DOLE’s Project Leap Targets 2,400 Establishments In W. Visayas

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Iloilo City kicked off the first phase of its Project Labor Enforcement and Action Program (LEAP) recently targeting some 2,400 establishments in Western Visayas.

Project Leap is one of the initiatives of the DOLE to "intensify labor standards enforcement via a zonal approach to increase employers’ compliance with core labor standards and to protect workers’ rights."

This is in line with the thrust of the Aquino government to encourage better terms for the workers regarding cash benefits and to improve conditions in the workplace, Manuel C. Roldan of DOLE said.

With the project, DOLE hopes "to increase inspection among priority inspectionable establishments employing 10 to 199 workers."

Phase 1 of the two-phase project kicked off last week while Phase 2 will be on February to November 2011.

The highest number of establishments to be inspected under the first phase will come from Negros Occidental with 1,169 followed by Iloilo and Guimaras with 950; Aklan, 197; Capiz, 56; and Antique, 28 establishments.

The "inspectors will conduct inspection in a specific target area before moving to the next target area. This will enable them to inspect more establishments," Roldan said.
Project LEAP has identified security and manpower agencies, sub-contractors, cooperatives, manufacturing establishments, restaurants and fast food enterprises as priority establishments for inspection.

However, all inspectionable establishments will also be inspected as soon as the inspection of priority establishments are completed.

According to Roldan, the inspection will focus on the core labor standards and compliance with social welfare legislation.

Core labor standards refer to the minimum wage, ECOLA, 13th month pay, holiday pay, service incentive leave, overtime pay and night-shift differential.

The SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth and ECC coverage will also be inspected as these constitute said benefits for the workers.

Meanwhile, establishments which consistently comply with labor standards for the past three years will be given due recognition.

"Compliant establishments will be excluded from targeted establishments for inspection and they will be cited for consistent compliance with standards," Roldan added.

The DOLE data showed that there are around 3,136 inspectionable establishments in Western Visayas with Negros Occidental having the highest number at 1,708; Iloilo and Guimaras, 1,081; Aklan, 203; Capiz, 95; and Antique, 30 establishments. (PNA)
Aklan Organizes Blood Council.

To address the pressing need for blood and blood products in Aklan brought about by the rising cases of Dengue, the LGU Aklan, the Aklan Medical Society (AMS), the Provincial Health Office and the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH) just came together in a meeting. They organized the Aklan Blood Coordinating Council (ABCC).

The meeting was a result of Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez’ request to AMS through Dr. Cynthia dela Cruz to spearhead the organization of the ABCC through Administrative Order No. 2010-0002 for the establishment and operation of local blood council to support the implementation of the National Voluntary Blood Services Program for Blood Safety and Adequacy, Quality Care and Patient Safety.

Dr. Cynthia dela Cruz suggested that the body should form a TRIAD-like leaders for the ABCC such as the DOH-PHO, Philippine Red Cross and the AMS to serve and spearhead the council. She also suggested the drafting of a Memorandum of Agreement for all the members present to commit to help each other in the formulation and implementation of the ABCC.

The group elected Dr. Cynthia C. dela Cruz of AMS, President; Dr. Emma Cortes, PHO, Vice President; Megs Lunn, Toastmasters International, Secretary; Boy Ryan Zabal, Aklan Press Club President, Treasurer; Dr. Beatriz Diel, AMS, Assistant Secretary Treasurer; Chita Heap, Kool Earth, Press Relations Officer; and Dr. Albert Marin, DRSTMH Lab, Auditor.

The Board of Directors included Aklan Police Provincial Office Provincial Director Epifanio Bragais, Jr.; PA 601st CDC LTC Edgar I. Yerro; Dr. Oscar Hilario of AMS; Pete Ruiz of SEALS Rescue Aklan; and Mrs. Arcely Pelayo, PRC-Aklan Administrator. The Executive Committee is headed by the President. (from the report of Venus G. Villanueva)

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

SP Approves 12 Municipal Budgets

In its recent sessions, the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has approved budgets of 12 municipalities of Aklan. These budgets are now operative. These towns with approved 2010 budgets are Altavas, Balete, Buruanga, Kalibo, Madalag, Makato, Tangalan, Malay, Malinao, Batan, Numancia, and Lezo.

The five towns which budgets are still under scrutiny of SP Committee on Finance are Banga, Nabas, Ibajay, Libacao and New Washington.

Election

The election for the barangays and Sangguniang Kabataan will take place on October 25 this year. There is no postponement, no turning back.

Hostage

President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino, Jr. left the handling of the hostage drama to police amateurs. The mishandling resulted to the national embarrass-ment among Filipinos, negatively affected Philippine diplomacy and destruction of Philippine tourism industry.

Rolando Mendoza, former police officer, at about 9:30 o’clock in the morning at Port Santiago, Manila requested the driver of a tourist bus to give him a lift until the Ocean Park, near the Quirino grandstand. Mendoza was in fatigue uniform armed with M-16 Armalite rifle.

The tourists bus "Hong Thai" was loaded with 25 tourists from Hong Kong. The driver allowed Mendoza to ride the bus with the tourists.

The permission to allow a man to ride in a tourist bus occupied by guests only happens in the Philippines. The bus is not a public utility vehicle, and exclusively being used by guests. Why did the driver allowed Mendoza in fatigue uniform armed with M-16 Armalite rifle? Mendoza’s riding with them must have frightened those Hong Kong Chinese. Hong Kong police does not carry fire arm.

The Demands

What is the demand? The drama started at about 10:00 o’clock in the morning inside the bus. Mendoza hostaged all the passengers inside the bus. He demanded that his appeal for reconsideration with the Ombudsman be given due course, he be reinstated to his job with the Philippine National Police, and he be allowed to retire from the government service and be paid with all his retirement benefits.

Rolando Mendoza was earlier dismissed from the PNP because of his extortion and illegal drugs cases.

His demands were allowable. Reinstatement and payment of his retirement benefits are within the capacity of the government to grant. These demands were far lighter compared to the damages that the Philippines and her people are now experiencing. Lives could have been saved, but the amateur hostage handlers.

The negotiation took too long.

The PNP was not able to control the crowd, the mass media forgot its duties to society. The live radio and television coverages were monitored by Mendoza. The arrest of his brother, Gregorio has enraged Rolando Mendoza that he started shooting his hostages at about 7:30 in the evening.

Observers said, Mendoza has no plan of killing any person. But he lost his senses after viewing the arrest of his brother Gregorio.

The SWAT team that assaulted the hostage bus appeared like high school boys. One did not even know how to handle an ax. He held it loose, he lost it.

For one thing, why for heaven sake use a fiber rope to open a steel door of the bus? A SWAT team member tied one end of the rope to the door of the bus and the other end to a police car. When the car moved to pull open the bus door, the rope broke. It was cut off.

Filipinos are gentle people. They are hospitable, kind, and smiling people. But the hostage drama on Monday portrayed the Filipinos as violent people. International radios and television stations beamed the hostage drama as it unfolded until its tragic end.

The people directly involved in the rescue of hostages accepted their mistakes. They voluntarily went on leave.

But the damages are done. What are destroyed must be repaired and let us repair it.

AGMA

Akelco will hold its Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) on Saturday afternoon, August 28 in Lezo, Aklan. I surmise all consumer – members are invited to attend to learn what is going inside Akelco. Upon reading the "Programme" it seems Akelco Management will hold a "monologue", a soliloquy.

The programme has four parts: arrival and registration, opening ceremonies, business meeting and raffle draw. The opening ceremony is of seven numbers. Except for Cong. Miraflores, Gov. Marquez, and Vice Gov. Quimpo, all the speakers are Akelco officials.

In the business meeting, only three are scheduled to report. Engr. Tajanlangit, Mr. Peralta, and Mr. Malilay – all top Akelco officials.

The Akelco member-consumers had a big role in the 27th AGMA: to listen and listen quietly, so they will believe what the speakers will tell them. Akelco manage-ment does not expect to receive, even hear a feedback from the member – consumers. /MP

Top-Level Black Travel Alert for the Philippines

by Mynardo Macaraig, AFP

Philippine security forces stormed a bus full of Hong Kong tourists on Monday, August 23 to end a dramatic hostage crisis that unfolded live on global television, leaving at least ten people and the gunman dead.

Hong Kong eventually issued its　top-level black travel alert for the Philippines on Monday after Hong Kong tourists were killed in Manila in a bus hijacked by an armed ex-policeman.

