By Yang Lei

NEW YORK, March 11 — Mexican Telecom titan Carlos Slim Helu took the title of the world's richest person from Bill Gates' pocket, and became the first non-U.S. billionaire to claim the spot in 16 years.

SAME THREE, DIFFERENT ORDER

In the Forbes Magazine's 2010 billionaire list, which was announced in New York on Wednesday, Helu and his family knocked Gates out of the leading post with a total net worth of 53.5 billion U.S. dollars.

Helu ranked the third in the 2009 rankings. His rise has marked the first time since 1994 that the number one position is held by a non-U.S. billionaire. Japanese had occupied the top spot before giving it up to the Microsoft founder Gates in 1994.

Gates, last year's richest man, fell to the second by 500 million dollars less than Helu. Master investor Warren Buffett, whose net worth increased by 10 billion to 47 billion benefiting from a price hike in his Berkshire Hathaway shares, dropped from the second to the third.

Collectively, these three members of the Forbes list have gained 41.5 billion dollars over the past year. During the financial crisis from 2008 to 2009, these three had lost a collective 68 billion dollars.

RECOVERY IN ECONOMY AND WEALTH

March 10 marked the anniversary of the U.S. equity market's bull rally starting point. Ever since then, Dow and S&P have recovered more than 60 percent, while tech-heavy Nasdaq has jumped more than 84 percent.

With the help of monetary and fiscal stimulus measures taken by central banks and governments around the globe, the world economy has managed to walk out of the worst recession in decades.

"The global economy is recovering, and is reflected in what you see in this year's list," Steve Forbes, chairman, CEO and editor- in-chief of the Forbes Magazine, said at a press conference.

The total net worth of the 2010 list reached 3.6 trillion, 50 percent up from the 2.4 trillion in 2009, and the number of billionaires has soared from 793 last year to 1,011 this year. Moreover, those billionaires' average worth was up 500 million dollars to 3.5 billion dollars.

Thanks to the recovery of the financial market, 164 people who fell out of last year's list made a return this year. The 2010 list also boasts 97 new billionaires, representing 22 countries.

EMERGING MARKETS SHINE

The bright spot of the 2010 billionaire ranking was the strong presence of emerging economies. Among the top ten richest list, four are from developing countries. Besides the Mexican at the first place, two Indian tycoons took the fourth and fifth spots with wealth gathered from petrochemicals, oil & gas and steel business.

Brazilian mining and oil titan Eike Batista not only cracked the top ten for the first time, but also became the biggest gainer with his net worth up 19.5 billion dollars since last year.

Among this year's newcomers, 62 made their debut from Asia, "a region that saw swelling stock markets and several large public offerings during the past year," as pointed out by the Forbes Magazine.

Asia now trails Europe in total number of billionaires by only 14, and for the first time the Chinese mainland has the most billionaires outside the United States, with 64, followed by Russia with 62. (PNA/Xinhua)

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ALAMINOS CITY, March 11 –A student-researcher from the Alaminos City National High School (ACNHS) here made history by winning a prestigious international science research award for her project in a competition in Malaysia.

Shairaine Nieves C. Catabay, an ACNHS senior student and his coach, Adolfo Medrano, brought home the “Outstanding Award for Presentation of Exhibit” in the Search for SEAMEO Young Scientists.

The competition was organized by the Southeast Asian Ministries of Education Organization Regional Center for Education in Science and Mathematics (SEAMEO RECSAM) held in Penang, Malaysia last March 5.

Their investigatory project (IP) entitled “Preliminary Analysis of Water Quality Parameters and Population Density of Chironomous sp. as Pollution Bio-indicator” bested 36 entries from different nations in the Southeast Asian region.

The project analyzed the water of three identified rivers in Alaminos City, particularly in Tococ, Sabangan and Bogtong, which were found contaminated based on their respective turbidity level, pH level, dissolved oxygen level and population density using chironomous sp. as bio-indicator.

The investigatory project, a brainchild, of Catabay and other students Elvie Ngayawon and Paolo Alcantara, both already in college, had been conferred an International Corporate Award by the American Meteorological Society last February 23 to 27, 2009 in Subic, Zambales during the 2009 National INTEL Philippines Science Fair.

