by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
Gov. Carlito S. Marquez overwhelmed by Aklan’s recovery efforts toward progress and stability opened his welcome speech with "Mabuhay and Long Live Aklan!"
Rousing shouts of approval came from some 1,200 people mostly government workers, Brgy. officials, NGO’s and students who earlier participated in civic and military parade. The occasion was comme-morative program of the 53rd Founding Anniversary of Aklan that regularly features agro-industrial products for domestic and foreign consumer markets.
Tangible proof is the upsurge in tourist arrivals to Boracay despite worldwide economic recession, satisfactory re-greening and beautification campaigns and rice productivity for food security. This occasion is also time for thanksgiving and for evaluation of current programs to gain new heights," Marquez pointed out.
Invited guest speaker was Asst. Sec. Raul N. Banias, Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas. "Creating Opportunities in Adversity" was the fitting theme of the anniversary. He stated that Aklan has historic cultural significance because of Datu Bangkaya, head of Katilingban of Madyaas who wielded political and economic influence over other provinces in Panay and Negros," Banias recalled his history.
"Although Iloilo was also devastated by typhoon Frank, it was nothing compared to the apocalypse-like scenario that happened here in several decades. Individual Aklanons and their collective efforts to rebuild Aklan by carefully managing its rich but fragile natural resources are succeeding. It is also done by a combination of human initiative like skills development that would effectively transform the vision and ideals of its founding father, Godofredo P. Ramos", Banias stressed.
Asst. Sec. Banias mentioned the on-going Senate deliberation on the P8 billion Paglaum fund for Panay sponsored by Sen. Edgardo Angara. Under the bill P481 million is allocated for Aklan’s rehabilitation efforts on infrastructure that would strengthen comparative edge of the tourism industry.
This is viewed by many observers as skewed considering extensive damage to lives and property in Aklan viz-à-vis similar misfortune in Iloilo, Capiz and Antique. In addition, there is no time frame for fund release from stimulus package of Pres. Arroyo now that it is almost a year since typhoon Frank struck on June 21, 2008.
Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores recalled that Aklan was just a humble 5th class province 53 years ago. Presently, Pres. Arroyo calls it a place where golden eggs are laid. Climate for investment are pretty good with upgraded nautical highway, RORO at Jetty Port, conversion of Kalibo International Airport, and improvement of Caticlan Airport, Malay, Aklan. "All that we need is strength of character and practical knowledge to cope with adversities in life," said Miraflores.
Meanwhile, Ms. Roselle Q. Ruiz released the official results of Aklan re-greening and beautification contest. Ms. Roselle Q. Ruiz is the supervising tourism operations officer, LGU-Aklan. The plaques and cash prizes were handed to the winners or their rep-resentatives during the Commemorative Program on April 25. According to Engr. Roger M. Esto, the winners are:
For the Eastern side, Brgy. Entry, Linayasan, Altavas – First; Calizo, Balete,– Second; Fulgencio, Balete – Third. In the Residential Entry, Mateo E. Songcuya, Jr., Libas, Banga –First; Clarita C. Fernandez, Pook, Kalibo – Second; Remedios C. Gammad, Pook, Kalibo – Third. For Brgy. Category, Polo, New Washington – Best in Innovative Partnership Concept. Each barangay received P10,000.
In Residential Category, John Kenneth A. Traje of Tambak, New Washington, Most Promising Landscape Entrepreneur; Henry R. Panado, Cabugao, Altavas –Best in Integrated Gardening Approach; Piedad M. Castillo, Tabayon, Banga – Best in Ecological Landscape; and Guillermo N. Mamay, Feliciano, Balete – Best in Aesthetic Design. They received P5,000 each.
In Western Side, Brgy. Entry, Tagas, Tangalan – First; Sta. Cruz Bigaa, Lezo – Second; and Dongon West, Numancia – Third. In the Residential Entry, Leaflor C. Pingoy, Buenasuerte, Nabas – First; Zenaida S. Cezar, Gibon, Nabas – Second; Gerry A. Revestir, Sta. Cruz, Lezo – Third. For Brgy. Category, Poblacion, Malinao – Best in Rock Artworks Landscape; Jawili, Tangalan – Best in Brgy. Mobilization and People’s Participation; Panayakan, Tangalan – Best in Thematic Design; Laguinbanwa East, Numancia–Most Diversified Plants Landscape; and Bagongbayan, Buruanga – Best in Indigenous Landscape.
Each barangay received P10,000. For the Residential Category, Godelyn A. Lambito, Toledo, Nabas – Best in Artistic Design; Bobby T. Taunan, Sambiray, Malay – Best in Variety of Plants; Iris C. Joligon, Tabangka, Numancia–Best in Ecological Landscape; Josefina S. Villanueva, Poblacion, Numancia – Best Exotic Landscape; and Blas D. Amacio, Poblacion, Nabas – Best in Aesthetic Design at P5,000 each.
For the Municipal Awardees: Eastern Side, Municipality of Balete and Western Side Municipality of Tangalan – Best in Brgy. Mobilization and Award Performance.
The other 15 municipalities received P30,000 each which are Altavas, Banga, Batan, Buruanga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Madalag, Makato, Malinao, Malay, New Washington, Nabas, and Numancia. /MP
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