Pay Per Vote Election 2007 not Pay Per View

Not the Pay per View we watch from ABS-CBNNOW http://abs-cbnnow.com. The PPV we are talking about is the Pay Per Vote is the Philippine Election in May 2007. This is what you want to know if you want to run for office in the Philippines. Of course you can check COMELEC website http://www.comelec.gov.ph for official guidelines. But our method is fairly straight truth about politics Philippine style. Lets accept the certainty “Votes are for Sale”.

Since from the old political scheme to run for office you need 3G (not the 3rd generation telephone system) but “Guns, Goons and Gold”. Not to be considered bad but Guns makes you a respected person. Other party opposition doesn’t temp to create hostility “Gulat” on you because you run for the office. You have to have people – Goons that will enforce your plan of action. These are the people you are going to use to campaign and convince voters to choose a candidate. And Gold. Popularity in an election doesn’t necessarily converted to votes. You still need cash amount to bring people to vote. In either to pay for the transport or let people be able to eat while in town in the polling stations. Or plainly a gift “pahalipay” you choose them in the election. Which in legality during election if proven, is illegal and can bring up to 6 years imprisonment.

It depends on locality and population. To run for Mayor you need to have at least 500 thousand pesos. That is if you have 6 thousand voters and you have at least 83 pesos per voter. Some gets higher bid 1 thousand pesos per 3 candidates. That is a deal per number of candidate to write. To run for municipal councilor you need at least 100 thousand pesos. Part of it contributed to the party and part for personal vote buying. How do they know you include them in the ballot? They have a system signs called “contra sinyas”. Instead of writing name like Jose Rizal they will write Mr. Jose Rizal. Clear? Get it?

Not just that. Here are some more tips. Be sure you have Religious Recommendation. If you gets Iglesia Ni Cristo or PBMA ticket you are sure get more vote. Just be careful with Sample ballot tampering. Some candidates or party will try to change names from your sample ballot. Voters use this form as guide during the actual vote.

Some towns cost more. Like for example San Isidro in Siargao Island it cost 3 million capital to run for a mayor. Vote buying is much higher. Imagine how much you need to run for Governor or Senator or President? That makes me wonder how much money can I get back to get back investment. That is ROI return of investment from corruption and project kickbacks since salary is not enough.

Anyway… Choose right and shop wise. Vote what’s right. Happy shopping!

Dinagat Island Province and Municipal Candidates

The table is open for nomination. Who will you recommend for office for your town and for the Province Dinagat Island. And can you support it by pointing out background and experiences why he or she is right for the position? Remember you could always be an anonymous to post your entry. Nomination is open for the following offices: Governor, Board member, Mayor and Municipal Councilor. So you can note down name, office and town and your supporting statement. Whether it is already officially filled in the Commission on Election (COMELEC) or not I hope you can include it here. Thanks for your partaking.

Dinagat Island Inside Politics

It was said the interim provincial government set of officials would run in this coming May election. But this is believed to be not true. Some if not all will be change with a new set of candidates to run. Seems to represent the majority of the Dinagatnon. And since a party could not be monopolized by one family in the election. Most of the same last name candidates or family will run independently. As expected during the actual vote, most of the line-up board members that are not family is expected to be drop from the official sample ballot and gets zero vote recommendation.

Dinagat Island Chromite Prospect

The bulk of Chromite deposites in the Philippines are found in Zambales Province and Dinagat Island, off northeastern Mindanao. Here's the list for Dinagat Island Prospects.

Location : 1 Km. Bo. Camayog, Dinagat Island
Mine / Prospect Name : Camayog Prospect

Location : Due East of Bo. Osmeña, Dinagat Island
Mine / Prospect Name : Caniyog Prospect

Location : Dinagat Island
Mine / Prospect Name : Dinagat Island Prospect
Operated by : Alfa Integrated Mineral Res., Inc.

Location : Rizal, Dinagat Island
Mine / Prospect Name : Doña Helen Chromite Prospect

Location : Dinagat Island
Mine / Prospect Name : Libjo Chromite Deposits
Operated by : Velore Mining Corp.

Location : Dinagat Island
Mine / Prospect Name : Loreto Chromite Deposit
Operated by : Malayan Wood Products, Inc.

Location : Dinagat Island
Mine / Prospect Name : Masdang Chromite Deposit
Operated by : Acoje Mining Co.

Location : Eastern coast & north tip of Dinagat Island
Mine / Prospect Name : Masdang Prospect
Operated by : Acoje Mining Co.

Location : 5 Km. East of Bo. Osmeña, Dinagat Island
Mine / Prospect Name : Sub - Camp 3 Prospect

Location : NE of Bo. Tagababa, Dinagat Island
Mine / Prospect Name : Tagababa Prospect

Location : NE of Bo. Wilson, Dinagat Island
Mine / Prospect Name : Tagbaboy Prospect

Location : NE tip of Dinagat Island
Mine / Prospect Name : Talisay Prospect

Location : Pahi Creek and Gaas Inlet, Dinagat Island
Mine / Prospect Name : Talisay Prospect


source: www.pcierd.dost.gov.ph

Chromite - Alloy for a better IRON

Coffee potSteel is a mixture of iron with a small amount of carbon - around 1 percent. Such mixtures of metals are called alloys. Iron, in its pure form, can be heated and then bent, hammered or "wrought" into many forms. Iron objects produced this way are only moderately hard, and they can bend in use. Melting iron and pouring it into molds produces "cast iron" products that are brittle once they cool. But adding carbon to iron changes its microstructure and properties. When this mixture is heated it reaches an extremely ductile stage and can be formed easily. As steel cools it gains strength and rigidity, becoming stronger than iron. This process is called tempering. Different amounts of carbon and the rate of cooling determine the final properties of steel.