With their outstanding discovery, Catabay and Medrano were invited to Malaysia for the International event whose theme was “Sustainable Solutions for the Local Community”.

The DepED central office submitted lists of research projects to the organizer and luckily Catabay's project was selected and identified as the official entry of the country.

There were 14 other entries from the country in the Science Research Project Category, namely those from Manila Science High School, Philippine Science High School, U.P. Diliman and other high schools from Metro Manila, Palawan, Iloilo and Surigao.

All the researchers were determined not just to showcase their work in front of renowned scientists and researchers but more importantly to bring home the award and help contribute in creating positive change in the communities around the world.

The tandem of Catabay and Medrano won the top prize and thus earned the respect of their fellow researchers, making themselves as another source of pride for more than 80,000 Alaminos residents back home.

Joining the two were Mrs. Cecilia M. Nisperos-Education Supervisor for Science, Dr. Gloria Reinoso-Principal II and Jose Ramil A. Sibun-Department Head, both from ACNHS.

Their trip to Malaysia was supported by City Mayor Hernani A. Braganza. (PNA) LOR/lvm/lmmicua/rma

MANILA, March 11 — At least 38 middle-level career officials from various government agencies have been conferred the Career Executive Service (CES) eligibility after hurdling the four-stage CES eligibility examination.

Among the successful examinees is News and Information Bureau (NIB) Director IV Brando F. Merrera of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS).

The examinees were conferred the CES eligibility last February 9 through Resolution No. 846 approved by the CES Board chaired by Bernardo Abesamis.

Resolution No. 846 provides that an official who meets such managerial experience and other requirements of the CESB and who passes the prescribed examinations for the conferment of CES eligibility shall be included in the roster of CES eligibles.

As CES eligibles, they are welcome to participate in all CESB activities and training programs.

Merrera, 48, hails from Dagupan City in Pangasinan and rose from the ranks. He finished his Bachelor of Science in Journalism at the Luzon Colleges in Pangasinan and Masters in Mass Communications at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The 37 successful CES eligibles include: Joyce Anne Neri Alimon, Internal Auditor of the Philippine International Trading Corporation Pharma Inc.; Anselmo Raceles Aludino, Education Supervisor I, Division of Vigan City, Department of Education; Ernesto Ruiz Aradanas, Commander of the 603rd Brigade 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Armed Forces of the Philippines;

Herminio Ayala Ariola, Director III, Information Technology and Management Services, Department of Energy; Luz Laureta Balisong, manager, Human Resource and Management Development Department, Benguet Electric Cooperative Inc.; Leticia Comes Batausa, Chief Revenue Officer IV, Assessment Programs Division, Bureau of Internal Revenue;

Romualdo Ma. Tagulinao Beltran, Division Manager, National Power Corporation; Marilou Farnacio Cantancio, Planning Officer III, Philippine Sports Commission; Alipio Alonzo Sajonia Castillo III, Provincial Election Supervisor II, Commission on Elections; Ronald Batalao Castillo, Education Supervisor I, Division of Apayao, Department of Education; Eduardo Gomez Cerezo, Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer I, Office of the Ombudsman; Julius Alvar Cruz, Supervising Accounts Management Specialist, Small Business Corporation;

Jimili Lopez Macaraeg, Police Superintendent, Directorate for Integrated Operations-Northern Luzon, Philippine National Police; Albino Denis Cusi Macatangay, Provincial Government Assistant Department Head, Provincial Government of Batangas; Vlademir Allado Marquez, Information Technology Officer I, City Treasurer’s Office, Tarlac City; Hereberto Jose Diloy Miranda, Officer-in-Charge, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Division of Laguna, Department of Education;

Annalou Sison Nachura, Director IV, Legal Affairs Department, House of Representatives; Dennis Nacinas Nieves, formerly employed as Prosecutor I of the City Prosecution Office, National Prosecution Service, Department of Justice; Eva Santos Ocfemia, Chief Environmental Management Specialist, Environmental Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources;

Dennis Feniza Ortiz, Director III, Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs, Office of the President; Dante Alfaro Romano, Department Manager III, Land Asset Management Department, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority; Roderick Jawili Romualdo, Chief Personnel Specialist, Test Development and Standards Division, Examination, Recruitment and Placement Office, Civil Service Commission;

