djanac@viral-niches.com

VALLETTA, MALTA

2011-02-13T23:55:00.000-08:00

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> Valletta is the capital city of Malta. The city has a population of
> approximately
> 6,500. It is located in the central-eastern portion of the island of
> Malta, where Scebberras
> Hill juts out into the surrounding harbors.
> Founded by the Knights of St John in 1566, it is known as the "city
> built by gentlemen
> for gentlemen'" - a 16th century architectural masterpiece. The
> bastions of this fortress
> city rank among the world's greatest examples of military engineering.
> Although its
> many titles recall its rich historical past, Valletta is very much a
> working, capital city; a
> bustling cultural center and the administrative and commercial heart
> of the Islands.
> Brief History
> Valletta was named after a Grand Master de la Vallette and was
> devised, in the wake
> of his victory against the Turks in the Great Siege of 1565 with two
> purposes: to be
> a Christian fortress able to withstand the forces of Islam and to be a
> congenial home
> for the Order of the Knights of St John. It was ruled successively by
> the Phoenicians,
> Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the
> Knights of St
> John.
> Valletta, the Città Umilissima, is Baroque in character. However, it
> has elements of
> Mannerism, Neo-Classical with hints of Modern architecture located in
> selected areas.
> Valletta did not escape World War II unscathed; although it remained essentially
> Baroque in character, the war left major scars on the city.
> Valletta's 320 monuments, all within an area of 135 acres, make it one
> of the most
> concentrated historic areas in the world. In 1980 the City of Valletta
> was listed by
> UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
> Highlights
> Walking around Valletta, you'll come across an intriguing historical
> site around every
> corner: votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms high up on
> parapets. The
> city retains a timeless atmosphere. The grid of narrow streets houses
> some of Europe's
> finest art works, churches and palaces. Highlights include:
> • St John's Co-Cathedral, formerly the Conventual Church of the
> Knights of Malta.
> • The Auberge de Castille et Leon, formerly the official seat of the
> Knights of Malta of
> the Langue of Castille, Léon and Portugal; now the office of Malta's
> Prime Minister.
> • The Magisterial Palace, formerly the seat of the Grand Master of the
> Knights of Malta;
> now houses the Maltese Parliament and the offices of the President of Malta.
> • The National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Archaeology.

Paying attention to detail: It's the small things that count.

2010-04-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

Commentary by Brig. Gen. Joe Lengyel
Air National Guard Readiness Center commander

4/3/2009 - ANDREWS AFB, Md. -- Everybody remembers the "big event", whether good or bad - the touchdown pass to win the game, the 3-pointer at the buzzer to win the national championship, the perfect landing in the Hudson River that saved 155 lives, or the fighter that dropped the perfect ordnance and rid the world of some bad guy someplace.

We also recall the pictures from Abu Ghraib, special weapon fuses that ended up in the wrong zip code, or any number of other "Titanic-like" events that were ultimately avoidable.

What most folks don't think about are the thousands or millions of details that had to happen just right to make the big event actually happen. That's why I want to talk about the small things --the details that we neglect or forget about when endeavoring to do great things. I want to emphasize and celebrate the importance of details. Small things matter! When we pay attention to details, we cultivate a culture of greatness and foster a spirit of doing things right and speaking up when we see things going wrong.

Here's a true story to illustrate my point. Roughly 20 years ago, I was playing golf with some friends at Ramstein AB. We were four fighter pilots just out enjoying the day, on the number 10 tee box right by the clubhouse. It's a short par 3 about 130 yards long. Well, three of us hit our shots and for the most part all were OK golf shots, but really were nothing special. When our fourth guy got up, something special happened as he took a wicked whack at the small white ball! The ball launched with ample energy and sufficient loft but it went left and missed the green by a wide margin going into a big tree. We could all hear it rattling around in the tree for what seemed like a long time, and we thought it might be a lost ball. But then, finally, the ball popped out and landed on the green. The club house crowd started to laugh and tease my buddy ... and then, ever so slowly, it started to roll down from the upper green to the lower green - toward the pin! You could feel the surge of excitement from the crowd. Everyone started to stand up, and then - you guessed it - the ball went in the hole. It was hysterical! Folks were high fiving, laughing, and it really was amazing. It was a great day for duffers everywhere.

I've thought about this shot many times since, replaying it in my head. Just between us, I've wondered why I have never had a hole in one and how this goofball hits it in the trees and gets an Ace! I've wondered how many things had to come together just perfectly to correct this wayward shot and make it the most memorable shot I've ever seen. It was a million little things and had any one of them been altered , the outcome would have changed so dramatically so as to make that hole, that day, and that shot not so memorable.

OK, so how does this apply to us and our great Air Force? We are in the business of "doing details" and people count on us to do them well. That's what makes us the greatest Air and Space Force on the planet. The moral of the story is simple - big things happen because of all the small things that occur along the way. Mistakes and errors can be corrected. Vectors can be changed.

A prominent general in our Air Force likes to say if you take care of the small things; the big things take care of themselves. I find much wisdom in this philosophy. In our line of work, our greatest national resource, the lives of our people, are at stake. Our national interests depend on us doing the small things right-all the time.

Here at the Air National Guard Readiness Center, we are in the midst of preparation for a Unit Compliance Inspection in May. Just the fact that I say "preparation" suggests we don't always do the small things the way we should. We all try and tidy up before the Inspector General arrives and to some degree, that's why they come to inspect. I have conveyed to the folks I work with that if we do the small things right all of the time, the UCI will take care of itself. I'm sure we will do just fine!

The next time you see Tiger Woods step up to a par three, you can rest assured he's making every effort to get the ball in that hole on his first shot. And, if he does get that Ace, you can bet that it was the culmination of thousands of balls hit during endless practice sessions...taking the proper stance and using the right grip over and over again. And really, if he does hit it in the hole on the first shot, should you be surprised? No - because he's Tiger Woods and he does all the small things right. And, the small things you do, or don't do, make a difference ever day.

Huatulco

2010-01-01T05:53:00.001-08:00

Mexico’s best kept secret: this Oaxacan

gem, is a cozy tourist favorite that conveys

a small-town charm with all the comfort and

beauty of a major resort. Like the mountains?

The Sierra Madre del Sur, Southern Mexico’s

lush coastal range, forms a regal backdrop

to Huatulco’s four main areas. Looking for

some sun and surf? The coastline here

comes chock full of beaches, bays, coves

and serenely beautiful rocky shores. Thinking

of some shopping and sight-seeing?

Charming Santa Cruz is well-equipped for

a fun day of browsing, awash in cafes, small

shops and sidewalk spots perfect for sipping

a cordial and soaking up some rays

Brief History

Pre-Columbian Mexico probably saw a mix

of native peoples either traveling through or

living briefly in Huatulco, the Zapotecs most

likely among them. In the early 16th Century,

after Hernan Cortes conquered the region

for Spain, Huatulco became a favorite stop

for Spanish merchants and colonists, supporting

growth along the Pacific Coast. That

didn’t stop other New World explorers—

notably Sir Francis Drake—from dropping

anchor and clashing with the locals. Thereafter,

Huatulco enjoyed a few centuries of

relative calm and prosperity (the sunny, mild

climate still favors growing and processing

coffee). In 1984, the government arrived

with a new game plan—tourism—using a

template similar to that of Cancun. The result

was a boost in business and infrastructure

development flavored by a host of resort

amenities, from hotels and nightclubs to

recreation and other tourist activities.

Highlights

Soft white sand and shimmering • turquoise

water—that’s the ticket at many

of Huatulco’s three dozen beaches.

A relaxing option for experiencing the

area’s nautical joys should include a

swim at Santa Cruz beach and a spin

around gorgeous Tangolunda Bay.

• Attention history buffs: Huatulco’s Copalita

Point Eco-Archaeological Centre

is not merely an interesting day trip. It’s

Mexico’s most remarkable archaeological

find in more than a generation, an

ongoing excavation and careful compilation

of remarkable ruins (from pyramids

to burial sites) dating from 500 B.C.

• Whether creating or dining on it,

Mexican cuisine provides an endless

source of delight. Don’t just take our

word for it, though. Join restaurateurs

Thierry and Tina Favre for a culinary

cook-and-dine session at their renowned

Huatulco bistro, Lechalote.

• Take in lovely La Crucecita the way the

locals do via an informative, albeit leisurely,

stroll around town. The sights are

many: the bountiful flora and fauna of

Zocala, the city’s Central Park; the colorful

church of the Virgin of Guadalupe; and

more than a few arts and craft stores for

cool souvenir shopping.

Acapulco, Mexico

2010-01-01T05:49:00.000-08:00

Glittering and glamorous. Spontaneous

and splashy. From the people to the bay,

sensual Acapulco, Mexico is known for

its beauty. Its world-famous beaches offer

up the sun and surf for different agendas,

whether you’re in the mood for exhilaration

of serenity

Brief History

When Spanish conquistador Gil Gonzales

Avila arrived in 1512, he recognized

the potential of this excellent harbor. For

the next 250 years, the Spanish colonial

empire tapped the wealth of Asia with

great fleets of galleons that crisscrossed

the Pacific. From Acapulco, ships sailed

to Asia to exchange Mexican silver for

spices, silk, ivory, precious stones, pearls,

and other fine wares. Upon their return,

the cargo was unloaded in Acapulco

and carried overland to the gulf port of

Veracruz, for eventual shipping to Europe.

However, as new trade routes around Africa’s

Cape of Good Hope opened at the

end of the 18th century, the importance of

Acapulco began to decline.

Highlights

Acapulco delivers an action-packed,

24-hour-a-day exuberance with an array

of attractions and activities… all set in a

breathtaking harbor that rivals the most

beautiful in the world. Highlights include:

Resort Area: beginning south of Acapulco

Bay is the “Playa Revolcadero” area, a

long flat stretch of open ocean beach

backed by an enormous tropical lagoon.

Just to the north is the “Puerto Marques”

area. This once tranquil bay is full of multimillion

dollar developments that include

resort hotels, golf courses, condos, and

marinas. And finally, there is “Acapulco

Bay”, the mountain-framed natural harbor

that is famous for its natural beauty. The

appropriately named “Carretera Escénica”

(Scenic Highway) connects the three

areas.

La Quebrada: located across the peninsula

on its rocky seaward side, this

observation point is ideal to see one of

Acapulco’s most famous attractions - the

“clavadistas” (cliff divers). From a ledge,

more than 150 feet above the sea, each

diver prepares himself, waiting for the right

moment when incoming wave floods the

canyon. An error in timing would mean

certain death on the rock below, so each

dive is truly an amazing accomplishment.

Downtown: here you can find the Public

Market, a fascinating place with a wide

variety of merchants; Old Acapulco or the

“Zocalo”, perfect for people-watching, the

city’s main square is where you will find

the Cathedral.

Cabo, San Lucas

2009-10-26T01:16:00.000-07:00

On the shore of a desert near the misty
border of two seas lies a tiny, rustic, and
remote fishing village that is rapidly becoming
one of Mexico’s hottest resort destinations.
Located at the southernmost tip of the
1000 mile long Baja California peninsula,
Cabo San Lucas is blessed with a coastline
that’s ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, whalewatching
and romance.

Brief History
Baja was first sighted by Hernan Cortes’
pilot, Francisco de Ulloa, in 1537 – eighteen
years after the conquest of the Aztec Empire.
With no gold or silver and little agricultural
potential, Baja’s discovery was of little worth
until trade routes were established across
the Pacific in the late 16th century. For
the next 200 years Cabo San Lucas and
nearby San Jose del Cabo were important
supply stops for the China Ships–galleons
returning from the Orient laden with gold,
silks, and spices. And as one would expect
the waters of the cape became a favorite
hunting ground for pirates waiting to take
part in the bounty.

The 1940s and 50s brought wealthy
vacationers and sportsmen, drawn by the
secluded luxury lodges lining the cliffs, and
the massive game fish that teem in the swirl
of surf where ocean meets sea. Sport fishing
still remains one of the area’s chief draws, as
popular as the perfect sandy beaches and
the ever-growing waterfront resorts. With
miles of pristine beaches, beautiful scenery,
and gorgeous weather, it’s no wonder that
Cabo is becoming a resort destination.

Highlights
Cabo features dramatic desert terrain
scenery, breathtaking seascapes and
rugged coastline, marked by unusual rock
formations. Highlights include:

• Beaches: three of Cabo’s most
popular beaches are Playa del Amor (Lovers
Beach), Playa Solmar and Playa El Medano.
Use caution as the beaches on the Pacific
coast of the Baja peninsula are known
for their heavy surf, strong undertow, and
erratic rip-tides.

• Land’s End: features pristine beaches,
towering rock formations and the famed
Los Arcos (The Arches). These arches have
been carved out of the jagged cliffs by the
pounding surf and they mark the point
where the deep blue waters of the Pacific
meet the warm aqua-greens of the Sea of
Cortes.

• Chileno Beach/Bay: there is a reef
formation that begins at Chileno beach and
continues for about half a mile into Chileno
bay. The reef offshore is home to some of
the Los Cabos area’s best snorkeling - see
sea turtles, manta rays, and hundreds of
tropical fish.

