Sunday, February 23, 2014

Northwestern Visayan Colleges Celebrates 66th Year of Education Services

“The Role of the Academe in the ASEAN Economic Integration 2015” is the theme of the 66th Annual College Festival & Foundation Day celebration of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC) scheduled on February 28 – March 1, 2014. 

It is not only in the customs, culture and tradition among Pilipinos especially Aklanons, but it is embedded in their way of life to celebrate important events like birthday, wedding and foundation day. It is a tradition as well in the NVC to celebrate its annual festival and foundation day. 

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme which appears simple but it underwent a composition process until it was finally agreed. The theme is crafted to send messages of love, care and preservation of our biosphere through education, culture and arts. Moreover, the theme also conveys a message of international cooperation in the field of education, and the national and regional economy.

All the activities during the festival are geared toward education and economic related activities such as: Amazing Race in Math, Teaching Demo Festival for Education, Book Talk Contest, Inter Section Skills Olympic for HRM, Forum on K to 12 for High School, Performance Information Edition, Cultural Shows Presentation, Blood Letting, and Coronation of Ms. NVC Sweetheart and King of Hearts 2014. 

The foundation day celebration also serves as the application of knowledge learned as the students formulate the program, activities, and implement it with merely minimum guidance and supervision from NVC faculty, parents and administration. This is “NVCians in the lead”.

Indeed, the 66th Annual College Festival & Foundation Day will serve to truly reveal the “State of the College” to the NVC Board of Directors, Administration, Faculty and the students. This will give more strength, resources, and resolutions for the NVC to further assist the nation, Aklan in particular, in the production of high quality manpower resources to develop a more peaceful, progressive and desirable place to live, AKLAN! Hence, NVC is determined to perform its role in the successful ASEAN Economic Integration 2015.

Calendar of Activities 

On Tuesday, February 27, there will be a goodwill games between Central Philippine University and Northwestern Visayan Colleges for both boys and girls. This will be held in the CSQ Gymnasium, Estancia, Kalibo.

On Friday, Feb. 28, there will be a Thanksgiving Mass at CSQ Gymnasium, Amazing High Heel Race and Laro ng Lahi. ASEAN 2015 Forum Seminar will simultaneously take place at Carmen Hotel, Poblacion, Kalibo.

In the afternoon, Parade and Review in honor of Miss NVC Sweetheart & King of Hearts 2014 will be held. The parade over, civic program and playground demonstration will be done at Pastrana Park, Poblacion, Kalibo. 

On Saturday evening, March 1, coronation program will be held at CSQ Auditorium, Estancia, Kalibo. /MP

Aklan Love Story

Note: This column will be devoted for true love stories so that others who may read this may elicit good lessons from the experience of those who are ahead of them. A love story selected and published will be awarded one year subscription to Madyaas Pen or its equivalent in cash. The true names of the story sender maybe withheld. The love stories below are submitted by two college students studying in Kalibo, Aklan.

My Love Is Sort of Magic

They say, “Love at first sight is not true, because one can’t really love someone he/she doesn’t know”. But this is what I felt the first time I saw AL. I called that love at first sight.

It happened a couple of years ago when I decided to join a charismatic choir. My cousin invited me to be a part of this group. On that day, I was sitting on the chair inside of the room while we’re all waiting for other members to come. I was looking outside of the room until I saw a guy who was walking through the door. I didn’t know why all of a sudden there was a sort of magic that happened. It seems my world stops when I saw him. My heart beats fast. I feel like there is a butterfly in my stomach. I knew it’s kind of weird feeling but I can’t help it.

I ended up that day looking at him all day long. I don’t know why did I felt that way. Day after day, we became friends. I knew much more of him. AL is a kind guy. He is quiet and has a good sense of humor. He always crack jokes. He is a religious person and really loves his family which made me fall in love again. I knew that he doesn’t like me and of course he doesn’t even know about my feelings for him. I felt that AL loves my best friend so I always tease them. I was the one who made a way so that my best friend noticed AL. In short, I served as a “bridge”. 

But a few months ago, it seems, everything has changed. AL is always texting me. He always buy me some snack. On the following day, I was shocked when AL confessed about the feelings he have for me. “He loves me”. He proposed love. I already loved him even before. I answered him with a yes, that I do love him too. I was so happy that time and yet wondering because I thought he did love my best friend, Celia But he explained and told me that he didn’t love Celia.

I can’t sleep on that day. I felt like I’m on the cloud nine. We’re happy together and always end up the day with full of laughter. I really want to hang up with him always and I promised to myself that this is the guy that I will cherish forever. 

When I became a college student, I really need to study and stay in Kalibo with my cousin. This diminished the time AL and I spent daily. Although we’re far from each other, we always exchange messages. 

However, after one year, everything has changed. He became cold. Every time he got mad with me, it took a month before he calls me back. 

We’ve been together for two years until April 9, 2012 when he gave up. He broke up with me. He was tired of our relationship. Because we didn’t have time to each other, he decided to let me go. We both cried! I knew it really hurts but I believed that someday, in a right time and in a right place we will meet again. I and AL remain single. He doesn’t have a girlfriend. We still communicate with each other. We are friends. My love for him will never fade. I know we are meant to be. God will give him back to me. I will never forget him and I believe he is my destiny. As of now, I will not mind it because true love waits.

My Parents Love Story

My mother was a hardworking person. She started working at the age of 16. She finished late in high school because of financial problem. She is a breadwinner of the family. They are five siblings. Her parent died due to old age. 

When my mom decided to pursue her study, she applied for a job in a fast food chain to support her everyday needs in school. She started as a cook. It was in this food chain my mother met my father. 

