Decentralize DepEd Fixed Term for DepEd Chief

Sen. Chiz Escudero this week pushes for a fixed term for the secretary of education to insulate the department from politics and maintain continuity in its programs.

“We must ensure that the education of our youth is not tied to the fortunes of the appointing power or the politics of the day,” he said.

“We can insulate the Department of Education given the president’s power to reorganize government by simply providing that its secretary be not co-terminus with the appointing power. We can ensure a fixed term in law for him,” Escudero said.

The 39-year old senator also favors the decen-tralization of the DepEd so appropriate policies are crafted and problems immediately acted on at the regional level.

He said the next president should also form a commission to develop a master plan that will set benchmarks and timetables to bring the country’s level of education at par with the best in the region.

“The Commission can map out a painless transition from the current 10-year basic education cycle to 12 years,” Escudero suggested.

In his talk at an education forum, he also reiterated his proposal for government to increase the education budget from 12 percent to the Southeast Asian standard of 20 percent.

He said the government is only spending US$138.00 per student compared to Thailand’s US$853.00 and Singapore’s US$1800.00.

“The constitution’s mandate for government to give education the highest budgetary priority has not been followed since its ratification in 1987", he pointed out.

“The highest budgetary priority is being given to debt service. They were able to circumvent the constitution by considering debt service as an off-budget item,” he said. Debt service is currently at about P600 billion while the budget for education is about P160 billion. (The Philippines foreign debt is now 4.1 trillion dollars.)

Hits CHED Over ‘Diploma Mills’

Senator Chiz Escudero last month said the proliferation of “diploma mills” shows the failure of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to monitor and regulate the quality of education in our colleges and universities.

“Our student and ultimately their parents, should be protected from schools offering substandard educational programs. CHED has the power to regulate these programs and has the authority to shut them down. Sadly, it has not done so,” he said.

“Unaware of the appalling performance in licensure examinations, parents spend hard-earned money in schools that profit from their dreams of a better life for their children,” Escudero said.

Data from the Professional Regulatory Commission show that the average national passing rate for courses with licensure examinations has never reached the 50 percent mark from 1994 to 2004.

According to Escudero, CHED wields power ranging from the authority to issue sanctions from “initial warning for program termination” to the issuance of a “recommendation for program termination” on schools found to have substandard performance.

“However, CHED has not done so. The least it could do is to make public the performance of schools in various licensure examinations,” he said.

“If the government can spend for expensive TV infomercials, I see no reason they cannot allot some funds to a more meaningful information campaign that would help our parents make informed choices on which school to choose for their children,” Escudero said.

The senator pointed to the poor performance of many nursing schools in the country.

The Commission on Audit (COA) had already criticized CHED for failure to shut down non-performing nursing schools whose graduates fail miserably in PRC board examinations, he pointed out.

According to COA auditors, there were 19 schools that did not even produce a board passer in the recent past.

“The COA went on to say that from 2001 to 2005, only 111 out of 263 nursing schools nationwide managed to have 50 percent of their graduates pass the licensure examination. No school offering the nursing program with poor PRC performance has ever been shut down,” Escudero added.

He noted that nursing and Hotel and Restaurant Management continue to be the top two college degree courses this year, with 422,978 and 123,523 enrolled students, respectively, out of a total of over 2.6 million college students in school year 2008-2009. /MP

Stewardess’ Family Asks Villar’s Help

Sen. Manny Villar asked the Department of Foreign Affairs to render prompt and continuing assistance to the family of a missing Filipina flight attendant who was on board the ill-fated Yemeni jet which crashed into the Indian Ocean recently.

At the same time, he also emphasized the need to exercise caution in rendering and transmitting reports on such incidents.

Villar made the call following a distress letter from the mother of the stewardess, Camille Lou Castillo Libron, 26, who was the lone Filipino in the 11-man crew of Yemenia Airlines Airbus 310 which carried 153 people on a flight from Yemen to the Comoros Islands.

In her handwritten letter request to Sen. Villar, Mrs. Lucia Libron said, “the Pinay crew was killed in the Yemeni plane crash. But the Yemenia Airline cannot confirm anything regarding the status of my daughter as survivor, fatality or missing. Please help me find my daughter and bring her back home.”

Mrs. Libron also stressed that her daughter was single, lamenting reports about her supposed Yemeni husband. “This is a dishonor to my daughter,” the mother said.

The flight attendant, who had worked for Yemenia Airlines for three years, was scheduled to come home on July 5 after renewing her passport which delayed her trip earlier set on June 22. She was in the Philippines in January for a vacation, Mrs. Libron said.

“This is a trying time for Mrs. Libron and her family, and they should receive due support and assistance as we seek for answers,” Villar said.

The Airbus crew was made up of six Yemenis, including the pilot, two Moroccans, one Indonesian, one Ethiopian and Libron.

It was flying the last leg of a journey from Paris and Marseilles to Comoros via Yemen. Most of the passengers were from Comoros and returning from Paris.

The Comoros is an archipelago of three main islands situated about 2,900 kilometers south of Yemen, between Africa’s southeastern coast and the island of Madagascar.

Gen. Bruno de Bourdoncle de Saint-Salvy, senior commander for French forces in the southern Indian Ocean, said the Airbus 310 crashed into deep waters about 14.5 kilometers north of the Comoran coast and 34 kilometers from the Moroni airport.

The Yemeni plane was the second Airbus to crash into the sea recently. An Air France Airbus A330-200 carrying 228 people crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on May 31, as it flew from Rio de Janeiro to Paris.

Harsh conditions faced by OFWs earlier pushed Villar to actively press for the application of the “no-fault insurance system” for OFWs, a form of indemnity plan in which anyone injured in an accident or misfortune receives direct payment from the company that has insured them, eliminating the need for victims to establish another’s liability or fault through a civil case.

Villar has filed Senate Bill 3040 or the “Overseas Contract Workers Insurance Act” which seeks compulsory insurance for all OFWs in addition to benefits being provided by OWWA. /MP

Ombudsman Report On WB Bidding Mess

Senator Mar Roxas last month said the Ombudsman’s announce-ment that its fact-finding body has found evidence against 17 public works officials involved in a World Bank bidding mess is another sorry attempt to paint a picture that it is acting on widespread graft in the administration of Ms. Gloria Mapacagal-Arroyo.

“The announcement actually confirmed that the Ombudsman has filed no charges yet against those involved in the bid rigging that allegedly included First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and several politicians,” said Roxas.

