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REGIONAL EXPONENT FOR PROGRESSVOL. XXII, NO. 39 BICOL, THE PHILIPPINES JUNE 21-27, 2015 P5.00

Cong. ANDAYA

Bill for poor jobseekers led

All roads lead to Naga as SUPERMETRO opens hypermarket store

NAGA CITY --- Happy shoppers crowded the main thoroughfares of this city as multitudes of customers lined up and patiently queued to witness the opening of the 13th Super Metro Retail Stores, Friday at Panganiban Drive, here.

The blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony was of-ciated by no less than the Archbishop of the Archdio-cese of Caceres, Most Rev. Rolando Tirona, OCD, DD and was graced too by the citys Chief Executive, Hon. John G. Bongat. Metro Re-tail Group was spearheaded by their dynamic President and CEO, Arthur Emmanuel who warmly welcomed all the guests and early shoppers during the days opening.

Emmanuel during the in-terview with the members of the media reiterated their companys goal to put cus-tomers satisfaction on top of their priorities.

We are looking forward

SUPER METRO NAGA NOW OPENChairman and CEO Frank Gaisano (not in photo) of Metro Retail Store Group, Inc., graced the grand opening of the Super Metro Naga together with President and CEO Arthur Emmanuel of Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. being interviewed by members of the media. Archbishop Rolando Tirona, Mayor John Bongat, Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion, Atty. William Enrile and Barangay Captain Andres Panis also graced the occasion held Friday (June 19).

A bill granting indigent job applicants 20 percent discount on fees in processing government documents for employment purposes has been led in the House of Representatives.

House Bill 5717 authored by Rep. Rolando G. Andaya Jr. (1st District, Ca-marines Sur) mandates that an indigent job applicant shall be given a 20-per-cent discount in processing clearances from the National Bureau of Investiga-tion (NBI), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the barangay.

The job applicant shall also be charged 20-percent less in processing medical certicate from the Department of Health (DOH), Certicates of Mar-riage and or Birth from the Na-tional Statistics Ofce (NSO) or the Local Civil Registry (LCR) and Certicate of Birth of the indigent applicants one (1) dependent.

Covered by the bill are job applicants who are seeking gainful employment and have no visible means of income or whose income is insufcient for the subsistence of their families.

They shall be identied and

certied as indigent job applicants by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) based on the criteria set under the National House-hold Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

Andaya pushed for the immediate approval of the bill to be known as the Indigents Pre-Employment Privilege Act of 2015 saying it is the States

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Relief goods given to Bulusan victims

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Social Wel-fare and Development (DSWD) Bicol regional ofce has prepared P365,400 worth of family food packs for the residents of three towns in Sorsogon province af-fected by the phreatic eruptions of Mt. Bulusan on Tuesday morning.

Arnel Garcia, DSWD Bicol regional director, on Wednesday said that as of now, they have distributed at least 300 dust masks to villagers of Bacolod, Buraburan, Sangkayon, Puting Sapa, Aog and Catanusan of Juban town mostly affected by ash explosion.

MT. BULUSAN

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bikol reporter2 june 21-27, 2015

which the senators want to correct and be made acceptable.

By the way, on the next dayof the decommissioning ceremony, MILF Chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal said in a separate interview the following which was in the front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated June 17, 2015: Without BBL, MILF wont decommission more arms. Our government officials and the people should study the meaning of this statement.

* * * * *In a survey of one thousand two (1,200)

hundred respondents conducted by Pulse Asia between May 31 and June 5: Grace Poe got 30%, Jejomar Binay 22%, Duterte 15%, Roxas 10%, Estrada 10%, Santiago 6%, Cayetano 2%, Lacson 2%. This survey asks about eight candidates 11 months away from the election. This will naturally change when surveys will ask only about the candidates who filed their candidacies. Until now, Grace Poe has not categorically stated if she will run for President, for Vice President and under what party. She just said that the anointment of President

Aquino is important. The big wigs of the Liberal Party like Senate Pres. Franklin Drilon and DBM Sen. Butch Abad are openly supporting Mar Roxas for President. They do not even want the LP to call a convention.

VP Binay says it is a wake up call even if the election is still many months away. Binay has his own base and political machinery. Many groups and individuals disgruntled with the administration are now moving to have alliances with him because they believe he is the one who can beat the administrations candidate. Rep. Danilo Suarez said on TV that their Lakas Party of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has one thousand elected members in different parts of the country and I saw Sen. Bongbong Marcos say on TV in the program Headstart of Karen Davila that he wants to be the Vice President of Binay. The Marcoses have big following in the Ilocos Region and the Romualdez in the Visayas.

The northern Luzon block of leaders of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile will also support Binay. Well, Binays mother is from Isabela. Hence, he is a son of Ilocos Region. I believe Pres. Estradas Puwersa ng Masa will support Binay because he will not allow his son Jinggoy to rot in jail.

Beside VP Binay, only Davao City Mayor Rodolfo Duterte openly talks about what he will do if he is president. He is frank about using his iron-hand tactic against criminals to promote peace and order. Grace Poe and Mar Roxas talk about Matuwid na Daan of Pres. Aquino but what is their own platform. Well, these are just political observations and speculations.

In a ceremony called the decom-missioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) weapons attended by no less than President Benigno S. Aquino, at the MILFs Darapanan Camp in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao province this June 16, 2015. MILF Chief Peace Negotiator Mohaqhes Iqbal said the MILF agreed to hand over the weapons to comply with the peace deal despite delay in the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

The MILF retired one hundred fifty (150) guerillas and handed over seventy five (75) firearms for decommissioning to prod Congress to speed up the approval of the BBL.

President Aquino reportedly gave out cash for arms: P25,000 for each gun, P950 million for decommissioning. He gave PhilHealth cards for each of the initial one hundred forty (140) members who are also guaranteed to be taken in under Bangsamoro Integrated Armed Force.

I wonder why did the MILF turn over the weapons to a third party and not to the government, and why does the government agree to this. The weapons were turned over to the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) headed by Haydor Berk, Turkeys former Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty.

Sen. Bongbong Marcos, head of the Senate Local Government Committee, said the number of weapons is insignicant; its just a small fraction of 15,000 but its a good gesture for confidence building.

To this writer, the turn over of the MILF weapons to the IDB does not show one hundred percent (100%) trust and confidence of the MILF, but it is a good start. The Bangsamoro Basic Law is delayed because of the unconstitutional provisions it contains

opinion

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wiNdOw

editorial Culture and Development

is culture incongruent with develop-ment.

we say no.As historian Dr. Danilo M.Gerona

often cites as an example of develop-ment, spains only natural products are olive oil and grapes. Yet, she is rich because the country hinges and exploits to the fullest her richest re-source her culture, her old and outr buildings like Gaudis church in bar-celona, her artists, Picasso, Miro, Ve-lasquez to name a few. Yearly, millions of tourists visit spain and brings with them millions of dollars which perhaps make a Catalan cry: Viva espana!

Here, we seem to think that develop-ment is all infrastructures.

thats the politicians, DPwH con-tractors and the nincompoops cere-bral cortex.

this has to change. Culture as an engine of development is the least cap-ital intensive because thats already a given. it is what gives character to a place. it is what gives identity to a people. thinking then of development as only having national malls and fast-food chains, make our landscape ge-neric. Kitschy actually.

so we laud the move of the private and government sector, for instance in Naga City like former councilor ba-dette roco, incumbent councilor Na-than sergio, architect rommel Alanis, for moving to convert the old provin-cial jail as a museum; or Daet mayor tito s. sarion for going the extra mile to have the history of the town written down, including the heroes of Cama-rines Norte, like Jose Panganiban and wenceslao Vinzons.

May their tribes increase as they are proof that you dont have erase your memory and your past to have devel-opment.

US interest. The losses at the PH Stock Exchange

were sustained in the last four days. We cannot predict the trend for next week but these will certainly be swayed by the US interest regime and the global solution to the financial problems of Greece. In this kind of situation, investors have the tendency to hold their funds closer to their chests even as they await clearer signals of where to park their investments. As a defensive mode, the Monetary Board may gradually raise interest rates to hold back outbound funds.