My father is also a breadwinner of the family. They are nine siblings. He pursued his study and completed a 2 year course in computer science. When he first met my mother, something sparked between them. Meanwhile, they decided to become best friends then turned lovers after four years. 

After graduation, my mother decided to go back to Cebu. My father supported whatever her decision then because he believed in a saying of “meant to be” they well. He promised mother that whatever happens, he will always take care of her. 

After a couple of years, my father decided to propose to my mother. He went to my mother’s province in Cebu together with his parents. Few months after his proposal, they decided to tie the knot. They lived happily ever after. We are nine brothers and sisters. The first baby of mom was a twin, four girls and five boys, I’m the youngest in the family. 

They have many hardships in life but they are strong surviving it together. They are thankful to God Who made them meant to be together and forever. 

My parents now are in our province in Cebu. I stay now with my eldest brother in Malay, Aklan. He supports me in my studies. /MP 

Time To Review Aklan’s Priority

National Irrigation Administration (NIA) data show that it cost the government P80,000 just to irrigate 1.0 ha. of riceland in 1995. After almost two decades, this figure could be doubled today. Considering food security particularly rice self-sufficiency of present and future generations, the Department of Agrarian Reform along with DA, DENR, NIA and LGU crafted a joint policy to regulate the conversion or land use reclassification. The rationale is to prevent the whimsical and arbitrary decision covering lands under Strategic Agricultural and Fisheries Development Zone (SADZ) and network of Protected Areas for Agricultural and Agro-Industral Development (NPAAD).

Any formal request addressed to the Director, Regional Center for Land Use Planning and Policy Implementation includes 25 pertinent documents which are: 1. true copy of Original Certificate of Title, 2. True Copy Current Tax Declaration, 3. Project Feasibility Study, 4. Joint Venture Agreement between Landowner and Developer, 5. Narrative Description of Development Plan, 6. Proof of Financial and Organizational Capability of the Developer, 7. Socio-Economic Cost Benefit Study, 8. MARO Certification, 9. Housing Land Use Regulatory Board Certification, 10. DA Certification, 11. DENR Certification, and 14 others. Depending upon the speed of accomplishing different forms/papers, processing and follow-up, it would take any applicant 6-12 months to complete the documents. In addition, a filing fee of P1,750 and inspection fee of P5,000 must be paid before action on the application starts.  

The regulatory form of the government unit is decidedly stringent but well placed. This is embodied in Local Government Code of 1991. The Sangguniang Bayan is empowered to pass a resolution declaring certain areas either agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial or institutional. Once confirmed by the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator of a town, the proposed area falls inside declared zone, the Building official issues the building permit. 

Under the scheme, landowners and property developers manage to convert large tracts of fully irrigated ricelands to other uses because of inherent loopholes. The favorite targets are lands adjacent to national, provincial, barangay and access roads of NIA. Landowners could withhold the planting of rice at least for 3 year period. Flaunting the law is rampant because no landowner or property developer has ever been prosecuted or convicted in court. Popular belief is that buildings and other infra development are parts of progress and stability.

In reality, they may not be rightfully conclusive. For instance, KIA runway expansion of 500 x 200 meters going to Tigayon effectively affects 100 hectares of fully irrigated riceland. The planned Kalibo circumferential road commencing from Pook, Kalibo to Kalibo Bridge 2 at Tigayon and from Mina, Lezo to Dumga, Makato will entail a total distance of 11.4 kms. Highway financed from a loan by World Bank will have a width of 20 meters. Again the proposed road will traverse barangay roads of prime riceland in Carugdog, Lezo and Calangcang, Makato. The existing 6 meter wide will be expanded three (3) times. That the total ricelands affected by highway project and runway expansion is 319.0 hectares.

As of August 16, 2011, DAR provincial office data show that a total of 28 landowners and property developers have converted their agricultural lands to other uses. The aggregate area of 277.3 hectares is located in Malay, Nabas, Kalibo, Makato, Lezo, Banga, Batan, New Washington and Numancia. The majority have proposed land use for commercial, tourism, residential and institutional purposes. The biggest investor is Akean Resort Corporation in Nabas with an area of 117.6 hectares whose interest is tourism and recreation. 

One cannot begrudge the socio-economic benefits of the circumferential road project to tourists, traders, commuters and cargo trucks passing the Republic Nautical highway. What is more damming and insidious than seeing in the near future is the unbridled construction of residential, commercial and industrial establishments along the infra facility. This scenario is happening right now along the superhighway linking Kalibo to Caticlan that is being widened to 4 lanes and modernized.

With hundreds of hectares of prime lands gone to infra development through legal and illegal conversions, Aklan will become rice importer. Out of 17,120 hectares, only 6,712 hectares or 39.0 percent is irrigated. Moreover, population pressure and modernization, irrigated areas will shrink. Who cares? 

There is still the smuggled rice from Vietnam and Thailand coming by the shiploads every week according to Agaton Ubero, Deputy Customs Commissioner. But rice costing P5.00 more per kilogram is getting beyond the reach of poor households. With livelihood and shelter gone due to supertyphoon Yolanda, the poor are living in hovels or makeshift shelters, (while the Aklan SP is determined to construct a luxurious and magnificent SP building).   

Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said that provinces like Iloilo, Zamboanga del Sur, Negros Occ. Quezon, Cebu and others may be growing but their poorest families are being left behind. The main reason is that the growing sector does not require the goods or services that the poor can provide. 