The Hong Kong government said it was "very disappointed" about the outcome of a dramatic hostage siege.

The day-long ordeal began when a disgruntled ex-policeman armed with an M-16 assault rifle hijacked the bus in Manila’s tourist district in a desperate bid to get his job back.

Negotiations broke down after nightfall when the gunman, a highly decorated former senior police inspector identified as Rolando Mendoza, began shooting the passengers, and commandos stormed the bus.

Police said Mendoza was shot dead by a sniper after he used his captives as "human shields" in the final moments of the 12-hour standoff.

"I shot two Chinese. I will finish them all if they do not stop," Mendoza told a local radio station as the police assault was about to get underway.

"I can see a lot of special weapons and tactics police (SWAT) coming in. I know they will kill me. They should all leave because anytime I will do the same here."

Ten of the Hong Kong tourists were confirmed killed, according to doctors at hospitals in Manila and the Hong Kong government, although the exact way how they died was not immediately clear.

Seven tourists, including children, and two Filipinos were freed at various times throughout the day from the bus parked at Rizal Park, Manila, a popular tourists destination just a few blocks from police headquarters.

The Filipino bus driver jumped out of a bus window and escaped moments before police stormed the vehicle, with his escape and the rest of the crisis broadcast live on television.

Another four hostages were seen scrambling out of the bus after the siege ended, but the fate of the remaining Hong Kong tourists originally on board the bus remained unknown late on Monday evening.

The Hong Kong government issued its top-level black travel alert for the Philippines after the crisis ended, but said it was sending in two charter planes to Manila for the families of the hostages.

Police were unable to get inside the bus for more than an hour after negotiations broke down and they decided to storm it.

They encircled the bus, smashed its windows and door, and fired at it, but Mendoza held them off by shooting back.

The crisis eventually ended when police threw tear gas inside the bus, and fired again.

"He used the tourists as human shields. But he panicked and retreated to the front of the bus. He was then met with a valley of gunfire," the assault team leader, Superintendent Nelson Yabut told reporters afterwards. "One of our snipers managed to shoot him in the head," he added.

Mendoza, 55, was honoured by police chiefs in 1986 as one of the top 10 officers in the Philippines.

But he was discharged in 2008 for his alleged involvement in drug-related crimes and extortion. He hijacked the bus in a desperate bid to clear his name, according to police.

"He wanted to be reinstated in the service," Manila district police chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay said early in the day.

Joseph Tung, executive director of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, said the tourists on the bus were aged between four and 72 years.

They were on a three-day tour with Hong Thai Travel and were scheduled to return to Hong Kong late Monday.

"A serious kidnap incident happened in the Philippines. Hong Kong residents should avoid all travel to the country," a Hong Kong government spokesman said in a statement.

"Those who are already there should attend to their personal safety and exercise caution."

Monday’s bus hijack recalled a similar hostage-taking in 2007, when a troubled civil engineer armed with a grenade took over a bus and held 30 children but freed them after a 10-hour standoff with police.

The 2007 drama took place near Manila City Hall, just off Rizal Park.

Monday’s tragedy also added to a fast-growing number of attacks of foreigners in the Philippines.

Gunmen shot dead a South Korean man in a separate attack on Monday morning in another section of Manila. Police said the incidents were not related.

Last month, an American, a South African, a Briton and their Filipina partners were killed in spate of murder-robberies in Angeles City north of Manila. The alleged killer was arrested. /MP

Top-Level Black Travel Alert for the Philippines

by Mynardo Macaraig, AFP

Philippine security forces stormed a bus full of Hong Kong tourists on Monday, August 23 to end a dramatic hostage crisis that unfolded live on global television, leaving at least ten people and the gunman dead.

Hong Kong eventually issued its　top-level black travel alert for the Philippines on Monday after Hong Kong tourists were killed in Manila in a bus hijacked by an armed ex-policeman.

The Hong Kong government said it was "very disappointed" about the outcome of a dramatic hostage siege.

The day-long ordeal began when a disgruntled ex-policeman armed with an M-16 assault rifle hijacked the bus in Manila’s tourist district in a desperate bid to get his job back.

Negotiations broke down after nightfall when the gunman, a highly decorated former senior police inspector identified as Rolando Mendoza, began shooting the passengers, and commandos stormed the bus.

Police said Mendoza was shot dead by a sniper after he used his captives as "human shields" in the final moments of the 12-hour standoff.

"I shot two Chinese. I will finish them all if they do not stop," Mendoza told a local radio station as the police assault was about to get underway.

"I can see a lot of special weapons and tactics police (SWAT) coming in. I know they will kill me. They should all leave because anytime I will do the same here."

Ten of the Hong Kong tourists were confirmed killed, according to doctors at hospitals in Manila and the Hong Kong government, although the exact way how they died was not immediately clear.

Seven tourists, including children, and two Filipinos were freed at various times throughout the day from the bus parked at Rizal Park, Manila, a popular tourists destination just a few blocks from police headquarters.

The Filipino bus driver jumped out of a bus window and escaped moments before police stormed the vehicle, with his escape and the rest of the crisis broadcast live on television.

Another four hostages were seen scrambling out of the bus after the siege ended, but the fate of the remaining Hong Kong tourists originally on board the bus remained unknown late on Monday evening.

The Hong Kong government issued its top-level black travel alert for the Philippines after the crisis ended, but said it was sending in two charter planes to Manila for the families of the hostages.

Police were unable to get inside the bus for more than an hour after negotiations broke down and they decided to storm it.

They encircled the bus, smashed its windows and door, and fired at it, but Mendoza held them off by shooting back.

The crisis eventually ended when police threw tear gas inside the bus, and fired again.

"He used the tourists as human shields. But he panicked and retreated to the front of the bus. He was then met with a valley of gunfire," the assault team leader, Superintendent Nelson Yabut told reporters afterwards. "One of our snipers managed to shoot him in the head," he added.

Mendoza, 55, was honoured by police chiefs in 1986 as one of the top 10 officers in the Philippines.

But he was discharged in 2008 for his alleged involvement in drug-related crimes and extortion. He hijacked the bus in a desperate bid to clear his name, according to police.

"He wanted to be reinstated in the service," Manila district police chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay said early in the day.

Joseph Tung, executive director of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, said the tourists on the bus were aged between four and 72 years.

They were on a three-day tour with Hong Thai Travel and were scheduled to return to Hong Kong late Monday.

"A serious kidnap incident happened in the Philippines. Hong Kong residents should avoid all travel to the country," a Hong Kong government spokesman said in a statement.

"Those who are already there should attend to their personal safety and exercise caution."

Monday’s bus hijack recalled a similar hostage-taking in 2007, when a troubled civil engineer armed with a grenade took over a bus and held 30 children but freed them after a 10-hour standoff with police.

The 2007 drama took place near Manila City Hall, just off Rizal Park.

Monday’s tragedy also added to a fast-growing number of attacks of foreigners in the Philippines.

Gunmen shot dead a South Korean man in a separate attack on Monday morning in another section of Manila. Police said the incidents were not related.

Last month, an American, a South African, a Briton and their Filipina partners were killed in spate of murder-robberies in Angeles City north of Manila. The alleged killer was arrested. /MP

Maria Venus Raj Is 4th Runner-up in Miss Universe 2010

by Erwin Santiago

Maria Venus Raj of the Philippines is named 4th runner-up in the Miss Universe 2010 held on August 24 (Philippine time), at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Jimena Navarrete, 22, of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe. She is the second Mexican who took home the crown. The first time was in 1991 when Lupita Jones won. Incidentally, it was also in Las Vegas where Jones won her crown.

The first runner-up is Yendi Phillipps, 24, of Jamaica; second runner-up is Jesinta Campbell, 19, of Australia; and third runner-up is Anna Poslavska, 23, of Ukraine.

Venus, 22, narrowly made it into the Top 5. She ranked fifth overall in the Long Gown competition with an average score of 8.714. Mexico led with 8.913; followed by Jamaica – 8.884, Australia – 8.841, and Ukraine – 8.743.

The eliminated candi-dates scored as follows: Albania – 8.693, Ireland – 8.548, South Africa – 8.420, Guatemala – 8.286, and Puerto Rico – 7.971.

The Top 10 who competed in the Long Gown competition are: Ireland, Albania, Philippines, Jamaica, Mexico, Ukraine, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Guatemala, and Australia.