As it is, the Ombudsman’s action could be aimed only at influencing votes in the House of Representatives on the impeachment complaint filed against her, Roxas said. Assistant Ombudsman Mark Jalandoni’s announcement only recommended the filing of graft charges by his boss, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, who is facing impeachment charges in Congress for failing to act on big graft cases pending in her office.

“Why only now? Why not when the issue was first raised to her years back?” Roxas asked, recalling the revelation of WB Country Director Bert Hofman that the issue of rigged biddings in the country’s road projects were first brought to the attention of Gutierrez in 2005.

“We’ve seen she can act fast. Why then did she not act on this sooner? The case has formed cobwebs in her office! She ignored it for years and then suddenly, she’s out with this recommendation. Has this anything to do with the impeachment pending at the House?” he asked.

Various non-government and people’s organizations led by former Senate President Jovito Salonga have filed an impeachment complaint against Gutierrez for alleged violation of the Constitution and breach of public trust with her deliberate inaction on controversial cases, like the WB bidding mess report, the P728 million fertilizer fund diversion scam, the NBN-ZTE bribery scam and the Euro Generals intelligence fund controversy.

Put Tamiflu In MRP List

Senator Mar Roxas also suggested this week that Tamiflu be included in the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) list submitted by the Department of Health for Ms. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s approval. Roxas said the DOH is short of committing gross negli-gence by not acting decisively to bring down the price of Tamiflu to the reach of the public.

The DOH, he said, should move more aggressively to bring down the oppressive price of Tamiflu (generic name Oseltamivir) and other drugs against A(H1N1) Influenza in the market since this is the only protection of the people if a more virulent strain rears its head in the future.

The Primary Author of the Universally Accessible, Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act also stressed that the government knows very well that Tamiflu is not patent-protected in the country, and thus, there is no legal impediment to government or local pharmaceutical companies from producing it.

Roxas noted that the price of Tamiflu has tripled since the AH1N1 virus hit its first victim in the country during the summer.

Senator Roxas recalled that local firm, United Laboratories Inc. (Unilab) is able to manufacture a generic version of Tamiflu. In 2005, Unilab was tapped by the DOH to locally manufacture Tamiflu as an integral part of the country’s bird flu preparedness program. /MP

Akelco Losses Need Auditing

by Ernesto T. Solidum

Akelco’s total accu-mulated financial losses of P659,231,574 as of December 31, 2008 should raise everyone’s concern. It is beyond comprehension that a service oriented power utility firm in Aklan would sustain staggering losses over the years. It is significant to note that deficits were incurred before global financial meltdown and high oil prices.
Volume of sales for 2008 was valued at P830,853,999 while operating cost was P957,351,991 or a deficit of P126,498,110. In 2007 the power firm lost P72,989,750.

General Manager Chito R. Peralta of Akelco said Akelco has one of highest collection rates in the country i.e. 99.16 percent and 12 percent system’s loss. Nevertheless, it is unable to provide at least the minimum service efficiency to its 103,306 consumer members. A relevant question: Is this the kind of service we expect as we celebrate National Electrification Awareness Month in August? What is the real score in the renegotiation between NAPOCOR officials and Akelco regarding extension of power contract of 29 MW? Thanks to Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores for the 85 percent electric power supply they got with the assistance of Mr. Chito Peralta.

Considering the importance of electri-fication to our socio-economic life, LGU under the leadership of Gov. Carlito S. Marquez should step into the controversy surrounding the dire financial situation of Akelco. An exhaustive audit of books of accounts in its 37th year of existence must be undertaken to provide basis for evaluation and recommendation. Transparency will promote efficient management and delivery of vital services.

Losses incurred by Akelco during typhoon Frank (June 21, 2008) stood at P65 million. This can be significant but overall aggregate losses are just overwhelming to be ignored.

Mr. Jose Carl C. Quimpo, Pres. BOD needs to explain to all member–consumers why he and the rest of BOD should not resign from their post. If they have valid reasons for the underlying inefficiency, well, they can stay put. If not, it’s time to quit. Employment in a service cooperative is just a privilege. Hence, it could be withdrawn anytime by the members after due process. Absolutely no one is indispensable. /MP

Retrofitting Kalibo Bridge to Extend its Serviceability

The historic pre-World War II 420-meters Kalibo Bridge will continue to serve Aklanons well into the future as its serviceability is extended with its retrofitting, says Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo.

The retrofitting started last March 29, 2007. Its projected completion was on October 28, 2008. But due to suspension and extension of projects, the new projected completion date is on August 12, 2010.

The retrofitting has a budget allocation in 2007 of Php 47 million and the contractor has a bid price of only Php 37 million to complete the project, according to DPWH District Engr. Roberto Cabigas.

SB member Lillian Tirol, in an interview with Ka-Tribu Radyo, pointed out that the Kalibo Bridge is not only the lifeline between the towns of Kalibo and Numancia but of the Eastern and Western side of Aklan including the Strong Republic Nautical Highway.

Retrofitting is an engineering technique to reinforce old bridges to extend its serviceability and make it possible to with-stand or survive extreme elements such as earthquake, heavy torrents and floods.

One Kalibo resident recalls stories told him by his grandfolks about how the Japanese warplanes in World War II tried to bring the bridge down with bombs but instead of hitting it, the bombs exploded in rice fields two towns away. /MP

E D I T O R I A L

Aklan’s Disaster Preparedness

It Must Be ‘Reactive Instead of Proactive’

by Recto I. Vidal

The government has always been on a reactive mode instead of being proactive, and thus the suffering of the people continues during times of disasters.

This was the general assessment offered by former Aklan Rep. Allen S. Quimpo during a recent Kapehan sa Aklan, a media forum held at the Kusina sa Kalibo every Saturday.

Quimpo, who is currently the action officer of Taskforce Bangon Aklan, stressed the need for a public safety office in the province to address this concern.

He said the installation of the modern water gauge on several flood prone towns in Aklan is on the way. These gadgets will be used to monitor rising water levels during heavy rains.

The Philippines might be visited by 15 more typhoons in the remaining months of this year, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

It is not only typhoons that call for preparedness but also other hydro-meteorological hazards such as heavy and continuous rains, thunder-storms, cold fronts, easterly waves, intertropical convergent zones and tropical cyclones.