Aklan is a billionaire province, yet it has 26,485 households 4P’s beneficiaries or 158,910 Aklanons at six members per household. This number is 1/3 or about 30 percent of Aklan’s population. This is deplorable, unsustainable and abets indolence. It is best under the circumstances to balance infra and tourism development with that of agriculture and fisheries since they are the primordial lifeblood of Philippine economy.
Presently, Boracay tourism may be booming but until now the Department of Tourism has not come up with a research study on its carrying load capacity. Area is teeming with 28,369 native and migrant population (NSO May 1, 2010). Why do we concentrate on a small island of roughly 1,000 hectares when it is actually “dying” due to congestion and over development? It is high time to re-examine our values and review the priorities. /MP 

British National Grants Fishing Boats

 

A British national from Scotland, Mr. Ricky Abott granted 13 fishing boats to 13 families in Brgy. Tambak, New Washington, Aklan. The distribution was held at Brgy. Tambak on Tuesday afternoon, February 18. 


Ricky is married to an Aklanon from Kalibo, the former Miss Jasmin “Jaja” Suñer. Of the 13 units of boats, 8 are brand new while 5 are newly repaired. All the 13 boats are equipped with 6-7 horse power brand new engines and other fishing gears. 


According to Ricky and Jaja, they were deeply touched and felt sorry for the devastation as a result of Typhoon Yolanda. They thought of ways and means how to rehabilitate the typhoon victims. Since they are good musicians, they held fund raising concerts to raise funds for the typhoon victims. Thank God for they raised some good amounts.



Ricky and Jaja arrived in Kalibo on Jan. 29. After going around Aklan to see the extent of the damage, they decided to donate fishing boats in Brgy. Tambak. While almost all houses in Tambak were destroyed, Ricky and Jaja decided to purchase fishing boats for if they will help reconstruct their houses, the money is not enough and they will need livelihood. Hence, they decided to give fishing boats. With those fishing boats, they can fish, earn money for food and reconstruct their houses. In the selection of recipients, Ricky and Jaja was assisted by Hon. Dennis Magno, Brgy. chairman of Tambak. /MP 

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Igmanghod Nga Sirena

Oras eon sa pag unga ni Mirasol. Hakibot do paltera tongod kapid rong natawong eapsag. Sambilog hay normal apang ro sambilog hay isda rong kautod, isaeang ka sirena. Guinbutang sa dueang rong eapsag nga si Almira. Hasta hin-uno baea imaw magatener sa dueang? Agod nga mabuhi, guindaea imaw sa dagat maskin masakit sa baeatyagon ni Mirasol. Adlaw-adlaw, guinabisitahan nanday Carmela ag Mirasol si Almira sa isaeang ka mabahoe nga bato.

Malisod guid ro pangabuhi nanday Mirasol. Mahugod imaw ogaling paeahilong ro anang asawa. Kada pagkita nanda kay Mirasol hay guinataw-an sanda it isda ag raya ro guinabaligya nanda agod ibakae it pagkaon.

Isaeang adlaw, hakibot si Mirasol kat guinsueang imaw agod mag-adto sa guba nga tulay. Nahueog ro anang asawa sa kahilungon ag namatay. Pagkatapos it eobong guindaea si Carmela sa syudad agod idto kuno patun-on ko anang tiya. Samtang naaywan si Mirasol nga solohanon, guinsuguid nana rong tanan kay Almira.

Idto sa syudad, owa man guinpatun-a si Carmela kundi guin obra nga kabulig. Bo-ot imaw ipaasawa sa manggaranon apang may edad nga sa ea-eaki. Owa naila si Carmela ogaling owa imaw it mahimo sa anang tiya. Guinsampit imaw ko magueang nga mamasyar sa may boulevard. Sa mga maeagko nga bato, may naaninag imaw nga babaye nga nagapaligos nga kahitsura nana. Nakabatyag imaw it kahidlaw kay Almira. Kat gusto imaw abusuhan  ko eaeaki, eomompat imaw sa tubi ag nag eangoy paadto sa babaye nga anang hakit-an nga owa it iba kundi si Almira. Abu gid ro anang kalipay. Guintaw-an imaw it mga perlas, agod ibaligya ag gamiton nanda nga mag-ina sa negosyo.

Nakauli si Carmela. Nagpa tindog sanda it baeay ag negosyo. Samtang nasunog rong baeay ko anang tiya ag namatay man rong magueang eon nga eaeaki. Nagmasakit ro andang lola ag tongod may bueawanon nga baeatyagon ro mag-ina, guinbuligan nanda agod makapanibag-ong kabuhi. /MP

Single Unit House Dominates In Aklan

The total occupied housing unit in Aklan in 2010 went up to 115,086 from the 2000 figure of 86,600, or an increase of 32.9 percent or 28,486, the result of the 2010 Census of Population and Housing shows. 

Single house is the most common housing unit occupied with 96 percent, followed by duplex type with 1.7 percent, multi-unit residential with 0.8 percent, and commercial/industrial/agricultural building with 0.4 percent.

Housing units in Aklan with outer walls made of bamboo/sawali/cogon/nipa decreased from 52.4 percent in 2000 to 43.4 percent in 2010. Occupied housing units with roofs made of cogon/nipa/anahaw went down to 49.9 percent in 2010 from 64.5 percent ten years ago. This shows, according to Provincial Statistics Officer Blas M. Solidum, that the number of occupied housing units with walls and roofs made of strong materials increased during the 10 year period 2000 – 2010. However, seven in 10 occupied housing units in Aklan needed minor repair or no repair at all. Each housing unit occupies a floor area of 10-19 sq.m. (or 108-209 sq.ft) with an average occupants of 4.3 per occupied housing unit. 

