 tons) and in Lucena (with a capacity of 40 to 70 tons).

Perez said the fish kill may have been caused by natural and man-made causes.

In the case of Taal Lake, a natural phenomenon resulting from long dry spells to sudden rains causes a “water overturn” or upwelling that greatly reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water.

Further, fish cage owners in Taal Lake and in Pangasinan may have overstocked their pens and cages, in violation of the BFAR’s prescribed code of practice for aquaculture and local government ordinances on proper fish cage management.

“It was found out that some fish cages had been overstocked and the depth of the fish cage increased from the prescribed five meters to 15 meters. These wrong practices exacerbated the fish kills,” Perez said.

He said for closed water systems like in Taal Lake, the prescribed stocking density is 20 fish per cubic meter. For open waters, the stocking rate is 30 fish or more per cubic meter, depending on water circulation and quality.

Source: www.usnewslasvegas.com (http://www.usnewslasvegas.com/national/da-bfar-to-provide-water-pumps-fingerlings-in-fish-kill-affected-areas/)

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DA readies support for Taal’s fish kill-affected fisherfolk

Posted by admin2 on Jun 2nd, 2011 and filed under National. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and its Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will undertake interventions for helping fisherfolk concerned resume fish production in fish kill-ravaged parts of Taal Lake in Batangas province.

DA will initially provide 50 units of its own aerator pumps that’ll be submerged in the affected Taal waters to help generate oxygen fishes need to survive.

“Two million fingerlings of ‘bangus’ fish and another two million ’tilapia’ fingerlings are also ready for transportation to and distribution in the area,” said BFAR Director Asis Perez.

BFAR noted the fingerlings and/or fish fry will be given to fisherfolk meeting criteria for such assistance.

Although the affected fish producers have their respective aerators, Perez said agriculture chief Proceso Alcala still ordered provision of DA’s pumps to help increase availability of oxygen in Taal’s waters.

“DA will even send more pumps if needed,” Perez assured.

To help further ensure oxygen generation, he said Alcala also directed DA and BFAR to provide for free, if necessary, gas for operation of the department’s pumps.

Authorities earlier reported oxygen depletion from Taal Lake’s natural upwelling and fisherfolk’s unsound aquaculture practices there led to the fish kill last month.

Such unsound practices are over-stocking of fingerlings and excessive feeding of fishes.

Citing latest available information, Perez said Taal Lake’s latest fish kill already affected some 900 tons of fishes.

Such fishes could have fetched a gate price of about P78 per kilogram, he noted.

Perez said BFAR already sourced from its centers ‘bangus’ and ’tilapia’ fingerlings for raising in fish culture structures across the affected area.

He noted the area has about 5,000 to 6,000 fish culture structures.

“About three years ago, some 11,000 of such structures were there,” he said.

The decline resulted from Batangas provincial government’s campaign against illegal fish culture structures in Taal Lake, he noted.

He pointed out reduction in the number of such structures, BFAR’s continuing advocacy for sound aquaculture and clean-up of Taal’s tributary Pansipit River collectively helped boost fish production in the lake.

There was no fish kill episode in the lake for several years, he continued.

Earlier, BFAR called on fisherfolks, including operators of fish culture structures, to follow the agency’s guidelines on sound aquaculture practices.

BFAR noted such guidelines are already spelled out in ordinances of local government units (LGUs) having jurisdiction over aquaculture activities in their respective areas.

LGUs must also implement their respective fisheries ordinances and monitor fisherfolks’ regulatory compliance, BFAR added.

Source: www.usnewslasvegas.com (http://www.usnewslasvegas.com/national/da-readies-support-for-taals-fish-kill-affected-fisherfolk/)

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The Batangas State University or BSU (Filipino: Pambansang Pamantasan ng Batangas), formerly the Pablo Borbon Memorial Institute of Technology[1] or PBMIT (also known as Trade) is a government school having extensional campuses located throughout the Province of Batangas. The Main Campus I is located at Rizal Ave. Ext., Batangas City, Philippines; the center of BSU since its establishment as a university on March 22, 2001.[2] The BSU is one of the few technology-based curriculum schools found in thePhilippines. The term "Borbonians" often refers to the students, faculty, officers, and personnel of Batangas State University.

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Batangas State University's College of Accountancy building
Ongoing Construction

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Source: BSU Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Batangas-State-University-Official-Page/289270519551)

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PNP to dismantle illegal fish cages in Taal Lake – Malacañang

Posted by admin2 on Jun 2nd, 2011 and filed under National. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

The government is moving to prevent another fish kill episode from happening within Taal Lake in Batangas province by ordering local authorities to begin clearing up illegal fish cages that have been found to be responsible for depleting oxygen levels in the water.

Malacañang on Thursday said the Department of Interior and Local Government will issue instructions to the Philippine National Police in Batangas to begin dismantling illegal fish pens put up in Taal Lake based on an assessment report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the DILG order is in line with an order from the Protected Management Area Bureau in 2009 recommending bringing down the number of fish pens to 6,000 from an initial high of 14,000.

“Unfortunately, some followed while some disregarded the order and so, as a result, we have this recent phenomenon of fish kill,” Lacierda said.

“(So) today DILG Secretary (Jesse) Robredo will order the Batangas PD (police department) to dismantle illegal fish cages in the municipalities surrounding Taal Lake,” he added.

He said that the PNP would also put up checkpoints within the province to prevent the proliferation of the double-dead fish in the market.

“The PNP will be putting up checkpoints in those towns surrounding Taal Lake to prevent the double dead fish from penetrating the wet market,” Lacierda added.

At least 375 tons of milkfish (bangus) were killed in Taal Lake last week due to lack of oxygen in the water.

Source: www.usnewslasvegas.com (http://www.usnewslasvegas.com/national/pnp-to-dismantle-illegal-fish-cages-in-taal-lake-malacanang/)

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Will Jovit Baldivino Be Your Classmate?


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It's confirmed, he will enroll at University of Batangas...
He dreams of a better future. UB will help him achieve it.



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Source: Univesity of Batangas Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/tagaayos)

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NDRRMC: Losses from fish kill estimated at P115 million
06/02/2011 | 09:29 PM

The fish kill incidents in Pangasinan and Batangas provinces have caused at least P115.536 million in damage to fishpen operators so far, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC) said Thursday.

In its Thursday update, the NDRRMC said the figure includes P74.826 million in four villages in Batangas province alone.

"There were 164 ... fish cages (84 in Brgy Sampaloc, Talisay; 47 in Brgy Leviste, Laurel; one1 in Poblacion, San Nicolas; and 22 in Subic IIaya, Agoncillo which are owned by 23 fish cage operators. The estimated losses of bangus and tilapia fish kills in four barangays is 952.6 metric tons or P74.826 million," it said.


Municipal disaster management officials in Talisay in Batangas also distributed masks to the residents of the affected areas to help them cope with the stench of dead and rotting fish, the NDRRMC said.

In Pangasinan, it said 108 fish cages and 39 fish cage operators were affected by fish kill in Culang and Catubig villages in Bolinao and Mal-ong, Awag, Siapar and Narra villages in Anda town.

Losses from these areas were estimated at P40,710,300, the NDRRMC added.

The NDRRMC said there were also other "contributory factors" to the situation such as animal wastes in the Balete area in Batangas.

It also cited the non-implementation of an existing plan for good aquaculture practices such as observing a recommended depth of fish cages of five meters and proper feeding.

On the other hand, the NDRRMC noted the fish kill incidents that started last May 29 may have stemmed from changes in the water as a result of the heavy downpour brought by typhoon "Chedeng" (Songda). — KBK, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222395/nation/ndrrmc-losses-from-fish-kill-estimated-at-p115-million)

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LPU Batangas awarded as Philippines’ first IiP-recognized University
Jun 01 2011 | Last Updated on Jun 01 2011

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Relentless in giving justice to its “Taking the Lead” tagline, Lyceum of the Philippines University in Batangas reaped another “first” as the Investors in People (IiP) Philippine Recognition Panel awards IiP recognition to the university. Achieving the IiP Standard, LPU Batangas is the first academic institution to be IiP-recognized in the entire country. IiP is an international quality standard focused on people aimed at improving business performance. It was developed in the United Kingdom (UK) and introduced in 1991, primarily concerned on best practices in people management.

IiP Journey: An LPU Batangas Experience

The IiP recognition attained by LPU Batangas is an upshot of a long yet very worthy journey. In January 2009, the university had Feedback Meetings and Training Workshop, followed by an IiP Workshop in February same year. Came July, IiP was officially and formally launched to the LPU community and right there and then became very much a part of the system. First IiP Session took place in November 2009 while it was in December when the IiP Group Session was held. The following year, an IiP Orientation for Administrative & Teaching Staff was carried out by January, followed by an IiP Self Assessors Workshop last March 2010. During the month of May same year, LPU Batangas had the IiP Self Assessors Final Orientation. Review of IiP Assessment Guide, Meeting of IiP Internal Assessor and IiP Internal Asessment Opening Meeting happened a month after. By August 2010, gaps identified were already submitted, just in time for the November 2010 Focused Group Discussion. First month of year 2011, the university went through an IiP Trainors’ Training, an IiP On-Site Briefing and finally, the much awaited IiP On-Site Assessment. Came February 16, 2011, IiP Philippines and the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), the premier organization of human resource practitioners and people managers, released the result and congratulated LPU Batangas for the great achievement not just for passing the assessment, but also for being the first IiP-recognized university in the Philippines. Not just getting work done through people, but developing people through work, LPU Batangas is enjoying another remarkable repute --- this time in people management.

The School that Takes the Lead

Lyceum of the Philippines University - a name that resounds in the realm of the academe. What is in the name? LPU suggests the reputation of an established institution renowned for quality and excellence; the kind that is refined and tested through the years. As the endearing product of industry and passion for education, it was established in 1966 by a person with an equally resonating name – the late Senator Sotero H. Laurel. Leveraging on the philosophy of his father, Philippine President Jose P. Laurel- “Veritas et Fortitudo” (truth and fortitude) and “ Pro Deo et Patria” ( for God and country), Sen. Laurel carried the errand of providing an accessible and superior college education to the Batangas Province which he in turn bequeathed among his people. The vivacity of this errand is now being widened in scope as LPU Batangas (formerly Lyceum of BAtangas) introduces itself in the regional and national academic arena. To date, LPU bears with its name the following citations:


Granted Autonomous Status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
Certified ISO 9001:2008 (schoolwide) by Det Norske Veritas
First HRM program in the Philippines to be recommended as Center of Excellence by the CHED Technical Panel
First Tourism program in the Philippines to be recommended as Center of Development by the CHED Technical Panel
First Accountancy Program in Region IV and in the Philippines to be granted Level 3 Reaccredited Status by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA)
First Tourism Program in Region IV and in the Philippines to be granted Level 3 Reaccredited Status by PACUCOA
First Nursing Program in Region IV to be granted Level 3 Reaccredited Status by PACUCOA
First HRM Program in Region IV to be granted Level 3 Reaccredited Status by PACUCOA
First Marine Transportation Program in Region IV to be granted Level 3 Reaccredited Status by PACUCOA
First Marine Engineering Program in Region IV to be granted Level 3 Reaccredited Status by PACUCOA
Granted Level 3 Reaccredited Status for Business Administration and Liberal Arts by PACUCOA
Granted Level 2 First Reaccredited Status for Medical Technology, and Computer Science by PACUCOA
Granted Level 1 Formal Accredited Status for Master in Business Administration by PACUCOA
Deputized Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) HEI by CHED for BS Business Administration, BS Hotel and Restaurant Management, and BS Nursing
Affiliated with Dusit Thani College, the world-class hospitality institute of Dusit International


The aforementioned awards and recognitions are consonant to the university’s habit of excellence as it constantly produces a number of board topnotchers in various fields. As LPU continuously pushes itself to the pinnacle of reaching its goal - achieving optimum customer satisfaction and responding to the need of the present time and beyond, it likewise emerges as one of the sought after universities not only in the region but in the entire Philippines. To back track, LPU was awarded by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities-Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) as the number one among Colleges and Universities nationwide with the most number of accredited programs, Category A in 2006.
With the inspiration of Jose P. Laurel and Sotero H. Laurel, LPU Batangas is ready to persistently soar to the heights of prestige and excellence. And while embracing the challenge of the times, it is all set to do more of Taking the lead!

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Source: lpubatangas.edu.ph (http://lpubatangas.edu.ph/)

Read more, Click here (http://lpubatangas.edu.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77:lpu-batangas-awarded-as-philippines-first-iip-recognized-university&catid=5:colleges)

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LPU Batangas retains autonomous status
Jun 01 2011

After attaining the autonomous status from the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) by the virtue of Resolution R013 – 2009 dated October 06, 2009, Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) in Batangas had it renewed from the initial one-year period to another five years.
This autonomous status, which is the highest and most prestigious recognition given by CHEd, is a recognition of the quality of education that LPU Batangas provides as a result of its strong accreditation thrust alongside its in-place international quality assurance system.
Being an autonomous university, LPU Batangas has a significant measure of autonomy and freedom to offer new programs, innovate its curricula, open new campuses and give a competitive advantage to pioneer and innovate. Meanwhile, the school treats its status both as a reward and an obligation. Being Region IV’s first autonomous university with schoolwide international certification, it carries the obligation to continuously sustain and even accelerate the concerted commitment of everyone to implement robust programs in the university’s trifold function of Instruction, Research and Community Extension.

LPU Batangas shares such high standing with other autonomous universities in the Philippines like Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University (Taft), and University of Santo Tomas among others. As an autonomous university, LPU is moving towards the realization of its vision of being considered as one of the recognized universities the Asia Pacific Region, with the desire to contribute to the social upliftment of mankind --- for God and Country: PRO DEO ET PATRIA.

Source: lpubatangas.edu.ph (http://lpubatangas.edu.ph/)

Read more, click here (http://lpubatangas.edu.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78:lpu-batangas-retains-autonomous-status&catid=5:colleges)

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MOA-signing of VP Binay Scholarship Program

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Source: UB Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/tagaayos)

Click here (http://www.facebook.com/tagaayos
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Govt to help improve Taal Lake oxygen levels
06/02/2011 | 10:55 PM

To improve oxygen levels in fish kill-stricken Taal Lake, government will distribute at least 50 water pumps to fish cage owners in Batangas, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said Thursday.

In a statement, Alcala said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is also ready to distribute over a million milkfish and tilapia fingerlings to affected fish cage owners in Batangas and Pangasinan.

On the sidelines of the 60th anniversary of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management in Quezon City, Alcala said the BFAR will hold a consultative meeting in Batangas next week to discuss with stakeholders sustainable measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“What we need are permanent solutions. We can’t allow the same practices to go on after this unfortunate incident," Alcala said.

Meanwhile, newly-appointed BFAR national director Asis Perez said the agency is monitoring daily the situation in Taal Lake as well as in the towns of Anda and Bolinao and Pangasinan. Perez noted that BFAR had been issuing regular advisories even before the fish kill phenomenon started.

The fish kill in Batangas and Pangasinan have caused at least P115.536 million in damages to fish pen operators so far, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Thursday. — PE/VS, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222400/regions/govt-to-help-improve-taal-lake-oxygen-levels)

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Government to distribute water pumps in Batangas
Thursday, June 2, 2011

THE government will distribute an initial 50 water pumps to affected fish cage owners in Taal Lake, Batangas, a move that will help aerate and improve oxygen levels in the waters.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), is also ready to distribute over one million milkfish and tilapia fingerlings to affected fish cage owners in Taal Lake and Pangasinan towns, once oxygen levels in their respective fish pen areas have stabilized and improved.

Next week, the bureau will hold a consultative meeting with fishcage owners and local government officials in Batangas to come up with long-term, sustainable strategies and measures to prevent similar incidents, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said in a statement issued Thursday.

“What we need are permanent solutions. We can’t allow the same practices to go on after this unfortunate incident,” he added.

BFAR National Director Asis Perez added that the agency is conducting regular daily monitoring of the situation in Taal Lake, and in the towns of Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan.

Abrupt cooling down of temperatures caused by heavy rains resulted in a massive drop of oxygen levels in fish cages.

Fish cage owners in Taal Lake and in Pangasinan may also have overstocked their pens and cages, violating the BFAR’s prescribed code of practice for aquaculture and local government ordinances on proper fish cage management.

“[S]ome fish cages had been overstocked and the depth of the fish cage increased from the prescribed five meters to 15 meters. These wrong practices exacerbated the fish kills,” Perez said.

The incident has prompted a party-list lawmaker to seek the establishment of a guarantee fund to protect the fishers.

Butil Farmers Party party-list Representative Agapito Guanlao said his proposed legislation seeks to establish the Sagip Fund, a guarantee fund designed for the agriculture and fisheries sector.

“This is similar to the Home Guarantee Fund the government gives for decent housing for the poor. I believe that our farmers and fisherfolk has to be given the same kind of protection,” he said.

The BFAR has estimated the losses in Taal Lake at 700 metric tons and another 50 to 70 metric tons in Anda and Bolinao towns.

Meanwhile, damages due to the lack of oxygen in the water have reached P141 million, Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda in a Palace briefing.

To prevent another wave of fish kill, Lacierda said Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered local authorities to dismantle illegal fish cages that have been found to be responsible for depleting oxygen levels in the water.

He said DILG order is in line with an order from the Protected Management Area Bureau in 2009 recommending bringing down the number of fish pens to 6,000 from an initial high of 14,000.

“Unfortunately, some followed while some disregarded the order and so, as a result, we have this recent phenomenon of fish kill,” he stressed.

He added that the PNP would also put up checkpoints within the province to prevent the proliferation of the double-dead fish in the market.

Lacierda meanwhile advised the public to follow the reminders of the government regarding the consumption of double-dead fish.

Seven towns in Batangas have been placed under state of calamity including Talisay, Agoncillo, Laurel, San Nicolas, Cuenca, Alitagtag, and Sta. Margarita following the massive fish kill. (Kathrina Alvarez/Jill Beltran/Sunnex)

Source: www.sunstar.com.ph (http://http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/06/02/government-distribute-water-pumps-batangas-158994manila/local-news/2011/06/02/government-distribute-water-pumps-batangas-158994)

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Police to remove illegal fish pens in Taal
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/02/2011 10:44 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Illegal fish pens in Taal Lake were ordered to be dismantled by the Department of Interior and Local Government on Thursday, as these have been found to be the reason for the recent fish kill phenomenon.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the dismantling of illegal fish pens in the area is in line with the recommendation of the Protected Area Management Bureau in 2009 to reduce the number of fish pens from 14,000 to 6,000.

“Unfortunately, some followed while some disregarded the order and so, as a result, we have this recent phenomenon of fish kill,” Lacierda said.

“[So] today, DILG Secretary [Jesse] Robredo will order the Batangas PD [police department] to dismantle illegal fish cages in the municipalities surrounding Taal Lake,” he said.

Lacierda added that checkpoints will be put up by the PNP to prevent double-dead fish to penetrate wet markets.

In Quezon City, an estimated 150 kilos of double dead milkfish or “botcha” from fish vendors were confiscated at Samson Road, Balintawak.

Meanwhile, DILG Secretary Robredo said there are currently about 8,000 fish pens in Taal.

Robredo said it will take 2 to 3 weeks to bring the number down to 6,000.

Illegal fish cages have been found to be responsible for depleting oxygen levels in the water, leading to the deaths of some 375 tons in Taal Lake.

In Talisay alone, the town's agriculture office said around P33 million worth of fish or around 335 tons of fish have died, which could have provided food for around 335,000 families.

source:www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/02/11/police-remove-illegal-fish-pens-taal)

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Govt to help improve Taal Lake oxygen levels
06/02/2011 | 10:55 PM

To improve oxygen levels in fish kill-stricken Taal Lake, government will distribute at least 50 water pumps to fish cage owners in Batangas, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said Thursday.

In a statement, Alcala said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is also ready to distribute over a million milkfish and tilapia fingerlings to affected fish cage owners in Batangas and Pangasinan.

On the sidelines of the 60th anniversary of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management in Quezon City, Alcala said the BFAR will hold a consultative meeting in Batangas next week to discuss with stakeholders sustainable measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“What we need are permanent solutions. We can’t allow the same practices to go on after this unfortunate incident," Alcala said.

Meanwhile, newly-appointed BFAR national director Asis Perez said the agency is monitoring daily the situation in Taal Lake as well as in the towns of Anda and Bolinao and Pangasinan. Perez noted that BFAR had been issuing regular advisories even before the fish kill phenomenon started.

The fish kill in Batangas and Pangasinan have caused at least P115.536 million in damages to fish pen operators so far, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Thursday. — PE/VS, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222400/regions/govt-to-help-improve-taal-lake-oxygen-levels)

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400 teachers hit by food poisoning
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/03/2011 12:04 AM

BATANGAS, Philippines – Around 400 teachers suffered from food poisoning in San Jose, Batangas.

The teachers all came from a seminar in San Jose and were served adobo, believed to be the cause of the poisoning.

The contaminated food was served by a catering service owned by Louie Viceral.

Viceral said, in his 20 years in the catering industry, this is the first time an incident like this happened.

“Hindi naman natin gusto ang nangyari. Pagkain yan siyempre. May ref naman ang sasakyan namin,” he said.

One of the victims was a 3-month-old pregnant teacher from Ludlod High School Leizel Dee.

Seventeen of the victims are being treated in San Jose District Hospital. They are being monitored by health officials. -- Report from Ernie Manio, ABS-CBN Batangas

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/02/11/400-teachers-hit-food-poisoning)

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Dahil sa fishkill: 7 bayan sa Batangas isinailalim sa state of calamity!
Friday, June 3, 2011, 1:24

IDINEKLARA KAHAPON NI Batangas Vice Governor Jose Antonio Leviste II ang state of calamity sa pitong bayan sa lalawigan dahil sa fishkill.

Ayon kay Leviste, napagdesisyunan ng Batangas Provincial Board noong Miyerkules ang resolusyon na nagdedeklarang nasa ilalim ng state of calamity ang mga bayan ng Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Alitagtag, Cuenca at Sta. Teresita.

Sampung milyon piso ang calamity fund na inaprubahan ng provincial board para itulong sa mga naapektuhang bayan.

Ayon kay Rosario Del Mundo ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, umabot na sa P76.6-M ang halaga ng mga namatay na isda. (Parazzi Investigative Team)

Pinoy Parazzi News Service

Source: www.pinoyparazzi.com (http://www.pinoyparazzi.com/dahil-sa-fishkill-7-bayan-sa-batangas-isinailalim-sa-state-of-calamity/)

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Prelate wants end to fish farming in Taal Lake
Published Date: June 3, 2011

A CATHOLIC archbishop called for an end to fish farming in the northern province of Batangas after tons of dead fish surfaced in the waters of Taal Lake on Monday.

Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa said that aside from being an eyesore, the fish farming operations are killing the lake, declared a protected area by the government.

Dead milkfish and tilapia began floating on Taal Lake on May 26 and by May 31 the dead fish reached over 900 metric tons.

Seven towns in the province are now under a state of calamity, while prices of fish took a dive following the kill.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the province of Pangasinan is also experiencing the same problem, which is due to lack of oxygen in the water because of overpopulation in fishponds.

BFAR Assistant Director Felipe Tabios Jr. said operators had been told to limit the fish in the pens to maintain a healthy level of oxygen.

“We just have to wait. We told the operators not to put fish in the fishponds yet because they will compete for oxygen,” Tabios said in a radio interview. He said they will test the water daily and it will take weeks or months before the oxygen level returns to normal.

“In fact, I am pleased with the fish kill of bangus (milkfish) and tilapia because they will kill Taal Lake like they did in Laguna de Bay,” said Archbishop Arguelles.

The prelate called on the government to make the lake “100 percent fish cages free” to save it before it is too late.

“The lake should be returned to Batangueños because most of its investors and operators are Koreans and Taiwanese,” he said.

Arguelles the economic benefits the people could get from the fish farms in the lake is only temporary compares the damage it will create.

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Tons of dead fish floating on Taal Lake (photo: ABS-CBN TV)

Report from ucanews.com (http://www.cathnewsphil.com/2011/06/03/prelate-wants-end-to-fish-farming-in-taal-lake/)

Source: www.cathnewsphil.com (http://www.cathnewsphil.com/2011/06/03/prelate-wants-end-to-fish-farming-in-taal-lake/)

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PNP to dismantle illegal fish cages in Taal Lake – Malacañang

MANILA, June 3 (PNA) -- The government is moving to prevent another fish kill episode from happening within Taal Lake in Batangas province by ordering local authorities to begin clearing up illegal fish cages that have been found to be responsible for depleting oxygen levels in the water.

Malacañang on Thursday said the Department of Interior and Local Government will issue instructions to the Philippine National Police in Batangas to begin dismantling illegal fish pens put up in Taal Lake based on an assessment report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the DILG order is in line with an order from the Protected Management Area Bureau in 2009 recommending bringing down the number of fish pens to 6,000 from an initial high of 14,000.

“Unfortunately, some followed while some disregarded the order and so, as a result, we have this recent phenomenon of fish kill,” Lacierda said.

“(So) today DILG Secretary (Jesse) Robredo will order the Batangas PD (police department) to dismantle illegal fish cages in the municipalities surrounding Taal Lake,” he added.

He said that the PNP would also put up checkpoints within the province to prevent the proliferation of the double-dead fish in the market.

“The PNP will be putting up checkpoints in those towns surrounding Taal Lake to prevent the double dead fish from penetrating the wet market,” Lacierda added.

At least 375 tons of milkfish (bangus) were killed in Taal Lake last week due to lack of oxygen in the water. (PNA)

Source: positivenewsmedia.net (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Main_News_1/PNP_to_dismantle_illegal_fish_cages_in_Taal_Lake_Malaca_ang.shtml)

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AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2011
Public Information Office
May 30, 2011

Inalala ng isang Non-Government Organization sa pakikiisa ng Pamahalaang Lunsod ng Batangas ang mga namatay sa sakit na HIV o mga AIDS victims sa pamamagitan ng pagsisindi ng kandila na isinagawa sa People's Quadrangle noong May 30, 2011.

Ang AIDS candlelight memorial 2011 ay isang international event na ginugunita tuwing buwan ng Mayo upang alalahanin ang mga taong nasawi o namatay sa sakit na ito gayundin ang pagbibigay suporta at kalinga sa mga infected persons at kanilang pamilya na pinangunahan ni Papo Lardizabal, president ng BaRako Batangas at volunteer ng TLF Share Collective, Inc.

Ang tema para sa taong ito ay "Touching Lives" na ang paliwanag ni Aivan Alvarez, miyembro ng grupo, ay bukod sa malawakang paglaban sa HIV, isa ring advocacy at malawakang activism ay maabot ang apektadong pamilya ng mga infected person. Naglalayon din ito na maitigil ang discrimination at stigma laban sa mga biktima.

Matapos ang candle lighting ay nagkaroon ng seminar sa Teacher's Conference Center kasama ang kinatawan ng City at Provincial Health Office. Sa seminar ay binigyan ng update tungkol sa HIV, tinalakay din ang bilang ng kaso nito sa Pilipinas. Nagbigay rin ng malawakang impormasyon na makakatulong hindi lamang sa mga MSM kundi pati sa general population.

Nanawagan din siya sa mga tao na alamin ang karapatan at sapat na proteksyon sa sarili sapagkat lahat ay at risk sa STI o sexually transmitted infection. Sundin ang ABCDE upang maligtas sa sakit na AIDS. A - abstinence, B - be faithful, C - correct and consistent condom use, D - don't inject drugs at E - empowering people kung saan ang huli ang kasalukuyang ginagawa ng grupo.

Idinagdad pa niya na laging naka-agapay ang City at Provincial Health Office para sa STI screening at treatment kaugnay ng sakit na ito.

Sa Pilipinas, humigit-kumulang 6,669 na ang naitalang may HIV mula noong 1984 - Abril 2011. (Dimpy Lontoc Matienzo, PIO Batangas City)

Source: www.batangascity.gov.ph (http://www.batangascity.gov.ph/pressrelease_newsflash_495.htm)

2011 May Flower Tapusan Festival Sa Alitagtag, Batangas
Posted on 02 June 2011
Poste by Joel (http://www.wowbatangas.com/author/joel/) to http://wowbatangas.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/wowbatangas-logo.png (http://www.wowbatangas.com/features/arts-and-culture/2011-may-flower-tapusan-festival-sa-alitagtag-batangas/)

Mahigit pitumpung taon nang ipinagdiriwang ng munisipalidad ng Alitagtag ang Pilipinong tradisyon ng Tapusan. At magpasahanggang ngayon, hindi pa din kumukupas ang nasabing gawain; manapay lalo pa itong rumangya.

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Kung tutuusin ay maihahambing ang nasabing pagdiriwang sa Panagbenga ng Baguio at sa kung ano pa mang kilalang mga festivals ng bansa. Pero ang mas nakakabighani sa Tapusan ng Alitagtag ay hindi sumesentro sa kita ng turismo o sa kung anumang diwa ng komersyo ang engrande nilang selebrasyon dahil mas binigyan nilang pansin ang kanilang mga panata at ang pagpunyagi sa Mahal na Birheng Maria.

Mas authentic, kumbaga.

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Ang Tapusan ay idinaraos tuwing huling araw ng Mayo. Kasama sa mga aktibidades ng tapusan sa Alitagtag ang pag-aalay ng bulaklak sa simbahan, prusisyon ng mga magagarbong Floats na nagtataglay ng mga samut-saring bulaklak, replika ng mga magagandang tanawin sa Pilipinas, imahe at rebulto ng Birheng Maria at pagsagala ng mga bata at nakatatandang mga mamayan ng Alitagtag.

Nakakatuwang malaman na mayroon ding lumahok na mga taga- ibang lugar tulad ng taga- Cavite na si Princess Cruz na pitong taong gulang pa lamang ay nagpapakita na ng pagpapahalaga sa mga ganitong klase ng tradisyon. “Sobrang willing n’yang pumarada,” sambit ni Laurito Cruz nang akin syang tanungin ukol sa rason ng pagdalo ng kaniyang anak.

Akin ding nakausap si Ginoong Ruben Mojares ng Lipa Camera Club. Mula pa noong dekada otsenta ay isa na siyang enthusiast nang photography at isa na nga sa mga napili niyang at ng kaniyang grupong puntahan ngayong taon ay ang Tapusan ng Alitagtag. Aniya, “Magaganda kasi ang mga subjects (for photography) dito lalo na ngayon at may paligsahan pa ng floats.”

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Naturingan ng Float Capital of The Philippines ang Alitagtag, Batangas dahil na din sa husay at ganda ng kanilang mga ginagawang mga floats na kontodo ilaw at kung anu ano pang mga kasapakat; meron pang gumamit ng aerial fireworks na lalong nagbigay diin sa karangyaan ng kani- kanilang mga obra.

Hindi maikakaila na ang mga floats ay pinagbuhusan ng oras,pera, pawis, at syempre, talento.

Ang nasabing paligshan ay may mga kategoryang: Most Impressive Float , Most Attractive Float , Most Artistic Float, Most Creative Float, Most Symbolic Float ,Most Historical Float, Most Majestic Float , Most Magnificent Float, Most Fabulous Float , at Most Elegant Float.

Heto ang mga barangay na nakilahok at ang kani- kanilang mga kapisanan at Hermano Mayores: Barangay Poblacion East, Samahan ng Kabataan, Kap. Samahan ng Kabataan; Barangay Poblacion East/ West, Flores de Mayo, Kap. Flores de Mayo; Barangay Poblacion West, Diwa ng Kabataan, Engr. Rodel Jasa and Family; Barangay Dalipit West, Samahan ng Pagkakaisa, Grandchildren of Ex- Mayor Zacarias Maralit; Barangay Dalipit East, Perlas ng Silangan, Kap. Perlas ng Silangan; Barangay Pinagkrusan, Bukang Liwayway, Kap. Bukang Liwayway; Barangay Dominador East, Bahay Kubo, Engineer. Rolando Catapang and Family; Barangay Dominador West, Bagong Samahan, BC Florencio Villanueva and Family; Barangay Concepcion, Bulaklak sa Mayo,SALACON (Samahan ng Kalalakihan sa Concepcion); at Barangay Balagbag, Kapisanan ng Bagong Pagasa, Kap. Ng Bagong Pag- asa.

Ang mga tumayo bilang mga hurado ay sina Architect Robert Arambulo,Taal Active Alliance Legion (T.A.A.L.) Officer;Chona Andal, Batangas Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Administrative Officer 5; at JC Parker, TV Celebrity.

Sa pangkalahatan, ang mga tema ng floats ay umikot sa pagmamahal at pagpupuri sa Birheng Maria, kapayapaan, pangangalaga sa kalikasan at pagkakaisa. Bawat float ay may detalyado at natatanging disenyo na nagpamangha sa bawat taong nakakita sa mga ito.

Ang prusisyon ng mga float ay pinapangunahan ng sagala at musiko (marching band) at sinusundan naman ng mga magdadasal. Tinatayang umabot sa 200,000 pesos ang gastos sa isang float. “Magastos pero ito ay bahagi na din ng sakripisyo” ika ni Ginoong Paul Macalintal, Secretary General ng Southern Tagalog Tourism Council at dating Hermano Mayor .

Hindi na rin mahulugang karayom ang daan na pinuno ng mga manunuod na sumusuporta sa kani-kanilang mga pambatong float na halos hindi na rin makausad dahilan nga sa mga taong nakapaligid.

Panay naman ang pagpapasalamat ng Punongbayan na si Francis Anthony Andal sa kanyang mga constituents na nagpamalas ng diwa ng bayanihan na naging buhay na ng Tapusan sa Alitagtag. “This is our own little place in history”, pagmamalaki niya.

Isa sa mga nakahalubilo ko sa Alitagtag ay ang isa sa mga sumagala na si Gia Ilagan, disi- otso anyos, na hindi na din mabilang kung ilang beses na siyang lumahok sa Tapusan. Tinanong ko siya kung mayroon pa ba siyang balak na sumali sa susunod na Tapusan. “Oo naman, kung bibigyan ng pagkakataon, bakit hindi?” kaniyang sangguni.

Oo nga naman.

Sa ganito kagarbong at tunay na makabuluhang selebrasyon, sino nga naman ang tatanggi?

At sana’y maging ehemplo ang bayan ng Alitagtag na hindi lamang ipinapakilala ang mga tradisyong tulad ng Tapusan sa kabataan; bagkus ay lalo pa itong pinapayabong

Source: www.wowbatangas.com (http://www.wowbatangas.com/features/arts-and-culture/2011-may-flower-tapusan-festival-sa-alitagtag-batangas/)

One of the best website...

Read more, click here (http://www.wowbatangas.com/features/arts-and-culture/2011-may-flower-tapusan-festival-sa-alitagtag-batangas/)

About the author
joel - who has written 7 posts on WOW Batangas.
Joel Cubillas is a graduate of B.S. Education Major in English. When not writing, he finds solace in bathing Becky (boxer) and Ponggok (Askal). He claims he’s a 90’s soul and would favor Gary Payton over Lebron in any given time of the day.

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Rosalinda Taping at Heritage Villa
Taal, Batangas
Sugod Shooting
Photos by Luz Candaba (http://www.pinoyparazzi.com/mamumukadkad-na-si-rosalinda-taping/)

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Source: www.pinoyparazzi.com (http://www.pinoyparazzi.com/mamumukadkad-na-si-rosalinda-taping/)

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Pinoy Brother Taping at Nasugbu, Batangas
Nasugbu, Batangas
Sugod Shooting
Photos by Allan F. Sancon (http://www.pinoyparazzi.com/housemates-ipinatapon-sa-isla/)

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Source: Allan F. Sancon (http://www.pinoyparazzi.com/housemates-ipinatapon-sa-isla/)

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FAITH Students won first gold medals in World Robotics Olympiad

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may take another another 10 years for the Philippines to win any gold medal in the Olympics but certainly not with the Philippine Robotics contingent. After only joining for 5 years at the World Robotics Olympiad, the Philippines finally got its first gold medal from a group of young Batanguenos.. High school students from First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) in Tanauan City, Batangas brought home the champion's trophy in the open category of the World Robotics Olympiad in Nanjing China for their entry "Rossum's Unversal Restaurant, El Batangueno Coffeeshop."
Kim Marco Perez, Dann Joseph Garcia and Francisco Gabriel Nunez impressed the judges with its entry inspired by Karel Capek's play "Rossum's Universal Robots." Where the term "robotics " was first used. Their entry outsmarted 30 other countries which included robotics giants such as Japan, China, Singapore, and Denmark
Their design features a big doll house which is actually a restaurant scene where a waiter robot serve's freshly brewed Batangas coffee, the cashier, security guard as well as the customers were all robots made from Lego. It features the new NXT Lego model. The native flair to the entry gave them the gold medal and a trophy. This year's competition had humanoids, or robots which display human-like characteristics and behavior, as its main theme.

Team coach Merlina Placino, whom I find very friendly and accommodating each time we meet during the national competitions deserved a round of applause and a standing ovation for bringing home the gold medal. Their team won the rights to represent the Philippines in the World Robotics Olympiad after beating other schools such as La Salle Greenhills, Grace Christian High School , Claret School, and Philippine Science High school in the National Robotics Olympiad.

Sadly they arrived last weekend from China without any fanfare nor given a ticker tape parade and not a single cash incentive was ever given to them. They also equally deserve the honors given to our two sports heroes.

Source: pinoyteachersnetwork.blog-city.com (http://pinoyteachersnetwork.blog-city.com/filipinos_on_top_of_the_world.htm)

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Batangas Provincial Science High School - Calaca, Top Performing sa Pilipinas
February 1, 2011

Muling kinilala ang Batangas nang tanghaling Top Performing Public Secondary School of the Philippines sa 2010 National Achievement Test (NAT) ang Batangas Provincial Science High School ng Calaca noong ika-20 ng Enero.

Ibinase sa bilang ng estudyante at nakuhang Mean Percentage Score (MPS) sa NAT ng lahat ng paaralan sa bansa ang nasabing parangal na pinamunuan ng Department of Education (DepEd) kasama ang National Association of Public Secondary Schools of the Philippines (NAPSSPHIL) sa pakikipagtulungan ng Bureau of Secondary Education (BSE) at National Education Testing and Research Center (NETRC).

Ang BPSH ay napabilang sa cluster 5 kung saan dalawampu’t pitong (27) mag-aaral ang nakakuha ng 85.68 na average MPS sa apat na learning areas na English, Science, Filipino at Mathematics; at nakakuha naman ng 94.81 MPS ang mga nasabing mag-aaral sa Mathematics.

Tinanggap ni G. Michael Ularte ang pagkilala sa pambungad na programa para sa 3rd NAPSSPHIL Principals Congress na ginanap sa Bohol Tropics, Tagbilaran City. Nakasama ng BPSH na pinapurihan sa dinaluhang pagtitipon ang mga high schools mula sa Dapitan City, Romblon, Samar, Dinagat Island, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Iloilo at Negros Oriental. - Kristina Marie Joy B. Andal

Entrance Examination

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Source: www.batangas.gov.ph (http://www.batangas.gov.ph/index.php?p=27&type=2&sec=1&aid=215&pg=7)

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200 kg tainted fish seized in QC; 2 people arrested
06/03/2011 | 07:43 AM

Authorities seized in Quezon City before dawn Friday some 200 kilos of fish believed to be from areas in Batangas and Pangasinan that were affected by a recent fish kill incidents.

An estimated 200 kilos bangus and tilapia were being unloaded at Balintawak Market along Old Samson Road when authorities showed up, according to a report by radio dzBB's Manny Vargas.

Quezon City veterinary office head Dr. Ana Maria Cabel also said the team managed to arrest at least two people at the market, initially identified as Resy Mateo and Marlon Isaro.

Mateo and Isaro face charges for violating the Sanitation Code and Consumer Act.

Cabel said the team went to the site after receiving a tip that the "double dead" fish was being unloaded there.

Authorities have been monitoring markets in Metro Manila since a fish kill in late May affected fish cages in Pangasinan and Batangas.

Last Thursday, authorities seized 400 kilos of double-dead fish in Quezon City, and 85 more kilos of such fish in Pasay City.

Measures in place

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said measures are in place against bringing the tainted fish to Metro Manila.

BFAR Region IV-A OIC director Esmeralda Manalang noted Taal Lake in Batangas supplies 27 percent of fish in Metro Manila markets.

"Under new BFAR director Asis Perez, we have created monitoring teams to make sure tainted fish do not reach Metro Manila markets. We have the cooperation of the local government units concerned on the matter, and they will block attempts to bring the fish to markets," she said in an interview on dzXL radio.

Demolition of fish cages

After the Taal Lake fish kill, a Catholic bishop in Batangas called for the dismantling of fish cages there.

Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said that aside from being an eyesore, the fish cages are killing the lake, which he said is a protected area.

“I’m thankful that the tawilis and maliputo were spared from the fish kill. Bangus and tilapia are non-native species of the lake and are killing the lake... In fact, I am pleased with the fish kill of bangus and tilapia because they will kill Taal Lake like what they did in Laguna Lake," he said in an article posted Thursday on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines news site.

Arguelles also called on the government to make the lake “100-percent fish-cages free" to save it.

The CBCP said some 800 metric tons of dead bangus and tilapia have been seen floating in Taal Lake near Talisay town since Thursday.

“The lake should be returned to Batangueños because most of its investors and operators are Koreans and Taiwanese," Arguelles said.

Other than maliputo and tawilis, the world’s only commercial freshwater sardine, the lake is also home to endemic species duhol, one of the only three freshwater snakes in the world.

Arguelles said the economic benefits the people could get from the fish farms in the lake is only temporary compared to the damage it will create.

But he said many people focus on immediate economic gain irrespective of the damage to the same sources they are dependent on. — LBG, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222410/nation/200-kg-tainted-fish-seized-in-qc-2-people-arrested)

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TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN, 03 June 2011, 8:00 A.M.
Friday, 03 June 2011 06:43

Taal Volcano’s (14.0000°N, 120.9833°E) seismic network recorded four (4) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Field measurements conducted last 31 May 2011 at the western sector inside the Main Crater Lake showed that the water temperature increased from 32.5°C to 32.9°C, and the pH value became more acidic decreasing from 2.72 to 2.60. Bubbling activity was observed at the middle portion of the Main Crater Lake. Results of the ground deformation survey (precise leveling) conducted around the Volcano Island last 26 April - 03 May 2011 showed that the volcano edifice inflated slightly relative to the 05-11 April 2011 survey. Measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emission rates last 03-04 May 2011 at Taal Main Crater Lake yielded a value of 2,057 tonnes per day (t/d) which is above the background level.

Alert Level 2 is still in effect over Taal Volcano, with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by the continuing high emission rate of CO2 being released in the Main Crater Lake and sustained seismic activity. Hence, PHIVOLCS advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965-1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Breathing air with high concentration of toxic gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation. In addition, it is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately relayed to all concerned.

DOST-PHIVOLCS

Source: www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph (http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/)

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Public warned vs stale fish
By JM Agreda
Friday, June 3, 2011

FISHERY officials warned the public Thursday against spoiled fish being peddled in the market at low prices following a series of fish kills in Bolinao and Anda in Pangasinan and Taal Lake in Batangas.