In the Swimsuit Competition, Venus ranked third with an average score 8.957 from the judges, behind Jamaica’s 9.426 and Mexico’s 9.265. This enabled Venus to enter the Top 10, along with the candidates from Ireland (8.784), Australia (8.543), Puerto Rico (8.415), Ukraine (8.333), South Africa (8.229), Albania (8.229), and Guatemala (8.071).

The eliminated candidates scored as follows: Colombia (7.643), Russia (7.843), France (7.586), Belgium (7.571), and Czech Republic (7.429).

The Top 15 who competed in the Swimsuit competition are: Puerto Rico, Ukraine, Mexico, Belgium, Ireland, South Africa, France, Australia, Jamaica, Russia, Albania, Colombia, Guatemala, Czech Republic, and the Philippines.

In the question-and-answer portion, Venus was asked by Hollywood actor William Baldwin (brother of 30 Rock’s Alec Baldwin) "what was the biggest mistake in her life and what did she do to fix it? "Venus answered, "You know what, sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there’s nothing major major problem that I’ve done in my life because I’m very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I’m here. Thank you, thank you so much!"

The Philippines last won the Miss Universe title in 1973 when Margie Moran took the title. But the first Filipina to win the crown was Gloria Diaz in 1969.

Prior to Venus’ fourth-place finish, the last time the Philippines placed in the Miss Universe was in 1999 when Mirian Quiambao was named first runner-up.

Venus’ road to Miss Universe was not an easy one.

After winning as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe on March 6, 2010, she was dethroned by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) because of "inconsistencies in her birth records." But the decision was reversed on April 10, 2010 and Venus, who was born in Doha, Qatar, was reinstated as the country’s representative to the Miss Universe.

Three days before the Miss Universe pageant, Venus lost a very close friend. Bb. Pilipinas-International 2009, Melody Gersbach who died in a vehicular accident in Camarines Sur. It was actually Melody who convinced Venus to join Binibining Pilipinas.

Venus, who hails from Bato, Camarines Sur, is a veteran of beauty pageants. She first won the title Miss Bicolandia in 1997. The following year, 2008, Venus was named Miss Earth Philippines Eco-Tourism. This year, she won Bb. Pilipinas-Universe. /MP

West Visayas Completes 142 Farm-to-Market Road Projects

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed 142 farm-to-market road (FMR) projects in Western Visayas. This is 94.27 percent accomplishment, the DPWH Monitoring Section reported.

The projects are funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in 2009 and implemented by the DPWH by virtue of a memorandum of agreement.

The DA in 2009 has allotted P244 million for the construction of 146 FMRs in the region; 144 were completed, two are to be completed within the month, while the two are yet to be started.

Iloilo province availed of the highest number of projects with 55 that cost P53 million; Negros Occidental, 37 projects worth P66 million and Capiz, 28 projects with P41 million.

Aklan and Guimaras availed of seven (7) projects each at P27 million and P11 million, respectively.

Two projects were completed while one is yet to be implemented in Antique all worth P12 million and five projects in Bacolod City with P20 million.

The lone project in Iloilo City with an allocation of P10 million is yet to start.

The DPWH regional office also completed the implementation of three projects at P3.5 million.

Director Asis said, these FMRs are road graveling projects to allow more coverage or lengthen the scope of the project.

However, Asis stressed that all upcoming projects to be funded by new allocation will be concreted upon the order of Sec. Rogelio Singson.

Singson in a memorandum directed all DPWH regional directors "to undertake concreting of FMR projects instead of graveling/regraveling since the latter do not last long."

"Concreting work should be done according to DPWH standard and subject to quality inspection," Singson stressed.

To date though, Asis said he haven’t received a word from the DA and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) as regard new projects that will be implemented using the 2010 allocation. (PNA) /MP

Akelco Calls General Assembly Meeting

Akelco, "Your Light for a Better Life!" will hold its 27th Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) in Lezo, Aklan on Saturday from 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon, August 28.

This year’s theme is "Sustainability in the Face of Electric Cooperative Enormous Challenges". Those expected to attend during the Assembly are the consumer – members from all over Aklan, and Pandan and Libertad, Antique.

The participants are expected to arrive between 12:30 to 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon.

The whole program includes the presentation of tokens to all very important persons as they arrive.

Engr. Celso D. Tajanlangit, Board of Directors (BOD) secretary will recognize the delegates and guests. Mr. Paterno I. Ibarreta – BOD vice president will deliver the opening remarks.

Atty. Ariel B. Gepty – member, BOD will introduce the guest speaker, Hon. Carlito S. Marquez, provincial governor. After his speech. Hon. Florencio T. Miraflores, congressman of Aklan and vice governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo will also deliver their respective inspirational messages.

Mr. Wayne T. Malilay – president, BOD and General Manager Chito R. Peralta will present the Plaques to the guests.

Mr. Rolyvic Afable will entertain the guests and participants with his intermission number.

The opening program over, business meeting will follow to be presided by the BOD president Wayne T. Malilay.

Engr. Celso D. Tajanlangit will show the "Proof of Due Notice" of the assembly and declare if there is a quorum. He will also present the minutes of the previous Annual General Membership Assembly for consideration of the assembly.

Mr. Wayne T. Malilay, president will deliver his report. This will be followed by General Manager Chito R. Peralta’s GM’s report.

Consideration of new business will follow, then other matters. Having taken up all the matters in the agenda, adjournment follows.

Part IV of the assembly is Raffle draw. What are the prizes? Maybe one of the valuable prizes is one year supply of electricity? /MP

KAP OR MOP?!!!

by MEGS S. LUNN

The Ati-atihan town in the Province of Aklan is now in the process of making historical facts, something to talk about.

When one reaches the vicinity of Kalibo, coming from the eastern part of Aklan, he would certainly notice the heavy traffic even as he enters Barangay Estancia, until he reaches crossing Kalibo–Banga. If he is bound to the shopping area, he could see the sign posted at the Shell Gas Station that says, "NO LEFT TURN." This means, all vehicles coming from Banga or any other place from the east should not have a "U" turn going back to east, whilst that vehicles coming from shopping area or wet market always doing "LEFT TURN" right on that sign post, back to shopping area/wet market. Isn’t it obvious that the sign contradicts the vehicle driver’s way?

How about those people who are in green uniform? I could not see them, huh! Without wearing reflectors, they might be the first one to meet vehicular accident. Isn’t it? As per observation, they signal those drivers going to the wrong road of their desire. Not once but many times that the Kalibo Auxiliary Police (KAP) members are giving go signals toward the not supposed to be the route. What a shame! The drivers, instead, are having a bumper to bumper move just to pass that area especially during peak hours, that’s before office/school time and after office/school time. How bad!

On the other side, from the Western part, when a driver reaches Barangay Bulwang, he will certainly meet a heavy traffic in the early morning. Why? Simply because the Ati-atihan town of Kalibo passed certain ordinances disallowing the passenger jeeps/multicabs/tricycles/buses to retain their way and bring down their passengers especially students and workers in the nearby shopping area or town plaza making worst of the Kalibo tricycles to sting like bees at the back of every passenger vehicles coming down at the Oyo Torong Street.

It is worst than before. Passengers had to look for a companion of the same route before the tricycles would let them ride and bring them to their desired point. The other thing is the desire of every tricycle driver to get passengers. They are in clash as to have more passengers at a time. So, they also hurry, sometimes bumping other vehicles nearby. The Kalibo Bridge is simply not passable without having trouble with the very slow moving traffic in the morning and afternoon. Does Kalibo aspire to become a city or a messy?

The traffic enforcers assigned in the Kalibo main streets are even too ignorant of the traffic rules and regulations. One may ask why? Because they do not even know how to signal where to go direction and who are going to that point. Much to the other drivers’ and pedestrians’ dismay, they are not even given some sort of respect by some drivers who are on the rush and could not wait for the traffic officers’ very timid go signal.

This is quite a failure to the Local Government Unit of Kalibo. The people who pass through everyday have estimated time of arrival as to their destinations. However, they carry the traffic burden not because of the vehicles but that of the traffic enforcer themselves, tsk, tsk, tsk…

The people of Aklan are the most affected of their daily routine especially at the peak hours. The students suffer from being late. The workers too. And those who are going on an important event of their lives are delayed. They spend time that could be used to other activities if traffic in Kalibo is effectively managed.

