Despite rains, Angat water remains low, nears critical level

MALOLOS CITY—Water elevation at the Angat Dam has remained low and nearing critical level despite rains brought by successive typhoons that hit the country.

This developed as the Pampanga River Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (PRFFWC) advised Bulacan and Pampanga residents living in low-lying areas to be on alert for possible flooding as typhoon Dindo is expected to bring more rains.

Records obtained by Punto from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) showed that water elevation at the Angat Dam dropped to 186.51 meters above sea level (masl) yesterday morning from 186.84 masl recorded on Wednesday.

The said water elevation is just six meters above the 180 masl critical level.

Liz Mungcal, head of the Bulacan PDRRMO said typhoons Butchoy and Dindo brought minimal rainfall in the eastern part of the province were the dam is located.

She said that despite the low water elevation there is nothing to worry about as more rains are expected in the coming days.

“Typhoon season na, kaya anytime ay madadagdagan ang tubig sa dam dahil madalas na ang pag-ulan,” she said.

Located on the hills of Sierra Madre in Norzagaray town, Angat Dam supplies 97 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water requirement.

As this developed, the PRFFWC warned residents living on low lying areas and river banks in Bulacan and Pampanga to be on alert for possible flood.

Based on PRFFWC forecast issued at 9 a.m. yesterday, they expect 40 to 60 millimetres of rainfall in the next 24 hours.

In the previous 24 hours before the forecast, the PRFFWC recorded a 30 millimetres of rainfall from their rain gauge stations.

Watercourses likely to be affected by the possible rainfall are the tributaries of the Rio Chico River, the Candaba Swamp, the lower main of the Pampanga River and the tributaries of the Angat River in Bulacan.

The PRFFWC also warned residents living in high-tide-affected areas.

Repair aging dams in Bulacan

MALOLOS CITY—Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado called for immediate repair of ageing dams in Bulacan as the government prepare to opening bidding for the rehabilitation of the giant Angat Dam next month.

As this developed, the National Power Corporation (Napocor) reiterated that Angat Dam is strong and can withstand magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

In his weekly program aired over DWSS Radio, Alvarado said that rubber gates at Bustos Dam are old and needs to be replaced.

“I will raise that concern in our next RDC meeting,” he said referring to the Central Luzon Regional Development Council (RDC) chaired by Mayor Oscar Rodriguez of the City of San Fernando in Pampanga.

Alvarado said that they will ask officials of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to present current status of the dam located along the Angat River in between the towns of Bustos and San Rafael, Bulacan.

NIA operates and manages Bustos Dam to distribute water for irrigation needs of Bulacan and Pampanga farmers.

Earlier, Engineer Felix Robles said that fishing, dipping and swimming on the  apron of Bustos Dam is no longer allowed.

The warning came after he disclosed that rubber gates of the dam is nearing the end of its lifespan.

As an officer in charge of NIA’s Water Control and Coordinating Unit (WCCU), Robles recounted that a similar rubber gate of a dam in Florida in the United States burst recently leading to rapid outflow of water from the reservoir.

“The lifespan of a rubber gate is 14 to 15 years, and it could be shorter like the one in Florida defending on the weather condition,” he said noting that rubber gates installed at Bustos Dam is as old as the one that burst in Florida.

Since rubber gates of Bustos Dam are nearing the end of its lifespan, Robles said they cannot ascertain its safety, and must be replaced immediately.

He advised local residents to stop fishing on the dam’s apron, while warning local tourists from dipping and swimming at the downstream of the dam.

“Its can burst anytime, and when deflated, water will rush downstream to the apron,” he said and added that every year they conduct repair on the cracks on the rubber gate by vulcanizing it.

Meanwhile, Engineer Rodolfo German of the Angat River Hydro Electric Power Plant of the Napocor said that bidding to rehabilitate Angat Dam is set to proceed next month.

But he also commented on news reports that Angat Dam have cracks.

“That’s impossible, Angat dam dykes are not concrete. They are rock and earth-filled with earthen core,” said German.

He reiterated that there is no crack on the dam structures noting that as a rock and earth-filled dam, it naturally heals in case of earth movement caused by earthquakes.

German added that dam structures were built to stand a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

With regards to siltation on dam’s reservoir, he said that Angat Dam will last for another 60 years.

At present the dam is already 43 years old and another 60 years means that it will last for 100 years.