Ramon Gasapos-Santos, Undersecretary, Department of Energy; Jeanette Diocena Tana, Director II, National Wages and Productivity Commission; Enrique Amar Tayag, Director IV, National Epidemiology Center, Department of Health; Benjamin Apilas Ventura, Engineer V, Land Management Services, Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Lee Palma Viceral, Attorney V (Acting Director), Philippine Postal Corporation; and Ronnie Roque Yambao, Department Manager III, Investment Processing Department, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. (PNA)

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MANILA, March 11 – It is been a year since Earth Hour 2009, a historical event where over a billion people switched off lights in homes, offices, schools and monuments across 88 countries worldwide.

Last year, the Philippines placed first in terms of town and city participation, with over 10 million switching off in 647 towns and cities nationwide.

For 2010, Earth Hour returns in full force.

Earth Hour 2010 takes place on Saturday, March 27 at 8:30 p.m. (local time) and is a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world.

It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe to Asia to the Americas will stand in darkness.

Earth Hour Philippines National Director Yeb Saño calls on private corporations, local groups, schools and the entire nation to participate in this momentous event by switching off lights from 8:30–9:30 p.m. on 27 March 2010.

“Climate change is the biggest threat to the Philippines. We could lose 2000 isles to sea level rise alone –a scenario which could be made worse by dwindling natural resources,” Saño said.

“Luckily, Filipinos have a unique Bayanihan spirit – a brotherhood of kinship that unites people. Through the message of Earth Hour – that it’s time to think of solutions now – we stand a good chance of adapting to climate change,” Saño adding in its third year in the country and envisioned as a celebration of climate change solutions.

Earth Hour Philippines aims to inspire 15 million Filipinos in 1,000 towns, cities and municipalities to switch off and join in the revelry in an environmentally-conscious manner.

Many of the nation’s most iconic landmarks are expected to dim their lights in the largest call for action on climate change.

Cities from around the world, from Europe to Africa, are expected to join in.

Crafted to take a stand against the greatest threat the planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off lights for an hour to deliver a powerful message on the need for climate change solutions.

“This simple act has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world, becoming a worldwide phenomenon in 2008 and 2009 –where the Philippines placed first globally in terms of town and city participation,” Saño added.

Since Earth Hour 2009, each of the Earth Hour allies has advocated for the adoption of renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient practices.

Earth Hour 2009 inspired over 10 million Filipinos in 647 cities and municipalities to switch off, saving an estimated 611 MWh of electricity –equivalent to shutting down a dozen coal-fired power-plants for an hour.

Earth Hour Philippines is a yearly effort of WWF-Philippines, the Department of Energy (DoE), Green Army Network and SWITCH Movement.

This year's partners include Ipanema, Century Tuna, Sustagen, Philips, Motolite, Meralco, SM Malls, Ayala Malls, GMA-7, ABS-CBN, Infinit-1 Communications, ECC International, Dig It All, Friendster and Discovery Channel.

The Earth Hour Philippines roadshow, led by Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes, is set to visit Iloilo, Baguio, Ilocos Norte, Laguna, Bicol, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Tuguegarao and Clark.

“Earth Hour is a simple act that emphasizes the importance of adopting energy efficient practices and lifestyles,” said Reyes.

“Given ever-increasing energy demands, we must be mindful of the need to control human-induced global warming and adopting more responsible energy practices. This will allow us to bestow upon future generations a world that they deserve,” he added.

Sectoral consultations have yielded strong commitments for more sustained efforts on climate change.

Among the groups that have pledged commitments are the Archdiocese of Manila, University of the Philippines, Technological University of the Philippines, Manila Doctors College, REACT, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Ortigas Foundation, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Manila Jaycees, Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, Philippine Science Centrum, World Youth Alliance, Habitat for Humanity and Gawad Kalinga.

The business community has also pledged participation. Companies which have committed support include the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ascott Group, Dusit Thani Manila, Chevron, Abenson, First Gen, Jollibee Foods Corporation, Unilever, Globe, PLDT, PhilBIO and Piandré.