This observation is based on my daily travel. Comparatively, I spend less time reaching my destinations two months ago. May this suggestion be heard by the people in uniform to be dedicated to their job. May this suggestion be heard by the Kalibo LGU officials concerned. The life of every person can be dependent on them. One wrong move and life maybe lost. So, is really the Kalibo KAPS a KAP or to be mopped?

We need traffic enforcers who can direct traffic effectively and efficiently. To prevent traffic accidents, to make our roads more passable safe to both person and property. Skillful traffic officers are necessary. We value life, we value property, we value time. We need time to save lives and property.

Amateur traffic officers has no place in the management of the flow of persons and vehicles in the Ati-Atihan town of Kalibo. /MP

Philippine Travel Exchange Participants To Visit Boracay

The Philippine Travel Exchange will be held in September 2 to 5 in Metro Manila, which participants will also be visiting Western Visayas’ premier tourism site, Boracay Island as part of their familiarization tour.

According to Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Dir. Edwin Trompeta, even if the Philippine Travel Exchange will be held in Metro Manila, some 30 to 40 participants will be visiting Boracay Island during their familiarization tour as the tourism destination that they will be promoting.

"During the Philippine Travel Exchange, there will be international buyers and tour operators who will converge first in Manila for a seminar. Then they will proceed to their chosen tourism destinations for their familiarization tour," Trompeta revealed.

He said, this will be a good chance for the tourism stakeholders like those in Boracay because the participants to the Philippine Travel Exchange could greatly help market their resorts to the European, Japanese and other foreign tourists.

Simultaneous with the Philippine Travel Exchange will be the holding of the Philippine Travel Mart in Metro Manila.(PNA) /MP

Black Nazaren Pilgrim Image Visits Sapian

by BENNY CORTES

The　miraculous pilgrim image　 of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno better known as the Black Nazaren from Quiapo Church, Manila was in Roxas City, Capiz on August l6 – 24. The visit was arranged by the municipal government of Sapian, Capiz headed by Mayor Arturo A. Orosco, Ph.D. and the parish of St. Ann of　the same town headed by Rev. Fr. Eugene D. Caldeo, Jr., parish priest.

In his welcome message, Mayor Orosco said, "this is the second visit in Capiz and in the municipality of Sapian of the pilgrim image of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno. The first was in 2009 during the first term of office as mayor of Sapian.

From　Roxas City, hundreds of　the Catholic faithful and devotees lined up the streets on its way to Sapian town some 27 kilometers northwest of the city. The faithful threw handkerchiefs, towels, shirts, bandanas, caps and other items to the icon mobile attendants to touch or wipe the pilgrim image and in turn threw them back to　the faithful devotees believing of its spiritual and medical healing powers.

The pilgrim image was enthroned at the St. Ann parish church where a simple program was held prior to the celebration of a concelebrated Eucharistic mass said by the parish priest, Fr. Eugene D. Caldeo, Jr.

Rev. Fr. Franklin Villanueva, parish priest of Quiapo Church who accompanied the pilgrim image to Capiz, in his homily extolled the hidden life of Jesus Christ personified by the image of the Black Nazaren which to us is a perfect model of humility, poverty and obedience.

On the other hand, Fr. Caldeo said he hopes the visit in Capiz of the pilgrim image will enable the faithful from all over the province and the archdiocese to have the privilege of seeing, praying to and touching the miraculous image for its nine-day stay in Sapian, Capiz.

Dr. Evangeline O. Orosco, the First Lady of Sapian town conveyed their thanks in behalf of the people of Sapian to all those who revered and supported them in the special visit here of　the icon of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno.

The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus of Arch. Antonio Frondosa Assembly, AC-l796, served as Honor Guards during the occasion./MP

WB, AusAid Laud DepEd Aklan

Country program executives of the World Bank (WB) and the Australian Aid (AusAid) lauded the Department of Education (DepEd)-Aklan for the smooth implementation of their programs in Aklan.

DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Victorina Laroza said that WB Consultant Nelson Ireland recently led the team together with the AusAid and DepEd Central Office officials in visiting the different public schools. The AusAid was represented by their Public Financial Management Advisor Des Ferguson.

"The team visited Caeamcan Elementary School in the hinterland barangay of Libacao and Jose Borromeo Legaspi National High School in Balete town to personally see how we implemented their project. They were impressed," Laroza said. Both the WB and the AusAid have implemented the SPHERE (Support for Philippine Basic Education Reforms) and the NPSBE (National Program Support for Basic Education) in Aklan.

Their visit aims to find out the real situation in the community pertaining to how the programs and funds are being used in Aklan. (PNA) /MP

PCA Encourages Farmers To Plant Coconuts

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is encouraging more farmers to participate in their program of massive coconut tree planting and thereby receive incentives.

PCA Regional Manager III Jose S. Cruz said that for the first batch of coconut tree planting, they have already realized the planting of one (1) million coconut trees this year. For the second batch, they are targeting to plant half a million with seedlings now at the nurseries.

Manager Cruz said that farmers wanting to participate in the coconut planting can just contact their provincial PCA offices or the municipal agriculture officers on how they can join in the program.

The PCA under the direction of their administrator Oscar G. Garin for the second batch of coconut tree planting is giving a total incentive of P30 for each planting material that is being religiously cultivated.

Of the P30 per seedling given to the farmer, P14 of this is given for the coconut seedling that has now grown two feet in germination and P16 for the seedling now stabilized in the farm.

According to Manager Cruz, Western Visayas has now around 340,000 to 360,000 coconut farmers, many of whom have been encouraged to plant coconuts because of the incentive.

"Although, for the first batch of coconut seedlings, the El Nino phenomenon has affected the planting of coconut trees, but some plants still survived," the PCA official contended.

The once described sunset industry is now becoming a rising industry with the farmers encouraged to plant more coconut trees that has many uses and health benefits like for those diabetics.

To highlight the importance of the coconut industry, the PCA will also hold the 14th Regional Coconut Celebration on August 25 to 27 in Kalibo, Aklan being the top producing province in Western Visayas.

14th Regional Coconut Celebration

The 14th Regional Coconut Celebration will be held on August 25-27 at the Aklan Provincial Capitol Trade Hall.

Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Regional Manager Jose S. Cruz said, "in line with this year’s theme "Niyog, Yaman ng Pinoy", they have scheduled several activities to highlight the importance of the coconut industry in the economy."

On August 25, the event kicked off with a motorcade around Kalibo and then the ribbon cutting of the Diorama at the trade hall, Capitol Ground, Estancia, Kalibo.

On August 26, the formal opening of the 14th Coconut Celebrations took place.

Cruz tackled the significance of the coconut celebration with the Department of Agri-culture Regional Executive Director Larry Nacionales on the Coconut Road Map for Agri-Biz in Western Visayas.

PCA administrator Oscar G. Garin also presented the status of the national coconut industry.

Aklan Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores was the keynote speaker. Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez also delivered a message.

A Coconut Quiz Bee was held in the afternoon of August 26.

On August 27, there was Coconut Clinic, Film Showing, and the Diorama.

Cruz said Aklan was chosen as the main venue for the celebration being the top coconut-producing province in Western Visayas. (PNA) /MP

NPAs In South Panay Is Dwindling

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Iloilo City disclosed that the activities of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Southern Panay are dwindling significantly.

The AFP said that they neutralized several communist fronts in Western Visayas which resulted to the weakening of the rebel force in the areas of central and southern Panay, said 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) public information officer 1Lt. Mark Andrew Posadas.

The military have reduced the number of guerrilla fronts in the past two years. In Panay alone, the number of fronts was reduced to two from four guerrilla fronts in the past four years, Posadas said.

Likewise, the NPAs’ force to launch full-scale tactical offensives has greatly diminished. They are now resorting to "desperate attacks" and even harassing innocent civilians and CAFGU detachments, Posadas reported.

"These are futile attempts" said Posadas. "More than ever, they are now experiencing a hard life in the mountains. The people don’t support them anymore. That’s why, to advance their extortion rackets, they want to project that they are still a force to reckon with," Posadas claimed.

Meantime, 1LT Manuel Marcon of the 82IB is currently directing operations in the southern area of Panay. According to him, the NPAs attempts recently failed.

"If they keep this up, they will run out of ammunition and our job of rounding them up will be a lot easier," Marcon added. (PNA) /MP

DSWD To LGUs: Form OSCAs

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Iloilo City is reminding all local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas to form their respective Office of Senior Citizen’s Affairs (OSCA).