PH JOBLESS: The number of jobless Filipinos (and those working additional hours) eased further to 6.4% in April 2015. This reflects a sustainable favorable situation in the job market of our economy. The April report is a follow-through of the January 2015 situation when unemployment and underemployment were also reduced. The rate was last set at 7% unemployment in April 2014, reducing to 6.6% three months ago, which was further reduced by .2% two months ago

The positive figures on employment showed 39.16 million in April 2015 up

from 38.66 million a year ago (1.3% increase). This means 495,000 more Filipinos were employed in the past twelve months. New job were created in the service and industry sectors. As we look around, many unskilled workers are now employed by the companies constructing buildings and concreting roads and other public works projects. The effect of these will be for the masses to feel economic progress reaching their realm.

EFFECTIVE: We recently visited the BIR Regional Office (R-9) in San Pablo City to follow-up matters endorsed by the Revenue District Officers in Lucena City and Gumaca, Quezon. We took up with Regional Director - Atty. Jose N. Tan, the requests of our clients for reduction of penalties re- delayed submission of tax compliance reports. The soft-spoken official told us that he has issued instructions to all Calabarzon RDOs to recommend (if qualified) penalty reductions and he will automatically approve them.

The amiable director explained that there is no practical reason for BIR to insist on higher penalties especially for taxpayers with closed businesses. Devoid of resources with which to pay penalties, they are no longer wary of the penalties periodically piling up. If they can be made to pay even just the minimum penalties, that will be valuable BIR collection and collectible accounts can be cleansed. The director appears to me to be a very practical lawyer effective on the job! Kudos, to you sir!

WISDOM: You are a true believer of Jesus when you look at the interest of others before that of your own!

Atty. APA chairs Acyatan & Co., CPAs-DFK International is past chair of ASEAN Federation of CPAs, PICPA past president and Hall-of-Famer, and ACPAPP Lifetime Achievement Awardee).

BSP WATCH: Two global developments are being monitored by our monetary authorities that may cause wild swings in the foreign exchange market. These are the impending hike in US interest rates and the worries on the Greek debt crisis. The BSP is poised to take actions that will smoothen out potential wild fluctuations in FX rates - thus, possibly affecting the PhPeso. If US interest rates go up, investors may divert funds to the US financial markets and away from the rest of the world, including Philippines.

Cash-strapped Greece has a big problem even as the countrys bail-out program with International Monetary Fund is set to expire on June 30, 2015. It seems that Greece will defer compliance with its commitments to the IMF. This may develop into a regional or even global financial crisis. It will also affect global foreign exchange markets that will necessarily trigger peso volatility vis--vis other currencies including those with the creditor countries of Greece.

STOCKS: Not only will the foregoing global financial developments sway just our exchange rate. They may also affect our stocks and investments trading. Last Wednesday, the Peso was being traded at P44.99 to the US dollar (lower by 50 centavos). Philippine stock prices plunged 2.16% with the PSEI Index at 7,323 farther down from the target of 8,000 some two weeks ago. The negative results were globally affected likewise by the pending rate increase in

Potential Forex Swings

bikol reporter 3june 21-27, 2015

bikol reporter4 june 21-27, 2015halo-halo

inner chessbY J. HeNrY DANiCAN

rizals religious beliefsOne of the most controversial issues in Philippine history

was whether Rizal recanted his anti-Catholic beliefs or not. Well, it was likely that he officially recanted as some historical documents alleged, which were, by the way, produced by Spanish officials after Rizals execution. Hence, the authenticity of Rizals actual recantation is seriously in question. The fact that Rizal held deistic and freethinker beliefs was common among the highly educated Filipinos of his time. The illustrados were heavily influenced by European Enlightenment ideas, which were also emphasized by the Freemasonic movement. Based on his novels and other writings, Rizal was definitely anti-clerical, specifically against frailocracy or the abusive rule of the despotic friars. It could be considered moot and academic to debate whether Rizal actually recanted his beliefs or not because it was unlikely that Rizal would give up his core beliefs because of violent threats from the local church and state authorities. He was branded both a rebel and a heretic. He was executed for his beliefs and he accepted his fate. The recantation could have been mere formality to protect his family but it was likely that he held to his convictions until death.

Some historians would argue that Rizal still practiced Catholicism while in exile in Dapitan but Rizals beliefs were more sophisticated than the simplistic assumptions of some historians who wanted to preserve Rizals Catholicism. The most revealing collection of documents that proved Rizals non-catholic inclination was the collection of letters between him and Father Pastells.

If Facebook was already invented during Rizal's time, he would have been one of those very eager and half-annoying intellectual debaters on Facebook forums discussing religion. The Rizal-Pastells correspondence was the 19th century equivalent of a cordial but heated social media religious debate. The correspondence between the Jesuit theologian, Pablo Pastells, S.J. and Jose Rizal happened when the latter was in exile in Dapitan. During the same period, Rizal founded a school, constructed a water system, introduced street lighting, discovered several species of faunas and floras, won the lottery, challenged a Frenchman in a duel, started several business ventures, invented a machine for making bricks, raised a family, and created some art works in his "idle" time.

Despite of the many other impressive and very productive accomplishments of Rizal while in exile, the Rizal-Pastells correspondence was arguably the defining collection of historical documents that summarized Rizals theological ideas.

The correspondence is a collection of four long letters of Rizal addressed to Pastells, dated as follows: (1) September 1, 1892;(2) November 11, 1892; (3) January 9, 1893; (4) April 4, 1893; and Father Pastells replies dated: (1) October 12, 1892, (2) December 8, 1892, (3) February 2, 1893, and (4) April 1893.

In the correspondence Rizal argued a monistic stance with some deistic and freethinking tone. His main point was that individual judgment takes precedence over religious dogmas.

homar murillo

tip of aniceberGEmail: homar.murillo@gmail.com

orolay tulay

dis*Karte*Kusyon*Kurso

frANk PeONes jr.

kan samong petisyon sa ngonyan.Kaya nagngangalas ako na

pigsasabihan kami na ipaaram sa Sangguniang Panlungsod an kahalagahan historical kaini kan sarong parabatok kan administrasyon. Dai niya aram na kaya ngani nagkaigwa na nin pagdangog huli ta may prima facie na kaming ebidensya na ipinahiling na historical ini. Namumundo ako na an parabatok na ini dati man konsehal asin kun aram niya an probisyon kan Local Government Code maaraman niya na trabaho kan mga konsehal asin LGU na maggibo nin inaapod na imbentaryo kan mga mahalagang cultural property sa saindang lugar.

Dai ko na ngona papatulan an iba pang argumento kan paramamang ini na aram ko dai man matupga kan dai saiya pinamamama, bilang pagrespeto sa kadunungan asin integridad kan NCCA. Huli ta sala an pigbabatok, sabi ngani ni Shakespeare, an mga batok na ini all sound and fury, signifying nothing.

Kan matapos mapatugdok an Golden Gate Bridge sa San Francisco kan Mayo1937, nagsurat nin sarong rawit-dawit an chief engineer kaini na si Joseph Strauss na siyempre maasahan na pagrokyaw asin pag-ogma:

At last the mighty task is done;Resplendent in the western sunThe Bridge looms mountain high;Its titan piers grip ocean floor,Its great steel arms link shore with

shore,Its towers pierce the sky.