• Cacti Mundo: a unique botanical
garden with the most important collection
of cacti in Mexico. This cactus collection
contains over 750 species of cacti from
around the world, with a total of nearly
15,000 cacti.

San Francisco, California

2009-10-26T01:08:00.000-07:00

Few places rival the “city by the bay”
for its great cuisine, cool nightlife, fun
attractions and friendly attitude towards
all. And then there’s San Fran’s romantic
side, etched in vinyl and pop culture
lore by Tony Bennett. Where better to
rekindle an old flame or engage a new
one than riding a cable car or strolling
along Fisherman’s Wharf.

Notwithstanding those classic
attractions, San Francisco’s true
personality shines through in its
neighborhoods. This is, after all, the
birthplace of the Summer of Love (ask
your parents) and home to hippies,
happenings, tuning in and dropping
out, a.k.a. Haight-Ashbury on Google
Earth. It’s also the city where anything
went (and may still go), be it gay
(Castro), straight-laced (Nob Hill), lively
and late-night (North Beach), cutting
edge (South of Market), laid-back
(Marina/Presidio) and full of Pan-Asian
treats (Chinatown and Japantown).

That said, it’s physically impossible, of
course, to experience San Francisco in
a day or even a week, which goes right
to the heart of the city’s sneaky charm:
endless return visits.

Brief History
With the city’s graceful gardens, cheery
cable cars and gingerbread row houses,
some visitors might consider San
Francisco a delicate flower. If so, think
again. Founded as a Spanish mission
back in 1776, the city really took off
during the rough and tumble California
Gold Rush in 1848. San Francisco
ranked as the West Coast’s largest if
not prettiest destination when on April
18, 1906 a 8.25 magnitude earthquake
and fire turned more than 80 percent of
the city into scorched rubble. More than
just survive, though, San Francisco
forged an entirely new identity, thriving
as an international showcase for arts,
culture, dining and diversity

Highlights
No place better connotes the concept
“life in prison” than Alcatraz, the onetime
brooding hulk of a penitentiary
now turned museum. While the island
fortress teased its hardcore inmate with
beauty—a panorama of San Francisco
and the Marin Headlands—the torture
lay in being surrounded by California’s
most treacherous body of water.
Visitors, on the other hand, can enjoy
the views and guided tour without
packing their striped pajamas.
Napa and Sonoma counties, just three
hours north of town, provide a scenic
respite from the city, their hillsides aglow
with wild mustard and the ubiquitous
rows of grapevines. Tours and tasting—
pinots, zinfandels, chardonnays and
champagnes— are the order of the
day, so bring some plastic and plan on
shipping (not carrying) that precious
cargo back home.
San Francisco’s got landmarks
aplenty—Coit Tower, Golden Gate
Park, and Lombard Street’s daunting
twists and turns among them. Easily the
city’s strangest, though: Beach Blanket
Babylon, the irreverent, long-running
(35 years) musical send-up of all things
pop and political. The comedy’s broad;
the music brisk; and the hats, well, just
plain outrageous.

Catalina Island, California

2009-10-26T01:03:00.000-07:00

Quoting from the lyrics of a hit song from

the 50s about this starkly beautiful hideaway,

Santa Catalina does sit “26 miles

across the sea” off the Southern California

Coast, with “water all around it everywhere,

tropical trees and salty air.” Referred to as

“The Island of Romance” Catalina is sure

to delight with its many shops, bars, clubs

and cafes of Avalon (pop. 3,100), the island’s

sole city and bustling point of entry.

Catalina’s also chock full of cool animals—

foxes, for sure, plus bald eagles, rare butterflies

and bison aplenty, supposedly

shipped in for the filming of George Seitz

1925 silent epic, The Vanishing American.

Nature lovers should also find Catalina’s

hilly backcountry to their liking, as these

hills are awash in some 400 species of native

plants, about a half dozen of which are

found only on this 22-mile island. The surrounding

Pacific Ocean also holds a wealth

of good fishing, teeming with sea bass,

yellow tail and barracuda. And there’s no

shortage of local characters willing to chat

up visitors and perhaps serenade them

with a tune about their idyllic lifestyle

Brief History

While Catalina’s earliest residents date

back to 7,000 B.C. and the Tongva tribe,

the first official outside visitor, Juan Cabrillo,

only arrived in 1542, naming the island

San Salvador and claiming it for Spain. A

slew of explorers, developers, gold miners

and settlers followed. California’s Banning

family bought the entire island in 1891 and

turned it into a resort, complete with a bath

house, dance pavilion and rentable tents.

Chewing gum magnate William Wrigley

bought in a bit later, built his landmark casino,

and for 30 years, even brought the

family’s other business (i.e., the Chicago

Cubs) to Catalina for spring training.

Highlights

The easiest way to stay dry yet soak up

Catalina’s abundant marine life: a glassbottom

boat ride. The sights—underwater

gardens, colorful schools of fish—are

spectacular, with the best of the Pacific

Ocean literally at your feet.

A stage coach line on Catalina—who

knew? But here it is, now a winding, 32-mile

roadway where motor coaches explore the

island’s scenic, 42,000-acre interior. Photo

ops abound, from free-roaming wildlife to

gorgeous Little Harbor overlook.

Don’t miss a stroll around the Avalon

Casino, William Wrigley’s swirling Art Deco

delight, where the views are terrific and it’s

easy to picture California’s elite enjoying a

black-tie, big band gala in the ballroom or

a quiet romantic break on the promenade

balcony.

Heading off-road through the Catalina

outback gives visitors a unique perspective

on the island’s rugged beauty, as the sites

range from the bald eagle habitat at Middle

Ranch to a breathtaking stop at remote

Cape Canyon.

Astoria, Oregon

2009-10-26T00:58:00.000-07:00

Located on Oregon’s North Coast, Astoria
is the site of the oldest permanent American
settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.
The city dates back to 1811 and is situated
at the western end of the Lewis & Clark
Trail. Its architecture is dominated by
hundreds of Victorian homes clinging to
steep wooded hillsides and a revitalized
1920s-era downtown, all set against a
backdrop of tremendous natural beauty -
pristine forests and majestic mountains

Brief History
The Lewis and Clark Expedition spent
the winter of 1805-1806 at Fort Clatsop,
a small log structure south and west of
modern day Astoria. The expedition had
hoped a ship would come by to take
them back east, but instead endured a
torturous winter of rain and cold, then
returned east the way they came. Today
the fort has been recreated and is now a
national monument.
In 1810, John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur
Company sent the Astor Expedition that
founded Fort Astoria as its primary fur trading
post in the Northwest, and in fact
the first permanent U.S. settlement on the
Pacific coast. It was an extremely important
post for American exploration of the
continent and was influential in establishing
American claims to the land. The city
was named after the American investor
(and first millionaire) John Jacob Astor.

Highlights
Astoria offers visitors an escape into the
past. The city features a variety of attractions
to visit, including:
Fort Clatsop National Memorial: named
in honor of the local Clatsop Indians,
the fort was home for the 33-member
party of the Lewis & Clark Expedition
that spent the winter of 1805-1806.
Visit this replica of the fort depicted in
Clark’s journal
Columbia River Maritime Museum: with
24,000 square feet of exhibit space, it
houses the finest and most extensive
maritime collection in the Northwest.
Visitors can view superb displays about
lighthouses, shipwrecks, navigation,
fishing, and naval history.
Flavel House Museum: step back in time
with a visit to the elegant Astoria home
built in 1885 by Captain George Flavel,
Columbia River bar pilot and the area’s
first millionaire. A magnificent example
of Queen Anne style architecture with
period furnishings and artwork.
Fort Stevens State Park: was the
primary military defense installation in
the three fort Harbor Defense System
at the mouth of the Columbia River. Fort
Stevens served for 84 years. The Fort
Stevens State Park of today contains an
eight-mile network of paved bike paths.
Astoria Column: the 125-foot tower is
perched atop a hill, with an inner circular
staircase allowing visitors to climb to see
a panoramic view of the town and the
surrounding geography. The column
was built by the Astor family in 1926 to
commemorate the region’s early history.

Sitka, Alaska

2009-10-26T00:57:00.000-07:00

With views of island-studded waters and

stately spruce forests reaching to the

water's edge, Sitka is considered to be

one of Alaska's most beautiful towns. This

historic and scenic community is situated

on Baranof Island, nestled between

forested mountains and the Pacific Ocean,

on the waters of Alaska's Inside Passage.

Sitka offers a combination of Native Tlingit

culture, Russian history, and Alaskan

wilderness which provides visitors with a

diverse and unequaled experience.

Brief History

The Tlingit Indians had lived in and around

Sitka centuries before the Russians or

Americans ever set foot on the island's

shores. Choosing the seaward side of the

island they named Shee, the Tlingits called

their settlement Shee Atika, meaning

"people on the outside of Shee". The name

Sitka is merely a contraction.

The Tlingits thrived undisturbed on their

island paradise until 1799, when the

Russians arrived. Alexander Baranof,

Manager of the Russian-American

Company, established a fort a few miles

north of present day Sitka. The Tlingits grew

hostile, understanding that submission to

the Russians meant allegiance to the Tzar

and slave labor to the fur trade company.

Violence surged when the Tlingits attacked

the Russian outpost in 1802, killing nearly

all of the Russians and their Aleut slaves.

Two years later Baranof retaliated. For six

days, the island Natives fought gallantly, but

were ultimately out-gunned. The Russians

renamed the settlement New Archangel.

Russian Orthodox Church clergy soon took

up residency and fortress-like structures

replaced clan houses atop a shore side hill,

later known as Castle Hill.

The fur-trade flourished and the Russian-

American Company became the most

profitable fur trader in the world. However,

by mid-century, over hunting had

diminished the number of sea otters, and

therefore, also the Russians' interest in

the new world. In 1867, the Russians sold

Alaska to the United States for $7.2 million

with a transfer ceremony that took place in

Sitka on October 18th of that year.

Highlights

Wildlife adds to Sitka's natural beauty. The

mild climate, rich habitat and low human

population make Sitka one of the best

places to view wildlife. Nearby waters are

a popular feeding ground for humpback

whales in the late fall and early spring.

St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge provides

a wonderful opportunity to view tufted

puffins and other sea birds at. While out on

the ocean, you may also spot sea otters,

sea lions, whales and other marine wildlife.

Sitka lies at the heart of the largest temperate

rain forest in the world, the Tongas's National

Forest. Enjoy the fresh outdoors on wellmarked

mountain trails. Take to the water

for a picturesque boat trip or kayaking

adventure among nearby islands or fish for

world-class salmon and halibut.

Rejuvenate

2009-10-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

"Health is wealth"

Make well-being a priority. Too often, we
forget about what’s important for our
health, well-being and happiness.

In case you forgot, it’s called self-appreciation!

When you reserve time to
appreciate yourself with more relaxation
and less stimulation, it is only natural that
you will instantly feel rejuvenated.
Other ways you can rejuvenate…

• Put the cell phone and laptop away for at
least half an hour and give your busy brain
a breather.

• Drink 6–8 glasses of cool, refreshing,
pure, filtered water daily.

• Practice the art of self-appreciation
while you are at work. Enjoy
some time alone with a soothing massage,
facial or Acupuncture Treatment at
the AquaSpa.

Hubbard Glacier

2009-10-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

I don't have the words to describe how I feel when I saw the glacier but maybe these pictures can say it all.

Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater

glacier on the North American continent.

It is located in the U.S. state of Alaska and

also in Canada's Yukon Territory. Standing

at 11,000 feet above sea level, the glacier

stretches 76 miles from its source in the

Yukon to the sea at Yakutat Bay and

Disenchantment Bay. It is the longest

tidewater glacier in Alaska, with an open

calving face over 6 miles wide.

It has been thickening and advancing toward

the Gulf of Alaska since it was first mapped

by the International Boundary Commission

in 1895. This is in stark contrast with most

glaciers, which have thinned and retreated

during the last century. If Hubbard Glacier

continues to advance, it will close the

seaward entrance of Russell Fjord and

create the largest glacier-dammed lake on

the North American continent.

Brief History

Glaciers form because snowfalls in high

mountain ranges exceed snow melt. Snowflakes

first change to granular snow, but

are soon pressed into a mass of ice by the

weight of the accumulating layers above. In

time, when the ice becomes heavy enough,

the entire mass breaks loose at the bottom

and begins a slow-motion avalanche down

the mountain – moving from an inch to as

much as seven feet in a single day. Millions

of tons of ice, gravel, and broken rock

slide down the mountain carving a path to

the sea. This spectacular show can only

be seen in three places on Earth – Chile,

Scandinavia, and Alaska.

Rarely do these ancient walls of ice do

anything unexpected or newsworthy, but in

1986, Hubbard Glacier made the news by

surging forward to block off Russell Fjord

from the sea. Water began to build behind

the glacier at a rate of 210 million cubic

feet per minute creating a rising freshwater

lake. Flooding became a serious concern.