Adding chromium to this mixture produces a harder steel by delaying the transformation that occurs as steel is cooled, and steels with 3 to 5 percent chromium were produced beginning in 1865. It was not until the early 1900s that the corrosion resistant-properties of steels containing percentages of chromium higher than 5 percent were noticed. At higher percentages, chromium makes steel highly resistant to many corrosive agents and environments. These "stainless" steels have many applications in materials requiring high strength and resistance to corrosion. Perhaps the most well known uses of stainless steel are in cutlery and cookware. The stamp "18-8" for example indicates that the steel contains 18 percent chromium (for strength) and 8 percent nickel (for sheen). Today the use of chromium in the production of stainless steel accounts for 60 percent of chromium consumption. Stainless steel utensils and cutlery are found in kitchens throughout the United States. Read more...

Island Surf - Love and Hate

When I was young, I only have one chance in a year to visit Surigao City. Reason? Weather. Only during the month of May when the sea are usually calm. My mom’s scared to travel particularly in stormy condition when waves are bigger. Even though she’s from Siargao, where waves are much bigger in comparison. She doesn’t know how to swim. ;-) And I assumed not just us. Everyone hates the waves.

But it’s just lately that we know a wave is also good. Sort of. And that makes Siargao famous today. Our Sister Island is getting international because of it. Realty business in the island is booming and tourism in general. Check our movie clip from 2006 Quiksilver Open. You’re watching LibjoLIVE!

Treasure Hunting

The trend was long gone but the interest still lives on. (Uso-uso lang ba). Treasure hunting was once hot activity in Libjo. As you become aware of the subject, signs are everywhere it just keeps on popping up. Cemented rock with old markings, fill up stones telling some hint, metal detector clues that suggests something buried within and some chitchat about hidden burial sites.

Cemented cylinder landmark locally called “Muhon” is the usual suspect a treasure is concealed somewhere. Dinagat Island once invaded by the Japanese during World War II and occupied by Americans after that, is enough indication something should have been happened here.

Yamasita Treasure or what really they’re looking for, we don’t know for sure. One exploration I had with my father was looking for One-Eyed skull believed to be the head of a legend fighter from Dinagat. It was said left in one of the islets in Libjo. We visited the mass burial site in “Panangatan” (Skeletons and bones place in a wooden casket). But we find nothing. We get nothing but mosquito bites, muscle pain and fatigue. It was a great experience anyway. I pretend I was part of Indiana Jones party in the movie looking for the hidden treasure.

One instance, I was with another group from Libjo. We investigated one location close to baragay Quezon out to the bay. We found a cave close to the seashore just sufficient signs to build interest for everyone. Everyone is eager to check unfortunately its entrance is so small I’m the only one thin enough to fit the opening. That was then. :) Believe me, I can’t describe my feeling I’m on my knees crawling in a cave with skeleton around. I’m frightened and cold. I wish that was just a dream and I’m going to wake up. Anyway from that adventure we found broken rusted 1 inch length blade (assumed to be a samurai), pieces of broken ceramics chinaware which we cannot put together. I don’t think that has of any value at all. It was said offering for the dead the time they were buried.

Treasure hunting legend in Libjo still lives on. After all if someone gets improvement in livelihood like a new house or a new motorbike, no doubt neighbors will say “naka kis-kis man” (got a strike of treasure wealth).

The question is was there really a treasure to find or it is just a non-sense waste of time. One thing I can say…that was FUN and that was a good excuse from house and wife’s chores.

Dinagat – Philippine version of the State of Utah

Here’s some similarities I can point out between Utah’s Mormon and Dinagat’s PBMA.

Organization -
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) was founded by Joseph Smith in New York State in the USA in 1830. The Mormons saw Salt Lake City Utah as their holy city - Brigham Young called it a Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.

Ruben Edera Ecleo, a Filipino spiritual leader founded the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Incorporated in 1965 in San Jose Dinagat and called it the Holy Land.

Migration -
Mormons find their migration to Utah as equivalent to the migration of Israelites forced to leave Egypt in search of Promised Land.

Dinagat Island is a Holy Land by PBMA members and brings them here. What I’ve heard from one account. Migration gathered in Dinagat in great numbers because of the propaganda of falling SkyLab. Dinagat believed to be the only safe place when this Satellite comes down.

Polygamy -
Mormon practices doctrine of plural marriage was seen as a serious attack on the social and ethical rules.

As with late Ruben Ecleo Sr, he was known to have “material wife” and “spiritual wives” and practices polygamy.

Politics -
The Mormons asked the US government to make a new state. They call it Utah (after the local Ute tribe of Native Americans) and the Church leader Brigham Young became the Governor. The rapidly growing Mormon communities had the potential to exercise considerable political power in Utah.

Same as PBMA in Dinagat, political power in the Island province is unmistakably indisputable. Daughter of late Ruben Ecleo Sr. is now the Governor.

What can you say? And since Utah hosted big time the last winter Olympic, do you think one of these days Dinagat will also host one of worlds well known events?

Changes: We change the term used from Religion to Organization.

LibjoLIVE! Valentine's Wishes

For me Valentine’s Day is a special day. It is a day when we can show our love ones we care. We send flowers, something sweet or as simple as a greeting card. Need a hint? I ordered a bunch of roses from Surigao City and delivered straight to the hospital where my friend once working. Is that a good idea? That was special. And that is how sweet I am :-). During my colleges days we had same income-generating project delivering fresh roses to the classrooms. That earns me the name the “flowerboy”. But that was a good business.

Anyway, In Libjo we celebrated Valentines in different way. We usually have a ‘Bayle’. Disco’ral as they call it or Disco inside a corral. With as little as one peso youngsters can choose a girl to dance. Giving a chance for these young men to introduce themselves.

Bayle, Tibuok Kalibotan
Maayo pa unta'g kanang imong bonul
Sa Bayle hingtumban!

