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Thursday, May 29, 2014
 LGU’s should market their towns to investors

LGU’s should market their towns to investors


WE KNOW it’s not their strongest suit, but it’s getting the approval of investors is something that must be done.

I can only count in the fingers of my hands local chief executives really pushing for foreign and local investors to do business in their towns and cities. Primary reason is a local chief executive is heavily immersed in his functions as head. There are projects to inspect, events to attend to, places to visit, guests to host, and all sorts of distractions that would eat up his time and mental capacities.

There are political rivals to be aware of, public funds to be managed and employees and political allies to attend to. These and more, plus the fact that when You spent and invested so much in the elections, you need to recover said expenses or capital so you need to ensure that there are enough projects to rake in some milk.

So marketing their town or city will not likely be in the top to-do list, for most. Although getting foreign investors is a common agenda in their wish lists, it remains often than not at the bottom of the ‘things to be done asap’ especially those who have been politicians all their lives.

City or town marketing, according to Amelie Balencourt and Antonio Zafra, is the promotion of a city or town, or a district within it, with the aim of encouraging certain activities to take place there. It is used to alter the external perceptions of a city on order to encourage tourism, attract inward migrations of residents, or enable business relocation.

We have seen LGUs push promote their tourism destinations, their festivals and other cultural activities. But in terms of investment, comprehensive land use plan and zoning valuation, very few actually make it to the satisfactory mark.

Why should LGUs strategically plan their land use and select which type of investments come in to their areas?

1.       They have control or get to choose what businesses or investments will be more beneficial to their constituents. Like providing more jobs while minimizing carbon footprints and damages to the environment.

2.       They can differentiate, not doing what every town or city does, not wanting what every town or city wants. That way, they can have unique selling proposition and higher success rate in attracting foreign or local investors.

3.       They can come up with their own investment plan, according to their strength, resources and capacity and offer it first- hand to their citizens and expats who wanted to see progress in their communities. At least a government-issued bond guaranteed by a financial institution offering competitive returns looks credible.

4.       They will not be at the mercy of investors. Some towns due to lack of planning and strategy give away their most precious resources to foreigners without bargaining to the best advantage of their constituents. We see mining companies that disrespect the local culture, drive away or eliminate locals who get in their way, destroy the environment.  Sometimes these happen and local officials play blind and dumb about it especially if they accepted bribe in the first place.

5.       They can act, decide and promote to the best of their locality’s advantage, not to mention their pockets (if they ever accept bribes).

If LGUs can not personally do this for their town or city for certain limitations or whatever reasons, companies like CommunicAsia PR and ASEA Investment and Tourism Promotion Center, can do that for them. Contact me if you are interested and I will connect you with these awesome people. Email me at vanjdpadilla@gmail.com for details.

A moment with Marianne and her ‘masterpiece’

A moment with Marianne and her ‘masterpiece’


It’s an undeniably proud moment when you learn that someone from your community took the leap of greatness and inspires others while bringing out the best in them. Young author Marianne Mencias of Alcala, Pangasinan and the youngest sister of the town’s mayor wrote her book “What’s your Life’s Masterpiece” and gladly shared to focus the story behind her book, about finding one’s purpose in life, happiness and passion.

Maan, as she is fondly called, belongs to a family of six. She shares that she is very close to her family. “They are really my life’s treasure”.

She loves to travel, loves to go out and hang-out and shop. She loves reading books. “Sobra!”,she emphasized. Here is the Marianne’s story and what she wants us to understand:

Vanj Padilla (VP): Your book, ‘What’s your Life’s Masterpiece’, what is this about?

Marianne Mencias (MM): What’s your Life’s Masterpiece is all about helping people discover their purpose, their passion. It’s really about realizing that you are a masterpiece and that you’re meant to create something amazing that will not just make you very happy but also bless a lot of people.

VP: What do you want people to understand after reading your book?

MM: I want people to get to know themselves more and to realize that God created all of us for a purpose. Sabi ko nga sa book, I see the world as one big puzzle and each one of us, ako, ikaw, sila, we are all puzzle pieces and in this big world puzzle, we’re meant to do something we’re assigned as spot in that big world puzzle that will fit our mold perfectly. So maraming tao ang ipinipilit nila ang sarili nila in a particular spot na hindi talaga for them so they end up unhappy and at the same time the person who belongs to that spot is also unhappy.