In the weeks that followed, the tremendous

flow slowly overwhelmed the massive wall

of ice, and the newly formed lake cascaded

into the ocean. This incident with Russell

Fjord has not deterred the six-mile wide,

300 foot high face of Hubbard Glacier

– to this day it continues its determined

advance.

Hubbard Glacier is only one of the hundreds

of glaciers that have survived the last mini-ice

age. Worldwide glacial statistics are

amazing; 10 percent of our world's total

area is covered with ice (up to two miles

thick in some regions), equaling the percent

of land currently being used for agriculture.

Glacier and polar ice store more water

than all the world's lakes, rivers, and the

atmosphere combined, and if the world's

ice caps melted completely, sea levels

would raise enough to flood much of the

Earth and over half of the world's cities.

The Inside Passage

2009-10-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

This majestic 1000-mile ever-changing panorama of natural

beauty is hypnotically wonderful. Thank God I got to see His creation last September 12^th 2009.

The Inside Passage

Carved by glaciers and blanketed with majestic

Western hemlock and giant Sitka

spruce, Alaska's Inside Passage is a region

of pristine water, snow-capped mountains,

deep fjords and forested islands. With its

mild, maritime climate, this area is prime

habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises

and whales.

The Inside Passage is also known as "The

Panhandle" or "Southeast". The name is

a reference to early explorers' quest to

locate the Northwest Passage between

the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.

Brief History

As the great glaciers of the last Ice Age

retreated from Southeast Alaska and British

Columbia, a new and beautiful land

was born. Islands were freed from the ice

and the green waters of the North Pacific

flowed into the coves and glacier-carved

fjords of the mountain-crowned coast.

The ever-changing panorama of natural

beauty of this majestic 1000-mile Inside

Passage is much the same as that viewed

by Capt. Vancouver almost 200 years

ago. This channel's eventful past recalls

the days of Russian fur traders and goldhungry

prospectors; of ancient and complex

Indian cultures that thrived on the rich

bounty from the sea.

The picturesque coastal communities

are rich in history. Russian influence is

well preserved in churches and other

historical structures. The Native cultures

of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian Indians

dominate this area. Ancient totem poles

are abundant in many communities and

the art of totem carving is preserved

along with traditional dance and music.

Highlights

Protected by offshore islands and tempered

by the Kuroshio (Japan Current),

this vast maze of deep channels, quiet

bays and lovely forested islands forms one

of the world's most interesting and scenic

cruise routes – waterfalls cascading from

sheer granite cliffs; islands of nesting seabirds;

immense glaciers that release great

slabs of ice to crash into the sea; basking

seals and migrating whales.

The Alaskan portion of the Inside Passage,

in the north, extends 500 miles from north

to south and 100 miles from east to west.

The area encompasses 1,000 islands,

15,000 miles of shoreline and thousands

of coves and bays.

British Columbia's southern portion of the

route is of similar extent, with up to 25,000

miles of coastline. It includes the narrow,

protected Strait of Georgia between Vancouver

Island and the B.C. mainland; as

well as the Johnstone and Queen Charlotte

Straits between Vancouver Island and

the mainland.

Much of the southern panhandle is part of

the Tongass National Forest, a 16.8 million

acre rainforest. In fact, it is the largest remaining

coastal temperate rainforest in the

world. Glacier Bay National park has 16

active tidewater glaciers and Misty Fiords

National Monument near Ketchikan has

3,000-foot cliffs rising directly from pristine

ocean channels.

Hand-Washing

2009-10-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Make Frequent Hand-Washing a Habit

Medical experts tell us that the best way to prevent colds, flu, or gastrointestinal illnesses -such as a Norovirus that can be transferred easily through person-to-person contact - is to simply wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after rest room breaks and again before eating anything. Symptoms of Noroviruses include an upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Noroviruses affect 23 million Americans on land each year. In fact, the only illness that is more prevalent is the common cold. Should you experience any gastrointestinal illness, please visit your doctor or nearest medical facility for a consultation and treatment if necessary.

Nanaimo

2009-10-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

Viewed from the coast, this place is amazingly great. Been here in "the meeting place" last October 13^th2009.

Famous for its varied landscapes and more

than two dozen parks, the city of Nanaimo

boasts one of the prettiest waterfronts in

Canada

. It is centrally located on the east

coast of Vancouver Island, about 70 miles

north of Victoria. Nanaimo serves as a major

ferry terminal linking Vancouver Island

with the B.C. mainland.

Once the location of five separate native

villages, Nanaimo's name derives from

a Coast Salish word, "Sney-ny-mo" (the

meeting place). Incorporated in 1874,

Nanaimo is the third oldest city in British

Columbia. A former coal-mining town,

Nanaimo has evolved into something very

different, with a clean, accessible waterfront,

cultural festivals in the summer, a

university campus with a marvelous view,

and superb dining.

Brief History

In 1864, an architect named George Deverill

drafted a town plan based on topographical

maps of the area. Deverill gave

Nanaimo one of its most distinctive features,

the fan shaped pattern of the downtown

streets. Rather than section the town

into a grid of regular rectangles, the streets

follow the natural downward slope and

bowl formation of the land. The radial plan

leads from the primary business district towards

the harbor.

Fishing, logging, lumber milling, sandstone

quarrying and transport industries were

all developed. Communities were forming

around Nanaimo as other coal deposits

were discovered and worked. Today, with

the coal mines gone, new industries define

life in Nanaimo. Shipping, tourism, and a

range of industrial, commercial and service

industries provide livelihoods for the residents

but will leave quite different heritage

resources to shape Nanaimo's future.

Highlights

Step back in time for a heritage walk

through downtown Nanaimo, which treasures

a number of historic buildings. Highlights

include:

• Nanaimo District Museum: provides

an interactive display of Nanaimo's colorful

history. Native exhibits, archeological

artifacts, miner's cottage, a highly acclaimed

coal mining exhibit and 10,000 year old

petroglyphs are some the museum's

features.

• Wildlife Recovery Center: a non-profit

volunteer run organization dedicated to help

protect and build homes for injured wildlife

on Vancouver Island. Animals at the center

include black bears, bald eagles and great

horned owls.

• Cathedral Grove: experience the lush

nature and the many eco-systems that exist

within the rainforest located about an hour

from Nanaimo. See Douglas fir, western

hemlock and western red cedar tower over

200 feet.

• McLean Mill: the only steam-operated

sawmill in Canada, powered by a singlepiston

steam engine from Chattanooga

Tennessee built in 1890. An observation

deck provides the opportunity to view a

variety of steam-powered machinery.

• Coombs Country Market: perfect

for exploring an eclectic smorgasbord of

artwork and crafts, food and drink and

souvenirs. If you are lucky you might even

see the goats on the roof.

Ketchikan

2009-10-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

Last August 28^th 2009, I was invited by a Hungarian fellow whom I met two hours before that to this famous Filipino Restaurant. We ate rice with beef toppings among others and it was delicious. Most of its customers are the local pensioners/retirees and travelers. Filipinos, whenever they are in Ketchikan, always find time to visit and taste their just-like-home-made Filipino dishes.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Near the southern most tip of Alaska's

panhandle sits a sleepy little town with a

very dramatic title. Squeezed between

mountain and sea it is hard to imagine

how the town got the Tlingit Indian name,

Ketchikan – "Thundering Wings of an

Eagle." For the rugged soul that climbs the

3,000 foot Deer Mountain that overlooks

the town, the mystery is quickly solved.

From that vantage, the town, once a Tlingit

summer fishing camp, sprawls out in the

perfect shape of an eagle in flight.

Like most communities in southeastern

Alaska, Ketchikan is surrounded by a vast

wilderness and impassable mountains.

Without road or rail connections to the rest

of North America, everything must come

by air or sea. But the town is Alaska's

gateway to the south. So although it is

small, picturesque, and rustic, it can be

quite busy.

Brief History

A little over 100 years ago the Tongass

Packing Company discovered what

natives had known for centuries – that

fishing in Ketchikan was excellent. The

company set up a salmon fishery in 1887.

By the 1930s, eleven canneries were processing

nearly two million salmon a year.

Similar to other western towns, Ketchikan

received a huge boost from one of the

many gold rushes that burned through the

Northwest in the late 1800s. Major finds

in the nearby hills and on Prince of Wales

Island brought miners by the boat load.

Ketchikan was incorporated as a mining

town in 1900, and a customs house was

set up to make it Alaska's first port of entry.

Much of the gold and copper in the area

had been exhausted by World War I, and

the mines were shut down to free labor for

the war effort.

Highlights

Ketchikan is a small town, its long main

street skirts a waterfront built on pilings

over the sea. Short side streets and steep

wooden stairways lead to residential areas

on the bluff above. Highlights include:

Dolly's Historic • Museum: located

on Creek Street, Ketchikan's former

red-light district, this well renowned

establishment has been fully restored

complete with a satin-covered

four-poster brass bed and elegant

tapestried walls.

• Tongass Historical Society Museum:

houses over 1,000 exhibits of the Tlingit,

Tsimshian and Haida Indian cultures,

together with pioneer memorabilia

and wildlife displays.

• Totem Cultural Heritage Center: features

the largest collection of original,

unaltered totem poles in Alaska. Ketchikan

is noted for the world's largest

collections of totem poles, an interesting

and important Indian art form.

• Misty Fjords National Monument: take

a float plane tour to this magnificent

wilderness of glaciers, waterfalls,

lakes and sheer granite cliffs that

rise thousands of feet above narrow

waterways carved during the ice ages,

centuries ago.

BBC's Victoria, Canada

2009-10-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

On October 14^th 2009, I get to see the Beautiful British Columbia’s City of Victoria, CA.

Victoria
The capital of British Columbia is situated on the sunny southern tip of Vancouver Island. Victoria basks in one of Canada’s mildest climates, ideal for exploring museums, parks and golf courses. This one-time British colony has retained much of its colonial splendor. Thanks to its English charm, gentle weather, and dramatic scenery the city attracts millions of visitors every year – earning it the title of the most visited vacation spot in Western Canada.

Brief History
Victoria is Western Canada’s oldest city. The City began in 1843 as a Hudson Bay
Company trading post, named in honor of Queen Victoria. With the Fraser Valley gold rush in 1858, Victoria grew rapidly as the main port of entry to the Colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia. When the colonies combined, the City became the colonial capital and was established as the provincial capital when British Columbia joined the Canadian Confederation in 1871. For most of the 19th century, Victoria remained the largest city in British Columbia and was the foremost in trade and commerce. However, with construction of the Transcontinental Railway, Vancouver, as its terminus, emerged as the major west coast port and the largest city in British Columbia.

Highlights
Victoria is proud of its British heritage, its historic and attractive downtown, the
flowers and parks and, of course, the Inner Harbor with its vistas toward the famous Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings.
Butchart Gardens: this private estate is one of Canada’s National Historic
Sites, covering over 50 acres and is considered to be among the most
beautiful gardens in the world. Stroll through the Sunken Garden, the
Japanese and Italian Gardens, the English Rose Garden and view Ross
Fountain.
Butterfly Gardens: rich with plants and butterflies from around the world. See orchids and carnivorous plant displays along with colorful butterflies in various stages of their lifecycle.
Craigdarroch Castle: a Canadian National Historic Site built in the 1800s.
The 39-room, 20,000-square-foot mansion features only the finest building
materials. View the intricate paneled woodwork, stained glass windows and
Victorian Era furniture.
Hatley Castle: was originally a home of the affluent Dunsmuir family, then a military college, and is now a beautifully
maintained national historic site and the home of Royal Roads University. Hatley
Castle sits on 565-acres of Hatley Park Estate.
Fortress at Fort Rodd Hill: one of the best preserved and most complete
examples of its kind on the coast of British Columbia.
Royal British Columbia Museum: features an outstanding collection
of totem poles, prehistoric displays, and life-sized animated walk-through
exhibits. The Royal BC Museum is considered to be one of the world’s best historical museums.

CORPORATE LESSONS

2009-08-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

WARNING: YOU MAY NOT ENJOY READING THIS…SORRY!

Story 1

A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower when the doorbell rings.

The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, "I'll give you $800 to drop that towel."

After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 dollars and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs.

When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, "Who was that?"

"It was Bob the next door neighbor," she replies.

"Great!" the husband says, "Did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?"

Corporate lesson: If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Story 2

A priest offered a lift to a Nun. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg.

The priest nearly had an accident.

After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.

The nun said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest removed his hand.

But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest apologized, "Sorry sister but the flesh is weak."

Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129.

It said, "Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory."

Corporate Lesson: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.

Story 3

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp.

They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, "I'll give each of you just one wish."

"Me first! Me first!" says the admin. clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world." Poof! She's gone.

"Me next! Me next!" says the sales rep. "I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Piña Coladas, and the love of my life." Poof! He's gone.

"OK, you're up," the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."

Corporate Lesson: Always let your boss have the first say.

Story 4

A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day.

A rabbit asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?"

The crow answered: "Sure, why not." So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested. A fox jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Corporate Lesson: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very high up.

Story 5

A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, but I haven't got the energy."