Sa Iriga, nakahuma na plegarya an kakantahon kan mga sunod henerasyon sa planong gabaon an Barit Bridge sa Barangay Santiago na itinugdok kan mga Amerikano kan 1913 asin binuksan sa trapiko kan Abril 1914. Huli ini sa soboot kauswagan asin turismo. Huli sa historikal kaining halaga kaya an samong grupo nagplantsar nin petisyon sa National Commission on Culture on the Arts na pugulan an DPWH sa paggaba kaini. Sa

ngonyan nagkaigwa na ninpagdangog sa magkasuhay na petisyon na isinangat man kan gobyerno lokal kan ciudad nin Iriga. Mawot kan syudad na halion an presumption kan karakter kan tulay bilang important cultural property. Sa huring pagdangog,napagkauyuyan na pagsaroon an duwang petisyon asin napagkasararoan man na aramon kun an Barit Bridgeman nanggad Important cultural property. Siring kaiyan an estado

pama-an

(Matapos madalan sa TV-Patrol Bicol an manungod sa la-mos na nadukayan sa salog kan Camaligan)

Ni esteLito b. JACob Binibisto ta an rarum kan satong mga sadirisa babaw o rarum kan salog.Sa paglataw kan satuyangbutod na lawas nagpupoonan mga tataramon nin pagbisto,apwera sa lubag-lubag nangpandok, kamot, tulak, bitis,pati na sa babad nang bado,pantalon, pitaka, ID, resibo.Nagtitinir sa satong lawas an kitamaging ati man o tignarakol an salog;siring an kita magin malinaw mano malibog an an nangingini-kining tubig,asin siring an kita magin tuninong man o maribokan nagngungurob-ngurob na sulog;siring an kita magin pano man an salognin mga nagbuburak na lili o nagsasalbidang ati.Nagtitinir an kita sa satong lawas.Dai kaini maitago an nakaaging dingkilan,durulak, kaangutan, asin kagadanan.May rarum an rarum kan sadirina katakod sa lawas--dawa anong gabatmalataw sa matabang na tubig kan salog.An sungaw kan lawas, nagsusuroklabi pa alisngaw kan kada tataramonkan nagkakabirilot na reporter.Kun madalan kan satong mga namomotan,diyan ta na matutungkad an rarumasin hangganan kan satong mga misteryosa pagbisto kan sadiring butod na lawas. Oktubre 14, 20147:13 n.a.

Pagbisto sa sadiri

carD sme bank opens . . .obligation to empower its citi-zens in fighting poverty.

The sad truth is that we lack employment opportuni-ties. And even when prospects for employment are present, most Filipinos cannot afford to pay for fees necessary to procure documentary require-ments for their job applica-tion, Andaya lamented.

Andaya said the least the government can do to lessen the financial burden of indi-gent Filipino job applicants is to grant them discounts in ac-quiring pre-employment docu-ments.

Reducing the processing fee of these documents en-courages them to look for jobs in order to become productive

bill for poor jobseekers . . .members of society, Andaya said.

The bill creates the Inter-Agency Coordinating and Monitoring Committee to ensure that the discounts are being implemented. It shall be composed of the DSWD secretary as the chairperson; National Anti-Poverty Com-mission (NAPC) chairman as vice chairperson; secretaries of the DOH, Department of Interior and Local Govern-ment (DILG) and Department of Justice (DOJ) and NSO ad-ministrator as members.

The bill penalizes any per-son, government entity, agen-cy or hospital who refuses or fails to provide the discount with imprisonment of not less

than six months but not more than one year or a fine of not less than P10,000 but not more than P50,000 or both.

On the other hand, any job applicant who misinterprets his or her status or falsifies his

or her document just to avail of the discount shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than six months but not more than one year or a fine of not less than P5,000 but not more than P10,000 or both.

operates in CALABARZON region with branches in the provinces of Batangas (Sto. Tomas, Lipa, Balayan, and Batangas City), Cavite (Cav-ite City, Dasmarias, and Tagaytay) and Laguna (Sta. Rosa, and Calamba). Its head office is located in San Pablo City, Laguna. To strengthen its presence in the country, five more branches are sched-

uled to be opened within the year in selected provinces in northern Luzon.

CARD SME Bank is a member of CARD Mutu-ally Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) founded by Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip and 14 other social develop-ment practitioners in 1986 with a mission of eradicating poverty.

bikol reporter 5june 21-27, 2015

naGa CITYS nO. OnE TOp TaXpaYERin photo from left: sM supermarket Assistant store Manager raymond Lopez, Mall Manager wesley Villanueva, Assistant Mall Manager Jeannette De Vera and sM store Assistant branch Manager John Yuboco received the plaques of recognition for SM Naga and Affiliates during the awarding rites for Naga City's top taxpayers. sM Prime Holdings, inc. was again cited No. 1 in business tax national category and real Property tax corporate category for 2014. sM Affiliates top taxpayers awardees include Mainstrean Business, Inc., ( SM Store ), Supervalue, inc., ( sM supermarket ), ACe Hardware Philippines,inc. and Family Health and beauty Corporation ( watsons ). the recognition was given by Mayor John bongat after he delivered the state of our City report last June 16 this year at the Naga City Peoples Hall.

CArD sMe bank opens its Naga branch with Mary Jane A. Perreras, CArD sMe bank President & Ceo and Noel Aguirre, board Director of Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and industry, cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Present in the photo are Cynthia b. baldeo, CArD sMe bank executive Vice President & Coo and rev. edgar F. Adversario, Parish Priest, immaculate Concepcion Parish. Hon. John bongat, Naga City Mayor and Hon. Gabriel bordado Jr. also graced the occasion.

Card sMe bank opens Naga branchBusiness enterprises and

individual depositors in Naga City and nearby prov-inces in the Bicol Region will have more choices in choos-ing bank products and ser-vices as CARD SME Bank opens its 11th branch in Naga City in March 2015.

CARD SME Bank is one of the countrys fastest grow-ing thrift banks in the coun-

try. The bank aims to bring its products and services and make it more accessible to its target clients.

A full-fledged thrift bank, CARD SME Bank provides a wide variety of products and services from deposit accounts such as savings, ATM, check-ing, time deposit and even kid-die savings to consumer loans such as car and housing loans.

It also offers various business loans especially designed to suit the needs of SMEs such as flexible payment terms and options, affordable inter-est rates and amounts ranging from P10,000.00 to P5M. An agricultural loan is also avail-able to assist farmers and oth-er agri-businesses.

CARD SME Bank mostly (Turn to page 4)

bikol reporter6 june 21-27, 2015republic of the PhilippinesProvince of Camarines surMunicipality of CArAMoAN

-ooo-

Office of the Sangguniang Bayan

eXCerPt FroM tHe MiNutes oF tHe reGuLAr sessioN oF tHe 9th sANGGuNiANG bAYAN oF CArAMoAN, CAMAriNes sur HeLD oN FebruArY 2, 2015 At tHe sessioN HALL, MuNiCiPAL MAiN buiLDiNG, CArAMoAN, CAMAriNes sur.

PRESENT: HON. IRENE R. BREIS - Municipal Vice-Mayor/Presiding Officer

MeMbers HON. EDUARDO B. BONITA HON. CARLOS B. CHAVEZ HON. JUANITA P. BELLEZA HON. GETULIO A. FERNANDO, JR. HON. RAUL F. VILLARETE HON. LYDIA C. OBIAS HON. MANOLO A. PINEDA, JR. HON. DICK H. CORDIAL LIGA President (Ex-Officio Member)ABSENT: HON. FRANCIS R. BENEMERITO - Municipal Councilor

resoLutioN No. 30Series of 2015

resoLutioN eNACtiNG AN orDiNANCe ProHibitiNG tHe use, sALe, DistributioN AND ADVertiseMeNt oF CiGArettes AND otHer tobACCo ProDuCts iN CertAiN PLACes, iMPosiNG PeNALties For VioLAtioNs tHereoF AND ProViDiNG tHereFor, AND For otHer PurPoses. wHereAs, the 1987 constitution of the Republic of the Philippines declares that the state shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them;

wHereAs, the Republic of the Philippines, under the Framework Convention of Tobacco control (FCTC) to which she is a party, determined to give priority to the right to protect public health and to promote measures of tobacco control based on current and relevant scientific, technical and economic considerations, and agreed to implement the measures provided in the treaty;

wHereAs, the Local government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160) accords every local government unit power and authority to promote the general welfare within its territorial jurisdiction, including the promotion of health and safety of its constituents;

wHereAs, the Philippine Clean Air Act of 2003 (Republic Act No. 8749) declares the right of every citizen to breathe clean air, prohibits smoking inside enclosed public places including public vehicles and other means of transport and directs local government units to implement this provision;

wHereAs, the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (Republic Act No. 9211) prohibits smoking in certain public places whether enclosed or outdoors; prohibits the purchase and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to and by minors and in certain places frequented by minors; imposes bans and restrictions on advertising, promotion and sponsorship activities of tobacco companies; and directs local government unit to implement these provisions;

wHereAs, the Civil Service Memorandum (CSC) Circular No. 17, Series of 2009 prohibits smoking in premises, buildings and grounds of government agencies providing health, education or social welfare and development services such as hospitals, health centers, schools and universities and colleges; provides for specific requirements for designated smoking areas;