DSWD regional director Minda Brigoli reminded the LGUs of their responsibility to make sure their senior citizen’s community is well taken care of in terms of social services and health possible only through the OSCA.

Director Brigoli reminded the LGUs, the OSCA is entitled for a share from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the LGUs. This amount should be used to form the OSCA as well as their needs and services.

"Likewise, the LGU’s should also monitor if establishments in their towns and area are strictly implementing the Expan-ded Senior Citizen’s Act of 2010 or RA 9994. The expanded act allows senior citizens to avail discounts and tax exemptions on selected items," Brigoli added.

The DSWD is currently coordinating with the DILG to monitor LGUs who have an OSCA and make sure that the local Executive is providing the necessary support.

There are some 340,000 senior citizens in Western Visayas. The most is in the provinces of Iloilo with 92,973 elderly, Negros Occidental with 79,320, Capiz with 36,642, Aklan with 18,099, Antique with 16,756 and Guimaras with just 9,920.

Among the cities, Iloilo City has some 54,122 senior citizens while Bacolod City has 34,385. (PNA) /MP

Aklan Doctors Warn The Excessive Use of Tawa Tawa

The Aklan Medical Society (AMS) and the Provincial Health Office both warned residents of Aklan against the excessive use of Tawa Tawa as a herbal medicine in its fight against Dengue.

Dr. Emma Cortez of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) revealed, they received reports that many residents are using Tawa Tawa leaves on Dengue victims. She warned them against its excessive use.

Tawa tawa is a weed which allegedly provides relief for Dengue victims. The people must boil the said weed in water with the resulting brew given to a Dengue patient.

According to reports, said Tawa Tawa leaves are now being sold at P20 per packet in Aklan, while 1.5 liters of Tawa Tawa juice cost P100.

However, physicians warned that there is no scientific study yet to back up the belief, the said weed is really effective against Dengue.

Dr. Felma Dela Cruz, of AMS, advises the people that Tawa Tawa as herbal medicine should only be taken according to doctor’s prescription. Excessive use of it could put the victims’ life in danger.

Based on the records of the PHO, from January until August 19, 2010, Aklan had registered 370 Dengue cases with three deaths. Eight of the Dengue victims treated in Aklan came from the provinces of Capiz, Iloilo and Antique.

Due to the increasing number of cases, Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez declared the province under a state of emergency for Dengue. (PNA) /MP

EDITORIAL

Prepare To Manage The Philippines

by Remedios C. Paningbatan

I used to think that corruption and criminality in the Philippines were caused by poverty. But recent events tell me this is not true. It is one thing to see people turn into drug addicts, prostitutes, thieves and murderers because of hunger and poverty, but what excuse do these rich, educated people have that could possibly explain their bizarre behavior? I am always so relieved when petty snatchers got caught and locked away in jail. But I never fully realized that the big time thieves were out there, making the laws and running our country.

Every night, I come home and see these "honorable" crooks lambast each other on TV , call each one names, look each other in the eye and accuse the other of committing the very same crimes that they themselves are guilty of, is so comical and appalling that I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

I have never seen so many criminals roaming around unfettered and looking smug until now. These criminals wear suits and barongs, strut around with the confidence of the rich and famous, inspire fear and awe from the very citizens who voted them to power, bear titles like "Honorable", "Senator", "Justice", "General" and worse, "President". Ironically, these lawless individuals practice law, make our laws, enforce the law. We wonder why our policemen act the way they do! These are their leaders, and the leaders of this nation - Robin Hoodlum and his band of moneymen. Their motto? "Rob the poor, moderate the greed of the rich."

It makes me wonder what kind of schools they went to, what kind of teachers they had, what kind of environment would produce such creatures who can lie, cheat and steal from an already indebted country and from the impoverished people. It makes me wonder what their children and grandchildren think of them. If they are breeding a whole new generation of improved Filipino crooks and liars with　equally negligible conscience. They all go to mass and receive communion! 　

I am an ordinary citizen and taxpayer. I am blessed to have a job that pays for my needs and those of my family’s, even though 30 percent of my earnings go to the nation’s coffers. I have complained time and again because our government could not provide enough of the basic services that I expect and deserve. Rutty roads, poor educational system, social services, health services, and everything. 　But I have always thought that was what all third world countries are all about, and my complaints never amounted to anything more.

We see Scandalous government deals, plundering presidents pointing fingers,　senators associated with crooks, and congressmen who accept bribes. 　Some are also dealers of illegal drugs. Big time lawyers are on the side of injustice. 　De Venecia ratting on his boss only after his term has ended, Enrile inquiring about someone’s morality! 　The already filthy rich Abalos and Arroyo wanting more money and power than they or their great grandchildren could ever spend in a lifetime. 　Joker making a joke of his own "pag bad ka, lagot ka!" slogan. Defensor rendered defenseless. Gen. Razon involved in kidnapping. 　Security men providing anything but a sense of security. Is it any wonder why our few remaining decent and hardworking citizens are leaving, go to work in other countries?

They say the few stupid ones like me who remain in the Philippines are no longer capable of showing disgust. Many like me feel anger at the brazenness of men we call our leaders, embarrassment to share the same nationality with them, frustration for our nation and helplessness at my own ineffectuality. It is not that I won’t make a stand. It is just that I am afraid my actions would only be futile. After all, these monsters are capable of anything. They can hurt me and my family. They already have, though I may not yet feel it.

I am writing this because I need to do something concrete. I need to let others know that ordinary citizens like me do not remain lukewarm to issues that would later affect me and my children. I want to make it known that there are also Filipinos who dream of something better for the Philippines. I want them to know that my country is not filled with scalawags and crooks in every corner, and that there are citizens left who believe in decency, fairness, a right to speak, a right to voice out ideas, a right to tell the people we have trusted to lead us that they have abused their power and that it is time for them to step down. I refuse to let this country go to hell because it is the only country I call mine and it is my responsibility to make sure I have done what I could for it.

We can pray. After all, they cannot be more powerful than God!

I implore mothers out there to raise your children the best way you can. I beg all fathers to spend time with their children, to teach them the virtues of hard work, honesty, fair play, sharing, dignity and compassion - right from the sandbox till they are old enough to go on their own. Not just in your homes, but at work, in school, everywhere you go. Be good role models.

I call on educators and teachers - Instill in them love of their country. Help us mold our children into honorable men and women. Encourage our graduates, our best and brightest, to do what they can to lift this country from the mire our traditional politicians have sunk us into. The youth is our future - and it would be largely because of you, our educators, that we will be able to repopulate the seats of power with good leaders, presidents, senators, congressmen, justices, lawmakers, law enforcers and lawful citizens.

I ask all students, young people and young professionals everywhere to look around and get involved.

YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU! Let your voices be heard. Text meaningful messages to awaken social conscience. Try your best to fight moral decay because I promise you will not regret it when you become parents yourselves. You will look back at your past misdeeds and pray that your children will do better than you did.

Remember that there are a few who are capable of running this country. You can join their ranks and make their numbers greater. We are tired of the old trapos. We need brave idealistic leaders who will think of the greater good before anything else. 　Be good lawyers, civil servants, accountants, computer techs, engineers, doctors, military men so that when you are called to serve in government, you will have credibility and a record that can speak for itself.

For love of this country, for the future of our children, I urge you to do what you can. As ordinary citizens, we can do much more for the Philippines than sit around and let crooks lead us to perdition. We owe ourselves this. And we owe our country even more.

(Note: Ms. Remedios Paningbatan works with the Administrative Officer Office of the General Counsel, Asian Development Bank). /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Blessed Town

Libacao, Aklan is the most blessed town in the Province of Aklan. For 2009 alone, it was a recipient of some 12 infrastructure projects. This is funded at an aggregate sum of P460 million.

Of the 12 projects, five (5) are started in July 2009 which budget is P180 million. These projects are: Luctoga – Manika Road – P20 million for opening; Luctoga – Manika Road – P38 million for widening; Manika – Sitio Tina road – P42 million for opening; Manika – Sitio Tina road – P38 million for another opening; and Sitio Tina – Sitio Nausan Road – P42 million for opening. Another four projects are bidded in August 2009. It is not

clear if its corresponding budgets are released. Anyway, these projects are Rosal – Loctuga road – P42 million for widening; Sitio Tina – Sitio Nausan road – P40 million for opening; again Sitio Tina – Sitio Nausan road – P40 million for opening; and Sitio Nausan – Sitio Agbatuan road – P34 million for, again, opening.