In a public advisory, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported that fish from these areas are safe to eat if they are still fresh. If they have been spoiled due to hours of floating in the water, consuming it could lead to health problems and must be discarded.

Characteristics of stale fishes include reddish dull sunken eyes, brownish to gray gills, stale or putrid odor, soft flesh and bleached color with scales easily removed, the Department of Agriculture (DA) attached bureau reported.

A team from BFAR-Cordillera led by Director Rebecca Dang-awan conducted inspections on supply of fish coming into the city and briefed fisherfolk on the ongoing weather changes that cause the fish kill.

The fish kill in the coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda are due to man-made causes, such as improper fish cage management and overcrowding of fish in the cages.

As of Thursday, around 50 to 70 metric tons of fish have been affected in Bolinao and Anda in Pangasinan, and 500 metric tons in Taal Lake in Batangas.

The impact of these losses on the total production is less than one percent, as the target fish production for the year is around 5.36 million metric tons, BFAR reported.

In the affected areas, apart from a decrease in farm gate price by almost 50 percent because of the surplus, supply is not affected since the region has other sources of fish aside from Bolinao and Anda.

BFAR also advised fish cage operators in affected areas to harvest their fish stocks immediately and bring them to nearby government fish ports.

The agency will also provide fish fry or fingerlings to affected fish farmers, specially the marginalized ones if they pass criteria set by the agency.

Source: www.sunstar.com.ph (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2011/06/03/public-warned-vs-stale-fish-159114)

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Dahil sa fishkill: 7 bayan sa Batangas isinailalim sa state of calamity!
Friday, June 3, 2011, 1:24

IDINEKLARA KAHAPON NI Batangas Vice Governor Jose Antonio Leviste II ang state of calamity sa pitong bayan sa lalawigan dahil sa fishkill.

Ayon kay Leviste, napagdesisyunan ng Batangas Provincial Board noong Miyerkules ang resolusyon na nagdedeklarang nasa ilalim ng state of calamity ang mga bayan ng Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Alitagtag, Cuenca at Sta. Teresita.

Sampung milyon piso ang calamity fund na inaprubahan ng provincial board para itulong sa mga naapektuhang bayan.

Ayon kay Rosario Del Mundo ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, umabot na sa P76.6-M ang halaga ng mga namatay na isda. (Parazzi Investigative Team)

Pinoy Parazzi News Service

Source: www.pinoyparazzi.com (http://www.pinoyparazzi.com/dahil-sa-fishkill-7-bayan-sa-batangas-isinailalim-sa-state-of-calamity/)

kakaawa naman ang mga bayang ito. malaki laking investment ang nawala sa mga negosyante.

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Bangus krisis; 7 bayan sa paligid ng Taal Lake nasa state of calamity
Friday, 03 June 2011 11:16 Gabriel Cardinoza at Inquirer Northern Luzon

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DAGUPAN City—Halos 80 porsyento ang nawawala sa benta ng mga nagpapalaki ng bangus at mga wholesaler sa magka-tabing bayan ng Binmaley at Mangaldan buhat ng tamaan ng malawakang fishkill ang dalawang bayang sa kanlurang Pangasinan noong Mayo 29, ayon sa mga opisyal kahapon.

Sa Batangas City, sinabi ni Vice Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste III na pitong bayan na nakapalibot sa Taal Lake ang isinailalim na sa state of calamity dahil din sa malawakang fishkill.

Dahil sa deklarasyon, maaari nang ipamahagi ng mga kinauukulan ang paglabas ng P10 milyon upang matulungan ang mga apektadong residente ng Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Alitagtag, Cuenca at Sta. Teresita.

Isinisi ng Malacañang ang pangyayari sa Batangas sa asphyxiation (kawalan ng oxygen sa tubig) bilang resulta ng overstocking—na itinanggi naman ng mga lokal na opisyal—kaya nakaamba na si Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo na ipabaklas na ang mga iligal na fish pen sa lawa ng Taal.

Reklamo ni Julie Ann Perez, pangulo ng Malimgas-Aliguas Dagupan Vendors’ Federation, na apektado ang benta nila kahit wala naman daw fishkill sa Dagupan, Binmaley at Mangaldan.

Source: www.libre.com.ph (http://www.libre.com.ph/news-a-events/current-news/5947-bangus-krisis-7-bayan-sa-paligid-ng-taal-lake-nasa-state-of-calamity-)

kakaawa naman ang mga bayang ito. malaki laking investment ang nawala sa mga negosyante.

I believe what Arch bishop Arguelles says that the economic benefits the people could get from the fish farms in the lake is only temporary compared to the damage it will create. So I support the church’s petition calling the government for totally banning on the use of active, commercial and other forms of destructive fishing, zoning and totally abolish fish cages in the lake in order to protect our unique native animals such as maliputo and tawilis, the world’s only commercial freshwater sardine and endemic species duhol, one of the only three freshwater sea snakes in the world.

The Taal volcano considered the world's smallest active volcano and surrounding by a majestic lake should be returned to Batangueños because most of investors and operators of these fish cages are Koreans and Taiwanese.

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Local fishers plagued by consumer fears after massive fishkill
Friday, 03 June 2011

Bangus and other fish sales in Dagupan City are now dropping significantly because of the consumers' fear of eating contaminated fish, after the massive fish kill in Batangas early this week.

The Department of Health earlier warned the public about eating “double-dead” fish following reports that some people in Batangas were eating fish that are long dead but are still sold in the market instead of throwing them away.

Malimgas-Aliguas Dagupan Vendors' Federation president Julie Ann Perez said consumers “were not buying for fear of contaminated products from fish kill-hit areas.”

“Bangus producers and us, wholesalers, are really affected... despite the fact that there is no fish kill in Dagupan, Binmaley, and Mangaldan,” Perez added.

Officials said bangus growers and wholesalers in Dagupan City have lost at least 80 percent in sales.

In Dagupan, Perez said the price of bangus dropped from P90 to P50 per kilo. Prices of other fish varieties have also gone down such as lapu-lapu (now P250/kilo) and malaga (P100/kilo).

Meanwhile, seven towns surrounding Taal Lake in Batangas City are under a state of calamity following the fish kill.

A P10 million fund was released to provide assistance to the affected residents of Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Alitagtag, Cuenca, and Sta. Teresita towns.

“This would affect much of the town's income. More than half of our population depends on fishing for livelihood,” Talisay town Mayor Zenaida Mendoza told the Inquirer.

According to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) officer-in-charge for CALABARZON Paz Manalang, Batangas lost 972.6 metric tons of bangus, biya, apta, katanga, siliw and muang fish varieties worth P76.586 million.

Manalang added that the lake's water will stabilize in one or two months since the lake only has 3.71 parts per million (ppm) of dissolved oxygen, still far below the acceptable 6 ppm.

Although denied by local officials, Malacanang said asphyxiation as a result of overstocking had caused the massive fish kill.

“Secretary [Proceso] Alcala yesterday said that this is caused by the greed of some people because some of the fish cages, he said, are stacked double deck,” presidential spokesman edwin Lacierda said.

Earlier, Rose del Mundo of Batangas BFAR pointed to the drop in temperature as the reason behind the fish kill.

“If the dissolved oxygen drops and it rains, the fish cannot breath and they die,” Del Mundo said.

Source: www.thepoc.net (http://www.thepoc.net/breaking-news/local/12276-bangus-industry-dropping-due-to-consumer-fears.html)

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'Stomach-turning' stench of rotting fish engulfs Taal Lake
JM TUAZON, GMA News
06/03/2011 | 12:29 PM

Tons of rotting fish are washing ashore on Taal Lake, creating an overpowering stench that is causing nausea among many residents.

Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste said that the provincial government is currently stumped about how to dispose of the dead fish in one of the gravest crises the province has faced in recent years.

"It's a chicken-and-egg situation. Hindi pa namin alam kung ano ang uunahin --kung idi-dispose ba muna ang mga isda, o i-re-relocate ang mga residente," Leviste said in an interview with GMA News Online, adding that the government is still looking for a place away from the lake to dump the rotting fish.

Reporting from Talisay, Batangas, GMA News’ Rawnna Crisostomo described the smell of tons of rotting fish as “stomach-turning", relaying residents’ urgent appeal to address the mounting crisis.

In Talisay, tons of dead fish have been placed in a dump site in Barangay Beach, adjacent to residential areas, spreading a stench described in Tagalog as “masangsang," according to Crisostomo.

“The stench sticks to your skin and clothes," she said, having been assigned to the area for several days now.

An estimated 1,800 metric tons of fish have died in a massive and widespread fishkill that began last weekend, attributed to mismanagement of the lake combined with an abrupt change in the lake’s water temperature with the onset of rainy season.

Fish cages in the lake far exceed the limit imposed by local governments. The excess fish feed rots and becomes organic matter in the lake, consuming oxygen that the fish also need to survive.

Searching for dump sites away from communities

The effort to retrieve dead fish from fish cages isn’t going as fast as the fish are decomposing.

Leviste noted that some fish-pen owners have been illegally disposing dead fish, now considered pollutants, into the open water, creating more headaches for authorities.

In an interview with GMA News TV's "News to Go," Leviste said at least 40 metric tons of dead fish so far have washed ashore in the municipalities of San Nicolas and Agoncillo in Batangas.

"This will definitely not make things easier for us, especially sa pagkokoletka at pag-di-dispose ng isda," he stressed, adding that fish-pen owners should be more responsible so as not to aggravate the situation.

Dead fish released into the lake will still float and can be retrieved, albeit with more difficultly, Leviste said.

"Pero once na mabulok yan, 'yan ay lulubog sa ilalim ng lawa ng Taal. Kapag lumubog 'yan, magiging pollutant na 'yan, at magiging cause ng pagkasira ng lawa," he warned.

Leviste said there are no concrete plans yet as to what they would do with the recovered dead fish, but added that some ideas have already sprung up.

"Right now we are looking into putting it in a rural area, far from residential areas where people will be affected by the smell," he said.

He identified the municipalities of Rosario, Tanauan and Nasugbu in Batangas as possible disposal areas for the recovered fish.

Leviste also discouraged residents from turning the dead fish into by-products such as dried fish and fish sauce, which some have already proposed.

"Hindi namin hinihikayat na isugal pa nila ang kanilang kalusugan para lang makatipid," he insisted.

Some of the dead fish have already been fed to captive crocodiles.

He said the provincial government of Batangas has already set aside 10 million pesos from their calamity fund to help address the worsening situation, which has already lasted a week. – HS, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222438/regions/stomach-turning-stench-of-rotting-fish-engulfs-taal-lake)

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Statement of the Presidential Spokesperson on revitalizing the bangus industry, June 3, 2011

Statement of Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda:

On the efforts to revitalize the bangus industry in the wake of the Pangasinan and Batangas fish kills

[Released on June 3, 2011]

The way forward for the hard-hit bangus industry in Batangas and Pangasinan calls for a stronger partnership between national and local authorities.

A triple dilemma at present: the disposal of tons of fish kill; the interdiction of fish kill so that it won’t be sold in public markets; and the revitalization of the industry and the restoration of public confidence in bangus products, requires all concerned to work together and not at cross-purposes.

As the DENR has pointed out, Taal Lake is a protected area and the optimum number of fish cages should be 6,000. The hard choice local administrators have to make, and which industry players need to abide with, is to maintain a healthy limit on fish pens if the industry is to be sustainable. There are no ifs and buts about it. The Department of Agriculture is assisting in mitigation measures such as lending pumps to aerate the water in Taal Lake: but our Agriculture and Environmental authorities agree that sustainability depends on regulation and a corresponding self-control on the part of fish pen owners.

Sustainability includes maintaining a healthy water quality where fish pens are located. The national government will be assisting fish pen owners by providing bangus fingerlings for the restocking of bangus stocks. But this can only be done when the water quality is restored, and can be maintained, to allow fingerlings to develop properly.

The plight of the bangus industry in Batangas and Pangasinan shows that if local authorities and fish pen owners do not closely cooperate in ensuring the sustainability of the bangus industry, nature will inflict its own corrective mechanisms, leading to even greater disruptions which should not be repeated. And the public, too, will vote with its pocket.

We are confident that as much as this is a harsh lesson in that more needs to be done, eventually much more can and will be done. It is in everyone’s interest to pay attention to the science of it all, so that what emerges is a revitalized and rationalized bangus industry able to generate income and jobs in a sustainable manner.

Source: www.gov.ph (http://www.gov.ph/2011/06/03/statement-of-the-presidential-spokesperson-on-the-revitalizing-the-bangus-industry-june-3-2011/)

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Govt orders illegal fish pens dismantled
by Maricel Cruz and Othel V. Campos
Friday, June 3, 2011

THE government has ordered the dismantling of illegal fish cages that have depleted oxygen levels in Taal Lake and resulted in a wave of fish kills, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Thursday.

He said police in Batangas had been tasked to dismantle the illegal structures, and in line with a 2009 recommendation from the Protected Area Management Board that the number of fish pens in the lake be brought down to 6,000 from 14,000.

The police had also been tasked to put up checkpoints in the towns surrounding the lake to prevent people from bringing the fish kills to wet markets, Lacierda said. More than 800 tons of milkfish have died in Taal Lake.

Health inspectors in Pasay City on Thursday seized more than 80 kilos of milkfish in three public markets. Earlier, health officials confiscated about 150 kilos of tainted milkfish from the Balintawak market in Quezon City.

Authorities have blamed the sudden drops in temperatures and the lack of oxygen in the water for the fish kills. As a result, the government had started distributing pumps to aerate the waters in the affected areas in Batangas and Pangasinan, where the fish kills were reported, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said Thursday.

“In addition, we will be distributing fingerlings to help fish cage operators start over,” he said.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources was preparing to distribute over a million milkfish and tilapia fingerlings to fish cage owners in Taal Lake, Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan as soon as the oxygen levels there had improved, Alcala said.

The Fisheries Bureau is spearheading a consultative meeting next week in Batangas with fish cage owners and local government officials to discuss strategies to prevent fish kills in the future.

“What we need are permanent solutions,” Alcala said.

“We can’t allow the same practices to go on after this unfortunate incident.”

Newly assigned Fisheries Director Asis Perez said the agency was monitoring the situation in Taal Lake and in the towns of Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan daily.

The bureau had been advising fish cage owners on the recommended stocking levels, proper feeding, and water quality maintenance even before the recent fish kills, Perez said. The bureau had also advised fish cage owners to “depopulate” by harvesting their fish early. With Ferdinand Fabella

Source: www.manilastandardtoday.com (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideNews.htm?f=2011/june/3/news4.isx&d=2011/june/3)

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The bangus, the tilapia, and the fish cages of Taal
Posted by: Ed Lingao (http://www.pcij.org/blog/?p=6488)
June 3, 2011 at 4:01 pm

THE bangus, the Philippines’ national fish, and the tilapia, many Filipino’s fish of choice, are in crisis again. And so are the two fish-growing provinces of Pangasinan and Batangas that have recently been hit by a fish kill so massive, supposedly the worst ever to visit the country in decades. The toll, by the latest official estimates: About a million metric tons of dead and rotting fish, and a P115-million financial drain on the fishing industry.

A state of calamity has been declared in seven towns surrounding Taal Lake in Batangas, while two towns in Pangasinan have seen an 80 percent slump in bangus sales.

Officials have blamed the disaster on asphyxiation because of the crowding of commercial fish cages around Taal Lake.

But it is not the first time this fish kill has occurred.

Three years ago, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) ran a three-part investigative report on the problem of unregulated fish cage operations in Taal Lake, which had been declared a protected area as early as 1996. The proliferation of fish pens has been blamed for the seasonal fish kill that has plagued the bangus industry.

The report written by PCIJ Fellow Marlon Alexander S. Luistro in June 2008 also looked into how government and fish cage operators could have saved the lake from dying without sacrificing the livelihood of those who depend on bangus.

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The report was named a finalist in the 2008 Developing Asia Journalism Awards (DAJA) of the Asian Development Bank Institute that was held in Tokyo, Japan.

GREED and the lack of political will have caused led to the overcrowding of fish cages, polluting the country’s third largest lake. Photo courtesy of Balikas.

In the first part of his report, Luistro describes the deterioration of Taal, the country’s third largest lake, because of the proliferation of illegal fish pens set up by greedy or clueless businessmen. Adding to the problem are laws without teeth, local official without foresight, and implementing agencies with limited manpower.

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TAAL Lake’s murky and foul-smelling waters. Photo courtesy of Baliktas.

In the second part of his report, Luistro discusses how local politics and legal loopholes have exacerbated Taal’s woes. Municipal governments of towns bordering Taal Lake earn from permits and licenses issued to fish cage operators. More importantly, many local governments see the aquaculture industry as a major source of jobs, and are thus reluctant to regulate its growth. Some local government units also balk at the idea of dismantling illegal fish pens because of the potential political backlash from their constituents.

Part three of the report describes the concerted efforts of some local and national agencies, local government units, and communities to save the lake and stave off disaster. But that was three years ago, and the bangus, the tilapia, and Taal Lake, are in a massive mess once more.

Source: www.pcij.org (http://www.pcij.org/blog/?p=6488/)

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Fishkill costs P115 million in losses, spreads to Ilocos Sur
03-Jun-11, 4:16 PM | Abigail Kwok, InterAksyon.com


MANILA, Philippines – The fishkill that hit several provinces over the past two weeks has caused close to P115 million in losses even as police reported that it had spread to Ilocos Sur.

The hardest hit so far, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, has been Batangas province, where 952.6 metric tons of bangus (milkfish) and tilapia in 164 fish cages, mostly in Barangay Sampaloc, Talisay town, have died. Other affected villages are Leviste in Laurel, Poblacion in San Nicolas and Subic Ilaya in Agoncillo.

The NDRRMC placed the losses in Batangas at P74.826 million.

Early this week, massive fishkill was also reported in Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan, hitting 108 fish cages and causing losses of P 40,710,300.

In ilocos Sur, police said 5,000 tilapia, or around 300 kilograms, were lost in the fish cages of Loryann Fudaroso in Barangay Don Lorenzo Querubin, Caoayan town last week. The dead fish were buried.

In related developments, the Department of Interior and Local Government on Friday ordered the dismantling of illegal fish pens along the shorelines of Talisay and Laurel towns in Batangas following the fishkill that hit Taal Lake.

In a directive issued to Batangas police director Senior Superintendent Rosauro Acio, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said the owners of illegal fish pens have a week to dismantle the structures and dispose of affected fish.

“After a week, if the illegal fish pen owners would still refuse to dismantle their fish cages, the local police, in coordination with the local officials, would lead their dismantling,” he ordered.

Talisay Mayor Zenaida Mendoza said more than 500 metric tons of milkfish and tilapia were found floating in at least 84 fish cages in Barangay Sampaloc.

Climate change, along with the excessive input of feeds and other chemicals, have been blamed for the fishkill.

Source: www.interaksyon.com (http://www.interaksyon.com/article/4806/fishkill-costs-p115-million-in-losses-spreads-to-ilocos-sur)

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Batangas vice gov: Mismanagement may have caused fish kill
CARMELA LAPEÑA, GMA News
06/03/2011 | 03:01 PM

"Mismanagement" of fish cages in Taal Lake may have led to the massive fish kill that has placed seven towns in Batangas under a state of calamity, an official of Batangas province said Friday.

"[Ang nangyari ay] magkahalong man-made at natural disaster. Experts say it is a man-made disaster because of irresponsible management of fish cages," said Batangas vice governor Mark Leviste in an interview on News to Go Friday morning.

According to Leviste, the maximum depth of a fish cage is 5 meters. But some cages are 15 meters deep, three times the maximum depth.

Also, he said some fish cages are placed on top of each other, suffocating fish such as tilapia and bangus.

"Overfeeding or irresponsible feeding of the fish is another factor," Leviste said.

Comparing fish to babies, he said: "Bilang magulang iniisip natin na the more we feed the child, habang ito'y tumataba at lumalaki, iniisip natin lumulusog, which is actually not the case. Ang iniisip ng ibang fish-cage operators natin, kung mas marami ang pinapakain nila sa kanilang mga isda, mas mabilis ang pagbigat ng mga ito upang madaling maibenbeta," he said.

"But fishes, just like kids, can only take so much. Yung mga hindi makakain ay nagiging residue at natatambak sa ilalim ng lawa, at ito'y pollutant sa lawa ng Taal," he added.

Lack of monitoring

Leviste said that he and Governor Vilma Santos are staunch advocates of dismantling and limiting fish cages in Taal Lake.

"Dahil nakikita namin ang importansya sa pangangalaga ng lawa dahil ang pride and glory ng Batangas," he said.

He stressed that taking care of Taal Lake is a responsibility of concerned local government units, adding that LGUs are also responsible for the regulation of fish cages in the lake because they release the permits for operation.

While the campaign to dismantle and remove fish cages in Taal Lake has had positive results, Leviste admitted the LGUs might have become complacent.

"Siguro naging complacent na rin nang kaunti, may mga ibang nakakalusot na nagdadagdag ng fish cages kaya dumarami ang mga ito," he added, noting that even with continuous monitoring by Task Force Taal Lake was not enough to cover every corner of an area as large as Taal Lake.

"Mula dito sa karanasang ito, kami ay magmo-monitor nang mas maigi, siguro kailangan balikan yung aming sistema para siguraduhin na hindi maulit and fish kill," Leviste said.

National government agencies such as the DENR, BFAR and DILG will also help police Taal Lake, he added.

In last Thursday's rounds, Task Force Taal Lake visited towns affected by the fish kill.

In a report on GMA's News To GO, Rawnna Crisostomo said San Nicolas town mayor Epifanio Sandoval said dead tilapia were taken out from the water, and that the town cleaned of tons of rotting tilapia fish.

Last Sunday, an estimated 100 tons of dead tilapia were washed ashore in San Nicolas town's side of the lake.

According to Mayor Sandoval, he could not imagine how the incident happened because he had instructed fish cage owners in the area to contain the dead fish in the cages so the rotting they could be disposed of properly.

The task force noted that Talisay town was not affected by the fish kill, but it said there were unlicensed fish cages there that should have been dismantled in compliance with Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo's orders to do so.

Although the task force did not visit Agoncillo town, the mayor there had admitted the dead tilapia may have come from their town.

Lack of dumpsites

"Ang kakulangan ng dumpsite ay isa sa pinaka malaking problema namin ngayon," said Leviste.

In Talisay town, there are no more disposal sites that can be identified, but private land owners were not very cooperative, Leviste said.

The last batch of fish disposed from Talisay was brought to adjacent barangays of other towns.

"Naisip po namin, government to government coordination na po. May ilang idle properties tayo sa rural areas sa Batangas na malayo sa residential centers na siguro pwede nating paglagyan ng mga bilasa o patay na isda," said Leviste.

He emphasized that if people are patient with the collection and disposal process, they can avoid dead fish polluting Taal Lake.

Help from government

Leviste said Governor Santos had immediately sent out engineering equipment such as backhoes, dump trucks as well as manpower to help in the cleanup and disposal.

He said they had also delivered sacks of lime to lessen the stench in the disposal sites.

"Ginagawa na po ang lahat," he said, adding that several towns were placed under a state of calamity in order to allow the use of calamity funds.

"Kasama na po ang livelihood asst sa ating mga kababayan na naapektuhan ng fishkill tragedy," he added.

Asked whether residents should be evacuated from areas where the stench is almost unbearable, he said, "Titingnan po namin agad yan."

"Parang chicken and egg po yan eh. kung hindi po natin idi-dispose ito, saan naman natin ilalagay yung mga isda o basura na ito? Ngayon dahil nga nandun na sa isang lugar, sa disposal site, concerned rin tayo sa kalagayan at kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan," said Leviste.

He said that the Provincial Information Office as well as the Provincial Agriculturist are already focused on the issue. "Ako mismo ay bibsita po diyan at titingnan ang kalagayan," he added.

"Tayo po ay gagawa ng inventory para ma-identify kung sino ang bibigyan ng support at tulong lalo na yung mga local fisherfolks natin," he said.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will distribute at least one million fingerlings to offset the loss from the fish kill tragedy, which is estimated to have caused P74.826 million by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. — LBG, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222451/regions/batangas-vice-gov-mismanagement-may-have-caused-fish-kill)

SHOW ‘EM UP 4: BUMP N BRAG 2011
Posted on 03 June 2011
Posted by: Gerlie Katimbang (http://www.wowbatangas.com/author/yana/) to http://wowbatangas.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/wowbatangas-logo.png (http://www.wowbatangas.com/features/show-em-up-4-bump-n-brag-2011/)

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Do you want an extra exciting weekend? Bladespeed Autosports in partnership with Batangas Provincial government present, SHOW ‘EM UP 4: BUMP N BRAG 2011, Your ride to tourism, your ride for the street children. This event wil be held at Provincial Capitol grounds, June 3-5 2011.

Aside form the car show, they will also be having the following activities: rc drift, dog show, modelling, bike and skates exhibition and different photography clubs photo exhibits.

Bladespeed Autosports is a non-profit organization of car enthusiasts that pioneered the car show events in Batangas City. Consisting of more than one hundred members (100+), their car events had been successful that became a great contributing factor to their passion in helping the street children and other community and charitable activities.

Source: www.wowbatangas.com (http://www.wowbatangas.com/features/show-em-up-4-bump-n-brag-2011/)


One of the best websites...

Read more, click here (http://www.wowbatangas.com/features/show-em-up-4-bump-n-brag-2011/)

About the author
Gerlie Katimbang - who has written 319 posts on WOW Batangas.
Gerlie F. Katimbang is a former college instructor at Batangas State University. She is a graduate of BS Development Communication Major in Journalism and has taken MA units in English Language and Literature Teaching.

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Corito's Garden
Balete, Batangas

Corito's Garden is a sanctuary tucked the Balete, Batangas. They have 2 pavilions and 16 Bali-inspired villas available for rent. Perfect for events, weddings, corporate planning sessions, etc.

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Source: Coritos Garden Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/coritosgarden)

For more details and bookings, please visit : Coritos Garden Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/coritosgarden)

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Corito's Garden
Balete, Batangas

Corito's Garden is a sanctuary tucked the Balete, Batangas.

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Source: Coritos Garden Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/coritosgarden)

For more details and bookings, please visit : Coritos Garden Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/coritosgarden)

Cintai – Corito’s Garden (There’s Bali in Balete)
Posted on 03 June 2011
Posted by: Dyan Hernandez (http://www.wowbatangas.com/towns-and-cities/balete-towns-and-cities/cintai-coritos-garden-theres-bali-in-balete/) to http://wowbatangas.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/wowbatangas-logo.png (http://www.wowbatangas.com/towns-and-cities/balete-towns-and-cities/cintai-coritos-garden-theres-bali-in-balete/)


On the left side of the road, around a hundred meters past the Balete arch, is yet another destination worth discovering. You will see a wooden gate that says Corito’s Garden. And that’s what you’ll be reading about in this post.

Cintai – Corito’s Garden

Cintai is the Indonesian translation of the word love. The garden resort was named after Corito, the wife of the owner Mr. Ramon Palma Gil, a Davao native. They acquired the property in 2006 after falling in love with Batangas, specifically that spot in Balete.

The place served as a weekend house for the couple and their four children. It was also where Corito spent her days as she battled the illness which took away her life in 2007. Due to that untoward event in the lives of the Palma Gils, Sir Ramon gave all his effort to develop the property, turn it into a place of bliss and total relaxation, all for the love of his children and most especially, of Corito.

Bali in Balete

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more wall carvingsWhile I was taking down my questions which I’ll be utilizing for my interview with Cintai’s manager, Ms. Cathy Maralit, I thought of this ear-friendly subtitle for this article, “Bali in Balete”. When you roam around Cintai, you would see and experience a mix of Filipino and Balinese both in the architecture and the ambiance of the garden resort.

Ms. Cathy shared that the supposed theme of the resort was Mexican. And then the couple went to visit Bali, Indonesia. Apparently, the island captured their hearts. It’s like they brought Bali back home and their points of admiration were transformed into structures and fixtures in their Balete property thus, giving Cintai – Corito’s Garden that “close to Bali perfection”.

First Year of Operation

Cintai was completed after five years of careful landscaping and intricate construction of the resort features. Cintai formally opened in January of this year. As I’ve said earlier, the garden resort is a mix of Filipino and Balinese. Whatever you see, it’s either made in the Philippines or bought and flew in from Bali.

the huge Balinese gate going to Pavilion PatriciaSir Ramon does not have any formal training in architecture and design but having the passion to build Cintai and preserve all the wonderful memoirs he created with his family, this garden resort will catch you in awe. Another good thing about having Cintai in Balete is the employment that the owners provide for the locals. The staff members of the resort are either from Balete or the nearby towns.

Balinese Structures

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Among the notable features in Cintai are the Balinese stone carvings and architectural designs strategically located in various points of the resort. The one Gerlie and I got too excited to see is the large wooden door situated in the middle of huge stone statues which may either make kids laugh or get scared. They seemed to be the representations of ancient Balinese gods.

Everywhere you go, you’d see either a statue of a Balinese god or a wall with elaborated carvings of again, the gods of this Indonesian island.

Resort Features

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inside Pavilion PatriciaProbably the feature that tops the list of awesomeness in Cintai is the Pavilion Patricia. Of all the resort pavilions here in Batangas, this is perhaps the most “bongga” of them all. It’s too grandiose to describe every detail. See inserted picture for a preview of this pavilion.

Currently, there are two pavilions in Cintai (Patricia and Andrea) and another two to rise soon. These pavilions were built away from each other and away from the villas so if there is an event happening in a certain pavilion, the guests staying in the villas won’t be disturbed.
There are 18 villas categorized as the Terrace, the Garden Villa, and the Villa with Jacuzzi and Pocket Garden.

Of course, being a resort, Cintai has four swimming pools – the two larger ones are located in the lower part of the resort near the villas while the two smaller ones are near the Pavilion Patricia.

a wider view of Cintai from the Pavilion AndreaOh, and don’t be surprised if while walking around the resort you’ll meet a gaggle of geese or a peacock – these animals are roaming in the vicinity. And if you hear a yelling sound of a bird, that’s made by one of the two eagles in a huge cage. Don’t try to mimic the ‘oo oo, ah ah’ of a monkey if you don’t want to hear a continuous echo of a real one. Haha. There’s this naughty monkey in Cintai which I’ll be warning the girls not to get near him. Wink.

Don’t worry about leisure activities for your kids. There’s a playground near the biggest swimming pool so your kids can play while you’re having a dip in the pool.

Other Resort Details

How much will it cost you to enjoy a day tour in Cintai? P1,500 for an adult and P600 each for children below 7 years old. Rates are quite pricey, yes. These rates cover the use of the resort facilities and a lunch meal. Cintai does not have a target class, basta afford mo, welcome ka dito.

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a villa in Cintai - Corito's GardenIf you want an overnight stay, you can stay in the villas and experience luxury, the Balinese style. The Terrace Villa for a max of 4 pax is at P8,500/night; the Garden Villa for a max of 6 pax is at P12,000/night; Villa with Jacuzzi, Pocket Garden & Breakfast for a max of 6 pax is at P18,000/night.

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Cintai – Corito’s Garden aims to be the top option as an event venue in Batangas. If you want a posh venue for your wedding, their pavilions and gazebo can make your grandest day an unforgettable one.

How to get to Cintai – Corito’s Garden

From Manila, take SLEX all the way to Startoll Expressway. Exit at Malvar (2nd exit) and turn left. Go straight until National Highway then turn right. About 10kms, you’ll see a Caltex gasoline station beside CITI Hardware, turn right there. Three kilometres from Caltex, you’ll reach the Balate arch and about 100m from that point is Cintai – Corito’s Garden on the left side of the road.

Source: www.wowbatangas.com (http://www.wowbatangas.com/towns-and-cities/balete-towns-and-cities/cintai-coritos-garden-theres-bali-in-balete/)

One of the best websites...

Click here (http://www.wowbatangas.com/towns-and-cities/balete-towns-and-cities/cintai-coritos-garden-theres-bali-in-balete/) for more photos

For inquiries you may contact (0917) 833-1508 / (0922) 828-6789 or e-mail them at coritos_garden@yahoo.com.

About the author
Dyan Hernandez - who has written 609 posts on WOW Batangas.
Dyan finds herself in the world of multimedia and online publishing. Aside from being a website content writer, she is a movie fan, an aspiring stylist, a beach bum, and a self-confessed Gleek. Dyan, who does paper clay trinkets, has a degree in Secondary Education Major in English.

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Fish Kill: NDRRMC releases investigation report
Posted by: Admin on Friday, June 03, 2011

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday released the findings of the investigation which was conducted in relation to the Fish Kill incidents in Batangas and Pangasinan.

According to the NDRRMC, intermittent light to moderate and heavy rains in Taal Lake region made the surface water dense which forced the deep hot bottom water containing pollutants to go up hitting the cages with stocks.

The same report also says that the fish kill in Pangasinan was caused by the abrupt change of water parameters as a result of the heavy downpour of rain brought about by Typhoon "Chedeng."

The NDRRMC revealed that the estimated total loss caused by the fish kill has reached more than P115 Million as of Thursday.

On Friday, there were reports on TV that two persons from different locations were suspected to have been poisoned by double-dead Milkfish ("botchang Bangus"). Reports said both were hospitalized due to abdominal pain and excessive vomiting.

Source: www.coolbuster.net (http://www.coolbuster.net/2011/06/fish-kill-ndrrmc-releases-investigation.html)

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Ate Vi says fishkill woes may last a month
by Jon Carlos Rodriguez, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/03/2011 9:20 PM

MANILA, Philippines – The situation in Taal Lake may take a month before it returns to normal, according to Batangas Governor Vilma Santos.

In a phone interview with ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol, Santos admitted that finding a location to bury the tons of dead fishes has been a problem.

“Nahihirapan humanap ng mga papayag na maghukay at doon ilibing ang mga patay na isda. Kulang na kulang ang mga lugar na pagbabaonan ng mga isda,” she said.

The actress-turned-local politician said the province can provide burial lots in other Batangas towns but transporting the dead fish may invite more risks.

“Mayroon din mga provision lot ang probinsiya, ngunit ito’y nasa malalayong lugar katulad ng Rosario. Pinag-iisipan ng health department na kapag kinuha ang mga isda at iba-biyahe, baka lalong hindi maging maganda sa kalusugan ng lahat ng dadaanan,” she said.

Santos continues to call on the private sector to help the local government in disposing the tons of dead fish.

The towns of Talisay, Agoncillo, Laurel, San Nicolas, Cuenca, Alitagtag, and Santa Teresita have been placed under a state of calamity because of the massive fishkill in the province.

The province has lost more than P141 million because of the fishkill.

Task Force Taal

Santos said the dismantling of illegal fish pens in Taal Lake has been the local government’s endeavor for 3 years in a project called “Task Force Taal”.

“Alam namin na hindi na maganda ang kalagayan ng tubig diyan sa Taal. I’m proud to say na libo na din ang aming natanggal na fish pens diyan,” she said.

She even admitted that her fight against illegal fish pens in Taal almost cost her the election.

Illegal fish pens in Taal were ordered dismantled by the Department of Interior and Local Government on Thursday, as these have been found to be the reason for the fishkill phenomenon.

Open fishing

Santos proposed that “open fishing” policy be implemented in Taal Lake, to give locals more control in maintaining the quality of the lake.

“Dapat ang nagmamay-ari ng lawa ay Batangueño. Iba ang nakikinabang, nagiging trabahador ang mga Batangueño,” she said.

The health department earlier said the fishermen wading into the lake without gloves and boots could soon suffer from skin diseases.

If they ingest the water, it could lead to diarrhea.

The local government said health workers are on standby to assist the fishermen and residents.

The recent fishkill has slowed down the tourism industry at Taal Lake, which is still reeling from the renewed activity of Taal Volcano. -- With a report from ANC

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/03/11/ate-vi-says-fishkill-woes-may-last-month)

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Fish pen owners to get bangus fingerlings
Friday, June 3, 2011

THE government will assist fish pen owners affected by the fish kill in Batangas and Pangasinan, as it is set to distribute bangus fingerlings to help the industry cope with the tragedy, said a Palace official.

"The National Government will be assisting fish pen owners by providing bangus fingerlings for the restocking of bangus. But this can only be done when the water quality is restored, and can be maintained, to allow fingerlings to develop properly," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

Mitigating measures are now in place to restore the quality of water in the provinces concerned.

He also appealed for a stronger partnership between the national and local authorities to address the impact of the fish kill and to prevent the incident from recurring.

"A triple dilemma at present: the disposal of tons of fish kill; the interdiction of fish kill so that it won't be sold in public markets; and the revitalization of the industry and the restoration of public confidence in bangus products, requires all concerned to work together and not at cross-purposes," he said.

Lacierda earlier said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is assisting the National Government in enforcing mitigating measures, such as lending pumps to aerate the water in Taal Lake.

"Our Agricultural and Environmental (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) authorities agree that sustainability depends on regulations and a corresponding self-control on the part of fish pen owners," he said.

As the DENR has pointed out, Taal Lake is a protected area and the optimum number of fish cages should be 6,000, according to Lacierda.

"The hard choice that local administrators have to make, and which industry players need to abide by, is to maintain a healthy limit on fish pens if the industry is to be sustainable," he said.

"It is in everyone's interest to pay attention to the science of it all, so that what emerges is a revitalized and rationalized bangus industry that is able to generate income and jobs in a sustainable manner," he added.

Livelihood assistance to fishers

In a separate report, the labor department is mulling a plan to provide livelihood assistance to fishers of Batangas and Pangasinan affected by fish kill.

The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) is prepared to deploy its quick response team (QRT) to assist those affected by the natural calamity, Labor Communications Director Nicon Fameronag said.

"Our quick response teams are already on the alert. We are only waiting for the report from the DA in the number of displaced workers before we could start extending our livelihood assistance to the affected fishermen," he said.

The teams are expected to provide job matching and counseling, skills training, livelihood assistance, and emergency employment to the stricken fishermen, Fameronag said.

Moreover, a P10 million emergency fund has been released and it will be used to assist the affected fishermen after the two provinces have declared under a state of calamity.

Fameronag also disclosed that Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala held a meeting that discussed possible assistance the agencies could extend to the locals.

Weather changes prompted lower water oxygen levels, killing thousands of milkfish (bangus) and tilapia.

Damages have been estimated at P76.586 million, a figure that is expected to rise as soon as data from Pangasinan has been released, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said. (Jill Beltran/FP/Sunnex)

Source: www.sunstar.com.ph (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/06/03/fish-pen-owners-get-bangus-fingerlings-159219)

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An Open letter to Gov. Vi
Speak Out: Letter to Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos
Friday, June 3, 2011

(In reply to her claim that there are no political prisoners in Batangas Jail)

2 June 2011

Governor Vilma Santos-Recto
Batangas

DEAR Gov. Vi,

Greetings of Peace from Davao!

It is such a privilege to be writing to my all-time favorite actress, the Star for all Season, Vilma Santos, whom I have admired when I was still a grader up until now. And then, when you shifted to politics after you have known your dashing husband, Senator Ralph Recto, I have since heard how good a public servant that you were and still is, now that you are the Governor of Batangas.

Not only was I and still is dazzled by your physical beauty and the power of your portrayal of different characters in movies, especially the ones that really captured the realities of Philippine situation in the 70s, I have been captivated by the realistic way that you embody the characters of Sr. Stella L, as defender of the working class in that movie, and as mother of a martial law baby in "Dekada 70", which was characterized by Piolo Pascual (who got involved in underground activities in the story) and another actor whose characterization also filled me with awe.

In that movie, you have portrayed with amazing accuracy how it was to be a distraught mother during those turbulent years in Philippine political setting. It was a performance that only the star-for-all-season could portray, no less, and I have always thought that the reason could have been that not only were you a good actress, but that deep in your heart, you have somehow possessed a real understanding of how your characters really felt about the whole situation. Just like how my friend, Mrs. Maria Concepcion "Ching" Montajes now felt, who has a daughter who is now detained at your Provincial jail.

That is why when I heard about how good you are in the local governance of your province, for me it was easy to understand, because somehow I thought you are REAL, that you can see beyond the reel world where stories are often fictional more that factual. Up to this moment, I still believe, Madam Vi, that you are a defender of that which is TRUE and JUST. That is why, we now come to you for succour.

My friend Ching's daughter *******, a young 21-year-old filmmaker who was just starting to understand and learn the ropes of the trade is unfortunately being illegally detained in your provincial jail. I know sometimes you do not get the real information from the people who should be giving you facts about what is happening in your jurisdiction, but all this can be verified up to the level of the Department of Justice (DOJ) since the family has been working on the immediate release of this young girl.

She is Ms. ******* Montajes, a Mass Communication student majoring in Film at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, and it has been almost a year that she was detained at the Batangas Provincial Jail together with two other youths. I know you might not believe it but its true Madam, there are actually political prisoners confined in your jail.

Please help us Madam so that this young girl who has all the potentials to pursue film-making just like the one and only Lino Brocka would be able to realize that dream in the near future. I know like all of us ordinary folks, you are an advocate of human rights as well as women and girl-child rights. It is totally unjust to imprison this young kid who only wanted to learn about the real situation of the farmers and rural folks in the countryside, to suffer this way, and it does not bode us well. We are only borrowing our present from them because they are the real owners of the future before them, that is why we should nurture the enthusiasm of these children to work for a better tomorrow than what we are living today.

It is my fervent hope that like the character of a mother you portrayed in "Dekada 70", you will find it in your heart to help ******* because she does not deserve to be imprisoned at all. I know deep in my heart that you are a compassionate leader and a real mother not only to your own children but for all the children among your constituents and the Filipino people.

Please help us FREE *******.

Thank you and we pray for your favourable action on her case.

Respectfully yours,

Margarita Avellanosa-Valle
Columnist, Sun.star Davao
Davao City

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on June 04, 2011.

Source: www.sunstar.com.ph (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/opinion/2011/06/03/speak-out-letter-batangas-gov-vilma-santos-159241)

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Food and fish

NERIC ACOSTA

THE massive fishkill—hun-dreds of tons of bangus dead and afloat—on the vast expanse of Taal Lake in Batangas and the brackish waters of Pangasinan this week is a portent of how things might be in the near future. The news headlines scream about the bangus industry in a state of “crisis” and several towns in Batangas declared in a state of calamity.

What has happened is a result of cumulative factors—change in climactic conditions, the rise in a body of water’s biological oxygen demand, the overcrowding of fish pens or cages, the decaying of organic matter like fish feed that settle and decompose on the lakebed, rising water pollution levels and widespread siltation. All told, a fishkill like this is caused by both natural and human factors—a changing climate on one hand, and human greed and shortsightedness on the other.

Fishpens on Taal Lake and coastal towns in Pangasinans are sources of the ubiquitous milkfish—a staple for sinigang and relleno or daing that finds its way to every Filipino home’s table. Bangus is cheaper than meat, and like other seafood, the main source of protein for the Filipino diet. When a fish kill happens that stokes fears of contamination and disease—especially with what is called ‘bocha’ or ‘double-dead’ fish sold in wet markets—the industry suffers great losses.

The larger picture is that, yet again, of the ecology and food security. Given a burgeoning population, food supply is key. The demand for basic food items increase and supply of such goods follows, but often and increasingly at the expense of environmental sustainability. Growing demand for food—fish in this case—gives rise to forces of supply that seek to maximize profit. Thus the proliferation of fish cages—some even double-decked—on the lakes of Laguna and Taal, often in defiance of environmental regulations on their construction and operation.

