Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Will GM Chito Peralta Void

The Amended EPPA?

Last week, Mr. Chito Peralta got the approval of the members of the Board of Directors, Akelco as general manager. He got a 7 – 0 votes, unanimous for Mr. Peralta.

After more than one year search for a person who can manage best the affairs of Akelco, a man is found in the person of Mr. Chito Peralta. The new manager is not new to Akelco. He is an old hand in Akelco having been there for several years.

Mr. Peralta used to be a member of the Akelco Board, even the chairman of it. If my memory served me best, it was during the chairmanship of Mr. Chito Peralta when the Akelco – Mirant Electric Power Purchase Agreement (EPPA) was approved. This EPPA was hurriedly amended and finally the subject of the protest among the consumer–members.

Today, that amended EPPA between the Global Business Power Corporation and Akelco is the subject for annulment of contract in court. According to the oppositors, the amendments were done in bad faith. Some major provisions in the original EPPA were deleted and changed with the provisions using a formula which altered the computation of power rate so different from what was presented. The exclusivity clause was added too. Moreover, the BOD approval of the said amended EPPA was done hurriedly. Those involved in the original contract were not consulted like Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores.

Now that Mr. Chito Peralta is the Akelco general manager, what side will he select? Will he join the oppositors against the Amended Electric Power Purchase Agreement so that the said amended EPPA will be rendered null and void? Will general manager Chito Peralta continue his support to the amended EPPA?

Water At Numancia Water District

Since last week, water coming from the Numancia Water District is flowing regularly. We expect this kind of service will continue to be the role rather than the exception. And that if there is any advisory, it will be about the water project being done to improve water service rather than water interruption.

On the other hand, I cannot figure out how did I consume 17 cubic meters during the period February 8 to March 5, 2008. During those days, the role was more of water interruptions and less water supply. In my case, air flew most of the time when I opened my faucet the previous weeks. I am gathering water from the rain, as there is more rain, which I am using like cleaning the comfort room. Rain water is free and of better quality.

Congestion At Kalibo Airport

Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores announced, “the Kalibo domestic airport will soon become an international gateway.” This is a very positive development which all Aklanons must welcome.

“The airport will have a new terminal building which initial budget is P80 million. It will have regular customs and immigration offices. The national government has assured additional facilities,” Miraflores added.

This new terminal building construction is scheduled in April this year which is adjacent to the old terminal building.

But “this is only a stop-gap move in our mission to build modern facilities. Our budget is limited but can answer the needs of tourists and passengers for the time being,” explained Miraflores. He urged all Aklanons to make the airport safe with tourist-efficient service despite its lack of facilities.

At present, Asian Spirit Airlines is having regular flights between Kalibo, Aklan and Incheon, South Korea. Another foreign airline will soon service the Kalibo, Aklan – Taipei, Taiwan route.

Our officials have grand plan for the Kalibo Airport and tourism industry in Aklan. But shall we allow to continue the present deplorable condition in the departure and arrival areas?

Areas of the Kalibo Airport

There is congestion not only because of the limited space but so much so because of the massage clinic, snack bar and souvenir shops.

I cannot imagine why those matters are inside in the departure area. Let it be removed from there for they are misplaced articles in that place. It must be situated in a proper location. Nowhere in the airports in the world where massage clinic is located in departure area. Let nothing bothers the arriving and departing passengers in Kalibo Airport. Will ATO-DOTC “moderate its greed”? /MP