ELECTRICITY IN THE WIND

ELECTRICITY IN THE WIND

Nabas Wind Power Project which generate 18MW electric power located at Brgy. Pawa, Nabas, Aklan.

Aklanon Journalists who visited recently the Nabas Petro Wind Project to familiarize themselves about the project. They are listening to the briefing by the management. /MP

This is the 300 meters high hill where the metro wind project is located and over looking the resort island of Boracay, the Sibuyan Sea, Tabyas Island, and Nabas viscinity.

BALETE INSTITUTIONALIZES BRIGADA ESKWELA 2015

BALETE INSTITUTIONALIZES 

BRIGADA ESKWELA 2015

By Alwin I. Yasa

Pursuant to DepEd Order No. 24, s. 2008 entitled “Institutionalization of the Brigada Eskwela Program or the National Schools Maintenance Week (NSMW)”, the Balete Elementary School with its stakeholders enjoined the nationwide volunteerism-oriented program of the Department of Education.

This activity covers a five-day period in its opening on the 18th of May and to be completed on the 22nd of the same month. Participants to this movement is solicited a kind heart to grant donations, do a quantity of minor classroom and furniture repairs or repainting, beautify the surroundings and other forms of lending a hand through the spirit of volunteerism in order to prepare the school ready for learning comes regular opening of classes this June 2015.

The committees spearheaded by Mr. Julio R. Gallardez, Jr., Principal II were organized during the Pre-Implementation stage. There were assessment of Physical Facilities and Maintenance Needs of the School to identify school’s activities. The Advocacy and Marketing Committee made the public aware of the BE and encouraged the stakeholders to get involved thru radio announcement and by hanging of streamers and tarpaulins.

The Resource Mobilization Committee generated resources needed and sought manpower to implement the projects. The true spirit of cooperation reigned the place as they worked hand-in-hand during its implementation. Various activities were directed and monitored. The Administration and Finance Committee provided administrative support and managed BE funds; and the Documentation Committee prepared the required reports and documentation. The weeklong-activity is successfully implemented. Mabuhay Balete Elementary School! /MP

Aklan Building Constructions Grow By 41.2% In 2014

Aklan Building Constructions 

Grow By 41.2% In 2014

The total number of new construction projects from approved building permits in Aklan reached to 603 in 2014 or an increase of 41.2 percent compared to 2013 figure of 427. 

The second quarter of 2014 had the highest number of buildings constructed with 219, followed by the third quarter with 158. On the other hand, in 2013, the 2nd quarter registered the highest construction of 123, while the 4th quarter has the lowest with only 94 buildings constructed.

Among the 17 municipalities, Malay recorded the highest number of new construction projects with 257 (42.6%), followed by Kalibo with 207 (34.3%), Banga with 43 (7.1%), New Washington with 20 (3.3%), and Ibajay with 15 (2.5%).

Residential-type of building projects rose by 17.2 percent or 355 in 2014 against 303 in 2013. On the other hand, non-residential constructions increased by 100.0 percent from 124 in 2013 to 248 in 2014.

Similarly, the total value of construction projects in Aklan for 2014 reached to P 5.7 billion, an increase by about five times the amount reported in 2013 at P1.2 billion. 

Value of construction for new residential buildings increased by 1.2 percent from P714.2 million to P750.4 million in 2014, while, the value of construction for new non-residential building soared about four times from P1.3 billion in 2013 to P4.9 billion in 2014. 

Given a total floor area of 118,034 square meters, the average cost of residential building construction in 2014 amounted to P6, 358 per square meter.

According to Mrs. Rodelyn Panadero, Interim Provincial Statistics Officer, statistics generated from approved building permits are the bases of estimating the level of construction activity in computing the national income accounts and indicators on the level of investments in the Philippines.

Construction statistics are compiled by PSA-Aklan from copies of original application forms of approved building permits as well as from the demolition permits collected every month by PSA from the offices of Local Building Officials in every municipality. /MP

Let’s Fiesta Bids Farewell To Kapuso Viewers

Let’s Fiesta Bids Farewell To Kapuso Viewers

After more than three years of discovering the country’s magnificent sceneries, colorful festivals, and delicious native delicacies, GMA’s locally produced travel and culture program Let’s Fiesta bids goodbye to loyal Kapuso viewers as it airs its final episode this Sunday, May 31.

Let’s Fiesta, the “only travel show that focuses on the celebration of Philippine festivals,” as Senior Program Manager for Regional Entertainment TV Jocelyn Bautista-Pacleb puts it, presents for its last feature, Pangasinan’s Pistay Dayat Festival.

Celebrated in the capital town of Lingayen , Pistay Dayat is a two-week gathering of all the coastal towns in Pangasinan as thanksgiving for the year’s bountiful harvest from the sea. After joining in the revelry, Let’s Fiesta host and comedian John Feir takes viewers to some of the province’s unknown yet worth-discovering sites.

John shares the reason why he loved hosting the show: “Ito ‘yung natututo ako sa iba’t ibang mga bagay tungkol sa mga lugar, tao, at kultura. Dito rin sa Let’s Fiesta, natutunan ko ‘yung value ng pakikisama sa mga taong nami-meetko.”

Given John’s travelling experience, he surely now has a few “essential tips” for first-timers and old-timers alike. “Know the place. Be fit. Makisama sa mga taong nami-meet mo. Enjoy and try everything that you can,” he enumerates. One more thing that’s very vital is for one to have a traveller’s checklist. “Importante ‘yun, para walang makalimutan,” he concludes.

Meanwhile, some of the show’s celebrity guests are asked to share their most memorable Let’s Fiesta experience. Here’s what Kapuso male stars Alden Richards, Benjamin Alves, and Rocco Nacino have to say:

Alden: “Most memorable Let’s Fiesta experience for me was when we went to Davao specifically at Eden Nature Park . May isang place doon, it’s uphill, malamig parang Baguio, then meron silang zipline, and then we went caving inside. It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to.”

Benjamin: “Our trip from Bacolod to Dumaguete. Until now, every time I see the Let’s Fiesta crew, that’s all we talk about. Plus we really came together as a family during that trip. I love those guys.”

Rocco: “It was when we climbed one of the mountains in Bacolod and swam in the waterfalls. The experience was just amazing that it made me appreciate nature more.”

Do not miss Let’s Fiesta’s final episode this Sunday, May 31, from 7:00am to 8:00am, airing via GMA’s regional channels in Bacolod , Ilocos, Bicol, Dagupan, Cebu, Iloilo , Davao , GenSan, and Cagayan de Oro. /MP

Kanta Ni Tita Linda

Saea Nga Pagpabangod

ni Tita Linda Belayro

Isaeang ka “Call Center Agent” si Doris. Isaeang ka single mother ag may unga nga sambilog. Abo nga naga kahisa kay Doris sa opisina bangod sa anang pagkamaaeam ag mahugod pa. Bosa, napili-an nga “Outstanding employee” si Doris. Guintaw-an imaw it plake ag cash bilang premyo.

