Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Aklan SP Intervenes In Press Freedom

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan has just passed an ordinance that will unnecessarily intervene in the press freedom.

On their 18th Regular Session on Wednesday, November 10, 2010, the honorable members of Aklan SP has approved on the third and final reading an Aklan Provincial Ordinance making it "mandatory" the singing/playing of the Aklan Hymn in all flag raising ceremonies, official and formal functions, activities and programs, and special occasions in Aklan.

Public and private schools in Aklan are required to sing or play the Aklan Hymn during their flag raising ceremonies, flag retreat and on formal occasions.

Broadcast outlets like radio and cable televisions are likewise mandated to air the hymn on sign-on and sign off or at least three times a day.

This provision in the provincial ordinance making it mandatory for radio and television stations the airing of the Aklan Hymn daily maybe a violation of the "press freedom provisions of the Philippines Constitution".

"No law should be passed abridging the freedom of speech". This mandatory provision in Aklan Ordinance is a sterling violation of the Philippine Constitution of 1987.

It is no denying that Aklan Hymn is beautifully composed, with profound lyrics that strongly appeal to one’s love and loyalty to his/her country.

Since the Aklan Hymn was released, it has become popular. Radio Stations in Aklan such as RGMA-DYRU had been airing the Aklan Hymn. They are not only playing three times a day, they play it several times a day. Radio station managers and members of their staff have also a great sense of pride, loyalty and love of their country, more so far the province of Aklan. Who would not appreciate listening to the Aklan Hymn?

Perhaps, the SP Aklan will adopt the idea of approving a Certificate of Appreciation to radio and television stations which had popularized Aklan Hymn. The honorable members of the Aklan SP can take time to restudy the ordinance with the view to change the term "mandatory" to "encourage" regular playing of the Aklan Hymn in their respective radio programs.

Likewise, a certificate of appreciation/recognition for the author, Dr. Jesse M. Gomez, the singers and the accompaniment be awarded them. Dr. Gomez is a native of Numancia, Aklan and the current City Schools Superintendent of the Division of Roxas City, Capiz.

Congratulations LGU Balete

This column sincerely congratulates the LGU Balete for winning the EXCEL award for three consecutive years: 2007 to 2009. Balete also won the Seal of Good House-keeping National Award. This award is given by the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Balete led all the 4th to 6th class municipalities in Region VI in the areas of administrative governance, economic development, local legislation, environ-mental protection, and fiscal management. Because of its excellence in the areas of planning, budgeting, revenue mobilization, financial management, budget execution, procurement and resource mobilization, Balete was awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping.

Balete is also the lone municipality in Aklan with an Executive – Legislative Agenda, it was noted. /MP