VP: So why do they need to understand that they have to fill a certain spot or they have to fill a certain piece?


MM: Kasi ako I really believe that we all have the potential to be successful, fulfilled and happy. I really know it’s the kind of life that God wants for us and if we don’t find our unique purpose, our unique contribution, I don’t know how it’s going to be possible for people to live their dream lives which is actually the life meant for each one of us.

VP: FOCUS helps our readers make better decisions, so how can Life’s Masterpiece’ help them make better decisions and choose the right ones?

MM: If people only knew how important our choices are, so many beautiful changes will happen in the world. The book will help them, because I feel that if we will remember who we really are that we are wonderful people, we’re created in God’s image and likeness as we have so much beauty, love inside our hearts. If we remember that and we base our decisions on that base on a healthy self-worth, and we always remember that we are here for a purpose to contribute something that only you can, only I can. And if you leave this world without filling that spot and that big world puzzle, umalis ka na hindi mo na-fulfill ‘yon, the world is left with a gap, the world is left with a gap with an empty space sayang hindi na fill in.

VP: Do you have a particular target market for the book?

MM: Yes. My main target for the book are the yuppies, students, and people who wanted to start again, who are not happy with their work and looking for directions.

VP: Punta naman tayo dun sa writing process. How long did it take you to write the book?

MM: From the concept writing to the finished product, it took me three years. Actually, ‘yong three years na ‘yon nakakausap ko na si Brother Bo Sanchez, si Jose Mari Chan. When I attended this seminar na we’re supposed to come up with our personal goal, and one of our goals was to write a book. So that’s when I really started.

VP: Please tell us more about the interviews and how you put it all together during the writing process.

MM: The writing process was fun, it was light. Of course there are many times that I felt like, that I didn’t feel like writing, marami rin na ganoon. Na pagkagising ko sa umaga, magsusulat na naman ako, bakit ko ito ginagawa? Tapos I’d look at my laptop and then at the top of the page nakasulat talaga that this will change lives. And that has kept me writing especially on those days that I don’t really feel like it. Also the process was very fun because having a chance to meet successful Filipinos and learning from them is like once in a lifetime experience. Yong parang sitting down with them, learning from them, iba eh. That’s a gift in itself. So that was fun.

VP: What challenges have you faced in writing ‘Masterpiece’

MM: The challenges I’ve faced in writing the book. Well, one is the people I’ve approached, not all of them said “yes”. Mayroon namang iba na sinama ko na talaga sa line up pero nag-yes na tapos biglang hindi na. So those are some of the challenges pero kasi ako I really believed in the power of surrender that when you know what you’re doing is God’s will.Then there it comes a point wherein this is what I want to happen. These are the people I want to interview but if it’s not your will then I will still have peace. So ‘yon, ni-line up talaga ni God the best people. Kasi now I’ve been getting feedback on the book. “Wow, I was so touch by the story of Jose Marie Chan. I love the story of Marvin Agustin”, talagang perfect line up siya. So the ‘no’s’ in the process were actually blessings.

VP: So ‘yung mga interviews ba ay all planned?

MM: There was one time, I was travelling from Pangasinan to Manila. When I was looking out the window, tapos ayan na ‘yong mga greeneries. Tapos sabi ko, out of all the nationalities, why did God make me a Filipino?  Di ba? Ang dami-daming ibang nationality, bakit Filipino? So ‘yun yung reflection point ko. Tapos sabi ko, what if I interviewed most successful Filipinos and really share with the rest of the world what work for them. Their mindsets, their attitude, what if I do that? I started jotting down names on my phone without any idea kung paano ako mag- ko-connect sa kanila. ‘Yong iba, wala talaga. Parang bahala Ka na Lord. So I listed down names of different people— successful people who were inspiration in their respected fields, iba-iba ‘yan.

VP: The hardest part of writing the book is….?

MM: The hardest part in writing the book is, siguro ‘yong squeezing out from all that they’ve told me. Really squeezing out which story to put in the book what inside I relate to that and also making sure that the book will be… that people will keep on turning the pages, ‘yong ma-hook talaga sila in every page.