The Bicol region, particularly Albay province which is very prone to these weather disasters, including Mayon volcano’s lahar, has put all preparedness measures in place, especially during floods and landslides that also occur amid mere heavy and continuous rains.

Bicol, which is closely similar to Batanes Islands when it comes to typhoons, need to prepare not only during typhoon season but also on a 365-day-a-year basis.

When there is typhoon, however, the people of Albay are no longer afraid because they have been trained to prepare themselves on the basis of the preemptive measures.

Albay is host to cloud formations that bring rains even without warnings.
Warnings are there in the events of typhoons but during rains, it is built-in initiative of the people of Albay that guides them against these hazards.

Therefore, it is imperative that the government should build permanent evacuation centers. We all know that Aklan is one of the provinces usually hardest hit by typhoons thus vital infrastructure should be reinforced before the rains come.

Experience tells us that repairing destroyed infrastructure are more expensive than building infrastructure that could withstand the onslaught of typhoons.

It has been proven time and again that using schools, basketball courts and municipal halls as evacuation centers further disrupt people’s lives.

Rather than selectively handling doleouts to LGU’s during typhoon season, the government should take a long term view and channel funds to reinforce school buildings, power lines, public markets, bridges and other vital infrastructure.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is called to ensure sufficient relief goods and available personnel for disasters.

It is a must that the government automatically augments the calamity funds of all LGUs in typhoon areas yearly so that they can act right away in times of urgent need.

Measures to protect people during calamities should have been implemented by the national government long before global warming became a fashionable catch phrase.

In Naga, the city government has put in place innovative systems and mechanisms directly addres-sing problems brought by typhoons and flooding.

These include linking up with the private sector to gather more weather data, aside from those coming from the PAGASA.

Much as it wants to have storm-resistant infrastructures, however, the funds are not enough to make it possible.

Albay is already implementing permanent relocation, safe evacuation centers, safe schools, and now safe hospitals. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Akelco Rates 69, The Lowest

Akelco is rated 69 by National Electrification Administration (NEA) for the year 2008. This is the lowest rate among the nine (9) electric coope-ratives in Western Visayas. Translated to color code, it is yellow.

This rate of 69 explains why the doings in Akelco is being discussed often over the airlanes and in local newspapers. It must be remembered that in the promotion of public image, the most effective method is by excellent performance. Favorable public percep-tion on an individual, thing, and organization is achieved by excellent performance.

With the lowest rate among the nine (9) electric cooperatives in Region VI and at rate 69 Akelco got, it really has negative image. Akelco being a public utility office and owned by the people, media has solemn duty to inform the people of the doings in Akelco.

It must be inculcated in our minds that the "people has the right to know of the things that concern them". Majority of the Aklan tri-media has been informing the people of Aklan of the Akelco doings both positive and negative. Positive performances are being praised while negative performances are discussed, analyzed. Even unsolicited possible remedies are suggested.

However, it is not possible for any member of the Aklan tri-media to accept bribes in order for them to glamorize the briber or to report malicious imputation upon any official, public or private for a fee.

ERC Conducts Public Hearing In Akelco

More than 200 member-consumers of the Aklan Electric Coope-rative, Inc. (AKELCO) attended the Public Hearing conducted by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) with regard to the Rules for Setting the Electric Cooperatives’ Wheeling Rates (RSEC-WR) or benchmarking of rates of electric cooperatives (ECs), Tuesday afternoon, June 30, at the Job Y. Besana Hall, AKELCO Compound, Lezo, Aklan.

ERC personnel who came over were ERC Commissioner Jose C. Reyes, ERC staff members, Genna C. Mariñas and Cristy B. Dueñas, reported Ms. Lovell Gepte-Juliano.

Majority of the AKELCO board of directors led by President Jose Carl C. Quimpo and General Manager Chito R. Peralta and the AKELCO partners and associates attended the said public hearing.

Commissioner Reyes presided the hearing. He explained the new rate-setting methodology for Electric Cooperatives which aims to introduce tariff-setting methodology that is more responsive to the EC’s needs; provide incentives to improve efficiency and have the gains shared to its consumers; and reduce the regulatory burden of sector regulation.

Under section 3 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), the ERC may adopt alternative forms of internationally-accepted rate setting methodology as it may deem appropriate. The rate setting methodology so adopted and applied must ensure a reasonable price of electricity.

On their presentation, 98 ECs nationwide were classified into groups. Akelco belonged to Group E that comprises 50-100,000 consumers. Akelco then presented to the public the impact on rates based under the regulatory framework rate methodology called Standard Initial Tariff (SIT) against the current implemented rate.

Furthermore, Akelco sought for the additional member’s contribution for its ERC approved capital expenditure as well as for its projected capital expenditure for the next three years.

In developing the new rate setting methodology, ERC intends to promote efficiency, improve quality service, reduce electricity costs and to provide reasonable rates thus, the new rates will be commensurate with the performance of an EC like Akelco because they will monitor the ECs based on their assessment of their operation as basis for either lowering or increasing the rate.

Commissioner Jose Reyes said, years 2008 to 2011 are the transition period for the increase of electricity rates as per ERC ruling. The gradual shift is determined by the performance of the electric cooperative. /MP

NVC Host Korean Graduate Students

Picture above shows (l to r) Mr. Dave Wilson, Executive Vice President, Erlinda Q. Fernandez-Wilson, Seong Beom Lee, Tae Huan Yang, Su-jin Choi and Fatima Arboleda of NVC.


Korean Students with Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo.

Korean Students with Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez during their courtesy call in the office of the Provincial Governor on Thursday, July 2.


Korean Students enjoying Aklanon food prepared by Ms. Erlinda-Quimpo Wilson. They were amazed and really enjoyed the banana cue.

The Northwestern Visayan Colleges is the host of three South Korean students from Chung Ang University, Seoul. The trio who are graduate school students in International Studies arrived in Kalibo, Aklan on Wednesday, July 1. They will stay in Aklan until July 27, when they will depart on July 27 for South Korea. Executive Dean Erlinda Q. Fernandez-Wilson, NVC Masscom students, and NVC staff members welcomed them in Kalibo International Airport on their arrival.

Seong Beom Lee, 28 is studying International Service on Global Affairs and Trade. He has traveled to the United States, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Seong has worked in Chicago, Illinois as sales clerk in wholesale business. He has also worked in the law office in Korea.

Tae Hwan Yang, 29 is a student in international service on Global Business and Finance. He has traveled in the United States and is skillful in Microsoft office suite.