According to German, the power tunnel of the dam is 50 meter above the bedrock of the dam.

“It will take another 60 years before it will be covered by silt,” he said.

German said that silt on the dam’s bedrock accumulates at an average of half meter every year.

At present, he estimated that there is about 20 meters deep silt on top of the dam’s reservoir bedrock.  (Dino Balabo)

Unsolicited advice for JBC in choosing next CJ

MALOLOS CITY—A 91-year old lawyer here laid out three characteristics for the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

This came as nomination for the said position started to pile up at the Judicial Bar Council (JBC).

Former Bulacan Governor Tomas Martin, a practicing lawyer in the last 63 years said the next Chief Justice must not be beholden to politicians, must be close to the people, and must be know the law.

Speaking on the sidelines of the annual Gawad Bunying Abogadong Bulakenyo of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Bulacan Chapter, Martin said the highest magistrate of the country must be independent.

“He cannot be dictated by politicians, at hindi dapat dumikit sa mga pulitiko,” the former governor said.

He also advised magistrares including the next Chief Justice to be always in touch with the people.

“They must know the pulse of the people, hindi dapat mysterious ang dating nila para di paghinalaan ng taumbayan,” he said noting that many lawyers who were promoted to position of judges appear to have withdraw themselves from the people.

With regards to knowledge of the law, Martin said that as a lawyer, a candidate for the position of the Chief Justice knows the law, but he said the chief magistrate must be well rounded and well versed.

“We cannot have an specialist, dapat ay all angle ng batas ay alam niya,” said Martin who served as governor of the Bulacan in the late 50s to early 60s.

A practicing lawyer in the last 63 years, Martin was awarded by IBP-Bulacan on Thursday night along with 34 other lawyers who has been practicing law in the last 50 years.

Other notable “golden lawyers” awarded by IBP-Bulacan are retired Court of Appeals Justice Jose Dela Rama Sr.(1953), Lawyers Rachel Fidelino who started practicing law in 1947, Arturo Marin (1949), Sixto Antonio (1954), Marcelo Aure, Dolores Dela Rama, Jesus Santos,  and Mario Santos who are all started practicing law in 1955.

IBP-Bulacan also gave recognition to Supreme Court Associate Justice Estela Perlas, Bernabe, and newly appointed Court of Appeals Justice Renato Francisco.

Newly appointed Regional Trial Court (RTC) judges were also given recognition, namely Judges Sita Jose-Clemente (Branch 16), Grave V. Ruiz (Branch 22), Lisa Marie Piacrdal-Tecson of Makati-RTC Branch 144, and Andres B. Soriano of Malolos RTC who was transferred to Makati-RTC.

IBP-Bulacan also inducted 35 new members led by Rauol Angelo Atadero and Eireene Xena Acosta who placed first and seventh in the recent bar examinations.

Atadero hailed from Meycauayan City, while Acosta came from the City of San Jose Del Monte.  (Dino Balabo)

Independence Day medical mission

 Inaasahang aabot sa 1,000 Bulakenyo ang mabibigyang ng serbisyong medikal sa pagsasagawa ng isang medical mission sa bakuran ng Simbahan ng Barasoain sa Hunyo 12 kaugnay ng pagdiriwang ng ika-114 na guning taon ng Araw ng Kalayaan.

PNoy to attend Independence Day celebration at Barasoain Church

CITY OF MALOLOS- President Benigno S. Aquino III will grace the commemoration of the 114th anniversary of Philippine Independence at the historic Barasoain Church here on June 12.

Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno, chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, said that the Chief Executive will lead the simultaneous raising of the Philippine flag at the patio of the Barasoain Church which will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the statue of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Philippine Republic.

She said that the program will be simple but dignified, starting with the arrival honors for President Aquino at 8:00am.

Diokno made the announcement during the Talakayang Bulakenyo jointly conducted by the Philippine Information Agency and the Provincial Public Affairs Office  at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center.

She said that this year’s theme “Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan” is in line with the administration’s program on good governance and eradication of corrupt practices in government.

Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that this is the first time that the highest official of the Republic will attend the Independence Day celebration at the historic Barasoain church.

“It’s about time that the historic events and significance of Barasoain church will be recognized. Kung wala ang Barasoain Church ay hindi magkakaroon ng ratification and declaration ng independence sa Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. Sa simbahang ito nilikaha ang unang Saligang Batas na siyang nagsilang sa demokrasya sa rehiyon ng Asia at Africa,” the chief executive said.