This years Valentines Day falls in a Wednesday. It depends in what’s your plan on how you celebrate it. By wearing red shirt to show your hunting. Or just make yourself get ready for the firing squad; it’s up to you. I hoping it is not usual a normal day for most of us. From LibjoLIVE! Happy Valentines to all!

Libjo Community Driven Development

For the whole of Dinagat Island, Libjo has been chosen to implement KALAHI-CIDSS project. KALAHI-CIDSS is a community-driven development project funded by the World Bank. It aims to empower communities through participation in every barangay. The project has a budget of 4.8 million and supposed to be subdivided in 16 barangays. At this point Libjo KALAHI-CIDSS is still undergoing a series of conference /seminar to determine a project that every barangay need most. It is the policy of this program to let the barangay folks determine what project is best for them to alleviate poverty. This is not a dole out program. For example the barangay folks needs a Day Care Center, the barangay has to donate a lot area for the building where it will be constructed or shoulder 10% of the total appropriation cost.

By the way KALAHI is Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan (Linking Arms against Poverty)
and CIDSS is Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services

Breaking News: Pump Boat Capsized 3 Dead

Bad weather believed to be the cause a boat accident resulted in 3 deaths in Libjo. The pump boat named "Punta Villa" capsized due to heavy waves and wind. The named boat is owned and is the personal transport of Libjo Vice Mayor Villarosa. Names of the victims still unknown.

Correction: A farming family of 6 from Balite traveled across Libjo Bay using their own pump boat and capsized close to barangay Quezon. Three of the kids died. The family believed to be a member of Plaridel PBMA Chapter which Villarosa is the head. “Gipanggutom naman gud to sila bisan bayod niresgo lang gihapon sila kay mag kuha ug bugas sa Kaitan” our source Danny Sarsadillas said. (They’re hungry and no food to eat, so they just decided to cross to get some rice in Kaitan – barangay Plaridel).

It was mistakenly reported since the term used is "sakop ni villarosa" so literally, it is believed to be their worker and assumed they are using the punta villa pumpboat.

News: Majority of poll aspirants wanted to join PGMA ticket

In Dinagat Islands, no opposition bets were seen to go against powerhouse Ecleo political family of Congresswoman Glenda Ecleo of Lakas-NUCD. Three of the Ecleo siblings are municipal mayors of the seven towns of Dinagat Islands.

Ecleo together with Surigao del Norte Vice Governor Rodolfo Navarro were appointed by President Arroyo based on consensus with Mayors in Malacañang last 2005 to head the Lakas party in Surigao del Norte, as Lakas Provincial Chair and Vice-Chair respectively.

But House Speaker Jose De Venecia issued certificate that Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Barbers is still the Lakas Provincial Chair and his brother, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers as District Chairman.

Navarro and his group which includes Board member lawyer Victor Bernal claimed they are also fielding local bets for the local May polls but is under the Arroyo administration ticket.

Navarro wanted to run for Governor with lawyer Bernal as his running mate.

Their ally, President of the Surigao del Norte Municipal Mayors’ League, Tubod Mayor Guillermo Romarate, Jr. who repeatedly expressed in public his desire to run for Congress against incumbent Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers who is in his last term have announced in a press conference last week that he will not run under a free zone basis.

But former Surigao del Norte Governor Francisco Matugas and his brother real estate developer, Engr. Ernesto Matugas who are also identified with the administration party KAMPI are also fielding mayoralty candidates for the 20 towns of Surigao del Norte.

The former Surigao del Norte Governor is seeking gubernatorial post he once held for three terms while his brother Ernesto is running for Surigao City Mayor also under Arroyo’s KAMPI. More...

Skirmishes of the disgruntled

Funny or horror of some sort, our sources said last January 22, 2007 a delegation is organized to welcome a MNLF General in Libjo to administer an oath of new local recruits.

Considered “Peaceful Outlaw” in some parts of southern Mindanao MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) is gaining control and getting support from local residents. Sources said Libjo is the focal point of recruits in Dinagat Island as Dapa is in the Island of Siargao. The said recruits are supposed to be receiving an outstanding amount of P18,000.00 a month. And was believed to be the grass root of Nur Misuari’s organization to vote for him in this Senate of the Philippine Congress.

New sets of officers is lead by Major Gerry Ebrao (Commanding Officer), Captain Jose(Gotgot) Pariente, Captain Juvy Andit, Captain Abdol dela Cruz, etc, with over 100 commission officer including Leut. Baytic Ecuben, Leut. Ricky Torillo and Leut. Myrna Lisondra.

The awkward part is … these people were not muslim and is not considering converting like Robin Padilla. And I supposed not looking for a hands-on experience in Jolo, Sulu. Libjo has been long a peaceful town and insurgents free. Life still goes on as usual.

Why do we run for office?

It really makes me ponder why a person wants to own a public office? Is it because of power? For money, since public office is another kind of business? Control, so you can run a business without red tapes? Fame, so you will be popular and can spend more during fiesta or become Ninong/Ninang on every wedding? Or just simply because they cannot find a job that can makes a good living? Does it mean if only we have good livelihood we will not aspire to run for office? And what makes it so special?

It is a public office. Public officials are servants for the people not gods. People don't worship them or give them offerings. And they will not own slaves. Can anybody explain to me why he or she spends money for election to win?

FYI. I have a friend named Amstrong. He's my partner in crime during my high school days. Now he's the barangay captain in one of barangays in Libjo.

News: Dinagat officials buckle down to work

SURIGAO CITY -- It will be tough job ahead for the newly appointed interim provincial officials of the newly created province of Dinagat Islands.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was scheduled to appoint last January 19 the interim officials of the newly created province of Dinagat Islands at the San Jose Municipal Cultural Center in San Jose, Dinagat Island.