On the other hand, of the 116,123 households in 2010, three out of five households (or 68.0 percent) lived in lots they owned or amortized. The proportion increased from 2000 figure of 60.7 percent.

Moreover, 23.8 percent of the households occupied lots which were rent-free but with consent of owners, while 6.7 percent rented the lots that they occupied, while 1.0 percent occupied lots which were rent-free but without consent of the owners.

The 2010 Census of Population and Housing was undertaken by NSO in May 2010 to take inventory of the total population and housing units in the Philippines and collect information about their characteristics as basis for the formulation of policies and programs for the country’s development. /MP

Aklan’s 2013 Consumer Price Index Is 6 Percent Up

The average Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Aklan for 2013 registered at 136.9 index point. This is higher by 6.0 percent compared to 2012 figure of 130.9 index, according to the National Statistics Office-Aklan.

The month of December registered the highest index of 141.6, while the month of May has the lowest with 135.1 index points. In last year’s CPI, October has the highest index of 133.7, while the month of February has the lowest index at 128.0.

Likewise, the average inflation rate in Aklan increased by 1.0 percent from 2012 figure of 3.6 to 4.6 percent in 2013. The highest inflation rate was recorded in December with 6.5 percent, followed by February and March with 6.0 percent. The lowest inflation rate was apparent in October with 3.4 percent mark.

Among the commodity groups, Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco had the highest inflation rate in 2013 posted at 26.4 percent. According to NSO, the implementation of RA 10351 or Sin Tax Law triggered the inflation rate to shoot up.

The next with higher inflation rate was Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages with 5.3, HWEG and Other Fuels with 4.6 and Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House with 3.9 percent. 

CPI is an indicator of the change in the average retail prices of fixed basket of goods and services purchased by the households relative to a base year.

It shows how much on the average, prices of goods have increased or decreased from a particular reference period. /MP

PRC & LGU Aklan Sign Memoranda of Performance


In line with the Community - Based Disaster Risk Reduction Program in Aklan, a Memorandum of Partnership & Agreement, Turn Over of Response Equipment & Red Cross 143 Volunteer Mass Induction Ceremony was held in Ibajay, Aklan on Friday afternoon, February 14, 2014. Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, chairman, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Aklan Chapter signed in behalf of the Red Cross. Aklan and Gov. Florencio Miraflores signed in behalf of LGU Aklan.


The signing ceremonies was witnessed by Mayor Lourdes M. Miraflores of Ibajay, Mayor Gene Fuentes of Tangalan, Mayor Jozyl Isidore Templonuevo of Numancia, and Vice Mayor Madeline Regalado who represented Mayor William Lachica of Kalibo.


It is in three municipalities where special projects on Disaster Risk Reduction Program are in place which are assisted by the Finnish Red Cross in the form of equipments and training of Red Cross volunteers.


The projects are located in brgys. Bulwang and Aliputos, Numancia; Mobo and Bakhaw Norte, Kalibo; Jawili and Panayakan, Tangalan; and another three barangays in Ibajay. /MP

Aklan’s 2013 Consumer Price Index Is 6 Percent Up

The average Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Aklan for 2013 registered at 136.9 index point. This is higher by 6.0 pecent compared to 2012 figure of 130.9 index, according to the National Statistics Office-Aklan.

The month of December registered the highest index of 141.6, while the month of May has the lowest with 135.1 index points. In last year’s CPI, October has the highest index of 133.7, while the month of February has the lowest index at 128.0.

Likewise, the average inflation rate in Aklan increased by 1.0 percent from 2012 figure of 3.6 to 4.6 percent in 2013. The highest inflation rate was recorded in December with 6.5 percent, followed by February and March with 6.0 percent. The lowest inflation rate was apparent in October with 3.4 percent mark.

Among the commodity groups, Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco had the highest inflation rate in 2013 posted at 26.4 percent. According to NSO, the implementation of RA 10351 or Sin Tax Law triggered the inflation rate to shoot up.

The next with higher inflation rate was Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages with 5.3, HWEG and Other Fuels with 4.6 and Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Maintenance of the House with 3.9 percent. 

CPI is an indicator of the change in the average retail prices of fixed basket of goods and services purchased by the households relative to a base year.

It shows how much on the average, prices of goods have increased or decreased from a particular reference period. /MP

Procedure In Securing NBI Clearance

For the good of the service and for the convenience of the persons who need National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance, a new procedure is issued.

According to Ms. Vivian Ruiz–Solano, Provincial PESO Manager of Aklan, the NBI clearance applicant must follow the procedure which are: 1. Register in the Official NBI Clearance Online Application Website (http://nbi.njis-ph.com); 2. Accurately fill up the eClearance Form; 3. Take note of the Registration Code of your application and Print the Application; 4. Sign the printed Application Form and fill out the date; 5. Bring the signed Form to the Aklan Provincial PESO, together with your two (2) Valid IDs. (Valid Passport, Voter’s ID, Driver’s License, PRC License, SSS ID, GSIS UMID, Postal ID, School ID, TIN ID, PhilHealth ID, Authenticated Birth Certificate, Alien Certificate of Registration, Senior Citizen ID, Previous Copy of NBI Clearance); Secure an Indorsement Letter from Provincial PESO to expedite processing of Clearance; and 7. Proceed to NBI Iloilo, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City for Processing and Issuance of Clearance. 

The Aklan Provincial PESO, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Aklan and the NBI Western Visayas Regional Office, will be implementing these procedures until such time that the new NBI system is institutionalized and a new Satellite Office is installed in the Province.  /MP

Procedure In Securing NBI Clearance

For the good of the service and for the convenience of the persons who need National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance, a new procedure is issued.

