Monday, January 30, 2006

SNAPSHOTS AROUND KALIBO

Past Asst. District Gov and Past Pres. of Rotary Club of
Kalibo, Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente {Editor in chief of MP} with
his lovely spouse, Dr. Florencia "Rencee" Villorente during
the Christmas and Family Month Celebration
of Rotary Club of Kalibo last December 20, 005.



Pres. Panski Rebuelta and Rtn. Megs Lunn during the

turn over of books to Ms. Evelyn Leyson, Principal

of Uldarico P. Custodio Elementary School in Carugdug , Lezo, Aklan.

Some delighted teachers of UP Custodio Elem. School

and Rotarians during the book donations last

January 24, 2006. {Literacy/Numeracy Project

of the Rotary Club of Kalibo.

Editorial- January 22-28, 2006

WANTED: President Who Won In An Honest Election

Manny Pacquiao’s superb victory over a Mexican boxer is a Filipino triumph that unified the Filipino people. Pacquiao displayed his mastery of the ring during his bout with Erik “El Terrible” Morales in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, January 22, 2006. It took him less than 10 rounds to put away Morales via a technical knock out.
Pacquiao’s victory is a big revenge on the proud Aztec warrior in a boxing ring at the Thomas and Mack Center. Because of that victory, Pacquiao will go home with a heroe’s welcome waiting for him on Friday, January 27. Indeed Pacquiao earned his popularity, love and admiration by boxing his way. It has also made millions of Filipinos forget that they were hungry and poor.
The Pacquiao victory is like a dose of drugs that made Filipinos ecstatic. During the fight day in barangays, the streets were clear of vehicles and even people. The radio reported no crimes as police blotters were clean.
The NAIA is now prepared for Manny’s arrival. Streamers are ready and the red carpet is unrolled for his arrival on Friday. There will be ticker tape parade from the airport. Some politicians will join the Pacquiao bandwagon with the hope to enhance their political aspirations. From the airport, the grand parade with Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and movie personalities will pass by major routes of Metro Manila and stop in Rizal Park for a grand party celebration.
The Filipino nation is jubilant over Manny’s devastating demolition of Erik Morales, the Mexican boxing legend. Everyone is basking in the limelight of Manny’s triumph, the political elite mostly. But all the honors belong to Pacquiao.
He worked for it assisted by his trainer, manager and members of his team. After his questionable defeat in the hands of Morales last year, he went back to work and worked hard. Pacquiao studied Morales’ moves inside the ring, adopted a fight strategy, trained hard with dedication and sincerity. He left his family foregone Christmas, New Year and birthday celebrations.
Pacquiao, the world champion and a boxing hero is an epitome of hard work, dedication, sincerity and honesty. He won the fight clean and clear because of rigid training and preparation. Pacquiao won a very honest fight. Morales himself gallantly accepted the defeat. The Filipinos rejoiced with the triumph which earned the respect of the world.
Will Gloria do the same? Win in a clean and honest election?
Pacquiao has unified his family and the Filipinos through a very clean and honest fight. The victory of Pacquiao is a striking contrast as the Council of State meeting on January 24 was a photograph of national disunity and elite disharmony.
Hundred of charter changes and “no elections” will not stabilize the government, improve the economy and peace. What is needed is a legitimate president whose election is clean and honest like Pacquiao’s victory over Morales. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Asphalt Overlay at C. Laserna Is Still Incomplete

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo held a flying visit to Kalibo on Saturday, January 14. She proceeded to the Kalibo Cathedral and prayed for the success of her campaign to amend the Philippines Constitution to suit to her needs, for economic take off and victory against terrorism.
In the cathedral, she submitted to a “paeapak”, a traditional healing, remedy beyond medical science wherein the image of the Sr. Sto. Niño is rubbed on the head, shoulders and head of the believers.
In Aklan National High School For Arts and Trades, Kalibo, Arroyo distributed few volumes of books, land titles, PhilHealth cards, and inaugurated a school building.
She partook a sumptuous lunch with Kalibo Mayor Raymar S. Rebaldo, Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores and Governor Carlito S. Marquez among others. She also held a few minutes interaction with the media at Capt. Gil Mijares Memorial Bldg. Kalibo.
The government must have spent close to a million pesos for the two hour trip of Ms. Arroyo to Kalibo only to distribute land titles, books and PhilHealth cards. This job of distribution can be easily done by a releasing clerk of the offices concerned. She is just wasting the people’s money. She could have devoted that time to solve the more pressing national problems.
What good will media interaction brings to the state when journalists are hard pressed for time and the subjects to be asked are pre screened? Ms. Arroyo could have devoted a part of her time to ask the farmers if they still get a margin of profit at P10 per kilogram NFA buying price of palay. Or ask the farmers if the P3 billion farm modernization has reached them last year?
The Council of State meeting held in Malacañang, Manila on January 24 appeared to be a political party meeting where the agenda consisted of two matters addressed to strengthen the members’ hold on positions and power. The agenda distributed during the meeting consisted of Constitutional Amendments and No Election. Sen. Edgardo Angara managed to insert socio economic development. Former President Fidel V. Ramos pointed out, “ no election in 2007 is a waiting national disaster.

-o-

Detract, according to the dictionary, means to take or draw away; to belittle; to disparage; or to take something desirable away from.
Mr. Renato Albar, General Manager of the MKWD used the term “detractors” as he called those persons who analyzed the actions of the MKWD Board of Directors and Management. He used this term during his interview with Kaibahang Lynette Mendoza, DYRU in the morning of Wednesday, January 25. Mr. Albar may remember that MKWD is a public institution where the members of BOD and management are trustees who may come and go. The MKWD as a public institution has a purpose for its being and must stay as far as it functions according to the purpose for which it is built. The analysis of some interested individuals is not to disparage Mr. Albar but to point out the strength and weaknesses of their actions for the consideration of the trustees, for the common public good.
Mr. Albar, few years ago, denied some irregular matters to have happen regarding the purchase of P25 million materials until the truth came. He was meted a token penalties of 15 days suspension. Mr. Albar will be highly


appreciated by the concessionaires when he reveals to the public the result of the investigation surrounding the transaction of the P25 million controversial pipes.

-o-

The Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati Atihan festival 2006 has long passed. However, the asphalt overlay at C. Laserna Street is still not completed. Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores pledged to complete the asphalt overlay on that street but until this writing, the asphalting is yet to happen. Cong. Miraflores ,has pledged to asphalt the street during the launching of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati Atihan Festival 2006 held at Capt. Gil Mijares Bldg., Kalibo on December 28, 2005. Maybe, he can do it now.

-o-

At 7:00 A.M. January 24, Ms. Alma Lamahan Reyes was walking by the roadside on her way to the Numancia Integrated School, Numancia. After crossing the road at the left front corner of the Numancia Municipal Hall, a jeepney just suddenly came running fast and sideswiped her. She dropped her head, face down on the road. Some good samaritan brought her to the hospital where she was pronounced “dead on arrival”.
The sudden death of Ms. Alma Lamahan Reyes was not only due to the ill maintained vehicle but due to the planting or fencing of sidewalks thereby closing it to pedestrians. As a consequence, pedestrians has no choice but walk on the road making them more vulnerable to traffic accidents. The jeepney that bumped Ms. Reyes appeared dilapidated with no right front headlight. /MP

Saturday, January 28, 2006

TEACHER DIED FOR RECKLESS DRIVING

By: Megs S. Lunn

Traffic accidents are also everyday occurrences in Kalibo and the surrounding areas. More and more drivers are getting ignorant on how to drive their vehicles properly that they will not harm any passersby on the road.

Last, January 23, 2006 at 7:10 A.M., Mrs. Alma Lamahan Reyes, 43 years old and a resident of Poblacion, Numancia, Aklan was smashed by a dilapidated jeepney. She was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. She is survived by her husband Rezar Reyes and children; Alzar Howell, 16; Jowen Son, 15; and Sven Werner, 4.

Mrs. Reyes was on her way to her class in Numancia Integrated School, Poblacion, Numancia, Aklan, that early morning of January 23, when Joel Sapico, 39 years old, married with six {6} children, driving a jeepney with plate number SVN-394 lost control of his jeepney while trying to overtake a couple of motorcycles and a car, dragged and smashed to death the pretty mentor.

The jeepney Mr. Sapico was driving looks dilapidated, without headlight on its right side, rusted and ugly. It should not anymore be allowed on the road. Driver Sapico should not be allowed to drive for life. According to some witnesses, that was the third time Sapico met an accident. The first victim died, the second injured seriously and for the third time, Mrs. Reyes, the victim died.

The Land Transportation Office may do its job and strictly implement the law. Many accidents happen on the road because of: driving without license, minor drivers, reckless imprudence, no headlight/s, ill maintained vehicles, over-speeding and many more. For LGUs and the Department of Public Works and Highways: restore pathways for the pedestrians, pathways blocked by products for sale, road under repairs, no pedestrian lanes markings and many more. It is either the law makers who violate their own ordinances or traffic enforcers who close their eyes or look the other way on road infractions.

Basically, the main cause of accidents is due to drunkenness, reckless driving, bad roads, unskilled drivers, issuance of driver’s license to irresponsible drivers/operators, improper use of sidewalks and inappropriate signages or non at all.

To prevent damage to save lives and property as well as promote pleasure and safe travel, proper traffic management must be implemented coupled with proper travel infrastructures.