wHereAs, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board

(LTFRB) Memorandum Circular 2009-036 provides drivers and operators of public utility vehicles are responsible for posting No Smoking signs in their vehicles;

wHereAs, the LGU of Caramoan, Camarines Sur recognizes that local government must act with urgency to denormalize the culture of smoking and tobacco consumption through comprehensive and proven effective tobacco control measures;

wHereAs, the Civil Service Commission Department of Health Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2010-01 prohibits government personnel from interacting with tobacco industry and those representing their interests unless it is strictly necessary to effectively regulate, control or supervise them;

wHereAs, the LGU of Caramoan, Camarines Sur recognizes the fundamental and irreconcilable conflict between the tobacco industrys interests and public health policy and realizes the need to be alert, be informed and neutralize any efforts by the tobacco industry to undermine, challenge or subvert tobacco control efforts through bribery, intimidation and interference in local policy implementation;

wHereAs, scientific evidence has unequivocally established that tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke cause death, disease and disability; lead to devastating health, social, economic and environmental consequences; and places burdens on families, on poor and on national and local health system;

wHereAs, an increasing number of Filipinos die each year of tobacco-related diseases such as stroke, heart disease, and various cancers, among others; and both the public and workers, in facilities where smoking is allowed, are most at risk from these and other tobacco-related disease;

wHereAs, scientific evidence has shown that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke; that effective measures to protect from exposure to it requires the total elimination of smoking and tobacco smoke; and that approaches other than 100% smoke-free environments, including ventilation, air filtration and the use of designated smoking areas (whether or not with separate ventilation systems) have repeatedly been shown to be ineffective;

wHereAs, it is well documented that tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship increase tobacco use and that comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship decrease tobacco use. Thus, an effective ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship should, as recognized by Parties to the Convention in Articles 13.1 and 13.2, be comprehensive and applicable to all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship;

wHereAs, in order to minimize ease of access of tobacco products, particularly to minors, and in order to provide a more supportive environment for those who are attempting to quit tobacco use, there is a need to strengthen existing measures on access restriction, including the regulation of sales, distribution and availability, as prescribed under Article 16 of this Convention.

wHereFore, the foregoing premise considered, on motion therefore by Hon. Juanita P. Belleza, duly seconded by Hon. Lydia C. Obias, be it

resoLVeD by the Sangguniang Bayan of Caramoan, Camarines Sur, to enact the following ordinance, to wit;

MuNiCiPAL orDiNANCe No. 01Series of 2015

seCtioN 1. titLe. This Ordinance shall be known as the sMoKe Free orDiNANCe oF CArAMoAN, CAMAriNes sur.

seCtioN 2. PurPose. It is the purpose of this Ordinance to safeguard

public health and ensure the well-being of all its constituents by protecting them from the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco consumption, reducing potential exposure to tobacco marketing and advertising, restrict its accessibility, and provides support and a conducive environment for tobacco users to quit.

seCtioN 3. CoVerAGe. This Ordinance shall apply to all persons, whether natural or juridical, whether resident or not, and in all places, found within the territorial jurisdiction of Caramoan, Camarines Sur.

seCtioN 3. DeFiNitioN oF terMs. As used in this Ordinance, the terms below shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section. Any words or terms not defined shall be given their plain and customary meanings, unless the context requires otherwise, and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the purpose and spirit of this Ordinance.

a. Advertising and promotion means any form of commercial communication, recommendation or action with the aim, effect or likely effect of promoting a tobacco product or tobacco use either directly or indirectly.

b. Civil society organization (Cso) refers to legally constituted voluntary civic and social organization or institution created with no participation of government, including (NGOs), community groups, womens organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations, coalitions and advocacy groups duly recognized by the Office of the Governor/Mayor. As used in this Ordinance, CSO does not include organizations or associations related to or connected with the tobacco industry in any way.

c. Designated smoking Area refers to an outdoor space, duly approved by the Municipal Health Officer, where smoking may be allowed without violating this Ordinance, that meets the following requirements:1. It shall be located in an open-space with no permanent or temporary

roof or walls in an outdoor area.2. It is not located in or within ten (10) meters from entrances, exits, or

any place where people pass or congregate.3. It shall not have an area larger than 10 square meters.4. Food or drinks are not served in the designated smoking area.5. No building shall have more than one designated smoking area.6. Minors or persons below the age of 18 shall not be allowed inside.7. The designated smoking area has the following signages highly

visible and prominently displayed:a. Smoking Area signage with message showing Minors not

allowed within these premises b. Graphic health warnings on the effects of tobacco use

8. It shall not be located in places where absolute smoking bans in effect, such as, but not limited to: centers of youth activity such as playschools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, youth hostels and recreational facilities for persons under eighteen (18) years old; elevators and stairwells; locations in which fire hazards are present, including gas stations and storage areas for flammable liquid, gas, explosives or combustible materials; within the buildings and premises of public and private hospitals, medical, dental, and optical clinics, health centers, nursing homes, dispensaries and laboratories; public conveyances and terminals; food preparation areas; public parks; premises of all offices of the Department of Health, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of social Welfare and Development and the Civil Service commission, and other facilities where absolute smoking ban is imposed under special law, administrative and executive orders, memorandum circulars and related policies.

d. Enclosed or partially enclosed means being covered by a roof or enclosed by one or more walls or sides, regardless of the type of material used for the roof, wall or sides, and regardless of whether the structure is permanent or temporary.

e. Minor refers to any below eighteen (18) years old.f. Outdoor advertisement refers to any sign , model, placard, board,

billboard, banner, bunting, poster, streamer, light display, device, structure or representation employed outdoors wholly or partially to advertise or promote a tobacco product to the public.

g. Person-In-Charge refers to: in case of public places, public outdoor spaces and workplaces, the president/manager in case of a company, corporation or association, the owner/proprietor/operator in case of a single proprietorship or the administrator in case of government property, office or building; in case of public conveyances, the owner, driver, operator, conductor or the captain of the public conveyance; in case of school, the provincial/municipal/city schools superintendent or the principal.

h. Point-of-sale refers to any location at which an individual can purchase

bikol reporter 7june 21-27, 2015or otherwise obtain tobacco products.

i. Public conveyances refers to modes of transportation servicing the general population, such as, but not limited to, elevators, airplanes, ships, jeepneys, buses, taxicabs, trains, light rail transits, tricycles and other similar vehicles.

j. Public places means all places, fixed or mobile, that are accessible or open the public or places for collective use, regardless of ownership or right to access, including but not limited to, schools, workplaces, government facilities, establishments that provide food and drinks, accommodation, merchandise, professional services, entertainment or other services. It also includes outdoor spaces where facilities are available for the public or where a crowd of people would gather, such as, but not limited to, playgrounds, sports grounds or centers, church grounds, health/hospital compounds, transportation terminals, markets, parks, resorts, walkways, entrance ways, waiting areas and the like.

k. Second-hand smoke means the smoke emitted from the burning end of a cigarette or from other tobacco products usually in combination with the smoke exhaled by the smoker.

l. Smoke free air (for purposes of this ordinance) is air that is 100% free from tobacco smoke. This definition includes, but is not limited to, air in which tobacco smoke cannot be seen, smelled, smelled, sensed or measured.

m. Smoking means being in possession or control of a lit tobacco product regardless of whether the smoke is being actively inhaled or exhaled.

n. Tobacco products means products entirely or partially made of the leaf of tobacco as raw material which are manufactured to be used for smoking, sucking, chewing or snuffing, such as but not limited to cigarette, cigar, pipe, shisha/hookah and chew tobacco.

o. Tobacco industry refers to organizations, entities, associations and individuals that work for on in behalf of the tobacco industry, such as, but not limited to, tobacco manufacturers, wholesale distributors, importers of tobacco products, tobacco retailers, front groups and any other individuals or organizations including, but not limited to a lawyers, scientist and lobbyist that work to further the interests of the tobacco industry that compete with those of tobacco control.

p. Tobacco Industry Interference refers to a broad array of tactics and strategies used by the tobacco industry to interfere with the setting and implementation of tobacco control measures.