Moreover, there are three tentative projects which funding is P122 million. There are for the opening of the Sitio Nausan – Sitio Agbatuan road at P38 million for opening; Sitio Nausan – Sitio Agbatuan road at P44 million for opening; and Sitio Agbatuan – Sitio Dalagsaan at P40 million for opening. What a huge amount of investment for the same locations of the same jobs opening/improvement!

If this P462 millions of pesos were actually spent, the Libacaonons must have more money in circulation today. Did anyone become a millionaire?

By the way, there are two infrastructure projects in Ibajay included in the list worth P40 million.

These projects are for the widening of the Brgy. Monlaque road for P20 million. It was bidded on August 20, 2009. Is it completed? The other project is tentative at P20 million for the widening of Brgy. Aparicio, Brgy. Minaa road.

P600 M Rehab Panay Project

Regional Director Rolando Asis of the Dept. of Public Works and Highways reported the sum of P600 million calamity funds for Panay is now available. The rehabilitation projects construction is now in full swing. The projects being reconstructed are damaged by typhoon Frank in June 2008.

Among those being rehabilitated are the Marcos Bridge, Maasin, Iloilo, Baltazar Aquino Bridge, Poblacion, Leon, Iloilo; and Camanggahan Bridge, Camanggahan, Guimbal, Iloilo; Balabag – Sulangan, Balabag – Pulaw – Sulangan, Iloilo; and Dumangas Road, Iloilo.

In Aklan, what is under rehabilitation is river control in Libacao for P55 million. In Antique, the DPWH will rehabilitate the Patnongon Valderama road. No mention if there is a rehab project in Capiz.

For one thing, the rehab projects will not be identified because the posting of billboards are now prohibited under DPWH Order No. 37 signed by Secretary Rogelio L. Singson. But a modified billboard will be set in place sans pictures.

How about the billboards of the various local government units? Are they covered by the Order?

Livestock Program

In Leon, Iloilo, the provincial veterinarian and his staff members are now busy vaccinating their livestocks like cattle and carabao against Hemorrhagic Septicemia. There is the outbreak of that livestock disease in that town. They will vaccinate all livestock in Leon.

This is one of the weaknesses of government projects. They will not act unless attacked. But it is much advisable to be proactive rather than reactive. Work to prevent, though work to cure as well.

According to Dr. Silvino Teodosio, Iloilo provincial veterinarian, livestock like cattle and carabao must be given vitamins in order to build resistance against "pasteurilla multocida" a bacteria which is prevalent during wet season.

The hemosep outbreak in Leon, Iloilo has already resulted to the death of nine (9) carabaos and five (5) cows.

The disease is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever, dyspnea, salivation, hot painful sub cutaneous swellings and submucosal petechiae, followed with death.
Dr. Teodosio advises the farmers to bury dead animals immediately and never double slaughter it for food.

Leon is the livestock capital of Iloilo where the farmers greatly derive their income from raising live stocks. /MP

PAL Plane Under Lands at KIA

A Philippine Airlines (PAL) plane Flight No. 321 under landed the Runway while landing at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA). It descended few meters before the end of the north end of the runway.

The incident happened at around 9:49 Tuesday morning, August 17 which caused damages to KIA wooden perimeter fence, highway shoulder, and marker, Engr. Alfredo Nebiar, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Kalibo officer-on-duty reported.

It also injured two persons who were on-board a tricycle traveling along the Jaime Cardinal Sin highway at the time of the incident. They were inflicted by the plane blast, the report added.

The unidentified victims were admitted at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbukon Memorial Hospital, Kalibo, Aklan. It is not clear whether the PAL management will shoulder their hospitalization expenses.

The pilot of the plane decided to return to Manila, its airport of origin where it made a safe landing. According to Nebiar, in spite of the incident, the operation at the KIA remains normal. /MP

FLA Cancellation And Pond Mangrove Reversion

Stakeholders gathered in Iloilo City for a three-day workshop last month to come up with policy recommendations that will hasten the cancellation of the fishpond lease agreements (FLA) that are "abandoned, underutilized and unutilized."

Dr. Jurgene H. Primavera, scientist emeritus of the South East Asia Fisheries Development (SEAFDEC)-Aquaculture Department and the project manager of the Community Based Mangrove Rehabilitation Project in the Philippines by the Zoology Society of London, said that after the cancellation, the area will be turned over to the proper agency that will spearhead the mangrove reversion.

Through the workshop, she hoped that it can come up with policy recommendations for concerned agencies which include the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR); Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

The DA-BFAR, basically because of the fishponds, DENR for the mangroves and the DILG for those ponds and mangrove sites located in the territories of local government units (LGUs), she explained.

Dr. Primavera dis-closed that based on studies, some 50,000 to 80,000 hectares of FLA nationwide are already abandoned and under utilized.

"There are completely abandoned areas. Those with lease holders, some parts are operating while others are not so underutilized," she said. "The law specified abandoned, underutilized and unutilized fishpond lease agreement will be covered."
The cancellation will be done by the (DA-BFAR) while the DENR will "be tasked to revert the place into a mangrove forest."

The DENR may opt for an active planting if the area is bare or if there are mangroves they may just allow the water to come back to allow propagules to self-regenerate, she added.

"We hope for a faster cancellation and reversion because as of now, the process is very slow. With the new administration we are hopeful," she said.

She cited that based on studies, the cancellation often takes some five to 20 years while the reversion has to go through many steps.

Primavera added that the policy recommendations that they will be coming up will be addressed to the secretaries of the three departments.

A time table will also be made for each recommendation to ensure that the action will be fast tracked.

The national workshop gathered stakeholders to include non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s organizations (POs), lawyers, pond operators and rep-resentatives of concerned agencies. (PNA) /MP

12 Year Basic Education Dependent On People’s Consensus

Atty. Allen S. Quimpo (right) discussing his position on the proposed additional two years in basic education. At left is Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino.

Filipinos’ ardent love for education may be put to a crucial test with a shift in government policy toward a 12 year basic education. This is the topic discussed during the Kapehan forum on August 14, 2010 at Smokehauz Resto & Bar.

Guests were Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, former Congressman who was the former chairman, Committee on Basic Education, and Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, former Vice Governor educator, and writer.

Atty. Quimpo sponsored the passage of RA 9155 – An Act Reorganizing the Basic Education, RA 7796 – An Act Creating Technical Education & Skills Development Authority, and RA 7784 – An Act Strengthening Teachers’ Education. The former congressman also authored the Conversion of Aklan State College of Agriculture and four (4) other colleges into Aklan State University. After his third term in the House of Rep. he assumed as President of Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo.

According to Atty. Quimpo, education is the key to progress and development. The reason why we are still a developing country is that we have not mastered and taken full control of its power. The Philippines considerably lags behind other Asian countries even though the Americans assisted in the educational system development at the turn of the 20th century.

“Education gets 2 percent of our gross national product (GNP) when international standards would be 6 percent. Low priority on education over these years have stunted our economy, created mass exodus of skilled manpower to other countries, destabilize our political process, and created second class citizens of Filipinos working abroad. The biggest irony is that the Philippines still clings to the 10 year basic education when our Asian neighbors have long adopted the 12 year cycle,” Quimpo pointed out.

“The only way to address class dis-crimination against our professionals abroad and expedite the country’s development is to comply with this requirement. Certainly the political will must be considered in this tenuous overhaul of the educational system,” he stressed.

Atty. Tolentino clarified that Pres. Aquino’s move to add two more years to basic education is a product of 16 years of painstaking studies by academicians and scholars. At least seven previous secretaries of education have endorsed this idea but foregone implementation because of limited budget.

Under the plan, one year is added to high school and another year to college. Because of prevailing big high school dropouts, at least finishing the five year course can get a good chance at employment.

The former vice Governor noted that nursery education has taken a big drain in the budget of averaged families. For well offs, expense in Montissori education could be comparable to high school. Even though public schools are subsidized by the government, parents couldn’t help but worry about skyrocketing cost of education.

Atty. Quimpo understands the financial difficulties of parents but explained that the burden could be minimized by the government. Strategy is giving out subsidies to private schools in the amount of P3,000 (2006 data) per enrolled high school student per year. On the other hand, full government education entails a whooping P20,000 per student per year. This is one of the key provisions of Gaspe Law, Quimpo said.