Increase driver awareness of its job and responsibilities, implementation of traffic laws, instill discipline to drivers and pedestrians, institute road improvement and readable traffic signs will minimize if not stop traffic accidents. /MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

2006 National Schools Press Conference

Ni: Terence June T. Toriano

Ro Department of Education ag DepEd Aklan hay maga-host it dinag-onan nga Schools Press Conference sa Pebrero 20-24, 2006. May 2,500 nga mga delegado sa patag it school paper writing, mga schools principals, superintendents, ag mga DepEd officials ro maga tambong sa rayang Natioal Schools Press Conference. Ro andang pagahambaean hay angot sa tema nga “Responsible and Quality Campus Journalism: Gearing up to the Challenge of the Schools First Initiative.”
Sa andang ngarang pagtililipon sa Akean, makilaea eon man ro Ati Atihan town of Kalibo. Ro okasyon ngara hay isaeang ka mabahoe nga komperensya ag dikara maipakita ro manggad it Akean eabi eon gid ro ginapabugae nga “Manggad it Kalibo.
Tongod kara ginapanawagan it lokal nga gobyerno it Kalbo ag ni Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, sa tanan nga mga Kalibonhon nga magbueoligan sa paglimpyo o pagmentenar it kalimpyohan it aton nga mga palibot, pagtao it tama nga kortesiya sa mga delegado, pagpakita it sikat nga hospitality it Kalibonhon. Ginapanawagan man ro aton nga mga tricycle drivers nga indi sanda magpanukot it sobra-sobra sa andang nakataklda nga pamasahe bangud sa sangkiri nga kontrobersiya hay maga—reflect bukon eang it kinyo kundi sa aton nga banwa. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

CSC SLATES CAREER SERVICE EXAMINATIONS

The Civil Service Commission will conduct the Paper and Pencil Test (PPT) for Career Service Professional (Second Level) and Sub-professional (First Level) on April 2 (deadline March 3), July 30 (deadline June 30) and October 22, (deadline September 22) 2006.
The examination is intended to establish a register of eligibles from which certification and appointment to the second and first level positions in the Civil Service shall be made provided said eligibles meet the qualifications and other requirements of the positions.
The Career Service Professional Examinations will cover subjects in English and Filipino: vocabulary, grammar and correct usage, paragraph organization, reading comprehension, computation, analogy, logic and numerical reasoning.
On the other hand, the Career Service sub professional Examinations will cover subjects in English and Filipino: grammar and correct usage, paragraph organization, reading comprehension, spelling, clerical operations and numerical reasoning.
Both Professional and Sub professional examinations will also cover the Philippine Constitution, Code of Ethics and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713), Peace and Human Rights issues and concerns and Environmental Management and Protection.
Admission and application requirements and forms for the exams may be secured from the Civil Service Commission or may be downloaded through www.csc.gov.ph.
Application fee is P300 and shall be on a first come first serve basis.

BUSINESS IS GOOD BUT NOT DURING OFFICE HOURS – CSC

Engaging in business to augment one’s salary is good, but please not during office hours. This is the reminder of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to government officials and employees.
While employees need to augment their income to cope with rising prices, Civil Service Commission Chair Karina Constantino-David said that “public officials and employees are still bound to discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity and competence and to uphold public interest over personal interest.”
The CSC made the reminder in view of the observed practice of government employees and officials doing business right in the offices where they work like selling insurance or real estate, contracting out specialized services, enlisting in multi-level marketing and direct selling of commodities and merchandise like food, cosmetics, clothing, and others.
According to the CSC, “all government officials and employees should strictly observe and abide by related rules and policies on entrepreneurial activities and observe a high standard of ethics in public service.”



The CSC Chair also reminded employees that the conduct of business or economic ventures should not conflict or tend to conflict with their official functions. Moreover, government resources, facilities, equipment and supplies should not be utilized in the conduct of private business or economic ventures.


AVERAGE INFLATION RATE FOR 2005 AT 7.6 PERCENT –NEDA

Average Inflation for the year 2005 stood at 7.6 percent according to Secretary Augusto B. Santos of the National Economic Development Authority. Santos cited the slightly lower domestic rice prices and relatively cheaper crude oil in the world market that pegged the inflation rate to 6.6 percent in December, 2006.
According to the Planning Secretary, together with the ongoing rice harvests, aggregate rice prices declined by –0.1 mainly due to price decreases in Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Cordillera Administrative Region, Mimaropa, Southern and Central Mindanao and Caraga,
In Western Visayas, highest monitored price of regular milled rice per kilogram was P 22, with the lowest at P18. Prices of rice stabilized within this range.
The lowering of the average Dubai crude oil price from a high of $53.96 in October to $51.39 in November together with the gains made by the peso against the dollar from P55.70 to a Dollar in October to P53.60 in December led to lesser inflation pressure.
However, the 7.6 average inflation rate for 2005 is higher than the projected target of 4.0-5.0 percent for 2005 due to crude oil-related increases. Inflation rate for 2004 was 6 percent.
Core inflation rate continued its downtrend from 6.1 in November of 2005 to 5.8 percent in December averaging at 7.0 in 2005 compared to 5.7 in 2004.
Santos predicts that in 2006 inflation rate will be 8.0-8.5 percent. He hopes to keep inflation within the forecast. (PIA6) /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

PGII TO LAUNCH GRAFT AND CORRUPTION PREVENTION PROJECT

The People’s Graft watch of Iloilo Inc. (PGII) will launch its People Participation in Graft and Corruption Prevention Project on February 1, 2006 at the Archbishop’s Residence in Jaro, Iloilo City, with Tanodbayan Mercedita N. Guttierrez as its guest speaker.
According to Msgr. Meliton B. Oso, President of PGII, the one-year project is a partnership between PGII and the European Commission that has for its overall objective to minimize graft and corruption in Iloilo. With this project, PGII aims to build the capability of church-based and other civil society organizations in graft and corruption prevention, investigation, filing of cases, litigation and monitoring.
Aside from Tanodbayan Guttierez, expected to grace the affair are members of the European Commission with Ambassador Jan de Kok as head of delegation, representatives of government agencies, civic groups, members of PGII, church groups and Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CCP).
The induction of the Board of Trustees of PGII will also be held during the affair. (PIA6) /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

State of the Province Address of Gov. Marquez

(1st of Four Parts)

Governor Carlito S. Marquez rendered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) on January 25, 2006 on the occasion of the 4th Regular Session of the Provincial Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan.
For the first time, it was standing room only. The guests overflowed to the offices and grounds of the Aklan SP. This is a highly positive reflection of public approval of the present governance at the capitol led by Governor Marquez and Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino.
Madyaas Pen rated the SOPA Excellent. It is frank, transparent and realistic. The accomplishments cited are responsive to the needs, problems and aspirations of Aklanons.
For the benefits of Madyaas Pen readers, the SOPA 2006 will be published in four series beginning this issue.


The SOPA compliance with the mandate of the Local Government Code of 1991 otherwise known as Republic Act 7160, The SOPA on January 25 was the third appearance before the honorable members of the Provincial Legislative Body of Aklan. Here is the address:

Allow me to express my profound gratitude to Vice Gov. Kel and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and their staff for making the required preparations to facilitate my year end report to our people.
This August body deserves my lavish appreciation for providing the office of the Provincial Governor the much needed legislative infrastructure in order to effectively implement our programs, projects, and activities which redound to the greater welfare of Aklanons and the development of this province.
Indeed, year 2005 was a busy year for the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan having gone through 44 Regular Sessions, 4 Special Sessions, and one (1) Joint Session. From those working sessions, mostly extending beyond noontime, 484 Resolutions, 56 Provincial Ordinances and 5 Appropriation Ordinances were enacted. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan can be credited for passing enactments which can be considered the “First of their kind” or landmark pieces of legislation, mainly in support of my executive agenda.
Most significant of the enactments is the approval of Appropriation Ordinance No. 05-004 Enacting The Annual Budget of the General Fund For CY 2006 with Appropriations of P367,688,174 and another Appropriation Ordinance No. 05-045, Enacting The Economic Enterprise Development Department Budget For CY 2006 with Appropriations of P199,557,635, and the subsequent approval of an ordinance allocating P61,908,135 to finance the various programs and projects under the 20 percent internal allotment development fund as endorsed by the Provincial Development Council.
In effect, the entire operations of the Provincial Government this year will be supported by a budgetary outlay of some P629,153,943.
Equally significant are the landmark pieces of legislation which will have wide-ranging impact on the physical, economic, and environmental state of our province. These are:
An ordinance creating the Aklan River Development Council,
An ordinance on the rules and guidelines in prescribing the one-entry-one-exit policy in the resort island of Boracay,
An ordinance regulating the utilization of our natural resources, including small scale mining,
An ordinance creating the economic enterprise development department n the Provincial Government, to maximize revenue generating capacity. Thank you, my dear legislators. These historic legislations are our roadmap leading to the highway of our economic prosperity and stability.
Marked Improvement On The Province’s Financial Indicators
In 2004, our budget income projections was P377,976,310 but realized only P321,538,465 or a shortfall of P56.43 million. In 2005, our budget income projections was P393,416,576 but realized only P361,543,540 or a shortfall of P31.87 million translated to a budget deficit of only 8.10 percent, and therefore, a budget gap improvement of 43.52 percent compared to 2004.
Based on the reports of our Treasury and Accounting offices, total collections in 2005 from local taxes, permits and licenses, service income, business and other income was P361,543,540.73 compared to 2004 collections of only P326,387,950.54 or an increase of 10.77 percent while the income from special education fund in 2005 was P11,175,546.13 compared to only P9,414,252.24 in 2004 or an increase of 18.71 percent.
This increase is noticeable on the property tax transfer and the tax on delivery trucks and vans, on sand, gravel, and quarry products, clearance and certification fees, toll and terminal fees, landing and parking dues. Many thanks therefore, to our offices of the treasurer and the assessor and the jetty port administrator, and all other department heads responsible for the improvement of our revenue generation and good fiscal management…thank you department heads!
Because of improvement of income plus the economic measures implemented by our Budget Office, Accounting Office, Procurement Office, Office of the Agriculture, Veterinarian Office, Human Resource Management Office, Aklan Tourism Office, The Aklan Rehabilitation Center, PESO Management Office, Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and all other departments and its sub-offices, the local finance committee, supported with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution was able to pay extra cash gift of P5,000 each to all regular employees and P1,000 each to casuals and P2,500 to school board teachers or a total expenditure from savings of P4,943,500.
Likewise, the Provincial Government was able to pay its maturing loans and other bank obligations for CY 2005 at a total of P32,942,349, comprising of:

Sinking Fund of Provincial Bonds
To Mature July 1, 2006………………………………. P 11,315,000

Equipment Loan with LBP to
Mature December 2006……………………………..P6,831.168.05

Logofind Equity For The
Construction of the
Provincial Hospital …………………………………..P12,566.351.53

Logofind Interest Payment
On A Loan of P88,644,815.12 For
The Provincial hospital
Construction…………………………………………..P2,229,874.75

(to be continued next issue) mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Sto. Niño Celebration In Ibajay