q. Workplace means any place used by people during their employment or work, whether done for compensation or voluntarily, including all attached or associated places commonly used by the workers in the course of their work (for example, corridors, elevators, stairwells, toilets, lobbies, lounges). Vehicles used in the course of work are considered workplaces.

seCtioN 5. ProHiteD ACts The following acts are declared unlawful and prohibited by this Ordinance:

a. Smoking in enclosed or partially enclosed public places, workplaces, public conveyances (whether mobile or stationary), or other public places, except in Designated Smoking areas compliant with the requirements as defined in Section 4;

b. For persons-in charge to allow, abet or tolerate smoking in place enumerated in the preceding paragraph and outside of the approved Designated Smoking Area as defined in Section 4;

c. Selling or distributing tobacco products in a school, public playground or other facility frequented by minors, offices of the Department of Health (DOH) and attached agencies, hospitals and health facilities or within 100 meters from any point in the perimeter of these places;

d. Selling or distributing tobacco products within premises of government facilities;

e. Selling or distributing tobacco products to minors;f. Purchasing tobacco products from minors;g. Placing cinema and outdoor advertisements of tobacco products;h. Placing, posting or distributing advertising and promotional materials of

tobacco products, such as leaflets, posters and similar materials, in any outside the premises of point-of-sale establishments;

i. Placing, posting or distributing advertising and promotional materials of tobacco products, such as leaflets, posters and similar materials, even if inside to sell or distribute tobacco products, as in Section 5 (c) and (d) above.

seCtioN 6. Duties AND obLiGAtioNs oF PersoN-iN-CHArGe Person-in-charge shall:

a. Prominently post and display No Smoking signages in the locations most visible to the public in the areas where

smoking is prohibited. At the very least, a No Smoking sign must be posted at the entrance to the area. The No Smoking sign shall be at least 8 x 11 inches in size and the international No Smoking symbol shall occupy no less than 70% of the signage. The remaining lower 30% of the signage shall show the following information:

striCtLY No sMoKiNGAs per ORDINANCE NO. _______

Violators can be fined up to ________Report violations to ___________

(Hotline number optional)

b. Prominently post and display No Smoking stickers in the most conspicuous location within the public conveyance. At the very least, the three and a half (3.5) square inch No Smoking sticker shall be placed on the windshield and the ten (10) square inch No Smoking sticker at the drivers back seat;

c. Remove from the places where smoking is prohibited all ashtrays and any other receptacles for disposing of cigarette refuse;

d. For persons-in-charge of government premises intending to establish a Designated Smoking Areas (DSA), secure a certification/permit from the duly authorized officer or representative of the Civil Service Commission; while for persons-in-charge of commercial establishments/buildings or other non-government facilities intending

to establish a DSA, to secure a certification /permit from the Building/Engineering Officer, after complying with the requirements for a DSA, as stated in Section 4 (c);

e. For persons-in-charge of schools, public playgrounds, health or other facilities frequented by minors, post the following statement in a clear and conspicuous manner.

seLLiNG, DistributioN, ADVertisiNG AND ProMotioN oF CiGArettes or otHer tAbACCo ProDuCts Not ALLoweD witHiN 100 Meters FroM ANY PoiNt iN tHe PeriMeter oF ALL eDuCAtioNAL iNstitutioNs, PLAYGrouNDs AND HeALtH FACiLitY

f. For person-in charge of schools, public playgrounds or other facilities frequented by minors, offices of the DOH and attached agencies, hospitals and health facilities, report to the Smoke Free Task force tobacco products sale, distribution, advertisement and/or promotion from establishments located within 100 meters from its perimeter;

g. For person-in charge of establishments intending to sell tobacco products, secure a permit to retail/wholesale tobacco from the Business Permits and License Officer;

h. For person-in charge of approved point-of-sale establishments, post the following statement, together with a pictorial health warning on the health consequences of tobacco use, as prescribed by the Municipal Health Office, in a clear and conspicuous manner:

sALe/DistributioN oF tobACCoProDuCts to MiNors is uNLAwFuL

i. For person-in charge of tobacco-of-sale establishments, remove all forms of tobacco advertisement other than those found inside the store premises;

j. Establish internal procedure and measures through which this Ordinance shall be implemented and enforced within the area of which he or she is in charge. This includes compliance to the sales, distribution, advertising and promotions restrictions, warning smoking violators in banned areas and requesting them to stop smoking, and if they refuse to comply, asking them to leave the premises, and if they still refuse to comply, reporting the incident to the Health Office, the nearest peace officer, or to any member of the Smoke Free Task Force through its hotline or by other means;

k. Ensure that all the employees in the establishment are aware of this Ordinance and the procedure and measures for implementing and enforcing it.

l. Allow inspectors acting under Section 14 and 15 hereof and representatives of the designated civil society organization under Section 16 entry into the inspecting its compliance with this Ordinance;

m. For all signages required to be posted under (a), (b), (e) and (h) above, provide for versions of them in the local language or in English.

seCtioN 7. PersoNs LiAbLe The following persons shall be liable under this Ordinance:

a. Any person or entity who commits any of the prohibited acts stated in Section 5 hereof;

b. Person-in-charge who knowingly allow, abet or tolerate the prohibited acts enumerated in Section 5 or who otherwise fail to fulfil the duties and obligations enumerated in Section 6 hereof.

seCtioN 8. PeNALties the following penalties shall be imposed on violators of this Ordinance:

a. Violation of Section 5 (a), (b) and Section 6i. First Offense P 500.00ii. Second Offense P1,000.00iii. Third and Subsequent Offenses P2,500.00or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 30 days or both at the discretion

of the court. Suspension or revocation of business license or permit (in case of a business entity or establishment), if applicable

b. Violation of Section 5 (c), (d ), (e), (f), (g), (h)and (i)i. First Offense P500.00ii. Second Offense P1,000.00iii. Third and Subsequent Offenses P2,500.00or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 30 days, or both at the

discretion of the court. Suspension or revocation of business license or permit (in case of a business entity or establishment), if applicable

c. Revocation or Suspension of License/Permit. The license/permit to sell (tobacco products) or operate of any establishment or any public conveyance covered by this Ordinance shall also be suspended or revoked the same fail to perform the necessary action within fifteen (15) days upon receipt of violation notice or fail to pay the corresponding penalty as stated in the Citation Ticket for the violation committed within seven (7) working days. However, the license/permit shall be suspended for at least one (1) week but not more than one (1) month, or revoked. Should the license/permit found to be in violation of this ordinance, fall outside of the jurisdiction of LGU Caramoan, the recommendation for revocation or suspension of license/permit shall be forwarded to the appropriate agency or government body. The suspension or revocation of the license/permit of the erring establishment or public conveyance shall only be lifted once all the requirements set forth upon re-inspection and evaluation of the Health Office, Building/Engineering Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office and/or the appropriate agency or governing body has been fully complied with. (If the Ordinance is being implemented by the Province, the provincial government shall recommend the revocation or suspension to the appropriate city/municipality.)

d. Community Service. If a violator is unable to pay the fines imposed, he or she may choose to render community service within the municipality of Caramoan, Camarines Sur. For every hour of community service rendered, his outstanding fine shall be reduced by an amount equivalent to triple the hourly minimum wage of LGU of Caramoan,

bikol reporter8 june 21-27, 2015Camarines Sur.

e. Confiscation or Removal. Tobacco products and advertising/promotions paraphernalia associated with any violation of the prohibited acts in this Ordinance shall be subject to confiscation and/or removal.

seCtioN 9. CitAtioN tiCKet sYsteM - Violators of this Ordinance shall be informed of their violation and the penalty associated with such violation by means of Citation Ticket System with the following guidelines:

a. Official booklets of Citation Tickets shall be issued by the Treasurer to duly authorized enforcers within ninety (90) calendar days of the effectivity of this Ordinance.

b. A Citation Ticket shall be issued to the person/s liable for any violation of this Ordinance upon finding of the violation by duly authorized enforcers.

c. A Citation Ticket shall be contain the following information:1. Checklist of the violations under this Ordinance;2. The fines associated with each violation;3. Option to render community service in case violator is unable to pay

fine;4. Due date for compliance with the obligations imposed by the ticket.

d. When a Citation Ticket is issued to a violator, the violator shall report to the Treasurers Office or its duly authorized collecting agent, within three (3) regular business days after such issuance, where he or she shall either pay the fine imposed or render community service under Section 8 (e) hereof.

e. The Treasurers Office shall keep a duplicate of all Citation Tickets issued to violators as well as other records of violations of this Ordinance.

seCtioN 10. sMoKiNG CessAtioN ProGrAM - the Health Officer, with the assistance of the Health Education and Promotion Officer, or other members of the Smoke Free Task Force, which includes the CSO representative designated under Section 16 hereof, shall develop, promote and implement a Smoking Cessation Program and encourage the participation therein of public and private facilities which may be able to provide for its requirements. Smokers who are willing to quit and/or those found violating this Ordinance may referred to the Smoking Cessation Program and its facilities.

eNForCeMeNt

seCtioN 11. sMoKe Free tAsK ForCe - a Task Force shall be created to aid in the implementation, enforcement and monitoring of this Ordinance and to protect the same from tobacco industry interference at all times, as well as to conduct educational awareness campaigns, information dissemination programs and capacity building programs, that will inform the constituents and train enforcement officers.