May nasapawan nga empleyado si Doris. Imaw si Flory nga kahilapit-baeay man ni Doris. Bangod nga owa imaw napili-i nga “Outstanding Employee”, buot nana nga makabaeos. Nag-usoy si Flory it paagi agud mapahuya si Doris. Parabil mag-adto sa opisina si Doris, may isaeang ka ea-eaki nga naga agi sa andang tangpa-an. Kon maguli ro ea-eaki ngara hay naga babay pa kana ro anang unga. Imaw ro nakikita ni Flory parabil imaw magpanaw sa opisina. Guinpamalita nana sa mga empliyado ro anang hakita. Umabot sa kaaeaman it manager. Guin patawag si Doris. Nakibot imaw it duro. Guinpangutana nana kon sin-o ro nagpamalita. Pagkasayod nana nga si Flory rong ugat it kaguluhan, guin hinyo nana nga magpatawag it miting ro manager. Guin kangay ni Doris rong eaeaki nga permeng nakikita ni Flory. Umabot rong tanan nga empliyado. Guin presentar rong tanan nga empliyado. Guin suguid ni Doris nga ro eaeaki hay owa it iba kundi anang ama. Guin unga imaw bago nag-asawa ro anang ama. Kada agahon, guina daehan nana it gatas ro anang apo, driber abi imaw it companya it gatas.

Pagkabati ko mga empliyado, mansig dungok sanda, eabi guid si Flory. Imbis nga pahalinun si Doris ko manager, guin taw-an it suspension si Flory. Tungod sa suspensiyon, nagdesisyon eon lang si Flory nga maghalin sa trabaho. Halin kato, owa eon it naga kontra kay Doris. 

Isaea guid matuod nga huwaran nga empleyado si Doris. Mabahoe rong respeto kana ko tanan nga empleyado. Mas malipayon sa tanan ro manager bangod owa imaw magsaea sa pagpili kay Doris bilang modelong empleyado. /MP

Go Negosyo Center To Boost Aklan’s Small And Microenterprises

Go Negosyo Center To Boost Aklan’s

Small And Microenterprises

by Recto I. Vidal

SENATOR Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino said last week that the signing into law of the Go Negosyo Act by President Benigno Simeon Aquino gives a major boost to the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province as well as for the rest of the country.

“The approval of the Go Negosyo Act into a law is a fulfillment of our commitment to push for MSME development in the country,” said Senator Aquino, the law’s author and chairperson of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

As the first inclusive growth-related and pro-poor legislation to be passed into law by the present administration, Aquino believes the Go Negosyo Act will further the growth of the MSME industry, which comprises 99 percent of all enterprises and 66 percent of jobs in the country.

Last year, Malacanang announced the signing of Republic Act (RA) 10644 or An Act Promoting Job Generation and Inclusive Growth Through the Development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.”With MSMEs getting all the help they need through the Go Negosyo Act. It will now be easier for them to start a business or expand existing industries,” Aquino told the local media during an ambush interview during the opening of Aklan’s Go Negosyo Center located within the Department of Trade and Industry office, Kalibo. 

Presidential Communications Operations Office secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the new law would help create new jobs and livelihood for more Filipinos.

The Act mandates the creation of Negosyo Centers, under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in each city and municipality around the Philippines. These Negosyo centers are meant to make it easier for entrepreneurs to register and start up their businesses, as well as gain access to sources of financing.

In addition, the Negosyo Centers will provide courses and development programs, training, and advices on business conceptualization and feasibility, financing, management, capability building, human resources, marketing and other support services. /MP

‘Better Rice Initiatives Asia’ Sets To Increase Iloilo Rice Productivity

‘Better Rice Initiatives Asia’ Sets 

To Increase Iloilo Rice Productivity

by Sheila Mae H. Toreno

Iloilo is among the three provinces selected for the implementation of the Better Rice Initiatives Asia - Fostering Agriculture and Rice Marketing by Improved Education and Rural Advisory Services (BRIA-FARMERS) here in the Philippines. 

According to Chief Advisor Matthias Radek of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), BRIA-FARMERS aims to support small-holder rice farmers in increasing their income by optimizing their production techniques,  marketing access and the strengthening of the whole rice value chain. This shall contribute to make the Philippine rice sector more competitive.

Mr. Radek added that the project is being implemented in collaboration with a wide range of partners such as the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and private partners such as Yara and Bayer Crop Science. Project sites of BRIA-FARMERS are in the provinces of Iloilo, Aurora, and Southern Leyte. 

Six municipalities in Iloilo will be involved which are Leganes, Mina, Oton, Pototan, Sta. Barbara and Zarraga. 

GIZ and its partners had considered several factors in choosing the project areas. “The municipalities have a majority of their agricultural areas planted with rice, their yield per hectare is equal to or less than the provincial yield, and there is a share of irrigated and rainfed lowlands. Also, there should be the presence of local traders in the area for the marketing component and the involved municipalities shall have a positive record in terms of good housekeeping (DILG Seal of Good Housekeeping),” Mr. Radek emphasized during the interview. 

There will be training among Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAOs), Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and field technicians of Iloilo at Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center, Jaro, Iloilo City from May 25 until May 28. 

“We aim at strengthening the agricultural extension service by offering specific modules such as the use of a learning technique called Adult Learning. This will help the farmer leaders and extension workers in presenting agriculture contents in a very interesting and joyful manner. AEWs are very skilled and they are experts in technical details. At the same time it is important to see that a good learning methodology can improve the learning effect for their audience especially when explaining very complex issues. Thus, this module will give them the opportunity to deliver their knowledge even better,” Mr. Radek explained. 

Some 30 MAOs and AEWs will attend the four-day activity which besides adult learning also includes intensive workshops topics such as farming as a business, designed for farmers to learn more about farm economics and improve their farm management from an economic point of view and thus improve their incomes.  In the months to come BRIA-FARMERS will offer a series of trainings with new training modules and new topics, which the BRIA-participating municipalities wished to avail. Soon, the project partners will also establish demo-fields displaying several options on how to improve rice production. 

“The training is just a part of the whole package. We are also providing support to participating LGUs and will assist the municipalities in establishing demo plots, conducting field visits and improving information drive for the farmers. We will help the LGUs deliver more and even better trainings,” he added. 

On March 18 this year, DA and GIZ signed a memorandum of agreement on BRIA-FARMERS which will run until November 2017. Besides in the Philippines, BRIA is also working in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam aiming to improve the rice value chains in Southeast Asia, and contributing to sustainable rice production and healthy rice-based nutrition. /MP

Entrepreneurial

Smoking Gently To Die Sweetly

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

According to the Department of Health report, 10 Filipinos die every hour due to smoking and its complications. This is equivalent to 240 deaths a day.

The report suggested the conduct of a massive information campaign against smoking in all places in the Philippines to reduce if not totally stop smoking. The information campaign should be addressed to the children and parents.

Statistics show there are about 17.3 million Filipinos who are tobacco smokers which may lead to cancer and other chronic diseases, warns Dr. Ivanhoe Escortin of the Department of Health (DOH).

To none smokers, it is equally dangerous to go near a smoking person. Second hand cigarette smoke is equally dangerous. There are 64 percent of the Filipino youth who are exposed to second hand smoke in public places. In the ASEAN member states, about 600,000 die annually due to exposure to second hand tobacco smoke.

About six (6) million people die yearly caused by smoking tobacco in the world.

Can Sex Keep Heart Healthy?

This question is answered in the article: “Heart to Heart” by Quincey Joel V. Cahilig of the Philippine Rotary Magazine, May 2015 issue. Cahilig interviewed Dr. Adolfo B. Bellosillo, a cardiologist at the Makati Medical Center.