"Well, why don't you nibble on my droppings?" replied the bull. "They're packed with nutrients."

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree.

The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.

Finally after a fourth night, there he was proudly perched at the top of the tree.

Soon he was spotted by a farmer, who shot the turkey out of the tree.

Corporate Lesson: Bulls**t might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.

The Winner's Edge Coaching Tips

2009-07-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

We're all talking to ourselves every moment of our lives, except during certain portions of our sleeping cycle.

We're seldom even aware that we're doing it.

We all have a running commentary in our heads on events and our reactions to them.

Here are some tips to remember:

1. Be aware of the silent conversations you have with yourself.

Are you a nurturing coach or a critic?
Do you reinforce your own success or negate it?
Are you comfortable saying to yourself,

"That's more like it."
"Now we're in the groove."
"Things are working out well."
"I'll do it better next time."

2. When you fail, view it as a temporary inconvenience,
a learning experience, an isolated event, and a stepping stone instead of a stumbling block.

3. When you have even a small success, reinforce that success by rewarding yourself and feeling pride, rather than feeling lucky or guilty for the attention.

4. When you receive a compliment for any reason, simply respond: "Thank you."

And accept value graciously whenever it is offered.

5. Always greet the people you meet with a smile.

When introducing yourself in any new association,
take the initiative to volunteer your own name first, clearly; and always extend your hand first, looking the person in the eyes when you speak.

6. In your telephone communications at work or at home, answer the telephone pleasantly, immediately giving your own name to the caller, before you ask for the party you want and before you state your business.

7. Leading with your own name underscores that a person of value is making the call.

8. Don't brag.
People who trumpet their exploits and shout for service are actually calling for help.

The showoffs, braggarts, and blowhards are desperate for attention.

9. Don't tell your problems to people, unless they're directly involved with the solutions.

And don't make excuses.

Always talk affirmatively about the progress you are trying to make.

Apply these tips and keep the running commentary in your head on a positive note! -- Denis Waitley

<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>

Winning Is...
Winning is never whining.
Winning is coming in fourth, exhausted but excited, because you came in fifth last time.
Winning is being glad you're you.
Winning is a feeling, there is no ceiling.
Winning is beginning, and by beginning,
the game is half won.
Winning is all in the attitude!

<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>!<>

Paradise Down Under

2009-07-03T01:04:00.000-07:00

Discover this underwater paradise in the heart of Negros Island just 15 kms from the City of Dumaguete. Dont miss this site in your next dive.

Attention to details!!!

2009-07-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

A married lady was expecting a birthday gift from her husband. For many months she had admired a beautiful diamond ring in a showroom, and knowing her husband could afford it, she told him that was all she wanted.

As her birthday approached, this lady awaited signs that her husband had purchased the diamond ring. Finally, on the morning of her birthday, her husband called her into his study room. Her husband told her how proud he was to have such a good wife, and told her how much he loved her. He handed her a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, the wife opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the wife's name embossed in gold.

Angrily, she raised her voice to her husband and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible? and stormed out of the house, leaving her husband.

Many years passed and the lady was very successful in business.. She managed to settle for a more beautiful house and a wonderful family, but realized her ex-husband was very old, and thought perhaps she should go to visit him. She had not seen him for many years. But before she could make arrangements, she received a telegram telling her that her ex-husband had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to her. She needed to come back immediately and take care of things.

When she arrived at her ex-husband's house, sudden sadness and regret filled her heart. She began to search through her ex-husband's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as she had left it years before.

With tears, she opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. Her ex-husband had carefully underlined a verse, Matt 7:11, "And if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father, who is in heaven, give to those who ask Him?"

As she read those words, a tiny package dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a diamond ring, with her name engraved on it -- the same diamond ring which she saw at the showroom. On the tag was the date of her birth, and the words...'LUV U ALWAYS'...

How many times do we miss God's blessings, because they are not packaged as we expected?

Do not spoil what you have, by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.

IF YOUR GIFT IS NOT PACKAGED THE WAY YOU WANT IT, IT'S BECAUSE IT IS BETTER PACKAGED THE WAY IT IS! ALWAYS APPRECIATE LITTLE THINGS; THEY USUALLY LEAD YOU TO BIGGER THINGS!

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.. They must be felt with the heart."

ALWAYS APPRECIATE THE LITTLE THINGS !

I trust you enjoyed this. Pass it on to others. Here's more:

Emails And More

San Juan, Puerto Rico

2009-06-30T01:45:00.000-07:00

The island of San Juan (St. John the Baptist) was discovered on Columbus’ second voyage to the New World in 1493. He named the capital city Puerto Rico (rich port). Later, Spanish settlers switched the names, although one legend holds that an excess of rum may have caused one of Columbus’ cartographers to make the clerical juggle.

Although Puerto Rico has been a commonwealth of the United States for a number of years, the influence has not changed the inherently Spanish nature of the island. Old San Juan – an easy stroll from the pier – has 16th century restored buildings, 200-year-old houses with balconies overlooking cobblestone streets, museums, art galleries, bookstores, cafés, squares, shops, monuments, plaques, pigeons, people, and traffic jams, all within a small seven-block-square neighborhood.

In contrast, the sophisticated, modern Isla Verde and Condado areas have huge resort hotel/casinos, fine restaurants, discos, and Las Vegas-style showrooms.

The lush, verdant countryside of Puerto Rico – a large island about half the size of New Jersey –includes the widest possible variety of sights: the 28,000-acre El Yunque rain forest with over 200 species of trees growing over 100 feet high, dramatic mountain ranges, enormous caves and boulders with mysterious petroglyphs, meandering mountain trails leading to tropical settings, coffee plantations, old sugar mills, 80 towns and cities, and hundreds of beaches. The beauty and charm have remained since the first navigators set foot on Puerto Rican soil and dubbed it “the island of enchantment.”

English is spoken and understood in most of San Juan; on the rest of the island, Spanish is still numero uno. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere. Taxis are plentiful and metered. Drivers are trained to be courteous and usually speak at least passable English; check first, especially if you intend to hire one as a guide.

OLD SAN JUAN

Old San Juan is one of the few port cities that are within walking distance of a pier, condensed into less than one square mile, making for easy exploration on your own. The Tourist Information Center is opposite Pier 1. To the right and up the hill along Calle O’Donnel is Plaza de Colón (monument of Columbus) and the 18th century Fort San Cristóbal (don’t miss the scale model, or the famous Devil’s Sentry Box). Back along Calle San Francisco are St. Francis Church and the Museums of the Puerto Rico Family and of Colonial Architecture.

At Calle Cruz is Plaza de Armas, the original main square of Old San Juan. West of the square is La Intendencia, a three-story neo-classical building that once housed the “Spanish Treasure.” North of the square is the impressive Alcalda, patterned after Madrid’s City hall with towers, balconies, and a beautiful inner courtyard. Just two blocks north are Plaza San José, San José Church, the Dominican Convent, and the Pable Casals Museum, all well worth a visit.

Shopping

The port of San Juan is American territory, but expect to see prices that are the same or lower than the other Caribbean shopping ports. Look for gold, gemstones, brand name watches, and fine jewelry. Don’t forget their native handicrafts, as well as their world-renowned Puerto Rican rum- there’s no place better to buy it than where it’s made.

Dumaguete...tsada...tsada...tsada

2008-06-17T00:51:00.000-07:00

Bachelor of Laws as equivalent to Masters Degree

2008-05-19T20:56:00.001-07:00

Republic of the Philippines
Supreme Court
Manila

MEMORANDUM FOR: All Concerned Office
For your information, attached is a photocopy of the letter dated February 19, 2001 of Ms. Ester A. Garcia, Chairperson, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) informing the Honorable Chief Justice that the CHED has accredited the degree of Bachelor of Laws with corresponding Bar eligibility as equivalent to a relevant Master's Degree per its en banc Resolution No. 038-2001, a copy of which is likewise attached. Parenthetically, the said Resolution includes the degree of Doctor of Medicine with corresponding board eligibility as equivalent to a relevant Master's degree.
March 15, 2001
EDEN T. CANDELARIA
Deputy Clerk of Court and
Chief Administrative Officer
Copy furnished:
Office of the Chief Justice Offices of the Associate Justices Philippine Judicial Academy Judicial and Bar Council Office of the Court Administrator Office of the Clerk of Court Offices of the Division Clerks of Court Office of Administrative Services Office of the Chief Attorney Office of the Reporter Judicial Records Office Office of the Bar Confidant Management Information Systems Office Fiscal Management & Budget Office Medical and Dental Services Library Services Printing Services

Republic of the Philippines
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION
February 19, 2001
HONORABLE HILARIO DAVIDE, JR. Chief Justice Supreme Court of the Philippines Padre Faura Street corner Taft Avenue Ermita, Manila
Dear Chief Justice Davide:
I am pleased to inform your good office of the en banc decision of the Commission on Higher Education on the accreditation of Bachelor of Laws (LI.B.) with bar eligibility as equivalent to a relevant Master's Degree per attached Resolution No. 038, Series of 2001. The rationale behind this is that Bachelor of Laws is a higher degree requiring completion of a first bachelor's degree before proceeding to the professional degree program.
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) as per Memorandum Circular No. 1-A, Series of 1997, likewise recognizes degree holders of Bachelor of Laws with bar eligibility for permanent appointment to Division Chief positions provided that applicants meet other requirements of the post. This is further supported by an earlier ruling of the CSC which considers an applicant who is at least a holder of a Master's Degree qualified for the post of Division Chief.
In view of the above CHED policy and rationale, any other master's degree earned by the individual relative to the discipline of law is considered equivalent to a second or third Master's degree as the case may be.
Thank you and best regards.

Very truly yours,

ESTER A. GARCIA
Chairperson

AN ACT DECLARING THE BAR AND BOARD EXAMINATIONS AS CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS

2008-05-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1080 –
AN ACT DECLARING THE BAR AND BOARD EXAMINATIONS AS CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS

Section 1. The bar examinations and the examinations given by the various boards of examiners of the Government are declared as civil service examinations, and shall, for purposes of appointment to positions in the classified service the duties of which involve knowledge of the respective professions, except positions requiring highly specialized knowledge not covered by the ordinary board examinations, be considered as equivalent to the first grade regular examination given by the Bureau of Civil Service if the profession requires at least four years of study in college and the person has practiced his profession for at least two years, and as equivalent to the second grade regular examination if the profession requires less than four years of college study.

Section 2. The Commissioner of Civil Service shall be furnished by the Clerk of the Supreme Court and the Secretary of the Board of Examiners a list of the successful candidates in the respective bar or board examinations with their general averages, and preference shall be given to those obtaining the highest ratings in making appointments: Provided, That for those who have already passed the corresponding bar or board examinations, the eligibility shall be deemed to commence from the approval of this Act.

Section 3. The Commissioner of Civil Service shall promulgate the rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.

Section 4. The benefits granted under this Act shall not prescribe, the provisions of civil service law or regulations notwithstanding.

Section 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 15, 1954

Grant of Performance Bonus 2007

2007-12-16T22:57:00.000-08:00

Thanks to you Madam President for granting a Performance Bonus to All Philippine Government Employees

Below is the Administrative Order No. 213 issued by the Office of the President, Republic of the Philippines:

MALACAÑANG PALACE
Manila

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER No. 213

AUTHORIZING THE GRANT OF PERFORMANCE BONUS FOR FY 2007

WHEREAS, the robust growth of the economy and the commendable effort exerted by government agencies in attaining efficiency in government operations have contributed to the generation of savings;

WHEREAS, government personnel have contributed to this effort by discharging their duties with dispatch and providing quality service to the Filipino people;

WHEREAS, the government is cognizant of the contribution of government personnel in this effort;

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the government to improve the economic welfare of government personnel;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. All personnel of the government who are employed by National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Government Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) including Government Financial Institutions (GFIs), whether hired on permanent, temporary, casual or contractual basis, and who have rendered at least four (4) months of service as of November 30, 2007, are entitled to receive a one time grant of a maximum of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000,00) each as Performance Bonus (PerB)

SECTION 2. Government personnel who have rendered less than four (4) months of service as of November 30, 2007 shall also be entitled to PerB on a pro-rated basis as follows:

Length of Service / Percentage
3 months but less than 4 months / 40%
2 months but less than 3 months / 30%
1 month but less than 2 months / 20 %
Less than 1 month / 10%

SECTION 3. The PerB shall be granted to all government personnel who have not received any additional year-end benefit in FY 2007 over and above the benefit authorized under R.A. No. 6686, as amended by R.A. No. 8441.

SECTION 4. Funds needed to implement this Order shall be charged against the following:

a. For national government agencies except the Constitutional Offices/Fiscal Autonomy Group (CFAG), the amount required shall be charged against:

1) Additional funds to be released by the DBM to cover P7,000 for each government personnel, chargeable against savings from unreleased appropriations under the FY 2007 budget which shall be pooled by DBM for the purpose; and

2) Savings in the respective agency allotment for the remaining P3,000 for each government personnel. In the event that the agency savings is insufficient to cover in full the remaining P3,000 per employee, partial implementation of the benefit herein authorized shall be made, provided that said partial implementation shall be uniform for all positions, subject to the limitations set fort under Section 2 of this Order.

b. For agencies belonging to the CFAG, the amount required shall be charged against their available savings;

c. For GOCCs and GFIs, the amount needed shall be charged against savings from their respective approved corporate budget.
GOCCs and GFIs which do not have adequate or sufficient resources may partially implement the benefit herein authorized, provided that the partial implementation shall be uniform for all positions.