By Ambrosio R. Villorente


The Feast of Sr. Sto. Niño Ibajay 2006 was highlighted with a combination of religious socio cultural and sports activities. Headed by its Municipal Mayor Roberto Garcia, Jr., the celebration started with the Municipal Basketball Tournament on January 7 and ended on January 18.
Some four teams from the host Ibajay, New Washington, Nabas in Aklan and Pandan, Antique participated in the tournament. Nabas bested three other teams and emerged as the champion after beating team Ibajay in a championship game. Nabas walked away with the P40,000 prize and trophy.
There were grand parade, mass demonstration grand “kasadyahan sa plaza”, dance and amateur singing contest.
According to Ms. Lyn Ilinon, Ibajay Tourism Officer, Mr. Francis P. Maagma was voted Mr. Ibajay Tourism with Ms. Ma. Angelie D. Sales as Miss Ibajay Tourism 2006. Francis is the son of Hon. Salvador and Leonida Maagma of Maloco, Ibajay while Angelie is the daughter of Ms. Charito Sales of Poblacion, Ibajay, Aklan.
In its religious activities, the Holy Image of the Sto. Niño de Ibajay was transferred from the convent to the St. Peter Parish Church at high noon on January 21. Holy masses were celebrated, paeapak and pahilot and the procession of Sto. Niño done.
Francis P. Maagma and Angelie D. Sales were crowned Mr. & Ms. Tourism 2006 by Ms. Tourism 2005, Miss Wilsie Joy Sallador on January 17, 2006.
Miss Maria Margarita Victoria Santamaria was proclaimed Miss Ibajay 2006. Mr. Jolo Revilla, in behalf of his father, Sen. Bong Revilla, Jr. crowned Miss Ibajay in the eve of the celebration, January 21. Maria is the daughter of Ibajay Vice Mayor Nelson and Adorie Santamaria.
On the feast day, there were holy mass, dancing, paeapak, pahilot, procession of Sto. Niño and awarding of prizes to the winners.
Barangay Naisud bagged the P30,000 first prize in the Original Ati group contest. Barangay Naile, second – P25,000; Brgy. Agdugayan, third – P20,000; Brgy. Bugtongbato, fourth – P15,000; and San Juanian, fifth – P10,000.00.
In the “Float {Pangkabuhian} Contest, the winners are: Brgy. Bugtongbato, first – P30,000; Brgy. Laguinbanua, second – P25,000; Brgy. Naisud, third – P20,000; Brgys. Rigador & Bagacay tied for 4th place – P15,000 and Brgy. Naile, fifth – P10,000.00. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

SP Aklan Bares Accomplishments

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Vice governor Ronquillo Tolentino said the accomplishments of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) last year is a vital legislative infrastructure for effective provincial governance of Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez.
In his narrative report, Tolentino declared 2005 as a busy year for the Aklan SP, saying, the legislative council conducted 44 regular sessions and four special sessions and passed 484 resolutions, 55 provincial ordinances and five appropriation ordinances.
"Those resolutions approved by the provincial legislative body were in pursuance of the august body’s legislative priority to be able to smoothly plan and implement programs and projects for the greater benefit of the people of Aklan," Tolentino stressed in his report to Marquez.
One significant resolution gave Marquez the authority to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the local government of Malay for a joint undertaking to solve the garbage crisis in Boracay Island for P1-million financial assistance.
Marquez was also given authority to negotiate and transact with the Philippine National Bank for a P39-million loan to finance the design, development and implementation of a computerized real property tax assessments and collection of the province and with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Unit and a Foundation to implement the P10-million farm inputs/farm implements program.
The governor also entered a MOA with the Land Bank of the Philippines for a P3-million loan package to finance the farmers on hybrid seed and commercial production and with Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores and the DA for the P5-million agricultural development.

NOTEWORTHY ORDINANCES

The legislative council was also credited for the enactments of Provincial Ordinance No. 05-016 creating the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) and the Provincial Ordinance No. 05-026 establishing the Aklan Rivers Development Council.The council also approved and enacted the P367.688-million annual budget for 2006 under Appropriation Ordinance No. 05-004 and the P199.557-million 2006 budget of EEDD of the provincial government under Appropriation Ordinance No. 05-005.
The SP also approved and enacted supplemental budgets of P107.367-million of the provincial government and approved P68-million budget for projects to be funded under the 20 percent IRA development funds this year.
The legislative body also enacted provincial ordinances on the collection of fees and charges for selected vehicles using the Caticlan Jetty Port as the point of egress and ingress; increasing the tax levies collected from per cubic meter of stones, sand, gravel, earth and other quarry resources; creating the Aklan Provincial Population and Gender Office and fixing the rates for the sale of bidding documents of the provincial government of Aklan. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com





Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Asphalt Overlay at C. Laserna Is Still Incomplete

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo held a flying visit to Kalibo on Saturday, January 14. She proceeded to the Kalibo Cathedral and prayed for the success of her campaign to amend the Philippines Constitution to suit to her needs, for economic take off and victory against terrorism.
In the cathedral, she submitted to a “paeapak”, a traditional healing, remedy beyond medical science wherein the image of the Sr. Sto. Niño is rubbed on the head, shoulders and head of the believers.
In Aklan National High School For Arts and Trades, Kalibo, Arroyo distributed few volumes of books, land titles, PhilHealth cards, and inaugurated a school building.
She partook a sumptuous lunch with Kalibo Mayor Raymar S. Rebaldo, Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores and Governor Carlito S. Marquez among others. She also held a few minutes interaction with the media at Capt. Gil Mijares Memorial Bldg. Kalibo.
The government must have spent close to a million pesos for the two hour trip of Ms. Arroyo to Kalibo only to distribute land titles, books and PhilHealth cards. This job of distribution can be easily done by a releasing clerk of the offices concerned. She is just wasting the people’s money. She could have devoted that time to solve the more pressing national problems.
What good will media interaction brings to the state when journalists are hard pressed for time and the subjects to be asked are pre screened? Ms. Arroyo could have devoted a part of her time to ask the farmers if they still get a margin of profit at P10 per kilogram NFA buying price of palay. Or ask the farmers if the P3 billion farm modernization has reached them last year?
The Council of State meeting held in Malacañang, Manila on January 24 appeared to be a political party meeting where the agenda consisted of two matters addressed to strengthen the members’ hold on positions and power. The agenda distributed during the meeting consisted of Constitutional Amendments and No Election. Sen. Edgardo Angara managed to insert socio economic development. Former President Fidel V. Ramos pointed out, “ no election in 2007 is a waiting national disaster.
-o-
Detract, according to the dictionary, means to take or draw away; to belittle; to disparage; or to take something desirable away from.
Mr. Renato Albar, General Manager of the MKWD used the term “detractors” as he called those persons who analyzed the actions of the MKWD Board of Directors and Management. He used this term during his interview with Kaibahang Lynette Mendoza, DYRU in the morning of Wednesday, January 25. Mr. Albar may remember that MKWD is a public institution where the members of BOD and management are trustees who may come and go. The MKWD as a public institution has a purpose for its being and must stay as far as it functions according to the purpose for which it is built. The analysis of some interested individuals is not to disparage Mr. Albar but to point out the strength and weaknesses of their actions for the consideration of the trustees, for the common public good.
Mr. Albar, few years ago, denied some irregular matters to have happen regarding the purchase of P25 million materials until the truth came. He was meted a token penalties of 15 days suspension. Mr. Albar will be highly


appreciated by the concessionaires when he reveals to the public the result of the investigation surrounding the transaction of the P25 million controversial pipes.
-o-
The Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati Atihan festival 2006 has long passed. However, the asphalt overlay at C. Laserna Street is still not completed. Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores pledged to complete the asphalt overlay on that street but until this writing, the asphalting is yet to happen. Cong. Miraflores ,has pledged to asphalt the street during the launching of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati Atihan Festival 2006 held at Capt. Gil Mijares Bldg., Kalibo on December 28, 2005. Maybe, he can do it now.
-o-
At 7:00 A.M. January 24, Ms. Alma Lamahan Reyes was walking by the roadside on her way to the Numancia Integrated School, Numancia. After crossing the road at the left front corner of the Numancia Municipal Hall, a jeepney just suddenly came running fast and sideswiped her. She dropped her head, face down on the road. Some good samaritan brought her to the hospital where she was pronounced “dead on arrival”.
The sudden death of Ms. Alma Lamahan Reyes was not only due to the ill maintained vehicle but due to the planting or fencing of sidewalks thereby closing it to pedestrians. As a consequence, pedestrians has no choice but walk on the road making them more vulnerable to traffic accidents. The jeepney that bumped Ms. Reyes appeared dilapidated with no right front headlight. /MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Dental Clinic May Operate Sans Permit

Dentist cannot be legally subjected to the payment of Mayor’s Permit and other business fees because Dentistry is an exercise of a profession and not a business concern. This is the ruling of the Secretary of Finance promulgated on December 6, 1999 on the question “can a Municipal Mayor close a dental clinic for failure of the said clinic to secure and pay the Mayor’s Business Permit?”
The said ruling said: “a person engaged in the practice of a profession requiring government examination such as a dentist, is, by express provision of the Local Government Code, exempt from this requirement. The code instead provides for a professional tax on professionals belonging to this class. Such professional who has paid the corresponding professional tax to the province where he practices his profession shall be entitled to practice his profession in any part of the Philippines without being subjected to any other national or local tax, license, or fee, including Mayor’s Permit or license fees for the practice of such profession.”
Therefore, to impose a graduated tax on a dental clinic on the premise that it is a “business establishment rendering or offering to render professional services would be in contravention of the Local Government Code.”
This question of requiring dental clinic to secure “Mayor’s Permit” was referred to the law office of De Jesus & Associates for legal assistance by Dr. Maria Louisa M. Alcedo, President of the Aklan Dental Society (2005-2006), Kalibo, Aklan after Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo demanded that “failure to pay the Mayor’s Business Permit will force them to close your clinics.” /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Friday, January 27, 2006