Here are what Dr. Bellosillo said during his interview with Cahilig:

“Sex can keep the heart healthy. It is good for the heart, but it actually depends on how one does it. Sex can be considered as a workout and most likely, if a person is physically active during intercourse, there are health benefits.”

But Dr. Bellosillo cautions that sexual activity is not good as aerobics or jogging. There are qualifications for a physical activity to have a good effect on the heart.

First, it must use the big muscles in alternate contraction and relaxation.

Second, it must be done regularly.

Finally, it must raise one’s heart rate to a desired level for 30 minutes.

Dr. Bellosillo, based on research findings said, the desired heart rate during intercourse is only reached during orgasm. Can orgasm last for one half hour? “Hence, sex is not a good form of exercise to keep the heart healthy,” said Dr. Bellosillo.

He advised that sex in the morning can be dangerous for individuals who suffer from hypertension and coronary heart disease due to the phenomenon called Circadian Variation. “If one has a coronary heart disease or hypertension, moments that will make one’s heart beat fast and hard sex must be avoided because the heart will require oxygen which will not easily pass through.

Studies show that in the process of waking up in the morning, a person’s adrenal glands are already being stimulated to secrete hormones called adrenaline and non-adrenaline which are notorious for making a person’s heart beat faster and harder. “How much more if one exercises or engages in sexual intercourse?” Dr. Bellosillo asked.

Nevertheless, he prescribes to those who can’t really resist to take their medication before hand.

Hypertension is a lifetime disease, Dr. Bellosillo stressed. There is no medication and surgical procedures that can cure hypertension. The only way to be protected from high blood pressure is the regular intake of prescribed medicines.

Are Men More Prone To Heart Disease Than Women?

According to Dr. Bellosillo, the risk is almost the same in both genders depending on the kind of heart disease. But during the early years, the risk of atherosclerotic  heart disease, the build-up of plaques in the blood vessels that lead to stroke and heart attack, is higher in men than in women. But when women reach the age of menopause, the incidence of heart attack becomes almost equal with men. And worse when women have a hear attack, it is more fatal. This is due to the protection by their hormones during the child bearing years of women.

Heart attack is usually triggered when platelets in the blood suddenly aggregate which blocks blood flow. Research studies show Aspirin diminishes the tendency of platelets to aggregate and helps lower the risk of heart attack.

Dr. Bellosillo advised those who take Aspirin to take it after meal. Better still to take the said drug late in the evening because it will help prevent platelet aggregation which happens at four o’clock dawn.

Eat Fruits Before Meals

To eat fruits after meals is not to help digestive system according to Dr. Ping Bonus, a lifestyle and integrative medicine physician. She advised people to eat vegetables first before eating meat. This is understandable as vegetables had fiber while meat has no fiber. Human body needs fiber to help digest the meat.

Dr. Bonus suggests that meat must be eaten at lunch and not during dinner. Meat eaten at lunch can be best digested while meat eaten at dinner can hardly be digested because people tends to sleep after eating in the evening.

“It is best to eat fruits 30 minutes before meals,” Dr. Bonus pointed out. /MP

Editorial

Sen. Bongbong Seeks 

Senate Probe On Kentex Fire

SENATOR Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has sought for a Senate inquiry into the massive fire that killed 72 workers in a slipper and rubber factory in Valenzuela City.

Marcos, member of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, on Wednesday filed Senate Resolution 1365 directing the appropriate committee, in aid of legislation, to look into the circumstances that led to the May 13 fire that razed the Kentex Manufacturing Corporation.

In his resolution, Marcos stressed the need for legislative measures to enhance and strengthen occupational safety and health standards.  Initial reports said the slipper factory had violated safety standards and several labor laws.

“We need to strengthen existing laws on safety and health in the workplace to prevent a repeat of what the ILO itself has described as a preventable accident,” he said.

Marcos noted that Section 3, Article 13 of the Constitution provides that the State shall guarantee full protection to labor, particularly the entitlement of workers to humane conditions of work.

The Department of Labor and Employment earlier said Kentex had passed safety and health inspection in September 2014, or 8 months prior to the incident.

“That a factory like Kentex could pass the scrutiny of our labor inspectors calls into question how thorough these compliance checks are. The Senate inquiry will also look into the level and quality of cooperation between national agencies and local governments not only on fire prevention drives but also in promoting occupational safety and health standards in various workplaces,” he added.

The Senate inquiry will also look into the regularity of occupational safety and health inspections and policies, as well as fire inspections. “Kung once in a blue moon ito, ang mensahe sa mga workers ay bahala na kayo sa buhay ninyo. Sabi nga ng isang manggagawa ng Kentex, limang taon na siya sa factory ni isang fire drill ay di niya naranasan.”

The senator from Ilocos Norte observed that there has been some blame-tossing between the Bureau of Fire Protection and the city government of Valenzuela. 

“The Senate probe will be impartial, thorough, and constructive. The bereaved families deserve some answers. I would also be interested to know what more needs to be done to prevent a repeat of the Kentex fire,” Marcos said. 

Quick Departure Of BSM Teacher Puzzles Marcos

SENATOR Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. is puzzled by the quick departure from the country of the British School Manila (BSM) teacher who allegedly scolded for plagiarism the student who killed himself last February 6.

This developed on Tuesday during a public hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, presided over by its vice chairman, Sen. Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III, as Natalie Mann, the IB Coordinator of BSM, was found to have slipped out of the country just almost a month after Liam Joseph Madamba, one of the top graduating students of the school, jumped from the 6th floor of Dela Rosa car park building on February 6 and died at the Makati Medical Center.

“Why did she leave…. why does she never take the opportunity to explain the precise circumstances that happened? Up to this day, the family (of Madamba) cannot figure out what happen here and what seems to be rapid departure (of Mann) from the country does not help things at all,” Marcos said.

During the hearing, an affidavit of Mann was submitted to the committee explaining her side, but Marcos was dismayed since Mann had never explained personally to Madamba’s family what happened when she met him and another student on February 5 where both students allegedly “revealed and admitted the plagiarism immediately” in essays for the subject “Theory of Knowledge (TOK).”

“What kind of process did Mrs. Mann and her line-managers undertake to determine plagiarism?...And how is a serious charge concluded without the parents involved?” Trixie, the mother of Madamba, asked during the hearing.

Mann allegedly scolded, shamed and humiliated Madamba, which caused him depression believed to be the factor that drove him to take his own life.

Trixie told the panel that her son was made to write a letter of apology addressed to the entire student body.

“Did Mrs. Mann explain to Liam that it was going to be delivered to the audience, or was it just a ‘make believe’ audience to further increase the reflection process? If it was a ‘make believe’ audience, then isn’t it just the most cruel form of punishment a teacher can give a child who does not know better?” she asked. /MP

OFW IN DEATH ROW ACTED IN SELF-DEFENSE ACT

OFW IN DEATH ROW ACTED 

IN SELF-DEFENSE ACT

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay believed the overseas Filipino worker sentenced to death in the Middle East for killing her employer only tried to protect herself. 

“Personally, speaking as a lawyer and upon initial appreciation of the facts as reported by the Philippine Embassy, it does look like Jennifer’s actions were justified,” he said.

Twenty-eight-year-old Jennifer Dalquez was sentenced to death on May 20 by the Al Ain Court of First Instance in Abu Dhabi for killing her Emirati employer.

Dalquez’ family however said Jennifer was only defending herself after her employer tried to rape her.

Binay, the Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, declined to provide further details on the case saying there are still legal remedies the government will pursue. However, he said he hopes Dalquez’ sentence will be overturned.