VP: You just have to ask your mind to listen?

MM: Oo at tsaka when you know you’re doing His will, you’d really feel that things will just fall into place. Totoo ‘yon

VP: So, what are your future plans?

MM: Ito na! Future plans. I plan to get married, Joke lang! My future plans are, I wanna write a book on also love na talagang helping single people to maximize and develop your potential and not make this significant other the center of your life or finding that significant other. It’s really finding yourself, loving yourself so that when you are in a relationship with someone, you’re in a healthy relationship and at the same time when you have children. I also like to continue writing about successful people. We’re all the same, more or less, pare-pareho lang tayo ng struggles,self-worth, dreams, we all have dreams, we all want love, to feel loved, so may mga taong may narating na eh, ‘yong mga gusto nating marating and it’s important we learn from these people. I also want to line up an all women book na parang ano naman siya, women empowerment naman siya. Women should really see how powerful we are and we can change the world. Malaki talaga ang role ng babae but I would never discount the fact that we still need the men. We have to work together kasi we’re really created differently and in a complementary way kasi we’re gonna create beautiful changes together, ‘yon ang take contact.

VP: Beautiful changes?

MM: Yes, beautiful changes together, masterpieces together.

VP: Including children?

MM: Oo naman. Naku ‘yong mga bata! Children should always be reminded that they’re worthy, that they’re loved because they will bring it eh, when they grow up. A lot of people di ba when
we we’re kids, we’re so brave, we’re so happy when we look at life in a positive way pero somewhere along the way, may nasaktan ka, so nag-iba na ‘yong outlook mo sa world pati na sa sarili mo, nagsi-shrink ka na. So I really encourage people to treat children with so much love, so much respect, really tell them you’re beautiful, you’re great, you’re awesome, you’ll do something amazing. Magsa-shine sila and magiging maganda ang effect nila sa buhay nila, and at the same time, sa buhay ng mga taong naka paligid sa kanila.
                                                                                                                      
VP: Where can we buy your book?

MM: ‘What’s your Life’s Masterpiece’ is available in National Bookstores nationwide. It is also in PowerBooks, and in select branches of Fully Booked. It can be purchased online through www.nationalbookstore.com as well as amazon.com.

Follow her on Instagram: marianne_ mencias and on Facebook so you can be friends. She writes inspirational thoughts in her social media accounts.
It was an enlightening conversation, and it’s not everyday that we get to meet and sit down with passionate people who, at young age writes books about finding life’s purpose. Through this interview, we hope to know more authors and share their stories of value.






Best Photo.  A family venturing out to the sea at dawn for crab fishing at the Patar Beach in Bolinao

Best Photo. A family venturing out to the sea at dawn for crab fishing at the Patar Beach in Bolinao

Best Photo.  A family venturing out to the sea at dawn for crab fishing at the Patar Beach in Bolinao was adjudged the grand  winner  of the first-ever Pangasinan  Photo Contest dubbed “Best Place,  Best Shots.”  The entry of Robert John L. Cabagnot,  which depicts the vision of Governor  Amado T. Espino, Jr. – Pangasinan as the best place to invest, work, live and raise a family, bested other 259 entry pieces. All photo entries are mounted on exhibit at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center in Lingayen and posted at the official website and facebook fan page of the province.
(www.pangasinan.gov.ph and facebook.com/pangasinan.gov.ph).  -Pangasinan PIO

Magdalo Group thanks Espino

Magdalo Group thanks Espino



MAGDALO GROUP THANKS ESPINO -- Officials and members of the Samahang Magdalo Provincial Chapter, a non-profit and volunteer organization, flash Pangasinan No. 1 sign with Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. (8th from left, standing) during a courtesy visit to the governor held last May 13. Espino assured the members’ request for the immediate completion of their head-quarters located in Carmen West, Rosales town as he vowed to help them in their activities and programs which generally benefit Pangasinenses, especially the underprivileged sector. At present, the Magdalo Group provincial chapter led by retired Army Master Sgt. Victoriano Bullanday has 28 sub-chapters in
25 towns and three cities in the province with at least 100,000 members -- retired and active Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, employees from various government agencies as well as members of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). (Photo by VFS) /PIO


Wednesday, May 28, 2014
In Ilocos Sur, HIV cases rising

In Ilocos Sur, HIV cases rising


VIGAN CITY (PIA) Health executives have called for the reactivation of local AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) councils due to rising cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the province.