Editorial January 28

WANTED: President Who Won In An Honest Election


Manny Pacquiao’s superb victory over a Mexican boxer is a Filipino triumph that unified the Filipino people. Pacquiao displayed his mastery of the ring during his bout with Erik “El Terrible” Morales in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, January 22, 2006. It took him less than 10 rounds to put away Morales via a technical knock out.
Pacquiao’s victory is a big revenge on the proud Aztec warrior in a boxing ring at the Thomas and Mack Center. Because of that victory, Pacquiao will go home with a heroe’s welcome waiting for him on Friday, January 27. Indeed Pacquiao earned his popularity, love and admiration by boxing his way. It has also made millions of Filipinos forget that they were hungry and poor.
The Pacquiao victory is like a dose of drugs that made Filipinos ecstatic. During the fight day in barangays, the streets were clear of vehicles and even people. The radio reported no crimes as police blotters were clean.
The NAIA is now prepared for Manny’s arrival. Streamers are ready and the red carpet is unrolled for his arrival on Friday. There will be ticker tape parade from the airport. Some politicians will join the Pacquiao bandwagon with the hope to enhance their political aspirations. From the airport, the grand parade with Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and movie personalities will pass by major routes of Metro Manila and stop in Rizal Park for a grand party celebration.
The Filipino nation is jubilant over Manny’s devastating demolition of Erik Morales, the Mexican boxing legend. Everyone is basking in the limelight of Manny’s triumph, the political elite mostly. But all the honors belong to Pacquiao.
He worked for it assisted by his trainer, manager and members of his team. After his questionable defeat in the hands of Morales last year, he went back to work and worked hard. Pacquiao studied Morales’ moves inside the ring, adopted a fight strategy, trained hard with dedication and sincerity. He left his family foregone Christmas, New Year and birthday celebrations.
Pacquiao, the world champion and a boxing hero is an epitome of hard work, dedication, sincerity and honesty. He won the fight clean and clear because of rigid training and preparation. Pacquiao won a very honest fight. Morales himself gallantly accepted the defeat. The Filipinos rejoiced with the triumph which earned the respect of the world.
Will Gloria do the same? Win in a clean and honest election?
Pacquiao has unified his family and the Filipinos through a very clean and honest fight. The victory of Pacquiao is a striking contrast as the Council of State meeting on January 24 was a photograph of national disunity and elite disharmony.
Hundred of charter changes and “no elections” will not stabilize the government, improve the economy and peace. What is needed is a legitimate president whose election is clean and honest like Pacquiao’s victory over Morales. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Asphalt Overlay at C. Laserna Is Still Incomplete

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo held a flying visit to Kalibo on Saturday, January 14. She proceeded to the Kalibo Cathedral and prayed for the success of her campaign to amend the Philippines Constitution to suit to her needs, for economic take off and victory against terrorism.
In the cathedral, she submitted to a “paeapak”, a traditional healing, remedy beyond medical science wherein the image of the Sr. Sto. Niño is rubbed on the head, shoulders and head of the believers.
In Aklan National High School For Arts and Trades, Kalibo, Arroyo distributed few volumes of books, land titles, PhilHealth cards, and inaugurated a school building.
She partook a sumptuous lunch with Kalibo Mayor Raymar S. Rebaldo, Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores and Governor Carlito S. Marquez among others. She also held a few minutes interaction with the media at Capt. Gil Mijares Memorial Bldg. Kalibo.
The government must have spent close to a million pesos for the two hour trip of Ms. Arroyo to Kalibo only to distribute land titles, books and PhilHealth cards. This job of distribution can be easily done by a releasing clerk of the offices concerned. She is just wasting the people’s money. She could have devoted that time to solve the more pressing national problems.
What good will media interaction brings to the state when journalists are hard pressed for time and the subjects to be asked are pre screened? Ms. Arroyo could have devoted a part of her time to ask the farmers if they still get a margin of profit at P10 per kilogram NFA buying price of palay. Or ask the farmers if the P3 billion farm modernization has reached them last year?
The Council of State meeting held in Malacañang, Manila on January 24 appeared to be a political party meeting where the agenda consisted of two matters addressed to strengthen the members’ hold on positions and power. The agenda distributed during the meeting consisted of Constitutional Amendments and No Election. Sen. Edgardo Angara managed to insert socio economic development. Former President Fidel V. Ramos pointed out, “ no election in 2007 is a waiting national disaster.
-o-
Detract, according to the dictionary, means to take or draw away; to belittle; to disparage; or to take something desirable away from.
Mr. Renato Albar, General Manager of the MKWD used the term “detractors” as he called those persons who analyzed the actions of the MKWD Board of Directors and Management. He used this term during his interview with Kaibahang Lynette Mendoza, DYRU in the morning of Wednesday, January 25. Mr. Albar may remember that MKWD is a public institution where the members of BOD and management are trustees who may come and go. The MKWD as a public institution has a purpose for its being and must stay as far as it functions according to the purpose for which it is built. The analysis of some interested individuals is not to disparage Mr. Albar but to point out the strength and weaknesses of their actions for the consideration of the trustees, for the common public good.
Mr. Albar, few years ago, denied some irregular matters to have happen regarding the purchase of P25 million materials until the truth came. He was meted a token penalties of 15 days suspension. Mr. Albar will be highly


appreciated by the concessionaires when he reveals to the public the result of the investigation surrounding the transaction of the P25 million controversial pipes.
-o-
The Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati Atihan festival 2006 has long passed. However, the asphalt overlay at C. Laserna Street is still not completed. Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores pledged to complete the asphalt overlay on that street but until this writing, the asphalting is yet to happen. Cong. Miraflores ,has pledged to asphalt the street during the launching of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati Atihan Festival 2006 held at Capt. Gil Mijares Bldg., Kalibo on December 28, 2005. Maybe, he can do it now.
-o-
At 7:00 A.M. January 24, Ms. Alma Lamahan Reyes was walking by the roadside on her way to the Numancia Integrated School, Numancia. After crossing the road at the left front corner of the Numancia Municipal Hall, a jeepney just suddenly came running fast and sideswiped her. She dropped her head, face down on the road. Some good samaritan brought her to the hospital where she was pronounced “dead on arrival”.
The sudden death of Ms. Alma Lamahan Reyes was not only due to the ill maintained vehicle but due to the planting or fencing of sidewalks thereby closing it to pedestrians. As a consequence, pedestrians has no choice but walk on the road making them more vulnerable to traffic accidents. The jeepney that bumped Ms. Reyes appeared dilapidated with no right front headlight. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

DOH –Aklan Warns Against Weather-Caused Diseases

Upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea and typhoid fever are some diseases to watch out for in this cold weather, according to Dr. Myrtle Pelayo, medical Specialist and Provincial representative of the Department of Health (DOH), Kalibo, Aklan.
To avoid infection with these diseases, Dr. Pelayo is advising everybody to be aware of the causes and observe preventive measures.
In the case of upper respiratory tract infection, Dr. Pelayo said everybody should avoid going to crowded places, and practice building up natural immune systems through proper nutrition and diet, and enough rest.
To avoid diarrhea, Dr. Pelayo reminds everyone to drink safe and clean water, observe cleanliness and proper hygiene practices like washing of hands before and after eating, and ensure proper and sanitary waste disposal.
Currently, diarrhea is observed by hospital authorities in Kalibo, Aklan to be the main cause of Aklan children’s illness, suspected to be brought about by unsafe drinking water due to the recent flood that hit Kalibo and other parts of Aklan.
As to Avian Flu scare, Dr. Pelayo said there is no case yet in the Philippines. However, the Department of Health, in coordination with the local government units in Aklan, is now closely monitoring municipalities which are possible entry points of migratory birds, carriers of the bird flu virus.
“These are the municipalities of Altavas, Batan and Buruanga,” Dr. Pelayo revealed. (PIA) /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

More Infra Projects For Aklan ARCs

The first quarter of 2006 will start with massive projects for the two agrarian reform communities in Ibajay, Aklan in the amount of P47,463,928.00. According to Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino PARO II of DAR-Aklan, these new projects are set for launching. Other projects already completed will be turned over to the local government unit of Ibajay. These are 5.7 km farm to market road of Mabusao-Maloco and Agdugayan completed at the project costs of P9.458. The 1.66 kilometer Monlaque-Aparicio concrete farm to market road is already completed which cost P11.782.
Meanwhile, other projects such as the San Jose Communal Irrigation System planned to provide irrigation for the 220 hectares of land is on-going funded at P24,192,765. The post harvest facilities for Aparicio ARBs Multipurpose Cooperative which comprises of a solar dryer and warehouse is due for completion in February. The project costs P595,743.00. The barangay of Monlaque is also provided with Level II rural water system which will commence in February. This project costs P1,435,207.00.
The above named projects are undertaken through the funding support of the DAR-ADB-ARCP Department of Agrarian Reform – Asian Development Bank – Agrarian Reform Communities Project) and the ARISP II (Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Projects). /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Saturday, January 21, 2006

EDITORIAL January 21, 2006

MKWD Increases Its Rates

The Metro Kalibo Water District (MKWD) has two kinds of news for its concessionaires in Kalibo, Banga, New Washington and Balete.
The good news is MKWD will reduce the water meter rental and maintenance fee by 50 percent from P20 to P10 per month per concessionaire effective in its March 2006 billings.
This reduction is pursuant to MKWD Board Resolution No. 01, Series of 2006 implementing the National Water Resources Board Decision (NWRB) dated November 18, 2005 on Case No. 03 – 059 – A regarding Rate Review.
The bad news is, effective also in March 2006 billing, the minimum water rate of 10 cubic meters in Kalibo will increase from P130 to P170 per month. This is an increase of 30.76 percent for residential consumers whose pipes are ½ inch in diameter. For those commercial and industrial consumers and those with bigger diameter sizes, the increases are much higher.
Next year, the P170 minimum rate for residential consumers will be further increased to P205 or 20.06 percent over this year. This rate will be 44.12 percent over the 2005 water rate fees schedule. For those who will consume over 10 cubic meters per month, they will pay from P21.04 to P24.80 per cubic meter after consuming the minimum depending upon the quantity consumed. The more the quantity consumed, the higher the rate.
MKWD concessionaires in Banga, Balete and New Washington will be billed P205 minimum per month effective their March 2006 billings Kalibo consumers will catch up with them next year. Moreover, after the 10 cubic meters minimum consumption of P205 per month, New Washington, Banga, and Balete concessionaires will pay P21.35 to P25.50 for the next cubic meters consumption for the month. This is P0.31 to P0.70 higher than the Kalibo consumers will say.
To encourage prompt payment of water bills, MKWD will give 10 percent discount during the March 2006 to February 2007 billing period; 7.5 percent during the March 2007 – February 2008 and 5 percent for March 2008 – February 2009. With this P205 minimum rate for 10 cubic meters per month and P21.35 per cubic meter for the next 11-20 cubic meters, P22.50 for the next 21-30, P23.95 for the next 31-40 cubic meters and P25.50 for the next 41 and above cubic meters, MKWD will beat all the other 29 big water districts in the Philippines as far as water rate schedule of fees is concerned.
Unless it has increased its rate, the second most expensive domestic water is P177 of 10 cu. m. minimum per month in La Union. This is P28 or 15. 82 percent lower than Kalibo. Like MKWD, La Union also gets its water from deep well. This price was made effective in March 2003.
The cheapest water is being sold by San Pablo City, Laguna since March 1, 2003 at P67.60 per 10 cubic meter minimum. The water is also pump from deep well. With the present costing of water in Kalibo, New Washington, Balete and Banga, a middle income family of six members will easily consume from 30 to 40 cubic meters of water a month. This means P650.00 to P905 expenses for water alone.
Can the Board of Directors, MKWD review its cost of water production especially on personal expenses? There can be some costs which can be reduced thereby reducing the cost of MKWD water for the good of its concessionaires.
Will MKWD collapse if its water rates remain as is? No. In its 2003 operations it made a net surplus of P2 million. It has also expanded its operations to the town of Balete. MKWD has even paid the prices of materials originally requisitioned but received lower quality goods. What a loss!
Yes, MKWD does not need to increase its water rates fees at this time especially when its consumers are in a difficult economic situation. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurial Farmer

