by Ernesto T. Solidum
The weekly Kapihan forum on November 6, 2010 held at Smokehauz Resto & Bar discussed the program of governance of the newly elected officials of Pook, Kalibo. Guests were incumbent Brgy. Capt. Rafael Anteza, Brgy. Capt. Elect Ronald Marte, SB members Josephine Doroteo, Lody Venus, Wilfredo Malacas and Benedicta Malapad. Their formal installation into office as Sangguniang Barangay officials is set on December 1, 2010.
In his statement, Brgy. Capt. Anteza is confident that the incoming officers will follow the progressive path in as far as program and projects are concerned for the people of Pook. This is because he is still part of the brgy. administration team. Rather than retire from the public limelight he opted to run for Kagawad last barangay election and won.
Incoming Brgy. Capt. Ronald Marte’s vision is to transform Pook from rustic sleepy barangay into a vibrant bustling community. The reason is obvious. Brgy. Pook is semi urban area, the site of Kalibo International Airport (KIA), a major gateway to Boracay. He revealed that plans are afoot to lengthen existing airport runway North to the shoreline, the expansion of the Bayanihan road, and creating a loop course for vehicles going to and from New Washington.
Meanwhile, Gov. Carlito S. Marquez considers Pook as strategic area for a Jetty Port, fast craft and product showcase facility for tourists going direct to Caticlan. Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, SP Secretary confirmed that the loan of P480 million by the Provincial government is under process by the Land Bank of the Philippines.
Hon. Doroteo is pleased to announce the full completion of Day Care Center in sitio Tugbungan. With the construction materials received from the Governor and community mobilization effected, they are now prepared to take in new enrollees.
Angel Wings, by virtue of a Municipal Ordinance No. 007, is an endangered and protected shellfish found only in the shallow sandy bottoms of Pook. Hon. Malacas as chairman of Agriculture and Fisheries Committee is advising shellfish gatherers to limit their harvesting period from December to May to allow the bivalve population to recover, attain full market size, and be sustainable as a food resource.
Hon. Venus is batting for declogging irrigation canals being caused by frequent flooding and delayed delivery of irrigation water to the terminal end of NIA’s service area. Poor drainage also means high incidence of dengue causing mosquito outbreak of the disease in recent months. Pook has three confirmed cases of active PTB.
Incoming Brgy. Capt. Marte is a successful businessman and one time manager of a beach resort in Boracay. His obsession to beautify Pook is in line with Clean and Green drive of the present administration. He obviously need the full support of all sectors particularly Kool Earth, a community-based NGO working on Material Recovery Facility (MRF).
Nevertheless, successes and problems are also meant to be carried over though painful at times. Hounding controversy is the imposing barangay hall of Pook that is sitting on private property (75 sq m) for the last 24 years. It was first started by brgy. Capt. Mamerto Malapad on their property as a goodwill gesture. This was followed through completion by his wife Benedicta who was subsequently elected to the same position. Bayanihan spirit, cash and material donation were solicited from the rural folks and today the real estate owner wants to repossess it.
It seems pretty odd that the formal leaders and residents failed to execute necessary deed of donation before a public building is constructed. This runs against the basic Commission on Audit policy and accountability of elected officials.
Grudgingly, the incoming leadership decides to relocate the Brgy. Hall with an initial funding of P500,000. Brgy. Capt. Marte said this would only be good enough for land acquisition but large enough to accommodate MRF as show window to reduce, re-use and recycle solid wastes.
Convenience restaurants and pasalubong outlets in KIA’s transport terminal appear and to be misplaced now. Although important for businessmen, projecting the right image and addressing the need of airline passengers for safety and comfort are more vital. They should rather be occupying and renting the spacious second floor of the new passenger terminal building. This is SOP of Mactan International Airport and could be well appreciated here especially by KIA Manager Percy Malonesio.
Decidedly, beautification project of the provincial gateway must start at KIA where tourists get their first impression of Aklan and people. Included are our public transport system manned by smart, courteous drivers and road worthy vehicles duly registered with LTO. This must be internalized by Municipal Tourism Council through seminars and meetings. Newly elected barangay officials of Pook are strongly motivated and with their passion they can start a new beginning. /MP
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