Earth Hour kick-off activities were launched in Davao and Cebu.

In Davao City, stakeholders from various sectors led by the Green Alliance for Davao, Mindanao Business Council, Save Davao Gulf Foundation and the Davao City National High School pledged collective support.

In Cebu, over 1000 stakeholders gathered at the SM City Cebu to share their collective support for Earth Hour. (PNA)

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WASHINGTON, March 11 — US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have mourned the death of Grand Imam Mohamed Sayyid Tantawi, the head of al-Azhar University in Cairo.

"As the grand sheikh of Al-Azhar University, he was a voice for faith and tolerance who was widely respected in Muslim communities in Egypt and around the globe, and by many who seek to build a world grounded in mutual respect," the White House said in a statement.

"Sheikh Tantawi graciously hosted President Obama last June in Cairo, and we remember well his hospitality," it said.

Noting that Imam Tantawi was a highly respected cleric and the leader of one of the most important institutions of Islamic learning in the world, Clinton said Al-Azhar had stood in Cairo last summer as a beacon of Islamic learning for over a thousand years, and it continues to play a dynamic role today. (PNA/PTI)

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MANILA, March 11 — Two books written by Ilocano writers residing in Metro Manila will be launched on April 9 at the start of a three-day national convention of GUMIL Filipinas at Pangil Beach Resort facing Luzon Bay in Pinili, Ilocos Norte.

Organizers said the first “Sarming Ti Kannawidan (Mirror of Culture)” is a collection of 240 haiku, the Japanese-inspired form of poetry, written by Maria Rosa A. Cabie, director of GUMIL Filipinas, the national association of Ilocano writers here and abroad.

The 6”x9” book, edited by Honor Blanco Cabie, former President of GUMIL Filipinas and News Editor/Producer of NBN Channel 4, contains vignettes on Iluko culture.

The Introduction was written by Cles B. Rambaud, managing editor of the weekly Iluko magazine Bannawag, while book design and layout were done by Heracles Lord Bernardo A. Cabie.

Iluko literature sources said the book on haiku may be used to craft a module for elementary and high school students wanting to have a glimpse of Iluko culture.

The other book to be launched is a compilation of 17 short stories, also written by Ilocanos from the Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley who are now hacking out a living in the metropolis.

The 6”x9” book, titled “Batonlagip (loosely translated Remembrance),” was edited by Honor Blanco Cabie, Engr. Ansel D. Cargo and Feliciano Martin T. Rochina – all known fictionists of the region.

Included in the compilation are stories by Sonny F. Abrajano, Jovito F. Amorin, RTC Judge Vivencio S. Baclig, Crispina B. Bragado, Jose A. Bragado, Maria Rosa A. Cabie, Leonardo S. Fagaragan;

Mark Anthony Ganotice, Juan S.P. Hidalgo, Jr., Jake F. Ilac, Linda Lingbaoan-Bulong, Vicente Palcong, Ariel S. Tabag, and Aida C. Tiama.

The national convention, held annually since GUMIL Filipinas was formally organized in October 1968, is expected to be attended by members from the different chapters in Northern Luzon and Metro Manila as well as those from Hawaii and Greece. (PNA)v3/JCA/pr

CANBERRA, March 11 — Australia will struggle to reduce its contribution to global greenhouse emissions unless a viable alternative energy source can be developed within the next decade, according to local media on Thursday.

"If we actually don't make the progress on any of those associated technologies in the period 2015 to 2020, then Australia will have a challenge as will the global community in how we make progress in reducing emissions," Martin Ferguson, Resources and Energy Minister told ABC Television later Wednesday.

The federal government is investing in biofuels and carbon capture and storage (CCS) research, but beyond that, it insisted that it does not want to pick winners in the alternative energy sector, the minister said.

Ferguson described geothermal science, where power is extracted from the earth's core, as "one of the hopes", he said, adding that by 2015, carbon capture, solar-thermal or geothermal technologies would have to be proven.

The Group of Eight industrialized nations would also like a low- emission technology to be proven by 2020. CCS technology is crucial to Australia's future energy needs because about 80 percent of national electricity comes from coal. (PNA/Xinhua)

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March 11, 1947

MANILA, March 11 — On March 11, 1947, the Filipino people ratified in a nationwide plebiscite the "parity amendment" to the 1935 Constitution.