By: Ambrosio R. Villorente

Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati Atihan Is A Success

Avian Influenza is a very infectious disease in chicken, ducks and other birds caused by different subtypes of the Influenza A virus. Once a flock of birds like chicken is infected with this disease, it could be wiped out in 24 hours.
Once Avian Influenza is detected in a specific community, there is no other means to stop the menace but to quarantine the place, regulate the movement of people in the area, stop the movement of any foul and kill all the birds of the infected flock, burn or bury it, veterinarians advised.
There is no means to cure the infested poultry or control the disease. It will be best to prevent its occurrence.
In view of the economic importance of poultry industry in Aklan and the risk of the occurrence of poultry diseases, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan has adopted Provincial Ordinance No. 05-056, “Avian Influenza (AI) Prevention and Control Ordinance of the Province of Aklan” during its session of December 21, 2005. The said ordinance is already approved by Governor Carlito S. Marquez.
The ordinance covers the entire territorial jurisdiction of Aklan. It aims to prevent the entry of Avian Influenza in Aklan to ensure public safety; to protect the local poultry industry and other related industries; and to promote and protect the health, safety and general welfare of the residents.
To oversee the implementation of the provisions of the said ordinance, AI Prevention and Control Task Force is organized. The task force is chaired by Governor Carlito S. Marquez with Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino as Vice Chairman. The members come from multi sectoral groups, from the poultry industry, health, academe, police, the legal profession and the media.
-o-
In Malay, Aklan, the Sangguniang Bayan has also approved a Municipal Ordinance No. 233, Series of 2005. This is “An Ordinance Increasing the Garbage Fee Rates in the Island of Boracay…” The ordinance passed on November 24, 2005 during the Sangguniang Bayan session was already approved by Malay Mayor Ceciron S. Cawaling.
According to the ordinance, one major problem in Boracay Island is the proper handling and disposal of garbage and residue of the households and establishments. The previous garbage fee rates were inadequate to provide the logistical needs to solve the garbage problem. According to the SB members, it is highly proper that the burden in solving must equitably be shared by all stakeholders in Boracay.
Hence, the ordinance prescribes monthly garbage fee rates to resorts, hotels, cottages, bars and restaurants owners and operators. The fee rates vary depending upon the number of rooms, class and numbers of tables of the establishment.
It is but rationale for these tourists’ establishment to pay what is asked of them and for the municipality of Malay to return what were collected via good service like proper garbage disposal and collection and to make Boracay a very pleasant and conducive tourists destination.
-o-
The Kalibo Sto Niño Ati Atihan Festival 2006 celebration was successful compared to last year. There was comparatively less people in attendance but maybe brought about by economic difficulties of the time.
If there were shortcomings, the Kalibo Ati Atihan Management Board and its officers and members are very competent to notice it. They are also in a better position to institute adjustment for next year celebration.
If two persons died in the twilight of the celebration, the KAMB has nothing to do with it. It was the making of the culprits as Kalibo was tightly secured during the celebration. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

GMA Prays For Charter Change, Economic Take Off

By: Recto I. Vidal

A devotee of the Sto. Niño herself, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (Is she?) on Saturday, sought for the Church’s blessings in Kalibo, Aklan and prayed for her administration’s success in the campaign on charter change, translation of the peso into an economic take off and the success of the government’s campaign against terrorism and destabilization.
Clad in a blue Ati Atihan shirt draped with a shawl made of piña with a Sto. Niño brooch, she, during an informal interaction with the local media, bared these three wishes. She first visited the Kalibo Cathedral for the traditional “Paeapak” where she later met with Aklan Bishop Romeo Lazo and other clergy on the eve of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival celebration.
“Paeapak” is a traditional healing of illnesses beyond scientific medical remedy wherein the image of the Holy Child is presented to the faithful and believers who in turn ask for blessings and success in whatever endeavor they are in.
In her brief message to revelers and tourists alike delivered at the veranda of the Capt. Gil Mijares Building before noontime, Arroyo expressed elation over what she acknowledged as the “mother of all festivals.”
“I’d like to thank you all for making this festival bigger and bigger each year, thus earning its distinction as the mother of all festivals in the country,” she told the revelers who cheered lustily as she delivered her short message during the height of the revelry on Saturday noon.
Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez said that GMA made history as the first President to have ever graced the Sto. Niño Ati Atihan Festival, dubbed as the “queen of all festivals in the country,” being the country’s premier religious and cultural festival that attract thousands of devotees and tourists every third weekend of the year.
In her informal chat with the local media in Kalibo, Arroyo dismissed the notion that Ati Atihan has already been left behind by other festivals in the country as far as recognition is concerned.
“This festival still remains as the mother of all festivals in terms of attractions and spontaneity of audience participation. That’s why we don’t lack tourists in here,” she enthused as she described the festival’s appeal as irresistible.
Arroyo also disclosed that she has already ordered the DOTC to release P55 million for the installation of the instrument landing system for the Kalibo Airport.
“Considering that tourism is in full bloom here in Aklan, it is very important for us to provide the necessary facilities needed in providing access, safety and convenience for our tourists to make their travel and stay here enjoyable as possible.
During her visit here, Arroyo inaugurated a newly constructed five-classroom building of Aklan National High School for Arts and Trades (ANHSAT) in Andagao, Kalibo, distributed land titles, gave out PhilHealth cards for Aklan’s indigent families and distributed books.
The five classrooms of ANHSAT were constructed from January 2005 to October 2005 with a total cost of P1,697,000 sourced from the 2002 to 2003 Regular School Building Program, according to Richard Flores, the school principal. The 132 land titles were given to 91 beneficiaries covering some 29.9483 hectares located in ten Aklan towns. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Asean Economic Ministers Retreat Sa Aklan

By Terence June T. Toriano

Mapaead eon man ro Probinsya it Akean tongod ro prestihiyosong ASEAN Economic Ministers Retreat hay pagahiwatun sa isla it Boracay sa paeaaboton nga Abril 24 hasta 28, 2006. Kaibahan nga maga-aeadto kara ro iba-ibang ASEAN Economic Ministers, anda nga counterparts halin sa Estados Unidos, European Union, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Korea, andang Senior Economic Officials ag staff.
Ro iba pa hay magadaea it anda nga asawa para makita man nanda ro ginapabugae ag ginakilaea sa bug-os nga kalibutan bilang isaeang island beach paradise, ro isla it Boracay.
Bangud kara, ro atong lokal nga gobyerno it Kalibo nga ginapangunahan it atong alkalde, Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, hay maga-umpisa eon it pagprepara para sa pag-abot it mga ASEAN Economic Ministers, kaibahan eon ro ma-id-id nga pagpanglimpyo sa aton nga banwa ag pagpahaum sa possible nga pagbisita it mga asawa it mga opisyales it ASEAN sa mga programa it ika-50 nga Anibersaryo it Probinsya it Akean, sa ika-7 nga Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival ag pag-courtesy call sa ama it atong banwa.Pinaagi kara, bukon eang it sa Kalibo Sto. Niño Festival makilaea ro banwa it Kalibo ag probinsyang Akean kundi sa hospitality ag kindness man it mga Kalibonhon ag Akeanon. mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Media Must Be Cautious Circumspect

In view of the recent attacks on some of the members of the judiciary, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Aklan Chapter passed a resolution requesting the tri-media in Aklan to be more cautious and circumspect in taking up and publishing “uncalled for allegations bordering on personal attack against the members of the bench.”

MP is publishing the said resolution in full below:

Integrated Bar of The Philippines
Aklan Chapter
Kalibo, Aklan

A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE CONSENSUS SENTIMENTS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES, AKLAN CHAPTER

WHEREAS, heard over the radio, seen over other media channels, uncalled statements bordering on personal attack against the members of the judiciary, all the more that such statements never had factual nor legal basis;

WHEREAS, the reports had been going on for some period and the continuance of the same serves no other purposes but to place members of the judiciary in the Province of Aklan in a bad light;

WHEREAS, such statements/allegations against the member of the bench are affront to the entire judiciary in the Province of Aklan and it behooves the IBP-Aklan to act accordingly;

WHEREAS, the INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES-AKLAN CHAPTER believes in the integrity and judiciousness/justness of the members of the bench in the Province of Aklan; and their conduct in the performance of their duties and their relationship with their fellowmen remain unquestionable;

WHEREFORE, on motion jointly made RESOLVED, that the INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES-AKLAN CHAPTER, condemns such uncalled for allegation against judiciary and expresses its support to the members of the bench, upholds them in this trying times, and expresses further that by no means did the radio reports diminish the trust and confidence of the Chapter and its members to members of the bench;

RESOLVED FURTHER, that copy of this Resolution be furnished the tri-media in the Province of Aklan who are hereby requested to be more cautious and circumspect in taking up and publishing such uncalled for allegations bordering on personal attack against the members of the bench.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
Kalibo, Aklan, December 21, 2005