Alvarado explained that Barasoain Church is among the three historic sites where the simultaneous raising of the national flag is being held during Independence Day.

The governor praised Malacanang for giving total recognition and importance to the historic events  that took place in Malolos at the threshold of Philippine freedom from foreign rule.

Alvarado also said that they are pushing that January 23 –the anniversary of the First Philippine Republic—be made into a national holiday. He added that Philippine Flags are now displayed all year long in all parts of the province.

“Kung ang Baguio ay kilala sa Bulaklak ng Panagbenga at ang Pampanga ay tanyag naman sa kanilang makukulay na parol, ang dakilang lalawigan ng Bulakan ay maitatanghal naman na lalawigan ng mga bayani,” Alvarado said.

There will also be a job fair, medical mission and cultural performances that will be held around the compound of Barasoain Church, according to PPAO chief Maricel Santos-Cruz and Provincial Tourism Officer Sonny Cristobal.

Some 450 police personnel, 100 army troops and around 200 members of the Presidential Security Group will also be deployed around the historic Barasoain Church to secure public safety

Bulacan journalist, 9 others win fellowship

  

 In its inaugural reporting program in the Philippines, the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) will partner with news organizations to transform coverage of environmental issues.

Myriad environmental problems – such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change – directly threaten quality of life in the Philippines, yet these issues receive inadequate news media coverage.  In addition, much of the reporting being done lacks depth and excludes the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation, especially women.

To address this critical coverage gap, the IWMF will offer its first-ever Environmental Investigative Reporting Fellowship.  The IWMF announces the new program today (June 6) on World Environment Day.

During the year-long fellowship, 10 journalists will receive advanced training and coaching to produce innovative reports about environmental problems and solutions, incorporating women’s role in and perspectives on environmental issues.  Each will complete 3-4 investigations for their news organizations.  Through the IWMF fellowship, these journalists will become environmental reporting specialists.

Selected fellows include: Bernardino Balabo, news editor for Mabuhay, host of Puntong Bulacan program on 90.3 FM Radyo Bulacan and correspondent for Central Luzon Business Week, Punto Central Luzon, the Philippine Star and Pilipino Star Ngayon; Rouchelle Dinglasan, a producer for GMA News; Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, a journalist for Interaksyon.com; Keith Bacongco, a journalist for MindaNews;  Rhodina Villanueva, reporter the Philippine Star; Anna Valmero,assistant producer with LOQAL.ph, an online magazine; Marilou Guieb, correspondent for the BusinessMirror; Kristine L. Alave,  reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer;; Riziel Ann Cabreros, producer for “PIPOL on ANC,” a news magazine program on ABS-CBN News Channel;; and Purple Romero, reporter for Rappler, a social news network.

Funded by Dole Food Company Inc., the environmental reporting program will draw on the IWMF’s proven training model, which features long-term, transformative training, empowerment of women journalists and a commitment of institutional support from top management of local media companies.

Founded in 1990, the IWMF is the only nonprofit organization working exclusively to strengthen the role of women in the news media worldwide.  The IWMF has conducted programs in 25 countries, and its network includes women and men in the media in more than 130 countries worldwide.

For more information, visit www.iwmf.org.

P200,000 reward for lawyer, cop killer

A P200,000 reward was offered by the mayor of this city for information that will lead to the arrest of suspects in the killing of a layer and a police officer on Thursday.

Mayor Christian Natividad said they have set aside a reward of P100,000 each for the killers of Lawyer Lysandro Sanchez and PO2 Ronnel Coquia.

Both victims were killed by a motorcycle riding gunman along the McArthur Highway in Barangay Tikay here on Thursday, around 10:45 AM.

“The killing must be stopped and justice must be served,” Natividad said in offering the reward money.

The recent killing was the third of its kind in just six months in this city, which involves persons who filed charges in court.

On January 25, Cristina Roxas was shot in the head while on board a passenger utility jeepney along the McArthur Highway, just outside the provincial capitol compound.

Last November, a similar incident occurred at the Malolos City proper, just meters away from the Malolos City hall.

Police said that all cases involves persons who minutes earlier left a local court house where cases they filed or filed against them is heard.

All three incidents were allegedly perpetrated by hired killers, and in broad day light.