The on-going discussion on quality education got a rejoinder from Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente who mentioned that it is not enough to earn a college degree but to be patriotic. In so many instances as a society, we miserably fail to cherish our values and traditions preferring to be called brown Americans.

Dr. Gabriel Delfin, Director, Policy Studies, NVC said that RA 1414 or an Act Separating Aklan from Capiz province should be amended for “Restoration”. He said that Panay being part of the Shri-Visayan empire based in Sulu have three important settlements namely: Aklan (Akean), Iloilo (Irong-Irong) and Antique (Hamtik). In addition, Batan, former political seat of govern-ment of Aklan had similar words in Malaysia such as Batang Kayan (village) and Batang Sapar (river). Coincidental or not, the latter is viewed as convincing proof that Aklan is the ancient capital of Northern Panay said Delfin.

It is commendatory that the present administration is bent on raising standard of education. At least it is prepared financially and physically. However, the big question remains. Will the parents and local politicians support it?

Dr. Minveluz Garcia Hiatt, educator and ex-patrate in the US in an interview said that consensus of the parents must be considered. This is due to the lingering international financial difficulties that the program though invaluable be put on hold until such time recovery is imminent.

It is indeed gratifying that such a policy is planned soon. In the meantime, our bureau-crats must improve the school curriculum to suit local needs. Many unwanted baggages exist like P.E., music, arts, scouting that must be removed. Instead this can be replaced by strengthened industrial arts and home economic courses. These subjects are the foundation of craftsmanship, creativity and entrepreneurship said the lady professor.

Undoubtedly, private schools provide the best kind of education in this country. It is need-based and strives to have a healthy relationship among faculty, parents and student population.

But today, public schools are in disarray with congested classrooms (60 pupils), scanty and erroneous textbooks and reference materials, leaking roof and broken chairs/desks. It is no wonder 90 percent of students fail in the annual high school Readiness Test.

It appears that education has been downgraded by runaway population and government’s apathy to provide quality education. However, these problems are not insurmountable. So much is at stake in this 12 year basic education plan. Many thanks to Aklan CCTV for full coverage of the Kapehan forum. /MP

Notorious Software Counterfeiter Victims Seek NBI Help

Victims of a notorious impostor selling counterfeit software and victimizing businessmen in Iloilo, Cebu and Boracay island plan to seek the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the arrest of the culprit.

A report from the Philippine National Police , Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan revealed that the perpetrator introduced himself as Charles Famisaran, product specialist of Microsoft. He identified himself as affiliated with the Wellcom Philippines, a subsidiary of Ultimate IT Solutions Philippines.

A foreign business-man from Boracay paid P87,160 for the purchase of several units of cellular phones. He also reportedly duped resort owners in Boracay for the sale of a laptop, and students from a private college in Nabas, Aklan for the production of identification cards.

It was believed that Famisaran is Graciano Bolonia, Jr., who was arrested on May 25, 2010 in Quezon City by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after posing as an employee of Microsoft from Maryland, USA. But he was later released on bail.

He reportedly returned to his counterfeit business. For a few months, he was able to victimize businessmen, including foreign nationals in Boracay island resort.

The police believed, Bolonia may have been able to also lure businessmen in Iloilo City and Cebu City as he was able to do several of his banking transactions in those places. (PNA) /MP

FEATURE COLUMN

by MEGS S. LUNN

A True Servant Leader

“When we have enough sensitivity, we will know how much the world needs servant leaders conformed to God’s will to serve.”

One had to look deeper into the hearts of many aspirant leaders who have periodically been declaring their intent to serve in many ways – from misleading to desperate and extravagant. Most of us know how much graft money goes into their accounts but the mouths of suffering poor Filipinos. I wonder if before they seek public office, did they asked themselves how much resources, time, and efforts will they spare and sacrifice in order to serve selflessly?

As to Max DePree, “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.”

Leadership is always an issue that affects all of us. Leadership begins from within (Bender, 1997). Character is what kind of people we are. In servant-leadership, this means a fundamental commitment to serving others with integrity and humility.

Pres. Noynoy Aquino in his inaugural speech said, “KAYO ANG BOSS KO.” This sounds servant-leadership. More importantly, this remains an echo to all of us. All the time, we are watching his every move and decision-making. We are likewise intently watching his cabinet members. In every step that they might take, there are criticisms and feedbacks. People can’t wait to see the reality check of “KAYO ANG BOSS KO.”
In school, students are trained to become good leaders. There, they start to serve their fellow schoolmates. They show them how to do this and that. This may sound bossy. However, in reality, they actually boss themselves and end up doing what they asked for. It’s a rare case that we can see a leader who also serves us at the same time. Its how a leader “holds a broom and shows his followers how to sweep the floor.” This is what I mean of servant leadership.

Jesus said in the bible, “Whoever wants to be first, must place himself last of all and be the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35). Servant leadership for Christian congregations is defined “as a democratic philosophy of guiding stewardship that values the responsibilities, interests, and abilities of all affected parties, and actively encourages their full involvement in planning and decision-making through study and open discussion toward consensus. The Christian servant leader is one who, recognizes God’s sovereign will over all, leaps to do that will with the help of the Holy Spirit.”

In the book How Leaders Gain and Lose It, Why People Demand It by James Kouzes said, “being a servant may not be what many leaders had in mind when they choose to take responsibility for the vision and direction of their organization or team, but serving others is the most glorious and rewarding of all leadership task.”

A good servant leader is one who invests in the welfare and development of his people. A leader with human touch, a leader who seeks to serve first before he is served.

There are three things to learn about servant leadership. First is seeing differences differently. People are of a diverse culture in one organization. The term “respect” of each other’s differences is the most crucial attitude a leader has to put effort into. There are people whom we also need to understand their differences. We are created equal in the eyes of God.

However, our differences make us a unique individual from each other. Therefore, this is a challenge for a leader to hurdle in order to succeed in a team, office or in an organization.

Second, investing in knowing our people is another key in servant leadership. Teach our people to acknowledge their skills and talent and what they can do to help us. It’s mutual trust and respect that make us work together in confidence to make things happen.

To our youth today, especially to those who seek political glory, please ask yourself, “Am I ready to be a servant leader? Do I have the courage, the will and the skill to be a servant leader?”

The power of God’s love will lead you into it. As Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said, “Love until it hurts.” Use this love to serve others. Without asking the color of their skin, their political affiliation, their religion, and others. Make love as our guide to desire for truth, to see the good and the beautiful in others as much as ourselves.

A true servant leader has much to give, for we can’t give what we don’t have. If we understand our people’s needs, nothing should stand in our way to help them. In true servant leadership, there is so much to learn, unlearn and relearn. There is so much opportunity out there waiting for us to unfold. Leave our 4-glass-squared table in the 4-corners of our office and see for ourselves. What is in our mind? There are indeed more things to do but little time and resources? Then move we’re a_ _ off in that table and go to work.

Be a true servant leader and show our people we can lead the change in the world we want to see.

Third, I learned servant leadership is the power of experience. Helping people by being themselves and feeling what they feel, and seeing them thru together are the things that can happen to us as servant leaders. Teaching them to realize that they hold their destiny and with our presence and guidance, they will be happy to see it thru.

In Greenleaf’s terms, “broken spirits and have suffered from a variety of emotional hurts. Although this is part of being human, servant leaders recognize that they have the opportunity to help make whole those with whom they come in contact.”

Albert Schweitzer once said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: The ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Hence, we must serve before we are served. /MP

Reason & Concern

by Ronquillo C. Tolentino

New Bar Exams Format
Starting 2011

Bar examination in the Philippines started in 1901 with 13 examinees. As of June 2008, there were 49,639 listed lawyers in the Philippines.

After a century and a decade of essay type bar exams, the Supreme Court 2011 Bar Examination Committee had considered an innovation to the bar examinations format.　 The proposed bar examination’s new format to begin in 2011 has two parts. The first shall be multiple choice. The second, the essay form. Sixty (60) percent multiple choice is designed to test examinees’ knowledge not only of codal provisions but also comprehension and analysis. 40 percent will be essay type.

The new format had been proposed by Associate Justice Roberto Abad, chair of the 2011 Bar Committee after a reported consultation with law deans from various law schools. Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales chairs the 2010 Bar Committee.

Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez said that the new bar examinations format which shall initially commence in the 2011 bar examinations is a departure from the traditional bar exams as it is always the essay type. Marquez further said that the multiple choice part of the exam will focus on codal provisions. Apparently magistrates and law deans realized that the essay exam does not adequately test the prospective lawyers’ knowledge on specific　provisions of various laws, he said.