However, the President cancelled the appointment since she had a trip to Davos, Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum.

Instead, Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers inducted the interim officials whose term of office ends after assumption of the newly elected Dinagat Islands provincial officials in the May 14, 2007 elections.

Sworn in as interim officials for newly created Province of Dinagat Islands at the San Jose Municipal Cultural Center were: Geraldine Ecleo-Villaroman as Governor, Elvis dela Merced as Vice Governor, Provincial Board members Merlinda Lagroma, Norberto Sarita Sr., Mario Menil, Zacarias Vales, Gracelyn Ecleo, Nilo P. Gulfo, and Elizabeth Ladaga.

"But most likely the same appointed interim officials will file certificate of candidacies for same position for the May 14, 2007 elections," Villaroman said.
more...

Fun to watch a fight

I don't really know if it’s written within our DNA. We love to watch a fight. Since I was a kid, it is fun to watch a fight. Games and sportsmanship? Or not just that. I spend much time looking for the best spider with my friends. Even earn some scratches just to find my number 1 spider (remember the spider with number on its back?). I love to watch it fight. Remember we keep it inside a small matchbox with compartment on it to keep it hungry?

They said, as you grow older this will change. From spider to rooster to human boxing. Then there will be a time that cycle comes back.. from boxing to rooster to spiders. No wonder I found Lolo in Libjo fighting spiders with their grandsons. Just kidding.

Anyway, we loved boxing same as cockfighting. Especially if Pacquao is in the ring. We usually make excuse to spend some money to get together so we could watch Pacquao fight. Chip-in chip-in as what we call it. We brought letson for dinner and watch them in pay per view. Proud and loud.

But did you know there is a more exciting fight that’s coming... '2007 May Election'. Do you think we'll have a good fight?

I hope it will be a peaceful election. And I love to hear from you. Who's running in your town? I'll keep you posted about ours in Libjo.

Native Fruit Favorites

Everyone in my friends when we were young believes someone (not-human) owns a native tree. A superstitious belief that someone planted, taking care and lives in those trees. So if anyone who pick fruit from that tree, he should ask permission from those owners. We do ask ‘Iyo, Iya, Manang, Manong... We are going to pick some fruits okay? Don't give us stomachaches or give us troubles’. Else, something will happen. Like some will get an accident fall, head aches or skin diseases, never know. I remember one tree believed to have a white monkey that lives on it and we don't even have local kind of monkey that lives in the island.

Native trees are usually huge and old and no one planted them. They grow in forest if not in a farm but untouched by landowners. Birds used them for shelter and source for food. And some children do :-).

Summer is the time these trees bears fruits. Exactly the same time with students has no school and lots of free time. Somewhat a lesson for survival since forests has these trees. If you know how to pick this fruits you're surely survive.

Here's a list of some of my favorites;

Bikwas
Eva
Batwan
Puyangi
Catmun
Pinu-on - Dwarfs food
Paguha - banana

During the loading of Chromite when International ships were in town aside from coconut, I do remember we use some of these fruits to barter for other goods. Foreigners loves it too. I'm wondering, do you think we can produce wine made from Puyangi or Batwan?

Jorge's Dinagat Gallery

Someone I believe needs a two thumbs up about his work! A foreigner, and he fall in love to our place. In deed his interest made him create a website and compiled photos about his visits. Jorge from Germany has interesting photo gallery about our island. Please click to this LINK.

San Jose Gamay

Barangay San Jose of Libjo also called San Jose Gamay (Little San Jose) in reference to the bigger San Jose the capital of the new island province Dinagat. San Jose is considered the breadbasket of Libjo. Located inland in the central plain, Barangay San Jose has the biggest rice and coconut field in the area. It has access to Gaas Inlet to the Pacific side of the island and situated along the provincial highway going to and from Loreto (north) and Dinagat (south). If then a surfing destination will soon be established in the ocean side of this Island, this will be the "Gateway to the Pacific".

Central to mining, once logging, farming and even fishing San Jose is located close to swamp mangrove area in Gaas Inlet and good for fish farming. And unlike Siargao this is not crocodile infested area :) .

Soil is not barren and not bad as supposed red earth on neighboring barangays. And by looking at the map since this are the central and the only wide flat land area in the island. By comparison to Siargao and Surigao Airports this will soon be the best spot for airport in the Island.

My father once made a welcome banner for the barangay and was disappointed after admitting a mistake instead of "Welcome to Barangay San Jose" he painted "Welcome to Barangay San Joe". By the way, my father's name is Jose and some call him "Joe".

Dinagat in History

A patrol of Company F. 6th Ranger Battalion, investigating a native hut on Dinagat Island in the Philippines (U.S. Army photograph)

On 17-18 October 1942 the 6th Ranger Battalion seized three islands that guarded the entrances to Leyte Gulf, clearing the way for Sixth Army's invasion of Leyte on 20 October. Encountering little opposition on Dinagat and Homonhon is lands, the Rangers installed beacons to guide the invasion fleet through the channel between them. On Suluan Island Capt. Arthur D. "Bull" Simons, commanding Company B. found the Japanese in a lighthouse surrounded by imposing cliffs on three sides and a steep trail on the fourth. In a daring night attack part of the company cut off a security detachment at the foot of the trail while the other Rangers climbed the cliffs, struck the surprised garrison from the rear, and annihilated them. Having accomplished its mission, the battalion moved to Leyte where it patrolled rear areas and served as a guard for Krueger's headquarters.

http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/books/wwii/70-42/70-424.html

Lawigan Festival in Loreto

Will Libjo compete with Sinulog in Cebu this month? I have no idea... maybe.
By the way Libjo contingent won in Lawigan Festival contest in Municipality of Loreto last May. Celebrated in May 14-15 , “Lawigan Festival” Legends say that the First settlers of Loreto whose old name was “Mabua” came from Bohol, Leyte and Samar, Mabua came from the visayan word “Bua” which means foamy substance that usually float on the Mabua River . They formed small communities through the place w/c they termed “Lawig” which means Voyage. Each group developed its own culture. As a result, Loreto has a variety of language, customs and way of life . Hence, the “Lawigan Festival”.
Here are some of the photos from Lawigan Festival in Loreto.