“Trial court pa lang ‘yon. So may apela pa. Mahaba pa ang prosesong ‘yon. Pero nandiyan na ‘yong gobyerno natin at tutulong in the appeal,” the Vice President said.

Binay vowed to provide every possible means of assistance to Dalquez and her family, adding the help extended to Dalquez is the same being extended to all OFWs on death row.

“’Yong kay [Mary Jane] Veloso, ang gobyerno [natin ay] kumuha ng abogado para sa kanya. Binayarannatin ‘yon ng $30,000,” he said. /MP

Sen. Marcos Urges DBM: Release IRA LGUs Share On Time

Sen. Marcos Urges DBM:

Release IRA LGUs Share On Time

Taking the cudgels for local government units, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. this week urged the Deparment of Budget and Management to abandon the practice of impounding, even if only on a temporary basis, the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share of LGUs.

 Marcos, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government, aired this appeal based on a news article on the 2013 report of the Commission on Audit admonishing DBM for its failure to release on time almost P303 billion in IRA shares of LGUs.

 “Majority of our LGUs are still IRA-dependent so for the DBM to keep them waiting before releasing their just share is like withholding the day’s wage of a working father who has  a hungry family waiting for him at home,” Marcos said.

 As a former Ilocos Norte governor, Marcos has first-hand experience of the challenges local government officials face, particularly those in areas heavily-dependent on the IRA share and other national government subsidies.

 Based on this experience Marcos filed Senate Bill No. 113, calling for automatic release and appropriations to host LGU of its 40 percent share in the gross collection of the national government from national wealth taxes.

 He noted that while the Local Government Code of 1991 mandates a direct release of the shares of LGU’s on national wealth taxes within five days after the end of each quarter, many local governments are complaining they do not get their share or it takes a long time before they do.

 “These unfortunate situations are negatively impacting on the efforts of LGUs to effectively program their priorities, as well as on the delivery of basic services to their constituents,” Marcos said.

 Apart from filling SB 113, Marcos has expressed strong support for initiatives in the Senate to increase the IRA share of LGUs.

“The IRA shares for CY 2013 of the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the national taxes amounting to P302,806,286,459.00 were not automatically released to LGUs but maintained under DBM Administered Funds (Fund 103) in violation of Section 6, Article X, General Provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution,” the COA said in its 2013 report.

Marcos said this practice runs counter to the concept of local autonomy under the Local Government Code, which empowers local governments to chart the destiny of their locality. 

 He noted however, that such empowerment carries with it enormous responsibilities especially on the devolved functions of agriculture, health care, social services and environmental management.

 Marcos said the attainment of a meaningful local autonomy is the rationale why LGUs are allocated, in addition to their revenue generating power, a just share in the IRA collection  and the proceeds of the utilization and development of the national wealth within their respective areas. /MP

GARIN PUSHES REVIEW OF NUTRITION POLICIES, DRAFT BILL TO ENSURE PROPER NOURISHMENT OF PINOY KIDS

GARIN PUSHES REVIEW OF NUTRITION POLICIES, DRAFT BILL TO ENSURE PROPER NOURISHMENT OF PINOY KIDS

The House of Representatives could soon undertake a comprehensive review of the country’s nutrition policies and programs, AAMBIS-Owa party list Representative Sharon S. Garin said on Thursday, May 7, 2015.

“We need to review our existing laws to ensure that a comprehensive legal framework on nutrition is in place. That is we should support women’s efforts to follow the recommended infant  and young child’s feeding practices and we should address obesity by establishing regulations that require nutrition labeling, food fortification and giving subsidies for healthy foods and disincentives for unhealthy foods,” Rep. Garin said.

Garin recently attended the 132nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly held in Hanoi, Vietnam, where the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed to Asian lawmakers that a child’s growth will be stunted irreversibly, if he or she fails to get proper nourishment and care during the first 1,000 days from conception to the child’s second birthday.

UNICEF also said there are at least 162 million undernourished children in developing nations.

An advocate of children and food security, Garin is now drafting a bill to institutionalize the care for every Filipino child, especially during the 1,000 day-window, from conception to the child’s second birthday based on the IPU resolution.

The IPU Assembly was a meeting of selected legislators from East and Southeast Asia. It seeks to enhance understanding among lawmakers on issues related to malnutrition and stunting espousing the UNICEF study.

The UNICEF said, under-nutrition is caused by a lack of adequate nutritious food, poor care and feeding practices, and limited access to health and sanitation, especially during the first 1,000 days, which lead to stunted growth (height for age) and impaired cognitive development. 

UNICEF warns legislators this poses 20 to 25 percent reduction in income for adults which would result to a 2 to 3 percent loss of the gross domestic product for nations if the problem of under nutrition continues to persist.

UNICEF study further show that in contrast there are about 44 million children under age 5 in developing countries who are overweight and at risk of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes. Of the world’s children with stunted growth two thirds (2/3) live in Asia.

UNICEF urges legislators to ensure that implementation of policies and programs aimed at improving infant and young child nutrition will get fair share of their respective nation’s budget.

Rep. Garin vows to convince her colleagues in Congress to use the powers of scrutiny and oversight of Congress to make sure that the funds are used properly and the concerned departments enforce the pro-nutrition legislations.

“All of us should take stand against unacceptably high rates of malnutrition today. If not, we could find our country saddled with very weak human capital in the future where majority of the population are not smart and fit enough to engage in professional jobs,” Rep. Garin said. /MP

Miagao Holds Info Caravan After Techno Demo

Miagao Holds Info 

Caravan After Techno Demo

by Sheila Toreno

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office 6 conducted the Agricultural Information Caravan and Technology Forum with emphasis on ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integration during the opening of the 3rd Farmers and Fisherfolk Week of the Municipality of Miagao held at JRBB Hall, recently.

Municipal Mayor Macario Napulan cited that Miagao is one of the most progressive towns and is considered as the center of quality bulb onion production in the region. “Ang kauswagan sang Miagao nagasandig sa sektor sang agrikultura,” he added. 

The celebration theme is “Paghugpong sang Mangunguma kag Mangingisda Sabat sa Kalibutanon nga Pag-hangkat sa Industriya.”

Dr. Jonic S. Natividad of the DA Regulatory Division encouraged around 500 farmer-participants to give importance on food safety and organic farming as means to compete with the upcoming AEC integration. He discussed salient points of Good Agricultural Practices and Good Animal Husbandry Practices as well as the major commodities of the town which can be certified with the said practices. 

Technical persons from the banner and other major programs of DA, as well as representatives from Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), and Philippine Coconut Authority highlighted the various services and programs available to individual farmers/fisherfolks and associations. 

On the other hand, Iloilo Asst. Provincial Agriculturist Elias Sandig reiterated to the participants the need to form themselves into farmers/fisherfolks group in order to have better access to various government programs on agriculture. 

Engr. Bernard Castillano of NIA reported the list of irrigation projects approved under 2015 budget. Meanwhile, ATI Center Director Eden DLR Bautista shared to the farmers their different education and extension services available in support to the DA’s production and marketing assistance. 

Joel Solis of PCA encouraged the coconut farmers of Miagao to focus not only on copra as means to augment their income. According to him, given that the municipality of Miagao has high production in coconut, farmers could go into processing of virgin coconut oil, coco sugar and coconut fiber and twine. Furthermore, Solis enumerated the three major programs of PCA including the Coconut Fertilization, Participatory Coconut Planting Project and the Coconut Seedlings Dispersal Project. 