(Sgd.) MARIA CARRILLO-ZALDIVAR
Charter President


(Sgd.) ANTONIO T. TABANG (Sgd.) IMMANUEL L. SODUSTA
Vice President Secretary

(Sgd.) ROMEO I. LACHICA (Sgd.) FLORENDO C. VILLANUEVA
Treasurer Director

(Sgd.) ALONZO R. TINAGAN (Sgd.) REYNALDO C. PERALTA
Director Director

(Sgd.) FRANCISCO M. BELONGILOT
Director

RC Kalibo and RC Muntinlupa–Filinvest Sign Sisterhood Agreement

By: Megs S. Lunn

The Rotary Club of Kalibo led by it’s President, Epifanio “Panski” Rebuelta signed a Sisterhood Agreement with the Rotary Club of Muntinlupa–Filinvest led by it’s President, Rommel L. Camua.
Rotary Club of Muntinlupa–Filinvest was officially chartered as a new club, under District 3830 on August 4, 1999. The RC Muntinlupa–Filinvest is the only Rotary Club in the Philippines with a 100 percent Paul Harris Fellow or contribution to the Rotary Foundation of 1000 US dollar each member. Through the leadership of Pres. Rommel Camua and his service team, the RC Kalibo was able to sign a sisterhood agreement. The two Rotary clubsl look forward for more projects partnership in the future.
As president of his club, not to mention that he is the youngest President in their Rotary District, he looks forward to the continuity and maintenance of their projects that concern in wellness and development of the quality life of the people, especially the youth. Pres. Rommel’s focus are with emphasis on Health, Water and Literacy as RC Kalibo does.
Pres. Rommel Camua is the son of Rotarian Romy Camua and Ann Sheryl Camua, the owners of Lyca Café and Restaurant. Rommel is also the brother of Rotarian Edgar Camua of the Rotary Club of Kalibo. January 19 was the night of the Camua’s as during RC Kalibo’s regular meeting when Pres. Rommel acknowledged and honored them each with a Paul Harris Fellow certificates, pins and medals.
Paul Harris Fellow is awarded to Rotarians who have donated $1,000 or more to the Rotary Foundation. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Top Kalibo Ati Atihan Tribes

Some P322,000.00 was distributed as cash prizes to the 32 winning participants of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati Atihan Festival 2006 tribal contest. In addition, another P210,000 was given to Higante Parade contest as prizes and subsidies, the winners of which were published in Madyaas Pen in its January 8-14, 2006 issue.
Black Beauty Boys walked away with the P50,000 first prize in the Best Original Tribal Ati Atihan Big Group. This is the biggest amount awarded among the winners.
Other winners in the big group are:
Kabog – P40,000 second prize, Dajan-on – P30,000 third and P2000 each consolation prize for Tribu Tiis Tiis and Tribu Tikbalang.
Best Original Tribal Ati Atihan Small Group winners are: First Tribu Responde – P30,000; Second, Tribu Bukid Tigayon – P25,000; Third, Morongga Tribe – P20,000 and three (3) consolation prizes at P1,000 each to Tribu Eamang, Tribu Timo Timo and D’ Kamanggahan.
The winners in the Modern Tribal Big group are: First Scorpio 11-19-P25,000; Second, Bluebirds – P20,000; third, Abernano Club – P15,000 and consolation prize of P1,500 to Magbaeata. For the Small Modern Group: first, Enigma – P15,000; Second, Mego – P10,000 and Ngok Ngok – P10,000 and three (3) consolation prizes at P1,000 each to D’ Enchanting, Kamaeos and Tribal Winds.
The Best Original Balik Ati – group went to Liloanong Ati ag Si Datu Bangkaya – P10,000; Second, Kinantuing – P6,000; Third, Cannibal – P4,000 and three consolation prizes at P1,000 each to Balik Ati Bakhaw Sur, Tribu Ilayanhon and Tribu Isalacan.
There are five (5) individual awardees at P1,500 each. They are: Most Original – Hydro Carbon, Most Modern – Butterfly, Most Fantastic – Manok- Manok Festival, Most Symbolic – King of Cannibal, and Most Comical – Absurongsong.
In addition to the prizes awarded them, they were also given subsidies. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Sun Life Donates P50,000 To Kalibo

Sun Life Financial launched its SAGIP 111th campaign with a P50,000 donation to the Ati Atihan town of Kalibo. The said amount will be disbursed for the procurement of road signs for installation in Kalibo. This is a priority project of the Kalibo LGU to ensure not just order but a decline in the incidence of road accidents all around Kalibo.
Mr. Randy A. Rebaldo, brother and private secretary received the P50,000 check during the launching program in the afternoon of January 14, 2005 held in Kalibo, Aklan. In the name of Mayor Rebaldo, Randy thanked Sun Life Financial for its generosity.
In its press release, it is learned that Sun Life Financial is the first and most trusted life insurance firm in the Philippines. It is now celebrating its 111th year in the Philippines with the launching of its community development project called “Sagip 111”. The project reeled in Cebu City and being brought to the other parts of the country where Sun Life operates like in Kalibo.
Sun Life Financial – Philippines chairman Esther C. Tan led in the launching program. She talked of the financial services the firm’s commitment to its social responsibility during the launching.
“For 111 years now, Sun Life Financial has grown its business in the Philippines by protecting the life and personal interests of Filipinos. It is now time for us to transcend our promise of protection into something more concrete and that is through a direct extension of assistance to the very people we consider our business partners,” Tan stressed. Sun Life is said to be intent on launching its own foundation within the year.
Following the Sagip 111 launch, Sun Life also participated in the Ati-Atihan Festival through the sponsorship of the very popular Ati Atihan group called Scorpio 11-19 to represent Sun Life in the grand parade. Scorpio 11-19 won first place in the Small Group Modern Category from January 1995 to January 1999; and won first place in Big Group Modern category from January 2001 up to the present. Scorpio 11-19 just won the P25,000 first prize in the Modern Tribal Group last Sunday, January 15.
Sun Life Financial – Philippines is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies, a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of wealth accumulation and protection products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Tracing its roots back to 1865, Sun Life Financial and its partners today have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China and Bermuda. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Metrobank Art & Design Competition Call For Entries

The 2006 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence National Competition (MADE) is now calling for entries. The competition is open to young Filipino painters and sculptors 18 to 35 years old and licensed architects and interior designers 25 to 45 years old. In partnership with Philippine Institute of Interior Designers, United Architects of the Philippines, Federal Land and BluPrint, the competition aims to provide a venue for creative expressions of young talented artists and designers.
The painting competition has two categories which are Oil-Based Medium on Canvas and Water Media on Paper on a minimum of 18 x 24 inches to a maximum of 36 x 48 inches. The sculpture competition is open to the following media: glass, metal, wood, stone, and fired clay rendered in small scale measuring a minimum of 12” x 12” to a maximum of 16” x 16”.
The architecture competition category requires a built structure single detached residence in the Philippines, completed and occupied for at least one year. The interior design competition on the other hand requires a conceptual work output.
Winners in the Oil category will receive P150,000 (1st place); P130,000 (2nd place); P120,000 (3rd place). The top winners in the Water Media, Sculpture, and Interior Design will receive P150,000 each.
Submission of entries for the architecture competition is until May 26, 2006 at the UAP office on 53 Scout Rallos St., Quezon City and May 12, 2006 for the interior design at the PIID office, 8th floor Filomena Bldg.104 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Painting and sculpture entries should be submitted in 5R photo print format along with the official entry form either by mail or personal delivery on or before May 6, 2006 at the Metrobank Foundaion office in Metrobank Plaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City.
Entry forms are available at all Metrobank branches nationwide. For queries, call Mark Alvario of Metrobank Foundation at (02) 898.8856 or (02) 857.5918 or email at foundation@metrobank.com.ph. For queries on architecture and interior design competitions, you can also call UAP National Secretariat at 412.6403/6374 and PIID Secretariat at 867.1403/1404, respectively. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

MAGNA CARTA FOR RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS

(Last Part)

The period to be recovered for the purpose of computing the differential billing shall be subject to the following rules:

1. If prior to the date of discovery, there was a change of meter, change of seal or reconnection, or replacement of parts, or it can be determined when an abrupt or abnormal drop in consumption occurred, the period to be recovered for purposes of the differential billing should be reckoned from the time when the said changes, inspection or reconnection occurred, which may result in a less than a year period of recovery.

2. Furthermore, if the concerned consumer presents indubitable and adequate proof that the occurrence of the illegal use of electricity is for a period which could be less than a year, then for purposes of calculating the differential billing, the recoverable period shall start from the occurrence of the illegal use up to the time of apprehension.

3. in the absence of the two aforementioned circumstances, the distribution utility may be allowed to recover the differential billing up to maximum of sixty (60) billing months up to the time of discovery.

CHAPTER IV. FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 36. Implementation. – Implementation of Articles 7, 8 and 28 shall be subject to Guidelines to be promulgated and approved by the Commission.

Article 37. Violation. – A violation of any provision of this Magna Carta shall be subject to penalty which the Commission, after giving the electric utility or consumer the opportunity to be heard, may impose in accordance with law.

Article 38. Separability Clause. – If any provisions of this Code is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

Article 39. Repealing Clause. – Provisions of ERB Res. No. 95-21 as amended, rules, regulations, guidelines and other issuances not expressly revised by this Magna Carta shall remain in force and effect.

Article 40. Effectivity. – This Code shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the country.

Pasig City, June 17, 2004

(Sgd.) RODOLFO B. ALBANO, JR.
Chairman

(Sgd.) OLIVER B. BUTALID (Sgd.) CARLOS R. ALINDADA
Commissioner Commissioner

(Sgd.) LETICIA V. IBAY (Sgd.) JESUS N. ALCORDO
Commissioner Commissioner

Thursday, January 19, 2006

MADYAAS PEN ADVERTISING RATES

(Note: For print only)

I. Sizes

Inside Page

One Full Page (140 column cm.) - - - - - - - - P7,000.00
One-Half Page (70 column cm.)- - - - - - - - -P4,000.00
One-Fourth Page (35 column cm.) - - - - - - P2,500.00
One-Eight Page (17.5 column cm.) - - - - - - P1,500.00
One-Sixteenth Page(8.75 column cm.)- - - - - - P 800.00
One-32nth Page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - P 500.00
Minimum Size - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - P 200.00

Front Page

One-32nth Page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - P 1,000.00
Minimum Size - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - P500.00

Back Page

One-Fourth Page (35 column cm.) - - - - - - -P4,000.00
One-Eight Page (17.5 column cm.) - - - - - - -P2,500.00
One-Sixteenth Page(8.75 column cm.)- - - -P1,000.00
One-32nth Page- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -P500.00
Minimum Size - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -P 300.00


Discounts:

1. 5% if payment is upon signing of contract.
2. 10% for two (2) consecutive issues.
3. 30% for three consecutive issues.
4. 40% for ten (10) consecutive issues.
5. 50% for one year contract/issues.