Su-jin Choi, 28 is a graduate school student of international service on Global Affairs and Trade. She has worked with clothing company in Seoul.
Su-jin is also skillful in Microsoft office suite. She traveled in Europe and Hong Kong in 2002 and Japan just this year.

The three will be in Aklan to further improve their English speaking skill and comprehension; study Aklanon culture, customs and tradition. According to NVC Executive Dean ErlindaQuimpo Fernandez-Wilson, these three students will stay in Kalibo and in Boracay Island resorts.

Asked what is the secret of South Korea in her fast progress and development the three scholars were unanimous in their responses: "Hard work unquestionable honesty and utmost diligence" the people and public officials are doing. /MP

Mayor Raymar Rebaldo Officiates 98 Couples’ Wedding

by TERENCE T. TORIANO

"This is the first time that I officiated in the largest number of couples in one single civil wedding ceremony," said Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo in an interview with Ka-Tribu Radyo Reporter, Doniel Aguirre.

Rebaldo is referring to the "Kasalan ng Bayan" or Mass Civil Wedding held at Magsaysay Park on June 26, 2009, 9:00 AM participated by 98 couples from the 16 Barangays of Kalibo.

Most of the couples have been living together without the bliss of marriage, some already have several children.

"Marriage is important as it will give the children of couples the legal rights that illegitimate children do not have and it will put stability and harmony on their family and security for both couples," Rebaldo pointed out.

Pastor Teofilo Zonio of Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ, Pastor Rowena Andrade of New Assemblies of God and Pastor Raffy Sualog of the 7th Day Adventist offered their prayers for the couples while SB members Mark Quimpo, Greg Malapad, Ronce Reyes and Ka-Tribu Radyo Executive Director, Randy Rebaldo served as sponsors. LGU-Kalibo’s Human Resource Management Officer V Eleanor Isada and Municipal Social Welfare Officer Lolly Espino helped facilitate the ceremony.

Larolympics Brings Smiles to the Children

More than a hundred children from the 16 Barangays of Kalibo aged 7-10 in the Chikiting Level and 11-14 in the Bagets Level competed in Patintero, Piko and Tumbang Preso at Magsaysay Park last June 20-21, 2009 in the first ever Larolympics held by the Municipality of Kalibo in partnership with Anak TV Foundation.

Mayor Raymar Rebaldo led the opening of the games during the elimination round and the Championship assisted by Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Mary Agnes Gallardo who along with the SK Chairpersons from the 16 Barangays carried out the ceremonial torch lighting.

The young at hearts also took part in the Patintero exhibition games between Kalibo PNP and DepEd Aklan, between LGU-Kalibo led by Rebaldo and Aklan Media on June 21 at the delight of the children right after the torch lighting.

Students from schools in barangays also took part with their P.E. Teachers and Sports Coordinators serving as coaches.

Secretary General Mag Cruz Hatol and Anak TV Trustee Elvira Yap Go both of Anak TV Foundation volunteers graced the event and witnessed the Championship Games.

Ms. Go accompanied by Mayor Rebaldo and the local and national media from NBN-4, IBC 13 and UNTV dropped by the Stimulation Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) of LGU-Kalibo and chatted with its staff and children-beneficiaries, most of whom are differently abled. /MP

Government Neglect Causes Food Inadequacy

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Kapehan sa Aklan guests who discussed "Food Supply Situation" in Aklan on June 20 are shown above. They are (l to r) Deana Ruiz - DTI; Rico B. Magno - BFAR, Alicia L. Robelo - BFAR; Engr. Marianito B. Bejemino - NFA; Judith T. Tindog - NFA; and William B. Castillo, Sr. - Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Aklan.

Usually, the end of June ushers in the lean months of deprivation, food security and high price. Kapehan guests on Saturday, June 27, 2009 discussed the topics of "Food Supply Situation" in Aklan which critically affects a third segment of the population.

Engr. Marianito B. Bejemino, Provincial Manager – National Food Authority (NFA), Ms. Alicia L. Robelo, Aqua-culturist – BFAR, Mr. Rico B. Magno, Technical Staff – BFAR, Mr. William B. Castillo, Sr. Agriculturist/OIC DA, Ms. Judith T. Tindog, Acting Sr. Grains Officer, NFA and Ms. Deana Ruiz, Information Officer II – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan served as resource persons.

Engr. Bejemino and Ms. Tindog assured the audience that NFA has now in its warehouse 42,000 bags rice, 23,000 bags palay and 25,000 bags Vietnam rice. Should there be any abnormal price fluctuation in the market, NFA rice could be disposed anytime. Current price of P25.00 per kilogram is very affordable. It is of good quality compared to P35 – P39.00 per kilogram commercial rice, said Bejemino.

The farmers are given production incentive in their direct procurement activities which is P17.00 per kilogram palay delivered at NFA warehouse or at buying stations. Sellers are members of farmers cooperative with passbook or certification from production technician or Brgy. Captain. Drying and delivery incentives are long standing features of grains procurement revealed Ms. Tindog.

Mr. Castillo mentioned that despite production setbacks due to tungro and rat infestation, Aklan has 20,000 metric tons surplus annual palay production. Available hybrid seeds (400 bags) and certified seeds (600 bags) are covered by "Plant Now, Pay Later" scheme wherein identified farmer cooperators shoulder 50 percent of acquisition cost, payable after harvest.

Fish Story

Dwindling fish catch from our commercial fisheries are properly addressed by the establishment of artificial corral reefs and marine sanctuaries. According to Ms. Robelo, marine sanctuary is planned in Baybay, Makato that is expected to double or triple meager catch of 2.0 kilograms per person per night 18 months after project launching. This has been proven effective in neighboring Jawili, Tangalan where fishing activity is done outside of territorial boundary of marine sanctuary. Current thrust is aquaculture research on polyculture, mudcrubs, lapu-lapu, and high saline tilapia in New Washington and Gift tilapia hatchery in Janlud, Libacao.

Atty. Allen S. Quimpo underscored the need for rapid, massive and integrated action positively responding to food needs of tourism industry in Aklan especially in Boracay and other high end establishments in the province. It is lamentable that large shipment of commodities particularly rice, vegetables, fruits, fish, livestock and meat products come from other provinces. Aklanons have never developed their entrepreneurial skills in filling the big demand for food. It is common knowledge that farmer cooperatives in Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea have the final say with regard to food import and exports averred the former solon. Trading of both agricultural inputs and outputs is the exclusive domain of farmers.

Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente rallied for immediate development of Aklan rivers system for electric power generation, irrigation, domestic water supply, tourism, fish con-servation, land reclamation, balance ecology, and flood control to improve social and economic lives of Aklanons. Loan grant from Japanese International Cooperative Administration in the amount of P500 million for rehabilitation of existing irrigation system in the province is considered low impact target specific project compared to comprehensive Aklan Rivers Development.

Substantive discussion on food supply obviously failed because of the absence of hard data on agriculture and fisheries. Knowing the present and projected population and recommended dietary allowance of different food commodities would give valuable information as to the adequacy or inadequacy of a commodity at any given period of time. Computed production surplus can only be seen in rice where there is 20 per cent respectable margin like typhoon, flood, drought, pest, and disease infestation.

The national govern-ment has paramount responsibility to strengthen and modernize agriculture and fisheries since a quarter of GNP is subscribed by the sector. It has approved a loan to modernize agriculture and fishery production and utilization. Employment is recorded at 53 per cent while farmers comprise 71 percent of the total population. It should be noted that Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act authored by Sem. Edgardo Angara was only good on semantics and never got adequate funding. Japan and US both industrialized countries have four (4) percent and three (3) percent respectively farming population. Yet farmers are able to adequately feed their people, and the US is a world leader in agricultural exports.

It remains a paradox that Filipino farmers remain poor, undereducated and marginalized inspite of rich natural resources compared to their Asian neighbors. Aging farming population is 59 years old which means retrogression and hopeless-ness since majority of youths shun backbreaking task in the field. They prefer urban jobs. It appears that trade liberalization of World Trade Organization has left majority of local farmers in shackles of poverty and want. /MP

Release Rehab Funds For W. Visayas Typhoon Damage

Sen. Chiz Escudero this week called for the immediate release of P8 billion in funds for vital infrastructure rehabilitation of in Western Visayas damaged by Typhoon Frank one year ago.

"The government should no longer wait for Congress to pass the appropriation for the repair and replacement of many roads and bridges as well as the dredging of silted waterways in Western Visayas," he said.

A bill seeking the P8-billion for the rehabilitation of Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras and Negros Occidental as well as the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod is now pending in Congress (Senate).

Typhoon Frank struck mainly Iloilo, (Aklan), and the rest of Panay Island as well as the Mimaropa, Calabarzon and National Capital Regions on June 21, 2008.

It destroyed P500 million worth of crops and P7 billion worth of property while displacing more than 600,000 families and more than 3 million persons.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council also said at least 540 were killed while damages to roads and bridges in Iloilo, Aklan and Capiz were estimated at P2.3 billion.

"If the damaged infrastructure is not fixed soon, or if there are conditions attached to the release of rehabilitation funds, the region’s recovery and development will be stymied," Escudero said.

"Let us not wait for the incoming Congress to appropriate these funds. Let us not wait until another typhoon devastates the region," he said.

"When Luzon and Bicol were devastated by typhoons in 2007, the government was able to immediately release funds to rehabilitate the damaged areas", Sen. Escudero stressed. /MP

9-Pt Plan To Sharpen Mango Industry Global Competitiveness

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is mounting a nine-point program to raise mango production and sharpen the global competitiveness of the industry. This includes building post-harvest facilities and improving national regulatory services.

DA Secretary Arthur Yap told a recent gathering of mango growers and exporters that the industry has scored significant achievements amid the challenges of bad weather and pest and diseases, enabling growers and traders to contribute P19.8 billion to the country’s total agri-cultural value. It exported 32,000 metric tons of fresh, processed and dried mangoes worth $40.7 million to 48 countries worldwide.

"It is therefore prudent and necessary for stakeholders from farmers, traders, processors and exporters to continuously improve the quality of Philippine mangoes by employing modern, efficient, environment-friendly and sustainable practices, from the farm to various market destinations, so the Philippines could maintain her distinction as the source of the best and sweetest mango in the world," said Yap.

Mango ranks third as the most important fruit in the country in terms of volume of production and area after banana and pineapple.

Undersecretary Bernie Fondevilla said the DA is now investing funds and mobilizing resources to accomplish its nine-point mango industry program, comprising the following:

1. Provision of chemicals for flower induction;
2. Conduct of training and training-related events on pest management;
3. Maintenance of existing nurseries and scion groves to ensure the availability of high quality planting materials;
4. Building of additional postharvest facilities (packinghouse, extended hot water treatment facilities);
5. Making credit more affordable and easier to obtain in support of farmers’ expansion plans and other initiatives;
6. Bringing Filipino fruit farmers timely market information, and facilitate all the linkages they require to make fruit farming profitable, productive, and globally competitive;
7. Enhancing national regulatory services, including certification systems, and pest risk analysis and food safety services;
8. Developing and promoting better mango farming technologies nationwide by enhancing research, development and extension services; and
9. Ensuring that an integrated approach is taken at the farm level so that our farmers at all times have the necessary requisites to produce higher yields of the best possible quality.

The Philippine Mango Industry Federation (PMIF) and other mango stakeholders can com-plement this program through the production and provision of inputs (organic fertilizers, pesticides and other bio-pesticides); construction of a packinghouse per area as common service facility to ensure the supply of quality mango fruits; and creation of a marketing arm that will seek new and expand existing markets, trading partner-ships and investments, here and abroad, Fondevilla suggested.

In 2008, the total existing production area of 186,821 hectares for mangoes produced a combined volume of 884,037 metric tons.

The Ilocos Region registered the highest production volume in 2008 at 382,569 metric tons or about 43 percent of the total national production volume.

Other top mango-producing regions in 2008 were Central Luzon (68,314 MT); Cagayan Valley (66,209 MT); Central Visayas (65,818 MT) and Zamboanga Peninsula (53,113 MT).

In terms of area planted for 2008, Central Luzon had an existing area of 33,371 hectares, which accounts for 18 percent of the total area planted.

Other top regions in terms of area are the Ilocos Region (22,099 ha); Davao Region (18,137 ha); South Cotabato-Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Sarrangani-General Santor (16,747 ha); and Zamboanga Peninsula (16,521 ha). /MP

More NTC Teeth Ensures Cellphone Users Interest

Senator Mar Roxas this week said Congress could consider granting the National Telecommu-nications Commission (NTC) more teeth in regulating the booming wireless telephone industry to ensure the protection of public interest.