IFAD projects in Libjo

Department of Agrarian Reform with funding from International Fund for Agricultural Development (DAR/IFAD's) recently conducted a series of workshops for poverty alleviation program and agricultural development(PAF). This facility could be used only to assist focus poverty groups that are not reached by regular local and national programs. The poorest households through self-help groups in the target sitios shall be the recipient groups for this assistance. Recipients includes some Sitios from Libjo.

The scope for PAF assistance includes the following:

A. Non-Income Generating Project or Welfare Projects

1. Support services for the livelihood improvement of the target sectors and households (e.g. hands-on training, study visits, nurseries and seedlings, among others);

2. Provisions of basic needs through self-help approaches (e.g. community-based health,
promotions of herbal medicine, day care centers, food-for-work, etc.); and

3. Emergency assistance and rehabilitation for direct victims of natural disasters (typhoons, floods, earthquake, droughts, etc.).

B. Income Generating Projects

1. Small pilot livelihood and self-help economic activities, with priority given to IPs, small fisher folk, upland farmers, ARBs and marginalized agricultural workers;

2. Direct inputs for the livelihood improvement of the target sectors and households (e.g. farming and fishing implements, livestock; and

3. Small household-based enterprises.

News: Rare platinum metals found in Surigao City island

Dinagat Island in this city has precious and rare metal deposits, according to the results of explorations made earlier by a team of geologists from the United Nations Research Fund for Natural Resources Explorations (UNRFNRE). More

Notes: One Family, One OFW

This is an ongoing notes supporting "One Family,One OFW" plan. You could help us by posting comments. I wish we had a wikipage :-) so you could make correction yourselves.

Mission:
One Family, One OFW

Keys to Success:
Certification and Licenses
Scholarship and Study Now Pay Later Grant
Training Equipment and Hands-On Experience
Job Network to foreign countries


Objectives:

1. To Train, Certify and or License 16,500 Island resident graduates from Existing professional, skilled and household workers at the end of the target date.
(Figures based on POEA percent rate deployed workers and number of families in the Province)
professional 3,700
skilled 7,800
Household 5,000

2. To setup or outsource a TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), Trade School (vocational school) and Certification Facility for Computer Technology to facilitate training, licensing and certification.
3. To generate ($peso amount$) of One per Family Government Scholarship Fund and or Bank Grants for Study Now Pay Later.
4. To generate 16,500 jobs abroad through network and government connection at a given target date.

Data Gathering:

Random Notes
1. Concerns on Palakasan on training and job placement.
2. Concerns on Illegal Recruiters.
3. Tesda is possible thru Provincial Board Resolution.

------------------------------------------------------
Dinagat Island Population Year 2000
Basilisa (Rizal) 26,489
Cagdianao 12,886
Dinagat 9,883
Libjo (Albor) 16,610
Loreto 8,751
San Jose 25,532
Tubajon 6,800
Total of 132,483
Say 8 members/family 16,560 jobs to generate overseas
-------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------
Deployed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
by Occupational Group POEA (2005), (2004), (percent change)
A. Professional and Technical Related Workers 63,941 94,147 -32.1%
Teachers 789 542 45.6%
Nursing Personnel (NEC) 674 323 108.7%
Engineers Civil 625 492 27.0%
Technicians Medical X-Ray 524 408 28.4%
Engineers Mechanical 452 384 17.7%
Draughtsman 442 327 35.2%
Dental Assistants 344 255 34.9%
Aviation Related Workers 211 146 44.5%
Other Professional Workers 59,880 91,270 -34.4%


B. Skilled Workers 133,420 123,525 8.0%
Construction Workers 30,078 22,039 36.5%
Factory Workers 39,477 25,481 54.9%
Building Caretakers and Related Workers 12,607 10,137 24.4%
Sewers and Embroiderers 4,452 3,985 11.7%
Wiremen Electrical 2,991 2,620 14.2%
Tailors and Dressmakers 2,906 2,870 1.3%
Other Skilled Workers 40,909 56,393 -27.5%

C. Household and Related Workers 85,088 62,890 35.3%

D. Other Skills 1,836 1,250 46.9%

TOTAL - New hires 284,285 2/ 281,812 0.9%
---------------------------------------------------


---------------------------------------------------
Top 10 Destination
1. Saudi Arabia
2. Hongkong
3. United Arab Emirates
4. Taiwan
5. Japan
6. Kuwait
7. Qatar
8. Singapore
9. Italy
10. United Kingdom
---------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------
Rimittances by OFWs 2005
1. USA US$6.424 B
2. Saudi Arabia 949 M
3. Italy 430 M
4. Japan 356 M
5. Hong Kong 338 M
6. United Kingdom 300 M
7. United Arab Emirates 257 M
8. Singapore 240 M
9. Federal Rep Germany 134 M
10.Canada 117 M
others 1.138 B
total 10.689 B
--------------------------------------------------
Skilled workers in need:
welding
automotive technolgy
machining
electronics technology
drafting/CAD technology
computer repair
civil technology
electrical

more than 200,000 Filipino seafarers on board international ships, which is around 20 percent of the world total Philippine maritime schools and training centres produce around 20,000 new graduates; of which only 2 to 3 thousand will find a job at sea.