The fish cages are meant to fence in and propagate bangus in larger numbers, feeding them with extra fish feed that in excess cause a build-up on the lake floor. The resulting decomposition requires more oxygen to decay as organic matter, thereby competing with the oxygen needs of the fish.

The overpopulation of fish and the overcrowding of fish pens simply mean intense competition for space and oxygen. Thus the asphyxiation and death of the fish in the tens of thousands—and the loss of a basic food supply for countless homes, and the loss of income for hundreds of business players in the industry.

The other challenge to this catastrophe is, of course, how to dispose of the hundreds of tons of dead fish. As it is, lakeside towns and barangays in Taal now complain of the pungent stench of the rotting heaps of bangus. While some of the piles of dead fish have been buried posthaste, there is just so much more to dispose of. Yet disposing such volumes of organic waste is not as simple as burying them or covering these with soil. The leachate of such waste also poses health hazards and could well start an epidemic if not properly handled.

Some biologists speak of bioremediation, or the use of natural processes to increase biodegradability and hasten the decomposition of organic material, thereby reducing the risks to health and further contamination. This should be as much a priority as addressing the loss of livelihood and dwindling fish stocks for the local market.

The negative impacts of such a fishkill or the large opportunity cost of such a phenomenon are what ecologists refer to as “the tragedy of the commons.” The ‘commons’ of Taal Lake, which should serve the interests of all, is overwhelmed by those who dominate the harvest and trade of the commons’ resources —the rich aquatic life of the lake. The competition over space, as the overcrowding of fish cages, and the short-term exploitation and degradation (with unmitigated discharge of industrial effluents and domestic pollutants into the body of water) of the commons leads in time to the larger and longer-term disadvantage of all.

The reported initial fish losses of close to a thousand metric tons of bangus and other local varieties such as biya apta, katanga, siliw and muang are valued at around 100 million pesos and affecting in a downstream manner thousands of families, including the market vendors in Manila and elsewhere and the ordinary housewife who would shy away from buying any bangus in the days ahead. This is the ‘tragedy of the commons’ of Taal or any place that on its own can actually provide abundantly and sustainably for so many. But greed and short-sightedness stand in the way of that ecological balance and sustainable path.

There is more than a lesson or two for all of us in this frightening fishkill. We are told by the vagaries of nature and the idiosyncracies of human nature that to survive and flourish as human beings on a fragile planet, we have to be attuned to the rhythms of delicate ecosystems and to be fiercely protective of the sources of life itself— land, air and water.

opinion@manilatimes.net

Source: www.manilatimes.net (http://www.manilatimes.net/opinion/food-and-fish/)

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P115-M pinsala ng fishkill sa Batangas, Pangasinan
Ni Joy Cantos (Pilipino Star Ngayon)
June 04, 2011 12:00 AM

Manila, Philippines - Umaabot na sa P115.536 milyong halaga ang napinsala sa massive fishkill ng bangus at tilapia sa lalawigan ng Batangas at Pangasinan.

Ayon kay National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Benito Ramos, nasa P75 M ang naging pinsala ng fishkill sa Batangas.

Una rito, pitong bayan sa Batangas ang isinailalim sa state of calamity kabilang ang Talisay, Agoncillo, Laurel, San Nicolas, Cuenca, Alitagtag at Sta. Teresita.

Partikular na apektado ng fishkill ang mga fish pen sa Brgy. Sampaloc na nasa 84 ang bilang sa Talisay City; 47 sa Brgy. Leviste, Laurel; isa sa Poblacion, San Nicolas at 22 sa Subic Ilaya, Agoncillo.

Naitala naman sa 952.6 metriko tolenada ang namatay na bangus at tilapia sa nasabing mga lugar sa Batangas.

Sa kasalukuyan, ay namahagi na rin ng ‘face masks’ ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Batangas sa mga residente dito upang makaiwas sa sakit dulot ng mabahong amoy ng mga botchang bangus at tilapia.

Isa sa mga sinisilip na sanhi ng fishkill ay ang mga dumi ng hayop mula sa bayan ng Balete, Batangas.

Samantala sa Panga*sinan ay nasa P40,710,300 milyon naman ang pinsala ng fishkill sa may 108 fish cage at karagdagan pang 39 fish cage operators sa Brgy. Culang at Catubig sa bayan ng Bolinao at Brgy. Mal-ong, Awag, Siapar at Narra mula naman sa bayan ng Anda.

Posible rin umanong ang pagbabago ng klima sa tubig dulot ng mala*lakas na pag-ulan sa pananalasa ng bagyong Chedeng kamakailan ang sanhi ng fishkill matapos na bumaba ang ‘oxygen level’.

Isa pa sa mga sinasabing dahilan ng fish kill ay hindi wastong implementas*yon ng aquaculture, lalim ng fish cage na dapat nasa limang metro at tamang pagpapakain sa mga isda.

Source:www.philstar.com (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=692799&publicationSubCategoryId=92)

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400 guro nalason sa adobong baboy
Ni Joy Cantos (Pilipino Star Ngayon) Updated June 04, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (2) View comments

Manila, Philippines - Umaabot sa 400 guro sa hayskul ang iniulat na nalason matapos mananghalian ng adobong baboy sa bayan ng San Jose, Batangas, kamakalawa.

Sa police report na nakarating kahapon sa Camp Crame, isinilbi ng catering service ni Louie Viceral na may 20 taon na sa nasa*bing negosyo ang pananghaliang abodong baboy kung saan ginanap ang seminar.

Gayon pa man, matapos makapananghalian ang mga biktima ay halos magkakasunod na nakaranas ng pananakit ng tiyan, pagkahilo at pagsusuka kaya napilitang isugod sa San Jose District Hospital.

Ang iba naman ay na**kalabas na sa ospital matapos bigyan ng first aid na hindi naman gaanong grabe ang kalagayan kabilang na ang guro sa Ludlod High School na si Leizel Dee na 3-buwang buntis.

Patuloy namang inoob*serbahan ang iba pang guro na nanatili sa mga pagamutan.

Source: www.philstar.com (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=692754&publicationSubCategoryId=49)

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Government to provide bangus fingerlings to fish pen owners to revitalize hard-hit fish industry

MANILA, June 4 (PNA) -- The government will assist fish pen owners by providing them bangus fingerlings in a bid to revitalize the hard-hit fish industry in Batangas and Pangasinan.

In his official statement issued on Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said mitigating measures are now in place to restore the quality of water in the provinces concerned.

“The national government will be assisting fish pen owners by providing bangus fingerlings for the restocking of bangus. But this can only be done when the water quality is restored, and can be maintained, to allow fingerlings to develop properly,” said Lacierda in a statement.

Lacierda also called on for a stronger partnership between the national and local authorities to address the impact of the fish kill and to prevent the incident from recurring.

“A triple dilemma at present: the disposal of tons of fish kill; the interdiction of fish kill so that it won’t be sold in public markets; and the revitalization of the industry and the restoration of public confidence in bangus products, requires all concerned to work together and not at cross-purposes,” he said.

He said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is assisting the national government in enforcing mitigating measures such as lending pumps to aerate the water in Taal Lake.

“Our Agricultural and Environmental (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) authorities agree that sustainability depends on regulations and a corresponding self-control on the part of fish pen owners,” he said.

As the DENR has pointed out, Taal Lake is a protected area and the optimum number of fish cages should be 6,000, according to Lacierda.

“The hard choice that local administrators have to make, and which industry players need to abide by, is to maintain a healthy limit on fish pens if the industry is to be sustainable,” he said.

"The plight of the bangus industry in Batangas and Pangasinan shows that if local authorities and fish pen owners do not closely cooperate in ensuring the sustainability of the bangus industry, nature will inflict its own corrective mechanisms, leading to even greater disruptions which should not be repeated,” he said.

“It is in everyone’s interest to pay attention to the science of it all, so that what emerges is a revitalized and rationalized bangus industry that is able to generate income and jobs in a sustainable manner,” he added. (PNA)
scs/FFC/PCOO/ssc

Source: positivenewsmedia.net (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Main_News_1/Government_to_provide_bangus_fingerlings_to_fish_pen_owners_to_revitalize_hard-hit_fish_industry.shtml)

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TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN
Saturday, 04 June 2011 05:33

Taal Volcano’s (14.0000°N, 120.9833°E) seismic network recorded five (5) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Field measurements conducted last 31 May 2011 at the western sector inside the Main Crater Lake showed that the water temperature increased from 32.5°C to 32.9°C, and the pH value became more acidic decreasing from 2.72 to 2.60. Bubbling activity was observed at the middle portion of the Main Crater Lake. Results of the ground deformation survey (precise leveling) conducted around the Volcano Island last 26 April - 03 May 2011 showed that the volcano edifice inflated slightly relative to the 05-11 April 2011 survey. Measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emission rates last 03-04 May 2011 at Taal Main Crater Lake yielded a value of 2,057 tonnes per day (t/d) which is above the background level.

Alert Level 2 is still in effect over Taal Volcano, with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by the continuing high emission rate of CO2 being released in the Main Crater Lake and sustained seismic activity. Hence, PHIVOLCS advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965-1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Breathing air with high concentration of toxic gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation. In addition, it is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately relayed to all concerned.

DOST-PHIVOLCS

Source: www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph (http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/)

Alitagtag Tapusan Festival 2011

In honor of Blessed Virgin Mary

-UbVVB4q3ac

Uploaded by jomarisilva1 (http://www.youtube.com/user/jomarisilva1) on Jun 2, 2011

Source: http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLMYrgxRsjnWokxI_lyLOq9WsIuqdYaanpHp8Z2o-sYpeOXWzP_N0kYA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UbVVB4q3ac)

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BFAR: Losses from Batangas fish kill now at P136M
06/04/2011 | 08:42 AM

The losses to fish pen operators from the fish kill that hit the Batangas area has zoomed to P136 million, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said Saturday.

BFAR Region IV-A OIC director Esmeralda Manalang said the losses may affect workers maitaining some 234 fish cages owned by 23 operators in the area.

"Mga P136 million na ang total losses, ang cost of damages. [Ang apektadong isda] mahigit 1,800 metric tons na," Manalang said in an interview on dzBB radio.

She said the losses may stop going up once the weather stabilizes and the water condition improves, such that it will support aquatic life again.

Last Thursday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the fish kill incidents in Pangasinan and Batangas provinces had caused at least P115.536 million.

The NDRRMC's Thursday update had indicated the figure includes P74.826 million in four villages in Batangas province.

Losses from Pangasinan as of last Thursday were estimated at P40,710,300, the NDRRMC added. — LBG, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222510/regions/bfar-losses-from-batangas-fish-kill-now-at-p136m)

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Local fishers plagued by consumer fears after massive fishkill
Friday, 03 June 2011 11:15 AM

Bangus and other fish sales in Dagupan City are now dropping significantly because of the consumers' fear of eating contaminated fish, after the massive fish kill in Batangas early this week.

The Department of Health earlier warned the public about eating “double-dead” fish following reports that some people in Batangas were eating fish that are long dead but are still sold in the market instead of throwing them away.

Malimgas-Aliguas Dagupan Vendors' Federation president Julie Ann Perez said consumers “were not buying for fear of contaminated products from fish kill-hit areas.”

“Bangus producers and us, wholesalers, are really affected... despite the fact that there is no fish kill in Dagupan, Binmaley, and Mangaldan,” Perez added.

Officials said bangus growers and wholesalers in Dagupan City have lost at least 80 percent in sales.

In Dagupan, Perez said the price of bangus dropped from P90 to P50 per kilo. Prices of other fish varieties have also gone down such as lapu-lapu (now P250/kilo) and malaga (P100/kilo).

Meanwhile, seven towns surrounding Taal Lake in Batangas City are under a state of calamity following the fish kill.

A P10 million fund was released to provide assistance to the affected residents of Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Alitagtag, Cuenca, and Sta. Teresita towns.

“This would affect much of the town's income. More than half of our population depends on fishing for livelihood,” Talisay town Mayor Zenaida Mendoza told the Inquirer.

According to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) officer-in-charge for CALABARZON Paz Manalang, Batangas lost 972.6 metric tons of bangus, biya, apta, katanga, siliw and muang fish varieties worth P76.586 million.

Manalang added that the lake's water will stabilize in one or two months since the lake only has 3.71 parts per million (ppm) of dissolved oxygen, still far below the acceptable 6 ppm.

Although denied by local officials, Malacanang said asphyxiation as a result of overstocking had caused the massive fish kill.

“Secretary [Proceso] Alcala yesterday said that this is caused by the greed of some people because some of the fish cages, he said, are stacked double deck,” presidential spokesman edwin Lacierda said.

Earlier, Rose del Mundo of Batangas BFAR pointed to the drop in temperature as the reason behind the fish kill.

“If the dissolved oxygen drops and it rains, the fish cannot breath and they die,” Del Mundo said.

Source: thepoc.net (http://thepoc.net/breaking-news/local/12276-bangus-industry-dropping-due-to-consumer-fears.html)

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Fish kill kills demand even for safe fish in markets
JM Tuazon, GMA News
06/04/2011 | 09:23 AM

The recent spate of fish kills in Batangas and Pangasinan has also killed consumer demand even for bangus and tilapia that come from areas where the fish are alive and well.

Fish vendors have had no recourse but to think of creative ways to sell their safe fish supplies, which have been repeatedly ignored by consumers wary that they might be buying "double-dead" fish. Unsold safe bangus have been turned into relleno.

At least three people, including a child, have been reported hospitalized after eating fish believed to have come from the fish kill batches. One was in Quezon City, while two were in Pangasinan.

Two towns in Pangasinan, namely Bolinao and Anda, were among the hardest hit by fish kill incidents this past week, aside from Taal Lake in Batangas, which has seen tons of rotting fish wash ashore and spread a nauseating stench throughout communities.

Pangasinan is among the top suppliers of bangus in the Philippines. Dagupan, a city in Pangasinan, is touted as the "Bangus Capital of the Philippines."

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said at least 70 to 90 metric tons of fish sold in Metro Manila every day come from the province of Pangasinan, while 60 to 70 metric tons come from Batangas.

According to a report by GMA News' "Unang Balita", prices for milk fish have plummeted to as low as 45 pesos per kilo in different public markets in Metro Manila.

Other vendors had to conspicuously display the names of fish they were selling and their respective origins, hoping to dispel fears that their merchandise came from fish kill-affected areas.

Enterprising fish vendors, meanwhile, decided to turn their unsold milkfish produce into stuffed milkfish (rellenong bangus), hoping to entice buyers.

"Eh ganyan nga ginawa namin, ni-relleno na namin, [kaso] hindi nga mabili," remarked one fish vendor in an interview with "News to Go" on Friday.

Mixed with 'botcha'

Public fears were fanned by confirmed reports that double-dead fish, also known as "botcha" in Tagalog, were found in wet markets in Metro Manila as vendors hoped to sell them along with their fresh fish supply.

On Friday, more than 200 kilos of double-dead milk fish were seized by the Quezon City Health Department in Commonwealth Market.

At least 400 kilos of "botchang bangus" were likewise seized by authorities in Balintawak Market on Thursday, traced directly to the fish kills in Pangasinan and Batangas.

In Pangasinan, authorities have tightened security near the towns affected by the fish kill to ensure that no double-dead fish is smuggled into the market.

In Bolinao Public Market, for example, authorities seized a batch of bangus alleged to have come from the fish kill, which was being sold at P15 per kilo.

Authorities have likewise set up checkpoints in the town of Bani, a common gateway point for fish porters coming from Anda and Bolinao, two of the areas affected by fish kills.

Unaffected supply

The BFAR, meanwhile, downplayed the effects of the fish kill on the total fish supply in the country, saying only a small fraction of the supply was affected.

In a statement on Wednesday, BFAR said the losses to total production brought by the fish kill amounted to only 0.015 percent.

BFAR added that the target fish production for the year is 5.36 million metric tons whereas the disaster wiped out only 700 metric tons of the supply.

Total losses from the two fish kill incidents now amounts to P98 million in Batangas, and P37 million in Pangasinan.

In an interview with GMA News Online, BFAR Assistant Director Gil Adora said that in the next two months, the effects of the fish kill will not be felt because there are a lot of fish pond owners who harvested fish in advance and put them in cold storage.

"In the event na kulangin ang supply, i-mo-mobilize natin ang forces natin from Visayas and Mindanao to augment the supply. Hindi tayo magkakaroon ng shortage," Adora said.

"Paanong magiging krisis 'yan, nasa personal perception lang iyan ng mga customers. Naipapaliwanag naman natin na there are distinguishing characteristics of the supply na nanggaling sa fish kill," he added.

Adora said that at the rate it is going, the impact of the fish kill will be less than 1 percent of the total target for bangus production in the affected areas.

"It's very negligible pa. Sa Region 4, kung ikukumpara sa target production of the region, the supply affected by the disaster is only 0.33% for the full year," he stressed.

The BFAR official said that they are not worried about disruptions in the supply chain of milk fish in the country, saying that they will try to recover the losses brought by the fish kills in the next five months.

Meanwhile, Adora said they are working doubly hard to make BFAR operatives visible in various public markets around Metro Manila to identify double-dead fish for sale, and to assure consumers that what they are buying is safe for consumption.

"Ang impact diyan, we are safeguarding 'yung mga binebenta sa palengke, na ine-eliminate natin 'yung mga isda na not fit for consumption," he maintained. - HS, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222517/nation/fish-kill-kills-demand-even-for-safe-fish-in-markets)

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A Vilma Santos & Marian Rivera Movie Would Be A Dream Come True
June 2, 2011 By The Feisty Filipina (http://filipinasinshowbiz.com/index/author/the-feisty-filipina/)

Governor Vilma Santos is currently being pursued by 3 film productions to do a movie. That’s TV5, Star Cinema, and GMA Films. Apparently, GMA 7 plans on producing a movie for the award-winning actress/politician together with the Queen of Primetime Marian Rivera.

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Hindi lang Star Cinema at Studio 5 (ng TV5) ang nag-aagawan sa services ni Gov. Vilma Santos para gumawa sa kanila ng pelikula. Maging ang GMA Films, may offer din daw sa politician-actress.

Isang Vilma Santos-Marian Rivera starrer daw ang gustong gawin ng GMA. Pero at this point in time, malabo pang tumanggap ng film project si Gov. Vilma. Priority pa rin niya ang kanyang trabaho sa probinsiya ng Batangas. (source)

People of Batangas, please lend Ate Vi for a few months to GMA Films so she and Marian could do a movie together. OMG, this would be EPIC if GMA 7 could make it happen so please please, make it happen. I mean they could shoot it in Batangas so Ate Vi doesn’t have to leave her town. How about that sequel to Burlesque? Or whatever story. I’m sure it will be great with those two Darnas and Dyesebels! Right? RIGHT???

Source: filipinasinshowbiz.com (http://filipinasinshowbiz.com/index/2011/06/02/a-vilma-santos-marian-rivera-movie-would-be-a-dream-come-true/)

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News to Go
Howie Severino interviews Batangas Vice Gov. Leviste about fish kill
June 3, 2011

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Uploaded by gmanews (http://www.youtube.com/user/gmanews) on Jun 2, 2011

News to Go Anchor Howie Severino interviews Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste about the possible causes of the recent fish kills that have affected residents around Taal Lake.

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Parangal sa Mahal na Birheng Maria
(May Flower Festival)2011
Alitagtag, Batangas

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DA, BFAR may also be liable in Taal fishkill’
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/04/2011 1:00 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as well as the Department of Agriculture may be held liable for the massive fishkill that happened in Taal Lake in Batangas.

According to Paje, the putting up of fish cages in the lake was not closely monitored, allowing fishermen to grow more fish cages which caused the imbalance.

Paje insisted that there is nothing wrong with aiming to increase the agricultural production. The environment, however, must also be preserved.

Paje said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is now looking into a project which will prohibit the building of fish cages in Taal Lake. He said he thinks it would be better to just let the fish grow the natural way. – Report from Dexter Ganibe, DZMM

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/04/11/%E2%80%98da-bfar-may-also-be-liable-taal-fishkill%E2%80%99)

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Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2011 at Batangas Racing Circuit

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Team Philippines
Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2011
Batangas Racing Circuit
June 1, 2011

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Sandari Batulao plays host to the Batangas leg of the 2011 Isuzu Family Challenge
Saturday, 04 June 2011 17:02

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Sandari Batulao welcomed Isuzu clients and their families on May 28 at its picturesque mountainside grounds, as Isuzu Philippines Inc. and Isuzu Gencars Batangas held its 2011 Isuzu Family Challenge.

Running nationwide among the various Isuzu dealerships all over the Philippines, the Isuzu Family Challenge is designed to show Isuzu’s legendary leadership in fuel economy while also enabling Isuzu owners to have quality fun activities with their families. The affair combines two very popular, long-running events of the company, such as the Isuzu Challenge, a fuel-economy run that demonstrates the fuel-efficiency of Isuzu vehicles, and the family-oriented Isuzu Family Day.

Launched in February 2011 and continuing throughout the year, the campaign marked its seventh leg last Saturday in yet another exciting day of fuel-efficiency competitions mixed with fun family-bonding activities.

The event kicked off at the Isuzu Gencars Batangas show room in Barrio San Roque, Santo Tomas, before proceeding with the Econo Run, a contest to see which family can have the most fuel-efficient drive on their Alterra, D-Max or Crosswind vehicles as they travel all the way to Sandari Batulao in Nasugbu. Lunch followed at the Sandari Batulao grounds, where guests enjoyed their food while feasting their eyes on the majestic sights of Mount Batulao and Mount Talamitam and savoring the cool, crisp mountain air of the property. The day culminated with music and more festivities back at the Santo Tomas show room.

Set within 800 hectares of lush greens and undulating hills at the foot of Mount Batulao, Sandari Batulao is a carefully master-planned community set to define the landscapes of Nasugbu. Offering a number of residential products complemented by commercial and leisure facilities, Sandari Batulao creates the ideal neighborhood for families and individuals who savor the quiet, natural life. Its first phase is a 41-hectare scenic garden community called Nalé, which takes inspiration from the beauty and balance of Asian gardens.

Sandari Batulao is blessed with unique natural features such as yearlong cool weather, wide-open green spaces, a 52-hectare forest reserve that is home to centuries-old trees, a three-river system bounding the property and panoramic vistas of the mountains, and Nasugbu Bay, making it an ideal choice for companies and organizations looking for venues to hold nature-oriented events and activities. The soon-to-be-constructed clubhouse, housing a pool and spa pavilion among its many other facilities, is expected to add even more recreational and leisure choices at Sandari Batulao.

Sandari Batulao, developed and managed by Citystate Properties and Management Corp., is at Km77, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas. It is an hour-and-a-half travel from Makati via the South Luzon Expressway, through Santa Rosa Exit, and a 10-minute drive from Metro Tagaytay along the Nasugbu-Tagaytay Tourism National Highway.

Participants of the 2011 Isuzu Family Challenge pose in front of the Sandari marker.

Source: businessmirror.com.ph (http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/life/11990-sandari-batulao-plays-host-to-the-batangas-leg-of-the-2011-isuzu-family-challenge)

Click here (http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/life/11990-sandari-batulao-plays-host-to-the-batangas-leg-of-the-2011-isuzu-family-challenge) for details

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Demolition of fish pens urged
By ELLALYN B. DE VERA
June 4, 2011, 4:44pm

MANILA, Philippines — Former Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose Atienza appealed for the immediate demolition of fish pens and cages in all water bodies to prevent a repeat of fish kills in Batangas province last week.

He said of the country’s 500 rivers and water bodies, more than half are already degraded, most prominent of which are Laguna and Taal Lakes, the Manila Bay, Bolinao, Buhi and Lanao Lakes and have not been spared of the rampant pollution brought about by these fish pens and fish cages.

Likewise, Atienza said Pampanga River is also heavily silted and cluttered with fish pens, especially at its mouth in the Manila Bay area, and this has affected other bodies of water in Luzon.

“We must, once and for all, dismantle all fish pens and fish cages in Taal and Laguna Lakes, and other major bodies of water in the country to ensure that incidents like these do not happen again," Atienza said in a statement.

"We must clean up and protect these bodies of water from even bigger calamities in the future,” he added.

Atienza noted that instead of blaming the environment and the weather for the fish kill, "we should start shifting the blame to ourselves (because) we have failed to implement the laws designed primarily to protect our abundant
natural resources."

“The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has blamed everything from the weather to the water temperature for this fish kill. But without a doubt, these fish pens are the main culprits for this fish kill. Unfortunately, they have always been tolerated since the martial law years,” Atienza added.

However, he expressed confidence in the capability of DENR Secretary Ramon Paje in addressing the problem.

He explained that these fish pens block the free flow of water in the lakes and rivers while the unconsumed fish feed lying underneath transform into pollutants that poison the waters.

Meanwhile, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay has urged his constituents to be vigilant against the possible presence of spoiled fish, poultry or meat in flea markets around the city.

In this regard, Binay said that consumers can report the illegal sale of the potentially harmful food items to the Makati City Veterinary Office (MCVO) at hotlines 757-1413 and 889-7949.

This developed even as the MCVO reported that it seized 125.25 kilos of double dead (botcha) fish from 11 vendors selling in flea markets of Pembo-Rizal, Pembo and Comembo, and in the Guadalupe Nuevo Market and Sacramento Market.

For its part, the Pasay City government announced that the city Veterinary Office will continue to conduct unannounced inspections at the city’s public market and all satellites market to combat the proliferation of double dead bangus as a result of fish kills in Batangas and Pangasinan lakes. (With reports from Ellson Quismorio and Jean Fernando)

Source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321242/demolition-fish-pens-urged)

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June 4, 2011, 5:50pm

Congratulation to
Miss Niela Zaraspe Biscocho
of Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas
for being top 8 placer on the recent dentists’ licensure examination given by the Board of Dentistry in Manila this month.

Also congratulation to Lyceum of Batangas' College of Dentistry
One of the country’s top 5 performing schools in dental education

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Source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321255/up-dominates-dentists-licensure-exam)

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Patrol ng Pilipino: An in-depth look at fishkills
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/04/2011 7:09 PM

MANILA, Philippines – The fishkills in Batangas and Pangasinan were all over the news this past week.

They caused fishermen to lose almost P40 million in income and affected the livelihood of people in several towns in the 2 provinces.

Some affected towns were also placed under a state of calamity.

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, oxygen depletion that caused a change in water temperature may have been the reason behind the massive fishkills.

Amid the tragedy, some people took advantage of the situation and sold "double-dead" fish to unsuspecting consumers.

ABS-CBN correspondent Dominic Almelor will bring viewers to fish ports and fish pens. He will give the audience an in-depth analysis of the situation.

Culion’s hidden beauty

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN correspondent Chiara Zambrano will take viewers to a tour of a town in Palawan and show its hidden beauty.

Once regarded as the place where lepers live, Culion is now free from isolation.

People from the place have managed to break from the stigma and turned the place into a beach paradise for tourists.

"Patrol ng Pilipino" will feature these stories on Tuesday night, right after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/current-affairs-programs/06/04/11/patrol-ng-pilipino-depth-look-fishkills)

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1st Pico de Loro Triathlon
Nasugbu, Batangas

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Best Performing Local Government Units in Terms of Prevalence
of Underweight Among Children 0-71 Months: 2010

Philippine National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) (http://www.nscb.gov.ph/headlines/StatsSpeak/2011/050911_rav.asp)

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1st Pico de Loro Triathlon
Nasugbu, Batangas

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Best Performing Local Government Units in Terms of Prevalence
of Underweight Among Children 0-71 Months: 2010

Philippine National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) (http://www.nscb.gov.ph/headlines/StatsSpeak/2011/050911_rav.asp)

Wow, nice to know, these LGU really know how to spend the peoples money. They are committing to do their part to prioritize child care health and nutrition program. Ang kalusugan ay tunay na yaman ng ating bayan. I think it is really important, thanks for the post…

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1st Pico de Loro Triathlon
Nasugbu, Batangas

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DA, BFAR, lokal na pamahalaan may pananagutan sa fishkill - DENR
Ni Angie dela Cruz (Pilipino Star Ngayon)
Updated June 05, 2011 12:00 AM

Manila, Philippines - May pananagutan din umano ang Department of Agriculture (DA) at Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) gayundin ang lokal na pamahalaan sa naganap na fishkill sa Taal Lake, Batangas dahil ang mandato ng mga ahensiyang ito ay ang maparami ang produksyon ng mga isda sa bansa.

Ang pahayag ay ginawa ni Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje bilang reaksyon sa naganap na fishkill sa Batangas.

Aniya, bagamat hindi maisasantabi na dapat ay may limitasyon ang paglalagay ng mga isda sa fish cages, kailangan pa rin umanong mabalanse ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan at pagpapalakas sa ating agrikultura.

Sinabi pa ng kalihim na seryoso sila sa pagbabawas ng fish pens at cages hanggang sa wala ng matira dito.

Binigyang diin ni Paje na may pagkukulang dito ang mga lokal na pamahalaan dahil hindi nito naipatutupad ng husto ang pagtatanggal ng lahat ng fish cages at fish pens sa nasabing lawa.

Ang mga mangingisdang may fish pen o fish cage na masisira ang kabuhayan kapag nangyari ito, ay papayagan namang makapangisda sa pamamagitan ng dating pamamaraan ng pangingisda na gumagamit ng lambat upang malaya pa ring makakakilos ang mga isda sa lawa.

Source: www.philstar.com (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=693169&publicationSubCategoryId=92)

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Fertility dance at the Pastulan Festival
Sunday, June 05, 2011
By Ed Uy, Staff Writer

THE Pastulan Festival is one of Batangas’ most anticipated festivals of the year. Held in honor of the town’s patron saint, San Pascual Baylon, the week-long festivities is highlighted by a street dancing competition that showcases several community dancers of all ages clad in colorful costumes. Aside from the competition, many residents and tourists also join the celebrations for the annual fertility dance.

This year, 61-year old Lola Nene Pita drew the most cheers as she joined the fertility procession. She says she was not praying to get pregnant but to ask for a grandson.

Throughout the years, Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), which owns and markets the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, has become an active part of the festivities of the San Pascual community.

For 2011, the Chevron contingent was represented by a drum and bugle band dressed in the Caltex Supa Strikas uniforms that led the dancers through the streets. Supa Strikas is an innovative comic series seen on cable TV whose soccer team is sponsored by Caltex.

Chevron also gave revelers an extra reason to dance as it offered a special award worth P10,000 in Caltex Starcash cards for the dance troupe that best epitomized the “Respectfully Helpful” values of its brand.

Caltex also gave away Supa Strikas kits to families that gas up at the Caltex service station in San Pascual during the fiesta season. The kits contain printed games to keep kids busy and some toiletries to help the travelling family keep cool on the road.

“Chevron has been always been a good corporate neighbor since President Ramon Magsaysay inaugurated the Caltex refinery, now a world-class terminal, in San Pascual. They have been our partners for various programs that benefit our community, especially our disadvantaged residents,” says Demy Dela Cruz, president of the Komite de Festejos, the organization behind the Pastulan. “We are always happy to see the Caltex Star among our festival sights.”

Source: www.manilatimes.net (http://www.manilatimes.net/sunday-times/sunday-magazine/fertility-dance-at-the-pastulan-festival/)

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Nuts Taping at Las Hacienda
Laurel, Batangas
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Batangas as One of the top 5 Summer Destination in the Philippines
Boracay, Singapore: Top travel destinations
June 5, 2011, 10:43am

MANILA, Philippines -- The travel season is far from over, at least for Filipinos. According to Yahoo! Search Trends, Filipino holiday makers plan their vacation by searching for their favorite local and overseas destination as well as accommodations.

Yahoo! editors have meticulously aggregated popular searches related to travel to reveal the most popular destinations searched in the Philippines in April 2011, as well as collated results from November and April 2010 to offer comparative figures.

According to the recent statistics, based on search query and ranking frequency, Boracay tops the five summer travel destinations, which includes Palawan, Batangas, Puerto Galera and Bohol.

Top 5 Summer Destinations


Boracay
Palawan
Batangas
Puerto Galera
Bohol


The beach destination maintained the top spot throughout the three search periods affirming its popularity regardless of the season. Palawan took the second spot in the ranking, securing its position once again in the top three, while Batangas, which is just a short distance from Metro Manila, ranked third.

Top Beach Destination


Boracay
Palawan
Batangas


Source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321321/boracay-singapore-top-travel-destinations)

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DA-BFAR to provide water pumps, fingerlings to those affected by fish kill
June 5, 2011 by isl30fvi3w

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said government will distribute an initial 50 water pumps to affected fish cage owners in Taal Lake, Batangas that will help aerate lake waters and improve oxygen level.

Also, the Department of Agriculture through its Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is ready to distribute over 1 million bangus and tilapia fingerlings to affected fish cage owners in Taal Lake and Pangasinan, once the oxygen level in their respective fish pen areas have stabilized and improved, Alcala said.

Speaking at the sidelights of the 60th anniversary of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management in Quezon City, Secretary Alcala said the DA-BFAR will hold a consultative meeting next week in Batangas with bangus fishcage owners and local government officials to come up with long-term, sustainable strategies and measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“What we need are permanent solutions. We can’t allow the same practices to go on after this unfortunate incident,” he said.

For his part, newly appointed BFAR national director Atty. Asis Perez said the agency is conducting regular daily monitoring of the situation in Taal Lake, and in the towns of Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan.

He said the DA-BFAR, even before the fishkill episodes in Batangas and Pangasinan, has been issuing regular advisories, particularly on maintaining recommended fish stocking levels, proper feeding, and on maintaining water quality. They have also advised fish cage owners to ‘de-populate’ by harvesting their fish early.

Read more, click here (http://ikuwaderno.com/da-bfar-to-provide-water-pumps-fingerlings-to-those-affected-by-fish-kill.html#ixzz1OR2TNIUR)

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No shortcuts: dismantle fishpens, says ex-DENR chief Atienza
05-Jun-11, 10:16 AM | Interaksyon.com

MANILA, Philippines - Fishpens that block the free flow of water in lakes and rivers while the unconsumed fishfeed lying underneath transform into pollutants that poison such waters are the main culprit in the fishkills afflicting huge parts of Batangas and Pangasinan,, ex-environment secretary Lito Atienza said. Only the pens’ dismantling will end the recurring plague, he stressed.

The former chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) asserted that only the immediate removal of all fishpens in major lakes of the country, following last week’s massive fish kill in Taal Lake in Talisay and Laurel, Batangas, will suffice.

“We must, once and for all, dismantle all fishpens and fishcages in Taal and Laguna Lakes, and other major bodies of water in the country to ensure that incidents like these do not happen again. We must clean up and protect these bodies of water from even bigger calamities in the future” Atienza said.

“Today it’s fishkill, tomorrow it might be ‘people kill’. Instead of blaming the environment and the weather for these occurrences, we should start shifting the blame to ourselves. We have failed to implement the laws designed primarily to protect our abundant natural resources. But we have full faith and confidence in the capability of DENR Secretary Ramon Paje in addressing this problem, “ he added.

Of the country’s 500 rivers and water bodies, Atienza said, more than half are already degraded, most prominent of which are Laguna and Taal Lakes, the Manila Bay, Bolinao, Buhi and Lanao Lakes. These have not been spared of the rampant pollution brought caused by fishpens and fishcages.


Pampanga River is also heavily silted and cluttered with fishpens, especially at its mouth in the Manila Bay area, and this has affected other bodies of water in Luzon, Atienza said.

“The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources(BFAR) has blamed everything from the weather to the water temperature for this fishkill. But without a doubt, these fishpens are the main culprits for this fishkill. Unfortunately, they have always been tolerated since the martial law years,” Atienza added.

In his nearly 3-year stint at the DENR, Atienza launched massive clearing operations against fishpens in the 99,000-hectare Laguna Lake, Taal Lake, Manila Bay; and even supported environmental lawyer Atty. Tony Oposa in the case he filed before the Supreme Court 10 years ago--the first time a DENR chief supported the complainant in such a case.

The Supreme Court later issued a continuing mandamus for this landmark case, ordering both national and local government agencies to perform their tasks in cleaning up Manila Bay waters.

The DENR, with the help of then Governor Ayong Maliksi
successfully removed the fishpens and tahong baklads in the area. Unfortunately, these have all come back, noted Atienza.

Protect lakes from dumping

These large bodies of water in the country, especially in Metro Manila and Southern Luzon, need to be protected from the wanton dumping of human and industrial waste, Atienza also asserted. He urged the government to press the two water concessionaires, Maynilad and Manila Water, to deliver on their commitment to put up waste water treatment facilities to address this problem in their areas of concession.

“Without these waste water treatment facilities, household waste will continue to flow into esteros, rivers, and even our lakes. Maynilad and Manila Water must be compelled to their contract to provide these facilities,” Atienza said.

During his term at DENR, Atienza obtained a commitment from the twoconcessionaires to complete these facilities by 2016, a far earlier timeline than their previous estimate of almost 100 years.

Source: www.interaksyon.com (http://www.interaksyon.com/article/4931/no-shortcuts-dismantle-fishpens-says-ex-denr-chief-atienza)

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NCR cops eye 2-pronged strategy vs tainted fish
06/05/2011 | 10:33 AM

Police in Metro Manila are considering a two-pronged strategy to prevent the entry of fish from fish kill-affected areas in Pangasinan and Batangas provinces into the metropolis.

National Capital Region (NCR) police director Chief Superintendent Allan Purisima on Sunday said he has ordered fixed checkpoints at Metro Manila boundaries, as well as teams to help inspect markets.

“Ang checkpoints natin fixed at iniiwasan ito ng may masasamang loob. Kaya meron tayong personnel sa palengke kaya nahuhuli rin ang mga ito," he said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He said they continue to make efforts to make sure the tainted fish will not enter Metro Manila and endanger the health of consumers.

Since last week, authorities have been on the lookout for tainted fish after a fish kill affected areas in Pangasinan and Batangas.

Local governments in Metro Manila had seized several kilos of tainted fish during inspections in various markets.

Purisima said he ordered police to back up some of these local government inspections, amid reports that some of the inspection teams had met stiff resistance.

One such case involved an inspection by the Quezon City veterinary office last Friday, where a market staff member confronted the authorities and stopped them from seizing tainted fish. — LBG, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222595/nation/ncr-cops-eye-2-pronged-strategy-vs-tainted-fish)

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Fishkill hits another municipality near Taal
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/05/2011 1:10 PM

MANILA, Philippines - It was not a great morning for the owners of fish cages in the municipality of Mataas na Kahoy in Batangas, when they learned of another fishkill right in their own area.

According to some caretakers of the fish cages in Barangay Lumang Lipa, they already noticed early on that some of the fishes, mostly tilapia, were “restless” and were “gasping for air.”

They did not have a clue that it would result to another major fish kill.

Mataas na Kahoy is one of the municipalities encircling the Taal Lake.

Owners and investors never thought this would happen because they are on the other side of Taal Lake. The fishkill struck other municipalities.

Experts said this was caused by thin oxygen in the water, which is also being used by plant waters.

The owners have yet to reckon the damage. There are about 50 fish cages in the area, carrying about 10 to 20 metric tons of fishes. – by Ernie Manio, ABS-CBN Batangas

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/05/11/fishkill-hits-another-municipality-near-taal)

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1st Pico de Loro Triathlon Part 3
Nasugbu, Batangas

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GMA 7's Adik sayo taping in Batangas
Behind the scenes

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Fish kill spreads to Lipa; 7 towns under calamity state
By FERDIE F. CASTRO and ELENA L. ABEN
June 5, 2011, 6:40pm

BATANGAS, Philippines – Nine days after several tons of fish died in Talisay and Laurel, another fish kill struck in Lipa City Sunday morning.

Edilberto Andal, the city’s agriculture supervisor, said a group of fishermen was shocked when they spotted the dead fish in the lake shore before 6 a.m. Sunday.

Andal said they estimated more or less nine tons of killed fish, “biyang bato,” “tilapia,” and “Ayungin” were found in the lake.

The lake in Sitio Tagbatin, Barangay Halang, has no fish pens or fish cages as the place is open for fishing.

Earlier, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said seven towns in Batangas adversely affected by the recent fish kill that caused at least P142 million in losses to fish pen operators have been placed under a state of calamity.

In its latest bulletin, the NDRRMC said the seven towns are Talisay, Laural, San Nicolas, Agoncillo, Sta. Teresita, Cuenca, and Alitagtag.

Disaster management officials said the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province established checkpoints to inspect fish being transported from the affected areas. This developed as the provincial DRRMC provided heavy equipment such as backhoe, payloader, and dump trucks and chemicals to be used in collecting and burying the dead fish.

Authorities also distributed masks to residents in the affected areas.

Data released by the NDRRMC showed 350 fish cages owned by 23 fish pen operators were affected by the incident. It added the estimated losses to marketable “bangus” and “tilapia” and 500,000 fingerlings, including those in open water is 2,896.85 metric tons, amounting to P142.530 million.

The NDRRMC gave a breakdown of the data as: Barangay Sampaloc, Talisay – six operators with 104 fish cages, 895 metric tons worth P78,760,000; Barangay Leviste, Laurel – nine operators with 107 cages, 681.2 metric tons worth P43,676,000; Poblacion, San Nicolas – one operator with 117 fish cages, 50 metric tons worth P4.5 million; Subic Ilaya, Agoncillo – seven operators with 22 cages, 268.25 metric tons worth P15,235,000; Sta. Teresita (open water)- .5650 metric tons worth P83,500; Cuenca (open water) - 1.60 metric tons worth P240,000; and Alitagtag (open water) – .2325 metric tons worthy P35,050.

An emergency meeting with representatives from concerned government agencies and fish cage owners and operators was held to address the concerns of fish kill, said the NDRRMC report.

Source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321373/fish-kill-spreads-lipa-7-towns-under-calamity-stateched)

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Punto Miguel Laiya
Laiya, San Juan, Batangas

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TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN 05 June 2011 8:00 A.M.
Sunday, 05 June 2011 06:17

Taal Volcano’s (14.0000°N, 120.9833°E) seismic network recorded eight (8) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Field measurements conducted last 31 May 2011 at the western sector inside the Main Crater Lake showed that the water temperature increased from 32.5°C to 32.9°C, and the pH value became more acidic decreasing from 2.72 to 2.60. Bubbling activity was observed at the middle portion of the Main Crater Lake. Results of the ground deformation survey (precise leveling) conducted around the Volcano Island last 26 April - 03 May 2011 showed that the volcano edifice inflated slightly relative to the 05-11 April 2011 survey. Measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emission rates last 03-04 May 2011 at Taal Main Crater Lake yielded a value of 2,057 tonnes per day (t/d) which is above the background level.

Alert Level 2 is still in effect over Taal Volcano, with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by the continuing high emission rate of CO2 being released in the Main Crater Lake and sustained seismic activity. Hence, PHIVOLCS advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965-1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Breathing air with high concentration of toxic gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation. In addition, it is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately relayed to all concerned.

DOST-PHIVOLCS

Source: www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph (http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/)

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Tragedy of the fishers
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BENJAMIN DIOKNO

‘Hundreds of tons of dead fish worth hundreds of millions gone to waste. That’s extremely cruel in a country where one of three people experiences hunger occasionally.’