The Task Force chaired by the Mayor/Governor and shall have the following members:

a. Health Officerb. Health Education and Promotion Officer/ or equivalent designatec. Building/Engineering Officerd. Legal Officere. Information Officerf. Business Permits and License Officer (of the city/municipality)g. Representative/s of one or more Civil Society Organizations (CSO)

designated by Health Officer, under Section 16 hereofh. Representative of Philippine National Police (PNP)i. Treasurerj. Environment and Natural Resources Officer (ENRO) from the LGU or

from DENRk. Representative/s from DepED, CHED and/or academic institutionl. Local President of the city/municipal Liga ng mga Barangay ng

Pilipinas (ABC)m. Public Safety Officern. Social Welfare and Development Officero. Civil Service Commission official/or equivalent to Human Resource

Officerp. Provincial/City/Municipal Administratorq. Other member/s identified by Health Officer (whose specific function

in LGU and role may be relevant in the effective implementation of this Ordinance)

The Task Force shall not include as its member any person or entity upholding or accommodating tobacco industry interests or is connected in any way to the tobacco industry in order to protect the primary health objectives of this Ordinance from any and all interests prejudicial to tobacco control policies and to preserve its integrity. No member of the Task Force shall also receive for himself or for other individuals, beneficiaries or groups, any contribution or compensation, directly or indirectly, whether financial or otherwise, from the tobacco industry. Non-compliance of this provision, governing the Task force, by public officials and government personnel, shall be subject to sanctions prescribed under CSC-DOH Joint Memorandum Circular 2010-001.

seCtioN 12. Duties AND resPoNsibiLities oF tHe tAsK

ForCe - Other that (1) receiving, reviewing and processing reports of violations and complaints regarding this Ordinance (2) attending regular Task Force meetings, and (3) deputizing enforcers under Section 13 to 16 hereof, the Task Force, headed by the Mayor, shall have the following respective duties and responsibilities:

a. The Health Officer shall:1. Serve as the overall coordinator among all the offices/departments

involved in the implementation of this Ordinance;

2. Make tobacco control, including the implementation and enforcement of this Ordinance, a part of the health program and propose funding under the general budget of LGU of Caramoan, Camarines Sur;

3. Monitor compliance in public places, establishments, conveyances, point-of-sale, Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs), and other offices in charge of enforcing this Ordinance;

4. Facilitate together with enforcers and/or Task Force members the imposition of fines, suspension or revocation of permits/licenses for violations of the same;

5. Assign a hotline or any other number to which violations of this Ordinance may be reported by phone calls or SMS, and a person to operate the line and record reports;

6. Develop, promote and implement a Smoking Cessation Program, as stated under Section 10.

b. The Health Education and Promotion Officer shall:1. Develop and produce information, education and communication

materials on the harms of second-hand smoke as well as on the provisions of this Ordinance;

2. Encourage constituents to monitor and report violations of this Ordinance;

3. Assist the Health Officer in developing, promoting and implementing a Smoking Cessation Program.

c. The Building/engineering Officer shall:1. Conduct, together with the Health Office or its own, inspection

activities as provided in this Ordinance;2. Determine whether or not enclosed or partially enclosed public places,

workplaces or other public places and point-of-sale establishments, comply with the requirements of this Ordinance;

3. Recommend the approval, suspension or revocation of licenses/permits for establishments/facilities to compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance.

d. The Business Permits and License Officer shall:1. Order the suspension or revocation of licenses/permits of

establishments found to have violated this Ordinance, subject to the provisions of Section 8 hereof;

2. Deny renewal of licenses/permits of repeat violators of this Ordinance;

3. Establish procedure for identifying, informing and marking establishments covered by the 100-meter ban on sale, distribution and advertising of tobacco products.

e. The CSO Representative/s shall:1. Assist in inspections and monitoring violations of this Ordinance;2. Assist in promoting awareness of this Ordinance and in encouraging

public support and participation for its implementation and enforcement;

3. Assist in promoting and, if capable, implementing a Smoking Cessation Program;

4. Assist in developing and conducting orientation and training seminars for enforcers;

5. Assist in evaluating the performance of the Task Force and the effectiveness of the implementation and enforcement of this Ordinance.

f. The PNP Representative shall:1. Apprehend violators in accordance with the provisions of this

Ordinance;2. Assist [name of LGU] officials and deputized civilians in apprehending

violators and in filling the appropriate complaints when necessary;3. Assist in promoting awareness of this Ordinance and in encouraging

public support and participation in its implementation and enforcement;

4. Employ the assistance of other members of the Task Force during enforcement;

g. The Treasurer shall:1. Facilitate the printing of Citation Tickets;2. Issue booklets of the Citation Tickets to the enforcers;3. Collect/receive film paid by violators and submit reports on its

collection;4. Designate collections agents as necessary to assist in efficient

collection of fines;5. Facilitate the release and allocation of funds derived from the collection

of fines, penalties, generated resources and appropriated budget.h. The Environment and Natural Resources Officer shall:1. Assist in promoting awareness of this Ordinance as a component

in the protection and conservation of the environment and in encouraging public support and participation in its implementation and enforcement;

2. Assist in inspection and monitoring violations of the Ordinance on its own or with any other member of the Task Force;

3. Conduct periodic monitoring of air, water, soil quality and other studies pertinent to determining levels of exposure to tobacco smoke, residue, by-products and litter.

i. The Representative from DepED, CHED and/or Academic institution shall:

1. Implement the Department Orders on the integration of tobacco control education into the school curricula;

2. Ensure strict compliance of the Memos and Orders on the protection of the bureaucracy from Tobacco Industry interference s per FCT Article 5.3;

3. Ensure strict compliance of schools in enforcing 100% smokefree campuses and school facilities including the schools vehicles;

4. Ensure the posting in clear and conspicuous manner No Smoking signs, and notices for the sales ban of Tobacco Products within 100 meters from the perimeter of schools and centers of youth activity.

j. The Local President of the Liga ng mga Barangay ng Pilipinas (Association of Barangay Captains) shall:

1. Assist in promoting awareness of this Ordinance in encouraging public support and participation in its implementation and enforcement;

2. Coordinate with all Barangay Captains and the PNP in monitoring violations of the Ordinance within their jurisdictions;

3. Provide the necessary coordination among the Barangay Health Workers, Kagawads and Tanods and other enforcers (i.e Coast

bikol reporter 9june 21-27, 2015Guards) for the implementation of activities pertinent to the Ordinances;

4. Assist in the facilitation and referrals to the Smoking Cessation Program at the Barangay Level if applicable.

k. The Public Safety Officer shall:1. Assist in promoting awareness of this Ordinance in encouraging public

support and participation in its implementation and enforcement;2. Monitor compliance in public places, establishments, conveyances,

point-of-sale, Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs), together with other members of the Task Force;

3. Coordinate with enforcers and/or Task Force members regarding the imposition of fines, suspension or revocation of licenses/permits for violations.

l. The Social Welfare and Development Officer1. Assist in the enforcement of this Ordinance when minors are

involved;2. Provide the necessary interventions for minors implicated in

violations.m. The Civil Service Commission Official/ or equivalent Human

Resources Officer:1. Oversee the implementation of smokefree government facilities;2. Evaluate for approval the proper establishment of Designated