With the onset of drought period, most farmers bear with production losses. Thus, Clarence Jereza of PCIC stressed among the participants to enlist themselves in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture in order to insure their crops, livestock, facilities and farm equipment without premium. 

PCC Center Director Arn Granada said that there is a need to upgrade the breeding stocks of dairy animals in order to meet the high demand of the region. Dir. Granada said that Western Visayas has been producing national champions in the dairy production for the past two years. 

Robert Espinosa of BFAR discussed the two scholarship programs of the bureau being offered to children of fisherfolk members. 

To provide farmers with extra livelihood, Ma. Elena Javier conducted a techno demonstration on bangus deboning, Ma. Teresa Celiz of PCC on cheese making, and Alex Nares of OPA-Iloilo on piglet castration. /MP

Business Community Condemns Harassment Versus Aklan Resort Owner

Business Community Condemns

Harassment Versus Aklan Resort Owner

by Johnny P. Dayang

A cloud of fear has enveloped the business community in an emerging tourism town in Aklan after the local government there ordered the closure of a resort owned by a leader of the local chamber of commerce without due process.

Businessman Ariel Abriam, past Boracay chapter president of the Philippines Chambers of Commerce and Industries (PCCI), has asked the Regional Trial Court in Kalibo to order Mayor Quezon F. Labindao of Buruanga, Aklan to cease and desist from further implementing the notice of permanent closure he issued versus Ariel’s Point, a resort in the area that has caught the fancy of international tourists and has been featured in several online sites.

Ariel’s Point, acquired by the Abriam family in 2009 and has been granted permits and licenses by the office of Labindao and the national government since then up to 2014, is a subject of a permanent closure order issued by the mayor on March 3, 2015 that was enforced immediately.

Abriam, through his counsel Marienne M. Ibadlit, in response, filed a petition for certiorari, prohibition and mandamus with urgent application for temporary restraining order (TRO), and/or writ of preliminary prohibition/mandatory injunction.

In his petition, Abriam said he became a subject of harassment by the municipal government since June 2014 up to the time when Ariel’s Point Resort was padlocked by Labindao’s men.

Abriam revealed that in one occasion during a hearing set by the municipal government on the alleged violations of Ariel’s Point Resort, Labindao disclosed his desire to have the property acquired by Oceanpark, which already has a facility nearby. “He explained that it would be more beneficial to the Municipality of Buruanga if the property is sold to Oceanpark as it is a bigger investor.”

He said the municipal government only concocted grounds to shut down the resort, and that the closure order was issued without due process.

Abriam, thus, asked the court to issue a 72-hour ex-parte TRO; upon summary hearing extend the TRO for another 20 days, and subsequently injunction orders to permanently stop the implementation of the mayor’s order to padlock the resort.

Aside from declaring the notice of closure as null and void, Abriam also wants the judge to order Labindao and his fellow respondents to pay P4.7 million in indemnity, damages and litigation fees. /MP

Kanta Ni Tita Linda

Ro Unga Nga Mahugod

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro unga nga mahugod,

Sa ulihi indi magkalisod,

Sanay sa obra ag pagkayod,

Bugae ko anang mga igmanghod.

Nalipay si Nanay,

Bugaeon si Tatay,

Sa ungang mahugod,

Ga tao it kalipay.

Sa trabaho masaligan,

Ro oras guina pangin puslan,

Guina obra rong tanan,

Agod indi maagahan.

Mahugod man sa pagtuon,

Guina tun-an tanan nga leksyon,

Agod sa klase hay haum,

Pangutana ni ma’am masabat dayon.

Ro unga nga mahugod,

Bugae it pamilya,

Manggad ko atong banwa,

Maeapit kana rong grasya. /MP

MISMATCH!!!

MISMATCH!!!

By Odon S. Bandiola

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao climbs the ring at the MGM Grand Arena at Las Vegas determined to box and engage in a brawl.

Floyd “Money” Mayweather, the other protagonist, climbs the ring to sway, glide, dance and run and to hug his partner for 36 minutes.

It was an incompatible pair, Pacman of boxing has no business meeting “Money”, the greatest atop the ring of all times.

It would have been wise, execiting and amazing for Mayweather to be paired with the PacMom”, Mommy D, Pacman’s mother in an exhilarating ballroom dancing.

I doubt if Mayweather could last twelve rounds hugging and swaying Mommy D at the MGM Grand Arena.

Mayweather hallucinated saying that he is the “greatest”, greater than Ali. He is miles and miles away from greatness, the likes of Ali, Joe Frazier, George Forman, Mike Tayson, Thomas Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marrin Hagler, Roberto Duran, the real boxers.

He hallucinated of being the greatest exhibiting his unblemished 48-0 record not admitting that many of those wins were questionable.

Many experts call it scientific boxing on the part of Mayweather. To me it is not boxing at all. Boxing is engaging contact sports. It is not about hit and run, it is not about treating the ring as a dancing hall or making the ring a track oval.

Judges in the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout had done injustice to the boxing fans all over the world. To many, their lopsided scores could have been reversed in favor of Pacquiao. Referee Bayless is never an exception. He allowed Mayweather to throw low blows, head locked Pacquiao and wrestled Pacquiao’s neck.

Experts talked about compubox scoring in favor of Mayweather. But human fingers press entries to this compubox which cheated many deserving winners in amateur boxing in the Olympics and regional meets.

Mayweather hallucinated with self-acclaimed greatness forgetting that greatness is only achieved by the love in the hearts of the people and adoration on the minds of sports followers and aficionados. Mayweather has a scarcity on this score.

Mayweather failed miserably to get the hearts and minds of boxing fans all over the world.

Minutes after his bout with Pacquiao, he stepped on the rope strands of the ring and waved to people at the MGM Grand Arena which was jampacked with no vacant seats left.

He was overwhelmingly booed no end. Where is his greatness here?

Pacquiao instead got the overwhelming cheers and applause of the crowd, boxing fans indirectly affirming Pacquiao’s victory and greatness.

Pacquiao remains the People’s champ all over the world.

Paying boxing fans and aficionados all over the world felt cheated with Mayweather’s antic in the ring. They paid abnormally too much to see a bout where one protagonist, Mayweather, refused to engage. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

The Art Of Borrowing

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Have you ever obtain a loan? If you did obtain, from whom? Did you borrow from your relatives? Friends? Pawnshops? Lending shops? Or Banks?

If you have experienced borrowing from these various loan sources, from which is convenient for you to borrow? Which charges the least interest? Which requires volumes of supporting documents? Which releases the loan at the shortest possible time?

In the farming community, the farmers borrow palay in three modes of payment. One is what they call “dubli”. This is 200 percent interest rate. A family borrows 50 kilograms of palay before the planting season payable after harvest. The borrower pays the lender 100 kilograms, double the quantity. But this is easy to do as no document is needed. The agreement is verbal.

The second mode is “Tersiya”. The procedure is similar with the first mode except that the 30 kilograms palay loaned will be paid for 45 kilograms. This is given when the borrower has already standing palay crop to guarantee sure payment after harvest.

The third mode is the “Uli”. This is given to those relatives such as brother to brother, or father to son or daughter. If 50 kilograms palay is borrowed, the borrower just pays the same quantity as borrowed, free of interest.