But to those already have some forward movement pending this measure to strengthen the NTC, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Commerce has already formed a technical working group (TWG) to lay the ground for the implemen-tation of a per-second voice call rate regime.

According to Roxas, among the corrective legislation he would propose is to amend Republic Act No. 7925 or the Public Telecommunications Policy Act of 1995, which he noted has tied the hands of the NTC from imposing strict regulatory guidelines among the country’s telecom-munication providers.

NTC officials have told the Senate committee a court injunction on a Memorandum Circular containing telecom-munication policy regulations had tied their hands from imposing price and interconnection regulations over the telecom-munications industry.

On Wednesday’s hearing, Roxas has tasked the NTC to head the TWG formed by the committee to resolve technical and commercial issues to the implementation of per-second voice call rates in place of the present per minute regime.

The country’s top mobile telephone providers have already said they are open to the said regime provided sufficient and equitable regulations are put in place. /MP

Automation Failure An Attack On Democracy

Senator Mar Roxas likened the potential collapse of the election automation project for 2010 as an attack on the country’s democracy as it will deny Filipinos their eagerly-awaited chance to elect new leaders.

"Our people have long awaited this chance to elect their leaders in clean and honest elections, and automation was seen as a way to break away from the tradition of cheating. Now, even that chance is denied us," Roxas said.

Roxas had earlier written Comelec Chair Jose Melo to express concerns over possible hitches in the planned poll automation system.

Comelec’s Melo said, "the Comelec would be forced to go back to manual voting following the collapse of the Smartmatic-Total Information Management Corp. (TIM) consortium, which won the bidding for the right to lease 82,200 counting machines to be used by the poll body to complete the canvassing of votes in two days instead of weeks under the manual system."

TIM announced its withdrawal from the consortium on Monday, citing irreconcilable diffe-rences with Smartmatic. /MP

Women Abroad Outnumber Males Migrants

ON the national aggregate, females who worked and settled overseas have outnumbered males.

The same gender trend is true at the provinces of origin of overseas Filipinos, as local development in the countryside has an overseas Filipina’s face.

Philippine Overseas Employment adminis-tration (POEA) data on overseas workers from 2004 to 2007 show that 33 provinces have more female land-and sea-based migrant workers than male counterparts, compared to 18 provinces that had more male migrant workers than females, says a policy brief by a nonprofit organization.

These include all the provinces belonging to the Ilocos and in the Cordillera Administrative Region, writes a policy brief on overseas Filipinos by gender in the provinces released by the Institute for Migration and Development Issues (IMDI). Some 21 other provinces, meanwhile, had years that there were more female migrant workers than males and vice versa —with no clear trend which gender has more migrant workers over the four-year period, says the policy brief.

An overwhelming 76 of 78 provinces with data have more female than male emigrants and permanent residents, reveals a 27-year data set on this group of migrants coming from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.
Only Aklan and Tawi-Tawi had more male than female permanent residents and emigrants, reveals IMDI’s policy brief. The provinces that had more female than male overseas workers and permanent residents come from provinces with high and low poverty incidence levels.

Government data segregate overseas Filipinos as land-and sea-based.

But looking at total land-based workers per province alone by gender, 73 of 76 provinces with data show that females outnumber male land-based workers. Only Bataan, Pampanga and Zambales had more male land-based overseas workers than females.

IMDI wrote that women overseas Filipinos have contributed "a lot of resources quietly yet visibly, and have helped improve their birth provinces’ quality of life". /MP

MUNICIPALITY OF MALAY MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE NO. 267

Republic of the Philippines
Province of Aklan
Municipality of Malay

Office of the Sangguniang Bayan

Excerpt from the minutes of the 45th regular session of the Sangguniang bayan of malay, Aklan (2007 – 2010) held at the sb session hall on December 17, 2008.

Present:
SB Member Essel L. Flores, Presiding Officer Pro-Tempore
SB Member Wilbec M. Gelito
SB Member Gideon T. Siñel
SB Member Rowen T. Aguirre
SB Member Cristina C. Prado
SB Member Charlie D. Villanueva
SB Member Dante C. Pagsuguiron
SB Member Mateo A. Tayco
SB Member Roldan M. Casidsid, Liga President

Absent:
Hon. John P. Yap, Municipal Vice Mayor
SB Member Niño Elpe D. Sullan, SK Federation President

MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE NO. 267

Series of 2008

An ordinance amending municipal ordinance no. 2000-131, an ordinance amending municipal ordinance no. 96-97 regulating the construction of all buildings and other structures in the island of Boracay.

SECTION 1. – rationale. Various natural, economic and other man made interventions have influenced the development perspective of the island of Boracay and to address this changing perspective, it is imperative that some irrelevant provisions of Municipal Ordinance 2000-131, be amended accordingly, hence this piece of legislation.

SECTION 2. – Definition. Additional Terms. The following terms shall be added to Section 2, Definition of Terms, and shall be marked correspondingly.

(j) Firewall – is a solid wall, without any opening of whatever nature, made of concrete or similar materials, designed to block the progress of fire.

(k) Building Line – an imaginary demarcation separating the NO BUILD ZONE from the BUILD ZONE located thirty (30) meters from the edge of the mean high water mark measured inland.
SECTION 3. – Amendments. Section 3. Section 3 of Municipal Ordinance No. 2000 – 131 is hereby amended and the same shall be read as follows:

"As a general rule, no building or structure of any kind of whether temporary or permanent shall be allowed to be set up, erected or constructed on the beaches around the Island of Boracay and in its offshore waters. In the conduct of special activities or events, however, the office of the Mayor may issue Special Permits for the construction of temporary structures on the beach for the duration of the event which in no case shall be more than three (3) days, provided that said structure shall not disturb the flow of human traffic using the beach a promenade. Before issuance of the afore-cited Special Permit by the Office of the Mayor, the following shall be secured:

a) Structural Clearance from the Office of the Municipal Engineer;
b) Locational Clearance from the Municipal Zoning Office."