THE simultaneous fishkill in Lake Taal and in Bolinao and Anda towns in Pangasinan is a grim reminder of how unbounded self interest can lead to overexploitation of finite resources with tragic consequences.

It reminds us of the classic dilemma called the ‘tragedy of the commons’ first described in an article written by Garret Hardin in Science (1968) titled: "The Tragedy of Commons." The dilemma arises from the situation in which many individuals, acting independently and rationally guided only by their own self interest, will ultimately deplete a common-pool resource, even when it’s clear that it is not in any individual’s own long-term interest for this to happen.

This theory is often cited to support the idea of sustainable development. It is used to analyze many resource problems in society today, such as land, water, fish, non-renewable energy sources such as oil and coal, and climate change.

But how does the tragedy of commons explain the fishkill? The theory argues that from the individual fish pen owner’s viewpoint, the benefits from each additional fish in his fish cage outweigh the costs (damages) to society (for other fishers and general consumers).

The individual fish pen owner receives all the benefits from each additional fish in his cage, so it is in his interest to put additional fish in his cage, even if the quality of the water deteriorates as a result, through overstocking. Imagine if all fishers make this individual rational economic decision. The quality of the water will deteriorate and its carrying capacity to support the existing fish stock will be degraded – and thus the fishkill.

Tale of weak governance, power and greed

What we have in our midst is a catastrophic man-made calamity. Hundreds of tons of dead fish worth hundreds of millions gone to waste. That’s extremely cruel in a country where one of three people experiences hunger occasionally.

What’s the role of government in such a situation? I do not claim to have the answer for such a chaotic state of affairs. For sure, the fishers cannot be trusted to do the right thing. It is wrong to assume that fishers have a conscience with an altruistic streak.

But relying on the government, whether national or local, to have an active role is not too comforting either, given its revealed lack of competence to set and enforce rules.

For a country which is notoriously weak in enforcement of laws, it is hard to believe that the government will be able to do the right thing. A government that cannot even manage the traffic well, maintain roads and bridges properly, run the prison system well, and collect garbage efficiently can hardly be trusted to enforce fishery laws effectively and unbiasedly.

Scientists have been warning government authorities that fish structures, which were built along the Kakiputan Channel in Bolinao and Anda towns in the last ten years, would endanger the marine ecosystem there. Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto warned of overfishing in the Taal Lake area and ordered the reduction of existing fish pens in the area. Yet, nobody -- neither the government functionaries nor fish pen owners -- heeded such warnings.

Who authorized the setting up of fish cages and pens in lakes and channels all over the country, implicit assigning to them the right to exploit the lakes and rivers?

How are these cages and pens regulated?

Who are the fish cage owners? Let me take a wild guess: ex-military officers, public officials or relatives of high public officials. If true, one needs a government that has the political will, an efficient machinery, and an honest court system to enforce the laws.

Fish is such a significant part of the Filipino diet. But unless the problems that brought about the recent fishkill are addressed by public authorities in a direct, systematic way, fishkill can be expected to be back again and again.

Source: www.malaya.com.ph (http://www.malaya.com.ph/june06/eddiokno.html)

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Taal fish kill spreads to one more town in Batangas
06/05/2011 | 10:10 PM

Another town along Taal Lake in Batangas was hit by the fish kill that started last week and has caused more than P100-million worth of damage to the fisheries industry in the province.

Over 10 fish cages containing milkfish and tilapia in Mataas na Kahoy town were affected by the fish kill on Sunday morning, a GMA News TV Live report quoted Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste as saying.

The incident followed similar fishkills in the towns of Talisay, Laurel, Alitagtag, Santa Teresita, Agoncillo, San Nicolas and Cuenca.

At least P136 million in fisheries produce has been lost in the seven towns, which have been placed under a state of calamity.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has yet to issue a report on the financial impact of the fish kill in Mataas na Kahoy to the fisheries output of the province. - ACC/YA, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222619/regions/taal-fish-kill-spreads-to-one-more-town-in-batangas)

Last Day of Summer 2011 was Ours!
Clarisse Seguban

As I sit here infront of my computer while doing some net surfing, I've got to see this funny but interesting video in youtube. The video made from pictures from Taal lake at Club Balai Isabel. Just like to share you this video as surprisingly, tourists continue to influx there despite of possible eruption of Taal Volcano due to noticeable increase in seismic activity. Video was uploaded by TheClangySeguban.

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Uploaded by: TheClangySeguban (http://www.youtube.com/user/TheClangySeguban)


Just copied this information from their youtube page.

May 25-26, 2011. Photos were taken at Club Balai Isabel (Batangas, Philippines). We had so much fun that posting pics on facebook was not enough. We were so blessed that the sun was up and striking hot during our stay at the beach. It rained the next day marking the first day of rainy season, giving us the right to say that the last day of summer was ours. And speaking of "blessed", *smile*.... before we left Balai Isabel, Gov. Vilma Santos came to visit the resort and so we had the chance to have a picture with her!!!

From http://www.torrentavi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/YouTube_Logo_12.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_x62hp7Z58&feature=player_embedded)

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Iba pang mga lugar sa Batangas, apektado na sa fishkill

Umabot na sa kabilang bahagi ng Taal Lake ang fishkill sa Batangas. Kaninang umaga, nagsilutangan ang mga patay na isda sa bayan ng Mataas na Kahoy, Cuenca at Lipa City. Nagpa-Patrol, Joan Panopio. TV Patrol, Hunyo 5, 2011, Linggo.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/06/05/11/fishkill-affecting-other-batangas-towns)

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DepEd issues hotlines for Oplan Balik Eskwela
05/27/2011 | 09:19 AM

In a bid to ensure a smooth opening of classes on June 6, the Department of Education has issued phone, text and email hotlines for its "Oplan Balik Eskwela."

The DepEd also set its headquarters in Pasig City as the information and command center for the yearly program that aims to address potential problems hounding the start of school.

"Oplan Balik Eskwela" will be held May 30 to June 11, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Its operations center will be the DepEd Complex along Meralco Avenue in Pasig City.

In an advisory, the DepEd said parents seeking information on enrollment and the opening of classes contact the DepEd through:

Telephone:

Main Hotline: 636-1663
633-1942
634-0222
636-4880
635-0552
637-4211
635-6550
638-7529
635-9817
638-7530
637-3743


DepEd Text Messaging Service: 0919-4560027

E-Mail: action@deped.gov.ph


— RSJ, GMA News

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Phl cargo output for Q1 2011 hits 36.47 mmt

MANILA, June 6 (PNA) – The country’s cargo volume reached 36.47 million metric tons (mmt) for the first three months this year, or 4.34 percent lower than the 38.12 mmt last year.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said the domestic and foreign traffic declined 7.64 percent and 1.36 percent, respectively, for the period in review, owing to poor cargo movement in the international and local markets

Domestic cargo was reduced by 1.38 mmt to 16.68 mmt from 18.06 mmt, and foreign cargo by 0.273 mmt to 19.79 mmt from 20.06 mmt.

The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) registered the most foreign cargo volume with 4.197 mmt and North Harbor, the most domestic cargo volume with 3.049 mmt.

Containerized cargo reached 1.16 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first quarter, up 9.37 percent more from the same quarter last year.

MICT handled the most foreign containers with 396,737 TEUs followed by South Harbor with 204,453 TEUs.

North Harbor led in domestic container volume with 167,244 TEUs.

Accounting for the biggest share of volume or 13.75 percent to total throughput is the port of Batangas.

Other ports that made it to the top five were MICT with an 11.80 percent share; Limay, 11.68 percent; North Harbor, 11.52 percent; and South Harbor, 7.41 percent.

Puerto Princesa registered the biggest volume growth at 39.05 percent for the first three months after handling 0.398 mmt.

The increase was attributed to high imports of coal and exports of sand aggregates, fish, chrome ore, chromite sand, manganese ore and nickel ore.

Tagbilaran suffered the biggest setback with a decline of 81.31 percent due to significant reduction in the shipment of grains, petroleum products and coal. (PNA)
DCT/LDV/PFN

Source: positivenewsmedia.net (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Business_19/Phl_cargo_output_for_Q1_2011_hits_36_47_mmt.shtml)

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Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2011 Team Philippines Test day at Batangas Racing Circuit on June 1, 2011.

Team UP "Kidlat" SEM 2011 Brake Test

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Team UP "Kidlat" Extra vid

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Team UP "Kidlat" SEM 2011 Slalom Test 2

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Uploaded by cyruscruz90 (http://www.youtube.com/user/cyruscruz90) on Jun 5, 2011

From http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLMYrgxRsjnWokxI_lyLOq9WsIuqdYaanpHp8Z2o-sYpeOXWzP_N0kYA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhs0QOsd7es&feature=player_embedded)

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Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2011 Team Philippines Test day at Batangas Racing Circuit on June 1, 2011.

"DLSU 100" SEM 2011 Slalom Test

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Uploaded by cyruscruz90 (http://www.youtube.com/user/cyruscruz90) on Jun 5, 2011

From http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLMYrgxRsjnWokxI_lyLOq9WsIuqdYaanpHp8Z2o-sYpeOXWzP_N0kYA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzsYR6pPl2k&feature=player_embedded)

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Fishkill umabot na sa Lipa, 2 pang bayan ng Batangas
Monday, 06 June 2011 10:36

BATANGAS CITY— Lumawak pa ang fishkill sa Taal Lake nang dalawa pang bayan at isang lungsod ang nakaranas nito.

Katatapos pa lang maalis ang tone-toneladang patay na isda sa mga naunang nasalanta ng fishkill ay nagkamatay naman ang mga bangus, tilapia
at iba pang isda sa mga bayan ng Mataas na Kahoy at Cuenca, at sa lungsod ng Lipa, lahat nasa Taal Lake.
Ayon kay Ginette Segismundo, provincial information officer, hindi lang mga nakakulong na isda ang naapektuhan kundi pati ang mga natural
na isda sa lawa, tulad ng biya, pauto, apta, katang at siliw.

Umabot sa 20 tonelada ng alagang bangus at tilapia ang namatay at halos isang tonelada ng likas na isda ng lawa ang namatay. Ayon kay Sioli Manalo, isang punong barangay sa Mataas na Kahoy, iniulat ng mga caretaker ng mga kulungan ng isda na uminit nang husto ang tubig sa lawa bago naglutangan ang mga isda simula noong Linggo nang madaling araw.

Umabot na sa 2,000 tonelada ng isda ang namatay sa fishkill, anang mga opisyal. MEL, DMJ

Source: www.libre.com.ph (http://www.libre.com.ph/news-a-events/current-news/5955-fishkill-umabot-na-sa-lipa-2-pang-bayan-ng-batangas)

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Stronger Team Philippines gears up for 2011 Shell Eco-Marathon Asia
By Patrick Everett Tadeo
06 Jun 2011

Seven teams from six of the Philippines' top universities are now preparing for the 2011 Shell Eco-Marathon Asia where they hope to complete the different tests in creating the regions most fuel-efficient car that emits the least carbon dioxide.

"The Shell Eco-Marathon (SEM) is an annual platform that seeks to inspire innovation and environmental responsibility in today's youth," said Roberto Kanapi, Pilipinas Shell's vice president for communications. "Now on its second Asian leg, the SEM will once again encourage young, talented and creative Filipinos to take part in helping develop more sustainable and efficient energy sources, and bring pride to the country."

Last year's teams--Don Bosco Technical College of Mandaluyong, Mapua Institute of Technology and the University of Santo Tomas--will once again join the event as they hope to apply what they've learned from the 2010 race. Joining them with their respective cars will be teams from De La Salle University, Technological Institute of the Philippines-Manila (TIP) and the University of the Philippines.

Though six schools will be taking part in the race, they will all represent the country under the Team Philippines' banner.

"We learned a lot from that very first meeting as the participants from last year shared their experiences with us, from what they learned from their entries to what they learned from the foreign teams," said TIP-Manila team leader Mark Joseph Balares. "So we hope that we can do a good job right from the very start with our very first entry."

Confident with its finish in the Prototype Class in the 2010 SEM where its entry finished in ninth place in a field of nearly 50 cars, Mapua has decided to enter a second car that will compete in the Urban Concept category. Mapua is the first Philippine university to enter two cars and two teams in the race.

All seven teams recently tested their cars at the Batangas Racing Circuit to find out if any modification needed to be done prior to having the vehicles shipped out by June 9.

Besides finishing in the top 10 of the Prototype Class last year, Mapua also took second place in the Safety Award while Don Bosco garnered a Special Recognition award for demonstrating safety compliance. Let's hope that for this year, one of the seven teams will bag its class' trophy.

The 2011 Shell Eco-Marathon Asia will be held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia from July 6 to 9.

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DLSU at Batangas Racing Circuit

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Don Bosco at Batangas Racing Circuit

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Mapua at Batangas Racing Circuit

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TIP at Batangas Racing Circuit

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UST at Batangas Racing Circuit

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UP at Batangas Racing Circuit

Source: www.topgear.com.ph (http://www.topgear.com.ph/news//stronger-team-philippines-gears-up-for-2011-shell-eco-marathon-asia)

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7juA1KPe29QH0U-DKWwtixQ89R1p2y-P3v4XdXtM0xHdfKRHaZgJxLdk
Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2011 Team Philippines Test day at Batangas Racing Circuit on June 1, 2011.

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SEM Asia 2011 Team Philippines

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Uploaded by cyruscruz90 (http://www.youtube.com/user/cyruscruz90) on Jun 5, 2011

From http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLMYrgxRsjnWokxI_lyLOq9WsIuqdYaanpHp8Z2o-sYpeOXWzP_N0kYA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvICJMR4GF4)

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PRESS RELEASE Office
Public Information
May 31, 2011
(043) 723 2344

Ibayong police visibility ang ipatutupad sa pag bubukas ng pasukan sa Batangas City partikular sa mga pam publikong paaralan upang masiguro ang kaligtasan at maayos na pagpasok ng mga mag aaral.

Bilang paghahanda, inilunsad nila ang Oplan Balik Eskwela upang matutukan ang kaayusan at katahimikan ngayong darating na pasukan kung saan inaasahan ang pagdagsa ng mga estudyante sa mga paaralan.

Ayon kay P/Chief Insp. Julieta Rigat Deputy Chief of Police Batangas City, nag dagdag sila ng pulis sa mga schools para mag bantay sa kaayusan ng mga batang papasok. Patuloy din ang pag ikot ng kanilang mobile patrol na nag momonitor at check points ng mga sasakyan na papasok at lalabas sa lungsod.

Samantala, katulong ng mga pulis ang ibat-ibang organisasyon sa pagpapatupad ng oplan Balik Eskwela katulad ng Community Base Suport System o CBSS, Crime Watch Force o CWF, Defense and Security Service (DSS) Transportation Development and Regulatory Office (TDRO) Barangay Officials at Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team o BPAT na malaki ang maitutulong sa aktibong pakikilahok at kooperasyon sa komunidad sa pagsugpo ng kriminalidad at pag papanatili ng kaayusan at pangangalaga ng kapaligiran. (Liza Perez Delos Reyes, PIO Batangas City)

Source: media.wowbatangas.com (http://media.wowbatangas.com/newspapers-and-pio/pio-batangas-city/police-oplan-brigada-eskwela/)

One of the best websites...

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TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN, 06 June 2011, 8:00 A.M.
Monday, 06 June 2011 06:25

Taal Volcano’s (14.0000°N, 120.9833°E) seismic network did not record any volcanic earthquake during the past 24 hours. Field measurements conducted last 31 May 2011 at the western sector inside the Main Crater Lake showed that the water temperature increased from 32.5°C to 32.9°C, and the pH value became more acidic decreasing from 2.72 to 2.60. Bubbling activity was observed at the middle portion of the Main Crater Lake. Results of the ground deformation survey (precise leveling) conducted around the Volcano Island last 26 April - 03 May 2011 showed that the volcano edifice inflated slightly relative to the 05-11 April 2011 survey. Measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emission rates last 03-04 May 2011 at Taal Main Crater Lake yielded a value of 2,057 tonnes per day (t/d) which is above the background level.

Alert Level 2 is still in effect over Taal Volcano, with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by the continuing high emission rate of CO2 being released in the Main Crater Lake and sustained seismic activity. Hence, PHIVOLCS advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965-1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Breathing air with high concentration of toxic gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation. In addition, it is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately relayed to all concerned.

DOST-PHIVOLCS

Source:www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph (http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/)

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Pamahalaang panlalawigan, nanawagan sa mga apektado ng fishkill na magtulungan
ni Bhaby Mamerta Perea-De Castro

BATANGAS CITY, Hunyo 5 (PIA) --- Nanawagan ang pamahalaang panlalawigan sa lahat ng apektado ng fishkill na magtulungan upang malampasan ang nasabing pagsubok.

Ayon kay 3rd District board member Alfredo Corona, hindi tumitigil ang pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pagtulong sa mga naapektuhan at sa paghanap ng solusyon sa nasabing fishkill.

Tiniyak din ng opisyal na nakahanda silang gawin ang karampatang hakbang tulad ng pagpasa ng resolusyon sa pagbibigay ng calamity fund sa mga apektadong bayan upang kahit papaano ay mapagaan ang matinding epekto ng nasabing fishkill.

Kaugnay nito, nagsagawa naman ng pagbisita ang mga angkop na ahensya at opisyal sa lalawigan upang i-assess kung hanggang saan ang epekto ng fishkill at nagpulong ang mga ito upang mapagkasunduan ang mga hakbang na nararapat gawin.

Pinaplano naman ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan na ipatawag sa isang pulong ang mga konsernadong ahensya upang imbestigahan ang bagay na ito. (CPG/MPDC,PIA-Batangas)

Source: www.pia.gov.ph (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=36543)

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School near Taal Volcano opens
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/06/2011 11:56 AM

MANILA, Philippines - A total of 165 grade school pupils trooped to an elementary school on Pulo Island in Talisay, Batangas Monday despite a level 2 volcano alert hoisted over Taal Volcano.

Talisay Mayor Zenaida Mendoza said classes at Pulo Elementary School started without a hitch on Monday.

Mendoza said local officials originally decided to stop classes at the school and let the students study in the mainland. Parents, however, urged the mayor to keep the school open because their kids would have to travel far to get an education.

Mendoza said the local government devised a contingency plan in case the volcano acts up. She said boats will remain on standby near the school to allow for faster evacuation from the island, if needed. Report from Dennis Datu, radio dzMM

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/06/11/school-near-taal-volcano-opens)

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Galleria Taal - Landmarks

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Uploaded by redskivaldez (http://www.youtube.com/user/redskivaldez)

Interview of Manny Inumerable in Landmarks (a TV show on net25) showcasing his museum in Taal, Batangas called "Galleria Taal".

Source: http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLMYrgxRsjnWokxI_lyLOq9WsIuqdYaanpHp8Z2o-sYpeOXWzP_N0kYA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lRq5OXiLKk)

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800 tons of fish die and rot on Philippine fish farms CCTV News

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Uploaded by cctvnewschannel (http://www.youtube.com/user/cctvnewschannel)

More than 800 tons of fish have died and rotted on fish farms in a lake near Taal Volcano south of Manila. Authorities believe the cause is a sudden drop in temperature.

Officials have banned the sale of the fish which is being buried by the truckload in Batangas Province. The deaths are unrelated to recent activity in the volcano. The rainy season set in last week causing the fall in temperature which also depleted the lake's oxygen levels. Farmers are devastated because they have invested a lot. Losses are estimated at close to one million US dollars.

Information provided by cctv.com Thank you www.cctv.com (http://www.cctv.com/)


Source: http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLMYrgxRsjnWokxI_lyLOq9WsIuqdYaanpHp8Z2o-sYpeOXWzP_N0kYA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxWtWEmgzo0)

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Fishkill hits another Batangas town: 150 tons of tilapia lost
06-Jun-11, 2:44 PM

MANILA, Philippines— At least 150 tons of tilapia have floated belly up in fish cages in Mataas na Kahoy town in Batangas, just a few days after 375 tons of milkfish died in Taal lake.
An estimated 27 fish cages were affected in the town, officials said. Aside from the tilapia, several fish and seafood species were also hit including biya, muang, dangat, and shrimp. At least one turtle was also found dead in the area.

Municipal Agriculturist Angelita Matangihan said the fishkill is due to low oxygen levels in the lake. The massive fishkill in Taal Lake was blamed on the abrupt change in water temperature brought about by typhoon ‘Chedeng’, the overcrowding of fishpens, pollution, and poor aquaculture practices in the area.

Similar fishkills were recorded in the surrounding towns of Balete, Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, Sta Teresita, San Nicolas, Cuenca, and Alitagtag.

An estimated P136 million in aquatic produce has been reported lost in the towns affected by the fishkill.

Following the fish kill, Mataas Na Kahoy’s community, environment and natural resources office will monitor fish cage operators and will punish owners that do not abide by the town’s regulations on aquaculture. Residents who throw their waste into the lake will also be punished, officials said.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have in the past noted that fishkills can occur during the rainy season when hydrogen sulfide levels rise in the area's waters. The hydrogen sulfide results in toxic gas emissions and consequently, a depletion of oxygen in the waters.

Source: www.interaksyon.com (http://www.interaksyon.com/article/5019/fishkill-hits-another-batangas-town-150-tons-of-tilapia-lost)

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198582_1629740784702_1272073435_2851219_4797040_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=100000065479464&pid=2829094&id=1272073435)

End of the Day (By Arturo Flores)

TAAL LAKE!:cheers:

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End of the Day (By Arturo Flores)

TAAL LAKE!:cheers:









Wow nice photograph, I just hope we could preserve this amazing nature. I’m disappointed about the massive fishkills these days, Good job sir, looking forward to more and keep coming back for updates.

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Once again another Batanguenos has made it to the Semi Finals of Pilipinas Got Talent

sTvjoIPEXDQ
Uploaded by maryel1718 (http://www.youtube.com/user/maryel1718)

The singing trio from Rosario, Batangas, Joy’s Divas is now banking on the support of our Kababayang Batanguenos, after being selected as one of six semi-finalists to battle for 2 more slots in the Grand Finals. The winner will be selected through text votes and they are calling our kababayan around the world, please support our kababayan, as they vying for slot in the Grand Finals..Please VOTE NOW!

From http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLMYrgxRsjnWokxI_lyLOq9WsIuqdYaanpHp8Z2o-sYpeOXWzP_N0kYA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTvjoIPEXDQ)

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Fish kill: BFAR blames temperature
By SARAH HILOMEN-VELASCO
June 6, 2011, 6:15pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Monday revealed that change in water temperature was the prevalent cause of probably the worst fish kill in Batangas.

In a phone interview with BFAR Director Asis Generoso Perez, he said that with the onset of the cold months, the overturning of water temperature in the affected areas in Batangas caused massive fish kill as its oxygen content was harmful for marine life.

Perez explained that fishes need at least six parts per million (ppm) of oxygen which are present in colder water temperature that has eight ppm of oxygen.

With the temperature overturn, the colder water tends to go down and pushes upwards hotter water, which carries only three ppm of oxygen and some debris.

“This kind of environment makes it unfit for fishes to survive,” he said, adding that the water samples gathered from the affected areas even contained as low as 2.3 ppm of oxygen.

Perez disclosed that this phenomenon, however, does not happen every summer. The last recorded massive fish kill was three years ago.

Perez added that in terms of damage, the fish kill which started last May 27 was probably the worst – affecting at least 970 metric tons, which include 600 metric tons of bangus, 300 metric tons of tilapia, and the rest such as hito, shrimps, katang, carpa, muwang, and biya.

Affected municipalities are Balete, Lumang Lipa, Mataas na Kahoy, Cuenca, Talisay, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, and Laurel.

Source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321547/fish-kill-bfar-blames-temperature)

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Fish pen operators get ultimatum
By CZARINA NICOLE O. ONG and FERDIE F. CASTRO
June 6, 2011, 6:29pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Monday gave illegal fish pen operators one week within which to voluntarily dismantle their structures at the Taal Lake in Talisay and Laurel towns, Batangas, or face the full force of the law.

DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo directed police officials in Batangas to ask fish pen owners to voluntarily dismantle their illegal fish cages and clear the lake of dead fish.

“After a week, if the illegal fish pen owners still refuse to dismantle their fish cages, then the local police, in coordination with the local officials, will lead the dismantling,” Robredo warned.

Robredo gave the order last Friday and expects action within the week.

He told Senior Superintendent Rosauro Acio, Batangas police director, to act on stubborn illegal fish pen owners who refuse to follow the order.

The latest fish kill was reported Sunday in Lipa City and Mataas na Kahoy, also in Batangas, where an estimated 160 metric tons of assorted fish died.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Region 4-A reported that a total of 24 fish cages were affected in Barangay Lumang Lipa, Mataas na Kahoy, with the loss placed at R7.5 million.

In Lipa City, Barangay Chairman Justino Martinez, of Barangay Halang, said some 230 fishers were affected when the fish kill struck along the shores of Sitio Tagbakin early Sunday morning.

Affected by the fish kill in Lipa City were Archer fish, Goby, Katang, Carp, Silverside, Jaguar fish, Eel, Cardinal fish, Tilapia, and Catfish.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 4-A said Lipa City, Tanauan City, Talisay, and Balete were affected by brown water coloration.

Source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321550/fish-pen-operators-get-ultimatum)

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School suspends classes due to fishkill stench
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/06/2011 6:49 PM

BATANGAS, Philippines – The unpleasant smell emitted by the recent Taal Lake fishkill prompted school officials to suspend classes at a private school in Barangay Sampaloc, Talisay, Batangas.

Classes in this school will resume next week.

Meanwhile, the Jorge B. Vargas Elementary School, which is located nearer Taal, opened without a hitch.

School officials noted that several students were absent, but it was due to other reasons not related to the fishkill.

School officials, however, are open to the possibility that some students may have spotty attendance records, especially those whose parents depend on the fishing industry in Taal for income.

They are also prepared for the possibility that students may complain of stomach ache and other illnesses because of the smell.

Grade school pupils also trooped to an elementary school on Pulo Island in Talisay, despite a level 2 volcano alert hoisted over Taal Volcano.

Talisay Mayor Zenaida Mendoza said local officials originally decided to postpone opening of classes at the school and let the students study in the mainland.

Local officials decided to open the school as activity in the volcano has declined. No volcanic earthquakes were recorded in Taal within 24 hours. -- Report from Sarita Kare, ABS-CBN Batangas

Source:www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/06/11/school-suspends-classes-due-fishkill-stench)

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Batangas village in a state of calamity
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/06/2011 8:33 PM | Updated as of 06/06/2011 8:33 PM

MANILA, Philippines – A village in Batangas was placed under a state of calamity after being affected by the fishkill in Taal Lake.

About 138 tons of dead fish from 27 fish cages were found in Barangay Lumang Lipa in Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas prompting its local officials to declare a state of calamity.

Some caretakers of the fish cages in Barangay Lumang Lipa said they already noticed restlessness in some of the fishes early on.

Vice Governor Mark Leviste, together with personnel from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Task Force Taal Lake, inspected the lake to assess the damages believed to reach an estimated P10 million. -- Report from Dennis Datu, radio dzMM


Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/06/11/batangas-village-state-calamity)

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Net-25: Landmarks: Heritage Town Taal

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Uploaded by IglesiaNiCristo1914 (http://www.youtube.com/user/IglesiaNiCristo1914) on Apr 24, 2011

Faye takes you on a trip to Heritage Town Taal..

Iglesia Ni Cristo: Courtesy of Gemnet www.gemnet.tv (http://www.gemnet.tv) and Net-25: www.net-25.com (http://www.net-25.com)

From http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLMYrgxRsjnWokxI_lyLOq9WsIuqdYaanpHp8Z2o-sYpeOXWzP_N0kYA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ448bJHeK0&feature=player_embedded#at=85)

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Patrol ng Pilipino: Probes Into The Fishkills
Monday, June 6, 2011


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Batangas called for help first and then Pangasinan followed. These are the provinces affected by massive fishkills, which were caused by lack of supply of oxygen and congestion in fish cages.

Millions of pesos have been lost due to this problem, and now bigger challenges have surfaced as “double-dead” fish have reached Metro Manila markets.

This Tuesday, June 7, on “Patrol ng Pilipino,” ABS-CBN correspondent Dominic Almelor will dive into the roots of the fishkills and show how the government and the people are addressing the problem.

Meanwhile, look into the inspiring story of the people of Culion in Palawan in the report of ABS-CBN correspondent Chiara Zambrano. Previously known as the land of lepers, the place has erased the stigma and has become a haven for tourists.

See the stories behind the news on “Patrol ng Pilipino” this Tuesday, June 7, after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN.

Source: showbiznest.blogspot.com (http://showbiznest.blogspot.com/2011/06/patrol-ng-pilipino-probes-into.html)

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Aboitiz subsidiary to power Batangas power distributor
06/06/2011 | 10:51 PM

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Monday approved a three-year power supply contract between AP Renewables Inc. and First Bay Power Corp.

AP Renewables, a unit of the Aboitiz Power Corp., will be sourcing the power for Firs Bay from the Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant in Albay and the Makban Geothermal Power Plants in Laguna and Batangas.

Since acquiring the power plants, AP Renewables has been the assignee of the National Power Corp. (Napocor) contracts which includes First Bay. Two years ago, First Bay asked the ERC to extend the transition supply contract from Oct. 25, 2009 to Jan. 25, 2010.

When the contract expired, First Bay opened negotiations with AP Renewables for a bilateral power supply contract because AP Renewables rates were lower than existing Napocor rates.

AP Renewables sources its electricity from renewable energy sources, exempting them from the value-added tax.

In addition, AP Renewables’ line rental costs are lower because of its power plants’ proximity to First Bay’s franchise area, according to First Bay.

Batangas-based First Bay took over the operations of the Bauan Electric Light System which has a franchise from the National Electrification Administration to operate an electric system in Bauan, Batangas.

The franchise will expire Jan. 25, 2013.

The contract involves a contracted capacity of 37,084,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) for the first year which began on Jan. 26, 2010.

First Bay’s requirements are expected to increase by 10 percent in 2011 and four percent by 2012.

The ERC approved an average generation rate of P3.77 per kWh for AP Renewables. — BC/VS, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222698/business/aboitiz-subsidiary-to-power-batangas-power-distributor)

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Pagunsan leads local bid in Asean tour

STREAKING Juvic Pagunsan tries to add the ICTSI-Mt. Malarayat crown to his growing list of victories when he leads the local challenge against a crack international field in the $50,0000 event starting tomorrow at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas.

Pagunsan is coming off a one-stroke victory over Marvin Dumandan in last week’s Eastridge Classic, his second straight and third overall after four legs of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour, making him the top favorite in the second leg of this year’s Asean Golf Tour.

The smooth-swinging Filipino ace finished second to Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand last year, losing by eight shots. But Pagunsan is playing in a zone and is tipped to contend for the crown and the top prize of $8,126 prize in the 72-hole championship.

Jay Bayron, who wound up joint ninth in the Asean Golf Tour’s kickoff leg– the Pattaya Open–ruled by Thai Prom Meesawat last month, is also expected to join the title hunt along with last year’s third placer, Ferdie Aunzo, and the rest of the local tour campaigners.

They include Artemio Murakami, Tony Lascuna, Mars Pucay, Rufino Bayron, Elmer Salvador, Cassius Casas, Richard Sinfuego, Orlan Sumcad, Jhonnel Ababa, Mhark Fernando, Anthony Fernando and Dumandan.

Thanyakon Khrongpha, Wisut Artjanawat, Panuwat Muenlek and Ekalak Waisayakul head the 20-player Thai roster in the event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. along with Singapore’s Ang Chin Ling, Brunei’s Wira Ak, Indonesian Johannes Dermawan and Dutch Guido Van der Valk.

The field will test the composite layout in today’s pro-am tournament featuring the leading pros with officials and guests of the sponsoring ICTSI.

Source: www.malaya.com.ph (http://www.malaya.com.ph/june07/sports8.html)

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Juvic heads Asean tour campaign
June 6, 2011, 11:35pm

MANILA, Philippines — Streaking Juvic Pagunsan tries to add the ICTSI-Mt. Malarayat crown to his growing list of victories as he leads the local challenge against a crack international field in the $50,0000 event firing off tomorrow at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas.

Pagunsan is coming off a one-stroke victory over Marvin Dumandan in last week’s ICTSI Eastridge Classic, his second straight and third overall after four legs of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour, making him the top favorite in the

second leg of this year’s ASEAN Golf Tour.

The smooth-swinging Filipino shotmaker finished second to Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand here last year where he lost by eight shots. But Pagunsan is in a zone right now and is tipped to contend for the crown and the top $8,126 prize in the 72-hole championship.

Source:www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321579/juvic-heads-asean-tour-campaign)

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800 tons of fish die, rot on Philippine fish farms
Posted: Jun 04, 2011 10:13 PM PST Updated: Jun 04, 2011 10:14 PM PST
By Chuck George, meteorologist

TALISAY, Philippines (AP) -- More than 800 tons of fish have died and rotted on fish farms in a lake near Taal volcano south of Manila, with authorities blaming it on a sudden temperature drop.

The massive fish deaths started late last week but have eased. Officials have banned the sale of the rotting fish, which are being buried by the truckload in Talisay and three other towns in Batangas province, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources official Rose del Mundo said Sunday.

The deaths are unrelated to recent signs of restiveness in Taal volcano, which is surrounded by the lake where many villagers have grown milkfish and tilapia - staple foods for many Filipinos, officials said. The volcano and lake are a popular tourist draw.

Government volcanologist Allan Loza said Monday that 115 earthquakes were detected in Taal in the past 24 hours compared to an average of 10 to 15 quakes daily in recent weeks, a sign that magma is rising from within the small volcano. Such unrest has been monitored since April, long before last week's fish deaths, he said.

Talisay agricultural officer Zenaida Macatangay said an initial investigation showed the deaths may have been caused by the temperature change as the rainy season set in last week after a scorching summer, which also depleted the lake's oxygen levels.

Schools of fish were seen swimming in circles before they floated dead to the surface in huge numbers. The deaths have occurred in the past at summer's end but in much smaller numbers, Mendoza said.

Some Taal lake areas turned white due to the massive numbers of dead milk-colored fish. Workers covered their noses with their hands or clothing Sunday as they scooped up the rotting fish and placed them into sacks.

"Many were sad and devastated because they invested a lot in these fish cages," Talisay Mayor Zenaida Mendoza told The Associated Press by telephone.

More than 400 tons of milkfish have died in Talisay alone since Friday in 84 out of about 1,000 fish pens - lake areas about half the size of a basketball court that are fenced off by bamboo poles and nets. Damage has been estimated at $770,000 (33 million pesos), Mendoza said. About 400 tons more have died in the other towns.

Source: www.kold.com (http://www.kold.com/story/14841345/800-tons-of-fish-die-rot-on-philippine-fish-farms)

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Batangueños learn their lesson from Taal Lake fishkill
06/07/2011 1:49 AM

Natuto na raw ng leksyon ang mga taga-Batangas. Maghihigpit na ang mga opisyal ng lokal na pamahalaan at iba pang ahensya sa mga mangingisda sa Taal Lake para huwag nang maulit ang fishkill. Mula Batangas, magba-Bandila si Niko Baua. Bandila, Hunyo 6, 2011, Lunes.

Source: eta.abs-cbnnews.com (http://beta.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/06/06/11/batangue%C3%B1os-learn-their-lesson-taal-lake-fishkill)

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Sea’s Spring Resort
Barangay Mainit, Mabini, Batangas

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The abundant Flora and Fauna of Batangas is definitely one of the reasons why it remains as one of the top go-to places for relaxation. Finding serenity and peace in a life where silence is gradually becoming a rare commodity is something Batangas can give us by just simply providing us a place where we can commune with the environment. Bask in the beauty of nature and rediscover genuine tranquility with a Double Room accommodation with breakfast for 2 plus free perks at Sea’s Spring Resort, Batangas.

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Indulge and relax with these great perks absolutely for FREE:


Unwind in the Bamboo Sauna to transport nutrients throughout your body, help you detoxify and improve virtually every function in your body.
Dip into the hot spring to achieve its many health benefits which includes reduction of stress and muscle spasms, improvement of your blood circulation and promotion of better breathing.
Splash around in the hotel swimming pool for some water fun.
Get to know sea-living creatures up close with an unlimited use of snorkeling gears since quite interestingly, Batangas offers intrepid visitors a very diverse marine life hosting more than half of the world's species of coral reefs.


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A little more than 3 hours south of Manila is Batangas’ Sea’s Spring Resort Hotel, nestled in over five hectares of the lush tropical valley, ushering you to Batangas Bay and the many famous dive sites in the area. The Sea’s Spring Resort Hotel has a total of 54 rooms: 30 double rooms, 12 king rooms and 12 triple rooms. All of these rooms face the ocean and provide a spectacular view of the sunrise.

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Source: everythinginbudget.blogspot.com (http://everythinginbudget.blogspot.com/2011/06/seas-spring-resort-50-off-batangas.html)

Get it now 50 % off overnight stay, for details please click here (http://everythinginbudget.blogspot.com/2011/06/seas-spring-resort-50-off-batangas.html)

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@ANCALERTS

BFAR director Perez calls for strict implementation of rules on fish cage operations.

Source: twitter.com (http://twitter.com/#!/ANCALERTS/statuses/77903463173992448)

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The Little Mermaid grows up
By ROWENA BAUTISTA-ALCARAZ
June 7, 2011, 9:19am

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Mariz in one of her diving adventures

MANILA, Philippines -- When "Balitanghali" news anchor and reporter Mariz Umali was still a kid she was terrifed of the water. The thought that she'd drown because she didn't know how to swim got her so worked up that she nagged her mom to enroll her in a swimming class. She was 14 years old then. Now all grown up (and beautiful at that!), there's nothing more exciting for her, apart from doing her job, than to hie off to Anilao, Batanggas or Subic for her weekend dives.

Mariz' "love affair" with the sea began sometime in 2003 when she, along with some of her colleagues in GMA-7 decided to take up diving lessons. "I was told that the more participants in the class, the cheaper it was. I took advantage of that because I really wanted to learn," says the very pretty Mariz.

The hobby lasted for two years until she could no longer find a buddy to come with her. It took work pals Raffy Tima and Sandra Aguinaldo, who share the same interest with her, to get her back to doing what she loves on a more regular basis.

Plunging into the deep

"I did my check out dive in Anilao, Batangas but I can't remember the exact depth of my first dive because I didn't really check. And then I was told later on that the dive master took us to a site that is 70 feet below," recalls Mariz.

She adds, "Prior to that, we spent a few sessions in the pool with the dive master. He would give us several exercises like how to share your oxygen with your buddy in case something goes wrong underwater...

Among those that I vividly remember was when he made us jump into the water with all our gear at the bottom of the pool. We had to get them from there and put them on piece by piece. We also did an exercise where we didn't have our BC (bouyancy compensators) inflated, just the wet suit, and we have to float. It's basically a step-by-step process that would make beginners confident in the water."

Apart from Subic and Anilao, Batangas, Mariz has also gone to Coron, Palawan. Although, she wasn't there primarily for leisure, she got an invitation that was too tempting to pass up. "I went there for a coverage. A ship sank somewhere in Mindoro but some of the victims were brought to Palawan. It wasn't on my agenda to dive but the owner of the place where we were billeted happens to own a dive resort also and offered that I try diving. I said I haven't been diving in a long time but the owner insisted and told told me that I can just take a refresher course."

Mariz was so glad that she did take the offer. "Diving relaxes me. Seeing a whole new world underwater is really amazing. I feel like the little mermaid, who incidentally was my favorite fairy tale character growing up. It's hard to put in words and describe how beautiful it is under the sea with all the colorful creatures. It's also my way of communing with nature," she tells.

Perhaps unknown to many, Mariz supports environmental activities particularly coastal clean-ups. "Seeing God's creations makes me appreciate them all the more and it's also one of the reasons why I want to take care of the environment. We've recently joined a cleanup of the coastal area in Anilao where I also did a story para tuhog na and ang dami talagang mga plastic na kasamang lumalangoy ng mga isda. Minsan may sanitary napkin pa."

Mariz has also tried ship wreck diving which she finds challenging. "It gives me a sense of fulfillment... yung papasok ka sa loob ng ship, mga more than a hundred feet deep, passing through holes. Feeling ko ang galing ko na kasi on those dives, you have to have a certain balance or buoyancy and it's super dilim."

Despite those accomplishments on her leisure of choice, Mariz still aspires for three things: A night dive, a diving adventure in Australia, and her certification as a diver.

"I want to try a night dive because I am curious about the kinds of species that appear underwater during night time. I plan to do that this year. I also want to go diving in Australia, that's a dream. Especially when I saw Mirriam Quiambao in Sisid. Wow!

"I don't have a certificate because I still need to take the written exam. But I was told that there's another way I can get it by the number of dives I've already done, parang they call it 'experience dive'. I'm still finding out how it can be done."

Life on land

Stepping out of the water, Mariz also enjoys a couple of things when she's not too busy with work. She reveals: "This is actually a secret. Nobody knows about it but I actually dance to about five songs before going to sleep. Since I'm usually in a hurry in the morning and I really can't do much exercise, that's what I do to compensate."

Mariz took up ballet and jazz lessons as a kid. She also has a bit of training in social dance. "I know Foxtrot, Mambo, and Swing. Hilig ko talaga ang sayaw but since I started working wala na talaga akong time."

When not dancing, Mariz can also be found running around the University of the Philippines' (U.P.) campus early evening, a sport she's recently picked up and is enjoying at the moment. "I joined the Kapuso Fun Run, which was my first running event. I did the 5K but I would also want to try 10K and 15K. I'll take it slowly, one step at a time."

For now, Mariz's first step is to conquer climbing the stairs of GMA-7's corporate office up to its 17th floor. "I have a flat shoes in the office that I use when I need to go to one department from the other when I have to. Or when I'm not doing anything or while waiting for my voice over or my script or for the next newscast, I would take the stairs all the way up to the 10th floor. Sometimes, it brushes with the rest of my co-workers. Yung mga camera man after being out of the feild on assignment, although I tell them to take the elevators because they're carrying heavy camera equipment, minsan they would join me."

Meanwhile, Mariz has been working under the same broadcasting company for 11 years now. She confesses to enjoying her time now more than ever because of the challenges her work entails. "It gets more exciting. Nagagawa ko na yung talagang dream ko apart from reporting, naging news anchor ako. I also had my share of hosting shows. This is what I really enjoy most and I love doing what I'm doing."

Unknown to many, Mariz was on her way to becoming a doctor when she chanced upon a high school classmate who was about to shift to Broadcast Communication in UP. "I felt I was no longer happy being inside the lab everyday. I started asking myself if that's what I really want to do. And then I bumped into an old classmate who explained to me what BroadCom is all about. The next thing I knew, kinukuha ko na yung transcript ko."

Mariz' decision to shift courses was all the more reinforced by having the privilege of becoming a student of the highly acclaimed journalist Cheche Lazaro who at that time was making waves for her television documentary "Probe". Later on Mariz graduated Cum Laude and the rest is history.

"When I was young I wanted to become a doctor because I wanted to help cure the sick. I can't do that anymore becuase that's not my calling. What other way can I help other people than to keep them informed about current events, safety on different kinds of stuff, and become the voice of the minority. With that kind of mission at hand, I don't get tired of doing what I do even if this work is really tough and stressful, and even if it steals most of my precious time away from family and friends. Even if it does, I don't want to do anything else. This is my passion and I will be doing this for as long as I can," she ends.