Dr. Carmeliza Singson, provincial health officer, said at least 12 Ilocos Sur residents, two of them Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), were afflicted with HIV in 2013.


Singson said 175 cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were recorded in Ilocos Sur in 2013 and 73 cases in 2011.


We need to reactivate our council and intensify anti-AIDS campaign, she saidSingson said the Provincial Health Office (PHO) has doubled its efforts in educating sex workers reminding them the need to undergo regular Pap smear examinations.


She added that 10 males and two females who were diagnosed with HIV exhibited variety of illnesses including two full-blown AIDS and two females who were diagnosed with HIV exhibited a variety of illness including two full–blown AIDS cases based on the HIV tests at Gabriela Silang General Hospital and St. James Hospital here.


“There is no known cure for HIV or AIDS but treatments such as an- retroviral drugs slow the progression of the illness,” she said.


Singson said the HIV virus destroys blood cells which are crucial to the normal function of the immune sys- tem which defends the body against ill- ness while AIDS occurs when a person’s immune system is damaged after years of attack by HIV.


The   DOH official   said that HIV is transmitted through penetrative anal or vaginal and  oral sex  including  blood transfusion, the use of contaminated  needles or sharing needles through drug injection and between mother and infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.


She noted, however, that HIV does not survive well outside the body so it cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as shaking hands, hugging or kissing while sweats, tears.

(BEN P. PACRIS)


Health officials to tackle HIV/AIDS in public forum

Health officials to tackle HIV/AIDS in public forum

LAOAG CITY (PIA) – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) will organize a health forum to bring into the the rising cases on Human Immuno deficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the province.
Marcos.

Dr. Artemio Gambalan, PHO officer-in-charge, said a HIV and AIDS Congress is in the works to make the public aware of the need to prevent the spread of the disease.


Gambalan said the public should be vigilant in their activities noting that the highly-infectious disease can also be acquired other than sexual contact.


There are at least three ways how HIV and AIDS are transmitted. These may be through blood transfusion, placenta or sexual contact,” Gambalan said.


“There’s a need to control their activities and prevent its spread.The first two (blood transfusion and placenta) are easy to monitor but the last one (sexual contact) is hard. So, we really have to be vigilant as most of the affected are those MSM or men having sex with men,” he added.


The PHO reported that at least three cases of AIDS and 22 suspected cases of HIV have been recorded in the entire province of Ilocos Norte.


Based on the DOH’s report, the three suspected AIDS cases were in Batac City, Paoay, and Pasuquin towns while the 22 HIV cases were reportedly traced in Laoag City and Batac City and the towns of Sarrat, Solsona, Bacarra, Dingras and Marcos.



(CHERRY JOY D. GARMA)
Nationwide integrated marketing scheme conducted

Nationwide integrated marketing scheme conducted

BAGUIO CITY - The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) conducted a nationwide integrated marketing scheme dubbed as ALAGA KA para sa maayos na buhay at the Elpidio Quirino Elementary School covered court at Irisan last May 22.



This aims to keep the members informed of their Philhealth coverage and benefits and other public health programs of the Department of Health (DOH). It also seeks to rally the support of everyone to become advocates of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) as informed and empowered members. It is our continuing commitment of delivering quality health care, specifically to the poor and the marginalized identified through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) also known as the Listahan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philhealth together with the DOH, said Sherwin Jay Torreliza of Philhealth.


In his inspirational message, Mayor Mauricio Domogan urged the constituents specifically the poor to take the opportunity and avail of the benefits of Philhealth. Mahirap magkasakit lalo na kung ma ospital ka pa at mahal ang mga gamot. Kaya ang tanging kontribusyon niyo bilang isang indibiduwal ay umiwas sa mga masasamang bisyo (alak, sigarilyo atbp.). Live a healthy lifestyle by eating vegetables, fruits and other healthy foods,” advised the mayor.


The ALAGA KA was launched simultaneously nationwide last March 24 and was conducted in the Province of Benguet for the Cordillera Region and subsequently, the conduct of the said activity followed across the region. 


(Jho Arranz/CIO)
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