Wednesday, January 18, 2006

RC KALIBO SAD-SAD 2006

Rotary Club of Kalibo, District 3850, Philippines and Kalantiao Toastmasters Club - 767889,
District 75 {Philippines}
joined the Mother of All Festivals, Kalibo Ati-atihan 2006
last January 13, 2006.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

VIVA! KAY SR. STO NIÑO! VIVA!


The Madyaas Pen family joins in the celebration of
Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati Atihan Festival 2006.




EDITORIAL – January 14, 2006

The Prospects: Truth, Faith, Peace, Prosperity, Thanksgiving

By: Megs S. Lunn

How was your Christmas Day? For me, it was not the merriest of my life, but there were things I want to thank for. For one, I truly had peace on that day.
Well, speaking of New Year’s Day, did you find it strange, even funny, that every new year’s day, you have your New Year’s Resolution, in an almost mindless routine every year?
What we must think and remember always that to capture the true spirit of New Year is to mainly understand the spiritual aspect. I tell you what, having been away for two weeks and spending the holiday seasons in the city, was not very much exciting at all, not much of a fun anymore. It was more on meditation and reflections; walking with God in the serenity of where I had been. The obsession of the new year’s resolution is passed to me already. It’s a matter of maturity.
When we were wishing for too much and went to the “misa de gallo” for our wish to come true is but a childish thing to do. Father Jessie Guillergan, Jr. said on his homily one morning of the misa de gallo, “if you go to church to complete the 9 days misa de gallo, hoping your wish will come true and later did not is a disappointment to the one who did it. Maybe it’s not God’s will, not yet, for your wish to be granted.”
Disappointment for not having our wish to come true is an immaturity. “God promised, it will be granted in HIS own beautiful time. Someday, in HIS time, whatsoever we asked will come true. It may not be in the exact package we wanted, but it will be what God thinks is best for us.”
New year’s resolution like history, repeats itself. Isn’t it every year that we wish or even promised we will be a renewed human being comes new year’s day? It is but rather an obsession and not a resolution.
But the true spirit of the New Year is somewhere else. As one of the MP viewers of its website commented, “It is in the recognition that we in this life will always need a constant renewal that life long process of having to begin and begin again.”
Walking with God is like communicating with Him. When I do the brisk walking every morning, I do it as my emotional and spiritual therapy to what I have lost just recently, my beloved husband who is now with God’s embrace. It is not only daily exercise, but a routine and renewal of spirit. That inspite of my lost, every morning is still a new day, a new hope and a new spirit. “For as we grow older, we loosen our grasp on trying to be always correct. We realize that it’s more important to be human and happy than to be perfect.”
The New Year is a constant reminder of God that He created us. Whatever we were in the past, for what we are today and what we will be tomorrow, we still owe HIM our life, our being, our everything.
One constant reminder is our VIRTUE. Virtue builds a person up. St. Peter in his second letter, “Strive diligently to supply your faith with virtue. Our virtue with knowledge, our knowledge with self-control, our self-control with patience, our patience with piety, piety with fraternal love, our fraternal love with charity”.
With all kinds of temptations around us, dirty politics in our society, war here and there, we still need some spiritual renewal indeed. We need to look back at our virtue, for a start.
May this 2006 brings us closer to God with stronger faith, care and love for HIM. Let us hope that this year will bring us peace and goodwill, and will usher us in a prosperous 2006. Whatever our opinion or our reflection this New Year, “let us become genuine light-bearers, announcers and defenders of the truth amidst lies and falsehoods that tempt our community and the society as a whole.”
There are things in life we question a lot, but little do we realize that answers come when we stop asking and complaining. That’s what we call FAITH. Let everyone have a renewed spirit and thanksgiving. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurial Farmer

By: Ambrosio R. Villorente

The Associates of Festival

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Aklan Chapter condemns “the uncalled for statements heard over the radio, seen over other media channels against members of the judiciary in Aklan”. IBP Aklan chapter also expresses its support to “the members of the bench, upholds them in this trying times.”
This condemnation was expressed in a “Resolution Expressing The Consensus Sentiments of the Members of the IBP, Aklan Chapter” approved on December 21, 2005. The resolution is signed by Maria Carrillo Zaldivar – Chapter President, Antonio T. Tabang – Vice President, Immanuel C. Sodusta – Secretary, Romeo I. Lachica – Treasurer, and Florencio C. Villanueva, Alonzo R. Tinagan, Reynaldo C. Peralta and Francisco M. Belongilot – Directors.
-o-
The Higante Parade in the afternoon of Wednesday, January 11 was a box office hit. Through their creation and imagination, they expressed via their respective “Higantes”. These municipalities represented in the parade exhibited their artistic skills.
Inspite of the P250,000 funding of the Higante Parade, some Municipalities did not participate. They are Balete, New Washington, Ibajay, Makato, Altavas, Lezo and Banga. Lezo though sent a contingent.
But for only one thing. The parade was scheduled to start at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon, yet it started late. The last Higante arrived at Pastrana Park at 5:15 in the afternoon. Nevertheless, the people patiently waited along the route to see the giants.
-o-
The participation of Libacao in the Higante Parade demonstrated its strong quest to have more tourists to visit and see Libacao. Dancing with Datu Lubay are the hospitable Libacaonons contingent. Some of them carrying posters which portray the verdant hills, waterfall and cascading clear waters in its river so thrilling to navigate.
-o-
Fiesta is highly associated with business, prayers, foods, drinks, revelry, the Sr. Sto. Niño Ati Atihan Festival included.
This year, hundred of thousands, maybe million pesos were spent for uniforms of the devotees of the tribal groups. Cloth manufacturers made a good business of festivals; the artists too made money out of fiesta. Street dancing is merrymaking at Magsaysay Park and at Pastrana Park. There are food and drinks both in the houses and by the roadsides including in hotels and restaurants. There are prayers in the church, “paeapak” novena and religious procession. Hence, festivals portray the economic, social and cultural levels of the community and people. The hosts must show their best in all these aspects. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Kalibo Ati Atihan 2006 Beauty


“Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder”, but beauty starts with the imagination of the artist.
Fayth Ailyn Restar Rebaldo has her natural beauty enhanced with the imagination of those who conceived her and developed her to reign as the Festival Queen of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati Atihan Festival 2006.
Fayth was crowned during the coronation night on January 12 at Magsaysay Park by Former Congressman Allen S. Quimpo. Atty. Quimpo was assisted by Mrs. Mary Jane A. Rebaldo, Mrs. Aklan of 1989.
Fayth succeeded her sister Frezy R. Rebaldo who was “Mutya It Kalibo Ati Atihan 2005. Fayth and Frezy are the daughters of Archt. Orlando and Mrs. Aina R. Rebaldo. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Ati Atihan Product Showcase 2006 Opens


Msgr. Jose Dollete, Parish Priest of Kalibo blessed the Kalibo Ati Atihan Product Showcase 2006 on January 9 amidst cloudy skies and gentle showers from above. The showcase is open to the public for viewing and sale.
The exhibits are Aklan’s best, participated by 30 entrepreneurs of loomweaving sector, gifts and houseware sector, furniture and furnishings sector, food processing/bakery sector, plants and potted ornamentals and others. The exhibit is open from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm everyday until January 16.
The exhibit was opened to the public just as the balloons fly at Pastrana Park, Kalibo. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

The Best Higantes


Datu Dumangsul, the Datu from Tangalan, Aklan walked away with the P30,000 first prize in the Higante Parade held in the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati Atihan Festival on January 11, 2006. The second prize of P25,000 went to Datu Sumakwel of Nabas, Aklan while Datu Paduhinog of Malay, Aklan captured the P20,000 third prize.
The other seven Higantes were awarded P5,000 each consolation prize. For those municipalities which participated in the parade, all of them were given P10,000 each subsidy, said Mrs. Roselle Q. Ruiz, chairman Committee on Higante Parade. According to Ms. Ruiz the selection was based on relevance, creativity, artistry, quality of contingent, and audience impact and appeal.
The municipalities which participated in the contest are Kalibo, Batan, Malinao, Tangalan, Libacao, Malay, Buruanga, Nabas, Numancia and Malay. Banga withdrew from the contest in the last minute.
1st Prize – P30,000 - Datu Dumangsul of Tangalan, Aklan; 2nd Prize – P25,000 - Datu Sumakwel of Nabas, Aklan; and 3rd Prize – P20,000 - Datu Paduhinog of Malay, Aklan
What can be the reason why those winning Higantes all came from the Western side of Aklan: from Tangalan, Nabas and Malay? /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

DAR Aklan Receives P22 M Infra Projects For Implementation

Two Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) of Aklan received recently approved rural infrastructure projects from the DAR-ADB-AECP (Department of Agrarian Reform-Asian Development Bank-Agrarian Reform Communities Project) worth P21,842,510.3. These two major infrastructure projects signify the continued commitment of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Aklan to provide support services to the farmer beneficiaries of the province.
A 4.88 km farm to market road rehabilitation from Libang to Bagong Barrio of the Agbalogo Expansion ARC of Makato, Aklan will get P13,806.216.75 of the package while the San Jose-Monlaque FMR rehabilitation of 4.00 kilometers long of Ibajay, Aklan receives P8.036,193.55.
These projects are most welcome developments as the Provincial Agrarian Reform Office seeks to sustain the gains of CARP in Aklan. Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino emphasized that with the onset of 2006, DAR – Aklan will be more aggressive in pursuing fair and more meaningful projects to uplift the lives of Aklanon farmers. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Grainsbusiness Renewal of Grains Licenses of Registration and License

By Judith T. Tindog

The National Food Authority-Aklan, in line with its industry regulatory program conducts registration and licensing for the grainsbusinessmen, as well as the renewal of NFA grains licenses at NFA office at Linabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan.
According to Provincial Manager Pablito G. Gemarino, this program is a year-round task to monitor and enforce the rules and regulations governing grains business. Industry information and rational distribution of grainsbusiness for optimum utility and profitability is made possible thru the licensing and registration activity of the NFA. It promotes harmonious and productive interrelationship among grains industry stakeholders which is needed to achieve institutional efficiency and growth.
Grainsbusiness operations which are not yet registered and licensed must comply as soon as possible otherwise they will be apprehended and fined. The minimum penalty is set at P1,000.00. Requirements for new applicant are two (2) copies each of the following:
a. Passport-size picture of the applicant
b. Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN)
c. Sketch map of the business location for purpose of facility inspection

Licenses renewal schedule is as follows:

Month Place of Business

January Altavas, Balete, Makato
February Batan, Malay, Nabas
March Banga, Lezo, Malinao
April Kalibo
May Buruanga, Libacao, Madalag, New Washington
June Ibajay, Numancia, Tangalan

License renewees are required to bring two (2) copies of the following:
a. Passport size I.D. picture
b. 2005 Income Tax Return
c. Financial Statement if capitalization exceeds P100,000.00
Those concerned are advised by Sr. Grains Operation Officer of Registration and Licensing section Liwanag P. Bejemino to have their document requirements be photo copied before coming to NFA Office for convenience.
For additional details regarding registration and licensing of grainsbusiness and renewal services please visit NFA Office at Linabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

MAGNA CARTA FOR RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS



(Last of 4 Parts)

Article 24. Right to Witness apprehension. – Subject to the provisions of RA 7832, all apprehensions for illegal use of electricity must be personally witnessed by the customer or occupant or someone of suitable age and discretion residing therein and acting in behalf of the owner or occupant of the premises, and by an officer of the law or by an ERC representative.