Source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321620/the-little-mermaid-grows)

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NDRRMC: Losses from fish kill reach over P190M
06/07/2011 | 09:06 AM

The losses from the fish kill that hit parts of Pangasinan and Batangas went up to P190.71 million as of Monday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

In its 4:00 p.m. update on Monday, the NDRRMC said the amount includes P150 million in Region IV-A; and P40.71 million in Pangasinan.

According to the NDRRMC, the most recent losses included 100 to 150 metric tons worth P7.5 million in Lumanglipa village in Mataas na Kahoy town in Batangas.

The NDRRMC said the fish kill had affected 374 fish cages of 23 operators in Batangas; and 108 cages of 39 operators in six villages in Pangasinan.

The fish kill has also brought down demand for bangus and tilapia in Metro Manila.

Police and local government officials have also taken steps to make sure that the fish from affected areas do not reach markets in Metro Manila.

However, last weekend, city veterinary office teams in Manila and Quezon City still managed to catch attempts to sell the tainted fish.

In some cases, the tainted fish was mixed with fresh catch. - VVP, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222707/nation/ndrrmc-losses-from-fish-kill-reach-over-p190m)

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TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN 07 June 2011 8:00 A.M.
Tuesday, 07 June 2011 06:13

Taal Volcano’s (14.0000°N, 120.9833°E) seismic network recorded four (4) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Field measurements conducted last 31 May 2011 at the western sector inside the Main Crater Lake showed that the water temperature increased from 32.5°C to 32.9°C, and the pH value became more acidic decreasing from 2.72 to 2.60. Bubbling activity was observed at the middle portion of the Main Crater Lake. Results of the ground deformation survey (precise leveling) conducted around the Volcano Island last 26 April - 03 May 2011 showed that the volcano edifice inflated slightly relative to the 05-11 April 2011 survey. Measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emission rates last 03-04 May 2011 at Taal Main Crater Lake yielded a value of 2,057 tonnes per day (t/d) which is above the background level.

Alert Level 2 is still in effect over Taal Volcano, with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by the continuing high emission rate of CO2 being released in the Main Crater Lake and sustained seismic activity. Hence, PHIVOLCS advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965-1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Breathing air with high concentration of toxic gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation. In addition, it is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately relayed to all concerned.

Source: www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph (http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1013:taal-volcano-bulletin-07-june-2011-800-am&catid=70:latest-volcano-bulletin&Itemid=500001)

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Cosmic justice
Editorial Desk
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Publication Date : 07-06-2011

It's almost cosmic justice that Philippine milkfish (bangus) growers who have lost hundreds of tons of the fresh-water fish and other varieties to the fishkill that have plagued Batangas and Pangasinan have had to feed their losses to crocodiles in croc farms. They themselves could be the crocs battening on the dead fish. Eager to drive up their profit, the owners in seven towns around Taal Lake in Batangas - Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Alitagtag, Cuenca and Sta. Teresita - have congested the lake with fish pens, “stacked double-deck,” in the words of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, so that with the sudden drop in the lake water’s oxygen level, the fish were asphyxiated. Fish losses in Batangas as of June 1 have been placed at nearly 1,000 metric tons, valued at around 76 million pesos. Meanwhile, wholesalers in Dagupan, Binmaley and Mangaldan have seen their sales drop as a result of the fishkill because consumers are fearful that the Pangasinan public markets are selling twice-dead fish from Anda. Although Pangasinan fishpens hardly crowd the vast Lingayen Gulf, their numbers also need to be rationalised.

What has happened is the worst fishkill in recent years. A combination of environmental factors and manmade miscalculation has caused the disaster. The fish-pen overcrowding, the sudden drop in the water’s oxygen level, and pollution, all contributed to the fishkill, experts said. As of the weekend, Taal Lake, where thousands of fish cages have been set up, is not yet fit to raise fishes because the dissolved oxygen in the lake was still 3.71 parts per million (ppm), still way below from the acceptable 6 ppm, fishery officials said. The agriculture department has loaned 50 pumps to aerate the lake for fish to breathe. It would take one or two months for the lake’s water to stabilize, experts said.

Although Batangas officials have denied that the fishkill was caused by overcrowding, it is striking that Taal Lake is dotted with fish pens beyond its capacity to host and sustain them. Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Taal Lake is a protected area. In 2009, the lake’s protected area management board recommended that its 14,000 fish cages be reduced to 6,000. “Unfortunately some disregarded this order and so as a result we have this recent phenomenon of fishkill,” he said.

What’s not mentioned by officials and fishery experts is that despite having been a protected area, Taal continues to host several milkfish pens that crowd out the lowly but tasty tawilis, which is endemic to the lake. Surely protection should take into account that species endemic to the area are not displaced in the eager rush of fish-pen owners and fish traders to cash in on the demand for milkfish and other species that are a favorite in the public markets.

Of course it could be argued that the fish-pen owners and fish traders are merely satisfying consumer demand. And it may be that in the race to satisfy that demand, considerations of ecology, symbiosis and sustainability are sacrificed. If that happens, as indeed it seems to be already, government should step in and apply the breaks, to regulate the industry, and to enforce rules that will check abuse and depredation, as well as ensure that the fish that reach the market are safe for human consumption. Apparently, both the national and local governments have grossly failed in this.

The arrant neglect is particularly evident in Taal Lake and the nearby Laguna de Bay, where thousands of illegal fish pens have operated under the very noses of authorities who are supposed to enforce protection-management rules to govern their ecology. Not too long ago, in fact, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources granted an environmental permit to a Korean firm that wanted to put up a spa right in the mouth of the terribly active Taal Volcano! No wonder, environmental officials have failed to dismantle the fish pens in the lake: they are apparently preoccupied with other environmental concerns such as cozying up to Korean businesses wanting to put up a spa in a volcanic zone. It’s also easy to see that the campaign to dismantle illegal fish pens is going nowhere: just look at the heavily polluted Laguna de Bay dotted with fish pen after fish pen.

The fishkill is another powerful reminder to a people with short memory and with hardly any notion of the delicate balance that exists between exploitation and ecosystem that the intricate web of life functions with a mutual complementarity of give-and-take. People should not abuse nature or else nature would strike back.

Source: www.asianewsnet.net (http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=19297&sec=3)

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NCR cops eye 2-pronged strategy vs 'tainted' fish
06/05/2011 | 10:33 AM

Police in Metro Manila are considering a two-pronged strategy to prevent the entry of fish from fish kill-affected areas in Pangasinan and Batangas provinces into the metropolis.

National Capital Region (NCR) police director Chief Superintendent Allan Purisima on Sunday said he has ordered fixed checkpoints at Metro Manila boundaries, as well as teams to help inspect markets.

“Ang checkpoints natin fixed at iniiwasan ito ng may masasamang loob. Kaya meron tayong personnel sa palengke kaya nahuhuli rin ang mga ito," he said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He said they continue to make efforts to make sure the tainted fish will not enter Metro Manila and endanger the health of consumers.

Since last week, authorities have been on the lookout for tainted fish after a fish kill affected areas in Pangasinan and Batangas.

Local governments in Metro Manila had seized several kilos of tainted fish during inspections in various markets.

Purisima said he ordered police to back up some of these local government inspections, amid reports that some of the inspection teams had met stiff resistance.

One such case involved an inspection by the Quezon City veterinary office last Friday, where a market staff member confronted the authorities and stopped them from seizing tainted fish. — LBG, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222595/ncr-cops-eye-2-pronged-strategy-vs-tainted-fish)

Sinisian East 100th Barrio Fiesta - Street Dancing
Lemery, Batangas

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BFAR chief: No proof linking Taal Volcano's activity to fishkill
By Angelo L. Gutierrez
June 07, 2011 10:35 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) today said that Taal Volcano's activity has nothing to do with the fishkill.

"There's no evidence linking to it. Pinag-aaralan pero mukhang wala," BFAR chief Asis Perez said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel.

Perez reiterated that the main reason for the fishkill were the overpopulation of fish in fish cages in Taal Lake, the sudden change in water temperature and the presence of pollutants in the lake.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRC) reported yesterday that more than 2,000 metric tons of fish in 374 fish cages in eight villages around the lake have been affected by the fish kill, which was expected to last next month.

The NDRRMC estimated the damage of the fish kill to more than P150 million.

The agency also reported that the fish industry in Pangasinan, particularly in the towns of Anda and Bolinao, have suffered a damage of more than P40.710 million as of yesterday.

Perez, meanwhile, insisted that the volume of fish affected by the fishkill in Taal Lake is only a fraction of the total fish population in Batangas.

Malacañang has ordered the police and local authorities to dismantle unauthorized fish cages in the areas affected by the fishkill.

Source: www.philstar.com (http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=693899)

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The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) 2011
Tuesday, June 07, 2011 01:34:57 PM

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Philippine Air Force Enlisted Personnel Category


Master Sergeant Ma. Teresa M. Bitong
Non Commissioned Officer in Charge, Director for Materiel
Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate School, Air Education and Training Command, Fernando Air Base, Lipa City

As the lone female in this years honors, MSgt Bitong is a standout in many ways. Her first few years in the Air Force were spent in service with the Presidential Security Group (PSG), providing guard to the late President Corazon Aquino during some of the most fraught years in her presidency.

Numerous citations tell of MSgt Bitong’s bravery, including a Gold Cross Medal without Bronze Anahaw Leaf, a Bronze Cross Medal for her work as a helicopter gunner in Basilan, and recognition as the PAF Enlisted Person of the Year in 1993 chosen as AFP Women Auxiliary Corps of the Year 1884.

For her involvement in the AFP-aided communities, she earned three Gawad sa Kaunlaran and an Award of the Sagisag ng Ulirang Kawal for her involvement in the Southern Philippines Observation and Tracking System, which rewarded her for her air operations monitoring environmental violations in Mindanao. MSgt Teresa Bitong, with 22 years in the record of service, hails from Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, and is married with two children.

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Source: www.mindanaoexaminer.com (http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20110607013457)

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The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) 2011
Tuesday, June 07, 2011 01:34:57 PM

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Philippine Air Force Enlisted Personnel Category


Master Sergeant Nelson S. Mercado

School Sergeant Major
Philippine Air Force Technical and Specialization Training School, Air Education and Training Command, Fernando Air Base, Lipa City

In another life, he probably would have been an inventor, engineer, entrepreneur, or a man of industry, but instead, the Philippine Air Force has been the grateful repository for the talents of MSgt. Nelson Mercado. He joined the PAF in 1987 and, with a total of 22 years as technical instructor, he has instructed thousands of students and trainees in Quality Management lectures.

As an engineer and technician, he has saved the PAF millions of pesos by repairing various heavily damaged aircrafts and transforming a corroded T-53 engine into a training mock-up. He has also become the face of the PAF to various elementary and high school students visiting the Fernando Air Base, which gives him the opportunity to showcase the capability of the Air Force and inspire the youth to join the PAF. MSgt. Nelson S. Mercado is married with three children.

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Source: www.mindanaoexaminer.com (http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20110607013457)

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EcoWaste coalition pushes composting of fish carcasses
Posted on 07 Jun 2011 at 1:09pm

As coastal communities in Batangas and Pangasinan struggle to clear their areas of rotting fish from the recent fish kill incidents, an environmental watchdog asked the authorities not to just bury the dead fish, but to compost them instead.

The EcoWaste Coalition on Tuesday urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to assist local government units (LGUs) to turn the stinking fish trash into sweet-smelling, nutrient-rich bio-fertilizers.

“As impacted LGUs and communities wrestle with tons of decomposing fish in cages and those along the shores, we urge the DA to turn the massive fish kill into an opportunity to produce compost that can be used by our farmers to enrich depleted soils,” said organic farming advocate Bernie Aragoza of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Task Force on Ecological Agriculture.

“We’re confident that our agriculture experts would be able to guide LGUs in selecting the most suitable composting system for the enormous fish kill discards, including ‘botcha’ fish seized from traders,” he added.

According to a June 4 update by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), a total of 108 fish cages were affected by the fish kill in Barangays Catubig and Culang, in Bolinao and in Barangays Awag, Mal-ong, Narra and Siapar in Anda, Pangasinan, with losses estimated at PhP 40,710,300.00.

The NDRMMC also reported that 360 units of fish cages were affected in the municipalities of Agoncillo, Laurel, San Nicolas and Talisay, Batangas, and in the open water of Alitagtag, Cuenca and Santa Teresita, Batangas, with approximate losses up to PhP142,530,000.00.

Fish kill episodes were also detected last Sunday in Lipa City and the municipality of Mataas na Kahoy, also in Batangas.
Citing information from the United State Geological Survey (USGS), the EcoWaste Coalition said that windrow composting may provide an effective option for the disposal of large numbers of dead fish from the various incidents.

USGS is a science organization that collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides scientific understanding about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems.

Windrow composting is a composting method characterized by the piling of biodegradable discards such as garden and farm waste and animal manure in long rows or windrows.

According to the USGS biological information and technology notes, windrow composting offers several advantages including the ability to dispose all the dead fish at once, contain carcasses and pathogens, and avoid the production of leachate.

“A large-scale composting operation that is properly designed and managed provides an excellent waste management alternative to traditional waste disposal,” the USGS said.

“The finished compost is an excellent source of nitrogen that is immediately available to crops, providing additional benefits,” it also said.

Source: dateline.ph (http://dateline.ph/2011/06/07/ecowaste-coalition-pushes-composting-of-fish-carcasses/)

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Taal fish kill spreads to one more town in Batangas
06/05/2011 | 10:10 PM

Another town along Taal Lake in Batangas was hit by the fish kill that started last week and has caused more than P100-million worth of damage to the fisheries industry in the province.

Over 10 fish cages containing milkfish and tilapia in Mataas na Kahoy town were affected by the fish kill on Sunday morning, a GMA News TV Live report quoted Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste as saying.

The incident followed similar fishkills in the towns of Talisay, Laurel, Alitagtag, Santa Teresita, Agoncillo, San Nicolas and Cuenca.

At least P136 million in fisheries produce has been lost in the seven towns, which have been placed under a state of calamity.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has yet to issue a report on the financial impact of the fish kill in Mataas na Kahoy to the fisheries output of the province. - ACC/YA, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222619/taal-fish-kill-spreads-to-one-more-town-in-batangas)

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Fishkill in Taal already affecting whole industry
By Ira Pedrasa, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/07/2011 2:23 PM |

MANILA, Philippines - The fishkill phenomenon that started in Taal Lake is already affecting the whole industry’s income.

In an interview with ANC, newly-appointed Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) chief Asis Perez said “nobody is buying fish anymore, even fresh fish being sold in markets…The industry is ruined. Everyone’s suffering, even [the businessmen] from Bulacan and Iloilo.”

Fears that double-dead fishes are still being sold in public markets have turned away buyers. Some are also shying away from even buying salt water fish, he said.

He said the industry in Taal only produces 5% of the “total bangus production,” but other provinces are already feeling the crunch.

Perez assured the public that both the national and local governments are doing their best to monitor the situation, especially in Batangas.

“It’s good na dumating na ito. It gives us sense on what to do in the next 5 years,” Asis said.

Demolish fish cages

He said the recent fishkill in several towns encircling the Taal Lake can most likely be blamed on overpopulation.

“We believe there is violation [in size and depth of fish cages]. A standard one in Taal is supposed to be 10 [meters] by 10 by 6,” he said.

The fish pens should each contain not more than 10 tons of cultured fishes. “There are cages that have 25 tons…The fishes will really die,” he said.

Asis said the fishes compete for oxygen in a restricted area. “For example, tilapia, they go up to breathe if there is little oxygen. If you have overstock, some tilapia will make it, but others will not.”

He does not want to blame anyone for the incident, saying the protection of the industry in Taal is the responsibility of all sectors.

“If you have 6,000 cages and you have regulation and tell them, ‘Hey, you should only stock this much,’ then you expect them to follow. It’s for their good,” he said.

BFAR and the local government is in the process of bringing the number of fish pens down to 6,000 from the current 7,000, he added.

Not Taal Volcano

He stressed studies do not point to the recent activity in the Taal Volcano as the likely cause of the fishkill. “There is no evidence linking the 2 events.
Pinapag-aralan pero wala kami makita.”

Besides overpopulation, the fishkill incident is also connected to the sudden change in weather.

“Every time there is change in weather, there are 2 temperatures. The heavier cold water will sink. There is an overturn,” he explained. Thus, a fishkill will most likely happen in June when the temperature changes.

“We can predict, we have a sense of what is likely to happen. Alam natin na June na, so lalamig na. We can predict, but as to prevention, we can’t do that,” he added.


Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/06/07/11/fishkill-taal-already-affecting-whole-industry)

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P190 million lost to Batangas, Pangasinan fish kill
Tuesday, 07 June 2011 02:15 PM Nheslaine Eval

Losses in the Batangas and Pangasinan fish kill amount to almost P190 million, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in its June 6 update.

As of 4:00 p.m. yesterday, an estimated P150 million was lost in Region IV-A alone, with 374 units of fish cages and 23 operators affected. Brgy. Sampaloc in Talisay, Batangas recorded the highest loss with 895 metric tons of fish dead, worth P78,760,0000.

Meanwhile, Region I lost P40.710 million, with six barangays, 39 operators, and 108 cages affected in Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan.

According to the report, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)- Region IV said that "overturn, complicated by other factors such as the presence of pollutants" was "the cause of fish kill incidents in the lakeshore municipalities of Batangas, specifically Brgy. Sampaloc in Talisay; Brgy. Leviste in Laurel; Brgy. Poblacion in San Nicolas; and Brgy. Subic Ilaya in Agoncillo.”

The report explained that the said overturn is a “natural phenomenon that usually occurs on the onset of rainy season or when heavy rains occur after a long dry spell.”

It added that the fish kill in Pangasinan was due to a “abrupt change of water parameters” due to heavy downpour of rain of typhoon Chedeng.

The NDRRMC added that the fish kill could be managed by “implementing good aqua culture practices” including proper feeding, right amount of stocks, and considering the recommended depth of fish cage.

The provincial DRRMC placed Talisay, Laurel, San Nicolas, Agoncillo, Sta. Teresita, Cuenca, and Alitagtag municipalities under state of calamity.

It said the local government in Anda is planning to declare the municipality under a state of calamity in order to give assistance to affected families.

A GMA News report said that the fish kill in Batangas and Pangasinan had caused the drop in bangus and tilapia demand in Metro Manila. Local authorities are taking measures to prevent fish from those affected areas from reaching the Metro markets.

Source: www.thepoc.net (http://www.thepoc.net/breaking-news/local/12325-p190-million-lost-to-batangas-pangasinan-fish-kill.html)

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Mataas na Kahoy under calamity
By FERDINAND F. CASTRO
June 7, 2011, 5:20pm

LIPA CITY, Batangas — The fish kill continues to plague Batangas province as one of the villages of its poorest towns, Mataas na Kahoy, was the latest area to be placed under a state of calamity, authorities reported Tuesday.

Barangay Chairwoman Soily Manalo of Lumang Lipa, Mataas na Kahoy, declared a state of calamity at noon on Monday and sought help from Governor Vilma Santos-Recto after half of its barangay population of 4,000 residents was severely affected by the fishkill last Sunday.

Manalo said 27 fish cages affected in the fish kill were legal and owned by Filipinos, losing 150 metric tons of fish amounting to P7.5 million.

Manalo said that with the help of businessman Engineer Elmer Gardiola and town Mayor Danilo Sombrano, a backhoe, a payloader and a six by six dump truck of the Philippine Air Force were immediately dispatched to her village to haul the dead fish and expected to be finished Wednesday. Manalo said she and her barangay council, allotted a land where the fish would be buried.

Manalo added that most of her constituents rely on fishing for their livelihood and their village only had P1.4-million Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) annually

Source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321682/mataas-na-kahoy-under-calamity)

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VICTIMS OF FISH KILL GET P280 DAILY CASH ASSISTANCE EACH FOR TEN
Tuesday, 07 June 2011 17:21

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will provide cash-for-work for families affected by the recent fish kill.

As of June 6, 2011, the DSWD has released some P8 million for the implementation of cash-for-work in Region I. The DSWD National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) project showed that there are 2,860 affected fishermen from Anda and Bolinao, Pangasinan. They will be receiving P280.00 each per day for ten (10) days of community work or service such as sanitary disposal or burying of dead fish, coastal clean-up and repair of fish cages and related structures.

In Region IV-A, the DSWD is coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) to assess and plan urgent interventions to address the needs of the victims of fish kill in Talisay, Batangas.

The DSWD Rice Subsidy for Small Scale Farmers and Fisherfolks is also on-going in the region to help the beneficiaries cope with the rising prices of fuel and commodities and to tide them over during the lean months.

Meanwhile, the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) teams in regions I and IV-A are assisting concerned local government units and other government agencies in addressing the fish kill incident. (DSWD-Social Marketing Service) June 7, 2011.

Source: www.dswd.gov.ph (http://www.dswd.gov.ph/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/2278-victims-of-fish-kill-get-p280-daily-cash-assistance-each-for-ten-days)

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Golf: Pagunsan heads local bid in US$ 50,000 ASEAN tour

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MANILA, June 7 (PNA) -- Streaking Juvic Pagunsan tries to add the ICTSI-Mt. Malarayat crown to his growing list of victories as he leads the local challenge against a crack international field in the US$ 50,0000 event firing off Wednesday at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas.

Pagunsan is coming off a one-stroke victory over Marvin Dumandan in last week’s ICTSI Eastridge Classic, his second straight and third overall after four legs of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour, making him the top favorite in the second leg of this year’s ASEAN Golf Tour.

The smooth-swinging Filipino shotmaker actually finished second to Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand here last year where he lost by eight shots.

But Pagunsan is playing on a zone right now and is tipped to contend for the crown and the top ,126 prize in the 72-hole championship.

Jay Bayron, who wound up joint ninth in the ASEAN Golf Tour’s kickoff leg – the Pattaya Open – ruled by Thai Prom Meesawat last month, is also expected to join the title hunt along with last year’s third placer Ferdie Aunzo and the rest of the local tour campaigners.

They include Artemio Murakami, Tony Lascuna, Mars Pucay, Rufino Bayron, Elmer Salvador, Cassius Casas, Richard Sinfuego, Orlan Sumcad, Jhonnel Ababa, Mhark Fernando, Anthony Fernando and Dumandan.

Thanyakon Khrongpha, Wisut Artjanawat, Panuwat Muenlek and Ekalak Waisayakul head the 20-player Thai roster in the event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. along with Singapore’s Ang Chin Ling, Brunei’s Wira Ak, Indonesian Johannes Dermawan and Dutch Guido Van der Valk.

The field will get to test the composite layout in today’s pro-am tournament featuring the leading pros with officials and guests of the sponsoring ICTSI.

Meanwhile, a number of established and new events has been lined up for the ASEAN Golf Tour this year, giving the region's top pros the opportunity to play for US$ 685,000 total prize fund, which is over US$ 100,000 more than last year, and compete in nine tournaments.

“Since launching the ASEAN PGA in September of 2007 we have been in the fortunate position to announce a strong schedule each year.

"We were able to stage five events in the latter stages of that memorable first year and today it is wonderful to have at least nine tournaments with an overall purse of US$ 685,000,” said A.C. Wong, executive chairman of the ASEAN PGA.

“The arrival of six new tournaments this year is a reflection of the interest and confidence that exists in the ASEAN PGA.

More importantly this is wonderful news for the young professional golfers in ASEAN who have embraced our Tour since day one,” he added.

There is a huge incentive for ASEAN pros to succeed on the Tour with the top 10 players from the money list earning playing privileges on OneAsia and the leading seven gaining spots in the US$ 6 million Barclays Singapore Open in November. (PNA)
DCT/LOR

Source: positivenewsmedia.net (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Golf_Pagunsan_heads_local_bid_in_US_50_000_ASEAN_tour.shtml)

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BFAR powerless to stop fishkill
By Sheryll Mundo, ABS-CBN News
Posted at 06/07/2011 6:25 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) admitted it has no control over the recent fishkill in Batangas and Pangasinan, and it cannot say how long it would take for the water to go back to acceptable salt water oxygen levels.

BFAR Assistant Director Atty. Benjamin Tabios said oxygen depletion is one of the causes of the recent fishkill.

"After doing some tests, we determined that the salt oxygen is not adequate, and the other cause is overstocking of fish cages. We don't know how long it [adquate oxygen level] will take. Nature has a timetable of its own and it is something we have no control over."

Tabios also insisted that it is safe to eat fish, like bangus and tilapia, since all of the fish that died are locked in BFAR's Dalahican port.

BFAR officials will eat bangus and tilapia tonight to show the media and the public that it is safe to eat fish.

On the other hand, lawmakers are looking at the possibility of drafting a law that would limit the number of fish cages a fish cage owner can have to avoid overstocking and prevent another fishkill from happening.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/07/11/bfar-powerless-stop-fishkill)

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No Plastic Policy
Public Information Office
June 02, 2011

Sa unang araw ng pagpapatupad ng No Plastic policy sa mga pamilihang bayan ng lunsod ng Batangas ay inalam ng Puntong Ala-Eh News Team ang reaksyon ng mga tindero sa palengke gayundin ng mga namimili.

May 20 magtitinda sa lumang palengke ay pabor sa pagsasabatas ng pagbabawal sa paggamit ng plastic o pagbawas sa paggamit dito.

Si Mang Efren, tindero at may ari ng dry goods ay may nakahanda ng supot na papel na pambalot sa mga paninda niya. Hangga'y maaari umano ay ginagamit niya ito kapag kaya nito ang volume ng binili subalit kung mabigat ang binili ay gumagamit pa rin siya ng plastic bags. Uubusin muna niya ang stock ng mga plastic. Hinihikayat umano niya ang kanyang mga suki na magdala ng recyclable bags sa susunod na pamamalengke.

Idinagdag pa niya na maganda umano ang adhikaing ito ng pamahalaang-lunsod kung ipagpapatuloy lamang ito subalit magkaroon din sana ng alternatibong plastic na madaling matunaw para sa mga paninda na ni-reretail gaya ng asukal, bigas at iba pa.

Samantala, tanging si Mang Lito ng Gulod Itaas ang may dalang plastic container para sa kanyang biniling karne. Siya umano ay maka-kalikasan at sang-ayon sa proyektong ito. Aniya, noong unang panahon ay ganito na ang paraan ng pamamalengke.

Samantala, may isang tinder naman sa wet section ang naka-encounter ng mamimili na resistant sa no-plastic policy.

Sa fruit-section naman, ani Francisco Briones, magtitinda, mahirap sa parte nila ang mag-issue ng supot sapagkat ang kanilang produkto ay mabibigat at bulky. Lagi niya umanong pinapa-alalahanan ang mga mamimili na magdala ng sariling lukbutan. Idinagdag pa ng isang tindero na dahil sa no plastic policy ay na makakatipid sila sa pagbili ng plastic. Aniya, mahal din ang konsumo nila sa plastic na pambalot ng kanilang produkto.

Masasabing sa unang araw ng pagpapatupad ng pagbabawal ng plastic bilang lalagyan ng pinamili o packaging material sa lumang palengke ay naging positibo. Antabayanan sa susunod na mga araw ang monitoring ng Puntong Ala-Eh News Team. (Dimpy Lontoc-Matienzo, PIO Batangas City)

Source: www.batangascity.gov.ph (http://www.batangascity.gov.ph/pressrelease_newsflash_503.htm)

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CLB LET 2011
Public Information Office
June 02, 2011

Nakakuha ng 38.10% passing percentage ang Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas o CLB sa April 2011 Licensure Examination for Teachers o LET.

Ang CLB ang may pinakamataas na passing rate sa lahat ng kolehiyo at unibersidad sa Batangas City ayon sa record ng Professional Regulations Commission o PRC.

Ito ang ikalawang pagkakataon na nakakuha ng higit sa target passing rate ang CLB. Matatandaan na 31% ng CLB examinees ang nakapasa noong September 2010. Ito ay mas mataas sa 19% passing rate ng examinees sa buong Pilipinas at higit na mataas sa 10% passing rate na inaasahan ng Commission on Higher Education o CHED mula sa CLB.

Ang mga nakapasa sa nasabing April 2011 examination ay kabilang pa rin sa first batch ng Bachelor in Elementary Education (BEED) graduates ng Colegio na nagtapos noong Marso 2010.

Ayon kay Dr. Fely Adarlo, Dean of Instructions sa CLB, malaki ang suporta ng pamahalaang lungsod sa mga graduates at board takers. Nagsimula ang paaralang magbigay ng libreng review classes simula pa noong third year college ang mga board takers at ito ay isinagawa ng mga teachers ng CLB. Tinustusan rin ng city government ang review classes na isinagawa ng mga guro mula sa iba't ibang unibersidad sa Maynila. Ito ay idinaos mismo sa CLB, upang hindi na lumuwas pa at umupa ng bahay sa Maynila ang mga board takers.

Ang mga nasabing BEED graduates at board passers ay may maayos ng trabaho ngayon o nagtuturo na sa iba't ibang eskwelahan sa kasalukuyan.

Idinagdag pa ni Adarlo, na ibinibigay rin ng CLB at pamahalaang lungsod ang kaparehong prebilehiyo sa 2nd batch ng graduates na nakatakdang kumuha ng LET sa September ng taong ito.

Sinabi rin niya na patuloy na iniaangat ng CLB ang kalidad ng edukasyon para sa kanilang mga mag-aaral. Nakatakdang isagawa ang team building -seminar para sa mga guro at office personnel ng Colegio bago magbukas ang klase sa June 16. Magkakaroon rin ng pagbabago sa course syllabus upang maisama ang mga bagong kaalaman.

Inaasahan na sa humigit kumulang sa 300 ang incoming freshmen ng CLB, 64 dito ay kukuha ng kursong BEED. (Marie V. Lualhati, PIO Batangas City)

Source: www.batangascity.gov.ph (http://www.batangascity.gov.ph/pressrelease_newsflash_505.htm)

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BLEES
Public Information Office
June 02, 2011

Binabalak ni Mayor Vilma Dimacuha na magbigay ng mga CCTV cameras sa mga barangay sa poblacion sa susunod na taon upang mapalakas ang kakayahan ng mga barangay na malabanan ang kriminalidad at mapanatili ang katahimikan at kaayusan.

Ito ang kanyang sinabi sa pangalawa sa serye ng Barangay Law Enforcement Enhancement Seminar o BLEES na isinagawa ng Batangas City PNP sa pakikipagtulungan ng pamahalaang lungsod noong June 1 . Dumalo dito ang mga barangay officials ng 24 barangay sa poblacion, barangay Peace and Order Council, women's group at mga Sanguguniang Kabataan chairmen.

Nauna rito ang BLEES noong May 5 para sa mga barangay tanod mula sa 18 barangay na bumubuo ng "Solid East.

Ang BLEES ay may slogan na "Mamamayan, Pulisya at Barangay laban sa krimen."

Isang maikling programa ang isinagawa bago simulan ang talakayan na dinaluhan nina Mayor Vilma Abaya Dimacuha, Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Atty. Rosauro Acio, Batangas City PNP Chief PSupt. George Dadulo, City Administrator Phillip Baroja at Secretary to the City Mayor Atty. Reginald Dimacuha.

Sa mensahe ni Mayor Vilma Abaya Dimacuha, hinikayat niya ang mga participants na maging mga responsableng mamamayan at makipagtulungan sa kapulisan sa pagpapanatili ng peace and order sa lungsod.

Ilan sa mga paksang tinalakay ay value formation, barangay governance, handcuffing techniques, 5 pillars ng criminal justice sytem, basic law and rules on arrest, barangay rescue and disaster management, basic investigation at drug awareness.

Nagsilbing resource speakers sina Pastor Jose Prudentino, DILG Director Victoria Amor San Gabriel, PSupt. George Dadulo, SPO1 Arnold Abdon, Andrew Mendoza, SPO4 Ferdinand Laureta at SPO2 Ragemer Hermidilia.

Nakatakdang isagawa ang ikatlong seminar sa katapusan ng buwan para naman sa mga barangay na bumubuo sa solid west at solid north. (Ronna Endaya Contreras, PIO Batangas City)

Source: www.batangascity.gov.ph (http://www.batangascity.gov.ph/pressrelease_newsflash_506.htm)

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Gerome Ramos - All Star Basketball Game for a Health Environment

Public Information Office
June 02, 2011

May 15 kabataang sa lungsod ang piniling Outstanding Player ni 7-time PBA Best Import Awardee at PBA Hall of Famer Bobby Parks Sr. sa katatapos na All-Star Basketball Game na isinagawa sa Batangas City Sports Coliseum noong ika-28 ng Mayo.

Sila ay sina Ralph Ryan Cabatay, Melvin Busco, Arcega Albert, Marlon at Royland Perez, Joshua Blay, at Jayson Amaro sa kids division habang sa junior division naman ay sina Gerome Ramos, Camilo Andal, Anton Bagui, Johan Kristoffer Clarin, Neil John Asi, Mardenn Marasigan, Richard Morris Billanes at Mark Monde Magadia.

Apat na koponan ang nagpakitang-gilas sa nabanggit na okasyon kung saan tig-dalawang grupo sa kids at junior division ang lumahok dito at kumatawan sa 26 na barangay sa lungsod. Binigyan ni Parks ng scholarship grant si Gerome Ramos.

Kasama rin ni Parks na bumisita sa Batangas City sina Junel Baculi, Head Coach ng Barako Bulls at Athletic Director ng National University at si Aries Dimaunahan na pawang player ng Barako Bulls.

Pumupunta si Parks at ang kanyang grupo sa iba't-ibang probinsiya sa bansa upang mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga kabataan na magkaroon ng libreng edukasyon sa pamamagitan ng basketball at maka-diskubre ng mga batang mahuhusay at may potensiyal maglaro ng basketball para sa iba't-ibang kolehiyo sa Maynila at makapaglaro balang araw sa PBA.

Ang naturang basketball game ay bahagi pa rin ng Sports Program ni Mayor Vilma Dimacuha na pinangasiwaan ng City Council for Youth Affairs. (Ritchel Atienza, PIO Batangas City)

Sa fruit-section naman, ani Francisco Briones, magtitinda, mahirap sa parte nila ang mag-issue ng supot sapagkat ang kanilang produkto ay mabibigat at bulky. Lagi niya umanong pinapa-alalahanan ang mga mamimili na magdala ng sariling lukbutan. Idinagdag pa ng isang tindero na dahil sa no plastic policy ay na makakatipid sila sa pagbili ng plastic. Aniya, mahal din ang konsumo nila sa plastic na pambalot ng kanilang produkto.

Masasabing sa unang araw ng pagpapatupad ng pagbabawal ng plastic bilang lalagyan ng pinamili o packaging material sa lumang palengke ay naging positibo. Antabayanan sa susunod na mga araw ang monitoring ng Puntong Ala-Eh News Team. (Dimpy Lontoc-Matienzo, PIO Batangas City)

Source: www.batangascity.gov.ph (http://www.batangascity.gov.ph/pressrelease_newsflash_504.htm)

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Around the City
Batangas City

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Source: Batangas City Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.156181261064681.33011.155806824435458)

Click Here (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.156181261064681.33011.155806824435458) for more...

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Pagunsan marked man as Malarayat golf starts

THE $50,000 ICTSI-Mt. Malarayat Championship gets going today in Lipa, Batangas with a shootout expected between the talent-laden Thailand contingent and the top local gunners in the second leg of the Asean Golf Tour.

Atthaphon Prathummanee, runner-up to compatriot Prom Meesawat in the tour’s inaugurals last month in Thailand, leads the 21-player strong Thai delegation out to keep the crown won by Chawalit Plaphol last year. The other leading Thai players in the fold are Thanyakon Khrongpha, Wisut Artjanawat, Wiitawan Sae-ung, Ronnachai Jamnong, Ekalak Waisayakul and Panuwat Muenlek.

Plaphol beat top Filipino shotmaker Juvic Pagunsan by eight strokes to end Angelo Que’s back-to-back title romp in the 72-hole championship, a regular event on the Asean Golf Tour.

But Pagunsan, a former top Asian Tour rookie, has enjoyed top form early in the season, winning three of the first four legs of the Philippine Golf Tour, including back-to-back title runs in the Orchard Championship and the Eastridge Classic.

That makes him the marked man in this week’s championship with Pagunsan going all out not only for the crown but also to erase the stigma of a series of poor performances at Mt. Malarayat. In the ICTSI Classic last April, Pagunsan shot miserable rounds of 83 and 77 and missed the cut.

Armed with a streak of victories, a confident Pagunsan is tipped to figure prominently in the chase for the top purse of $8,126 in the event serving as the second leg a nine-stage circuit and backed by MJ Carr Golf Management, Inc., Srixon, Callaway, Unilab, Titleist, Sharp, Custom Clubmakers,

Mizuno,PinoyGolfer.com, Inquirer Golf, A Round of Golf, Studio 23, Balls, and Dynamic Sports.

Other local players to watch are Jay Bayron, Ferdie Aunzo, Artemio Murakami, Tony Lascuna, Mars Pucay, Rufino Bayron, Elmer Salvador, Cassius Casas, Richard Sinfuego, Orlan Sumcad, Jhonnel Ababa, Mhark Fernando, Anthony Fernando and Marvin Dumandan.

Teenager Miguel Tabuena, chasing a breakthrough win on his rookie year in the pros, also hopes to dish out top form and contend for the crown on a course where he last played as an amateur during the Montecillo Cup last March.

Source: www.malaya.com.ph (http://www.malaya.com.ph/june08/sports7.html)

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Coffee Alamid - World's Most Expensive and Rarest Brew [BBC News]

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Coffee Alamid is Philippine Civet Coffee from wild civet droppings on the different forest floors of Philippine mountains. The Paradoxorus Philippinensis is a civet which belongs to the mongoose family - a nocturnal animal which uses its nose to choose the ripest and sweetest coffee cherries and relentlessly eats them during coffee season. Gathered very early in the morning usually before the sun rises, the forest dwellers climb the mountain and pick the civet droppings on the forest floors. On a good day, a gatherer can collect one kilo of civet droppings.

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Coffee Alamid is a blend of the Philippine's finest Arabica, Liberica and Exelsa beans. When roasted, it exudes an almost musical, fruity aroma. It has a strong, sweet, dark chocolatey taste that is perfect for that morning kick or high power meetings. Definitely a clean cup.

Coffee Alamid - World's Most Expensive and Rarest Brew [Al Jazeera Philippines]


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Coffee Alamid - World's Most Expensive and Rarest Brew [TV Patrol]


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Coffee Production by Palm Civet in Mount Malarayat, Batangas

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Coffee Alamid - Maunlad na Agrikultura

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Source: www.arengga.com (http://www.arengga.com/)

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Crazy Horse Continues to Extend Mineralization at Taysan Copper-Gold Project in Holes CZT024 to CZT028
June 07, 2011 09:30 ET

MANILA, PHILIPPINES--(Marketwire - June 7, 2011) - Crazy Horse Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:CZH) -

HIGHLIGHTS:


CZT027 drills 426m of 0.23% Cu, 0.10 g/t Au and 0.52 g/t Ag from 40m to 466m including 52m of 0.35% Cu, 0.18 g/t Au and 0.90 g/t Ag from 254m to 306m.

CZT027 extends the resource to depth with 52m of 0.14% Cu, 0.05 g/t Au and 0.66 g/t Ag from 598m to 650m, some 80m below the previously known base of ore.

Deposit remains open and drilling continues with six diamond drill rigs.


Crazy Horse Resources Inc. (the "Company") a Philippines based mineral exploration company, announces assays from the 24th to 28th holes of the feasibility drilling program on its Taysan copper-gold porphyry project, including:

CZT027 assay results on section 19100N continue to confirm the existence of deeper ore zones beneath current known ore in the 52m zone from 598m to 650m.

CZT028 assay results on section 18920N continue to confirm the existence of deeper ore zones beneath current known ore in the 10m zone from 664m to 674m.

CZT024 assay results on section 19040N continue to confirm the existence of significant silver grades associated with the copper-gold resource.

High grade zones in CZT027 and CZT028 will also help to refine the location of the >0.3% Cu wireframe models.

CZT025 assay results on section 19280N continue to confirm the near surface ore body and will help to define the contact between the mineralised intrusive and the country rock at 188m on this section.

CZT026 assay results on section 18920N also confirm the near surface ore body and the validity of current resource wireframes.

Johan Raadsma, President and CEO of Crazy Horse states, "The on-going positive results further substantiate the Taysan deposit as a reliable, predictable and growing deposit. Persistent silver grades are fantastic and we will further these toward a compliant resource."

To view the image (Location Map of Drill Collars for all Crazy Horse Drill Holes Reported to Date) accompanying this release, please click on the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/czh67.pdf

Sampling Protocols

Drilling is carried out by Quest Exploration Drilling (Philippines) Inc. using Edson 3000 and LF70 drill rigs and a triple tube diamond core drilling system. All holes are started in PQ (150-200m) then continued in HQ. All core is split using a diamond-bladed drill-core saw and always sampled from the (true) left side of the core. The remaining half of the core is sealed in plastic bags in a nitrogen atmosphere and stored in a covered, guarded core shed. Core samples are bagged in new polyethylene, UV stable plastic bags, sealed with a plastic tie, numbered outside and have a tag placed inside the bag. All samples are accompanied by Asian Arc personnel from site to the McPhar Laboratory under secure "Chain of Custody" procedures. Samples are crushed to 85% <2mm then 1kg is split out and pulverised in an LM2 Puck and Bowl Pulveriser to 90% <75um. Gold is assayed by Fire Assay (50g charge) with AAS finish (PM6). Cu, As, Mo, Fe and S are assayed by ore grade analysis, 3 Acid (HCl/HNO3/HClO4) Digest with ICP-AES finish (ICP-2). Ag is analysed by ore grade analysis (HNO3/HClO4) digest with AAS finish (2A1/AAS). Sample rejects are returned from the McPhar Laboratory under secure "Chain of Custody" procedures by Asian Arc staff and also stored in the core shed in heat sealed plastic bags in a nitrogen atmosphere. McPhar Geoservices (Phil), Inc. is ISO 17025:2005 accredited and is a member of the International Intertek Laboratory Group.

Taysan Project

A National Instrument 43-101 compliant technical report by Mining Associates dated effective March 11, 2011 and entitled "Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment Taysan Project" can be viewed under the Company's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).

The Taysan Project contains a copper-gold porphyry deposit with an inferred resource, and is comprised of two mining exploration permits and three mining exploration permit applications (permits: EP-IVA-005 and EP-IVA-016, and permit applications: EPA-IVI-108, EPA-IVI-111 and EPA-IVA-081) over five contiguous claim blocks covering a combined total area of 11,254 hectares. The Taysan Project hosts a large and only partly explored copper-gold porphyry deposit similar to other copper-gold porphyry deposits previously mined in the Philippines. The Taysan Project is located in southern Luzon, Philippines in a well-developed mining province and readily accessible by road located 20km east of the provincial capital and deep water commercial port of Batangas City. The Company is currently conducting a confirmatory scoping study under the management of AMECMinproc Limited, which remains on track and on schedule.