These three modes of lending don’t need any documentation. Everything is verbally done. The lender may, however, keep record of his creditors.

Another mode of lending is the “Five Six” (5/6). The lender does not need any supporting documents from the borrower. It is enough for the lender to know that his borrower has the capacity to pay. The lender even visits his clients to extend loan. He knows what kind of person he lends his money. The loan proceed is instantly released to the borrower who just signs in a notebook acknowledging that he borrowed an amount from the lender.

The loan is amortized daily which the borrower pays P6.00 for every P5.00 borrowed per month. The borrowers are usually small businessmen like the vendors.

Another mode of loaning is by non-government organization like the cooperative association. As practiced, the cooperative raises fund for re-lending to its members to start a business in accordance with the objectives and projects of the cooperative. The loaning procedure depends upon the articles of incorporation and by-laws of the cooperative.

Usually, the rate of interest is moderate and reasonable and the schedule of payment is not strictly observed. There are some members who seek membership in a cooperative whose motive is to borrow money. After obtaining the loan, that member or members stop attending meetings, do not repay the loan. This is one of the causes of extinction of cooperative organizations.

RURAL BANK

The Rural Banking law was enacted to organize rural banks in each municipality in the Philippines to provide the credit requirements of the people at a very low interest rate with a minimum documentation. It is geared to accelerate agricultural development and hasten farm productivity.

The Rural Bank Law provides that the owners of a rural bank must be residents of a community where that bank will be put up. The Bangko Sentral ng Filipinas (BSF) provides 50 percent of the initial investment while the incorporators invest 50 percent. As soon as a rural bank is ready to operate, the BSF will advance operating capital.

However, for reasons the public did not know, almost all rural banks in Aklan was closed. Even the Cooperative Rural Bank of Aklan collapsed and was closed. Only in New Washington, Malinao, Banga, and Ibajay rural banks are still functioning.

PAWNSHOPS

Pawnshops lend money to anybody who has jewelry, and other valuable personal belongings to be pawned. It is instant cash to those who pawn a ring, necklace or IPad. Usually, pawnshops lend money at three (3) percent interest per month or 36 percent per year, such that a small loan of P10,000, the borrower must have paid P13,600.00 to the pawnshop.

Moreover, some pawnshops are dishonest. I got a friend who pawned his 24 carat gold necklace in a pawnshop in Sta. Cruz, Manila. After one month he redeemed it. He measured it and found out that his necklace length decreased by two (2) inches. Another friend pawned her 21 carat gold ring, imbedded with five (5) tiny diamond stones to a pawnshop in Kalibo. The ring was her birthday present from her father. After one month she redeemed it. She got back her gold ring with one diamond stone missing and the gold diminished by one (1) gram.

LENDING

In Kalibo, Aklan, there are several lending shops. They lend money such as for acquisition of motor vehicles, pension loan, mortgage loan, barangay loan, salary loan, and seaman’s loan among others. Lending shops have several loan categories, but they have also kilometric documents required that a probable borrowers might collapse even before obtaining the loan proceed.

For those who wish to borrow from the lending shops, here are what they will ask you to submit: I.D pictures, co-makers’ names, 2 valid I.Ds, Brgy. Clearance, bank statement, ATM card, Residence Certificate, Certificate of Employment, Marital consent, Pension Certificate, Collateral slip, and many others.

Moreover, the interest rate is enormous. I got a friend who borrowed from a lending shop in Kalibo. After several days of preparing the loan document, he submitted it to a lending shop. It was approved. He was granted a small amount of P50,000.00, payable in six months.

He got the money, spent it for some consumer goods. He religiously paid the amotization monthly without fail. After adding all what he paid, it amounted to P86,632.23. The lending shop almost double its money after six (6) months.

This is one explanation why some individuals don’t improve economically. Acquiring loans and spending it for consumer items is poor economics.

BANK

It is safe to borrow from banks. However, banks likewise require several documents to submit before it approves loan application. One reason why some people shy away from borrowing from the banks is the hardship in the preparation of documents.

While banks charge from seven (7) to 36 percent interest per year for loans, it offers very low interest rate to money deposited in their banks. Saving deposit for instance only earns less than one (1) percent per year, 20 percent of which is paid as withholding tax. Time deposit only earns four (4) percent per year.

Not only that, to transact business with a bank, a small bank depositor on the average spends one (1) – two (2) hours until he is serve.

For a depositor whose amount is insignificant, better keep your money in your aparador. It needs more time and effort for a small transaction like P5,000 in a bank in Kalibo.

The policy on savings is highly skewed in favor of the wealthy, the bank owners and big depositors. Congress must review the banking law to help equitable wealth distribution. /MP

Editorial

Nabas Wind Farm Reenforces 

Aklan’s Power Needs

by Ernesto T. Solidum

The Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla declared that Aklan has more than enough power supply to meet the present and future consumers demand with entry of 50 MW Nabas Wind Power Project. This is the gist of the 30 minute presscon with Tri-media held at the main Office of Petro Wind energy, Inc., Pook, Nabas. Aklan’s minimum supply load is 40-42 MW but emergency power reserve on line must be the same rated capacity.

For the Visayas Power outlook, available supply is 2,000 MW while peak demand is 1,900 MW. Thanks to the commissioning of coal fired power plants in Lapaz and Concepcion, Iloilo and just recently, the Wind Power Plant in San Lorenzo, Guimaras. “If there is recurrent blackout/brownout, this can be traced to disruption of transmission grid or distribution lines. At least we are confident that power supply will be sufficient until 2018,” said the Energy Chief.

In response to a remark that the Philippines has attracted no investors because it has the highest residential power rate in the world even surpassing Japan, Petilla said, “commercial users the country charges the second highest rate after Singapore.”

Mr. Petilla agreed to the above stated comments but based on EPIRA law of 2001, the government is not allowed to invest, operate and maintain power plants but is left to independent power producers like Petro Wind Energy.

In Indonesia, consumers of electricity pay half of the cost that we pay here in the Philippines because the government there subsidizes 50 percent of the power cost. Critical analysis however, shows that this is anti-poor and unsustainable since fully 22 percent of $30 billion annual budget goes to subsidize power.

For practical purposes, electric cooperative and big industrial firms band together to get cheaper prices from wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) where they could get as low as P5.00/Kwh, a positive case that happened in Mindanao.

“Regarding the bill of Sen. Serge Osmena in the 16th Congress, I am amenable to abolish the 12 percent E-VAT on monthly electric bills.” He sympathizes with Aklanons paying almost P9.00/Kwh while Metro Manilans bear higher fees – P11.00.

Wind farm project has recently attracted local and international visitors. There is the need to rationalize and plan for eco-tourism projects because of business potentials and local employment generations. We do not like to duplicate the disaster at Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte’s Wind Farm where tourists are left out to find for themselves.

Nabas Wind Farm is located at Pawa, Nabas, Aklan about 300 meters above sea level. Its 125 meter high wind turbine perches on deep ravins. It has 4.5 meters blades that can self adjust to any wind turbine per second. The rated capacity per wind turbine tower is 2 MW but could be reduced up to 15-30 percent of rated capacity during the Easterly winds (April to June). The power output is expected to pick up by July when the Southwest moonson starts when it can generate 36 MW from all 18 wind turbines. 

Each turbine tower has a base diameter of 4.5 meters and could withstand wind speeds of 270 Kph. The whole wind power project has a commanding view of the Visayan sea, Boracay and Tablas Islands. A 4.0 km winding road allows group visiting tour to see the Control and Protection Area and Switchyard complex.

