Aklan Re–greening and Beautification Contest

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Aklan tri-media warmly congratulates participants in the recently concluded Aklan re-greening and beautification contest. Memo of agreement was signed between Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and Municipal Mayors of Aklan in November 2008 with primary aim to spur economic recovery efforts from typhoon Frank.

Target for facelifting is the vital Republic Nautical Highway as connecting point of Roll On-Roll Off (RORO) transport system and main provincial highways. This includes those located on the distant fringes of the nautical highway where bulk of the population resides. Logical participants to this enviable task were Brgy. Councils, NGO’s and PO’s who have jurisdiction over their respective areas.

Incentives in the form of P10,000 cash and garden tools were handed out to participating barangays by the Contest Committee. Mechanics of implementation as well as criteria for judging were discussed and approved during several meetings with project facilitator.

There were two contest classifications which are Barangay and Residential. Of the 17 municipalities, 70 percent participated while 30 percent did as token. Active performers on the Eastern side were Balete, Altavas, Banga, Kalibo, and New Washington. Poor performers were Batan, Libacao, and Madalag.

Miserable Performers

On the Western side, active performers are Tangalan, Lezo, Numancia, Nabas, Malinao, Buruanga, and Malay. Ibajay and Makato performed miserably.

Considering that Ibajay and Makato are along the nautical highway and being led by influential people, it was expected performance is exemplary. I interviewed Mr. Roberto C. Resterio, consultant on socio-economic cultural affairs of Ibajay. He mentioned time pressure. That Ibajay was in the midst of heavy preparation for the Ati-Atihan festival held on the 4th week of January. In addition, the incentive of P10,000 per barangay was grossly inadequate since they have to buy paint and planting materials from plant nurseries in Kalibo or Numancia for distribution to Brgy. councils of Regador to Aquino.

Mr. Resterio was the former administrator of La Consolacion College in Tanauan City, Batangas. However, with due respect to him, he is apparently confused of the mechanics and criteria of the contest.

While the first cause of the debacle can be valid to a certain extent, second reason can be questionable. Mr. Resterio’s plan to buy planting materials in Kalibo or Numancia for mass distribution to Brgy. councils goes against the principle of self reliance, cooperation and economy. Based on the judging criteria under Brgy. Category, ornamental plants and structures must be locally sourced, varied and of good quality. Hence, big budget appropriation could simply go into purchase of paint. It is not true that activity shall be limited to national highway. Provincial highways found in interior sections of the municipality were also included. It required only motivation, coordination and legwork to succeed in community mobilization which the good coordinator failed to undertake.

Recommendation

The issue on territorial coverage by a barangay spanning a highway is relevant since some barangays like Regador and Panayakan are more or less five kilometers long while Baybay and Tondog in Tangalan is only 700 meters long. This is grossly unfair. Handling of cash incentive must e based on cost per kilometer rather than uniform budget releases. In addition, ample time preparation say eight months be ensured to effectively implement beautification plan and solicit donation from local sponsors.

It appeared that outstanding municipalities like Balete, Tangalan, and Numancia have well organized, active and viable organizations in place before the start of the contest. Actually, tall and vigorous ornamental plants like Ilang-Ilang, Indian trees, crotons and others were already established along roadsides. Hence, considered upstarts. It should be recalled that Numancia was 2007 Clean and Green awardee both in the province and Region.

The impact of tourism in the lives of Aklanons can be most significant, productive and healthy. Moving toward greater community involvement and sustainability regardless of monetary benefits and recognition must be top priority. Ms. Beauty Laserna, Tourism Operations Officer of Tangalan disclosed that local re-greening and beautification contest will be extended till July 31 (Mun. Foundation day). The P50,000 cash prize received by the municipality will be spent for the project continuation.

Napoleon Bonaparte once said: "Success have many fathers but failure is an orphan". Tourists and guests come and go but the beauty and smell of success stay with us. It lingers indefinitely over time. May this post evaluation challenges everybody to new heights and glory for a better Aklan. /MP