In-House Certification Facility for Computer Technologies:
1. Online courses
2. Certified courses
3. Certification Testing Centers (Prometric / VUE)
4. Facility- Computers and Internet Connection
5. Course Facilitator


Employment Directory
OFW Tips & Useful Information
OFW Programs/Services
Career & Business Tips

Just do it Dinagat!

I remembered one time in my class at University of San Carlos in Cebu we were having an exam, a mathematical one and it says "Solve this problem by Nike". The question that comes to my mind was What? Nike? This was during that time when Nike was very popular with Michael Jordan, the NBA basketball player and known to it's advertising phrase "Just do it!".

Just do it! Do what you can do, I don't care how you do it. Just do it no matter how.

And it sometimes reminds me of things that needs to be done. At work, school and on every day, excuse doesn't work. I'm late because of the traffic. I'm in the wrong building during a scheduled interview. Internet connection is not up because someone's hacking the system. In reality, it’s my job to leave early so I will not be caught by the traffic. It’s my job to verify if I’m in the right address before time. And it's my duty to make sure my system is up and running and safe from hacker.

No matter what, it’s about setting out goals, our mission and doing it. A good planning and good execution of the plan. "One Family, One OFW" is a good objective for Dinagat. What are the keys to make this a successful one? One Good School, Certified Teachers, Scholarship, Advance Equipment and Hands-On Experience and Job Network to foreign countries.

How will these be implemented? What is the strategy? Where can we get the budget?

To wrap it up, this needs more than just good government official support. It needs support by the people. But it starts from the very top. I hope the phrase from a TV show "You're Fired" doesn’t apply.

From LibjoLIVE! Happy New Year 2007 Everyone!

Dinagat Island Job Bank

This is a support project for "One Family, One OFW" government program. Please post us a comment that includes your name, cell phone number, field of expertise and a brief description of your experience.

To search the bank simply click comments and use the keyboard keys "Control + F". Otherwise if you are looking for Provincial Job for the province of Dinagat Islands Click here.


Thank you very much for your continued support!

Greetings from ANHS Alumni 2005!

Greetings from Albor National High School batch 2005. Happy happy New Year 2007!

Dinagat Island Shangri-la of Adventures

Dinagat Islands is an island group comprising a province in the Philippines, located on the south side of Leyte Gulf and once part of the province of Surigao del Norte. Leyte is to the west, across Surigao Strait, and Mindanao is to the south. Dinagat is about 60 km from north to south.

Best known for its great rock climbing sites and white sand beaches, it is the country's 81st and newest province and the fifth in the Caraga Region.

The province, situated almost entirely on Dinagat Island, is a Shangri-La of adventurers. Its caves, rock formations and mountain lakes provide a perfect ambience for the thrill seeker and highly-strung individuals. It is also the seat of the greatest and historic Battle of Surigao Strait during the World War II and the entry point of the American Liberation forces before the momentous return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Leyte.

The province is known as one of the archipelago's holiest sites in the Pre-Christian native religion. It is here where the god of hurricanes was persuaded to relent his attacks on the islands by Da, the god of peace.

News: Dinagat isle aims to be a 'Singapore'

SURIGAO CITY -- Inspired by Singapore's first World status, the local leadership in Dinagat Island said it is aiming to transform their province into a little Singapore someday.

Surigao del Norte Provincial Board Member Elvis Dela Merced said this after being recommended as Interim Vice Governor by the Dinagat Island Association of Local Government Units (DIALGU) composed of seven municipal mayors and vice mayors, seventy municipal councilors and more than 1,000 barangay officials.

Other interim officials endorsed by DIALGU in their letter recommendation submitted to President Arroyo recently were; Geraldine Ecleo Villaroman, daughter of Surigao del Norte First District Representative Glenda Ecleo as interim Governor and eight interim Provincial Board Members most of them are current and former Dinagat local officials. More ...

Greetings San Jose California!

Christmas greetings from Emie Abad of San Jose , California

Greetings from Seattle Washington!

Christmas greetings from Rean (Yang-yang) Bagata -Soeung and Family!

Greetings from Georgia USA!

Our Christmas greetings to everybody in Albor! From Villarosa Family in Georgia USA!

Mylah,Rommel, Romay and Rommel II

Mayor's Greetings from Libjo

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2007 from Mayor Lamberto Llamera Jr. and Family.

Greetings from the Local Civil Registrar and Albor Brgy. Captain

Christmas Greetings from Brgy. Albor Captain Fe Jacquez and Libjo Local Civil Registrar Bato Jacquez and Family.

Greetings from Mr & Mrs Leopoldo Cabeza & Family

Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year! May God's gracious love bless and lit our ways this season and all the years to come...from Mr and Mrs. Leopoldo Cabeza and Family

LibjoLIVE! Excellent Student Awardees

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our recipients of Excellent Student Promo Award.

Kyvell Lhaoa S. Angob
Teacher Mrs.Patual

Gretchen Torijos
Teacher Ms. Euzel Cabeza - Math

Judee P. Crispo
Jefford Jay P. Crispo
Teacher Mrs. Bustillo

Nessa B. Ontoy
Teacher Marlo Patual - Math

Aldren B. Goriding
Ramel A. Caitum
Teacher Helen Sarno - Chemistry

List of names to be continued...

Libjo LIVE! Now Hiring

With our success in Excellent Student Promo, we are going to introduce a new program for students and alike. We are now offering Java Programming course at LibjoLIVE! in Libjo. Our Excellent Students recipients as first priority, we are also offering this as a FREE program to anyone interested. This course will be taught in a standard online java program. Upon completion of the instruction, an official certificate from SunMicrosystem will be provided. Aside from that, participants upon completion will be offered work and be part of LibjoLIVE! crew in Libjo.

Start: January 12th, 2007
End: March 13th, 2007

Monday to Friday 9:00pm to 11:00pm
86 hours session for 2 hours per day
Lab hands-on and online tutoring

Check these JOB possibilities.