Brian Lueck, Chairman of the Company, is the qualified person who has reviewed the geological data summarized in this news release on behalf of the Company.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Johan Raadsma, President, CEO and Secretary

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" including forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Crazy Horse Resources Inc. Statements regarding mineral exploration operations and objectives are subject to risk, including, but are not limited to, exploration and geologic risk, inflation and costs of goods and services, property title issues and regulatory approvals. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Crazy Horse Resources Inc. does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Source: www.marketwire.com (http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/crazy-horse-continues-extend-mineralization-taysan-copper-gold-project-holes-czt024-tsx-venture-czh-1523711.htm)

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LOL TAPING
SAN JOSE BATANGAS
May 31, 2011

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P2-M Malarayat golf on Today(Wednesday)
June 8, 2011, 12:17am

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MANILA, Philippines — The $50,000 (about P2 million) ICTSI-Mt. Malarayat Championship unwraps Today(Wednesday) at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas with a promise of a shootout between the talent-laden Thailand contingent and top local gunners in the second leg of the ASEAN Golf Tour.

Atthaphon Prathummanee, runner-up to compatriot Prom Meesawat in the tour’s inaugurals last month in Thailand, spearheads the 21-player strong Thai delegation out to keep the crown won by Chawalit Plaphol last year.

The other leading Thai players in the fold are Thanyakon Khrongpha, Wisut Artjanawat, Wiitawan Sae-ung, Ronnachai Jamnong, Ekalak Waisayakul and Panuwat Muenlek.

Plaphol beat top Filipino shotmaker Juvic Pagunsan by eight strokes to end Angelo Que’s back-to-back title romp in the 72-hole championship, a regular event on the ASEAN Golf Tour, sponsored by the International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

But Pagunsan, a former top Asian Tour rookie, has enjoyed top form in the early going of the season, winning three of the first four legs of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour, including back-to-back title runs in the ICTSI-Orchard Championship and the ICTSI Eastridge Classic.

That makes him the marked man in this week’s championship with Pagunsan going all out not only for the crown but also to erase the stigma of a series of poor performances at Mt. Malarayat. In the ICTSI Classic last April, Pagunsan shot 83 and 77 and miserably missed the cut.

But with a streak of victories, a confident Pagunsan is tipped to figure prominently in the chase for the top $8,126 purse in the event serving as the second leg a nine-stage circuit and backed by MJ Carr Golf Management, Inc., Srixon, Callaway, Unilab, Titleist, Sharp, Custom Clubmakers, Mizuno, PinoyGolfer.com, Inquirer Golf, A Round of Golf, Studio 23, Balls, and Dynamic Sports.

Joining Pagunsan in the hunt for the title are Jay Bayron, Ferdie Aunzo, Artemio Murakami, Tony Lascuna, Mars Pucay, Rufino Bayron, Elmer Salvador, Cassius Casas, Richard Sinfuego, Orlan Sumcad, Jhonnel Ababa, and Mhark Fernando.

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Source: /www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321709/p2m-malarayat-golf-wednesday)

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EcoWaste coalition pushes composting of fish carcasses

Posted by admin on Jun 7th, 2011 and filed under National. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

As coastal communities in Batangas and Pangasinan struggle to clear their areas of rotting fish from the recent fish kill incidents, an environmental watchdog asked the authorities not to just bury the dead fish, but to compost them instead.

The EcoWaste Coalition on Tuesday urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to assist local government units (LGUs) to turn the stinking fish trash into sweet-smelling, nutrient-rich bio-fertilizers.

“As impacted LGUs and communities wrestle with tons of decomposing fish in cages and those along the shores, we urge the DA to turn the massive fish kill into an opportunity to produce compost that can be used by our farmers to enrich depleted soils,” said organic farming advocate Bernie Aragoza of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Task Force on Ecological Agriculture.

“We’re confident that our agriculture experts would be able to guide LGUs in selecting the most suitable composting system for the enormous fish kill discards, including ‘botcha’ fish seized from traders,” he added.

According to a June 4 update by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), a total of 108 fish cages were affected by the fish kill in Barangays Catubig and Culang, in Bolinao and in Barangays Awag, Mal-ong, Narra and Siapar in Anda, Pangasinan, with losses estimated at P40,710,300.

The NDRMMC also reported that 360 units of fish cages were affected in the municipalities of Agoncillo, Laurel, San Nicolas and Talisay, Batangas, and in the open water of Alitagtag, Cuenca and Santa Teresita, Batangas, with approximate losses up to P142,530,000.

Fish kill episodes were also detected last Sunday in Lipa City and the municipality of Mataas na Kahoy, also in Batangas.

Citing information from the United State Geological Survey (USGS), the EcoWaste Coalition said that windrow composting may provide an effective option for the disposal of large numbers of dead fish from the various incidents.

USGS is a science organization that collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides scientific understanding about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems.

Windrow composting is a composting method characterized by the piling of biodegradable discards such as garden and farm waste and animal manure in long rows or windrows.

According to the USGS biological information and technology notes, windrow composting offers several advantages including the ability to dispose all the dead fish at once, contain carcasses and pathogens, and avoid the production of leachate.

“A large-scale composting operation that is properly designed and managed provides an excellent waste management alternative to traditional waste disposal,” the USGS said.

“The finished compost is an excellent source of nitrogen that is immediately available to crops, providing additional benefits,” it also said.

Source: www.usnewslasvegas.com (http://www.usnewslasvegas.com/national/ecowaste-coalition-pushes-composting-of-fish-carcasses/)

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DA plans more assistance for affected Taal fisherfolk

Posted by admin on Jun 7th, 2011 and filed under National. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

The Department of Agriculture (DA) identified additional measures for helping fisherfolk affected by the massive fishkill that struck Taal Lake last month.

DA Secretary Proceso Alcala said the agency aims discussing with State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) possible fast-tracked funding for the affected fisherfolk.

He said DA also continues preparing fingerlings for dispersal not only in the affected fish cages but also in the wild to promote open fishing in Taal.

“We might likewise place a fish port there,” he noted.

Among target features of the planned port are cold storage and processing facilities for fishes to be harvested there, he noted.

The DA considered such measures as the fishkill’s onslaught halted fish production in affected municipalities along the lake, compromising livelihood of fisherfolk there.

The municipalities include Talisay, Cuenca, San Nicolas, Agoncillo and Laurel.

Taal’s latest fish kill episode mostly affected ‘bangus’ and ’tilapia’ species in such municipalities’ waters.

Reports surfaced the fish kill also already affected other fish species elsewhere in the lake.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) earlier linked the calamity to oxygen depletion from natural upwelling in Taal Lake and to the unsound aquaculture practices of over-stocking fishes and excessive fish feeding there.

The calamity triggered a fish scare but BFAR maintains fishes from the affected areas are safe to eat as long as these were harvested fresh.

Alcala reported he and stakeholders concerned this week are ’tilapia’ during their meeting on the fishkill problem to prove BFAR’s point.

To help facilitate access to LBP funding, Alcala said DA will organize the affected fisherfolk into clusters.

“We’ll form associations for the purpose,” he said.

He noted such strategy will make it easier for the fisherfolk to enter into contracts with LBP for funding assistance.

DA will also commence distributing ‘bangus’ and ’tilapia’
fingerlings once the affected water’s quality becomes suitable for fish production again.

“I also ordered release of 5,000 ‘maliputo’ fingerlings,” Alcala said.

He gave the order after observing production of ‘maliputo’ fishes in Taal proved successful.

Earlier, the DA sought help from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) so the affected fisherfolk can have emergency employment while awaiting resumption of fish production in the calamity-hit municipalities.

The DA previously estimated it will take weeks before fingerlings can be dispersed in the affected waters.

“Such fisherfolk now receive minimum wages for undertaking work like cleaning up the affected area,” Alcala reported.

Alcala also ordered DA to deploy to the calamity areas an initial 50 pumps for submerging in Taal waters to help generate much-needed oxygen for fishes there.

More pumps can be deployed if needed, DA assured.

During their meeting in Batangas this week, Alcala and stakeholders concerned agreed on implementing several interventions for helping minimize the possibility for oxygen depletion in Taal Lake where the fishkill affected some 900 tons of fishes already.

Alcala said about 1,000 fish cages in the lake will be dismantled by mid-June this year so only 6,000 of these remain there following unified regulations earlier set for the area.

He said authorities will close down livestock farms directly disposing into Taal’s tributaries untreated effluent that help pollute such water bodies.

“BFAR will inspect fish cages in Taal -this will be already part of the agency’s regular duties,” he added.

DA and stakeholders concerned plan continuing to hold meetings so other interventions can be identified to further help minimize the possibility for future fish kills in Taal Lake.

Alcala committed to attend as many of such meetings as possible.

Source: www.usnewslasvegas.com (http://www.usnewslasvegas.com/national/da-plans-more-assistance-for-affected-taal-fisherfolk/)

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Calacatchara Festival of Calaca Batangas
Aliwan Fiesta 2011
Photo by Dencio Natividad (http://www.facebook.com/IamDencio) to www.multiply.com (http://www.multiply.com) http://images.multiply.com/multiply/logo/splash-logo.png

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LOL TAPING
SAN JOSE BATANGAS
May 31, 2011

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TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN 08 June 2011 8:00 A.M.
Wednesday, 08 June 2011 06:50

Taal Volcano’s (14.0000°N, 120.9833°E) seismic network recorded two (2) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Field measurements conducted last 31 May 2011 at the western sector inside the Main Crater Lake showed that the water temperature increased from 32.5°C to 32.9°C, and the pH value became more acidic decreasing from 2.72 to 2.60. Bubbling activity was observed at the middle portion of the Main Crater Lake. Results of the ground deformation survey (precise leveling) conducted around the Volcano Island last 26 April - 03 May 2011 showed that the volcano edifice inflated slightly relative to the 05-11 April 2011 survey. Measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emission rates last 03-04 May 2011 at Taal Main Crater Lake yielded a value of 2,057 tonnes per day (t/d) which is above the background level.

Alert Level 2 is still in effect over Taal Volcano, with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by the continuing high emission rate of CO2 being released in the Main Crater Lake and sustained seismic activity. Hence, PHIVOLCS advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965-1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Breathing air with high concentration of toxic gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation. In addition, it is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately relayed to all concerned.

DOST-PHIVOLCS

Source: www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph (http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/)

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Ai-Ai delas Alas stars opposite Vic Sotto and Gov. Vilma Santos in her next two movie projects
Glen P. Sibonga
Monday, June 6, 2011
08:19 PM

Marami ang na-excite sa balitang magsasama sa isang pelikula na magiging entry sa Metro Manila Film Festival 2011 sina Box-Office Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas at Box-Office King Vic Sotto.

Sa interview ng Paparazzi na ipinalabas kahapon, June 5, sa TV5, may reaksyon si Ai Ai tungkol dito.

"Nung tinanggap ko yung Best Actress ko sa Metro Manila Filmfest [2010], sabi ko, sana next year hindi na kami magkalaban [ni Vic], magkakampi na kami.

"Kasi parati akong naii-stress na siya yung kalaban ko. Gusto ko kakampi ko naman siya.

"Dream come true ko yun na makasama ko si Bossing sa movie.

"Sana nga matuloy kasi parang 50-50 pa. Kasi inaayos pa yung iba, direktor, ganyan-ganyan, blah, blah, blah," sabi ni Ai Ai.

OTHER PROJECTS. Bukod pala sa movie project nila ni Vic, nakatakda ring gumawa ng pelikula si Ai-Ai kasama naman si Star for All Seasons at Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto.

"Malapit na rin yun. Baka after nito [movie with Vic], next year.

"Gusto ko yun at saka ipinangako sa akin ng Star Cinema yun," sabi niya.

Nang matanong naman kung sino ang gusto niyang maging leading man sa gagawin pa niyang pelikula, isang Kapuso hunk ang isinagot niya.

"Si Aljur [Abrenica]. Gusto kong makasama si Aljur sa movie."

Totoo bang pinagnanasaan niya si Aljur?

"Pinagnanasaan niya ako.

"Bakit ako? Ako lang ba?

"Hindi na siya baby, pero ako pa rin ang mommy!" biro niya.

NO LOVELIFE. Pagdating naman sa lovelife, inamin naman ni Ai Ai na loveless siya ngayon.

"Wala, e. Ganun talaga, di ba, hindi lahat sa iyo? Ibigay mo na lang sa iba.

"Pag meron na, baka mamaya hindi na kumita yung mga pelikula.

"So, okay na yun."

Pero happy ba naman siya?

"Single but happy," sagot niya.

Paano niya sasagutin yung sightings sa kanya na may ka-date?

"Naku, wala yun, date-date ko lang yun."

With regards naman sa short-lived romance niya sa ilang foreigners, heto lang ang masasabi ng Comedy Queen:

"Hindi naman ako playgirl," biglang naubo sa pagsagot si Ai-Ai.

"Naubo naman ako sa iyo. Hindi, wala ano lang yun, friendly date ang tawag doon.

"At saka, di ba, loveless is the new flawless?"

Source: www.pep.ph (http://www.pep.ph/news/29728/Ai-Ai-delas-Alas-stars-opposite-Vic-Sotto-and-Gov.-Vilma-Santos-in-her-next-two-movie-projects)

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Chinoy tv Net25 at Canyon Cove Batangas

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Families affected by fishkill to be enrolled in cash-for-work program
08-Jun-11, 11:34 AM | Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Juliano-Soliman said on Wednesday that families adversely affected by the fishkill incidents in Pangasinan and Batangas will be enrolled in the government's cash-for-work program.

The DSWD has released some P8 million for the implementation of cash-for-work in Region I, where Pangasinan is located.

The DSWD National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction project showed that there are 2,860 affected fishermen from Anda and Bolinao, Pangasinan.

They will be receiving P280 each per day for 10 days of community work or service such as sanitary disposal or burying of dead fish, coastal clean-up and repair of fish cages and related structures.

In Region IV-A where Batangas is located, the DSWD is coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to assess and plan urgent interventions to address the needs of the victims of fish kill in Talisay, Batangas.

Source: www.interaksyon.com (http://www.interaksyon.com/article/5189/families-affected-by-fishkill-to-be-enrolled-in-cash-for-work-program)

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Solons feast on milkfish, tilapia to allay fish-kill scare
ANDREO C. CALONZO, GMA News
06/08/2011 | 12:46 PM

Lawmakers on Wednesday feasted on different milkfish and tilapia dishes to prove that these kinds of fish are fit for consumption despite recent incidents of fish kill in the provinces of Batangas and Pangasinan.

Batangas 3rd District Rep. Nelson Collantes led the lawmakers in eating fried tilapia and grilled milkfish to allay fears that fish from his district were all affected by the fish kill.

"We assure the buying public that it is okay to buy milkfish and tilapia for as long as they are fresh," Collantes told reporters after the meal.

Collantes, whose constituency covers the eight towns affected by the fish kill, added that only a few barangays in the area were hit by the calamity.

"Ipinalibing na namin lahat ng mga isdang naapektuhan ng fish kill. Lahat ng isda na galing ng Batangas ay sariwa," he said.

He likewise appealed to the public to continue buying fish from his district so that the fisherfolk in the towns affected by the fish kill will not lose their source of income.

House agriculture panel chair Batangas 4th District Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza, BUTIL party-list Rep. Agapito Guanlao and Bataan Rep. Herminia Roman joined the lunch.

Over P190 million worth of fisheries produce have already been lost in the towns of Talisay, Laurel, Alitagtag, Santa Teresita, Agoncillo, San Nicolas and Mataas na Kahoy in Batangas, and the towns of Bolinao and Anda in Pangasinan due to the fishkills during the past weeks.

A Senate committee is also conducting its own investigation on the matter. — RSJ, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222822/nation/solons-feast-on-milkfish-tilapia-to-allay-fish-kill-scare)

Back to School Season: The First Day of Classes Fever
Posted on 07 June 2011
Posted by Dyan Hernande (http://www.wowbatangas.com/author/dyan/) to http://wowbatangas.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/wowbatangas-logo.png

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Photo insert from Star Cinema movie, First Day High

What do you remember clearly on the many “first day of classes” you had been through before?

Are you the type who gets excited to go to school or are you the type who find it hard to get over the vacation that has ended? I’m a little bit of both.

First day of school means meeting old friends and making new ones. First day of school means everything is new — new uniform, new school supplies, new teacher, new classroom, new schedule. First day of school means new beginning — and every beginning means another adventure.

Oh no, you have to say goodbye to your summer vacation routine — getting up late, going to bed late. No more movie marathon and sleepovers. No more gimiks. Ang sad ano?

Graders are most excited with their new things. Of course, they have to have the latest and most mayabang school supplies so they won’t get left behind by their classmates. I remember when I was in grade school, I have to have a new bag each school year. I have to have at least one pink stuff inside my bag. The cuter your things are, the cooler everyone will think of you.

In high school, things change. Oh, here comes the first day high fever. High school students have different points of excitement when first day of school comes. Who wouldn’t want to be the first one to know the full name of that new girl in school? High school girls get excited to see their crushes and get on with their BFF bondings during breaks. First day of school means one of the best perks of being a student — getting allowance.

In college, first day of classes means new adjustment. Swerte mo kung maganda schedule mo. We get by without new things. Ako nga may isang semester na natapos na ballpen at pad paper lang ang gamit ko. And that’s what I love about college. You don’t need to buy too many stuffs; you can go to a class with just a pen and a paper with you. Unless required ka to but this and that.

Kasi when you’re in college, your investment goes to making yourself look good and to other things rather than getting one notebook per subject. Haha, yun ‘yun eh! Tipid tipiran sa mga gamit so you can buy a better, sturdier pair of shoes, a conversation piece bag, the latest makeup, and yes, to save some for a weekend gimik!

It’s the excitement really. Although I try not to sound like a teacher here, I’d like to leave a friendly reminder for students who are reading this. Take this opportunity seriously. There are kids who can’t afford to go to school and would want to be in your shoes for a chance to have a better life ahead.

Education is not just an opportunity, it’s a right. It’s your right. Believe me, this whole going to school thing and getting a degree will all pay off in time.

Source: www.wowbatangas.com (http://www.wowbatangas.com/features/others/back-to-school-season-the-first-day-of-classes-fever/)

One of the best websites...

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About the Author
Dyan Hernandez - who has written 611 posts on WOW Batangas.
Dyan finds herself in the world of multimedia and online publishing. Aside from being a website content writer, she is a movie fan, an aspiring stylist, a beach bum, and a self-confessed Gleek. Dyan, who does paper clay trinkets, has a degree in Secondary Education Major in English.

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No fear: Solons eat bangus amidst fishkill
by RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News
Posted at 06/08/2011 1:06 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Congressmen ate fish from Taal Lake at the House Media Center in the House of Representatives to boost the industry from the area recently affected by a spate of fish kills.

Batangas Representatives Sonny Collantes and Mark Llandro Mendoza, Caloocan Rep. Mitzi Cajayon, Bataan Rep. Herminia Roman, Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu), Linabelle Villarica (Bulacan), and former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) director Lino Rustia and House Secretary-General Marlyn Barua Yap ate dishes made of bangus and tilapia among other dishes.

The fish were said to be harvested Wednesday morning and cooked today as well.

They shared the catch with House employees and media.

The lawmakers hope to save the industry affected by the fish kill.

The fish were said to have been harvested in Talisay town.

Collantes revealed that about 20,000 fingerlings will be placed in Taal to help revive the industry.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/08/11/no-fear-solons-eat-bangus-amidst-fishkill)

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DSWD: Victims of fish kill get P280 daily cash assistance each for ten days

A June 7, 2011 press release by the Department of Social Welfare and Development

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will provide cash-for-work for families affected by the recent fish kill.

As of June 6, 2011, the DSWD has released some P8 million for the implementation of cash-for-work in Region I. The DSWD National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) project showed that there are 2,860 affected fishermen from Anda and Bolinao, Pangasinan. They will be receiving P280.00 each per day for ten (10) days of community work or service such as sanitary disposal or burying of dead fish, coastal clean-up and repair of fish cages and related structures.

In Region IV-A, the DSWD is coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) to assess and plan urgent interventions to address the needs of the victims of fish kill in Talisay, Batangas.

The DSWD Rice Subsidy for Small Scale Farmers and Fisherfolks is also ongoing in the region to help the beneficiaries cope with the rising prices of fuel and commodities and to tide them over during the lean months.

Meanwhile, the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) teams in Regions I and IV-A are assisting concerned local government units and other government agencies in addressing the fish kill incident.

dswd.gov.ph

Source: www.gov.ph (http://www.gov.ph/2011/06/07/dswd-victims-of-fish-kill-get-p280-daily-cash-assistance-each-for-ten-days/)

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Lawmakers feast on bangus, tilapia to quell fishkill fears
08-Jun-11, 2:11 PM | Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com

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Representatives Angelo Palmones (Agham), Benhur Salibangon (Cebu) and Nelson Collantes (Batangas) dine on bangus and tilapia from Taal Lake to quell public health concerns triggered by the massive fishkill there. (photo by Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com)


MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers and staff of the House of Representatives feasted on bangus (milkfish) and tilapia on Wednesday in an effort to quell public fears about eating the freshwater fish following massive fishkills in Taal Lake and in areas of Batangas and Pangasinan provinces.

“We hope we can help remove the stigma on these products and help our industry,” Batangas Representative Sonny Collantes, whose congressional district covers Taal Lake, said.

Collantes was joined by Representatives Benhur Salimbangon of Cebu, who chairs the committee on fisheries and aquatic resources, Angelo Palmones of Agham party-list, Linabelle Ruth Villarica of Bulacan, Mary Mitzi Cajayon of Caloocan, Herminia Roman of Bataan and Mark Llandro Mendoza of Batangas.

Palmones said it is safe to eat bangus and tilapia as long as these are bought fresh from the market.

“It’s safe and nutritious,” Salimbangon said of the fish, which came from Taal Lake.

Authorities have attributed the fishkill in the lake to lowered oxygen levels caused by a drop of temperature at the onset of the rainy season and because of overstocking in many fish pens.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) office in Batangas called the incident the worst climate change disaster to hit the province.

But Taal Lake Aquaculture Alliance president Nestor Natanauan said although only 10 percent of Taal Lake was affected by the fishkill, public worries about the safety of fish from there had affected all growers.

He said they had barely made any sales since last week. (with a report from Fiona Nicolas, TV5)

Source: www.interaksyon.com (http://www.interaksyon.com/article/5199/lawmakers-feast-on-bangus-tilapia-to-quell-fishkill-fears)

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Rich ICTSI golf tourney begins today
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

THE $50,000 ICTSI-Mt. Malarayat Championship unwraps today at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas with a promise of a shootout between the talent-laden Thailand contingent and the top local gunners in the second leg of the ASEAN Golf Tour.

Atthaphon Prathummanee, runner-up to compatriot Prom Meesawat in the tour’s inaugurals last month in Thailand, spearheads the 21-player strong Thai delegation out to keep the crown won by Chawalit Plaphol last year. The other leading Thai players in the fold are Thanyakon Khrongpha, Wisut Artjanawat, Wiitawan Sae-ung, Ronnachai Jamnong, Ekalak Waisayakul and Panuwat Muenlek.

Plaphol beat top Filipino shotmaker Juvic Pagunsan by eight strokes to end Angelo Que’s back-to-back title romp in the 72-hole championship, a regular event on the ASEAN Golf Tour, sponsored by the International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

But Pagunsan, a former top Asian Tour rookie, has enjoyed top form in the early going of the season, winning three of the first four legs of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour, including back-to-back title runs in the ICTSI-Orchard Championship and the ICTSI Eastridge Classic.

That makes him the marked man in this week’s championship with Pagunsan going all out not only for the crown but also to erase the stigma of a series of poor performances at Mt. Malarayat. In the ICTSI Classic last April, Pagunsan shot 83 and 77 and miserably missed the cut.

Source: www.manilastandardtoday.com (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideSports.htm?f=2011/june/8/sports5.isx&d=2011/june/8)

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'Laughing' insects among new species discovered in PH
Agence France-Presse
Posted at 06/08/2011 4:36 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Laughing cicadas and small "cat sharks" are among scores of species believed new to science discovered by US and Filipino researchers in waters and islands of the Philippines, the team said Wednesday.

The finds showcased the vast biodiversity of the Southeast Asian archipelago that is now under severe threat, said the experts from the California Academy of Sciences and local institutions.

The team found a rich harvest of starfish, sea urchins, eels and barnacles, many of which had not been previously documented by scientists, said Richard Mooi, one of the California marine scientists.

"We found at least 75 new species, perhaps more. A lot more analysis is needed," he told a forum to announce the discoveries.

"Unquestionably, we found 20 new species of starfish and sea urchins alone," he added.

Fellow academy scientist John McCosker said they discovered several small "cat sharks" that might also be a new species.

Among the other unusual discoveries, insect specialist Ireneo Lit said his group believed they had found several new species, including a cicada that made a sound like high-pitched laughter.

The expedition had trawled the depths of the waters off Batangas province and Taal Lake south of Manila, and also took samples of living things from four mountains over the past month.

"We found one new species of eel, possibly a new species of pipe fish, new species of barnacles, new species of nudibranch mollusks," said Terry Gosliner, dean of the California Academy.

Three possible new species of spiders were also found in a search of the mountains, said spider expert Charles Griswold.

It would take several months of laboratory work to confirm if the finds were all truly new species but the large number of experts involved could easily tell if they had really found something new, Mooi said.

Edgardo Gomez, a professor of the University of the Philippines' Marine Science Institute, said some of the marine finds would have been under threat of extinction.

"Philippine marine biodiversity is under siege," Gomez told the forum.

He cited damage caused both by pollution and overfishing and climate change.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/06/08/11/laughing-insects-among-new-species-discovered-ph)
:carrot::carrot::carrot:

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Fresh and 'double-dead' fish: Can you tell them apart?
06/08/2011 | 02:43 PM
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Click here (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222837/special-reports/fresh-and-double-dead-fish-can-you-tell-them-apart) for more photos

GMA News TV programs on June 7 aired the above info graphics on the massive fish kill in Luzon, including a list of Batangas towns under state of calamity, one on Pangasinan barangays affected by bangus kills since the first week of June, and a guide on how to tell fresh from possibly "double-dead" fish.

Graphics: Randy Arrojo
Date gathered by GMA News Research

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222837/special-reports/fresh-and-double-dead-fish-can-you-tell-them-apart)

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV (http://www.gmanews.tv/)

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BFAR advises public on how to determine fresh, safe fish
By DEXTER A. SEE
June 8, 2011, 4:12pm

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Cordillera office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) here warned the public Wednesday to be wary in buying fish as it issued tips on how to determine fish that is unsafe for consumption.

The warning was issued even as Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan suffered from serious stomach pains after eating allegedly contaminated bangus belly in a high-class restaurant in this mountain resort city.

In its advisory, the BFAR-CAR said double dead fishes are safe for consumption if they are still fresh.

However, reports said tons of fishes that died because of the recent fish kill in Batangas and Pangasinan are now being treated and converted to dried fishes or boneless ones.

The BFAR-CAR said a fresh fish has the following characteristics: Eyes are clear and glossy and not dull and sunken; gills are bright red and not brownish to gray; odor is fresh and not stale and putrid; flesh is firm to touch and not soft; color is not bleached; and scales are intact and not easily removed.

The BFAR-CAR stressed that spoiled fishes regardless of species are not safe to eat and that these must be discarded to prevent individuals from contracting serious illnesses that could sicken or even kill them.

At the same time, the agency established quarantine checkpoints in the different entry and exit points of the city to prevent unscrupulous businessmen from bringing to the city contaminated fishes and sell them in the market.

Market vendors in the city’s public market noted a significant decline in the arrival of fresh fishes from the lowlands because of the massive fish kill incidents that destroyed over P2 million worth of bangus in numerous fish cages which were reportedly triggered by the alleged lack of dissolved oxygen in the water.

For closed water systems like lakes, the prescribed stocking density of fishes is 20 fish per cubic meter to allow sufficient spaces for the fish to breath. For open waters, stocking density could go up to 30 fishes per cubic meter, officials said.

The BFAR said it issued advisories to prevent the occurrence of a sudden shortage of fish. It urged fishpen owners to harvest their fish stocks immediately and bring them to nearby government fish ports.

In order to prevent a possible artificial shortage of fish in the country, the BFAR will be giving out free fish fry or fingerlings to affected fish farmers, especially the marginalized ones.

Moreover, the city veterinary office has intensified its operation against the sale of double dead meat and fish, resulting in the confiscation of spoiled fishes in different stalls of the city’s public market.

Meanwhile, the Cordillera office of the Department of Health (DoH) here acknowledged that various factors such as religious beliefs and private doctors advising against submitting children for immunization, hindered the 100 percent accomplishment of the agency’s Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR SIA) in the region over the past two months.

At present, vaccination teams have already visited 97.2 percent of the estimated 296,681 households in the region and have immunized 248,389 nine to 95 months children, or only 73.85 percent of the target children.

DoH-CAR Local Health Support Division Head, Amelita Pangilinan said there are still some late reports coming in and they hope that the campaign can still reach at least 80 to 85 percent accomplishment considering that they could no longer force other people in the region with religious beliefs to submit their children for vaccination against the dreaded disease.

Source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321803/bfar-advises-public-how-determine-fresh-safe-fish)

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DA exec: Overstocking led to Batangas fish kill
06/08/2011 | 12:53 PM

Overstocking may have led to the massive fish kill in Batangas province, affecting nine towns around Taal Lake, an official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Wednesday.

At the Senate committee hearing Wednesday, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup said the ideal size for fish cages is 10 by 10 meters with a depth of six meters, but some cages are 15 meters deep. Fingerlings should be from 30,000 to 50,000 per cage, but some cages have 100,000.

"We had a dialogue in Talisay town, the mayor was there, including representatives of concerned government agencies. Ang sinasabi nga sa report, hindi nasusunod ang guidelines... These are man-made causes for the problems," Salacup said.


The Senate Committee on Agriculture headed by Sen. Francis Pangilinan, together with representatives from the DA, began the inquiry on the cause of last week's massive fish kill.

Talisay was the most affected town, with 895 metric tons of fish affected.

The damage is at 2,056 metric tons. "Nagsimula ito noong May 27 hanggang June 6, at ang kabuuang fish cages ay 231. Ang amount ng damage P144 million," said Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Calabarzon (Region IV-A) regional director Nilo Tamoria, who was also at the Senate hearing.

Also, some areas in Pangasinan province were hit by the fish kill, with losses estimated by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council at P40.71 million.

With the P150 million loss in Region IV-A, the total cost of the fish kill incidents hit P190.71 million as of last Monday.

In Bolinao, Pangasinan, the damage is at 39 metric tons of bangus and tilapia, Salacup said.

Likewise, he said, there are more cages than what is allowed in Anda, Pangasinan, where fish kill incidents in occurred 2002 and 2004.

"The lack of dissolved oxygen could have been avoided if fish cage operators followed our recommendation [not to place too many cages in the area]," said Atty. Benjamin Tabios Jr., Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Assistant Director for Administrative Services.

"Mayroon nang natuto sa mga nangyari sa fish kill noon," said Tabios.

He said there are four factors in fish kill: Oxygen depletion, pollutant toxin, natural toxins and disease from bacteria.

According to him, only 0.6 percent of fish production in the country comes from Batangas.

But Senator Pangilinan noted that everyone is affected, saying "ang sakit ng kalingkingan ay dama ng buong katawan." — Carmela Lapeña/LBG, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222823/nation/da-exec-overstocking-led-to-batangas-fish-kill)

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UP expert says fishkill was man-made
By Ira Pedrasa, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/08/2011 4:54 PM | Updated as of 06/08/2011 5:44 PM

Pangilinan wants charges filed against culprits

MANILA, Philippines - There is nothing “natural” in the fishkill that started in areas encircling the Taal Lake, an expert from the University of the Philippines (UP) said.

During a Senate hearing, UP Marine Science Institute deputy director Gil Jacinto said the recent fishkill that hit several parts of Batangas can be traced to agricultural pollution and overcrowding of fish cages.

In an interview with ANC, Senator Francis Pangilinan said the statements only echo fears that the so-called phenomenon is man-made, mainly brought about by greed.

“[As pointed out by an official of the Department of Agriculture,] you overstock precisely because you want to harvest more at the expense of the fishes…Now, P200 million is lost. What was gold in the beginning has turned into stone,” he said.

Experts also believe pollutants, caused by decaying feeds, have added to the depletion of oxygen needed by the fishes.

Pangilinan believes fish cages found to be wanting in standards should be dismantled and their operators slapped with the corresponding criminal cases.

He said there is no need for a new legislation because the country already has enough laws to go after the culprits.

“I am more interested in the filing of charges just to send a message. The fishkill has only affected 1% of the fishing industry but the damage has been done to the rest,” he added.

He stressed there may be lack of enforcement on the part of government agencies. “There is a need for political will,” he stressed.

He noted, however, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has made headway in terms of dismantling the illegal fish cages. From 14,000 many years ago, the number is now down to 7,000.

Another 1,000 will be dismantled within the year, BFAR said.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/08/11/expert-says-fishkill-was-man-made)

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'Laughing' insects among new species in Philippines
AFP
Wed, Jun 08, 2011

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MANILA - Laughing cicadas and small "cat sharks" are among scores of species believed new to science discovered by US and Filipino researchers in waters and islands of the Philippines, the team said Wednesday.

The finds showcased the vast biodiversity of the Southeast Asian archipelago that is now under severe threat, said the experts from the California Academy of Sciences and local institutions.

The team found a rich harvest of starfish, sea urchins, eels and barnacles, many of which had not been previously documented by scientists, said Richard Mooi, one of the California marine scientists.

"We found at least 75 new species, perhaps more. A lot more analysis is needed," he told a forum to announce the discoveries. "Unquestionably, we found 20 new species of starfish and sea urchins alone," he added.

Fellow academy scientist John McCosker said they discovered several small "cat sharks" that might also be a new species.

Among the other unusual discoveries, insect specialist Ireneo Lit said his group believed they had found several new species, including a cicada that made a sound like high-pitched laughter.

The expedition had trawled the depths of the waters off Batangas province and Taal Lake south of Manila, and also took samples of living things from four mountains over the past month.

"We found one new species of eel, possibly a new species of pipe fish, new species of barnacles, new species of nudibranch mollusks," said Terry Gosliner, dean of the California Academy.

Three possible new species of spiders were also found in a search of the mountains, said spider expert Charles Griswold.

It would take several months of laboratory work to confirm if the finds were all truly new species but the large number of experts involved could easily tell if they had really found something new, Mooi said.

Edgardo Gomez, a professor of the University of the Philippines' Marine Science Institute, said some of the marine finds would have been under threat of extinction.

"Philippine marine biodiversity is under siege," Gomez told the forum.

He cited damage caused both by pollution and overfishing and climate change.

Source: www.asiaone.com (http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Asia/Story/A1Story20110608-283056.html)

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DA chief urges for Taal Lake master plan

A June 8, 2011 press release by the Department of Agriculture

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala urged Batangas local officials, Taal Lake fish cage owners, and concerned government agencies to craft a joint master development plan to make sustainable use of Taal Lake for the benefit of all stakeholders, and to avoid future fish kill incidents.

He made the appeal during a three-hour consultative meeting last Monday night (June 6, 2011) in Talisay, Batangas, one of the eight lakeshore towns adversely affected by the recent fish kills.

He said the plan should be patterned after the previously crafted Taal Lake management plan, which was not strictly implemented. This time, the master plan should define the tasks and responsibilities of each group of stakeholders, particularly the fish cage owners and their respective municipal governments, which issue the permits to put up fish cages.

Secretary Alcala said the DA, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), will help spearhead the formulation of the said master plan, in partnership with the Batangas provincial government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Taal Lake fish cage owners and fisherfolk, and other concerned groups.

For his part, Batangas provincial administrator Victor Reyes, who represented Governor Vilma Santos, said the provincial and municipal governments have since been promulgating a policy limiting the total number of fish cages to 6,000 units.

The following are other commitments and instructions of Sec. Alcala:

Four composite teams from LGUs, the DA, DENR, and PNP will dismantle illegal fish cages, pens, and “baklads.” This will start June 15 and should be completed by the end of 2011.
The DA-BFAR will provide two additional patrol boats, and the DENR will provide another, in order to augment the two patrol boats of the Batangas provincial government, and to help monitor the dismantling of illegal cages and to make sure that no new fish cages are set up.
The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) will lend 50 water pumps to affected lakeshore towns to aid in the restoration of water quality. The DA will provide fuel for the pumps.
The DA-BFAR will stock 5,000 fingerlings of maliputo, and “bottom feeder” fish species to help cleanse lake water, and will explore the use of biotechnology agents or techniques to help cleanse lake water.
DA-BFAR and DA-Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) will study the feasibility of establishing a fishport, as well as cold storage and fish processing facilities in Talisay;
DA-BFAR, in partnership with the Provincial government, will conduct random inspection of fish cages to determine whether cage depth is maintained at the prescribed six meters. There were reports that some illegal cages reached a depth of as much as 16 meters.
The DENR, in coordination with the Provincial government, will spearhead and implement the realignment and zoning of legitimate fish cages.
The provincial government, in partnership with municipal governments, should maintain the rivers going to Taal Lake, and these should not be used as dumping grounds for waste from swine and poultry farms.
Secretary Alcala furthermore recommended that the DSWD enlist the fisherfolfk and ruralfolk affected by the fish kills under its “cash for work” program, to help clean the riverbanks and operate the water pumps. They will be paid for 10 days of work. [Ref.]

Among those who attended the consultation were Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Rep. Nelson Collantes (3rd District, Batangas), BFAR director Asis Perez, DA assistant secretary Salvador Salacup, BFAR region 4-A OIC-director Esmeralda Manalang, DENR Region IV-A director Nilo Tamoria, DILG Region 4-A director Josefina Castilla-Go, DSWD Region 4-A director Wilma Naviamos, and respective mayors of the eight lakeshore towns of Talisay, Balete, Lumang Lipa, Mataas na Kahoy, Cuenca, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, and Laurel.

Source: www.gov.ph (http://www.gov.ph/2011/06/08/da-chief-urges-for-taal-lake-master-plan/)

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Fishkill' affected areas get assistance
June 8, 2011, 5:41pm

MANILA, Philippines (RRR) — Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto, formed and dispatched various teams to assist the local government units affected by the fish kill in Taal Lake on May 26-27, which damage livelihood up to P70 million.

Two unit backhoes and several dump trucks were dispatched to affected towns of Talisay, Laurel and Agoncillo, wherein bulk of the estimated 800 tons of dead fish came from, to speed up the digging of disposal sites for dead fish for health and sanitary reasons. Provincial health personnel are also helping the teams by applying lime substance on the decaying fishes to control the stench and foul odor, while the provincial agriculture staff is continuously assessing the situation and ready to give necessary advisory on emergency fish harvest from anytime.

Heavily-affected areas are the shorelines of Talisay, Laurel , Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Cuenca , Sta. Teresita and Alitagtag towns where tons of dead fish, bangus and tilapia, lined-up along the coastlines.

Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo and San Nicolas which compose Taal Lake's “fish cage zone,” where the raising of commercial fish cages are allowed and encouraged, took most of the damage from the natural phenomenon.

Town mayors appreciated the immediate response and assistance being extended by the personnel from the provincial engineering, health, agriculture, general services and information offices, who are working hand-in-hand with municipal employees in cleaning up the dead fish packed coastal areas.

Meanwhile, Task Force Taal Lake will also conduct an investigation on the incident. It will also validate and investigate reports on illegal dumping of dead fish to the Lake which allegedly caused the accumulation of large numbers of dead bangus and tilapia along the shore. Operators who will be found liable will face revocation of issued permits by local government units.

Provincial Fishery Officer Rose Del Mundo of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, explained that the lake phenomenon, locally termed "duong," is a natural mixing of the Lake's water layers that occurred twice every year in which from the circulating process organic wastes at the water bed are whirled above which also cause the drop in water temperature and oxygen depletion that eventually killed tons of bangus and tilapia.

Source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321812/fishkill-affected-areas-get-assistance)

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Awilihan Resort featured on ANC's Executive Class

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Uploaded by rsa102251x (http://www.youtube.com/user/rsa102251x) on Feb 26, 2011

Tour of Awilihan Resort in Barangay Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas by Carlos Celdran on ANC's Executive Class program on Skycable

From http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLMYrgxRsjnWokxI_lyLOq9WsIuqdYaanpHp8Z2o-sYpeOXWzP_N0kYA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFAqXJoIIIQ)

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Govt teams to dismantle illegal fish pens in Taal
06/08/2011 | 07:07 PM

Illegal fish pens in Taal, Batangas will be dismantled starting June 15 and the operators will be penalized, according to Department of Agriculture and the Senate committee on food and agriculture.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said up to 1,300 illegal fish pens in Taal Lake will be torn down before the year is over. Officials added that the lake should have only 6,000 fish pens.

Four teams will be deployed for the dismantling operations and they will be made up of personnel from the DA, Philippine National Police, local government units, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Committee chairman Senator Francis Pangilinan said the operators of the illegal fish pens are liable for the fish kill based on the Clean Water Act and the law on National Integrated Protected Area Systems (NIPAS).

The Batangas provincial government, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and DENR will deploy up to five patrol boats to monitor the state of the lake and make sure no new fish cages are put up.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala urged the local governments of Batangas and other areas to help enforce the country’s laws by issuing local permits for fish pens. He said there is a master plan for Taal Lake but it does not clearly define the responsibilities of local governments, fish cage operators and fisherfolk.

BFAR officials informed the Senate that as of Monday, fish kill damage in Batangas was at P150 million, with the towns of Anda and Bolinao reporting P7 million in damages.

However, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in its Tuesday evening update that ‘validation’ by field offices of BFAR reduced the damage figures to P143.96 million.

Meanwhile, the DA’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management has lent 50 water pumps to help restore water quality in areas affected by fish kill. The BFAR will supply 5,000 fingerlings of maliputo and ‘bottom feeder’ fish species to help clean the lake water. The BFAR will also study the use of water-cleaning biotechnology agents and techniques.

BFAR added that it will work with the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority to explore the feasibility of establishing a fish port, cold storage and fish processing facilities in Talisay, Batangas. — ELR/VS, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222880/regions/govt-teams-to-dismantle-illegal-fish-pens-in-taal)

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Fish in Taal Lake safe
By RIO ROSE RIBAYA and CHITO CHAVEZ
June 8, 2011, 7:39pm

MANILA, Philippines — Several lawmakers in the House of Representatives Wednesday feasted on fish dishes that were caught in Taal Lake to revive the fishing industry that has been affected by the fishkill that began in the boundaries of Batangas and Cavite.

Cebu Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, chairman of the House committee on aquaculture and fisheries resources, invited congressmen representing party-lists and districts, where the fishing industry suffered a blow from the fishkill.

“We want to prove that it is safe. It’s good! Bangus (Milk fish) is very delicious and we should eat it,” said Salimbangon, who brought kinilaw or seviche, paksiw or fish in vinegar sauce, as well as grilled and deep-fried milk fish in the House Media Center Wednesday morning.

Salimbangon said that the fishes used to cook the dishes were caught from the Taal Lake early Wednesday morning and were brought to Batasang Pambansa Complex in Batasan, Quezon City to present to the members of the media for lunch.