According to Ms. Vivian Ruiz–Solano, Provincial PESO Manager of Aklan, the NBI clearance applicant must follow the procedure which are: 1. Register in the Official NBI Clearance Online Application Website (http://nbi.njis-ph.com); 2. Accurately fill up the eClearance Form; 3. Take note of the Registration Code of your application and Print the Application; 4. Sign the printed Application Form and fill out the date; 5. Bring the signed Form to the Aklan Provincial PESO, together with your two (2) Valid IDs. (Valid Passport, Voter’s ID, Driver’s License, PRC License, SSS ID, GSIS UMID, Postal ID, School ID, TIN ID, PhilHealth ID, Authenticated Birth Certificate, Alien Certificate of Registration, Senior Citizen ID, Previous Copy of NBI Clearance); Secure an Indorsement Letter from Provincial PESO to expedite processing of Clearance; and 7. Proceed to NBI Iloilo, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City for Processing and Issuance of Clearance. 

The Aklan Provincial PESO, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Aklan and the NBI Western Visayas Regional Office, will be implementing these procedures until such time that the new NBI system is institutionalized and a new Satellite Office is installed in the Province.  /MP

Editorial

Drilon Pushes Priority Economic Bills In Congress 
To Attract Investments

The 16th Congress is set to work on ways to streamline numerous tax incentives for businesses and tighten consumer protection as part of its legislative package geared towards encouraging investors, scaling up the business climate, enhancing market competition, and creating job opportunities, Senate President Franklin M. Drilon said.

Drilon met with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte to firm up the legislative agenda. He said emphasis will be given to economic measures that “will maximize the country’s potential business strengths, and ensure the nation’s macroeconomic and fiscal sustainability and enhance the overall Philippine climate for greater business competition and foreign investments.”

“More investments can translate to the provision of more jobs and economic opportunities for our citizenry”, he stressed.

Up for discussion in Congress are measures calling for a Consolidated Investments and Incentives Code of the Philippines, and a bill proposing the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act.

“There is a need to reassess and harmonize numerous fiscal and non-fiscal incentives and subsidies to foreign and local investors to avoid overlapping and redundant incentives to cut unnecessary revenue loss,” explained Drilon.

If approved, such bills will enable better handling of the country’s fiscal incentives for investors to ensure a business–friendly environment which maintains the effective flow of appropriate taxes into public coffers–to everyone’s benefit, he noted.

Similarly, Congress is expected to deal with measures that will amend existing tax laws on mining activities in the country: “There is a need to study the practice of mining-intensive countries where higher excise taxes have not dissuaded investments at all, while making funding for government projects bigger.”

The country’s legislators will also address loopholes in the Built-Operate-Transfer law, Cabotage, and EPIRA laws. “There is a need to finetune the BOT law to close some policy gaps and aligned them with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme to encourage the exploration of more effective forms of PPP projects, allow healthier competition, and fix interconnectivity issues,” Drilon explained.  

“Similarly, we must amend the Cabotage law to allow foreign-registered vessels to engage in coastwide trade in the country, thereby opening the market to competition, bringing down transportation cost by sea, and enabling the country to fully utilize supply chain products,” he further said.

“Also of importance is the amendment to the EPIRA to find ways to address the woes of our people with regard to the high electricity cost which the EPIRA is supposed to address,” Drilon stressed. 

Government institutions related to finance and the economy are also in the line for massive reforms – bills filed in the current Congress propose amendments of BSP to solidify its supervisory and regulatory powers, while more than one priority bill has gunned for the systemic overhaul of the Bureau of Customs.

“We are looking at restructuring important institutions to halt the economic damage from rampant money laundering, smuggling and other financial crimes in the country,” said the Senate President.

However, the Senate leader said that they “have not forgotten our overarching goal of making the economic growth we aspire for to be inclusive of most possible socio-economic sectors.” 

Educational Services

Various bills that would provide support to financially-challenged students nationwide, and institutionalized open and distance education in high schools and colleges are among the leading measures Congress is committed to tackle and pass in the 16th Congress, according to Senate Pres. Franklin M. Drilon.

“The improvement of our education system remains as one of our most pertinent legislative agenda and these proposed measures are designed to widen the reach of delivery of educational services across major deterrents such as poverty and logistical difficulties,” he pointed out.

According to the Senate chief, the priority bills are the institutionalization of distance learning system in secondary and tertiary levels, the establishment of an open high school system for out-of-school youth and the formation of a national student loan program available for underprivileged students nationwide.

Drilon noted several measures which seek to “institutionalize the availability of open and distance learning system for secondary and tertiary levels of public education.”   

Under open learning systems, students will acquire their education via the use of different forms of media and learning technologies following approved curriculum, while distance learning programs permit the accomplishment of education through approved self-instructional materials and independent study methods.    

“The presence of several bills filed in Congress confirm the potential of alternative learning programs to address socio-economic, geographical and physical barriers which plague our conventional classes,” Drilon said, as he confirmed that a consolidated, encompassing version of an alternative learning systems bill is “in the works.”

“We need to make education in the Philippines more available and closer to the youth by all possible means to increase enrollment levels in high school and college,” he added.

Congress will deal with the implementation of student loan program across the entire country “to provide financial support for underprivileged students in paying for their tuition and subsistence allowance,” Drilon stressed.

There are students who are close to finishing college, but would eventually drop out due to financial limitations, and “it is therefore for the government to establish a national financial support system –backed with sufficient funding– that students can avail of in times of need,” he added.