The killing of Sanchez and Coquia occurred at around 10:45Am, while the killing of Roxas was done around 11AM, and the other was done around 2PM last November.

Last March, no less than Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado expressed alarm over the spate of killings in the province.

He said that while crime incidents in the province remain low compared to last year, he is bothered by the audacity of killers who killed with impunity in broad day light.

Alvarado also said that the killing is an insult to local enforcement as not one has been arrested.

The same was echoed by local businessmen here who said that killings in broad daylight could impact their operations

IBP to fete outstanding lawyers; including new SC justice, impeachment prosecutor

MALOLOS CITY—A member of the prosecution team in the impeachment trial of the Chief Justice and newly appointed Supreme Court (SC) associate justice will lead lawyers who will be feted here next week.

Others includes newly promoted Court of Appeals Justice, an executive judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) here and this year’s bar topnotcher who came from Meycauayan City.

Lawyer Ted Villanueva, the president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Bulacan chapter said recognition of outstanding chapter member encourages other members to excel.

“This will coincide with the reception for our new members and it is a good opportunity to introduce to them members that can be their models,” Villanueva said.

Among the outstanding members of the IBP-Bulacan that will be feted are Associate Justice Estela Bernabe who was promoted to the SC after serving Makati RTC.

Bernabe hailed from Plaridel town and a sister of Lawyer Zoilo Perlas, the Regional Director of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Central Luzon.

Villanueva said that Lawyer Renato Samonte, former IBP-Bulacan chapter president will also be feted for being a member of the prosecution team in the impeachment trial against Chief Justice Renator Corona.

He said that it was Samonte who conducted a cross-examination on former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza during the trial.

Other members who will receive recognition are outgoing Executive Judge Renato Francisco who was appointed to the Court of Appeals (CA), and his successor Judge Maria Theresa Mendoza-Arcega.

Outgoing provincial prosecutor Gerry Geronimo, and incoming RTC judges namely Liza Marie Tecson, Cita Jose-Clemente, and Victoria Ruiz.

Villanueva said that Lawyer Jesus Ricardo Degala, a councilor of the city of Malolos will be feted for community service, along with families that produced three lawyers will also be given distinguished merit award, and lawyers who has been member of the chapters for 30, 40, and 50 years.

New lawyers like Raul Atadero, the 2011 Bar Topnotcher, and Sherwin Tugna of Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) Party-list will be inducted and feted as well.

The awarding will be held at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Pavillion here on June 7.  (Dino Balabo)

Gov wants revocation of mining claims in Bulacan

by Ramon Efren R. Lazaro

CITY OF MALOLOS —Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy Alvarado has made an urgent request to Environment Sec. Ramon Paje for the immediate revocation/denial of all mining claims/applications of Neutron Construction and Marketing Corp. (NCMC) and Atlantic Mines and Trading Corp. (AMTC) in the province.

Alvarado’s letter, dated May 31, 2012 to Paje and copy furnished to Leo Jasareno, director of the Mines and Geoscience Bureau and Danilo Uykieng, OIC-regional director MGB-DENR in Central Luzon, cites countless reports and complaints expressing strong opposition against the alleged unlawful and unfair mining claims/applications and operations of NCMC and AMTC covering an area of 14,000 hectares in the mountainous town of Dona Remedios Trinidad.

Alvarado also cited the murder of the company’s geodetic engineer, Arnel Iqual, on May 23 this year in the mining area that “shows the company’s inability to maintain peace and order in their atrocious mining claim.”

The governor added that the “brutal killing happened in the presence of seven other security personnel, who are allegedly armed and have been involved in various incidents of harassment  of residents-landowners within their mining claims, and worse of the indigenous peoples living therein.

The governor also noted that the municipal government of Dona Remedios Trinidad has long been opposing and complaining the appalling mining claims of NCMC and AMTC for it has been depriving landowners to enjoy their full rights over their properties and their failure to operate retards the progress of the town and its people.

With this, Alvarado  attached the municipality’s Kapasyahan Bilang 2006-065 entitled “Kapasiyahang Hinihiling sa Tanggapan ng Kagawaran ng Pagmimina at Likas na Yaman (Bureau of Mines) na Makansela ang Mining Rights ng Malawakang/Malakihang Pagmimina ng Neutron Construction and Marketing Corporation sa Bayan ng Dona Remedios Trinidad.”