Christmas Greetings from Nashville Tennessee

WISHING EVERYBODY THE JOY OF JESUS THIS CHRISTMAS AND ALWAYS.

jok, maya & zari

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Congratulations to the New Dinagat Island Province and Merry Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all! We may have a prosperous new year ahead of us and to our brand new province. From Mr and Mrs Ahguimath Jacquez and Family in Minneapolis Minnesota USA Mabuhay!

P.S. Please send us your greetings and photo to muthja@yahoo.com and we will post it here in LibjoLive! Thanks

News: Dinagat Island Under Signal 2

TROPICAL storm "Seniang" (international codename: Utor) strengthened as it moved closer to the central Philippines, including Cebu province where the 12th Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) Summit will be held, the state weather bureau said.
Public storm warning signal number 2 (60-100 kph winds) has been raised over Eastern Samar, while signal number 1 (30-60 kph winds) was over the rest of Samar, the Leyte provinces, Cebu, Biliran and Bohol, all in the Visayas; Sorsogon and Masbate in the Bicol region; and Surigao del Norte, Dinagat and Siargao islands in northern Mindanao. Click for more...

Act Creating the Province of Dinagat Islands

Here’s our copy of the Resolution No. 7743 from the Commission on Elections to promulgating the rules and regulations that govern the conduct of the December 2 2006 plebiscite to ratify the creation of the Province of Dinagat Islands comprising the Municipalities of Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo (Albor), Loreto, San Jose and Tubajon in the Province of Surigao del Norte. And copy of the Act Creating the Province of Dinagat Islands - Republic Act No. 9355 signed approved by the President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the President of the Senate Manny Villar and Speaker of the House of Representatives Jose De Venecia Jr.

Dinagat Victory Caravan

In celebration for the achievement of Dinagat province hood a victory caravan is conducted today. Participated by the municipal officials from Loreto, Tubajon, Libjo, Basilisa, Dinagat and Cardianao. Including our very own mayor Lamberto Llamera from Libjo.

At around 90 kilometers, the caravan started from Loreto the northerly municipality of the island and ends in San Jose the capital town of the new province.

We expect a big celebration in the town of San Jose a few days from now after the appointment of the new set of provincial officials, sources said.

Greetings from Libjo LIVE!

Here we come, a Christmas season again. It is the season of the year where we spend time with family, relatives and friends together. Time to enjoy and celebrate the spirit and magic of Christmas. A time for prayers, a time to give and forgive. Maybe a new set of clothes and pair of good new shoe? It is this time of the year when kids are busy wrapping gifts, preparing Christmas tree, and making Christmas parol(Star). I supposed a Christmas tree made from mangrove and artificial snow made from laundry soap.

The time of the year to hear joyful songs and see happy faces. It is also time to reconcile and rejoice. Dinagat as a new province may not be the end for those who voted for NO but a new beginning. A new beginning of hope and the fulfillment of the promises for the betterment of the people and progress to the new island province.

Greetings from LibjoLIVE!

News: Dinagat isles land provincehood status

SURIGAO CITY -- With a margin of only 6,914 votes coming from five towns in Dinagat Island bailiwick of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA), the "Yes" vote for Dinagat Island prevailed over a poorly promoted "No" vote in the December 2 referendum.

The "Yes" vote officially garnered a total of 70,058 votes while "No" got only 63,144, Comelec said.

But only 44.7 percent of the total 297,959 registered voters in the entire Surigao del Norte including its component city of Surigao cast their votes in the December 2 plebiscite that will decide the fate of making Dinagat Island as the fifth province of Caraga Region.

The turnout of voters is considered to be the lowest so far in the history of political exercise in the province, which has a total of 27 towns and one component city, Comelec Provincial Election officer Joy Jonathan Senaca said. Click for more.

Plebiscite Result – Province of Dinagat Island

Municipality	YES	NO
Libjo	3,513	1,738
Dinagat	4,515	253
San Jose	14,430	46
Basilisa	10,200	794
Tubajon	1,163	1,207
Loreto	643	2,396
Cagdiano	4,334	928
Total	38,798	7,326

A New Province In Caraga

In a plebiscite held last Saturday, the voters of Dinagat Island overwhelmingly approved the to make the island as the fifth province of Caraga Region. The new province will be composed of seven municipalities, namely: 1.) Dinagat, 2.) Loreto, 3.) Basilisa, 4.) Cagdianao, 5.) Libjo, 6.) San Jose, and 7.) Tubajon.

Under the law, Dinagat will assume its status as a province after sixty days from the plebiscite. The local officials shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines and shall hold office until the next local election. Click for more.

Libjo Plebiscite Result – Province of Dinagat Island

Unofficial result from Libjo total from 14 barangays

Barangay	Yes	No
San Antonio	402	239
Albor	91	337
Arellano	117	115
Bayanihan	228	10
Gen. Aguinaldo	446	64
Kanihaan	11	49
Llamera	339	1
Magsaysay	67	105
Osmena	45	113
Plaridel	469	114
Quezon	46	162
Sto. Nino	127	178
Rosita	160	0
San Jose	332	197
Total	3132	1723

Province of Dinagat Island - Yes or No and Why?

Continued discussion from ‘Creation of the New Province?’ From what I’ve learned from the previous discussion the trend was that most Lumad (native dinagatnon) tends to vote No to the separation due to peace and order concerns in the Island. A PBMA voter is expected to vote Yes. Mainland and Siargao Island voters and politicians were inclined to vote Yes since they don't favor with the too political biased PBMA Dinagat. And the Catholic Church runs a petition against the separation of the Island.



Let us make this a fair discussion. Please answer Yes or No and Why? And thanks for all of your comments.