Article 25. Right to ERC Testing of Apprehended Meter. – In case the apprehension is witnessed by an officer of the law and not by an ERC authorized representative, the electric meter subject of the offense must be placed in a suitable container, properly identified and sealed, and shall be opened only for testing by the ERC’s duly authorized representative.

Upon removal, the apprehended meter shall be immediately replaced by the distribution utility with an accurate electric watthour meter. However, no disconnection of electric service shall be effected until the ERC issues a meter test report showing that the meter was indeed tampered.

Article 26. Right to Payment under Protest. – In cases of regular electric bills or billing adjustments due to the stoppage or failure of the meter to register the full and correct amount of energy consumed, or differential billing due to alleged illegal use of electricity, the consumer shall have the right to pay under protest for purposes of continuous supply of electricity by the utility without prejudice to a complaint to be filed by such customer against the imposition of the bill or billing adjustment or differential billing. Such payment shall not be construed as an admission by the consumer of the allegations or claims of the distribution utility or any violation of law or of the contract with the distribution utility.

Article 27. Right to File Complaints before ERC. – Every consumer has the right to file a complaint before the ERC for violation of ERC laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and policies, including but not limited to RA 9136 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, RA 7832 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations and ERB Resolution No. 95-21, as amended; Provided, That the complainant has previously discussed/consulted the issue with the Consumer Welfare Desk {CWD} Officer or representative of the concerned distribution utility and no settlement has been reached.

CHAPTER III. CONSUMER OBLIGATIONS

Article 28. Obligation to Pay Bill Deposit. – A bill deposit from all residential customers to guarantee payment of bills shall be required of new and/or additional service.

The amount of the bill deposit shall be equivalent to the estimated billing for one month. Provided that after (1) year and every year thereafter, when the actual average monthly bills are more or less than the initial bill deposit, such deposit shall be correspondingly increased/decreased to approximate said billing.

Distribution utilities shall pay interest on bill deposits equivalent to the interest incorporated in the calculation of their Weighed Average Cost of Capital (WACC), otherwise the bill deposit shall earn an interest per annum in accordance with the prevailing interest rate for savings deposit as approved by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The interests shall be credited yearly to the bills of the registered customer.

In cases where the customer has previously received the refund of his bill deposit pursuant to Article 7, and later defaults in the payment of his monthly bills, the customer shall be required to post another bill deposit with the distribution utility and lose his right to avail of the right to refund his bill deposit in the future until termination of service.

Failure to pay the required bill deposit shall be a ground for disconnection of electric service.

Article 29. Obligation to Allow inspection, installation & Removal of Electricity Apparatus – Customers shall allow the employees and/or representatives of the distribution utility to enter their premises for the purpose of inspecting, installing, reading, testing, repairing, maintaining, removing, replacing, or otherwise disposing of its apparatus and property, and/or removing the distribution utility’s entire property in the event of the termination of he electricity service contract; and for disconnection of service for non-payment of bills or violation of contract (VOC).

Provided, however, that only authorized employees and/or representatives of the distribution utility with proper identification cards shall be allowed to make any external adjustments of any meter or any internal or external adjustments of any other pieces of apparatus owned by the distribution utility.

Article 30. Obligation tom Allow the Construction of Poles, Line & Article – Consumer shall allow the distribution utility, if necessary, to conduct its poles, lines and circuits and place its transformers, apparatus on their property or within the building of the consumer, at a point or points convenient for such purpose.

The customer shall allow the distribution utility to use a suitable space for the installation of necessary metering equipment in order that such equipment will be protected from damaged by the elements, or though the negligence or deliberate of any person or persons.

Article 31. Obligation to Receive Monthly Bills. - Consumers must accept their electric bills, without prejudice to the exercise of their pay under protest pursuant to Article 26 of this Magna Carta in order to contest the same.

Article 32. Obligation to Pay the Billing Monthly Electric Bills. - Consumers must pay their bills not later than (9) days after receipt of the monthly bill.

Article 33. Obligation to Pay Billing Adjustments. – A consumer may be compelled to pay a billing adjustment in case there is a stoppage or failure by the customer’s meter to register the full amount of energy consumed without any fault on the part of the customer.

In the event that a meter in service is found to have an average error of more than the tolerance of minus two percent (2%) without any evidence of tampering by the customer, the utility may ask for payment of a billing adjustment from its customers of the unregistered consumption. If the said electric meter was merely found to be defective and has not completely stopped, and such defect could not be easily detected by the concerned customer, the distribution utility may only be allowed to recover the unregistered consumption for a maximum period of six (6) months prior to the discovery of the defect. In cases where there is actual stoppage or any conspicuous defect of the said meter, the distribution utility may only be allowed to recover the unregistered consumption for a maximum period of three (3) months prior to such discovery of the stoppage.

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs, the distribution utility may recover the full amount of the unregistered consumption if it has been complying with the two-year meter testing requirement under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 7832, otherwise known as the Anti-Electricity Pilferage Act; Provided however, that the recovery period should not go beyond the period from the last testing of the meter prior to the date of discovery utility, however, must enter into an agreement with the customer for staggered payment scheme within a period equivalent to the number of months covering the billing adjustment.

The refund or billing adjustment should be based on the rate prevailing during the period of sought to be recovered, and the estimated consumption shall be based upon the result of the ERC test on the affected meter during the time of discovery, or his average use of energy for the immediately preceding six-month period of like use, or the lowest monthly consumption within three (3) months after the time of discovery.

In case of disagreement on such bill, the Commission shall resolve the same.

Article 34. Obligation not to Commit Illegal Use of Electricity. – No consumer is allowed to perform acts constituting illegal use of electricity. The following circumstances constitute prima facie evidence of illegal use of electricity:

(a) The presence of a board hole on the glass cover of the electric meter, or at the back or any part of said meter;
(b) The presence inside the electric meter of salt, sugar and other elements that could result in the inaccurate registration of the meter’s internal parts to prevent its accurate registration of consumption of electricity.
(c) The existence of any wiring connection which affects the normal operation or registration of the electric meter;
(d) The presence of a tampered, broken, or fake seal on the meter, or mutilated, altered or tampered meter recording chart or graph or computerized chart, graph or log;
(e) The presence in any part of a building or its premises which is subject to the control of the consumer, or on the electric meter, of a current reversing transformer, jumper, shorting and/or shunting wire, and/or loop connection or any other similar device;
(f) The mutilation, alteration, reconnection, disconnection, bypassing or tampering of instruments, transformers and accessories;
(g) The destruction of, or attempt to destroy, any integral accessory of the metering device box which encases an electric meter, or its metering accessories.
(h) The acceptance of money and/or other valuable consideration by any officer or employee of the electric utility concerned or the making of such an offer to any such officer or employee for not reporting the presence of any of the circumstances enumerated in subparagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), or (g) hereof.

The discovery of any of the foregoing circumstances must be personally witnessed and attested to by an officer of the law or a duly authorized representative of the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Article 35. Obligation to Pay Differential Billing. – A consumer who is discovered to have committed the offense of illegal use of electricity shall, in addition to the imposition of appropriate penal sanction, be required to pay a differential billing to the electric distribution utility to be computed in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.

The period to be recovered for the purpose of computing the differential billing shall be subject to the following rules:

1. If prior to the date of discovery, there was a change of meter, change of seal or reconnection, or replacement of parts, or it can be determined when an abrupt or abnormal drop in consumption occurred, the period to be recovered for purposes of the differential billing should be reckoned from the time when the said changes, inspection or reconnection occurred, which may result in a less than a year period of recovery.

2. Furthermore, if the concerned consumer presents indubitable and adequate proof that the occurrence of the illegal use of electricity is for a period which could be less than a year, then for purposes of calculating the differential billing, the recoverable period shall start from the occurrence of the illegal use up to the time of apprehension.

3. in the absence of the two aforementioned circumstances, the distribution utility may be allowed to recover the differential billing up to maximum of sixty (60) billing months up to the time of discovery.

CHAPTER IV. FINAL PROVISIONS

Article 36. Implementation. – Implementation of Articles 7, 8 and 28 shall be subject to Guidelines to be promulgated and approved by the Commission.

Article 37. Violation. – A violation of any provision of this Magna Carta shall be subject to penalty which the Commission, after giving the electric utility or consumer the opportunity to be heard, may impose in accordance with law.

Article 38. Separability Clause. – If any provisions of this Code is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

Article 39. Repealing Clause. – Provisions of ERB Res. No. 95-21 as amended, rules, regulations, guidelines and other issuances not expressly revised by this Magna Carta shall remain in force and effect.

Article 40. Effectivity. – This Code shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the country.

Pasig City, June 17, 2004

(Sgd.) RODOLFO B. ALBANO, JR.
Chairman
(Sgd.) OLIVER B. BUTALID (Sgd.) CARLOS R. ALINDADA
Commissioner Commissioner

(Sgd.) LETICIA V. IBAY (Sgd.) JESUS N. ALCORDO
Commissioner Commissioner