“We are confident that the two chambers will be able to pass these relevant bills during the 16th Congress. We would implement a coordinated and synchronized legislative strategy to maximize our legislative performance,” said Drilon who previously met with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. to firm up their legislative agenda. /MP

Aklan Love Story

Note: This column will be devoted for true love stories so that others who may read this may elicit good lessons from the experience of those who are ahead of them. A love story selected and published will be awarded one year subscription to Madyaas Pen or its equivalent in cash. The true names of the story sender maybe withheld. 

This story below is about a “balikbayan” who took his vacation in Aklan in 2013 to visit his family and attend the 2013 Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan festival. In the course of his visit, he found a young lady with whom he felt in love.  I wish you enjoy reading his love story below. 

Age Is A Mere Number

Have you ever seen or known a couple in whom one person is significantly older than the other? What are your initial thoughts about it? Well, think again, “the older man who as three decades more life experience should have known better than to let the younger lady get involved with him.” Dok Botoy please call me Annie and call him: Resty.

When I said, one day, I’ll have a beautiful love story to tell, a love story that I’ll be proud to share. That somewhere in this world, there’s someone destined for me. I’ll not search. He will find me! 

Just sharing. I am 28, single and hopeful. It’s never too late to be whoever I want to be. I’d love to live a life I am proud of and be happy. And who would ever know it could happen unexpected? In a blink of an eye, everything can change. Sometimes, one needs to look from a different perspective and he’ll see the view from the other side is splendid. 

Last year, January 2013, love birds were everywhere. Happy couples were just around the corners of the busy streets of Kalibo enjoying the Ati-atihan festival. I felt so alone, seemed like nothing was doing right. I sat down the plaza canteen and wandered, when someone caught me up. Resty smiled, I smiled. He shared a table and started talking about anything. He shared some events in his life. How inspiring those things! Soon we were laughing. I forgot about my lonely day after all. 

Resty is a balikbayan from the states having a short vacation in the Philippines. It just so happened we’re in the same place. I enjoyed the company of Resty, I call my VIP. He seemed to be fond of my company too. He was also welcomed in our home when Resty made the effort to meet everyone in the family.

Now you may wonder, what was the thing that brought us closer together in the first place? I must say it was his personality, he was really funny, cool, positive, so mature, and as we got to know each other better I found out that our personalities just clicked. We were mellow, low-key, down-to-earth people. When I met Resty, I had the impression of someone who never lost his vigor for life. A few minutes into conversation and my first impression was confirmed. Add to that are my fast growing respect and deeper appreciation.

Love Knows No Bounds

After a couple of weeks, Resty flew back to the US. Regular international phone calls and online chats led to courtship. Our conversations became more serious, thinking about his plans, pursuing a project and more. Our topics concerned endless future possibilities! Nothing like I am the luckiest girl in the world and the subject we had was the life I’ve always wanted to.

May-December Love 

Resty is a dashing man by the way. I am 28 years young. He is 29 years old according to him (joke). Later, I found out he is actually 58 years old but he looks much younger than his age. He is a family man with children based in the US. Seriously, I’m trying to be blissfully unaware but extra conscious and careful of his status. I like only to focus on things that I can contribute to be able to extend the brand of happiness I know.

I must admit, with his vast experience in relationship, made me feel unique, special, pretty, loved, appreciated and most of all, beautiful. I like the idea of Resty teaching or coaching me all the knowledge he had gained along the years, but turned out that in the end, he didn’t want to be my teacher but my batch mate. I developed connection with him. He made me feel I had no idea I was capable of having. He made me a new person, a better one, and I just wanted to be that for him. 

Safe to say, my extra care for him is more on accepting, respecting and embracing his world linking it into my world and together we will create a whole new world. Honestly, I don’t know what else there is to say.

It was just a short encounter. I still don’t know what I did to be so lucky to have this man in my life. I am so thankful though, in a limited time that we’ve been together, we have grown so much and I can’t wait to be with Resty again. /MP

Monday, February 17, 2014

Aklan Steps Up Local Employment

Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores acknowledged efforts of the provincial government and other national government agencies for their contribution to local employment generation and for undertaking programs aimed to enhance employment opportunities and sources of livelihood.

Miraflores first acknowledged the contribution of the province-run Public Service Employment Office (PESO) for assisting 251 applicants to be able to be employed in local jobs and for sending 54 Aklanon jobseekers for employment abroad.

The governor also cited efforts of the PESO to reestablish the satellite office of the National Bureau of Investigation in Aklan, to include the deployment of mobile passporting unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs to help and facilitate the needs of those seeking employment.  Increasing the number of slots in the summer jobs for students is also considered, he said.

Miraflores likewise added that along with Special Program for the Employment of Students, are the consistent scholarship program of the province given to poor but deserving students and to the family members of the Overseas Filipino Workers.

He also praised the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for causing the graduation of 3,747 students and from those graduates, a total of 2,520 had already found gainful employment.  Of the number, 1,591 Aklanon students were TESDA scholars with tuition fees worth P17.6 million and financial assistance of P2.2 million.

The governor also noted the 1,827 jobs generated by the Department of Trade and Industry last year in promoting and developing some 452 micro, small and medium enterprises in the province engaging in businesses utilizing indigenous resources of Aklan.  

This information is part of the State of the Province Address (SOPA) of Gov. Miraflores delivered during the 4th Regular Session of the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan on February 5, 2014. /MP

US Publications Cite Albay’s Model CCA-DRR

Two US based publications have cited Albay as model for disaster preparedness, referring particularly to its effective programs on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA).  

 The two US publications – Atlantic Cities and City Scope – which both run their online editions, noted how Albay institutionalized its CCA and DRR programs into its local government functional and organizational structures which helped develop a “culture of readiness” among its people.