Batangas Rep. Sonny Collantes clarified that the fish kill phenomenon in Taal Lake only affected 10 percent of the fishing industry in the third district of Batangas, stressing that phenomenon has not affected the rest of the industry in the area.

Bulacan Rep. Linabell Villarica, who joined the boodle fight, expressed hope that they would encourage consumers to start buying fishes again, reiterating that fishes caught in the coastal areas in Bulacan such as Obando, Marilao, and Meycauayan as well as in neigboring provinces are all safe.

This developed as a Quezon City councilor asked the parents of school children to prepare nutritious snacks to ensure the good health of their children after receiving complaints of the possibility of “tainted fish’’ being used to make fish balls and similar food products.

Councilor Allan Benedict Reyes of the city’s third district also asked the city health department and concerned offices at city hall to verify the report as street foods are now on sale near the vicinity of the city’s public schools.

“We received an anonymous phone call saying bangus and tilapia that are unsafe to eat are being made to fish balls. I want city hall to conduct a city-wide inspection to ensure public well-being especially among the school children,’’ Reyes added.

Source:www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321825/fish-taal-lake-safe)

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Mango Tours on Balitang America: Batangas Beach getaways

JKUOXr7E1B4
Uploaded by mangotoursandtravel (http://www.youtube.com/user/mangotoursandtravel)

Cool climes getting you down? In this latest video from Balitang America, Mango Tours and TFC's Jeff Canoy feature Nasugbu, Batangas as the next up and coming travel hotspot, a mere 2-hours travel from Manila.

From : http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLMYrgxRsjnWokxI_lyLOq9WsIuqdYaanpHp8Z2o-sYpeOXWzP_N0kYA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKUOXr7E1B4)

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San Marino TV Commerial - behind the scenes
Calatagan, Batangas
Posted by Elcy to www.dongyanatics.org (http://www.dongyanatics.org/forum/showthread.php?5496-San-Marino-TV-Commerial-behind-the-scenes&p=129602)


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'Greed, not climate change, caused fishkill'
by Jorge Cariño, ABS-CBN News
Posted at 06/08/2011 9:08 PM

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - A senator has one word to describe the root cause of fishkill in Taal Lake and Pangasinan that has caused millions of pesos worth of losses in the fishing industry.

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Senate Committee on Agriculture Chairman Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan called it "greed".

"Man-made ang fishkill, ang pangunahing dahilan talaga ay overstocking," Pangilinan told reporters after a Senate committee joint hearing on Wednesday with the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.

Pangilinan is convinced that overstocking of fingerlings in fish cages resulted in overpopulation of bangus, which eventually caused the fishkill.

At the start of the hearing, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officials blamed climate change for the fishkill.

But Dr. Gil Jacinto of the U.P. Marine Science Institute said nature is not the culprit.

Jacinto presented an aerial photo of Taal Lake taken in 2006 showing a body of water crowded with fish cages.

That year, the BFAR said there were 12,000 fish cages, but the lake's capacity was only 6,000 cages.

"We have been over the carrying capacity," said Jacinto.

Phytoplanktons

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Jacinto presented a diagram showing a fish being fed. He said the feeds that are not consumed by fishes go down to the lake's bottom, which eventually become phytoplanktons.

These planktons, according to Jacinto, are not harmful but in fact are food for the fish.

However, once the growth of planktons becomes unabated, they compete with the production of oxygen in the water, depleting oxygen levels as the fish multiply.

According to BFAR Director Asis Perez, a fish cage should be 5 x 5 x 5 meters in length, width and depth. This size, according to BFAR, can sustain 15,000 to 20,000 milkfish fingerlings or 30,000 to 50,000 tilapia.

But Senator Juan Ponce-Enrile disagreed.

Enrile said he himself engaged in the business of aquaculture when he was only 5 years old, and his 1-meter-deep fish pond could not carry such a large number of fingerlings.

1,300 illegal fish cages

Local officials from the municipalities of Batangas who attended the Senate hearing admitted that there are unscrupulous fish cage operators who put in large volumes of fingerlings in their cages.

Mayor Epifanio Sandoval of San Nicolas, Batangas said there are even fish cages operating without permits from the local government units which regulate the fish cages.

BFAR officials said there are around 1,300 illegal fish cages operating in Taal Lake.

At the onset of a fishkill, BFAR said the death of fishes is due to the change in temperature in the lake.

Not temperature change

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However, based on Jacinto's presentation, water temperature change could not have been the reason since there was no sufficient rainfall to cause a radical change in temperature.

"I am not convinced that rain caused the inversion. We did not have, over the last few weeks, any significant amount of rain that would have layered on top of Taal waters to be heavy enough to go down," said Jacinto.

Fishkill losses

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Fishkill losses in Taal Lake and Pangasinan have reached P190 million.

In Taal Lake alone, the DENR reported that from May 27 until June 8, 2,056 metric tons of bangus have been lost from 239 fish cages in 9 municipalities, amounting to P144 million.

"It could have been avoided if they followed the number of cages we said to them," said Atty. Benjamin Tabios, assistant director of BFAR.

Pangilinan said the damage continues because consumers do not want to buy bangus or tilapia for fear that the products may have come from fishkill-affected areas.

Dismantle illegal fish cages

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The Senate recommended to the DENR and BFAR to start dismantling illegal fish cages in Taal Lake, as well as in the Caquipotan Channel in Pangasinan, which flushes out water in the province.

Strict monitoring of fish cage operators and compliance with scientific practices of fish culture were also ordered to local government units to ensure that the fishkill will not happen again.

The BFAR was instructed by the Senate to religiously monitor water quality to protect the fish culture industry.

"Ang pangunahing dahilan dito, yung overstocking. I subscribe to the director's opinion that greed caused this, ‘yung mga naghangad na kumita sa mabilis na paraan," Pangilinan said.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/08/11/greed-not-nature-caused-fishkill)

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Malarayat golf meet rained out
THURSDAY JUNE 9, 2011 PHILIPPINES

HEAVY rains halted play in the first round of the $50,000 ICTSI-Mt. Malarayat Championship yesterday, with around 25 players out of the starting field of 89 completing just five holes at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas.

"We called off the round at 3 p.m. due to continuous rains. No way the course could hold up to resume play," said rulesman Henry Arabelo.

Arabelo said players who managed to play five holes will resume their respective rounds at 6:30 a.m. today, with the rest to play 36 holes in what could turn out to be a test of endurance.

Fancied Juvic Pagunsan was among those stranded at the clubhouse, set to tee off at 11:35 a.m. at the backside with Thai ace Atthaphon Prathummanee and Jun Bernis.

Pagunsan is tipped to contend for the top purse of $8,126 purse in the 72-hole championship sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. that serves as the second leg of the Asean Golf Tour.

He won one leg on the Asean circuit last year and went on to top the Order of Merit derby with earnings of $25,450 after playing in seven of 10 events.

But he faces a tough challenge this week, not only from the crack Thailand contingent, but also from the local side headed by Jay Bayron, Ferdie Aunzo, Tony Lascuña, Mars Pucay, Rufino Bayron, Elmer Salvador, Cassius Casas, Richard Sinfuego, Orlan Sumcad, Jhonnel Ababa, Mhark Fernando, Anthony Fernando and Marvin Dumandan.

Source: www.malaya.com.ph (http://www.malaya.com.ph/june09/sports8.html)

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'Laughing' insects among new Philippine species

Agence France-Presse June 8, 2011 9:04 AM

MANILA - Laughing cicadas and small "cat sharks" are among scores of species believed new to science discovered by U.S. and Filipino researchers in waters and islands of the Philippines, the team said Wednesday.

The finds showcased the vast biodiversity of the Southeast Asian archipelago that is now under severe threat, said the experts from the California Academy of Sciences and local institutions.

The team found a rich harvest of starfish, sea urchins, eels and barnacles, many of which had not been previously documented by scientists, said Richard Mooi, one of the California marine scientists.

"We found at least 75 new species, perhaps more. A lot more analysis is needed," he told a forum to announce the discoveries.

"Unquestionably, we found 20 new species of starfish and sea urchins alone," Mooi added.

Fellow academy scientist John McCosker said they discovered several small "cat sharks" with brown backs and having dark stripes and white bellies, colours which he had never seen on any other shark before.

Picked up by a trawler net 2,000 metres (6,600 feet) below the waves, the sharks are about 60 centimetres (two feet) long and feed on shrimp, said McCosker, head of the aquatic biology department.

Detailing other finds, California Academy dean Terry Gosliner said: "We found one new species of eel, possibly a new species of pipe fish, new species of barnacles, new species of nudibranch (shell-less) mollusks."

Among the other unusual discoveries, Filipino entomologist Ireneo Lit said his team believed they had found several new species, including a cicada that made a sound like high-pitched laughter.

"The local residents were afraid of them. They thought the laughter was from dwarves, laughing dwarves," he told AFP of the insect found on 2,158-metre Mount Banahaw, a volcano on the main island of Luzon.

Lit, director of a national history museum at the University of the Philippines, said he would contact a colleague in France's Paris Museum of Natural History to confirm if it was a new species.

The expedition had trawled the depths of the waters off Batangas province and Taal Lake south of Manila.

It also took samples of fauna from Banahaw and other mountains on Luzon, where the scientists found three possible new species of spiders, said American spider expert Charles Griswold.

It would take several months of laboratory work to confirm if the finds were all truly new species but the large number of experts involved could easily tell if they had really found something new, Mooi said.

Edgardo Gomez, a professor of the University of the Philippines' Marine Science Institute, said some of the marine finds would have been under threat of extinction.

"Philippine marine biodiversity is under siege," Gomez told the forum.

He cited damage caused both by pollution and overfishing and climate change.

Theresa Mundita Lim, head of the environment ministry's Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, warned some species could become extinct before they are even documented.

"The research on biodiversity is not at pace with the threats. The threats are more numerous," she added.

Source: www.canada.com (http://www.canada.com/technology/Laughing+insects+among+Philippine+species/4911336/story.html)

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ENDLESS LOVE'S TAPING AT CANYON COVE
Nasugbu, Batangas

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Source: Endless Love Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=142985795718908&set=a.142985625718925.28473.123570824327072&type=1&theater&pid=425656&id=123570824327072)

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June 9, 2011: No Classes In All Levels In Batangas City, as Posted on Facebook by Secretary To The Mayor

According to the Secretary, Batangas City Mayor Vilma Abaya Dimacuha will be assessing the extent of the damage brought about by the heavy rains that resulted to widespread flooding in the city and its surrounding areas.

Relief and medical operations will be conducted by the Batangas City government in affected areas.

In its 5 pm weather bulletin today, June 8, 2011, PAGASA said that a low pressure area (LPA) was spotted 50 km. northwest of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. The LPA is expected to bring heavy rains in nearby areas, including the City of Batangas.

Source: www.batangastoday.com (http://www.batangastoday.com/june-9-2011-no-classes-in-all-levels-in-batangas-city-as-posted-on-facebook-by-secretary-to-the-mayor/14189/)

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Fish kill-affected families get pay for disposing dead fish
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

FAMILIES whose incomes have been lost due to fish kill in Batangas and Pangasinan will receive compensation for properly disposing dead fish, cleaning up the coast, and repairing aquaculture structures.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman announced this Wednesday after her agency released an estimated P8 million as of Monday for the cash-for-work program in Northern Luzon, where Pangasinan is located.

Are you short of coins? Check out Sun.Star's multimedia special report on coin circulation.

The funds are expected to bring temporary relief to 2,860 affected fishermen from Anda and Bolinao, Pangasinan. They will be receiving P280 each per day for 10 days of community work or service.

In Batangas, Soliman said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is still coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to assess and plan urgent interventions for the victims.

The Social Welfare department's Rice Subsidy for Small Scale Farmers and Fisherfolk is also ongoing in Calabarzon to help them cope with the rising prices of fuel and commodities.

For his part, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje mulled of filing cases against illegal fish pen owners around Taal Lake but details remain sketchy at this point.

"We may file cases against them (illegal fish pen owners) because we noted that overstocking was one of the reasons behind the fish kill. Naturally, the fish died due to depleted supply of oxygen. We are already preparing the information to be filed before the Department of Justice," he told reporters.

Earlier, Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said most of the illegal fish pens were installed in the shorelines of Talisay and Laurel towns around the lake. He also ordered the police to dismantle the illegal fish cages.

The total cost of the fish kill incidents in Pangasinan and Batangas reached P190.71 million last Monday, according to the National Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)

Source: www.sunstar.com.ph (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/06/08/fish-kill-affected-families-get-pay-disposing-dead-fish-160049)

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Cebuano lawmaker shows fish from Batangas safe to eat
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

A CEBUANO lawmaker invited his colleagues to eat several dishes of tilapia and milkfish harvested from Talisay, Batangas, one of the eight lakeshore towns adversely affected by "fish kill", to show that they are safe to eat.

Cebu Representative Benhur Salimbangon, chairman of the House committee on aquaculture and fisheries resources, joined Wednesday a number of legislators who ate tilapia and milkfish (bangus) from Batangas with the House of Representatives press in attendance.

Are you short of coins? Check out Sun.Star's multimedia special report on coin circulation.

Batangas' third district Representative Sonny Collanes and fourth district Congressman Mark Llandro Mendoza, together with Representatives Angelo Palmones (Agham party-list), Linabelle Villarica (Bulacan), Mary Mitzi Cajayon (Caloocan City), and Herminia Roman (Bataan), also joined what they dubbed as "fish eating cong-test".

"We want to prove that it is safe. It's good! Bangus (milkfish) is very delicious and we should eat it... We should help our industry because it's what we need," Salimbangon told reporters.

He said the fishes used in the dishes they feasted on were caught from the Taal Lake early Wednesday morning and were immediately brought to the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

On Monday night, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala urged Batangas local officials, Taal Lake fish cage owners, and concerned government agencies to jointly craft a master development plan to make sustainable use of Taal Lake for the benefit all stakeholders and avoid fish kills in the future.

He said the plan should be patterned after the Taal Lake management plan previously crafted but was not strictly implemented.

This time, the master plan should define the tasks and responsibilities of each group of stakeholders, particularly the fish cage owners and their respective municipal governments that issue the permits to put up fish cages.

Alcala said the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), will help spearhead the formulation of said master plan, in partnership with the Batangas Provincial Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Taal Lake fish cage owners and fisherfolk, and other concerned groups.

For his part, Batangas provincial administrator Victor Reyes, who represented Governor Vilma Santos, said the provincial and municipal governments have since been promulgating a policy limiting the total number of fish cages to 6,000 units.

Reyes added they have been dismantling illegal fish cages and have yet to dismantle more than 1,000 cages, from a high a more than 8,000. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)

Source: www.sunstar.com.ph (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/06/08/cebuano-lawmaker-shows-fish-batangas-safe-eat-160050)

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@GMANEWS (http://twitter.com/#!/)


@gmanews (http://twitter.com/#!/gmanews): As of 7 am, DepEd has suspended classes in Preschool, Elementary & High School for public and private schools in Batangas


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Source: gmanews (http://twitter.com/#!/gmanews)

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No Classes Today, June 9, 2011: DepEd Issues Suspension Due To Heavy Rains

All primary to high school classes in the National Capital Region were suspended today, June 9, 2011, according to a DZMM radio report this morning.

The report said that the Department of Education (DepEd) has declared the suspension of classes due to the continuous rains experienced since Wednesday.

In other reports, classes in all levels were also suspended in Batangas City and Bauan. Atty. Victor Reginald Dimacuha posted on Facebook, as early as last night, that there will be no classes in all levels in the City. He added that an Executive Order, declaring the suspension, will be issued by Batangas City Mayor Vilma Abaya Dimacuha early this morning.

According to PAGASA, a low pressure area in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro has brought about heavy rains in the Southern Tagalog area and Metro Manila since Wednesday.

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Image Credit: Wikipedia

Source: www.batangastoday.com (http://www.batangastoday.com/no-classes-today-june-9-2011-deped-issues-suspension-due-to-heavy-rains/14214/)

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Issued At: 5:00 a.m., 09 June 2011
Valid Beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

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Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis for 8 a.m., 09 June 2011

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Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind
Analysis for 8 a.m., 09 June 2011

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Satellite Image
for 6 a.m., 09 June 2011

Synopsis:
At 2:00 am today, the low pressure area (LPA) was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 90 km West Northwest of Metro Manila or 70 km South Southeast of Iba, Zambales (14.6°N 120.2°E) embedded along the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) affecting the country.

Forecast:
Central and Northern Luzon, and the western section of Southern Luzon will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming widespread rains over Central Luzon which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. The rest of the country will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the Southwest and Southeast will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate blowing from the southwest and southeast with slight to moderate seas.

Source: www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph (http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/wb/wxfcst.html)

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DepEd suspends classes in NCR, some areas in Calabarzon and Bulacan amid rains
09-Jun-11, 8:28 AM | Lira Dalangin Fernandez and Abigail Kwok, InterAksyon.com


(UPDATE 2 - 8:58 a.m.) MANILA, Philippines - Classes in private and public schools in the National Capital Region and in some areas in Calabarzon and in Bulacan are suspended due to incessant rains, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced Thursday.

In Metro Manila, DepEd-National Capital Region regional director Elena Ruiz has suspended classes in pre-school, elementary, and high school across the region.

In the Calabarzon area, classes are suspended in Antipolo, Rizal; Alaminos, San Pablo City, Laguna; Kawit, Cavite; and Lucena, Quezon.

Classes in Lemery, Bauan, Batangas City, Calaca, and Taal in Batangas are also suspended in all levels.

In Bulacan, classes in Pariahan Elementary School, Don Isidro Teodoro High School in Bulacan, Bulacan are suspended. Pre-school, elementary and high school classes in the towns of Doña Remedios Trinidad and Obando in Bulacan are also suspended, DepEd said.

Metro Manila has been experiencing continuous rains since Wednesday brought by a low pressure area spotted east of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.

Source:www.interaksyon.com (http://www.interaksyon.com/article/5278/deped-suspends-classes-in-ncr-some-areas-in-calabarzon-and-bulacan-amid-rains)

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Endless Love - Behind the scenes
Canyon Cove, Nasugbu, Batangas

Posted by: harrymeg (senior PEPster) (http://forum.pep.ph/index.php?topic=1971.18825) to Pep Forum (http://forum.pep.ph/index.php?topic=1971.18825)

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Taping of Spooky Nights (Ring Tone) at Matangbunkay Beach Resort
Matabungkay, Lian, Batangas

Posted by: luisalovealkris (http://www.igma.tv/forum/showthread.php?t=18049&page=17) to www.igma.tv (http://www.igma.tv/forum/showthread.php?t=18049&page=17)

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Philippine Realty TV: Season 5 Ep5:
Malarayat Golf and Country Club

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Mt. Malarayat TV Plug

Uploaded by moqhipolito (http://www.youtube.com/user/moqhipolito)

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PAGASA-DOST MTSAT-EIR Satellite Image for
11 a.m., 09 June 2011

Source: www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph (http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/)

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LPA now storm 'Dodong', Signal No. 1 over 7 areas including NCR
09-Jun-11, 11:34 AM | Joseph Holandes Ubalde and Abigail Kwok, InterAksyon.com

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View Tropical depression 'Dodong' in a larger map

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE 2 - 12:28 p.m.) The active low pressure area (LPA) spotted off Zambales that has been bringing heavy rains over Luzon for two days now chas turned into a tropical depression called storn "Dodong," the state weather bureau said Thursday.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has raised Public Storm Warning Signal No. 1 over seven areas - Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Cavite and Pampanga.

The weather bureau said Dodong was located 60 km west southwest of Iba, Zambales with winds reaching 55 kph near the center and moving north northwest at 15 kph.

It is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility and head to southern China by Friday afternoon, although rains should be expected until at least Saturday.

Earlier in the day, the Department of Education suspended classes in the pre-school to high school levels in Metro Manila, and in parts of Bulacan and the Calabarzon region. Airlines also cancelled at least 35 domestic and international flights because of the weather.

By Thursday noon, the DepEd reported more areas where classes were suspended.

These include the entire province of Rizal; Tagaytay City, Noveleta, GMA, Bacood, Rosario and Sangley Elementary School in Cavite City, in Cavite; and Doña Remedios, Trinidad and Obando in Bulacan.

In Malolos City, Bulacan, afternoon pre-school and elementary classes were suspended.

Classes at all levels were suspended in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro; Angeles City, Pampanga; and Balanga City and Limay, Bataan.

Classes at the Caparitan Elemetary School in Bay, Laguna were also suspended.

“Huwag na po tayong maghintay ng utos ngating local na pamahalaan, magkusa na po tayo (Let us nmot wait for our local governments to issue orders, let us act on our own),” Aurelio said as he urged residents in danger zones to take precautions.

Source: www.interaksyon.com (http://www.interaksyon.com/article/5295/weather-disturbance-could-turn-into-storm-says-pagasa)

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Tapos ng buwaya, taga-Kongreso naman kumain ng tilapia, bangus
Thursday, 09 June 2011 13:18 Cynthia D. Balana, Jocelyn R. Uy

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Pagkatapos ipakain sa mga buwaya ang mga isdang namatay sa mga palaisdaan sa Batangas at Pangasinan, mga kongresista naman ang nagsalo sa mga sariwang bangus at tilapia upang patunayang may mga laman-dagat pa rin na ligtas ihain.

Kasama ng mga kongresista ang kawani nila at mga opisyal ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) sa pagkain sa Kongreso ng mga bangus at tilapia na inani mula sa Taal Lake kahapon ng umaga at agad na niluto.

“It’s safe and nutritious,” ani Cebu Rep. Benhur Salimbangun, chair ng committee on aquaculture and fisheries na nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon kasama ang committee on agriculture.

“We hope we can help remove the stigma on these products and help our industry,” ani Rep. Sonny Collantes, na nakasasakop sa Taal Lake.

Source: www.libre.com.ph (http://www.libre.com.ph/news-a-events/current-news/5986-tapos-ng-buwaya-taga-kongreso-naman-kumain-ng-tilapia-bangus-)

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SENATOR KIKO PANGILINAN PROPOSES
EARLY WARNING SYSTEM FOR FISHKILL

June 9, 2011

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan today urges the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to look into the possible implementation of an early warning system that would minimize the devastating effects of fishkill.

In a hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food which Pangilinan chairs, experts say that the cost of damage of the fishkill in Pangasinan and Batangas has already reached P200 million.

"An early warning system could minimize the damage to life and property. An early warning system much like what PAGASA and PhilVolcs have would enable fishermen to harvest the spoils early and should enable them to do the necessary preventive measures to mitigate heavy losses."

Pangilinan adds that BFAR and DENR could enjoin fisherfolk in vigilance by providing them a hotline where they could report immediately fishkill incidence.

Pangilinan also urges officials to crack down on illegally operated fishpens and their owners.

"This massive fishkill in Pangasinan and Batangas should serve as a valuable lesson to everyone that greed can backfire and cost unscrupulous owners a lot more than just their money. Their permits should be revoked and their names should be blacklisted. We cannot allow such groups and individuals undermine our industry and destroy the livelihood of our fisherfolk who depend heavily in this major agricultural sector. We cannot allow such people to destroy and plunder our rich and diverse aquaculture and maricuture and undermine our efforts at becoming food self-sufficient."

Source: www.senate.gov.ph (http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2011/0609_pangilinan1.asp)

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ROSARIO BATANGAS Street Dancing
Sinukmani Festival 2011

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ROBERTO “CALIBRE” GONZALES HEADLINES “RUMBLE: INDEPENDENCE DAY SHOWDOWN” IN BATANGAS
By Chito Yu Katangkatang
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 09 Jun 2011

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Undefeated super featherweight prospect Roberto “Calibre” Gonzales (W17-L0-D0-KO7) will headline Saved by the Bell Promotions’ RUMBLE: Independence Day Showdown on Sunday, June 12, 2011, 6PM at Agoncillo, Batangas. Gonzales will fight for the Vacant RP GAB Super featherweight Title against seasoned veteran and former WBO ASPAC Superfeatherweight Champion Amor Tino of Benguet.

According to his Manager and Promoter Elmer Anuran, Gonzales has also been scheduled to fight on August for the vacant WBA International Super featherweight belt against Roy Mukhlis of Indonesia. Gonzales rose to TV Fame on the Sunday boxing show Saved by the Bell which used to be aired on CS9. He excites the fans with his no holds barred brawling style which gained him the monicker “Calibre”. Tino is a very formidable opponent having fought in the ring for 710 rounds against 110 rounds for the young Gonzales. This will be a real test for Gonzales before his scheduled International title fight in August.

The event is brought to us by Elmer Anuran’s Saved by the Bell Promotions, GMA and the ever supportive Mayor Aglo Martinez of Agoncillo Batangas.

Source: philboxing.com (http://philboxing.com/news/story-56164.html)

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Mandanas: Pursue P100B increase in revenue collectionsend your feedback on this press release
09 June 2011 03:10:28 PM
Writer: Office of Rep. Hermilando Mandanas

Not to delay the legislative process to increase government revenues, Chairman, Hermilando I. Mandanas of the House Committee on Ways and Means has written the leadership of the House of Representatives for the authority to continue the committee hearings on priority measures to intensify revenue collection, address tax leakages and anti-smuggling issues to help the government raise at least P100 billion in additional revenue.

Rep. Hermilando Mandanas (2nd District, Batangas), said at least P200 million will not be collected for everyday delay in passing and implementing pending bills in Congress. The committee hearings will be on restructuring the excise tax on cigarette and alcohol products; anti-smuggling proposals; foreign debt management; use of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) funds; and non-tax revenue collection of department offices and their attached agencies.

"The Committee plans to conduct hearings during the duration of the sine die adjournment for the period June 13 until July 21, 2011 on these priority measures which shall pave the way in raising at least P100 billion in additional tax revenue for the government," said Rep. Mandanas.

He said the Committee on Ways and Means has investigated numerous smuggling issues and revenue leaks anomalies that have resulted in billions of losses for the government. Bills that can generate another P100 billion have already passed the Committee, and awaiting plenary debates as Congress closes this week.

These investigations include the entry of "hot cars" and motorcycles from the United States by a certain Lynard Allan Bigcas allegedly through the various ports in Mindanao. The panel also probed into the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s plan to affix internal revenue stamps, whether bar codes or fusion design, on each pack of cigars and cigarettes subject to excise tax. It also determined the status of the controversial Sicpatrace unsolicited proposal to affix tamper-proof strip stamps on tobacco products, which the BIR has definitely junked according to agency officials.

On the Committee's campaign to increase revenue collection and reform the graft prone tax system, Rep. Mandanas said the panel tackled the issue on official debt management. Records from the Bureau of Treasury show the total debt stood at P4.655 Trillion of which 43% or P1.991 Trillion is owed to foreign creditors while 57% or P2.664 Trillion to domestic creditors according to him.

"The more deficit we incur, the more we have to borrow and more interest to pay. We have to address all these issues soonest so as not to adversely affect our credit standing, the investments coming in and our job creation program," he added.

On the smuggling front, Chairman Mandanas said that P200 billion worth of revenues are lost due to outright or technical smuggling. He emphasized the need to improve the anti-smuggling mechanism of the government by providing for advance transmission and publication of cargo manifests and bill of lading to the Bureau of Customs, conduct of physical examination of goods, proper assessment of value of goods, periodic audits of customs bonded warehouse and deployment of several X-ray machines.

On pending excise tax proposals, Rep. Mandanas stressed that the government is incurring losses of P200 million daily for every day of delay in the adjustment of excise tax rates on cigarettes and alcohol products.

Source: www.congress.gov.ph (http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=5174)

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TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN 09 June 2011 8:00 A.M.
Thursday, 09 June 2011 10:29

Taal Volcano’s (14.0000°N, 120.9833°E) seismic network recorded four (4) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Field measurements conducted last 07 June 2011 at the eastern sector inside the Main Crater Lake showed that the water temperature increased to 33.8°C from 32.8°C and the water level also increased to 0.31 meter from 0.25 meter measured last 24 May 2011. The pH value showed a very negligible change from 2.67 to 2.69. Bubbling activity was observed at the middle portion of the Main Crater Lake. Results of the ground deformation survey (precise leveling) conducted around the Volcano Island last 26 April - 03 May 2011 showed that the volcano edifice inflated slightly relative to the 05-11 April 2011 survey. Measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emission rates last 03-04 May 2011 at Taal Main Crater Lake yielded a value of 2,057 tonnes per day (t/d) which is above the background level.

Alert Level 2 is still in effect over Taal Volcano, with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by the continuing high emission rate of CO2 being released in the Main Crater Lake and sustained seismic activity. Hence, PHIVOLCS advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965-1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Breathing air with high concentration of toxic gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation. In addition, it is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately relayed to all concerned.

DOST-PHIVOLCS

Source: www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph (http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/)

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Amalia Fuentes Beach House
Tali Beach, Nasugbu, Batangas

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House by the beach
Apr. 7th, 2011 at 12:57 AM

I featured this house early this year. This is Ana Rocha's house by the beach in Batangas. She doesn't like calling it a "beach house" though it sits right on the beach. She has created a space that's more than that. This is her creative haven. She comes here to recharge, relax and entertain friends. Ana is an artist and entrepreneur. She owns a few restaurants and a jewelry store in Greenbelt 5; she designs jewelry and interior spaces as well. Architecture runs through her blood. Her grandfather, an architect, designed a building in UST - the extension of the main one, if I'm not mistaken. She is also related to Patrick's maternal side of the family.

Here are some highlights from the Urban Zone shoot we did in Batangas. I brought my kids along, which I rarely do. But it was an out of town treat, and they got to meet a distant relative.

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Ana and I at the entrance pavilion.

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The other side of the entrance pavillion. I love that the foyer is in a separate pavillion.

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It opens up to this...

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One of the guest rooms. High ceiling. Lots of natural light.

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Inside the main house. She had that table before she built this space.

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Main house and pool

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I love how the pool is raised.

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Talk about attention to detail. Check out the way her staff raked the sand in the public beach.

Source: daphneosena.livejournal.com (http://daphneosena.livejournal.com/222696.html)

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Aid for affected fishers sought
By NONOY E. LACSON
June 9, 2011, 6:52pm

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP) Party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones Thursday appealed to the Department of Agriculture (DA) to extend speedy assistance to the owners of small fish cages affected by the “fish kill” in various areas, particularly Batangas and Pangasinan.

In a consultation with stakeholders here, Briones said the two groups – Taal Lake Aquaculture Alliance and Feed Millers Association – that are members of AGAP were affected by the fish kill and are in dire need of help to save their livelihood.

“Nakikiusap ako sa DA na gawan ng mabilis na aksiyon sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng puhunan para muling makabangon sa kanilang pagkalugi (We are appealing to the DA to immediately respond by providing resources for the speedy recovery of those affected),” Briones said.

Briones also asked the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to conduct a feasibility study to avoid the same incident to happen again in the future.

The party-list representative also appealed to the public to continue patronizing bangus (milkfish) and tilapia – but make it sure that the fish they are buying are fresh.

“Ang masakit kasi ay maliit na porsiyento lamang ang tinamaan ng fish kill pero ang lahat ng mangingisda ay apektado dahil natatakot ang publiko na bumili ng isda kaya bumagsak ng husto ang presyo sa merkado (What is lamenting here is that only a small percentage was affected by fish kill, but almost all fishermen have been affected due to their apprehension in buying fish which brought the price of fish to go down),” he said.

Source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321964/aid-affected-fishers-sought)

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Next on Urban Zone...
Cocoy Cordoba's private beach house
Punta Fuego, Nasugbu, Batangas

We got a lot of response about the farm house we featured last week. A beautiful 2-hectare property in the outskirts of Tagaytay. This Sunday we've got another "fantastic" house.

This is interior designer Cocoy Cordoba's private beach house in a posh seaside development in Batangas.


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Cocoy says this house, which took four years to build, was quite controversial. The developers had guidelines limiting all houses must be Mediterranean style. His original plan was to construct a modern all glass house. But it was rejected by the association, on the grounds that it wasn't Mediterranean enough.

So instead he built this... arguing that it was VERY Mediterranean (Moroccan, Turkish, a little bit of Hadrian's tomb)

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Punta Fuego "mediterranean house"

He says it's homage to all things Mediterranean.

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Cocoy Cordoba's house in UZ

After the Cordoba case, the association specified what they meant by Mediterranean... that it be limited to southern-Spanish style.

Please watch UZ this Sunday to hear the rest of the story.

The interiors have been redecorated. It used to be heavily Moroccan/Egyptian. And Cocoy used to have long hair and wear a caftan.

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He has much simplified his life now. And with that, he "toned down" this house.

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This, according to Cocoy, is much more toned down.

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He says the best part of the house is the 360 view of the sea. His house sits on the tip of a peninsula.

Urban Zone airs on Sunday night (usually at 11:45pm but it depends on what time ABSCBN shows end). Produced by Bayan Productions, on ABSCBN Channel 2 and The Filipino Channel.

Source: daphneosena.livejournal.com (http://daphneosena.livejournal.com/17564.html)

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Ligtas ang mga Isda
June 7, 2011

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Sama samang ipinakita nina Vice Governor Mark Leviste; Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala; Talisay Mayor Zenaida Mendoza; Tanauan Mayor Sonia Torres- Aquino; 3rd District Congressman Nelson Collantes at Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director Asis Perez ang pagkain ng bangus at tilapia upang iparating sa publiko na ligtas kainin ang isda mula sa lawa ng Taal. Ito rin ay sumisimbolo sa sama samang pagpapasigla ng industriya ng pangisdaan sa lalawigan ng Batangas./ Capitol Photo-Edwin V. Zabarte/PIO

Source: www.batangas.gov.ph (http://www.batangas.gov.ph/index.php?p=7&cat=8&id=170&sec=1)

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75 possibly new animal species discovered in PHL
06/09/2011 | 08:15 PM

The Philippines, located at the center of the coral triangle, may have even more secrets hidden in its various ecosystems.

The 2011 Philippine Expedition spearheaded by the University of the Philippines (UP) and the California Academy of Sciences (CAS) announced on Wednesday that it has discovered 75 possibly new species of animals, inserts and sea creatures endemic to the Philippines.

The coral triangle is refers to the area of tropical waters which holds the highest diversity of marine life, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

Shallow, deep, and terrestrial and fresh waters in Taal Lake and other areas in Batangas were covered by the expedition, which ran from April 26 to June 8.

Among the new species discovered by groups from the National Museum of the Philippines and CAS include the juvenile singing catfish, Moorish idol and dragon sea moth in Taal Lake and other areas in Batangas. Different species of mollusks, corals and sea urchins were also discovered in Batangas waters.

In Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Isarog, the UP Los Baños Arachnology team and the CAS discovered possibly new spider species, including one as small as an ant.

The different teams also discovered many more new species, including walking sticks, crickets and assassin spiders.

However, CAS Science and Research Collections dean Terrence Gobliner said that the new species have “always been there," but have been discovered only now.
“We just haven't been looking carefully enough. The expedition is just the initial discovery aspect. The hard work comes when we really start understanding what we've found," he added.

The scientists clarified that further study is needed to confirm that the 75 newly documented creatures actually are new species.

‘Historic, most comprehensive’

Scientist noted during the expedition’s press conference a month ago that the expedition would be the “the first to make a comprehensive survey of both terrestrial and marine diversity" in the country.

Biologist Dr. Perry Ong noted that it has been over 100 years since Mt. Makiling was last comprehensively surveyed.

According to the CAS website for the project, “climate change, increased fishing pressure, increased urbanization, and increased logging" have made the areas involved in the expedition threatened hot spots, heightening the need to explore the area at the soonest possible time.

“In order to protect, we need to understand what exists," according to the CAS.

CAS researchers have long been making trips to the Philippines — since 1992 — and always discovering new species.

The expedition also aims to contribute to the creation of “sustainable development and conservation-related decisions."

For UP Professor Emeritus Dr. Edgardo Gomez, the teams’ discoveries ought to heighten conservation efforts. “What might be happening in Lake Taal, for example, not only are the introduced species being killed but maybe even the indigenous and endemic species are being killed by all the pollution," he said.

Last week, Taal Lake was the subject of headlines because of a massive fish kill caused by fish farming mismanagement and the abrupt change in the lake’s average temperature because of the rainy season. — BC/VS, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222997/nation/75-possibly-new-animal-species-discovered-in-phl)


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/222997/nation/75-possibly-new-animal-species-discovered-in-phl)

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"Ang Bulkang Taal ay Nagngangalit 'pag Nilapastangan" - Gov. Vi
June 7, 2011

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Halaw mula sa Hymno ng Batangas, ito ang mga katagang tinuran ni Gov. Vilma Santos Recto sa harap ng mga naganap na “fishkill” sa Lawa ng Taal nitong huling linggo ng Mayo at mga unang araw ng Hunyo 2011.

Dagdag pa ng gobernadora, matinding panggising sa mga malalaking negosyanteng nagmamay-ari ng mga fish cages ang mahigit 800 tonelada ng patay na isda sa mga kalabisang ginagawa nila upang kumita nang malaki.

Sa pagpapatupad ng mga batas ukol sa lawa, pinaalalahanan din ni Gov. Vi ang mga mayors ng coastal municipalities na mahigpit na bantayan ang mga negosyanteng nakikinabang sa lawa, particular ang mga banyagang mamumuhunan. Hawak ng mga LGU ang pag-iisyu ng business permits para sa mga fish cage sa lawa.

Ayon sa mga eksperto mula sa Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources at Dept. of Science and Technology, ang pangunahing sanhi ng mga fishkill ay ang biglaang pagpapalit ng klima. Subalit nakadagdag pa rito ang napatunayang “overstocking” ng mga fish cages at “overfeeding” ng mga laman nito.

Sakit ng ulo din ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang patuloy na pananatili ng mga residente sa volcano island na nasa loob ng Permanent Danger Zone. Ayon kay Gov. Vi, malaking hamon sa kanya ang pagpapanatiling malinis ng lawa lalo na at walang posisyong itinaalaga sa kanya ang Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), ang ahensyang nangangalaga sa Taal Lake. Ngunit sa pamamagitan ng Task Force Taal Lake (TFTL), pinangunahan ni Gov. Vi ang kasalukuyang patuloy ng pagkilos para sa ikabubuti ng Lawa ng Taal.

Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy pa rin ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Batangas, sa pangunguna ni Gov. Vi at ng TFTL, sa mga local at national agencies para sa regular na assessment at pagbabantay sa kalagayan ng lawa. - Kristina Marie Joy Andal

Source: www.batangas.gov.ph (http://www.batangas.gov.ph/index.php?p=27&type=2&sec=1&aid=255)

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Pulong at Kunsultasyon sa Kalagayan ng Taal Lake Isinagawa, Sama-samang Pag-aksyon sa Kalamidad Ikinasa
June 7, 2011

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Talisay,Batangas - Nagtipon at nagpulong ang mga kinatawan ng ahensyang nasyunal, panrehiyon, panlalawigan at lokal na pumunuan ng mga bayan na may direktang kinalaman at kapakinabangan sa Taal Lake para sa isang Consultative Conference on Fishkill noong-ika 6 ng Hunyo 2011.

Ang pagtitipon ay pinangunahan ni Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala kasama ang mga tanggapang nasa ilalim ng kanyang pamunuan upang dinggin ang mga hinaing at balangkasin ang solusyon sa malawakang pagkamatay ng isda sa lawa ng taal.

Inter-Agency Cooperation ikinasa
Dahil nga sa malawakang epekto ng pagkamatay ng mga isda, ikinasa ang isang inter-agency cooperation sa mga stakeholders sa paligid ng Taal Lake at mga ahensyang naatasan ni Sec. Alcala upang mabilisang maaksyunan ang pinsala at matulungan ang mga taong lubhang naapektuhan ng kalamidad partikular ang maliliit na mangingisdang Batangueño.

Kabalikat ang mga ahensya tulad ng BFAR, DSWD, DOST at DENR, ihahain ang tulong tulad ng cash for work, alternative livelihood programs, monitoring of water quality ganun din ang pagpapahiram ng water assets ng PNP at Phil. Coast Guard upang makatulong sa mabilis na pag-aalis ng mga patay na isda sa lawa.

URR on Taal Lake dapat sundin
Mahigpit na isinulong ng ilang alkalde sa paligid ng lawa ang pagsunod sa napagkasunduang Unified Rules and Regulations on Taal Lake na nagsasaad ng pagpapanatili ng 6,000 fish cages sa lawa na siya umanong nagpakasunduan sa pagitan ng mga local government units sa paligid nito.

Ang bilang umano nito ay batay sa isinagawang pag-aaral ng mga eksperto hinggil sa kapasidad na magbigay-buhay ng lawa para sa mga mangingisda.

Sa kanyang paliwanag, ipinahayag ni Cuenca Mayor Edmund Remo na anumang bagay na ipakain mo nang labis sa anumang nabubuhay ay isusuka nito pag hindi nakaya ng kanyang sistema, at ganito umano ang nangyari sa lawa.

Bukod sa natural na pagbaba ng lebel ng oxygen na normal na ugali ng lawa, isa sa tinitingnan ang pagkakaroon ng over stocking o labis na bilang ng mga isda sa loob ng mga fishcages na siyang nagkumpetensya sa kaunting hangin sa loob ng lawa dahilan upang tonetoneladang isdang bangus at tilapia ang lumutang dito.

Zero Excess mahigpit na ipatutupad ng Task Force Taal Lake
Dahil sa naganap na fish kill na sanhi ng natural na phenomenon sa lawa, isa sa mga tinitingnan na hakbang ang mahigpit na pamantayang zero excess o hindi lalampas sa anim na libong fish cages lamang ang papayagan ng mga kinauukalan partikular ang Task Force Taal Lake na siyang itinalagang maghawak ng regulasyon sa bilang ng mga pangisdaan sa lawa.

Ayon kay Provincial Administrator at concurrent TFTL Vice Chair Victor M. Reyes, nakakasa na ang mga implementing plan ng task force na alisin sa paligid ng lawa ang mahigit na 1,200 pang iligal na fish cages pagkatapos ng 90 day extension period na nakatakda magtapos noong ika-31 ng Mayo at ipatupad ang total dismantling bago pa man maganap ang fishkill noong ika-26 ng Mayo 2011.

Suportado din ng Task Force on Taal Lake ang mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng URR sa paligid ng lawa na siyang magiging batayan sa kaayusan at kapaligiran ng Lawa.

Nagbigay na rin ng direktiba si Alcala sa mga ahensya ng kanyang tanggapan na ibigay ang lahat ng tulong, tulad ng kagamitan at manpower sa isasagawang dismantling ng mga iligal na pangisdaan sa lawa.

Apela sa Publiko, Media

Umapela naman sa publiko at media ang mga alkalde partikular si Talisay Mayor Zeny Mendoza na huwag namang gawing sensasyunal ang malawakang pagkamatay ng mga isda at huwag ibato sa lokal na pamahalaan at sinumang ahensya ng gobyerno ang sisi sa pangyayaring ito.

Kailangan umano rito ang pagtutulungan ng bawat isa at mabilisang aksyon sa kalamidad upang agarang makabangon ang industriya ng pangisdaan sa lalawigan.

Binigyang diin ni Mayor Mendoza na ang pagkamatay ng isda ay bunga ng natural na kaganapan at hindi umano sanhi ng lason. Ipinaabot nito sa media na ligtas ang isdang mahuhuli sa lawa na hindi galing sa fish cages na naging biktima ng kalamidad.