SECTION 5. Payment of this benefit shall be made not earlier than December 15, 2007.

SECTION 6. The implementing rules and regulations covering this Order shall be issued by the DBM.

SECTION 7. This Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 12th day of December in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Seven.

(Sgd.) H.E. GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary

Source: http://www.news.ops.gov.ph

THE MAGNA CARTA FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS

2007-07-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

I. DECLARATION OF POLICY COVERAGE

Sec. 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared to be the policy of this Act to promote
and improve the social and economic status of public school teachers, their living and
working conditions, their terms of employment and career prospects in order that they may
compare favorably with existing opportunities in other walks of life, attract and retain in
the teaching profession more people with the proper qualifications, it being recognized that
advance in education depends on the qualifications and ability of the teaching staff and that
education is an essential factor in the economic growth of the nation as a productive
investment of vital importance.
Sec. 2. Title Definition. This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta for Public School
Teachers" and shall apply to all public school teachers except those in the professorial
staff of state colleges and universities.
As used in this Act, the term "teacher" shall mean all persons engaged in classroom teaching,
in any level of instruction, on full-time basis, including guidance counselors, school
librarians, industrial arts or vocational instructors, and all other persons performing
supervisory and/or administrative functions in all schools, colleges and universities
operated by the Government or its political subdivisions; but shall not include school
nurses, school physicians, school dentists, and other school employees.

II. RECRUITMENT AND CAREER
Sec. 3. Recruitment and Qualification. Recruitment policy with respect to the selection and
appointment of teachers shall be clearly defined by the Department of Education: Provided,
however, That effective upon the approval of this Act, the following shall constitute the
minimum educational qualifications for teacher-applicants:
(a) For teachers in the kindergarten and elementary grades, Bachelor's degree in Elementary
Education (B.S.E.ED.);
(b) For teachers of the secondary schools, Bachelor's degree in Education or its equivalent
with a major and a minor; or a Bachelor's degree in Arts or Science with at least eighteen
professional units in Education.
(c) For teachers of secondary vocational and two years technical courses, Bachelor's degree
in the field of specialization with at least eighteen professional units in education;
(d) For teachers of courses on the collegiate level, other than vocational, master's degree
with a specific area of specialization;
Provided, further, That in the absence of applicants who possess the minimum educational
qualifications as hereinabove provided, the school superintendent may appoint, under a
temporary status, applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications: Provided, further,
That should teacher-applicants, whether they possess the minimum educational qualifications
or not, be required to take competitive examinations, preference in making appointments shall
be in the order of their respective ranks in said competitive examinations: And provided,
finally, That the results of the examinations shall be made public and every applicant shall
be furnished with his score and rank in said examinations.
Sec. 4. Probationary Period. When recruitment takes place after adequate training and
professional preparation in any school recognized by the Government, no probationary period
preceding regular appointment shall be imposed if the teacher possesses the appropriate civil
service eligibility: Provided, however, That where, due to the exigencies of the service, it
is necessary to employ as teacher a person who possesses the minimum educational
qualifications herein above set forth but lacks the appropriate civil service eligibility,
such person shall be appointed on a provisional status and shall undergo a period of
probation for not less than one year from and after the date of his provisional appointment.
Sec. 5. Tenure of Office. Stability on employment and security of tenure shall be assured the
teachers as provided under existing laws.
Subject to the provisions of Section three hereof, teachers appointed on a provisional status
for lack of necessary civil service eligibility shall be extended permanent appointment for
the position he is holding after having rendered at least ten years of continuous, efficient
and faithful service in such position.
Sec. 6. Consent for Transfer Transportation Expenses. Except for cause and as herein
otherwise provided, no teacher shall be transferred without his consent from one station to
another.
Where the exigencies of the service require the transfer of a teacher from one station to
another, such transfer may be effected by the school superintendent who shall previously
notify the teacher concerned of the transfer and the reason or reasons therefor. If the
teacher believes there is no justification for the transfer, he may appeal his case to the
Director of Public Schools or the Director of Vocational Education, as the case may be.
Pending his appeal and the decision thereon, his transfer shall be held in abeyance:
Provided, however, That no transfers whatever shall be made three months before any local or
national election.
Necessary transfer expenses of the teacher and his family shall be paid for by the Government
if his transfer is finally approved.
Sec. 7. Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers. Within six months from the approval of
this Act, the Secretary of Education shall formulate and prepare a Code of Professional
Conduct for Public School Teachers. A copy of the Code shall be furnished each teacher:
Provided, however, That where this is not possible by reason of inadequate fiscal resources
of the Department of Education, at least three copies of the same Code shall be deposited
with the office of the school principal or head teacher where they may be accessible for use
by the teachers.
Sec. 8. Safeguards in Disciplinary Procedure. Every teacher shall enjoy equitable safeguards
at each stage of any disciplinary procedure and shall have:
a. the right to be informed, in writing, of the charges;
b. the right to full access to the evidence in the case;
c. the right to defend himself and to be defended by a representative of his choice and/or by
his organization, adequate time being given to the teacher for the preparation of his
defense; and
d. the right to appeal to clearly designated authorities.
No publicity shall be given to any disciplinary action being taken against a teacher during
the pendency of his case.
Sec. 9. Administrative Charges. Administrative charges against a teacher shall be heard
initially by a committee composed of the corresponding School Superintendent of the Division
or a duly authorized representative who should at least have the rank of a division
supervisor, where the teacher belongs, as chairman, a representative of the local or, in its
absence, any existing provincial or national teacher's organization and a supervisor of the
Division, the last two to be designated by the Director of Public Schools. The committee
shall submit its findings and recommendations to the Director of Public Schools within thirty
days from the termination of the hearings: Provided, however, That where the school
superintendent is the complainant or an interested party, all the members of the committee
shall be appointed by the Secretary of Education.
Sec. 10. No Discrimination. There shall be no discrimination whatsoever in entrance to the
teaching profession, or during its exercise, or in the termination of services, based on
other than professional consideration.
Sec. 11. Married Teachers. Whenever possible, the proper authorities shall take all steps to
enable married couples, both of whom are public school teachers, to be employed in the same
locality.
Sec. 12. Academic Freedom. Teachers shall enjoy academic freedom in the discharge of their
professional duties, particularly with regard to teaching and classroom methods.
III. HOURS OF WORK AND REMUNERATION
Sec. 13. Teaching Hours. Any teacher engaged in actual classroom instruction shall not be
required to render more than six hours of actual classroom teaching a day, which shall be so
scheduled as to give him time for the preparation and correction of exercises and other work
incidental to his normal teaching duties: Provided, however, That where the exigencies of the
service so require, any teacher may be required to render more than six hours but not
exceeding eight hours of actual classroom teaching a day upon payment of additional
compensation at the same rate as his regular remuneration plus at least twenty-five per cent
of his basic pay.
Sec. 14. Additional Compensation. Notwithstanding any provision of existing law to the
contrary, co-curricula and out of school activities and any other activities outside of what
is defined as normal duties of any teacher shall be paid an additional compensation of at
least twenty-five per cent of his regular remuneration after the teacher has completed at
least six hours of actual classroom teaching a day.
In the case of other teachers or school officials not engaged in actual classroom
instruction, any work performed in excess of eight hours a day shall be paid an additional
compensation of at least twenty-five per cent of their regular remuneration.
The agencies utilizing the services of teachers shall pay the additional compensation
required under this section. Education authorities shall refuse to allow the rendition of
services of teachers for other government agencies without the assurance that the teachers
shall be paid the remuneration provided for under this section.
Sec. 15. Criteria for Salaries. Teacher's salaries shall correspond to the following
criteria:
(a) they shall compare favorably with those paid in other occupations requiring equivalent or
similar qualifications, training and abilities;
(b) they shall be such as to insure teachers a reasonable standard of life for themselves and
their families; and
(c) they shall be properly graded so as to recognize the fact that certain positions require
higher qualifications and greater responsibility than others: Provided, however, That the
general salary scale shall be such that the relation between the lowest and highest salaries
paid in the profession will be of reasonable order. Narrowing of the salary scale shall be
achieved by raising the lower end of the salary scales relative to the upper end.
Sec. 16. Salary Scale. Salary scales of teachers shall provide for a gradual progression from
a minimum to a maximum salary by means of regular increments, granted automatically after
three years: Provided, That the efficiency rating of the teacher concerned is at least
satisfactory. The progression from the minimum to the maximum of the salary scale shall not
extend over a period of ten years.
Sec. 17. Equality in Salary Scales. The salary scales of teachers whose salaries are
appropriated by a city, municipal, municipal district, or provincial government, shall not be
less than those provided for teachers of the National Government.
Sec. 18. Cost of Living Allowance. Teacher's salaries shall, at the very least, keep pace
with the rise in the cost of living by the payment of a cost-of-living allowance which shall
automatically follow changes in a cost-of-living index. The Secretary of Education shall, in
consultation with the proper government entities, recommend to Congress, at least annually,
the appropriation of the necessary funds for the cost-of-living allowances of teachers
employed by the National Government. The determination of the cost-of-living allowances by
the Secretary of Education shall, upon approval of the President of the Philippines, be
binding on the city, municipal or provincial government, for the purposes of calculating the
cost-of-living allowances of teachers under its employ.
Sec. 19. Special Hardship Allowances. In areas in which teachers are exposed to hardship such
as difficulty in commuting to the place of work or other hazards peculiar to the place of
employment, as determined by the Secretary of Education, they shall be compensated special
hardship allowances equivalent to at least twenty-five per cent of their monthly salary.
Sec. 20. Salaries to be Paid in Legal Tender. Salaries of teachers shall be paid in legal
tender of the Philippines or its equivalent in checks or treasury warrants. Provided,
however, That such checks or treasury warrants shall be cashable in any national, provincial,
city or municipal treasurer's office or any banking institutions operating under the laws of
the Republic of the Philippines.
Sec. 21. Deductions Prohibited. No person shall make any deduction whatsoever from the
salaries of teachers except under specific authority of law authorizing such deductions:
Provided, however, That upon written authority executed by the teacher concerned, (1) lawful
dues and fees owing to the Philippine Public School Teachers Association, and (2) premiums
properly due on insurance policies, shall be considered deductible.
IV. HEALTH MEASURES AND INJURY BENEFITS
Sec. 22. Medical Examination and Treatment. Compulsory medical examination shall be provided
free of charge for all teachers before they take up teaching, and shall be repeated not less
than once a year during the teacher's professional life. Where medical examination show that
medical treatment and/or hospitalization is necessary, same shall be provided free by the
government entity paying the salary of the teachers.
In regions where there is scarcity of medical facilities, teachers may obtain elsewhere the
necessary medical care with the right to be reimbursed for their traveling expenses by the
government entity concerned in the first paragraph of this Section.
Sec. 23. Compensation For Injuries. Teachers shall be protected against the consequences of
employment injuries in accordance with existing laws. The effects of the physical and nervous
strain on the teacher's health shall be recognized as a compensable occupational disease in
accordance with existing laws.
V. LEAVE AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Sec. 24. Study Leave. In addition to the leave privileges now enjoyed by teachers in the
public schools, they shall be entitled to study leave not exceeding one school year after
seven years of service. Such leave shall be granted in accordance with a schedule set by the
Department of Education. During the period of such leave, the teachers shall be entitled to
at least sixty per cent of their monthly salary: Provided, however, That no teacher shall be
allowed to accumulate more than one year study leave, unless he needs an additional semester
to finish his thesis for a graduate study in education or allied courses: Provided, further,
That no compensation shall be due the teacher after the first year of such leave. In all
cases, the study leave period shall be counted for seniority and pension purposes.
The compensation allowed for one year study leave as herein provided shall be subject to the
condition that the teacher takes the regular study load and passes at least seventy-five per
cent of his courses. Study leave of more than one year may be permitted by the Secretary of
Education but without compensation.
Sec. 25. Indefinite Leave. An indefinite sick leave of absence shall be granted to teachers
when the nature of the illness demands a long treatment that will exceed one year at the
least.
Sec. 26. Salary Increase upon Retirement. Public school teachers having fulfilled the age and
service requirements of the applicable retirement laws shall be given one range salary raise
upon retirement, which shall be the basis of the computation of the lump sum of the
retirement pay and the monthly benefits thereafter.
VI. TEACHER'S ORGANIZATION
Sec. 27. Freedom to Organize. Public school teachers shall have the right to freely and
without previous authorization both to establish and to join organizations of their choosing,
whether local or national to further and defend their interests.
Sec. 28. Discrimination Against Teachers Prohibited. The rights established in the
immediately preceding Section shall be exercised without any interference or coercion. It
shall be unlawful for any person to commit any acts of discrimination against teachers which
are calculated to (a) make the employment of a teacher subject to the condition that he shall
not join an organization, or shall relinquish membership in an organization,
(b) to cause the dismissal of or otherwise prejudice a teacher by reason of his membership in
an organization or because of participation in organization activities outside school hours,
or with the consent of the proper school authorities, within school hours, and (c) to prevent
him from carrying out the duties laid upon him by his position in the organization, or to
penalize him for an action undertaken in that capacity.
Sec. 29. National Teacher's Organizations. National teachers' organizations shall be
consulted in the formulation of national educational policies and professional standards, and
in the formulation of national policies governing the social security of the teachers.
VII. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 30. Rules and Regulations. The Secretary of Education shall formulate and prepare the
necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. Rules and
regulations issued pursuant to this Section shall take effect thirty days after publication
in a newspaper of general circulation and by such other means as the Secretary of Education
deems reasonably sufficient to give interested parties general notice of such issuance.
Sec. 31. Budgetary Estimates. The Secretary of Education shall submit to Congress annually
the necessary budgetary estimates to implement the provisions of the Act concerning the
benefits herein granted to public school teachers under the employ of the National
Government.
Sec. 32. Penal Provision. A person who shall willfully interfere with, restrain or coerce any
teacher in the exercise of his rights guaranteed by this Act or who shall in any other manner
commit any act to defeat any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be
punished by a fine of not less than one hundred pesos nor more than one thousand pesos, or by
imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.
If the offender is a public official, the court shall order his dismissal from the Government
service.

