Archive for December 20th, 2012

MANILA, Philippines—Logs and timber that tumbled down the mountains of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental at the height of typhoon Pablo’s fury will be used to build houses for those left homeless by the storm, according to the government.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said on Thursday he ordered his department’s executive director of Davao Region to donate all confiscated logs and other forest products retrieved in Pablo’s aftermath for the rehabilitation and rebuilding of areas damaged by the calamity.

These include logs from trees felled by illegal loggers and those that were uprooted by strong winds during the storm.

In a memorandum t…Keep on reading: Logs, timber washed away by ‘Pablo’ to be used for shelter of typhoon victims
Source: Inquirer.net

MANILA, Philippines—Anticipating the yearly Christmas exodus to the provinces, the Philippine Coast Guard has taken measures for travelers’ safe and comfortable trips.

Newly appointed Coast Guard commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena has issued a directive placing all units of the agency on heightened alert as it started preparations to ensure maritime safety for the increased passengers this holiday season.

Isorena said he has directed all Coast Guard units nationwide to enhance vigilance and maintain high state of readiness in major port terminals to be able to respond to maritime emergencies, particularly those caused by unpredictable change in weather….Keep on reading: Coast Guard takes measures to ensure safe sea travel for Christmas vacationers
Source: Inquirer.net

MANILA, Philippines—A baby boy whose photos were posted on the social networking site Facebook showing him being manhandled by his uncle more than a month ago is now doing well, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The photos created a public uproar among concerned citizens and condemnation of his uncle, Daniel Villanueva.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman said her department has been monitoring the baby’s condition to prevent him from being abused again.

Soliman said that the DSWD, through its regional office in Region 3, immediately conducted a home visit and assessment of the baby boy’s situation i…Keep on reading: Abused baby boy seen on Facebook now under DSWD supervision—Soliman
Source: Inquirer.net

President Aquino’s chief presidential legal counsel has resigned and has moved to the government-owned and controlled corporation Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

Eduardo de Mesa confirmed that he resigned effective last Tuesday after a stint of two and a half years. He was appointed BCDA director and assumed the post on Wednesday.

“To go back to private practice,” De Mesa said in a text message when asked about his reason for quitting.

De Mesa replaced Teresita Desierto as BCDA director. He attended his first board meeting last Wednesday. De Mesa said he was not at liberty to say who was taking over his old post.

As…Keep on reading: Palace legal adviser quits, moves to BCDA
Source: Inquirer.net