"The essay type exam may be difficult for an examiner to determine if the examinee really knows his codal provisions. In a multiple choice exam, there are no ifs and buts.　 Either you know it or not." Marquez concluded.

The results of the bar examinations are always big news. In previous years, bar exams results occupy banner headlines in all national broadsheets. This may be so because before a person is admitted to the practice of law he must first pass the bar examinations. Thereafter, he takes the lawyer’s oath before the Supreme Court, signs the roll of attorneys and receives from the Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court a Court certificate of the license to practice. After his admission to the bar, a lawyer must remain in good and regular standing. /MP

DOST Announces Scholarship Programs For Interested Applicants

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is now accepting applications for its undergraduate scholarship programs for those interested to pursue priority fields in science, mathematics and engineering starting next school year.

The DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) scholarship comes in two programs: the Republic Act 7687 or the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994 and the merit scholarship.

The RA 7687 is open to a member of the five percent of the regular high school graduating class or a member of the graduating class of the DOST SEI-identified schools or science high schools recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd).
The merit scholarship, on the other hand, is open to qualifiers of the year 2011 scholarship exami-nation whose annual family income is above P120,000.

It is being awarded to students with “high aptitude in science and mathematics and willing to pursue fields of science and technology” the DOST primer stated.

The deadline for the filing of application is on October 8 while the examination date is on November 21.

Application forms can be obtained at the DOST regional office or at nearest provincial S&T offices.

Those who can qualify are entitled to privileges such as free tuition and school fees, book allowance, grant for Physical Education uniform, transportation allowance, monthly living allowance and other additional privileges that go with the scholarship.

INVENTION SUPPORT

On the other hand, DOST is urging local government units (LGUs) to support local scientists and inventors.

DOST 6 Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga said that most Ilonggo inventors lack funding support from their local governments.

This forces them to continue their work in their private homes and subsequently be forgotten due to lack of financial resources.

Gelonga said that inventors in the country are not financially stable even if most have jobs. They have families and invention to support and most likely inventors would choose family over inventions, he said.

“There are many student inventors and researchers in universities and colleges in the provinces who deserve financial support”, he pointed out.

They should be encouraged to continue their work by local leaders, especially when they are at the peak of completing their work, said Gelonga.

According to him, families and friends have to support them for their contribution to technology. Likewise, the academic and scientific community need the added boost from locales to keep them going.

“Invention has been a lonely occupation, and we don’t want to see great inventions lost due to lack of support,” he said.

The DOST will help investors with technical and patent assistance as well as funding for their inventions.

Local inventions with commercial prospects must be out in the market. It could help local economy and the inventor himself. (PNA) /MP

On The Spot Poster Making Contest

Kalibo, the famous Ati-Atihan town of Aklan will conduct an “On the Spot Poster Making Contest”. This will be held from 9:00 o’clock in the morning to 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon, Saturday, September 4, 2010.

The contest will be managed by Roselle Quimpo Ruiz – chairperson with Joselito Motus and Karina Quimpo Mallonga – members.

The contest aims: 1. To generate awareness and anticipation among the public and bring back the prestige and glory of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival; 2. To provide a venue for the creative and artistic expression of the Aklanon youth; and 3. To serve as source of the design to be used in all promotional materials for the festival.

The news/invitation sent by John Raffy F. Hilario – information officer and noted by Mr. Albert A. Meñez – chairman of Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. did not include the venue of the contest.

But you may contact them for further details of the contest. /MP

NVC - SSC MASS Induction

Mass Induction program of the Supreme Student Council, Northwestern Visayan Colleges was held in the afternoon of Friday, August 6, at the CSQ Gymnasium.

Inducted in the SSC is Niño Miko L. Delfin-President, Jayfer T. Salcedo - Vice President, Sheena Mae Z. Ilin - Secretary, James Sotomel - Treasure, and JC M. Ilio-Auditor.

Inducted with them were the officers of various clubs like Rizal Club, Managers Team, Educators Team, The Forum Staffers, and D’ Criminologies.

The induction program was well attended as the students and faculty members of NVC filled up the CSQ Gym.

Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, NVC President inducted the SSC officers. Others who inducted officers of other clubs are Executive Dean Ma. Erlinda Q. F. Wilson, Atty. Plaridel M. Morania, Dr. Reinalda I. Magdaluyo, and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente. /MP

DOH-Urges Fathers: Assist In Breastfeeding Babies

The Department of Health–Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD 6), Iloilo City urges fathers to support their wives in breastfeeding their babies.

According to DOH assistant regional director Dr. Marlyn Convocar, men tend to think that only women should worry about breastfeeding their babies. "They’re wrong," she said.

Women who are being assisted by their husbands while breastfeeding are able to regain their health faster than those who breastfed alone, she said. The mothers are also able to properly breastfeed their babies especially when their husbands are very supportive, she added.

Dr. Cristita Lacurom, DOH regional breastfeeding coordinator, advised mothers to request their husbands’ support when breastfeeding. The baby could feel the father’s presence in the process, she said.

DOH Regional Director Dr. Ariel Valencia revealed the DOH is currently intensifying its call for breastfeeding as part of their advocacy to improve maternal and child health.

He said, only 50 percent of lactating mothers practice breastfeeding their babies in Western Visayas. This should be addressed immediately since improper breast-feeding practices to most babies in the region result to underweight.

The DOH recently conducted its "Buntis" Congress 2010 in Iloilo City where pregnant women from various municipalities, representatives from the Provincial Health Offices and municipal health offices attended. (PNA) /MP

Business, Govt Vow Cooperation In Land Reclamation Project

The Aklan provincial government and the Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) vowed cooperation to settle concerns raised over the implementation of the P260 million reclamation project at the Caticlan Jetty Port in Malay, Aklan.

Earlier, the BFI has filed an opposition with the Department of Interior and Local Government against the planned project, saying they are not consulted in the process of seeking legal permits over the project considered by the provincial officials of Aklan as their economic pump priming activity.

Niven Maquirang, Caticlan Jetty Port administrator, said that the Aklan provincial government is bent on pursuing the project. He welcomes recommend-ations coming from the business sector of this resort island.

The vow for cooperation developed during the face off of both the BFI, the Malay local government and Aklan provincial government representatives during the recent Sangguniang Panla-lawigan session in Kalibo.

"The fund for the Marina project will come from the proceeds of bond flotation approved by the Local Government Unit Guarantee Corporation (LGUGC).

The Environment Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Reclamation Authority had issued clearances for the project to push through," said Maquirang.

For their part, Loubelle Cann, the BFI president, wanted to call the Aklan provincial government and other agencies to conduct intensive environmental impact studies to determine the proposed Marina project as environmentally safe.

"We are not against development projects. We just wanted to be sure the proposed project benefits all sectors," said Cann.

The Malay municipal council has also submitted two resolutions rejecting the proposed provincial government project to be established in their own turf.

"Instead of creating a new establishment in Caticlan, the Aklan provincial government should just strengthen the existing Caticlan Jetty Port being managed by the province," said newly-elected vice mayor Ciceron Cawaling.

Antique Policeman Is RP’s Outstanding Cop

A police non-commissioned officer (PNCO) assigned at the Tobias Fornier Police Station in Antique was chosen as one of this year’s 10 Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS), an annual project of the Metrobank Foundation in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Data from the information office of the Antique Police Provincial Office (APPO) stated that SPO2 Joey V. Castillon was chosen from among the 100 nominees nationwide.

He will receive P250,000 cash prize and a trophy during the award ceremony slated at the end of August in Malacanang Palace. President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is scheduled to grace the occasion.

Castillon is with the PNP for 14 years, assigned with the Police Community Relations (PCR) office.

During his stint, he organized the "Bantay Daray-ahan" where he tapped the support of fisherfolks in the protection and preservation of the marine sanctuary in Tobias Fornier town.

The project also raised the awareness of the local folks on their role in environmental protection.

Castillon likewise conducted massive information drive among students and the com-munity against global warming and disaster preparedness.

Castillon’s active participation in various community activities was also recognized as Best Police Community Relations Officer for 2008 and 2009.

The awardee in thanking the Metrobank Foundation for the award said that the recognition will surely boost the image of the Antique Police.

The cash prize will be deposited in a bank for the future expenses of their children. (PNA) /MP