May the salaries and personnel-related benefits of public school teachers appointed by local

2007-07-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

May the salaries and personnel-related benefits of public school teachers appointed by local
chief executives in Connection with the establishment and maintenance of extension classes; as
well as the expenses for college scholarship grants, be charged to the Special Education Fund
(SEF) of the local government unit concerned?

The Special Education Fund was created by virtue of R.A. No. 5447, which is An act creating a
special education fund to be constituted from the proceeds of an additional real property tax
and a certain portion of the taxes on Virginia-type cigarettes and duties on imported leaf
tobacco, defining the activities to be financed, creating school boards for the purpose, and
appropriating funds therefrom, which took effect on January 1, 1969. Pursuant thereto, P.D.
No. 464, also known as the Real Property Tax Code of the Philippines, imposed an annual tax of
1% on real property which shall accrue to the SEF.4
Under R.A. No. 5447, the SEF may be expended exclusively for the following activities of the
DECS —
(a) the organization and operation of such number of extension classes as may be needed to
accommodate all children of school age desiring to enter Grade I, including the creation of
positions of classroom teachers, head teachers and principals for such extension classes x x
x;
(b) the programming of the construction and repair of elementary school buildings, acquisition
of sites, and the construction and repair of workshops and similar buildings and accessories
thereof to house laboratory, technical and similar equipment and apparatus needed by public
schools offering practical arts, home economics and vocational courses, giving priority to
elementary schools on the basis of the actual needs and total requirements of the country x x
x;
(c) the payment and adjustment of salaries of public school teachers under and by virtue of
Republic Act Numbered Five Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Eight and all the benefits in favor of
public school teachers provided under Republic Act Numbered Four Thousand Six Hundred Seventy;
(d) preparation, printing and/or purchase of textbooks, teacher's guides. forms and pamphlets
x x x;
(e) the purchase and/or improvement, repair and refurbishing of machinery, laboratory,
technical and similar equipment and apparatus, including spare parts needed by the Bureau of
Vocational Education and secondary schools offering courses;
(f) the establishment of printing plant to be used exclusively for the printing needs of the
Department of Education and the improvement of regional printing plants in the vocational
schools;
(g) the purchase of teaching materials such as work books, atlases, flip charts, science and
mathematics teaching aids, and simple laboratory devices for elementary and secondary classes;
(h) the implementation of the existing program for citizenship development in barrio high
schools, folk schools and adult education classes;
(i) the undertaking of education research, including that of the Board of National Education;
(j) the granting of government scholarships to poor but deserving students under Republic Act
Numbered Four Thousand Ninety; and
(k) the promotion of physical education, such as athletic meets. (Emphasis supplied)
With the effectivity of the Local Government Code of 1991, petitioner contends that R.A. No.
5447 was repealed, leaving Sections 235, 272 and 100 (c) of the Code to govern the disposition
of the SEF, to wit:
SEC. 235. Additional Levy on Real Property for the Special Education Fund (SEF). — A province
or city or a municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area, may levy and collect an annual
tax of one percent (1%) on the assessed value of real property which shall be in addition to
the basic real property tax. The proceeds thereof shall exclusively accrue to the Special
Education Fund (SEF).
SEC. 272. Application of Proceeds of the Additional One Percent SEF Tax. — The proceeds from
the additional one percent (1%) tax on real properly accruing to the SEF shall be
automatically released to the local school boards: Provided, That, in case of provinces, the
proceeds shall be divided equally between the provincial and municipal school boards:
Provided, however, That the proceeds shall be allocated for the operation and maintenance of
public schools, construction and repair of school buildings, facilities and equipment,
educational research, purchase of books and periodicals, and sports development as determined
and approved by the local school board. (Emphasis supplied)
SEC. 100. Meeting and Quorum; Budget
xxx xxx xxx
(c) The annual school board budget shall give priority to the following:
(1) Construction, repair, and maintenance of school buildings and other facilities of public
elementary and secondary schools;
(2) Establishment and maintenance of extension classes where necessary; and
(3) Sports activities at the division, district, municipal, and barangay levels. (Emphasis
supplied)
Invoking the legal maxim "expressio unius est exclusio alterius," petitioner alleges that
since salaries, personnel-related benefits and scholarship grants are not among those
authorized as lawful expenditures of the SEF under the Local Government Code, they should be
deemed excluded therefrom.
Moreover, petitioner claims that since what is allowed for local school boards to determine
under Section 995 of the Local Government Code is only the "annual supplementary budgetary
needs; for the operation and maintenance of public schools," as well as the "supplementary
local cost to meet such needs," the budget of the local school boards for the establishment
and maintenance of extension classes should be construed to refer only to the upkeep and
maintenance of public school building, facilities and similar expenses other than
personnel-related benefits. This is because, petitioner argued, the maintenance and operation
of public schools pertain principally to the DECS.
The contentions are without merit. It is a basic precept in statutory construction that the
intent of the legislature is the controlling factor in the interpretation of a statute.6 In
this connection, the following portions of the deliberations of the Senate on the second
reading of the Local Government Code on July 30, 1990 are significant:
Senator Guingona. Mr. President.
The President. Senator Guingona is recognized.
Senator Guingona. Just for clarification, Mr. President. In this transfer, will it include
everything eventually — lock, stock and barrel, including curriculum?
Senator Pimentel. Mr. President, our stand in the Committee is to respect the decision of the
National Government in terms of curriculum.
Senator Guingona. But, supposing the Local Education Board wishes to adopt a certain
curriculum for that particular region?
Senator Pimentel. Mr. President, pursuant to the wording of the proposed transfer of this
elementary school system to local government units, what are specifically covered here are
merely the construction, repair, and maintenance of elementary school buildings and other
structures connected with public elementary school education, payment of salaries, emoluments,
allowances et cetera, procurement of books, other teaching materials and equipment needed for
the proper implementation of the program. There is nothing here that will indicate that the
local government will have any right to- alter the curriculum. (Emphasis supplied)
Senator Guingona. Thank you, Mr. President.
Similarly instructive are the foregoing deliberations in the House of Representatives on
August 16, 1990:
INTERPELLATION OF MS. RAYMUNDO
(Continuation)
Continuing her interpellation, Ms. Raymundo then adverted to subsection 4 of Section 101 [now
Section 100, paragraph (c)] and asked if the budget is limited only to the three priority
areas mentioned. She also asked what is meant by the phrase "maintenance of extension
classes."
In response, Mr. De Pedro clarified that the provision is not limited to the three activities,
to which may be added other sets of priorities at the proper time. As to extension classes, he
pointed out that the school boards may provide out of its own funds, for additional teachers
or other requirements if the national government cannot provide funding therefor. Upon Ms.
Raymundo's query, Mr. de Pedro further explained that support for teacher tools could fall
under the priorities cited and is covered by certain circulars.
Undoubtedly, the aforecited exchange of views clearly demonstrates that the legislature
intended the SEF to answer for the compensation of teachers handling extension classes.
Furthermore, the pertinent portion of the repealing clause of the Local Government Code,
provides:
SEC. 534. Repealing Clause. — x x x
(c) The provisions of . . . Sections 3, a (3) and b (2) of Republic Act No. 5447, regarding
the Special Education Fund . . . are hereby repealed and rendered of no force and effect.
Evidently, what was expressly repealed by the Local Government Code was only Section 3, of
R.A. No. 5447, which deals with the "Allocation of taxes on Virginia type cigarettes and
duties on imported leaf tobacco." The legislature is presumed to know the existing laws, such
that whenever it intends to repeal a particular or specific provision of law, it does so
expressly. The failure to add a specific repealing clause particularly mentioning the statute
to be repealed indicates that the intent was not to repeal any existing law on the matter,
unless an irreconcilable inconsistency and repugnancy exists in the terms of the new and the
old laws.7 Hence, the provisions allocating funds for the salaries of teachers under Section
1, of R.A. No. 5447, which are not inconsistent with Sections 272 and 100 (c) of the Local
Government Code, remain in force and effect.
Even under the doctrine of necessary implication, the allocation of the SEF for the
establishment and maintenance of extension classes logically implies the hiring of teachers
who should, as a matter of course be compensated for their services. Every statute is
understood, by implication, to contain all such provisions as may be necessary to effectuate
its object and purpose, or to make effective rights, powers, privileges or jurisdiction which
it grants, including all such collateral and subsidiary consequences as may be fairly and
logically inferred from its terms. Ex necessitate legis.8 Verily, the services and the
corresponding compensation of these teachers are necessary and indispensable to the
establishment and maintenance of extension classes.
Indeed, the operation and maintenance of public schools is lodged principally with the DECS.
This is the reason why only salaries of public school teachers appointed in connection with
the establishment and maintenance of extension classes, inter alia, pertain to the
supplementary budget of the local school boards. Thus, it should be made clear that not every
kind of personnel-related benefits of public school teachers may be charged to the SEF. The
SEF may be expended only for the salaries and personnel-related benefits of teachers appointed
by the local school boards in connection with the establishment and maintenance of extension
classes. Extension classes as referred to mean additional classes needed to accommodate all
children of school age desiring to enter in public schools to acquire basic education.9

So who's to blame?

2007-07-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a Short Story I read last Sunday, July 8, 2007, featured in our church's programme.

A boy was born to a couple after eleven years of marriage. they were a loving couple and the boy was the gem of their eyes. One morning, when the boy was around two years old, the husband saw an opened medicine bottle. He was late for office so he just asked his wife to cap the bottle and keep it in the cupboard. His wife, preoccupied in the kitchen totally forgot the matter. Moments later, the boy saw the bottle and playfully went to it. Maybe, fascinated by its color, the boy drank it all. Consequently, the child collapsed. The mother hurried him to the hospital but the boy died. Examinations found out that the bottle contained a poisonous substance. It was a medicine meant for adults in small dosages.

Looking at the boy, the mother was stunned. She was terrified how to face and what to say to her husband. When the distraught father came to the hospital and saw the dead child,

he looked at his wife and uttered just five words.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

What do you think were those words?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Well, the husband just said,

I

am

with

you,

Darling.

If you were the husband, what would you have said to your wife?

similar posts

What is Multi-Level Marketing & How Should It Be Worked?

2007-06-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

Multi-level marketing is really a partnership.
You go into business with someone that has the
same interests and goals you have. You make a
commitment to each other. You work with the same
people. Working multi-level marketing correctly
not only makes success easier, it eliminates many
problems.

The hardest thing is to find the person you want
to work with (your sponsor). You want someone who
is willing to work and assist you when needed.
You should join programs under the same person
all the time. This makes for a solid down line. If
your sponsor isn't interested in a particular
program, contact his sponsor. By doing this, you
will strengthen your group.

Many people complain about others stealing their
people. They seem to think that just because they
sign someone up once, they should always have
them. If someone gives their down line the help and
assistance they should, there would be no need
for them to worry about someone stealing them
away. They should want to continue with you
because they know you will help them. Why should
someone stick with you if all you do is collect
commission from them? Can you really blame them
for not following you into other programs?

Take a look at the other side of the coin. Having
the right people in your downline is just as
important as having the right sponsor. If someone
sponsored you into a program and helped you,
don't expect them to sign you in another program

if you haven't tried to do anything on your own.
Granted, they make money for those they sponsor
for you, but why should they make you money if
you don't do anything?

Mailing out hundreds of brochures may get you
several people in your downline. This may look
good on a printout, but what about on a
commission cheque? Would you rather have a
printout a foot long with a small commission
cheque - or a small printout with a large cheque?