Initial commissioning power dispatch is 34.5 KV that is stepped up to 68 KV for the power transmission grid of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). This output comes from 9 wind turbines running in full operation. The total units that need to be constructed is 25, seven of them to be located inside Northwest Panay Peninsula National Park. Its pending application on the land to be released is to be decided by Congress.

Petro Wind has adopted the Spanish technology including the hardware. However, the computer software is from China. The total project cost is P4 billion.

The power firm has shown its corporate responsibility to the small community of Brgy. Pawa with significant investments in health and sanitation, livelihood, education and re-greening.

Other guests in the presscon are: Asec Jose Raymund A. Acel, Department of Energy, Vice Mayor Wilbec Gelito, Mun. of Malay; Francisco Delfin Jr. Exec. Vice Pres. for Operation, Petro Wind Energy; and Milagros B. Reyes, Pres. Petro Wind Energy.

A total of 25 members of Tri-media in Aklan visited the Petro Wind project and attended the presscon. /MP

Pacquiao’s Heart Prevails

Pacquiao’s Heart Prevails

GMA airing is most-watched coverage of the Battle for Greatness

GMA Network is proud of its Kapuso Manny Pacquiao for fighting like a true hero in his recent battle with Floyd Mayweather, Jr. 

Despite the unfavorable outcome, Manny still emerged as the People’s champion and won the hearts of people around the world with his audacity and sportsmanship in the ring.

Throughout his two-month training in Los Angeles, California and especially in the days leading to the fight, GMA delivered the most comprehensive coverage of the road that led to what was touted to be the biggest bout in boxing history dubbed “Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: Battle for Greatness.”

In support of the Pambansang Kamao, GMA also launched the Laban para sa Pilipino #GoManny campaign, providing fans across the globe the latest news on Pacquiao and updates on his fight preparation on various platforms.

Meanwhile, more Filipinos tuned in to GMA to watch the epic battle as the Network’s airing of the Pacquiao-Mayweather match became the most-watched telecast based on National Urban TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM) ratings (based on overnight data).

According to the industry’s widely-trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, GMA won in NUTAM ratings with an average household audience share of 47.4 percent, higher than ABS-CBN’s 31.5 percent by 15.9 points and TV5’s 6.9 percent by 40.5 points. 

The airing of the fight on GMA also attracted the most number of viewers in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, where it beat competition by even bigger margins.

Moreover, the May 2 airing of the weekend edition of GMA’s flagship newscast, 24 Oras Weekend, which provided in-depth coverage on the biggest sporting event in boxing, also recorded a 13.3 percent audience share in NUTAM with its ABS-CBN counterpart scoring 11.6 percent. /MP

AMLAC REPORT LEAKAGE ‘CHILLS BUSINESSES

AMLAC REPORT LEAKAGE 

‘CHILLS BUSINESSES

The leakage of the Anti-Money Laundering Council’s (AMLAC) report that led to the freezing of 242 bank accounts, five of which are under Vice President Jejomar C. Binay’s name, creates a “chilling effect” on the business community, Binay said Friday.

Speaking at the 36th National Conference of Employers, the Vice President described the AMLAC report as “whimsical” and expressed hope that the issue would be resolved soon.

“Let us all hope this whimsical use of regulatory powers is stopped sooner than later. It creates a chilling effect on confidence in business and banking system that is detrimental to our economy and development,” he said.

Binay jested that he hopes no one among the participants will be invited to attend the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearings for being called his friends.

“Now that I have referred to you as dear friends, I hope you will not get an instant invitation from the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee to prove you are not my dummies, and your companies, not my dummy corporations,” he quipped.

“It is also my prayer your bank accounts will not be subjected by AMLAC to a freeze order solely on the basis of our friendship and association, or the fact that you are in the same room as Jojo Binay,” he added.

The Vice President lamented the order, saying it is being used to persecute persons affiliated with him. 

“Such is the sad fate of some honest and hardworking business persons I know. They were publicly ridiculed, intimidated and harassed, and their bank accounts now frozen simply because they happened to be my friends,” he said.

Binay said he was not surprised that AMLAC’s report had been leaked to other parties even as he himself has not yet received a copy. 

“Hindi ko na tatanungin kung “paano” nakakuha ng report na ayon sa batas ay confidential, dahil alam ko naman kung “bakit” inilabas ang report na ito,” he said, noting that AMLAC’s report was one-sided as it has yet to include his respon-ses to the findings.

“Ito po ay mga sabi ng AMLAC. One-sided lamang ang nasabing report. At uulitin ko ang sinabi ko kahapon: The AMLAC is wrong. Maling-mali ang AMLAC,” the Vice President said.

“Lima lang po ang bank account ko, hindi po dalawang daan at apat na pu’t dalawa. Lima lamang sa kasama sa freeze order ang na sa pangalan ko. At lahat ng pondo na nilalaman ng limang accounts naito ay legal at hindi tagong yaman,” he added. 

Binay clarified that the funds in his bank accounts came from his income, savings and investments before he joined government as well as the campaign donations when he run for Vice President in 2010.

“Sinasabi din ng AMLAC na ang tanging pinagmulan ng kita ko ay ang sahod na tinatanggap ko bilang inyong Pangalawang Pangulo kaya hindi tugma ang aking kita sa halagang nilalaman ng aking mga bank accounts. Wala pong katotohanan ito,” he said.

“Hindi po itinagong yaman ang sweldo ko bago ako naging Mayor. Hindi po itinago ng yaman ang kinita at naipon ko bago pa man ako mapabilang sa hanay ng gobyerno. Hindi po itinagong yaman ang kinita namin sa aming mga negosyo na nagsimula noon pang dekada otsenta. Nagbabayad kami ng tamang buwis sa aming mga negosyo,” he added.

The Vice President also stressed that the campaign contributions he received was duly reported to the Commission on Elections.

“Hindi rin iti-nagong yaman ang mga campaign donations na deklarado sa Comelec. Maling-mali ang AMLAC. At mas lalong mali na sabihin nila na akin ang dalawang daan tatlumpu’t pitong accounts ng ibang mga tao, kasama na ditto ang mga kilalang negosyante at investor,” he said.

“I remain hopeful that our business sector remains resilient to the oppressive heat of politics and remain focused on the bigger tasks ahead,” he added. /MP

Organic Agriculture Potential In Dueñas

Organic Agriculture 

Potential In Dueñas

Mayor Ramona Palabrica-Go receives one million cash as the 2014 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards Outstanding Municipality during the awarding ceremony at Resorts World Manila recently. Photo shows standing from left are: Assistant Secretary Edilberto de Luna, DA 6 Regional Technical Director Manuel O. Olanday, Mayor Palabrica-Go, UnderSecretary Antonio Fleta, Agricultural Technicians Nezza Villalobos and Rodney Benjamin and Under Secretary Emerson U. Palad (James Earl E. Ogatis photo)

Mayor Mamerto Pelopero mentioned the potentials of Dueñas as one of the centers for organic farming during the town’s 2nd Farmers Week Celebration, May 6.

With the theme “Organiko nga Pagpanguma ang tadlong nga dalan Padulong sa Kauswagan sang banwa.” The celebration focused on organic agriculture, as his municipality wants to venture on organic farming. Mayor Pelopero calls for oneness, cooperation and support among farmers and stakeholders in order to achieve their goal in promoting organic agriculture. He assured a continued support, assistance and more projects in agriculture in order to continually improve their agricultural industry.