Smoking Areas in government where it may apply;3. Assist in the enforcement of this Ordinance when minors are involved,

and provide the necessary interventions for minors implicated in violations.

n. The Provincial/City/Municipal Administrator:1. Assist the Mayor/Governor in overseeing the implementation and

enforcement of this Ordinance, in close coordination with other members of the Task Force;

2. Provide regular updates to the Mayor/Governor as to the status of the Ordinances implementation and enforcement.

seCtioN 13. eNForCeMeNt oN iNDiViDuALs - Members of the PNP and/or persons duly deputized by the Task Force shall apprehend and issue Citation Tickets against persons found in violation or have failed to comply with any provisions enumerated under Section 5 and 6 hereof. They shall forward copies of the tickets they issue violators to the Treasurers Office regularly or at least once a week. If the violator is a minor (person below 18), he or she must be brought to the nearest Social Welfare Office for dispensation of appropriate action subject to RA 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Law).

seCtioN 14. eNForCeMeNt oN PubLiC CoNVeYANCe - Members of the PNP and/or persons duly deputized by the Task Force shall inspect public conveyances during their regular hours of operation and shall issue Citation Tickets upon discovery of any violation of this Ordinance. They shall forward copies of the tickets they issue violators to the Treasurers Office regularly or at least once a week.

seCtioN 15. eNForCeMeNt oN estAbLisHMeNts - Ninety (90) calendar days after the effectivity of this Ordinance an inspection team composed of representatives from the Health Office, the Engineers Office, and the Permits and License Office, shall conduct inspections of establishments and buildings to determine their compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance.

Regular inspection shall thereafter be conducted at least once every month or simultaneously with other regular inspections done by the appropriate LGU Office or department, whichever is more frequent, during normal hours of operation of the establishment.

The inspection team shall issue a Citation Ticket against the establishment upon finding of non-compliance with or any violation of this Ordinance. A Citation Ticket may be issued for each day that the establishment is found to be non-compliant.

Re-inspection of the establishment shall be done on any day after the issuance of the Citation Ticket, but in no case more than ten (10) calendar days after such issuance. If the establishment fails to comply with the obligations stated in the Citation Ticket upon re-inspection, the inspection team shall recommend the suspension of the license to operate of the establishment, consistent with Section 8 (d) hereof.

In the course of inspection team may apprehend individual violators and request the assistance of the PNP in doing so.

seCtioN 16. CiViLLiAN PArtiCiPAtioN iN eNForCeMeNt - Within thirty (30) calendar days from the effectivity of this Ordinance, the Health Office shall designate, with the approval of the Office of the Mayor, one or more civil society organizations (CSO) to discharge the duties and responsibilities enumerated in Section 12 (g) hereof.

The Task Force may deputize qualified civilians to serve s enforcers of this Ordinance. Any person can file with the Task Force a report of a complaint for any violation of this Ordinance.

iNForMAtioN CAMPAiGN

seCtioN 17. iNForMAtioN CAMPAiGN - Within sixty (60) calendar days of the effectivity of this Ordinance, the Task Force shall:

a. In coordination with the Office of the Mayor:1. Provide at least two (2) copies of this Ordinance to every PNP station

or precinct in the jurisdiction of [name of LGU];2. Provide a primer on this Ordinance for every members of the PNP in

the [LGU]; and3. Conduct lectures to brief members to the PNP members of the

provisions of this Ordinance and of their responsibilities with respect to its enforcement.

b. In coordination with the Permits and Licenses Office, give a copy of this Ordinance and its primer to all existing establishments that are licensed to operate, as well as to those applying for new license or permits to operate.

c. In coordination with the Information Office, give a copy of this Ordinance and its primer to all public utility vehicle operators plying within and through LGU Caramoan.

seCtioN 18. PubLiC biLLboArDs, NotiCes iN bArANGAYs. -

Upon effectivity of this Ordinance, the Engineers Office shall put up billboards in conspicuous places in the Caramoan, Camarines Sur to notify the public of the restrictions and sanctions imposed by the Ordinance. The Information Office shall also immediately issue for dissemination at the barangay level notices regarding the obligations of persons under the Ordinance.

seCtioN 19. CoNDuCt oF orieNtAtioN seMiNArs AND trAiNiNGs. - Within sixty (60) calendar days from the effectivity of this Ordinance and periodically thereafter, the Health Officer, with the assistance of the Health Education and Promotion Officer and the CSO representative designated under Section 16 hereof, with the other members of the Task Force, shall develop and conduct a series of orientation seminars and trainings for the enforcers of this Ordinance, at least one for each group, including but not limited to, deputized enforcers like barangay health workers, barangay tanods and the local PNP.

FiNANCiNG

seCtioN 20. FuNDiNG. - An initial funding to defray the expenses necessary for or incidental to the implementation of this Ordinance in the amount of Two Hundred thousand Pesos (P200,000.00)shall be sourced from the fund of LGU Caramoan and is hereby allocated. Every year thereafter, at least Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) shall automatically be included in the Annual Budget of LGU Caramoan for the implementation and enforcement of this Ordinance, based on the LGU Caramoan plan and programs.

The above expenses include, but are not limited to:a. Cost of printing copies of this Ordinance, the citation Tickets and

information, education and communication materials pertaining to tobacco control;

b. Cost of inspection and enforcement by the Smoke Free Task Force, including allowances for meals and transportation, the amounts of which shall be set by the Office of the Mayor;

c. Incentive or rewards for private citizens who report violations of this Ordinance;

d. Institutional and operating expenses of the smoking cessation program and facility;

e. Other expenses associated with the implementation and enforcement of this Ordinance.

Proceeds from the administrative fines shall form part of a Trust Fund that will be used to defray costs of operations of the Smoke Free Task Force. The latter shall be empowered to determine how the Trust Fund is to be utilized in furtherance of this Ordinance.

seCtioN 21. rePeALiNG CLAuse. - All ordinances contrary to or inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

seCtioN 22. sePArAbiLitY CLAuse. - If any part or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other parts or provisions hereof.

seCtioN 23. eFFeCtiVitY CLAuse. - This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

we HerebY CertiFY to the correctness of this foregoing resolution embodying Municipal Ordinance No. 01, Series of 2015.

(Sgd.) DANiLo o. beLLeZA Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan

ATTESTED:

(Sgd.) ireNe r. breisMunicipal Vice-Mayor

CONCURRED:

(Sgd.) eDuArDo b. boNitA (Sgd.) CArLos b. CHAVeZMunicipal Councilor Municipal Councilor

(Sgd.) JuANitA P. beLLeZA (Sgd.) GetuLio A. FerNANDo, Jr.Municipal Councilor Municipal Councilor

(Sgd.) rAuL F. ViLLArete (Sgd.) LYDiA C. obiAsMunicipal Councilor Municipal Councilor

(Sgd.) MANoLo A. PiNeDA, Jr. (Sgd.) DiCK H. CorDiALMunicipal Councilor LIGA President (Ex-Officio Member)

APPROVED:

(Sgd.) eNGr. CoNstANtiNo H. CorDiAL, Jr. Municipal Mayor

biKoL rePorterPublished: June 14 and 21, 2015

bikol reporter10 june 21-27, 2015BIKOL REPORTER10 JUNE 21-27, 2015

DATE OF INTERMENT NAME OF DECEASED

MAY 1, 2015 JOSEFINA B. DE QUIROSMAY 2, 2015 JOSE B. LOMAY 2, 2015 ELADIO V. AMANMAY 6, 2015 SOLEDAD G. ALIVARVARMAY 7, 2015 DELIA P. DE MESAMAY 9, 2015 MANOLITO C. DIMAANOMAY 8, 2015 RAY JILL E. CORTEZMAY 11, 2015 CATALINA TAPELMAY 10, 2015 JESUS A. SAPAULAMAY 14, 2015 LUZ B. RUBIOMAY 14,2015 JOMEL V. BADIOLAMAY 16,2015 BELEN G. CASILIMAY 20,2015 LORETTA F. MENDIOLAMAY 22,2015 CLEOFAS E. ALIMMAY 23,2015 RUSTICA M. BONETEMAY 23,2015 RICARDO M. MATAMOROSAMAY 24,2015 ROMEO R. DE LOS SANTOSMAY 29,2015 ABEGAIL T. NIMO

FOR MAY

RIZAL CENTER BLESSINGDaet Mayor Tito S. Sarion is shown in photo during the opening of the Rizal Center of the Knights of Rizal of the town where

he is the new Chapter Commander at the Casa Illustrado, the old municipal hall.