This amendment granted United States citizens equal rights with the Filipinos in the utilization and exploitation of natural resources in the United States and the Philippines.

Also approved in that plebiscite were the Bell Trade Act and the Military Bases Agreement.

On this same day in 1966, the old Mountain Province was divided into four separate provinces: Mountain Province, with Bontoc as the capital; Benguet, with La Trinidad as the capital; Kalinga-Apayao with Tabuk as the capital; and Ifugao, with Lagawe as the capital.

Mountain Province used to belong partly to the Ilocos Region (Region 1) and the rest to the Cagayan Valley (Region 2).

With the passing of Republic Act No. 6766, Mountain Province was made part of the Cordillera Administrative Region.

On March 11, 2003, the Department of Tourism's "More than the usual WOW Philippines advertisement campaign" won the Best International Video Advertising Award in Berlin. (PNA)

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CEBU CITY, March 10 -– More and more women are involved in Cebu politics, with 11 women mayors out of 50 municipalities and component cities throughout the province.

”It’s a general knowledge that there are more and more women in politics nowadays,” said Pinamungajan Mayor Geraldine Yapha.

Pinamungajan is flanked by a city and another municipality, both also being run by women mayors.

These are Toledo City run by mayor Arlene Zambo and Aloguinsan town run by Mayor Cynthia Moreno.

Apart from Dr. Yapha, Zambo and Moreno, the women in power in Cebu’s local governments include San Fernando Mayor Lakambini Reluya, Malabuyoc Mayor Daisy Creus, Badian Mayor Carmencita Lumain, Moalboal Mayor Yvonne Cabaron, Mayor Jennifer Ilustrisimo of Santa Fe, Mayor Geralyn Escario-Canares of Bantayan, Mayor Estrella Aribal of Cartmon and Mayor Sonia Pua of Carmen.

The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has five women members, out of a total of 16. They are PB Members Agnes Magpale, Rosemarie Durano, Victoria Corominas, Teresita Celis as Association of Barangay Councils president and Bhea Mercedes Calderon as president of the Sangguniang Kabataan.

Magpale chairs the committee on women and children.

She and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu’s first ever lady governor, chair the Provincial Women’s Council that initiated the provincial women’s code.

”When you really think about it, gender doesn’t matter in political decisions because you make a decision based on what you stand for,” Mayor Yapha explained. There are four women in her town’s council, which has 10 seats.

In Cebu City’s north district, two women are contesting the congressional seat in the May 10 elections.

They are Lahug Barangay Captain Mary Ann delos Santos and Rachel “Cutie” del Mar, daughter of incumbent Rep. Raul del Mar.

Opportunities for women do exist, but there remains the belief that women should take care of the home and leave politics and government service to the men, said de los Santos.

”There are not enough women yet to compete with the men. It is still a male-dominated government. At least, equal opportunities are provided,” she said.

Her opponent agreed there are “definitely not enough” women in government now, although there are no more obstacles for them in competing with men for government posts.

She said only 20 percent in the House of Representatives and in the Senate are women.

”But the important thing is the recognition that more are as capable as the men, that it is more a question of qualifications rather than gender,” del Mar said.

She is currently chief of staff of her father, third- term Rep. Raul del Mar. (PNA)

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XI'AN, March 10 — At least 12 people were dead and 19 were missing after two landslides buried 16 homes in northwest China's Shaanxi Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, local authorities said on Wednesday.

The landslide in Shaanxi, which occurred at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, buried 44 villagers in 15 homes in Zizhou county of Yulin city, said a spokesman with the provincial government.

As of 3 p.m., 25 villagers had been rescued, but nine were confirmed dead at the scene or died at hospital.

Ten people with slight injuries had been discharged from hospital, while six others, who were still receiving treatment, were out of danger, said the spokesman.

Rescue efforts are continuing.

Another landslide in Xinjiang occurred at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in Kazak Autonomous Prefecture of Ili. The landslide buried one home and three people died at the scene. (PNA/Xinhua)

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