Dueñas is an agricultural community, wherein 86 percent of its total land area is soley devoted to agriculture. Its important crops include sugarcane, corn and banana. Hence, agriculture has a big contribution to the growing economy of the municipality.

“Organic agriculture is a new direction or venue to improve our agricultural economy while living in harmony with nature,” said Dr. Ildefonso Toledo, Provincial Agriculturist of Iloilo. He emphasized that if farmers really want to push for organic agriculture, they need to be honest about it and observe the protocols set.

“Organically grown products have bigger market value compared to the conventionally grown crops. This idea attracts more farmers to convert their farms into organic areas. Market for the organically grown crops is no longer a problem but the challenge is on how to sustain the supply of the said products. The demand for organic goods continues to increase and the supply needs to cope with this constant upturn,” he added.

On the other hand, the Department of Agriculture RFO 6 Public Relations Officer James Earl Ogatis reiterated the interventions and assistance given by the DA to the farmers. He emphasized the importance of preparing proposals for interested farmers/farmers’ organization who want to avail projects from DA especially in organic agriculture.

A total of 39 Farmers’ Organization participated in the Farmers’ Week Celebration whom Municipal Agriculturist Danilo Penpillo thanks for attending in the week-long celebration. He hoped for a more progressive agricultural industry for the municipality of Dueñas.  /MP

DA 6 Conducts AEC Awareness Campaign Among Farmers’ Organization

DA 6 Conducts AEC Awareness

Campaign Among Farmers’ Organization  

by James Earl E. Ogatis

James Earl E. Ogatis, DA 6 – Public Relations Officer II turned over 60 pieces of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integration poster to Dr. Jonic F. Natividad, Chief, Regulatory Division to be distributed to the participants of “Awareness and Information Dissemination For The AEC 2015 Integration Among Farmers and Peoples’ Organization In Western Visayas”. (Remegio Soqueño photo)

The Department of Agriculture 6 through its Regulatory Division conducted an awareness campaign on ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integration among farmers’ organizations in region 6.

Dr. Jonic F. Natividad, Chief of Regulatory Division, said that understanding AEC integration will equip farmer leaders of necessary information about its effects to the agriculture sector.

Natividad added that adopting organic agriculture technologies and strengthening good agricultural practices (GAP) among farmers’ organization will be a vital edge to gain competitive advantage among ASEAN member countries.

He encouraged the participants to emulate technologies and best practices of GAP-certified farms from other countries.

Ms. Felicitas M. Neturada, DA 6 Senior Science Research Specialist discussed the topic on “Code of Conduct on Hygienic Practices for Herbs and Spices” while Mr. Sonie S. Guanco,   Agriculturist I talked on “Understanding GAP and Its Guiding Principles.”  

The participants were expected to identify their needs and opportunities towards GAP certification of their respective farms in line with the country’s AEC commitment.

The ASEAN Economic Community is an integrated economy of 10 ASEAN member countries. It is envisioned as a highly competitive economic region that is fully integrated into a global economy having equitable economic development and a single market and production base.

AEC 2015 heralds the establishment of the ASEAN economic community that will allow the free movement of goods, services, investments, skilled labor and capital flow in the region. /MP 

Aklan Tourism Business Survey Begins

Aklan Tourism Business Survey Begins

The Philippine Statistics Authority-Aklan is currently conducting the 2014 Survey of Tourism Establishments in the Philippines (STEP).

The STEP aims to collect information on the available supply of tourism goods, products and services, which are valuable inputs to measure the economic contribution of tourism industry in the economy.

About 233 establishments in Aklan are selected as samples for STEP where more than half are located in Boracay Island, Malay.

Mrs. Rodelyn Panadero, Interim Provincial Statistics Officer, said that establishments covered in tourism survey are accommodation, restaurants, transport operators, tour and travel agencies, health and wellness, and other tourism activities.

“Tourism has great importance, role and impact on the social and economic development of the country,” Panadero stressed.

Hence, according to her, there is a need to measure the economic contribution of tourism for effective and efficient policy research, monitoring, analysis and development of the tourism industry.

The STEP is a rider survey for this year’s Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI).

Mrs. Panadero appealed to all respondents to give complete and reliable information to PSA field personnel conducting the survey. 

She, also, assured them that all information given will be held “strictly confidential”. It cannot be used for taxation, investigation or for other law enforcement purposes. /MP

Aklan Pina, Fiber Fest Marks its 16th year

Aklan Pina, Fiber Fest Marks its 16th year

by RECTO I. VIDAL

The Aklan Pina and Fiber Festival has become one of the major events that will highlight the series of activities celebrating the Aklan Day Anniversary.

On its 16th year, the five (5) day Festival was conducted on April 22-26, 2015 at the Trade Hall, Capitol Grounds in Kalibo, Aklan. The event mainly featured Aklan’s best products made of pina, abaca and raffia loom woven fabrics, fashion accessories and souvenir items, health and wellness products.

The public was also expected a treat of sorts from the best-tasting processed meat, bakery, confectionery and pasalubong products to ornamental plants and garden products.

Other exhibits included  a garden wedding setting by local artist/ designer Nina Candelario and company; a mini-fashion show presented various ensembles of wearing apparel made from indigenous materials and fashion accessories; an agro-industrial exhibit of the 17 towns of Aklan that featured their One-Town-One-Product (OTOP).

A nightly dinner event with native, exotic and gastronomic treat cuisine was also offered for guests at the Tsibigan sa Kapitolyo. Visitors, as well as families, enjoyed the jovial mood with live band music plus cultural entertainment.

The Fiber Fest also displayed of Public and Private Partnership (PPP) led by the Provincial Government of Aklan, Department of Trade and Industry, PhilFIDA, the Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc. and the Aklan Pina and Indigenous Fibers Manufacturers and Traders Association, Inc. /MP

I Juander Celebrates 4th Anniversary In Palawan

I Juander Celebrates 4th

Anniversary In Palawan

After years of exploring the rich Filipino culture, solving mysteries and even busting myths that center on long-held beliefs, GMA News TV’s I Juander celebrates its fourth year this May.

Week after week, seasoned broadcast journalists Susan Enriquez and Cesar Apolinario embark on carefully-researched episodes aiming to get to the bottom of widely-accepted Filipino notions and take with them the viewers on a journey through the nation’s dynamic and ever evolving culture and society.

With the help of field experts, Susan and Cesar also break misconceptions and disprove age-old Filipino myths by investigating the truth behind these fascinating superstitions.

This month, I Juander sets sail to the magnificent island of Palawan for its two-part anniversary special.

Here, Susan and Cesar discover the stories about the Philippines’ “last frontier” and why Palawan was nicknamed as such. Susan takes a dip in what is possibly the country’s most pristine lake, with its immaculate emerald water. Cesar, for his part, plunges deep into the Palawan waters and sees for himself the ship wreck and learn about the story behind it.

The second part of I Juander’s fourth anniversary special finds the hosts engrossed in a food trip showcasing the best cuisines of the Palawan Island from the infamous nido soup to the bountiful and freshest catch the sea has to offer.

Hop on aboard with Susan Enriquez and Cesar Apolinario for the two-part anniversary special of I Juander airing this May 13 and 20 only on GMA News TV. /MP