SECTION 4. – Amendments. Setback Requirements and Maximum Heights Limits, Paragraph (a), Sub-Paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and Paragraph d, Section 4 are hereby omitted and shall be substituted with the following provisions;

"Section 4. Setback Requirements and Maximum height Limits.
a) The setback requirements and maximum height limits for all buildings shall be as follows:
1. The maximum height of buildings that may be constructed from the building line measured inland up to fifteen (15) meters away therefrom shall not be higher than six (6) meters tall.
2. The maximum height of buildings that may be constructed within the area of fifteen (15) and one tenth (15.1) meters to forty (40) meters away from the building line measured inland shall be not be higher than the imaginary straight line drawn from the highest permissible height of six (6) meters at the fifteen (15) meters area and the highest permissible height of fourteen (14) meters at the forty and one tenth (40.1) meters area both measured inland from the building line.
3. The maximum height of building that may be constructed from forty and one tenth (40.1) meters and beyond measured inland from the building line, shall not be more than fourteen (14) meters.
Provided that:
b) The nearest edge of all buildings and similar structures temporary or permanent that may be constructed along a road shall be at least six (6) meters from the center of the road; and
c) In the event that the area, upon which the structure shall be built, is only two hundred square meters or less, two sides maybe constructed on the property line and the same shall serve as common firewalls of the adjoining properties, provided further that constructions on both sides shall observe the open space requirements as prescribed by this ordinance."

SECTION 5. – Amendment. Section 5. Open Space. Section 5 of Municipal Ordinance No. 2000-131 I hereby amended to be read as follows:

"Section 5. Open Space. It shall be mandatory of all constructions in the island of
Boracay, both commercial and residential, to strictly observe and maintain the open space requirements prescribed as follows:
Total Lot Area Open Space Requirement
a) Two Hundred Square Meters or Less – Ten Percent of the Total Area
b) One Thousand Square Meters But Not Less Than Two Hundred Square Meters – Twenty Percent of the Total Area
c) More than One Thousand Square Meters – Forty Percent of the Total Area"

SECTION 6. – Amendments. Paragraph (b) of Section 7 is hereby amended and shall be read as follows:

c) Observe as setback of ten (10) meters from the top or bottom of the cliff, as the case may be. The set back requirement however may be mitigated as to the bottom of the cliff if protective measures has been provided or installed against protracted land slides to be duly approved and certified by the Office of the Municipal Engineering of Malay.

SETION 7. – Amendments. Secti0n 8. Section 8 is hereby amended and shall be read as follows:
"Section 8. No building or structure shall be allowed to be constructed on swamps or other water clogged areas unless certification granting permit for construction of the same from the Department of Environment & Natural Resources is secured.

SECTION 8. – Amendments. Section 9, permits and clearances is hereby amended and shall be read as follows:

"Section 9 – Permits & Clearances

a) No building or structure shall be allowed to start construction unless a Building Permit therefore has been duly issued by the Office of the Municipal Building Officials. Once issued, the building owner or any person in-charge of the construction shall display on the lot or on the building undergoing construction a placard containing the Building Permit Number and the date of its issue. The office of the Building officials shall not issue any building permit unless:
1. The proposed construction has been duly issued a zoning Clearance by the Office of the Municipal Zoning Officer;
2. The on site Building lay-out has been duly certified correct and proper by the Municipal Building Inspector.
b) Only buildings/structures which has complied with all the requirements for its construction, as verified to by the Municipal Building Inspector shall be issued a Certificate of Occupancy."
d) Public Utility Providers, such as, water, telephone, electricity and other similar services are prohibited to make respective connections to buildings and related structure if the same has been constructed without Building Permit and/or occupied without occupancy permit.

SECTION 9. – Sewerage Facility. New constructions, buildings, and/or structures, in the Island of Boracay, with accommodation facility of at least fifty (50) rooms shall provide its own sewerage treatment facility. Existing structures and/or buildings with the same accommodation facility, at least fifty (50) rooms, shall comply with this provision within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Ordinance.

SECTION 10. – Bonds. All applicants/proponents of any construction and/or development in the Island of Boracay shall post a construction/development bond equivalent to Five Percent (5%) of the total cost of the proposed project, which in no case shall be more than FIFTEEN MILLION PESOS (P15,000,000.00) for purposes of determining this bond. The bond shall be posted with the Office of the Municipal Treasurer, upon approval of construction permit/s and the same shall serve as deposit upon which environmental and construction infractions, of the proponent, if there is any, shall be deducted therefrom. This bond shall be released to the proponent, less fines/penalties/charges for infractions, if there is any, upon project completion duly certified by the Building and Zoning Officials.

SECTION 11. – Undertaking. All applicants/proponents of any construction and/or development shall submit an undertaking to waive opposition to future expropriation of land for roads, right of way and easements and allow the ingress and egress to public areas and/or locations upon which the subject development of the proponent is burdened thereof.

SECTION 12. – Repealing Clause. All ordinances, rules, and regulations or parts thereof provisions of which are in conflict with or contrary to, the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 13. – Separability Clause. If any provision of this ordinance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, other parts or provisions thereof which are not affected thereby, shall remain in full force and affect.

SECTION 14. – Effectivity. This ordinance shall take effect upon approval and proper publication.

ENACTED. JULY 28, 2008.
APPROVED. December 17, 2008
x x x

I hereby certify to the correctness of the afore-quoted Municipal Ordinance.

(Sgd.) CONCORDIA S. ALCANTARA
Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan

Attested:
(Sgd.) ESEL L. FLORES
SB Member
Presiding Officer Pro-Tempore

Approved:
Sgd.) CECIRON S. CAWALING
Municipal Mayor

AKELCO Joins NEA Tree Planting

by Lovell Gepte - Juliano

The Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc (AKELCO) partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Aklan Chapter joined the 118 other electric cooperatives (ECs) nationwide thru a simultaneous tree planting activity last month.

Around 100 AKELCO employees gathered to give root to at least 500 seedlings particularly forest trees such as Narra on the hillside near the Airlines Radar Site at Jawili, Tangalan, Aklan.

That activity was one of the significant events that fostered the celebration of National Electrification Administration (NEA) anniversary dubbed as Green light at 40. Along with 118 other ECs, AKELCO joined the nation in the said biggest commemoration of NEA’s forty years of serving the nation through rural electrification.

A short program took place before planting trees. DENR Project Manager, Artemio Bacarra was the guest speaker.

That was also one way of promoting environ-mental awareness to save our mother earth against global warming. Planting trees in the tropics may offset the carbon dioxide that people produce.

On the other hand, Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared on March 16 the month of August as National Electrification Awareness Month with the theme "Kuryente ay Kailangan para sa Maunlad na Sambayanan". NEA con-tinues to light up homes thereby improving quality of life of every Filipinos in the rural areas. /MP

DA Opens Farmers’ ‘Water School’

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has opened a "water school" for farmers to teach them on the efficient use of water in crop planning in step with government efforts to conserve this precious resource and mitigate the negative effects of climate change on the farm and fisheries sector.