RICE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTERS . . .

to serve our customers here, provide them with quality products at the best possible and affordable prize with great customer service. We at the Metro Retail Group believe that the customer is our Boss, so our priority is to serve the customers. Sec-ondly, we welcome compe-tition, knowing that Naga is a highly competitive city in terms of business. At the

end of the day, competition should benet the customers Emmanuel added.

Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. Chairman and CEO Mr. Frank Gaisano also gave his inspiring words to the in-vited guests and stated that he looks positively towards a new venture that would give the Nagueos and the constituents of its neighbor-ing towns, a better alterna-

tive when it comes to conve-nience, customer satisfaction and great ambiance for ease and comfort.

The expansion of the Su-per Metro here, the hyper-market format of the Metro Retail Stores Group Inc., is in response to the growing clamour for real estate ex-pansion of the said company. After thorough research, they have found out that Naga City will be a good com-munity for them, in terms

of business, growth and op-timistic outlook. Just like their other stores located in various nooks and corners of the country, Super Metro Hypermarket in Naga City will cater to the same brand of quality service and com-petitive prices of other Metro stores in the country.

The Super Metro Hyper-market here follows a retail

concept which means that it has a mix of 40 per cent grocery products and 60 per cent of general merchandise. Items were meticulously cho-sen to cater to the taste and preference of the buying pub-lic. The assortment will also allow customers to have a wide arrange of choices that will surely t their budget and style.

Owned and operated by the Metro Retail Stores Group Inc., the company envisions to become a world-class retail store, aggressively aiming to provide the customers with excellent environment, qual-ity service and be responsive to the customers needs at all times. The company believes in the philosophy of customer centeredness, among others.

Categorized as hyper-market, the Super Metro store here in Naga City is a one-oor market store where shoppers can buy a wide ar-ray of fresh meat, sea foods, fruits, and vegetables. In-ternational products coming from America, Canada, Aus-

tralia, France and Italy were sourced globally for the pen-chant of every customer.

For those who love Chi-nese foods, the store will also have a bounteous supply of Chinese food products. Asian products, as well as other local brand of supermarket goods will also be up for grabs of every purchaser.

First day shoppers re-ceived a great treat during the stores Opening Specials Pro-mo. From the fruits to drinks up to branded appliances and ne jewelry, the discount is just something that any buyer cant possibly resist!

Customers who want to avail of the Metro Loyalty Program can still grab the card for free until the 3rd day starting on the stores opening. A member can get free gifts with a maximum of Pp1,500.00 purchase only from the store. Customers are guaranteed of the Super Metros Super Finds, Super Prices and Super Shopping. Happy Shopping!!! -SUPER METRO Naga

Food packs will be distribut-ed anytime upon request of con-cerned local government units of Irosin, Juban and Casiguran towns.

Each of these towns have 300,000 food packs, Garcia said.

Each food pack consists of six

RELIEF GOODS GIVEN . . .kilos of rice, 4 cans of sardines, 4 cans of corned beef, 6 packs of noodles and cereal drinks.

Garcia said the DSWD has adequate stockpile of com-modities for 35,000 persons and standby funds for relief opera-tions.

He assured that relief goods

can meet the needs of affected families even for a long period of time.

We will replenish the family food packs upon distribution. Just like what we did during Mayon Volcano eruptions. We are ready for prolonged relief operations, but of course, we are not asking for the disaster to be prolonged, the DSWD ofcial said. - PNA

he said that the recognition be-stowed on them will hopefully inspire them more. Dimacu-langan for her part enjoined the awardees to continue giving their best for our farmers and for our country.

Over the past years the na-tional awarding ceremonies for Rice Achievers for AEWs, LFTs, outstanding provincial and Municipal LGUs represent-ed by the local chief executives and outstanding Irrigators asso-ciation and farmers association were held on same date and ven-ue. But this year, the national secretariat decided to have a

separate awarding ceremonies for the AEWs and LFTs so that the ceremonies would not be too crowded and cramped up and too long. It will also give equal prominence to the AEWs and LFTs.

The Outstanding Local Farm-er Technicians for 2014 were: Edgar A. Pasebre and Rodolfo C. Tuanqui, Jr. of Polangui, Al-bay; Cenon A. Rull and Ramon N. Gaudiel of Pili, camarines Sur and Ramon S. Pidoc of Cama-rines Norte.

The outstanding AEWs of Bicol were: Rosalinda B. Belodo, Leticia M. Quian,

Sholenor B.Bongapat, Corazon O. Ginete, Jonel M. Llagas, Meden E. Castor, Eduardo M. Macasaet, Edelmira Buena , Elsie M. Frial , Nilo P. Elatico, Jennifer L. Dajac , Prescilla B. Ferrer, and Merlinda A. Daep all from Albay province. The awardees from Sorsogon were Noel Ernacio, Carmen Lladon-es, Vernon E. Haboc, Eduardo Cerdena, Felizardo H. Grajo, Joan G. Janoras, Marvin E. Guray and Eric Gloriane. The two awardees from Camarines Norte were Virginia P. Ablane-da and Edna S. Aguila. The lone awardee from camarines Sur was Milagros Lomeda. -Emily B. Bordado

ALL ROADS LEAD TO NAGA . . .

bikol reporter 11june 21-27, 2015

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DA honored rice program implementers

LEGAZPI CITY - A to-tal of 72 agricultural exten-sion workers (AEWs) and Local Farmer Technicians (LFTS) from Bicol (Region V), Calabarzon (Region IV-A) and MIMAROPA (Region IV-B) were honored by the Department of Agri-culture for their outstanding contribution in the success-ful implementation of Agri-Pinoy Rice Self Sufficiency Program for 2014. The

bicol region awardees with reD bragas, rtD delos santos, Mayor Flerida Alberto and other regional staff.

(L-r) DA bicol Director Abelardo r. bragas; Director Vilma Dimaculangan of CALAbArZoN; Director Cipriano santiago of MiMAroPA graced the rice Achievers Awards. bottom photo shows the achievers who attended the occasion held at the Venezia Hotel, Legazpi City.

awardees received P20,000 cash prize each, a glass tro-phy and some other tokens.

Dubbed as Rice Achievers Awards, this annual nation-wide search was launched by the DA in 2013 to recognize rice program implementers for their vital contribution in the national effort to achieve rice self-sufficiency in the regions and in the country. Of the 72 awardees, 32 were from Bicol; 12 from Calabarzon and 28

from MIMAROPA. Ernesto de la Torre, OIC provincial agriculturist of Albay prov-ince led the Bicol awardees as PLGU of Albay was the regional outstanding PLGU and a finalist to the national level. Marilyn M. Quiones and Alfredo A. Mariscotes, Jr. Municipal Agriculturists of Castilla, Sorsogon and Polan-gui, Albay respectively were also among the awardees.

The regional executive di-

rectors of the DA of the three regions which comprised the Luzon Cluster were all pres-ent during the awarding and gave their congratulatory messages and appreciation to the awardees. They were Eng. Abelardo R. Bragas of DA Bicol, Vilma M. Dimaculan-gan of CALABARZON and Atty. Cipriano G. Santiago of MIMAROPA. Also present were the two Regional Tech-nical directors for Operations and Extension : Dr. Elena B. De los Santos, Milo de los Santos for Bicol and Calbar-zon respectively and some staff from the DA central Of-fice. Mayor Flerida Alberto of Virac, Catanduanes, some DA regional staff from the 3 regions. also graced the oc-casion which was held at the Venezia Hotel here.

Bragas who served as RED of CALABARZON prior to his transfer to Bicol under-scored that agriculture is the growth driver of our countrys economy and Bicol having the biggest agriculture area among the region has a great potential for development if only it would be given an equitable share in the budget-ary or fiscal allocation by the national government. He said that Bicol ranks only 6th in the budget allocation among the regions.

Santiago on the other hand thanked the AEWs and farmer technicians for their efforts as

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