Be choosy in whom you recruit. Let them know what
you expect from them and what they can expect
from you. Level with them completely about the
program you are trying to get them into. Having 2
or 3 good people will make you more money than
having 10 or 12 deadbeats.

Don't join every program that comes along. Find
one you like and work it. It takes time to build
a solid downline. Help your downline and have
them so the same. This way everybody will make
money. You can't expect to keep your downline if
you leave them stranded when you get into profit.

You have to help them to get into profit too.
They will be more apt to follow you in other
programs this way.

Be careful what you promise people. Remember,
nothing is guaranteed. Be as honest as you can.
Don't tell someone you'll do something if you
can't. Offer your help, but guarantee nothing. No
matter how good something might seem, it might
not work. If you mislead people, how long do you
expect to keep them?

Doing things this way may take a little longer,
but look at the advantages.

You have a solid downline. You don't have to race
to the telephone or mailbox to be first to
contact someone.

Because you are working with the same people, you
will get to know them. You will have a steady
income. You don't have to worry about finding new
schemes and new victims every few months.
Actually, four things are needed to be successful
in MLM. A good product, a good marketing
structure, a good sponsor and a strong downline.
The time and money spent to find these four
things is well worth it. Don't settle for
anything less. To do so will only restrict the
goals you can achieve.

Once you have found these four things, it's
easy.All you have to do is keep in touch with
your 5 or 6 people. If everyone does this, no one
will fail. Everybody will be a success.

Information is King

2007-06-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

The vast information explosion in virtually every field of
knowledge has made it possible for companies to find a
steady stream of new data on an endless list of subjects,
including those which affect the way they do business. But,
despite the existence of such information and their desire to
have it, most companies lack the time and personnel required
to sort through mountains of documents in search of a
specific piece of needed information.

Enter the information broker. This high-tech researcher
basically acts as a liaison between the provider of raw data
and the data consumer. Based on his client's needs, the
broker seeks published and/or electronic sources of specific
information, organizes it in a form that best suits the client's
purpose and resells it to the client for a fee.

The deployment of computers into every field of British life
has enabled the information brokerage to become the small
business of the decade. Before the computer revolution, a
small-scale research service would have not been able to
catalogue, store, retrieve and resell information to clients in a
cost effective way. Now, with the ever growing amount of
information , its availability through computer
communications and its bearing on corporate decision
making, information brokering has gained a new importance
in the business world. This new technology has made it
possible for small business owners to do the work of a vast
research staff and library.

There are numerous research needs that can be met by your
company, depending on the type of client you have. Some
clients will want market research covering a specific industry,
while others will want information about individual
companies. An industry's growth or decline can be tracked,
as can the activity of a company's competition in the
marketplace.

Other clients may want information they can use in public
relations activities, advertising or money-raising activities. A
few clients, particularly academics and students, may want
information-retrieval process every step of the way, from the

moment the question is refined until the time the finished
material is sent to the client. It should then be filed away in

the client's file.

Define the types of information retrieval required to complete
the project. Are you assigned to telephone a client's
competitor to obtain a sample product the client cannot
obtain in person? Will you have to obtain a list of rare books
stored in the local college library? Neither of these projects
require electronic computer access (though it is possible
they could be stored on-line somewhere). But if you have to
track down historical data or market information contained on
some computer system, this is where computer-assisted data
searching begins.

On-line data retrieval should be used whenever possible,
mainly because of the enormous amounts of time saved.
Information that might take hours of manual searching can be
retrieved in minutes. If you believe that your information is
retrievable on-line, you have to determine which database(s)
will be most likely to contain the specific data you need,
entering them by name and/or number on the strategy
worksheet. Identify certain concepts that are synonymous
and those that are different but relevant to the overall
question. As revealed by the concept columns in the
worksheet, synonymous terms are listed vertically within the
columns, while different terms are tracked down between
them.

You may want to begin your search by doing a free-text
exploration across several databases for key words in the
problem. This will help you get an idea of whether it makes
sense for you to pursue an extensive search in a particular
database.

However you search for information, given the parameters of
the job, keep in mind that a pile of data means nothing unless
it can be put to some use by the recipient. Any brokered
information must have meaning, beyond its mere existence or
quantity and should have an application - educational,
financial, political, economic, organization. This does not
necessarily mean that you have to interpret the significance of
the information you obtain, though some industry insiders
believe this gives a competitive edge. It does mean that you
have to define with your client, as much as possible, the
specific needs underlying his request for information.

According to NIAC, this is an excellent way for a beginner to
obtain on-the-job training in search techniques.

CD Rom Libraries

Since its introduction in 1985, CD-Rom has become the key
element in the electronic publishing of encyclopaedias,
professional directories, as well as other large reference
works and databases. In addition, CD-Rom disks are
becoming the medium of choice for shipping data
cross-country - sending disks by courier costs less than two
pence per megabyte, cheaper than microwave or satellite
technology and as much as 10,000 times cheaper than
modem communication on direct-dial lines.

Planning a Search

Once an information request comes in, you should clarify the
scope of the search so that information is obtained as quickly
and efficiently as possible. Use a search strategy worksheet
to outline how the information will be sought; refer to the
sample at the end of this section.

The biggest hurdle you face as an information broker is
defining exactly what question the client wants answered.
Sometimes the client will state an information request one way
but actually want additional data he has not specified. Or,
once the search has begun, electronic databases may reveal
information possibilities not previously conceived.
Determining whether or when to contact the client for more
clarification will be a valued judgment on your part.

Each search strategy worksheet should serve as a checklist,
itemizing all features the customer has requested. Be sure to
record all customer information to facilitate billing.

Approach an electronic search in a logical manner. First, put
down the questions to be answered. You need to identify the
scope of the question, listing it on a form designed for that
purpose. You can design forms to fit the type of searches
you typically conduct (statistical, bibliographical,
subject-based, etc). The form will accompany the
research that can be used for a wide range of major writing
projects. They will come to you for information that is difficult
to track down using traditional methods of research -
telephoning sources, going to the library, subscribing tp
specialised periodicals, etc.

In some respects, working as an information specialist
resembles working as a clipping service, but the information
broker offers much more detailed, highly focused
information.

You can vary the types of clients served or specialise in a
specific research category. This is a business in which you
can focus or expand your base of operations as far and as
fast as you want.

Client Data

Industry insiders agree that it is a mistake to think of the
market as a single entity. There are a lot of niche markets
with specific information needs. At this time, the big money in
this business is being made serving the business and
professional community, though some information
brokerages may evolve into serving consumer-segment
customers in the future. On a national level, the most
profitable types of information to sell, respectively, are
securities and commodities quotes, legal and medical
information and scientific or technical information. The DTI
predicts that although most information demand will come
from business segments, the household market for
information services will be an increasingly consequential
factor throughout the 1990's; non-business consumer
information is currently the fifth most popular information
marketed.

On a local level, legal and medical professionals as well as
medium size and large companies represent lucrative markets
for the small and generalised broker. Here, you can serve
their marketing, money-raising, technical and/or public
relations needs. For example, suppose your client is a
computer programmer who's creating a business plan in
order to write and sell software to the commecial market. He
wants to know what competing products are already on the
shelves, how much they are selling for, where they are being
sold, etc. He could dredge up this information himself by
going to the library and combing through the Readers Guide
to Periodical Literature, numerous tables of contents and
reference books, which would take several days. He could
then spend more time either photocoping or typing the data,
analysing it and entering it into his business plan. But an
information broker could search electronically for key words
and phases in databases containing industry specific
information the programmer needed. He could begin the
analysis, storage and use of data immediately.

Wholesale Information.

Wherever you obtain information (library,reference books,
catalogue, databases) you are going to be reselling it in one
form or another. If someone owns the form of information
you resell, you are going to have to pay for it. Where do you
obtain this information and how much do you pay for it?

Accessing Electronic Databases.

Although computers did not create the onset of information
science, they did make information retrieval quick, easy, and
affordable for small scale entrepreneurs. Data in all
catagories of information, from humanities to agriculture,
mathematics to music, can be found in the electronic
databases of some 2,000 electronic publishers. By means of
computer-modem hook-up and command protocols, you can
tap in to these databases, view the information and retrieve or
download it into your own computer system, later analysing it
or otherwise processing it or your clients at an appropriate
time.

Some databases have direct lines and computer hooks with
users, while others are accessed through electronic clearing
houses. In addition to the charges already mentioned for
accessing various databases, you are charged for what are
known as types or displays of information on-line. These may
consist of bibliographic entries, numeric/financial data,
abstracts, full texts or articles and cross references.

Depending on the format or extent of information wanted,
there may be a charge of anywhere from œ10 to well over
œ100 for something accessed by your computer from these
bases and printed for use.

Typically, service users pay an initiation fee of some kind plus
charges for connect time on indervidual databases. Some
database suppliers have cheaper rates for off-hour usage,
but others charge standard rates at all times. Users are billed
by invoice or on their credit cards from month to month.

You are also charged by the communications network whose
telephone system you use to access the data banks.
Additionally, some services have their own carrier phone
systems; Dialogue, for example has a system known as
Dialnet. You may also dial directly into the phone number
assigned to the mainframe data bank itself. Some data banks
use 0800 numbers, but they are not free. The telephone
company does not access special phone charges for calls
made on modems, unless the call itself is a toll call.
Therefore, you will not be charged for a telephone call made
to a local communications network, but you will be charged
by the data network itself for connect time.

Buying Information from Brokers.

If you are coming into the information business cold, you
may be somewhat insecure about your ability to retrieve data
cost-efficiently. We recommend attending seminars that will
teach you how to obtain information from individual
databases to facilitate the learning process. Again, practice
will be the best means of advancing your skills, but classes
and seminars can cut down on unnecessary time spent on
basic computer tasks. If you chose inexpensive databases to
gain practical experience on-line, you can save money.
Another solution is to use an alternative tutorial method, such
as the one offered through the NASA Industrial Application
Centre (NIAC). This is a non-profit making organization
providing interactive database searching. The NIAC computer
hooks up with its client's while the client and NIAC refine a
search problem over the telephone. NIAC does the search
while the client watches and comments as required.

Make œ100,000.00 From Online Advertising

2007-06-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

How to make œ100,000 per month profits from advertising on
the Internet.

First of all you will need a product: what we have in mind is an
information product, similar to the printed guides available, of
which this is one. Add the number of guides also available on
computer disk and you have a choice of literally hundreds of
guides to choose from.

How would you normally sell these guides? By advertising
them in newspapers and magazines, using cheap classified
and/or display advertisments. For the sake of this example,
let's say you put together a compendium of information on
money matters: how to improve credit rating, removing
County Court judgements, money raising techniques,
offshore details etc, etc., and say the asking price is œ25.
Improving their financial situation will appeal to a wide section
of the population.

Let us say you really went to town and spent œ13,000 on
adverts on a national scale, advertising to magazines and
newspapers with combined circulations of, say, 13 million.
You use the "two-step" method of selling, whereby readers
are invited to send for a free report which is a type of sales
letter, whereby their appetite is wetted by the information
telling them how they will benifit from buying your financial
guide.

Let's say you get 10,000 replies: you invite them to ring a free
(to them) 0800 number which also quickens the replies
coming in and is convienient for them. What have you spent
so far? œ13,000 for advertising, œ12,500 for the 0800
telephone service (at œ1.25 per call, administered by a
call-taking agency), œ4,500 for the 10,000 "free report/sales
letter, bringing a total so far of œ30,000.

Of those who requested the free report/sales letter, say,
2,000 people then ordered your œ25 manual . The manual
costs œ5 each to produce (œ10,000), so that this excercise
has cost you œ40,000 to promote. 2,000 manuals at œ25 each
will bring in œ50,000, or put another way, a profit overall of
œ10,000. There are many if's and but's to the above, it's
merely an example - you could spend a lot on advertising and
only sell 1,000 manuals, in which case you have made a loss
of œ10,000.

Now imagine, most of the overheads we have mentioned, like
œ13,000 on advertising, œ4,500 on the free report/sales letter
and œ10,000 on the printing of 2,000 manuals no longer exist:
you are now faced not with a profit of œ10,000, but a profit of
œ10,000 plus œ27,500 giving you œ37,500. Even if you only
sold 1,000 and were facing a loss of œ10,000, with most of the
overheads gone, like advertising (œ13,000), free report/sales
letter (œ4,500) and print cost of 1,000 manuals (œ5,000), this
saving of œ22,500 minus the œ10,000 loss would give you a
profit of œ12,500.

All well and good, but how would you possibly manage to get
rid of those overheads? The answer is advertising on the
Internet. The Internet is the internationl computer
communication network, and your adverts would be placed
on BBS's (Computer Bulletin Boards).

Some years ago a West Coast author was having problems
having his novel published and into the book stores. He had
the first few chapters "uploaded" onto a few of the local
BBS's, along with a small classified type of advert to
encourage people using the BBS's to "download" his novel
from the BBS's via their telephone link and modem into their
computers and read off the computer screen, or printer.