In its February 4, 2014 issue, Atlantic Cities, in its article “In the Philippines, a Model for Confronting Nearly Every Disaster,” discussed how Albay, down constantly on its knees due to the brunt of typhoons and volcanic eruptions, rose to become the country’s model in disaster risk reduction management.

The article, written by Imelda Visaya Albano, said Albay Gov. Joey Salceda initiated “novel strategies to stir his province out of the concomitant effects of disasters, creating a culture of readiness by institutionalizing the DRRM program into the local government set up.”

Atlantic Cities describes itself as a magazine that “explores the most innovative ideas and pressing issues facing today’s global cities and neighborhoods.”

“Climate-change adaptation converges naturally, spontaneously and seamlessly on the ground. We have to do what we must for the people and for the planet. All it takes is political will,” said the article quoting Salceda.

The other publication, City Scope, published an article based on full length interview with the Albay governor titled “Joey Salceda: Key to disaster preparation is making the extraordinary very ordinary.” It cited the governor’s DRR and CCA strategy of continuous disaster risk assessments, comprehensive land use plan, detailed planning and training exercises involving local government and village leaders.

“We regularly update these things: risk maps, relocation sites; geostrategic and engineering interventions; early warning systems; community-based warning and evacuation planning; preemptive evacuation and healthcare as disaster response; and communication systems and plans,” it quoted Salceda.

“Know your hazards and exposures. Know your audience, the people.  Know your response in times of disasters such as class suspensions, rescue efforts, recovery of bodies, rehabilitation and evacuation centers. And know the capacity and limits of social media as a tool,” the article quoted Salceda as having stressed.

Salceda has overhauled the common notion among local government leaders that there’s no way out of natural disasters and that Albay, like other places prone to disasters, should accept the fate of non-development. “We are vulnerable to disasters but the local government and the communities can do something about it and we have proven that we can. It is just a matter of having the political will, the right budgeting, the right people and the right vision,” he explained.

“My vision for Albay is for it to become a most livable place, known for good schools, good hospitals and good environment that provide a better life for our people. While we address issues surrounding climate change and natural disaster that affect thousands of lives, I firmly believe we are forging ahead and progressing in terms of economy, education, environment, equity and health,” the article quoted Salceda.

He explained “there is no single bullet in doing it all,” but that the key is to mainstream climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk management into the everyday workings of the local government. 

To fine-tune development programs to CCA and DRR, Salceda created two new organic offices of Albay, the first of its genre in the country -- the  Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) and the Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Change Adaptation (CIRCA).

He likewise created the Albay Climate Change Academy, another first in the country and established it at the Bicol University. The academy has been hailed as a knowledge hub on CCA and DRR in Asia. The moves were aligned with local initiatives to achieve the UN’s Millennium Development Goals to reduce poverty and improve public health and education, on which Albay spends 9 percent of its budget on CCA and DRR activities.

The Albay experience gained wide attention, and the United Nations has declared as its Global Model and Salceda himself as Senior Global Champion and spokesman on CCA and DRR. He was subsequently elected co-chair of the UN Green Climate Fund where he represents Southeast Asia and the developing countries.      

Salceda said as a model, Albay must sustain its institutional structures and procedures in local governance; improve and strengthen both local and international funding support; and intensify its inter-regional functions through collaboration and partnership with other provinces. 

Albay has stepped up its land-use planning. Dangerous areas near the coast and within six to eight kilometers of the volcano are considered no-build zones. Its disaster rehabilitation strategy has recently been adopted by international donors and national government agencies involved in the Yolanda reconstruction. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Kapihak Nga Tagipusuon

Ro magnobyohanan nga si Alice ag Aldin hay andang guina selebrar ro adlaw it tagipusu-on paagi sa pagkorte it tagipusuon nga papel ag andang pihakon ag butangan it petsa. Pag abot it sang dag-on, naga kita eon man sanda agod mag obra it panibag-o nga tagipusuon. 

Tumaliwan ro tatlong dag-on, nag eaong si Alden nga mag adto sa Saudi tongod may trabaho nga naga hueat kana. Nag obra sanda it tagipusuon ogaling bukon it poea kundi asul ro kolor. Daea sa Saudi ni Alden ro kapihak ag haaywan kay Alice ro kapihak. Tumaliwan ro pilang buean, nagkagulo sa guina obrahan ni Alden. Nagsara ro andang kompanya busa owa eon imaw it pangitan-an. Agod may makaon, naga pamoeot imaw sa basurahan ag naga katoeog maskin siin. Guin dakop imaw it mga pulis ag guin preso bangod palaboy-laboy imaw sa kalye. 

Sa presuhan, may nakilaea imaw nga preso man nga manog guwa eon ag mauli dayon iya sa Pilipinas. Idto imaw naga estar sa lugar nanday Alice. Guin hinyo ni Alden nga ipadaea ro kapihak nga tagipusuon para kay Alice ag guin bilinan nga indi eon imaw paghueaton tongod owa it kasiguruhan nga maka uli pa imaw.

Makalipas ro pilang buean, napamatud-an nga owa it saea sanday Alden ag guin buhi-an sanda. Nakakita imaw it obra maskin kumporme basta eamang mabuhi. Nagtipon imaw it kwarta ag nagplano eon nga mauli iya sa Pilipinas. Pag abot nana, una nga guin adtunan si Alice. Hakibot si Alden nga ro nagbukas it poetahan hay anang amigo sa presohan nga si Ramon. Nag asawa si Alice kay Ramon tongod guin sugid nana nga patay eon si Alden. Golpi nga pumanaw si Alden nga owa hikita si Alice. Nagbalik imaw sa Saudi ag idto naka asawa it manggaranon nga negosyante. /MP    

NSO Celebrates Civil Registration Month

In keeping with one of its mandates to enforce the Civil Registry Law, the National Statistics Office, Kalibo, Aklan is currently celebrating this year’s Civil Registration Month with the theme: “Ikaw at Ako Tungo sa Wastong Pagrerehistro.”