Included was the letter of then-Mayor Evelyn Paulino that expressed her strong opposition and concerns as regards its adverse environmental impact, watershed destruction and existing stewardship contracts.

The governor also said that the present officials of Dona Remedios Trinidad are also strongly opposing the mining claims/applications and operations of NCMC and AMTC.

Alvarado cited a municipal resolution approving the request of NCMC and AMTC was passed but vetoed by Mayor Ronaldo Flores on the grounds of requirement for current barangay resolutions of newly elected barangay officials granting their request; certification given by NCIP is only for exploration and not mining operations; the actual determination that the area beingclaimed have tax declaration, title and other actual occupant; permission of the landowners; submission of all documents needed by the office of the mayor; and legal bases that it is within the ancestral domain.

The Sierra Madre Environmental Society Inc., Alvarado said also filed a letter-complaint to Secretary Paje on August 26, 2011 that NCMC and AMtC have failed “to comply with the mandatory requirements for the approval of their atrocious mining claims/applications such as public hearing, resolutions of all barangays and municipal government of Dona Remedios Trinidad, requirement under several DENR issuances, etc., and thus they have no right to demand royalty from landowners who want to benefit from their lands.

Alvarado said the provincial government of Bulacan adopts the said letter and joins the said NGO in its prayer to cancel/revoke all the mining claims/applications of NCMC and AMTC in Dona Remedios Trinidad.

DENR, Alvarado said must also consider the resolution passed by the Samahan ng mga Liga ng Barangay under Kapasiyahan Bilang 2011-004 “Kapasiyahang Hinihiling sa Butihing Tanggapan ng Mines and Geoscience Bureau Regional Office III, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, na Mapawalang Bisa ang Aplikasyon ng MPSA ng Neuton construction and Marketing Corporation at Atlantic Mines and Trading Corporation sa Nasasakupan ng Bayan ng Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.

Due to the numerous complaints against the said mining companies, the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resource Office (BENRO) headed by Rustico de Belen conducted investigations that reveal “several violations committed by NCMC and AMTC not only within their large-scal mining but also their small-scale mining operations.”

The governor said that based on their records, the said companies “have been operating outside of the permitted area and allowed illegal operations in their mining claims, thus tantamount to illegal extraction or illegal mining in violation of mining and other environmental laws.

Because of these violations, Alvarado said that they have requested for the immediate cancellation/revocation/denial of all mining claims/applications and related permits in the name of Neutron construction and Marketing Corp. and Atlantic Mines and Trading Corp. in the province of Bulacan and the declaration of the entire areas as Minahang Bayan  as a very vital livelihood program of the municipality of Dona Remedios Trinidad.

Bulacan set for Environment Month

CITY OF MALOLOS —In celebration of the Environment Month this June, the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office will launch series of activities that will raise awareness and encourage participation among Bulakenyos in environment protection and conservation.

With this year’s theme: “Linangin ang Kakayahan, Kalingain ang Kalikasan para sa Kinabukasan”, Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the “Buwan ng Kapaligiran” will kick off on June 4, 2012   via a groundbreaking of Bulacan Ecology Center at the Bulacan Medical Center at 7:00 am and will be followed by a short program during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony at the Bulacan Capitol Gym in this city.

Livelihood and solid waste management program such as BENRO’s Eco-Trike project will be launched too as well as the turn-over of classroom chairs out of recovered logs, he added.

On June 15, a groundbreaking of historical marker at the Real De Kakarong, Pandi will be held to promote and protect eco-tourism areas in the province, as well as KKK ( Kalikasan, Kasaysayan at Kasarinlan) painting contest and Tree-Planting.

BENRO also will hold an Environmental Summit on June 21 at the Bulacan Hiyas Pavilion which aims to involve each Bulakenyo in its fight against climate change that will be participated by groups of stakeholders, academe, big industries, local government units, House of Representatives and environment officials.

Moreover, a Basic Training on Environmental Law Enforcement is slated on June 26 to strengthen the capabilities of municipal and city ENROs and environmental law enforcers on basic law enforcement.

Lastly, on June 29, there will be a launching of Collaborative Governance of Urbanizing Watersheds, an integrated research, institution and capacity building for sustainability and climate risk adaptation in Angat River Basin.

Alvarado  and  BENRO Officer Atty. Rustico de Belen vow for a year-round effort  of imparting the importance of conserving, protecting and managing the environment to ensure it is maintained for present and future generations.