Bearing in mind this was a "freebie", thousands of people,
much to his surprise, "downloaded" his novel. After having
read the first few chapters and having had a "taste" of what
was being offered, when the computer readers came to the
fourth chapter, a notice came up on their screens telling them
the rest of the novel had been scrambled, and to obtain the
special code to unscramble the remaining novel, they should
ring this special telephone number and give their credit card
number for payment and the special code.

In two months, the author received over 100,000 orders for
the code. What did he charge? If he charged just œ1, that's a
cool œ100,000. The 100,000 codes allowed that number of
people to read his book, the equivilent of selling 100,000
novels, but without the cost of printing, finishing, distribution
etc. Now you can understand how it is possible to do away
with the overheads mentioned earlier, and how, with minimal
cost and hardly any risk, some serious money can be made.

In Britain there are over 1,000 Computer Bulletin Boards
(BBS's) and 60,000 in the English speaking USA. Imagine you
advertise on 10 BBS's and sell 25 manuals on each BBS in
one month - you have earned 250 x œ25 = œ6,250. Manage to
advertise on all 1,000 BBS's and sell only 4 manuals - you
have earned 4,000 x œ25 = œ100,000. Amazing. Whilst this is
just a mathematical projection it does illustrate the potential
of this system.

Some BBS's do charge between œ10 to œ15 per month to
carry an advert, most are still free. Compared to the cost of
printed adverts it is still very small change.

How to get an advert on the Internet? Look in computer
magazines and others like Exchange & Mart under the
Business Opportunity or Business Services section and
contact companies who can do the job for you on a monthly
basis. We think you will be impressed as to the relative,
modest costs involved. They can also advise you as to
whether you or a company service the set-up as far as
potential customers contacting you, or having a service look
after that part of the business.

As far as customers paying by credit card is concerned,
unless you already have a merchant account with companies
like Visa and Mastercard, it would be simpler to come to an
arrangement with a telephone answering company who have
themselvs a credit card set-up. Ask your bank or the card
companies themselvs as to what might be a suitable solution -
after all, you will be putting commission their way by
promoting credit card sales.

As regards the actual setting up and day to day running of
advertising on the Internet, you could either put a small
classified ad in a computer magazine or your local paper
asking for assistance. There should be no shortage of
computer literate people only too willing to display their
practicle knowledge in this subject, including the scambling
of codes, and at very modest cost.

GSIS eCard Plus Cash Advance

2007-04-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

GSIS eCard Plus Cash Advance

1. What is GSIS eCard Plus Cash Advance?

The eCard Plus Cash Advance (eCAP) takes off from the P5,000 cash advance offered to GSIS members in 2004 as part of the initial e-service thru the eCard.

This year, as part of its program to launch the second generation GSIS eCard, called the eCard Plus, and GSIS Wireless Automated Processing (GW@PS), the GSIS offers another Cash Advance to its members. The member needs upgrade his old GSIS eCard with the eCard

Plus before he can apply for an eCAP in the GW@PS Kiosk which is installed in GSIS offices, selected government offices, and other selected areas.

The eCPCA is among the first loan/financial assistance programs to make use of the GW@PS technology developed in GSIS.

If the member has applied for CAD in 2004 and applies for the current eCAP offering, the balance of his previous CAD, with the penalties waived and applicable pre-termination discount, if any, will be liquidated from the proceeds of the 2006 eCAP.

2. Who are qualified to apply for eCAP?

The following are qualified for the eCAP: * All active members with eCard Plus, with no pending administrative case provided they have paid and remitted 3 correct premium contributions for both personal and government shares within the last 6 months prior to the filing of the application of the eCAP. * Member must not be on leave of absence without pay. * Member’s net take home pay should be sufficient to cover the regular monthly amortization.
Members from suspended agencies are excluded from the coverage of the CA.

3. If I am in arrears or in default in my current CAD, can I apply for the eCAP?

Yes, you may apply for eCAP. If approved, the CAD outstanding balance including the arrearages will be deducted from the proceeds. The outstanding penalties incurred shall be waived.

4. How much can a member apply for under the eCAP?

The amount of eCAP is P10,000.

5. Does the eCAP have a length of service requirement?

The eCAP does not require any minimum residency in government. If you have just been hired in government, this will not affect your eligibility to the eCAP. The eligibility requirement should, however be, satisfied.

6. What is the interest rate?

The eCAP will be charged a minimal rate of 12% per annum based on diminishing balance.

7. What is the term of the eCAP?

The eCAP is payable in 3 years.

8. What are the application fees deducted from the eCAP?

The following fees shall be deducted from the proceeds of the eCAP: Service Fee 1% of the net loan amount Renewal Fee 1% of outstanding balance of CAD EProcessing Fee P50.00

9. Is the eCAP covered by a redemption insurance?

Yes, and the amount is P115.00 representing RI premium will de deducted from the proceeds.

10. How do I apply for cash advance?

GSIS will issue to its members the second generation GSIS eCard called the GSIS eCard Plus and install in strategic government office locations nationwide the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GW@PS) Kiosk which resembles an ATM.
Once issued an eCard Plus, you need to go to a GW@PS Kiosk near you. Just wave your GSIS eCard Plus at the card reader machine and proceed with the desired transaction through choices in the menu screen. Choose the menu on granting the eCAP and proceed to confirm your transaction as desired. Your agency authorized officers shall certify your loan eligibility within 3 working days. The loan application shall automatically be processed immediately upon certification. The proceeds of the eCAP will be credited to your UnionBank eCard account upon approval of your loan application. You will receive a text message when the amount is already in your account or when your loan application has been denied.

11. If applying for eCAP is only thru the GW@PS Kiosk, how will the Agency Authorized Officers (AAOs) certify/endorse the application without the usual application document?

The filling out, act of agreeing to the terms and conditions, and submission of the application is still performed in the GW@PS. The difference is that this is done online by encoding information on and submitting a virtual application form. The signature that will identify you uniquely is your fingerprint or what is known as biometrics. The confirmation by the system of the match in fingerprints triggers the forwarding of your application (still electronically) for loan certification. Your Agency Authorized Officer logs on to check pending applications for certification in the designated portlet in the GSIS Website. As the AAO sees your name on the loan certification page, the AAO begins the process of verifying if you meet the eligibility requirements of the eCAP. If you qualify, the AAO certifies and endorses electronically your eCAP application to GSIS. GSIS cancels the loan application if you do not qualify and if the AAO fails to certify your loan application within 3 working days.

12. When is the due date of the first amortization on the eCAP?

The terms of the eCAP allows you to remit your first monthly repayment on or before the 10th of the third month following the month in which the eCAP was granted. If the eCAP was granted any day in January 2007, the first monthly repayment is due on or before April 10,2007.

13. How do I pay for my monthly repayments?

As required by GSIS, you should ask your agency to deduct your monthly repayments from your salary and have it remitted on or before the 10th of every month until the eCAP is fully paid. Should your agency fail to remit your monthly amortization or you go on leave of absence without pay, you should directly remit to the GSIS loan installments as they fall due.

14. What happens if I fail to pay my monthly amortizations?

Arrearages on the amount due for the month shall be charged a penalty of 1% per month, compounded monthly, until the arrears are paid. If you fail to pay the equivalent of 3 monthly amortizations, your loan shall be declared in default. In which case, your outstanding balance becomes due and demandable. The outstanding balance shall be charged with the existing 12% annual effective rate plus a penalty of 1% per month compounded monthly.

15. What happens if a member resigns, separates or becomes permanently disabled during the loan term?

The loan agreement shall be deemed pre-terminated. The outstanding principal including unpaid interests, immediately prior to the occurrence of any of the said conditions shall be due and demandable and shall be collected by the GSIS from existing claims of members or by other courses of action (administrative or civil) for collection of said outstanding balance.

16. What is the effect of the Claims and Loans Interdependency Policy (CLIP)?

Any and all arrearages on the eCAP shall be deducted from the proceeds of the loans which the borrower may avail of in the future. The arrearages of other GSIS loans, however, shall not be deducted from the eCAP except for outstanding balance of the existing Cash Advance.

17. If I have not availed of the existing Cash Advance can I apply for both Cash Advances?

No. The granting of the P5,000 cash advance has been terminated in October 2006.

18. Can I apply for a renewal of the eCAP?

The eCAP is non-renewable and can only be availed of once.

Djanac
View my niche sites.

Chinese Bamboo

2007-04-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce you to the miracle of Chinese Bamboo...(this was introduced to me last week by Ginny Dye, CEO/Founder of My Power Mall).

It all begins with a seed - and with the vision of someone willing to wait... A Chinese farmer, usually struggling to survive and provide for his family, plants the seed and sets his hope and vision on all it will provide when it towers 90 feet above his head. With a heart toward the future he digs hole after hole, plants the seeds, then begins their care. Day after day he carries water to the spot he has marked. And because it's human nature to want to see results he carefully inspects "the spot" every day.

Nothing.

Knowing he has to feed his family he plants other crops, carefully sewn around "the spots" that contain the real hope for his future. He continues to water them every day, feeding them carefully, and watching...

Nothing.

The other crops sprout within weeks, providing nourishment for his family within months, but provide nothing for the future. These crops will not make his dreams come true - they will simply provide for the now. The Chinese Bamboo seeds contain all his hopes, his dreams... A whole year goes by...

Nothing.

He continues to haul water. He stares endlessly at "the spots" but sees nothing but barren ground. His hopes, his dreams, seem so very far away. There is no evidence of life. Has the seed rotted? Has it died before it ever had a chance to grow? Another year goes by...

Nothing.

His neighbors - those who don't know and believe in the miracle of the Chinese Bamboo - laugh at him. They mock his vision for the future. They look on with scorn as he hauls buckets of water to "the spots". He begins to question himself. Will it ever grow? Is he pouring water, and his life's energy, into something that will reap no reward for him? Another year goes by...

Nothing.

3 years of pouring water, energy and hope into the Chinese Bamboo. Nothing to show for it. Yet he's heard of the miracle of the Chinese Bamboo. He's heard of the huge rewards that come to those who believe. One day he stands over "the spots" and he cries his frustration and fears. "The spots" reveal nothing, the barren ground seeming to mock him, yet the wind whispers hope to him. He sighs and hauls yet more buckets of water. Another year goes by...

Nothing.

4 years.... 4 years of hoping, wishing, diligently tending his dream. Surely the miracle will happen now. His neighbors have quit laughing. They no longer even care - yet they talk quietly among themselves of the farmer who "isn't quite right". At this point the farmer isn't even sure... Yet he's fallen into a habit so he continues to water "the spots". He continues to feed them. It's simply what he does now, with no knowledge of reward - just the simply, now unspoken hope, that life resides beneath the spots he so carefully tends. Another year passes...

Nothing.

5 years. The farmer is tired. Tired of hauling buckets. Tired of growing and tending so many other crops to feed his struggling family. Tired of trying to keep his dream alive. Tired of seeing no results day after day. He stares hopelessly at "the spots". There can not possibly be life after so many years. He must have watered them wrong. He must not have fed them correctly. If only he had done things differently, there would be growth. Despair rocks his soul. 5 years he has poured into his dream - into his hope for a better future. His dream mocks him. The vision of a better life for his family melts away under harsh reality. Tears fill his eyes as he grabs for the last hope residing in his soul and slowly lifts the bucket to pour water on to his dream. After 5 years he realizes it would be folly to give up now...

Then comes the morning when the whole village is jolted awake by the cries of joy from the farmer. They watch startled from their windows as he runs down the dusty road calling for his family to come see. As his family races back up the road after him, the rest of the village pours from their houses to see what has the "crazy farmer" so excited.

They find the family clustered around "the spots", talking excitedly. From the edge of the road they can see green sprouts thrusting out from the barren ground. They seem to be growing before their very eyes! The farmer is dancing. "The miracle has happened!" he cries. "The miracle has come!"

"The spots" become the place for everyone in the village to come - watching in amazement as the bamboo grows, and grows, and grows. 5 feet. 10 feet. 20. 30. 40. 50. 60. 70. 80. 90... In just 6 weeks the bamboo has grown 90 feet tall! 5 years of nothing and now this... 90 feet in 6 weeks! It is truly a miracle!

The farmer stands to the side. He is aware all his dreams have come true. The harvest of the bamboo will provide for all he dreamed of for his family. He also realizes the lessons he has learned are far more valuable.

He learned to plant a dream.

He learned to do the daily things that would make it a reality.

He learned to ignore those who said it couldn't happen.

He learned to push past his own fear and doubt and keep taking action.

He learned to have faith when there was no reason to have faith.

Now he smiles every time he walks through the village. Everyone is hauling buckets of water to their own "spots". Gazing over at his towering 90 feet tall bamboo, they know what can happen. Because of him. Because of his willingness to blaze the trail and make his dream come true.

What about you? What are you willing to do to make your dreams come true? How long are you willing to work? How long are you willing to go to school? How much faith and belief are you willing to have? I hope your answer is one that will help you achieve all you dream of in life!

Djanac
Affiliate
My Power Mall

P.S.

My Power Mall (MPM) is an online shopping mall of digital and physical products, partly operated by stakeholders/affiliates all over the globe. Many thanks to Ginny for opening her doors to newbies (like me) in internet marketing.