LibjoLIVE! Excellent Student Promo

LibjoLIVE! with cooperation of Albor National High School will conduct a promotion project to support students. A Free Internet and Internet tutorial for students who have good scores. The Excellent Student Promo. To give credit to students for doing good at school for their hard work. This will give them chance to acquire a knowledge on Internet and computer. A hands-on experience. Provide them free tutoring on how to use computer and the Internet.

Libjo is very fortunate to have an Internet connection. This is more than any invention so far. Far greater than the telephone and calculator. A whole new world on your finger tips. A big library, a one virtual world to travel, learn and to make friends. And it is just a click away.

This will promote Internet as educational tool for school research. Take advantage with;

The Internet -
How to use email
Use instant messenger
Use blog or create a webpage
Look for information using search engines
Online encyclopedia like http://wikipedia.org
Download files or documents
Share photos
News about the world, medicine, sports anything
Entertainment

How to use the computer -
Word documents
Spreadsheets
Create art
Play songs

News: Surigao Execs to Block Dinagat’s Provincehood

SURIGAO CITY - Provincial officials led by Surigao del Norte Vice Gov. Rodolfo Navarro and a group of lawyers are set to file before the Supreme Court a motion blocking the move to make Dinagat Island a separate province.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) passed a resolution last Nov. 7 setting the date for the conduct of a plebiscite to determine whether voters in Dinagat and other affected areas will approve the creation of the new province. More...

Tuktoga-ok - Morning Call

It’s not Tagalog version of tiktila-ok, not an English cock-a-doodle-doo, or a German kikeriki in Libjo when you hear a rooster you should hear it crowing TUKTOGA-OK. A unique sound you couldn't hear anywhere else. :-) Last summer when we had our vacation, my son always complained for not sleeping, "Rooster keeps me awake" he says. It's the morning call, but my son still adjusting to his sleep. It is supposed to be his sleeping time and is already wake-up time here.
Once, my father partly owns the sabongan in Libjo. (from the word sabong - fighting
roosters). We have a poultry fence in our home backyard. I was assigned to feed the chickens every afternoon before dark. Unfortunely not on time. Hmm, most the time I would say. Sometimes I fed them late like nine o’clock in the evening, with kerosene lamp since we have no electricity way back then. Roosters end up starving. My father was furious, as a consequence he let me write, "Feed the rooster, feed the rooster, feed the rooster" on all my school notebooks. Except for one (notebook), which I could not find that time. Everything has a print on both sides of the covers. Reason? So I won't keep forgetting to feed the rooster after school. That's funny.
Sabong happens every Sunday and on Holidays here in Libjo. And even on Good Fridays. It is people’s favorite pastime.

Tambasakan - Mudskipper

I usually don't read book to my kids when they went to bed. Instead I pick a story about my childhood and share it with them. At this point I could not find a story. All I could remember is this song and this particular fish back in Libjo. Most of you know this song. Si Pelimon and the fish called Tambasakan or mudskipper in english.

- Cebuano
Si Pilemon, Si Pilemon namasol sa kadagatan
Nakakuha, nakakuha ug isda'ng tambasakan
Guibaligya, Guibaligya sa merkado'ng guba
Ang halin puros kura, ang halin puros kura igo ra i panuba.

- English
Filemon, Filemon went fishing in the sea
He caught, he caught a mudskipper
He sold it, he sold it in the dilipated market
He earned a little cash, he earned a little cash, just enough to buy tuba.

Glossary

pasol - to catch fish; to fish by hook-and-line
kadagatan - the open sea
kuha - to get; to catch
isda - fish
isdang tambasakan - mudskipper
baligya, ibaligya - to sell
merkado - market
guba - broken down; run-down; rickety
halin - revenue; income from sale
pulos - entirely; wholly
kura - fake money; money circulated during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines
igo - enough; sufficient
tuba - a popular drink fermented from the sap of the coconut tree
ipanuba - to spend one's money on tuba

Smart is back in Libjo

Despite the dispute of the land area where Smart cell tower is located, Smart service in Libjo now is back and not only it serves cell phones, it also serves internet connectivity. Smart wi-fi as it was called (comes from "Wireless Fidelity") is a wireless broadband internet connection. I'm just not sure with fidelity of the wi-fi in Libjo as what I’ve read from all the reviews, thu this a good option to get an Internet broadband. Especially that Libjo has no landline telephone service.
Because of Smart tower proximity to the downtown, Libjo cell customers now turning back to Smart since it has strong and very good clear signal. Now I have switch back and remember my moms cell phone number when she's still with Smart. She said she could now use her cell phone even inside our house without any interruption.

BTW, our cell phone directory initiative is still in progress. And If you would like to help, please contact us muthja@yahoo.com

News: Dinagat mine operations set to start

THE STATE-OWNED Natural Resources Mining Development Corp. (NRMDC) expects trial operations of the Dinagat Island chromite project to start in the first quarter of 2007.

As the contractor United Philippines China Mining Corp. (UPCMC) winds up its feasibility study on the project this fourth quarter, it has also started exploration work at parts of the island designated as parcel 1A and parcel 2B. The company sees a guaranteed rate of 24,000 metric tons... more

Branding Libjo and Libjo LIVE!

Have you heard of branding towns and cities? Yes, cities were now branded like Levi's or Coca-Cola and any other products. One example in the US is LasVegas 'what happens here stays here' motto. They tried it registered it so nobody can use it as advertising for something else. It makes a sense of Las Vegas as a city where you can experience freedom. Some cities in the Philippines also is doing these but not to the extent of registering it in trades and patents. Branding now is more important to survival of a city or town. Cebu has its own Ceboom. Siargao has its 'Surfing capital of the Philippines'. What about Libjo? That is what we are doing here at Libjo LIVE! We are trying to dig uncover our history, attractions, economics, demographics, tourism and with the help of a community like ours we can make it successful. Here is some reading about branding a city.