Pinangunahan ng mga opisyal at alkalde sa pangunguna ni Secretary Alcala; BFAR Director Asis Perez; Vice Governor Mark Leviste; Talisya Mayor Ceny Mendoza; tanauan City Mayor Sonia Toress Aquino; 3rd District Congressman Nelson Collantes kasama ang iba pang mga panuhin at opisyal na dumalo sa pulong ang pagkain ng isdang tilapia at bangus bilang patunay na ligtas itong kainin at nanatiling masigla ang industriya ng pangisdaan sa lawa ng Taal. - Edwin V. Zabarte

Source: www.batangas.gov.ph (http://www.batangas.gov.ph/index.php?p=27&type=2&sec=1&aid=254)

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URBAN ZONE
Ray Diaz' Private Beach House
Nasugbu, Batangas

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mM7Ffs738YM

Uploaded by kalabaka18 (http://www.youtube.com/user/kalabaka18) on Mar 17, 2011

From: http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQpPl9dZnI3AEONBI8Al8xWcJuNcWw51j5yIrRP4pO7CiTdUK6VkQaFOJc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzgLI5ubjI0)

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AGAP sa DA: Tulungan ang biktima ng 'fish kill'
Ni Mer Layson (Pilipino Star Ngayon) Updated June 10, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (1) View comments

MANILA, Philippines - Umapela kahapon si AGAP Partylist Rep. Nicanor Briones sa Department of Agriculture na tulungan nito ang maliliit na may-ari ng palaisdaan na tinamaan ng ‘fish kill’ sa Batangas at Pangasinan.

Sinabi ni Rep. Briones, 2 grupo na miyembro ng AGAP ang tinamaan ng fish kill na dapat lamang tulungan ng DA upang makabawi sila sa matin*ding pagkalugi.

Ang 2 grupo ay ang Taal Lake Aquaculture Alliance at Feed Millers Association na pawang miyembro ng AGAP.

“Nakikiusap ako sa DA na gawan ng mabilis na aksyon sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng puhunan para muling makabangon ang mga ito sa matinding pagkalugi sanhi ng fish kill,” giit pa ng kongresista.

Hiniling din ni Briones sa Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) na gumawa ng pag-aaral upang hindi na maulit ang fish kill sa susunod na mga taon.

Source: www.philstar.com (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=694644&publicationSubCategoryId=92)

Batangas Weather Forecast

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Batangas, Philippines 7 Day Weather Forecast

Batangas 1 – 3 Day Weather Forecast Summary: Heavy rain (total 92mm), heaviest during Fri afternoon, Warm (max 30°C on Fri morning, min 27°C on Fri night), Wind will be generally light

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Batangas 4 – 6 Day Weather Forecast Summary: Heavy rain (total 31mm), heaviest during Tue night, Warm (max 31°C on Mon afternoon, min 26°C on Tue night), Wind will be generally light

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Source: www.weather-forecast.com (http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/Batangas/forecasts/latest)

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TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN 10 June 2011 8:00 A.M.
Friday, 10 June 2011 06:43

Taal Volcano’s (14.0000°N, 120.9833°E) seismic network recorded two (2) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Field measurements conducted last 07 June 2011 at the eastern sector inside the Main Crater Lake showed that the water temperature increased to 33.8°C from 32.8°C and the water level also increased to 0.31 meter from 0.25 meter measured last 24 May 2011. The pH value showed a very negligible change from 2.67 to 2.69. Bubbling activity was observed at the middle portion of the Main Crater Lake. Results of the ground deformation survey (precise leveling) conducted around the Volcano Island last 26 April - 03 May 2011 showed that the volcano edifice inflated slightly relative to the 05-11 April 2011 survey. Measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emission rates last 03-04 May 2011 at Taal Main Crater Lake yielded a value of 2,057 tonnes per day (t/d) which is above the background level.

Alert Level 2 is still in effect over Taal Volcano, with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by the continuing high emission rate of CO2 being released in the Main Crater Lake and sustained seismic activity. Hence, PHIVOLCS advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965-1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Breathing air with high concentration of toxic gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation. In addition, it is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately relayed to all concerned.

DOST-PHIVOLCS

Source: www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph (http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/)

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PAGASA-DOST MTSAT-EIR Satellite Image for
8 a.m., 10 June 2011

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At 4:00 a.m. today, tropical storm "Dodong" was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 280 km West Northwest of Dagupan City or at 300 km West Southwest of Laoag City (17.0°N 117.6°E) with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It is forecast to move North Northwest at 15 kph. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao.

Source: www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph (http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/)

Philippine Independence Month

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EVENT SCHEDULE

On Sunday, Filipinos on Guam and all over the world will celebrate the 113th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. Here are some of the events that will commemorate the celebration:


At 7:30 a.m., the Philippine Consulate General will hold a flag-raising ceremony at Guam Reef Hotel.

At 3 p.m.,a Philippine Independence Day Mass will be held at the San Vitores Catholic Church in Tumon, followed by the traditional wreath-laying ceremony, led by the Batangas Association, at the Mabini Shrine at War In The Pacific National Historical Park in Asan.

Through June 18, "OBRA: Gawang Pinoy. Likhang Pinoy," an art exhibit featuring Guam's Filipino artists will be held at the ground floor of the Agana Shopping Center. It is free and open to the public.

On June 17 there is a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for the dedication of the Jose Rizal Reading Room at the Philippine Consulate General's office at the ITC Building. The reading room houses the major works of Rizal, biographies of Philippine heroes and presidents, history books, cookbooks and dictionaries. It will be open to the public. Also, from June 13 through 17, the consular area of the Consulate General will be open to the public from 1 to 5 p.m. for viewings of the movie "Jose Rizal and Jose Rizal sa Dapitan."

The Filipino Community of Guam hosts the Philippine Independence Ball at 6 p.m. June 17 at the Sheraton Laguna Resort Guam. Tickets are $35 for FCG members and friends.

From June 17 to 25, the APALIT Town Fiesta will be celebrated on Guam with 6:30 nightly Novena at Santa Barbara Church in Dededo, in honor of its patron saints, St. Peter and St. Paul.


Source: www.guampdn.com (http://www.guampdn.com/article/20110610/NEWS01/106100331/Philippine-Independence-Month?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage)

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Juvic, Tabuena share golf lead
June 9, 2011, 11:46pm

MANILA, Philippines — The present and future stars of Philippine golf, Juvic Pagunsan and Miguel Tabuena, appear headed for a showdown after firing similar four-under-par 68s under severe weather conditions Thursday in the first round of the rain-delayed $50,000 ICTSI-Mt. Malarayat Championship in Lipa City, Batangas.

The 16-year-old Tabuena and the fancied Pagunsan were one stroke clear of Thai Panuwat Muenlek, in a solid start for Filipino campaigners.

Muenlek took the early lead with a three-under 69 until the two Filipino bets came through with their 68s to move on top.

Tabuena used a fiery frontside stint to put himself in early contention, birdying four of the last five holes for a 32. He slowed down a bit at the back, dropping a stroke on the par-5 14th but recovering the stroke with a birdie on No. 16.

Veteran campaigner Tony Lascuna birdied the par-5 17th to tie Jerson Balasabas, the former amateur hotshot, Mars Pucay, Gene Bondoc, the pro-am winner, and Thais Khrongpha Thanyakon, Prathummanee Atthaphon and Apichart Papitak and Dutch Guido Van Der Valk at two-under 70 in preferred lies rule while unfancied Erwin Arcillas turned in his best start in years – a 71 that tied him with another Thai bet Chaisri Borworn.

Inclement weather forced the suspension of the first round of the second leg of the ASEAN Golf Tour Wednesday with the starting 90-player field resuming play at 6:30 a.m. Thursday. The first half were to finish its second round late Thursday.Golfest cut to 36 holes

The bad weather also forced the cancellation of the second round of the Samsung Interscholastic Golf Championships Thursday, reducing the three-day tournament to a 36-hole event at the north course of the Canlubang golf complex in Laguna.

The suspension of classes due to incessant rains and floods forced the organizers to call off the second round.

Source:www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/321990/juvic-tabuena-share-golf-lead)

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Pamalakaya demands relief for fishkill-affected fisherfolk,dismantlement of all commercial fish pens
Published on June 10, 2011
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com

An activist fisherfolk alliance is deeply disappointed with the “Star for All Seasons” and Batangas Governor Vilma Santos.

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) has expressed disappointment over Santos’ cold response to its appeal that the Batangas local government release economic aid for the thousands of small fisherfolk affected by the massive fish kill in Taal. The group said that it has 23,040 members dependent on the lake for their livelihood.

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“Santos and Vice Governor Mark Leviste should forget their respective political plans to win in the 2013 national and local elections if they fail to respond to this appeal for help on behalf of the fisherfolk affected by the fish kill,” said Pamalakaya national chairman Fernando Hicap.

Hicap said this in reaction to Leviste’s statements to the media saying that the provincial government cannot release the P 90 million ($2.07 million) calamity fund allocation because it is intended to be released on September and October in anticipation of future typhoons and the possible eruption of Taal Volcano in the second half of the year. Leviste said that the calamity fund is not only for fisherfolk affected by the massive fishkill.

“They would not have said this to the large fish pen or fish cage operators: the local government is quick to come to their aid when they seek it. When it’s the small fisherfolk who demand assistance, they are told to wait for September or October. The Batangas local government is adding serious insult to injury to the plight of small fisherfolk under its jurisdiction,” said Hicap.

The group earlier proposed a P5,000 (US$116) to P10,000 (US$232) economic and calamity assistance for every fisherfolk family affected by the fish kill in Taal Lake. It also said that the national government, through the National Food Authority (NFA), should provide families with a month’s supply of free rice.
Fishermen remove dead fish from cages after a massive fish kill at Taal Lake in Talisay, Batangas. According to the Bureau of Fisheries, fish pens should each contain not more than 10 tons of cultured fish, but some contain at least 25 tons. The fish compete for oxygen, but because the pens are too small and there are too many fish in them, the fish die. (Photo courtesy of Gerry Albert Corpuz / bulatlat.com)

Hicap said that the national and local government allowed aquaculture companies to put fish pens and fish cages in 14,000 hectares of the 23,040 hectares of Taal Lake.

“Some 60 percent of Taal Lake waters have been occupied by aquaculture companies for decades now. There’s no truth to the government’s allegation that these fish pens are illegal: they have been actually allowed to operate legally in exchange for big taxes and fat commissions for crooks in power,” he said.

The fisherfolk leader said that the same is happening in Laguna Lake where almost 60 percent of the 94,000 hectare lake has been was leased to big fishpond operators by the Laguna Lake Development Authority.

“For the last 24 years, Pamalakaya had been telling the national government to refrain from awarding fishpond lease contracts to big time fishing groups and individuals to prevent overcrowding, exploitation and fish kill, but our proposals always fall on deaf ears,” he said.

Hicap said the fish kills in Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan and in Taal Lake are a result of long-running abuse coupled with the dumping of waste waters from industrial and commercial establishments and the privatization and conversion efforts in coastal areas.

Provide relief to impoverished sectors, not only fish pen operators

In a press statement, Pamalakaya’s provincial chapter Haligi ng Batanguenong Anakdagat (Habagat) and its regional chapter Pamalakaya-Timog Katagalugan asked Santos and Leviste to immediately provide food packages, school supplies and other forms of material assistance to small fisherfolk affected by the ongoing fish kill which reports said could continue until the end of June.

Habagat and Pamalakaya-TK protested that the main focus of government aid and attention were the operators of large-scale fish pens and fish cages. They said that the urgent needs of the impoverished sectors of the fishing population were either completely ignored or taken for granted. The groups also called on the government should launch an information campaign on the real cause of the fish kill. Already, some 2,000 metric tons of milkfish and other varieties endemic to the lake have been lost, equivalent to P 200 million (US$ 4.6 million) as of the previous weekend.

Habagat and Pamalakaya-Southern Tagalog will also hold a fact finding mission in affected areas mainly Talisay and Laurel to determine the socio-economic impact of massive fish kill. The group’s chairman Isabelo Alicaya said the fact finding mission will be composed of 50 fisherfolk leaders and environmental advocates.

“We will immediately present findings after the fact finding mission to the Filipino public, to the provincial government of Batangas and the four congressmen of the province for a comprehensive understanding and identification of appropriate resolution to the long-running dilemma of fish kill and other forms economic and environmental disaster that regularly contaminate the people and ecology of Taal Lake,” Alicaya said.

Pamalakaya’s Hicap said that as taxpayers and food producers in Taal Lake, the residents around Taal Lake are well-justified in asserting their right to be given economic relief and calamity assistance.

“It’s lamentable that as of now, the promises made by Gov. Santos have yet to translate into concrete action. We have a real economic and environmental disaster, but the Batangas local government is taking its sweet time to respond. Ms. Santos should be reminded that this is not a movie shoot, and we’re not filming a disaster movie. This is for real and we’re running out of time,” he said.

Aside from the P90 million ($ 2.07 million) calamity fund, Pamalakaya also asked the four congressmen of Batangas— Rep. Tomas Apacible (1st district), Rep. Hermilando Mandanas (2nd district), Rep. Nelson Collanted (3rd district) and Mark Mendoza (4th district) to share all if not part of their pork barrel fund to address the immediate needs of affected fisherfolk and residents in Taal Lake.

Pamalakaya said if the four district representatives would share at least P 25 million (US$577 thousand) of their yearly P 70 million (US$1.6 million) pork barrel, they would be able to add P100 million (US$2.3 million) to Batangas’ P 90 million (US$ 2.07 million) annual calamity fund.

Dismantle commercial fishpens

Pamalakaya also recommended the dismantling of large-scale fish pens in Taal Lake to avoid future overcrowding and to allow natural healing process in these fishing areas. The group said large-scale fish pens occupy 90 percent of the existing areas for aquaculture.

“The left and right awarding of contracts and other form of lease agreements awarded by the national and local governments through Fishpond Lease Agreements or FLA to aquaculture concessionaires should be stopped. These monopolies maintaining large-scale fish pens in Taal Lake should be dismantled,” the group said.

Pamalakaya said a prohibition should be laid down against the building of large-scale fishpens in major lakes of the country aside from Laguna Lake and Taal Lake. It said that large-scale aquaculture should not be allowed in Lanao Lake (34,700 hectares) in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, Lake Mainit (14,000 hectares) connecting the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte, Naujan Lake (11,000 hectares) in Mindoro Oriental, Buluan Lake (6,500 hectares) connecting Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao, Lake Bato (3,800 hectares) and Lake Buhi (1,800 hectares) in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Lake Dapao (1,000 hectares) in Lanao del Sur and Lake Sebu (964 hectares) in South Cotabato.

Hicap said large fish pens should be dismantled to stop fish overcrowding. He said that the fishing areas severely exploited by corporate fish pens should be allowed to recover.

“These big fish pens are operated by powerful political clans and those with connections with the current political authorities from the national up to the local levels. They’re behind all this destruction,” he said. “We hope President Aquino will come to his senses and stop government authorities from bargaining fishpond contracts to the highest bidder at the expense of small fisherfolk and the marine environment.”

Influential owners of fish pens

Some lawmakers have already stated readiness to address the fish kill and put an end to it, but said that they’re up against powerful and moneyed forces.

Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, chairman of the House committee on ecology, in an interview with media, said that active and retired generals as well as politicians are among the biggest operators of giant fish pens in Laguna de Bay. This, he said, is what makes it difficult for authorities to demand the dismantling of the fish pens.

Fernandez did not name the fish pen owners, but said that they might well be identified during official congressional inquiries into the fish kill.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) the fish kill was caused by an overturn wherein moderate to heavy rains made the surface water of Taal Lake cold and dense, which in turn forced the deep hot bottom water containing pollutants to rise, heating the fish cages thereby depriving the fish of dissolved oxygen.

The BFAR has been pushing for a ban on fish pens since 2002 following a massive fish kill in Bolinao and Anda. The 2002 fish kill resulted in P400-million losses to the bangus (milkfish) industry, and according to reports, the BFAR issued funds to Anda, Bolinao and Bani towns Alaminos City for the demolition of fish pens, but up to now the fish pens remain.

BFAR Asis Perez has said that the fish kill could well be a result of overcrowding.

He said that the fish cages do not conform to standard size and depth. “The fish pens should each contain not more than 10 tons of cultured fish, but some contain at least 25 tons. “The fish compete for oxygen, but because the pens are too small and there are too many fish in them, the fish die,” he said.

Based on latest reports, the BFAR and the Batangas local government is in the process of bringing the number of fish pens down to 6,000 from the current 7,000.

Source: bulatlat.com (http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/06/10/pamalakaya-demands-relief-for-fishkill-affected-fisherfolkdismantlement-of-all-commercial-fish-pens/)

for more details, visit http://bulatlat.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/bulatlat_tagline.jpg (http://bulatlat.com)

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Beautiful Batangas - behind the scenes (PTV 4)
Photo by Mylene Joy C. Adigue (http://www.facebook.com/MJADIGUE) to Beautiful Batangas (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=o.156190747731901)

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Source: Beautiful Batangas (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=o.156190747731901)

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Beautiful Batangas behind the scenes (PTV 4)
Photo by Mylene Joy C. Adigue (http://www.facebook.com/MJADIGUE) to Beautiful Batangas (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=o.156190747731901)

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Source: Beautiful Batangas (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=o.156190747731901)

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Batangas' very own Taal Lake has been included by Yahoo! Travel as one of the 12 most beautiful lakes in the world. :)

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40253002

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Congress to review the implementation of the country's credit facility
10 June 2011 10:31:18 AM
Writer: Salvacion T. Beleo, MRS-PRIB

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Congressman Mark Llandro Mendoza

Lawmakers today urged Congress to review the implementation of the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act and the country's credit facility programs for small farmers and fisher folks.

Reps. Agapito Guanlao (BUTIL Party-list) and Mark Llandro Mendoza (4th District, Batangas), authors of House Resolution 1047, asked the House Special Committee on Food Security and the Committee on Agriculture and Food to jointly review the credit facility for the farmers.

Mendoza said there is a need to pursue full development of agriculture and fisheries by the year 2025 as envisioned by the recently concluded Agricultural and Fishery Summit recently held in Antipolo, Rizal.

Citing reports, Mendoza said as of November 2009, the loanable funds of the banking sector have reached P2.27 trillion. "The study only proved that lending to agri-agra should have reached over P500 billion while loans to small and medium enterprises must have amounted to P227 billion," he said.

Mendoza also said loans extended to the agriculture sector only stood less than P350 billion.

Quoting the study of the Agricultural Credit Policy council (ACPC), Mendoza said the Agricultural Modernization Credit Facility Program (AMCFP) should have been appropriated the amount of P2 billion for the first year of its implementation and P1.7 billion every year in the next six years.

"The credit facility program had never been implemented," Mendoza said.

Guanlao said access to credit by the agriculture sector remains limited, saying that "in 2007, the total credit requirement of the agriculture sector for palay, corn, coconut, sugarcane and fisheries was estimated at P200 billion."

"In 2007, banks were able to finance only P48 billion or 24 percent of the requirement leaving a credit gap of P152 billion. The bulk of the approximate gap can be traced to palay and corn farmers whose unmet credit demand was estimated at P66 billion and P53 billion, respectively," Guanlao said.

Source: www.congress.gov.ph (http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=5176)

Batangas' very own Taal Lake has been included by Yahoo! Travel as one of the 12 most beautiful lakes in the world. :)

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40253002

wow nice to know sir, thanks for sharing....:banana::banana::banana:


12 Most Beautiful Lakes in the World
By Beth Collins

Philippines
Taal Lake

This dangerous beauty, situated just 37.28 miles south of Manila, has two distinct claims to fame: It is the deepest lake in the Philippines, with a depth of 564 feet. It is also home to one of the world's smallest but most active volcanoes, the Taal Volcano, which sits within its waters on the island of Luzon. The lake itself was formed when a larger volcanic crater here collapsed; now seismologists spend a lot of time monitoring this spot for tremors, and sending out frequent eruption warnings through the country's Department of Tourism. Plenty of tour groups offer trips to the natural wonder—in spite of the fact that it has been declared a permanent danger zone. A safer way to see the volcano is by taking a drive along the Tagaytay-Taal ridge in nearby Tagaytay City.

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Taal Lake, situated just 37.28 miles south of Manila, has two claims to fame: It is the deepest lake in the Philippines at 564 feet deep, and it is home to one of the world's smallest, but most active, volcanoes.
Photo: Courtesy Luca Tettoni/Corbis

excerpt from travel.yahoo.com (http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40253002)

Batangas' very own Taal Lake has been included by Yahoo! Travel as one of the 12 most beautiful lakes in the world. :)

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40253002

Correct me if I’m wrong, Taal lake should be considered asia’s most beautiful lake as the only lake in Asia included in the list.


Malawi - AFRICA
Lake Malawi

Alberta, Canada - NORTH AMERICA
Peyto Lake

Oregon USA - NORTH AMERICA
Crater Lake

Philippines - SOUTH EAST ASIA
Taal Lake

Guatemala - CENTRAL AMERICA
Lake Atitlán

Scotland - EUROPE
Loch Lomond

Italy EUROPE
Lake Garda

France - EUROPE
Lake Annecy

Croatia - EUROPE
Plitvice Lakes

Kenya - AFRICA
Lake Nakuru

New Zealand - OCEANA CONTENENT
Lake Matheson

Slovenia - EUROPE
Lake Bled

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...sa dibdib mo'y buhay...

Ipagdiwang, Araw ng Kalayaan, Hunyo 12, 2011

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...sa dibdib mo'y buhay...

Ipagdiwang, Araw ng Kalayaan, Hunyo 12, 2011

Wow!! Nice effort sir, thanks for informing us that on June 12th is the day to celebrate our independence day as we set aside to honor and remember all those Filipinos who were lost, and honor the ones who came back to us with glory. Happy Independence day sir...

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Batangas City will be celebrating 113th Year of Philippine Independence in June 2011

The AlunAlun Dance Circle will perform at the Batangas City Amphitheater on JUne 12, 2011, 5:00 PM. The pangalay performance is sponsored by the Batangas City Culture Committee.

Source: www.batangascity.gov.ph (http://www.batangascity.gov.ph/)

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Batangas hopes to boost semis bid in Baseball Philippines 8
06/10/2011 | 05:52 PM

Games Saturday
(San Sebastian field, Lipa City)
9 a.m. – Alabang vs. Dumaguete
1 p.m. – Taguig vs. Batangas

Batangas hopes to boost its bid for the remaining two semifinals tickets in the Baseball Philippines Series 8 when it takes on Taguig in an out-of-town game on Saturday at the Barangay San Sebastian field in Lipa City.

Batangas faces Taguig at 1 p.m. with the Bulls hoping to improve their 2-4 record to close in on Cebu and two-time defending champion Manila, which have already clinched the first two semis berths.

But the Patriots will also be gunning for a win to hike their 1-4 win-loss record and improve their playoff chances. Taguig has is also on a two-game slide, losing twice to the Cebu Dolphins last week.

Batangas will be returning to the field after a 7-6 loss to Manila last May 15 and playing in front of their home crowd in Lipa City will definitely be a big boost for the Bulls, which are hoping to get the upper hand in the race for the two remaining semis spots.

In the first game, the Alabang Tigers clash with the Dumaguete Uni-bukers at 9 a.m. as both teams look to turn things around in the race for the semifinals.

Alabang holds a 1-4 mark while Dumaguete remains winless in four games. – Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News

Source: www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/223074/sports/batangas-hopes-to-boost-semis-bid-in-baseball-philippines-8)

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Golf: Pagunsan, Tabuena share lead with 68s at Malarayat C'ship

MANILA, June 10 (PNA) -- Juvic Pagunsan lived up to the hype, firing a stirring bogey-free 68 in wet conditions to take control of the field in the rain-suspended first round of the US$ 50,000 ICTSI-Mt. Malarayat Championship at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas Thursday.

Miguel Tabuena also charged home with a four-under card to tie the fancied Pagunsan at the helm, one stroke clear of Thai Panuwat Muenlek, in a solid start for the 16-year-old find seeking his first pro win on his rookie year.

Pagunsan holed out with a birdie on the par-5 ninth to slip past Thai Panuwat Muenlek, who momentarily seized the solo lead with a three-under 69 until the two Filipino bets came through with their 68s to move on top.

Tabuena used a fiery frontside stint to put himself in early contention, birdying four of the last five holes for a 32.

He slowed down a bit at the back, dropping a stroke on the par-5 14th but recovering the stroke with a birdie on No. 16.

Veteran campaigner Tony Lascuna birdied the par-5 17th to tie Jerson Balasabas, the former amateur hotshot, Mars Pucay, Gene Bondoc, the pro-am winner, and Thais Khrongpha Thanyakon, Prathummanee Atthaphon and Apichart Papitak and Dutch Guido Van Der Valk at two-under 70 in preferred lies rule, while unfancied Erwin Arcillas turned in his best start in years –- a 71 that tied him with another Thai bet Chaisri Borworn.

Joe Rates, Arnold Villacencio and Elmer Saban matched par 72s for joint sixth with Supravee Phatam and Ekkalak Waisayangkul of Thailand in the event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services Inc.

Inclement weather forced the suspension of the first round of the second leg of the ASEAN Golf Tour Wednesday with the starting 90-player field resuming play at 6:30 a.m. Thursday.

The first half were to finish the second round late Thursday and the rest to resume early Friday before the third round action.

Marvin Dumandan closed out with back-to-back birdies at the front to salvage a one-over 73 in a tie with Robert Pactolerin, Jhonnel Ababa, Anthony Fernando and Thai Pornpong Phatlum while another shot farther back at 73 were Randy Garalde, Ernie Rellon, Mhark Fernando, Ferdie Aunzo, Antolin Fernand and Michael Bibat.

Elmer Salvador, winner of the Philippine Open in 2009, sputtered with a 75 despite a closing eagle on No. 9 while Jay Bayron, who had three runner-up finishes in last year’s ASEAN circuit, wavered in his homeward trip at the front and wound up with a 39 for a 76.

Pagunsan, however, made sure things wound turn out right for the streaking Filipino shotmaker, who swept the last two legs of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour.

He birdied Nos. 16 and 18 at resumption of play then made a couple of par-saving putts at the front before hitting another pair of birdies on Nos. 7 and 9 to preserve the lone bogey-free round in the tournament backed by MJ Carr Golf Management Inc., Srixon, Callaway, Unilab, Titleist, Sharp, Custom Clubmakers, Mizuno, PinoyGolfer.com, Inquirer Golf, A Round of Golf, Studio 23, Balls, and Dynamic Sports. (PNA)
DCT/scs/LOR

Source: positivenewsmedia.net (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Sports_28/Golf_Pagunsan_Tabuena_share_lead_with_68s_at_Malarayat_C_ship.shtml)

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Golf: Lascuna surges to 3-shot lead with fiery 66 in Malarayat

MANILA, June 11 (PNA) -- Tony Lascuna roared with an explosive 31 at the front en route to a six-under 66 windup as he slipped past erstwhile joint leaders Juvic Pagunsan and Miguel Tabuena for a three-stroke lead halfway through the rain-interrupted US$ 50,000 ICTSI-Mt. Malarayat Championship at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas on Friday.

Lascuna bounced back from a missed-green bogey mishap on No. 12 with back-to-back birdies from No. 13 after sizzling with five birdies in the last six holes at the front, including three straight from No. 7, that put the dusky shotmaker way ahead of the field at eight-under 136.

“I made a lot of putts and played some great iron shots,” said Lascuna, a perennial runner-up on the ASEAN PGA Tour still in search of the big win.

But the big ones are also in hot pursuit of the top purse in this second leg of the ASEAN PGA Tour with Pagunsan and Tabuena, who shared the lead with a pair of 68s in the rain-suspended first round, slowing down with both scoring 71s despite improved weather conditions and now tied at 139.

“In the morning, I played great but it was hard going in the wet conditions. The course is playing long but as the greens are soft it means you can attack the pins. I just didn’t strike it so well in the second round,” said Pagunsan, who had four birdies against three bogeys after a bogey-free 68 in the rain-suspended opener.

Dutch Guido Van der Valk, another perennial contender on the local tour; and Mars Pucay, winner here in 2007, both fired 69s to join Pagunsan and Tabuena in second. Four players, led by Jhonnel Ababa, stood at 140, four shots adrift of Lascuna.

Ababa, the former amateur hotshot seeking a breakthrough win on his rookie year like Tabuena, matched Lascuna’s flawless 31 at the front as he posted 67 for joint sixth with another rookie pro, Jerson Balasabas, who carded a second straight 70.

Thais Thanyakon Khrongpha and Panuwat Muenlek also stayed in the title hunt with a 70 and 71, respectively, as they tied Ababa and Balasabas in sixth place heading into the last 36 holes of the event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services Inc.

After two days of rains, the weather improved a bit although the field still played under overcast skies and preferred lies rules with 57 players making the cut at 150, including Cassius Casas and Benjie Magada, who barely advanced to the weekend play with 79-71 and 77-73, respectively.

Arnold Villacencio, joint third in last week’s ICTSI Eastridge Classic of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour, turned in a 69 for joint 10th with amateur Jobim Carlos, who carded a 70, at 141. Carito Villaroman, who fired a bogey-less 69 in the first round, fumbled with a 73 and dropped to 142 in a tie with Erwin Arcillas, who made a second straight 71.

Jay Bayron, joint ninth in the Pattaya Open, the first leg of the ASEAN PGA Tour, rallied with a 69 but stood too far behind at 145, nine strokes off the 40-year-old Lascuna.

With only half of the surviving field expected to finish the third round at presstime, the rest will resume theirs at 7 a.m. Saturday with the final round firing off at 7:30 a.m., according to rulesman Henry Arabelo. (PNA)
scs/LAM/LOR

Source: positivenewsmedia.net (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Sports_28/Golf_Lascuna_surges_to_3-shot_lead_with_fiery_66_in_Malarayat.shtml)

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TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN 11 June 2011 8:00 A.M.
Saturday, 11 June 2011 05:51

Taal Volcano’s (14.0000°N, 120.9833°E) seismic network recorded four (4) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Field measurements conducted last 07 June 2011 at the eastern sector inside the Main Crater Lake showed that the water temperature increased to 33.8°C from 32.8°C and the water level also increased to 0.31 meter from 0.25 meter measured last 24 May 2011. The pH value showed a very negligible change from 2.67 to 2.69. Bubbling activity was observed at the middle portion of the Main Crater Lake. Results of the ground deformation survey (precise leveling) conducted around the Volcano Island last 1 - 10 June 2011 showed that the volcano edifice inflated slightly relative to the 26 April - 03 May 2011 survey. Measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emission rates last 03-04 May 2011 at Taal Main Crater Lake yielded a value of 2,057 tonnes per day (t/d) which is above the background level.

Alert Level 2 is still in effect over Taal Volcano, with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by the continuing high emission rate of CO2 being released in the Main Crater Lake and sustained seismic activity. Hence, PHIVOLCS advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965-1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Breathing air with high concentration of toxic gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation. In addition, it is reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately relayed to all concerned.

Source: www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph (http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/)

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Nasasan Ka Maruja shot scenes
Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas

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Posted by: cadencelove to www.pinoyexchange.com (http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?p=50981710)

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New species
June 11, 2011

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A six-week expedition of 35 US and Filipino experts led by the California Academy of Sciences discovered 200 new marine invertebrates and 11 new fish in Taal Lake and Batangas Sea, and at least 40 new spiders in Mounts Banahaw, Isarog and Makiling.

Source: www.manilastandardtoday.com (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/2011/june/11/homepage.htm)

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NEW SOLAR PLANT TO RISE THROUGH GOV'T-INDUSTRY COOPERATION - ANGARA
Press Release
June 11, 2011

The solar cell manufacturing facility being built by First Philippine Electric Corp. (First Philec) will be a pioneer in strengthening the country's solar power industry and creating more jobs, according to Senator Edgardo J. Angara.

First Philec is putting up the wafer slicing plant in partnership with Korean company Nexolon Corp. The plant will have be capable of producing 400 megawatts worth of solar wafers per year.

First Philec is also a partner of the Congressional Commission on Science Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) in developing renewable energy systems, such as the country's first solar testing facility located in the First Philippine Industrial Park in Tanuan, Batangas.

The testing facility with a 180 kilowatt on-grid capacity is capable of testing photovoltaic modules for efficiency and resilience in field conditions, unlike conventional tests done inside laboratories' controlled environments. Additionally, the facility can test solar panels for optimal output in tropical conditions.

"This is solid proof that government and industry collaboration can work successfully, and that continued investments through Public Private Partnerships (PPP's) can spur the growth of innovation especially in S&T," said Angara, who chairs COMSTE.

"The government can encourage local and foreign manufacturers to invest in the RE industry by creating a hospitable environment through policy, infrastructure and incentive support," he added.

Angara noted that SunPower, one of world's largest solar manufacturers, already has two solar wafer fabrication plants in the country even if the country's solar industry remains in its infancy.

The manufacture of electronic components for solar energy production has the potential to generate $28 billion in exports, according to Ernesto Santiago, president of the Semiconductor Electronics Industry in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI), another COMSTE industry partner.

"The potential of the renewable energy industry to create new jobs and business is immense. It can also help reduce our dependence - and expenses - on expensive fuel imports. Renewable energy is a win-win proposition for the Philippines," said Angara.

Source: www.senate.gov.ph (http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2011/0611_angara1.asp)

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Lascuna’s 66 nets 3-stroke golf lead
Saturday - Sunday, June 11 - 12, 2011

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TONY Lascuna roared with an explosive windup at the front with a 31 en route to a six-under 66 as he slipped past erstwhile joint leaders Juvic Pagunsan and Miguel Tabuena for a three-stroke lead halfway through the rain-interrupted $50,000 ICTSI-Mt. Malarayat Championship at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas yesterday.

Lascuna bounced back from a missed-green bogey mishap on no. 12 with back-to-back birdies from no. 13, then sizzled at the front with five birdies in the last six holes, including three straight from no. 7, that put the dusky shotmaker way ahead of the field at eight-under 136.

“I made a lot of putts and played some great irons shots,” said Lascuna, a perennial runner-up on the ASEAN Professioanl Golf Association Tour still in search of the big one.

But the big ones are also in hot pursuit of the top $8,126 purse in this second leg of the ASEAN PGA Tour with Pagunsan and Tabuena, who shared the lead with a pair of 68s in the rain-suspended first round, slowing down with another pair of 71s despite improved weather conditions for 139s.

“In the morning I played great, but it was hard going in the wet conditions. The course is playing long but as the greens are soft it means you can attack the pins. I just didn’t strike it so well in the second round,” said Pagunsan, who had four birdies against three bogeys after a bogey-free 68 in the rain-suspended opener.

Dutch Guido Van der Valk, another perennial contender on the local tour, and Mars Pucay, winner here in 2007, both fired 69s to join Pagunsan and Tabuena in second, while four players, led by Jhonnel Ababa, stood at 140, four shots adrift of Lascuna.

Ababa, the former amateur hotshot seeking a breakthrough win on his rookie year like Tabuena, matched Lascuna’s flawless 31 at the front as he shot a 67 for joint sixth with another rookie pro Jerson Balasabas, who carded a second straight 70.

Thais Thanyakon Khrongpha and Panuwat Muenlek also stayed in the title hunt with a 70 and 71, respectively, as they tied Ababa and Balasabas in sixth place heading into the last 36 holes of the event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

After two days of rains, the weather improved a bit although the field still played under overcast skies and preferred lies rules with 57 players making the cut at 150, including Cassius Casas and Benjie Magada, who barely advanced to the weekend play with 79-71 and 77-73, respectively.

Arnold Villacencio, joint third in last week’s ICTSI Eastridge Classic of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour, turned in a 69 for joint 10th with amateur Jobim Carlos, card ing a 70, at 141, while Carito Villaroman, who fired a bogey-less 69 in the first round, fumbled with a 73 and dropped to 142 in a tie with Erwin Arcillas, who made a second straight 71.

Jay Bayron, joint ninth in the Pattaya Open, the first leg of the ASEAN PGA Tour, rallied with a 69, but stood too far behind at 145, nine strokes off the 40-year-old Lascuna.

Source: www.manilastandardtoday.com (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideSports.htm?f=2011/june/11/sports2.isx&d=2011/june/11)

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Early warning system to avoid fish kill, support for affected fisherfolks proposed
Saturday, 11 June 2011 01:17 PM
Maui A. Hermitanio

Senator Francis Pangilinan proposed the use of early warning system to monitor water condition in Taal Lake to avoid another massive fish kill as he urged the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to look into the possible implementation of an early warning system.

Pangilinan said at the senate hearing this week, "An early warning system could minimize the damage to life and property. An early warning system much like what PAGASA and Phivolcs have would enable fishermen to harvest the spoils early and should enable them to do the necessary preventive measures to mitigate heavy losses.”

He also encouraged BFAR to set up a hotline where fisherfolk could report fish kill incidence.

The Senator also urged officials to conduct a crackdown on illegally operated fish cages and blacklist operators who overstocked their fish pens.

"This massive fish kill in Pangasinan and Batangas should serve as a valuable lesson to everyone that greed can backfire and cost unscrupulous owners a lot more than just their money,” Pangilinan said.

Meanwhile, businessman Joey de Venecia III said the government should take concrete steps to prevent future incidents of fishkill. He said there were sufficient warnings which were never heeded by fish cage operators. De Venecia's home province Pangasinan, was recently devastated by fishkill.

He said “failure of fish cage operators to follow the recommendations of BFAR to remove the cages which hampered the flow of tidal water in narrow areas was the main reason for the fishkill,” a report posted. He added, “stop gap solutions will not work. Nothing less than a massive transfer of the fish cages will work.”

Aside from Pangasinan, Batangas is also hard hit by fishkill resulting to millions of losses. Critical areas of Anda, Bolinao in Pangasian and Taal in Batangas, are being watched carefully by authorities.

Fishkill reached Ilocos Sur affecting Mestizo River in Barangays Callaguip and Don Lorenzo. Tilapia fish species from 13 cage owners are affected.

“Although the effect of fishkill incident in our town’s river is very minimal, we are implementing practical measures to prevent its possible resurgence,” said town agriculturist Marilou Factor.

One of the measures being implemented by the Ilocos Sur LGU is maintaining 3-5 meters in between fishcages to maintain the smooth flow of water along the river and avoid overcrowding.

Meanwhile, region 3 remains fishkill-free according to BFAR region 3 director Remedios Ongtangco. The official said fishes particularly tilapia and milkfish (bangus) coming from Central Luzon are typically grown in fishponds wherein owners implement an extensive to semi-intensive culture system utilizing less feeding and have effective culture management techniques compared to the intensive methods being conducted by the fishcage operators.

Ongtangco added that signs that the fish is fresh include bright red gills and without slime, scales are firmly attached to the body, shiny skin with bright natural coloring, its eyes are not sunken and its flesh is firm and springs back when pressed.

Support for fisherfolks

militant fisherfolk group PAMALAKAYA proposed a Php5,000 to Php10,000 economic and calamity assistance for every fisherfolk family affected by the fish kill in Taal Lake. It also said that the national government, through the National Food Authority (NFA), should provide families with a month’s supply of free rice.

Fisherfolks affected by fishkill will receive subsidies from the government if they properly dispose dead fish and help in the clean up of coast and repair of aquaculture structures. The Department of Social Welfare and Development released around P8 million this week for the cash-for-work program in Northern Luzon, where Pangasinan is located.

Some 2,860 affected fishermen from Anda and Bolinao will receive P280 each per day for 10 days of community work or service.

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Source: www.thepoc.net (http://www.thepoc.net/breaking-news/environment/12396-early-warning-system-to-avoid-fish-kill-support-for-affected-fisherfolks-proposed.html)

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Gov Vi says fishkill a wake-up call
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 06/11/2011 4:08 PM

MANILA, Philippines – If there was one thing that the community of Taal should learn from the recent fishkill phenomenon in Batangas, it would be for people to be more responsible in taking care of Taal Lake.

Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto told radio dzMM on Saturday that the burden of keeping Batangas waters safe also lies in the residents living within Taal.

The fishkill should serve as a wake up call not only for government officials, but also for the community as well, she said.

“Hindi pwede lalawigan o provincial government lang ang gagalaw. Ang local government and the community have a responsibility para pangalagaan ang lawa dahil iyan ay [kabuhayan] din ng tao. This time, let us all work together in taking good care of the Taal Lake,” the actress-turned-politician said.

“Pagbigyan niyo lang po at babalik din ang sigla ng isda, ng agrikultura, ng mga mangingisda at ng mga tao para ipagpatuloy ang serbisyo na mabigyan ng magagandang isda ating mamamayan,” she added.

The high number of fish cages in Taal Lake was seen as the primary cause of the fishkill.

Santos-Recto welcomed support from national government agencies in dismantling illegal fish cages.

“We need support kasi hindi ganoon kadali ma-kumbinse ang mahigit 5,000 pamilya na nakapaligid diyan na ang pinapaglalaban naman ay kanilang hanapbuhay,” she said.

She said illegal fish cages in Taal Lake is also a cause for concern because majority of their owners are not from Batangas.

“Ang talagang malaki ang kinikita diyan ay iyong mga namumuhunang dayuhan at trabahador ay mga Batangueno,” she said.

‘Investor-friendly’

Santos-Recto said the city of Batangas still welcomes investors, as they offer job opportunities for locals.

However, she said investors who do business at the expense of the environment will not be tolerated.

“We are investor-friendly. Ang isang kayamanan ng lalawigan ay ang magandang kapaligiran. Hindi pu-pwedeng maabuso iyon. They are welcome to invest but not at the expense of the province,” she said.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/11/11/gov-vi-says-fishkill-wake-call)

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Congressman Mark Mendoza

Probe of credit facility urged
By CHARISSA M. LUCI
June 11, 2011, 5:06pm

MANILA, Philippines — In an effort to ease the plight of small farmers and fishermen, two lawmakers are seeking a review of how the country’s credit facility programs are carried out.

In filing House Resolution 1047, Batangas Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza and Butil party-list Rep. Agapito Guanlao pressed for the full implementation of the country’s agri-agra reform credit law.

They urged the House Special Committee on Food Security and the Committee on Agriculture and Food to jointly review the credit facility for the farmers.

"The study only proved that lending to agri-agra should have reached over P500 billion while loans to small and medium enterprises must have amounted to P227 billion," Mendoza said.

He lamented that the loans extended to the agriculture sector was less than P350 billion.

Mendoza sought for the full development of agriculture and fisheries by the year 2025 as envisioned by the recently concluded Agricultural and Fishery Summit recently held in Antipolo, Rizal.

Quoting the study of the Agricultural Credit Policy council (ACPC), Mendoza said P2 billion should have been allocated to the Agricultural Modernization Credit Facility Program (AMCFP) for the first year of its implementation and P1.7 billion every year in the next six years.

"The credit facility program had never been implemented,” he said.

Guanlao also expressed concern about the limited access of the agriculture sector to credit programs, saying that in 2007, the total credit requirement of the agriculture sector for palay, corn, coconut, sugarcane and fisheries was estimated at P200 billion.

Source: www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/322193/probe-credit-facility-urged)