Idleness, Extravagance, Diseases Means Poverty

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Engr. Roger M. Esto (extreme left) is shown discussing the Aklan Provincial Programs to free the poor from the bondage of poverty. Others in the picture are Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Mr. Blas Solidum and Mr. Ely G. Arensol

An honest assessment and spirited discussion prevailed during the weekly Kapihan on June 4 at Smokehauz Resto & Bar. "Poverty Situation and Employment Generation" was the topic discussed by invited guests who are Engr. Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning and Development Officer (PPDO), Mr. Ely G. Arensol, Sr. TESDA Specialist, and Mr. Blas Solidum, National Statistics Office provincial director, Aklan.
Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino advanced the reason that validity of findings of National Coordination and Statistical Board (NCSB) that Aklan ranks as poorest province in Region 6 is due to prevailing unfavorable climate. Tolentino cited the poor health and diseases, economic factors, globalization and financial meltdown, political corruption and weakened judicial system, over population, high birth rate and social civil unrest. Mitigating these factors could be positive reversal of the present woes, Tolentino pointed out.

Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, SP Secretary said that Aklan’s war on poverty is losing credibility based on NCSB raised data. It consistently climbed over the years: 30.2 percent in 2003, 32.6 percent in 2006 and 38.1 percent in 2009. Under the old method however poverty incidence is shockingly disturbing – 50.9 percent, an unpre-cedented record traced to inefficiency and of ineffectivity in governance said, Mr. Bandiola.

Engr. Esto clarified that the provincial government needs not be blamed alone for this debacle but also LGU’s at municipal level and national government line agencies. He emphasized that everybody must contribute to national aspiration for higher living standard. This includes prompt payment of taxes and cultivation of positive values. At any rate, 14 municipalities with the exception of Kalibo, Numacia, and Lezo are included under the Conditional Cash Transfer program or 4Ps administered by DSWD.

Mr. Blas Solidum appears to be reluctant of NCSB report of Aklan’s high poverty incidence since this is taken from Regional data. As a matter of fact, only 8 barangays were included in the survey out of 327 barangays of Aklan. There is a need to further validate these findings to include all barangays with corro-boration of NCSB and Provincial government of Aklan taking the lead. Nevertheless, program designed to alleviate poverty have been hampered by poor access to education, health, and liberal credit facilities.

Mr. Arensol said that TESDA has been providing skills training appropriate to the needs of domestic and international labor market. Long term courses as tourism, hotel and restaurant management is done in partnership with colleges and universities under CHED. Short term courses like welding, plumbing, carpentry, automotive mechanic and hairdressing are done at the TESDA Provincial Training Center, Laguinbanwa East, Numancia. Scholarship grants are available to poor but deserving students provided they qualify under the program. They must have minimum average rating of 80 percent, high school graduate, good health and good moral character.

Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente bats for education of students for values formation. The basic idea of hard work, honesty, perseverance and thrift must be inculcated and impressed on the youth since these are the universal way of life. Taking a cue from his checkered life, Dr. Villorente admitted that he was once poor but he is able to untangle himself from extreme poverty by working honestly, diligently, and living frugally. Knowledge is power says an old adage.

In the 1960’s, and 80’s, Antique was a struggling province unable to catch up with her upbeat neighbors. The province was known as prime exporter of seasonal labor (sacada) to sugar haciendas in Negros and Capiz. On the other hand, Aklan had a relative moderate economy based on tourism and agriculture.

Now, Aklan is at the bottom rung of six provinces in Region 6 even surpassed by young province of Guimaras. What a disappointment! It is hard to believe how things turned upside down impacting the lives of half of the total Aklan population. "Saan ako nagkamali" is an old Filipino ballad that resonates with pain and remorse.

Highest Power Rate

Well, it couldn’t be denied that poverty and unemployment stand at 38 and 34 percent respectively, a result of economic, political and social malaise. However, the proper environment for success must be formulated and established. For instance, Aklan has the highest power rate in Region 6 at P11.1092/Kwh for residential, P9.6594 for commercial and P9.6493 for industrial. This is the main reason why potential investors shy away from investing in Aklan. Akelco’s services are described by its 100,000 member consumers as inadequate, unrealistic, and expensive. Anyway, the Philippines has the highest power rate in Asia surpassing Singapore and Japan.

Rapid industrialization in the US started with the establishment of hydropower tapping the mighty Niagra Falls in the 1880’s. It proved efficient in turning out iron ore into high grade steel for its basic industries, cars, appliances, transport, building construction, and others.

Fortunately, we have excellent natural resource like the two big rivers: the Aklan and Ibajay rivers that could generate 120 MW more than enough to supply the power needs of Panay Island. Yet, obviously there is no political will to exploit it despite positive feasibility studies.

Although wind farms, coal and biomass power plants could be developed, hydropower stands out because project can be integrated with other uses like irrigation, potable water, fish conservation, tourism and flood control. Obviously, the only hindrance to this proposed mega infrastructure is the cost. What if it cost billions of pesos when cheap and reliable power is distributed to the whole Panay Island grid? Potable water from Libacao could be transported by pipeline to Iloilo City and Roxas City. What if this is another tourism venture benefiting inland barangays of Libacao, Madalag, and Ibajay? Must we begrudge doubling present irrigated area of 6,712 hectares so Aklanon farmers could increase productivity and income? Moreover, floods and destruction could be a fading memory of the past.

The above are cogent and plausible reasons why the Aklan River Development Council headed by Atty. Allen S. Quimpo drafts a sensible proposal for consideration and funding by a probable funding agency. This is also in line with inter-provincial cooperation envisioned under RA 7160 or Local Government Code.

Mr. Odon S. Bandiola mentioned that P70 million annual budget for economic development of Aklan is consigned to payment of bank loans. The 20 percent economic development fund is for repair and or construction of farm to market roads, health center, and schools. Is the governor aware of the difficulty farmers in remote areas experience in bringing their products to the market? Poor handling and transport of farm products result in 15 percent losses and low prices. No wonder half of our farmers cultivating one hectare of rice land although irrigated is classified as marginal and at risk of malnutrition.

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez’ socio economic policy favoring massive infra development on tourism (P160 million for 2.4 hectares Jetty Port reclamation, Phase I), Nursing School Building (P39 million, provincial hospital Renovation (P128 million) all secured by financial loans require an in-depth review. Policy must be evaluated in the light of truth that previous assumptions are unrealistic and expensive. Instead of defined prosperity it brought Aklanons to the brink of financial disaster and shattered of election promises.

Poverty and unemployment are strange bedfellows each one thriving on complacency and neglect. Remember blame game is an escapist attitude and accomplishes nothing. /MP