Three Outstanding Aklanons Insights

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Three of the 11 Outstanding Aklanons 2009 are shown above who are Dr. Nilda B. Tambong, Engr. Jonathan Salvador, and Engr. Marcial Arac with microphone during the Kapehan held on April 18, 2009.

Out of 11 awardees for Outstanding Aklanons 2009, only three showed up at the Kapehan Forum on April 18. Sharing the spotlight were Civil Engineer Marcial H. Arac – Government Service, Marine Engineer Jonathan R. Salvador–Science and Technology, and Dr. Nilda. Tambong –Medicine. All three will be honored in a fitting ceremony on April 25th on the occasion of Aklan’s 53rd founding anniversary. Prestigious award is the highest honor bestowed on individuals for exemplary records, accomplishments, and professionalism in 12 categories listed by the Awards Committee.

Media exposure provided a rare glimpse into the lives of these notable achievers who viewed their work as part of their commitment to excellence and personal fulfillment. Problem solver, innovative, and resourceful are some traits that set them part from the rest of humanity that languishes on mediocrity. One remarkable thing that can be observed is their consecration to ideals and unfeigned humility given the strength of their accomplishments.

Engr. Jonathan Salvador, 40 the youngest of the present batch had his dream from childhood of modernizing transport facility of island barangay of Pinamuc-an, New Washington. Transforming this vision from nothing requires grit, persistence, and skill. Presto, with his light carrier transport (LCT) a.k.a RORO vessel which he designed and fabricated in less than a year became an overnight sensation and eloquent testimony to previous unknown historical fact that Aklan used to be the center of boat building industry in Western Visayas.

This was revealed by Atty. Allen S. Quimpo who visited Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC where he saw the documents a few years back. "Batels" are local version of mercantile ships used for inter island transport of people and goods dating pre Spanish era. They are meticulously hewn from choice wood by skilled craftsmen utilizing wind power to propel them. Evidently, skills in boat building technology have been eclipsed by turbines and gas power. Nevertheless, not a few of our seafarers being employed in inter-island boats and foreign vessels are Aklanons.

The young Salvador started his maritime career in 1989 aboard one of inter-island ships. After a brief stint, he became a crew member on a foreign cargo vessel based in Norway. The shipping company happened to have large business operations on design, fabrication, commissioning and after sales maintenance of cargo vessels. His exposure of seven years and bank savings emboldened him to return home to build his own RORO. However, he faced a big problem. His savings was miserably inadequate since millions are needed for financing. Fortunately, his father, Bayani also a marine engineer and balikbayan supported his pet project by raising enough money from relatives and friends.

Engr. Salvador said that based on transport need, Aklan must have four units to service tourism industry in Boracay. Demand projection within 30 – 50 years can be high with similar RORO vessels serving all major island destinations in the country.
Expansion plan is to consider earlier contract with LGU New Washington for a multi-purpose watercraft for sea patrol, ambulance, service and transport. Family-run enterprise is ready to engage in customized design and fabrication now that two brothers of Jonathan, also seamen are helping him in his business.

Engr. Marcial H. Arac, 80 has perhaps the longest career in public service – 45 years. A native of Bohol, he rose from the ranks finally serving as Highways District Engineer of Romblon. He met his lifetime partner in Sibuyan, a public school teacher who hails from Badio, Numancia, Aklan. His unblemished record performance led to deployment in Cebu, Negros Occ., Antique, Romblon and of course Aklan. He fondly recalled building 18 Bailey bridges in Antique and taking high risk assignments in rebel infested areas.

A lover of law and order, he instituted financial reforms into graft-ridden agency by rallying employees for honesty and transparency in their transactions. He raised eyebrows when he reshuffled key personnel to prevent collusion and stipulated sanctions once rules are violated. "Live a simple life", he enthused. As to political protégés streaming into his office daily, he politely sent them back to the sender telling them to use them instead while he foots the bill. In the end, politicians approached him and said how sorry they are and thence no more pain in the ass.

He was DPWH Chief in Aklan in 1970–75. Upon assumption to duty, he was appalled by dysfunctional rotten state of misuse of public funds. He was also confronted with impassable road linking Balete and Altavas during the rainy season. These caused diversion of travel routes to Kalibo via Batan – New Washington corridor which was costly and hazardous for the riding public. His solution was simple enough. Have a massive stockpile of sand/gravel in Banga during dry months for extensive repair work.

The only problem was no funds available for petrol. His PR with only one bus-gas operator, Mr. Peralta of Tigayon, Kalibo agreed to extend open credit. Indeed everyone cooperated and the project was finished in due time.

Monumental challenge to his career was road opening of Malinao to Madalag and Nabas to Caticlan traversing the Cordillera like mountain range. No one has ever tackled the projects before but thanks to his dedicated technical staff, they accomplished what could have been impossible. Roads are vital component to socio-economic development and once remote and inaccessible towns of Madalag and Malay are now active players for investment opportunities.

Dr. Nilda B. Tambong is more of a private medical practitioner rather than a seasoned politician. She was into lucrative pediatrics medicine practice in 1964 when a door of opportunity opened to a shot at politics. Drawn by her charisma, she was elected member of Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan in 1980. Since then, she is serving as Vice Mayor to date, her last term. She deftly divides her time as homemaker, physician, and politician. "I believed productivity is enhanced if one implemented time management," Dr. Tambong stressed.

Definitely, the saga of life does not end up in accolades and wearing of laurels or crowns but continuous quest towards the ideal. Yonder are mountains, valleys, and rivers to cross, ocean depths to explore. Engr. Arac advices fellow Aklanons to remember the 5 P’s to success: "Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance." Dr. Tambong mentioned that "Life lived only to oneself is bound to be forgotten, but life offered in the service for others will endure". Engr. Salvador said persistence and industry are the keys to overcome any crisis.

Bottom line: "Whoever you are, wherever you may be, and whatever you do, there’s always room at the top for you." /MP