The annual observance of this activity is anchored on Presidential Proclamation No.682 “Declaring the Month of February of every year as Civil Registration Month.”

According to Mr. Blas M. Solidum, Provincial Statistics Officer, the celebration aims to promote the importance of civil registration to the public as well as to develop awareness on the value of civil registry documents in legal, administrative, and statistical fields.

“By registering all facts concerning birth, marriage and death information including subsequent modifications in the civil registry books, we can generate vital statistical data that will serve as basis for formulation of health programs, population projection and policy-making activities of the government for social and economic growth,” PSO Solidum said.

The celebration kicked off with the hanging of streamer at the façade of NSO-Aklan provincial office, which was simultaneously done in different municipalities of Aklan. Likewise, the NSO will conduct series of fora to different schools in the province to inform students and teachers on the current laws and regulations on civil registration with the aim to address several problems on their civil registry documents, especially birth certificate.

Before the end of this month-long celebration, a civil registration quiz, mobile free registration and mass wedding program will be conducted in cooperation with different local civil registry offices in Aklan.

PSO Solidum urges the public to support this activity and instill the importance of civil registration for an effective civil registry system in Aklan and country in general. /MP

Kapihan Sa Aklan Re-Launch On Feb. 28

Kapihan Sa Aklan will be re-launched on Feb. 28 at the Carmen Hotel in Kalibo, Aklan.

The Aklan Media Forum, to be managed by an advisory council with secretariat staff housed at the School of Mass Communication of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC), will be covered by local, regional, and nationally-circulated newspapers, with radio-cable television networks, signing up as media partners.

The organizing body are veteran journalists and Manila-based daily newspaper columnist, Juan P. Dayang, chairman; advisory council: Atty. Allen Salas Quimpo, president of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges, chairman; Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, former president, Aklan Press Club, vice chairman; Dr. Danilo E. Abayon, president, Aklan State University; Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, former president, Aklan Press Club; Odon S. Bandiola, former president, Aklan Press Club; Butz J. Maquinto of RGMA Super Radio, and, a priest to be nominated by Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc as members.

Ms. Rafaelina Abitang Arguelles, widow of the late Billy Regalado Arguelles, founding managing director of the erstwhile Kapihan Sa Aklan, will serve as managing director.  She will be assisted by Edwin R. Ramos of PIA and Ms. Sally R. Villasis, former chairperson of the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkasters sa Pilipinas.

Gary F. Vargas, president of the Aklan Press Club, will serve as coordinator.

The Institutional Partners of the Kapihan Sa Aklan are the ASU, NVC, Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Panay Technological College, and other institutions and advocates of press freedom which include educational, cultural and civic organizations. /MP

Miraflores Bares Aklan Multi-Billion Peso Infra Projects


Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores has bared several major infrastructure projects completed, on-going and planned this year whose project costs may reach up to more than a billion pesos.

This was contained in his 17-page State of the Province Address (SOPA) he delivered in 55 minutes during the 4th Regular Session of the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan on February 5, 2014.

Miraflores reported the on-going P437.2 million Kalibo International Airport Development Project being implemented by the Department of Transportation and Communication which includes the construction of the new terminal building, rehabilitation of the old terminal building, runway extension and apron extension.

Miraflores did not cite the project cost. He reported that the Kalibo Circumferential Road will soon be started which will connect the eastern part of Aklan starting at the Kalibo International Airport onward to the west through barangay Tigayon, Kalibo where the Kalibo Bridge 2 will be constructed across the Aklan River to connect to the west in barangay Mina, passing through barangays Bagto, Carugdog, Cogon, Lezo to Calangcang, Makato and finally reconnects to the national highway.

The governor also reported the P330 million rehabilitation of the aged Kalibo-Numancia bridge and the construction of a parallel bridge connecting the east and west of Aklan through the capital town and the town of Numancia just across the Aklan River to the west.

Miraflores cited the National Irrigation Administration P124.4 million projects in Aklan for small irrigation systems in Libacao, Altavas, Malinao, and Balete; national irrigation systems in Tangalan, Malinao, Ibajay, and Nabas; and, pump irrigation system, concreting of pavement dryers, bank protection and others.

Miraflores likewise cited the P69.4 million projects being pursued by the Provincial Engineer’s Office like the rehabilitation of the Aklan Sports Complex, concreting of barangay roads, coastal protection projects, eco-tourism projects, improvement of the main capitol building, hospital upgrading and rivers desilting.  

He likewise reported the P348 million worth of completed and on-going projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways to include tourism enhancement related infrastructure projects, infrastructure maintenance, immediate response projects, basic education facilities, water, sanitation and health facilities.

Among others, Miraflores enumerated the significant infrastructure projects as follows:

- P48 million river control-revetment wall along Aklan River in Banga;
- P10.9 million Aklan east road widening;
- P22.8 million Altavas-Jamindan road;
- P11.6 million Makato Bridge;
- P48 million Aklan west road widening;
- Kalibo-Nabas, Aklan P35.7 million west road widening;
- P50 million Tangalan-Ibajay road;
- P32.5 million Boracay circumferential road; and
- P20 million AUS-AID fund for provincial road upgrading. /MP