In a report to DA Secretary Arthur Yap, Dr. Silvino Tejada, executive director of the Bureau of Soils and Water Manage-ment (BSWM), said the project is now being pilot-tested in the municipalities of Pasuquin and Burgos in Ilocos Norte.

The Farmers’ Water School (FWS) is being implemented through the assistance of the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research under its project "Enhancing Agricultural Production by Sustainable Use of Shallow Groundwater.

"This is the first of its kind of training as the Farmers Field School (FFS) Integrated Pest Management/Kasa-kalikasan was put in place as a regular program of DA," Tejada reported.

The season-long FWS officially started last February and ends in June, seeks to impart practical knowledge and skills to farmers on estimating groundwater balance that will serve as their basis for making critical and informed decisions through crop planning.

Agricultural Technicians (ATs), serve as the FWS trainors. To train them for the job, the ATs attended the BSWM-led eight-day Training of Trainers (ToT) held last year at the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) office in Batac City .

The 22 ATs of Ilocos Norte developed a com-prehensive module and visual aids on groundwater resource protection and management translated into the Iluko dialect, with technical assistance from BSWM, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and resources persons from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astro-nomical Services Adminis-tration (PAGASA).

"Using a combination of lectures, fieldwork, and ground dynamics, they could now serve as potential trainers and empower farmers and groundwater users in protecting and managing the resource," Tejada said.
Tejada noted, "there is a great potential the project could be upscaled to cover other municipalities depending on the success of the initial venture in Ilocos Norte." /MP

Aklan Teachers Attend 2009 National Conference for SE

by Rosalie S. Ruance

Some of the ten lucky Aklanon teachers who attended the 2009 National Conference for Science Education in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

The Science Club Advisers Association of the Philippines (SCAAP) in cooperation with the Department of Education Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs (DepEd-CSCA), Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and ABS-CBN–DZMM successfully conducted the 2009 National Conference for Science Educators last month. It was held in Bohol Tropics Resort, Tagbilaran City.

With the theme "Science and Technology: Meeting the Demands of Our Time," the conference aimed to achieve the following objectives: a. enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of mentors utilizing break-through in science and technology; b. upgrade teaching performance of mentors to meet the demands in science and technology education; c. explore new ideas and discoveries in science and technology; d. adopt necessary values that focus on the application of new discoveries and break-throughs; and e. strengthen the cooperation and participation of science enthusiasts in worthwhile activities that benefit pupils and students.

The 10 lucky teachers of Aklan are privileged attending the said gathering of science educators. They believed that it would further equip them with the latest innovations in dealing young scientists who will soon rule the world.

More than 500 delegates from other provinces attended the conference. These include the 10 Aklan teachers who are Rosalie S. Ruance – Numancia Integrated School, Ellen A. Villegas and Salvacion R. Abad – Kalibo Pilot Elem. School, Dorothy G. Bautista and Connie M. Ambito – New Washington District, Joem Jimlon – Wadeford School, Alma Cawaling – Regional Science High School for Region VI, two others from the same school and Nilda Tumbokon of Kalibo Elem. School.

"Indeed, meeting the demands of our time is perfectly chosen," theme participants said during the closing program with the guest Angelo B. Palmones, ABS-CBN Executive Manager. /MP

SHERIFF'S NOTICES

Republic of the Philippines
Regional Trial Court
Sixth Judicial Region
BRANCH 1
Kalibo, Aklan

OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL SHERIFF RURAL BANK OF ALTAVAS (AKLAN) INC.,
Mortgagee, Extra-Judicial Foreclosure of Real Estate -vs- Mortgage under Act 3135 as amended
and R. A. 7353

No. 06 (2009)

AMELIA S. RENTILLO,
Mortgagor.
x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL PROPERTY

UPON Extra-Judicial Petition for Sale under Act 3135 as amended by R.A. 7353, filed by the Mortgagee, RURAL BANK OF ALTAVAS (AKLAN) INC., represented by Laniel D. Refol, its Manager against the Mortgagor AMELIA S. RENTILLO, Filipino, of Legal Age, Married, residing and with postal address at Brgy. Poblacion, Banga, Aklan, Philippines, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness to the Mortgagee, which as of February 4, 2009 amount to FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTY FIVE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED TWENTY SEVEN and 67/100 (Php 485,827.67) Philippine currency, excluding Sheriff’s fees, filling fees and other expenses in connection with this sale, all secured by a Real Estate Mortgage, the Clerk of Court VI and Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff of Aklan, Regional Trial Court, Kalibo, Aklan thru the undersigned Sheriff IV, will sell at Public Auction on AUGUST 21, 2009 at 9:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter at the Office of the Provincial Sheriff, Regional Trial Court, Capitol Site, Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines, to the highest bidder, for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the herein-below described real property together with all the existing improvements thereon, to wit:

ARP/TD NO. 93-019-0348

"A parcel of RL w/Irrig. Land (Lot No. 701-E), situated in Brgy. Palale, Banga, Aklan with an area of .4387 sq. m. more or less. Bounded on the North by Lot No. 2974; on the East by Lot No. 701-D; on the South by Lot No. 701-F and on the West by Lot No. 702. Said land is declared in the name of AMELIA S. SONCUYA under ARP/TD NO. 93-019-0348 and assessed at Php. 8,260.00 including all the existing improvements found thereon."

ARP/TD NOS. 93-019-0349 & 93-019-0350

"A parcel of Orchard Land (Lot No. 701-F), situated in Brgy. Palele, Banga, Aklan, with an area of .4387 sq. m. more or less. Bounded on the North by E Lot No. 701-E on the East by Lot No. 701-D; on the South by Lot No. 701-G and on the West by Lot No. 702. Said land is declared in the name of AMELIA S. SONCUYA under ARP/TD NOS. 93-019-0349 & 93-019-0350 and is assessed at Php. 8,920.00 including all the existing improvements thereon."

Prospective buyers and bidders are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title to the property described above, and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

ALL SEALED BIDS must be submitted to the undersigned on the stated time and date.

Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines, June 19, 2009

ARNALDO C. TEJADA, JR.
Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff

(Sgd.) HERNAN FLORENCIO M. CORTES
Sheriff IV

Warning: It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this Notice of Sale on or before the date of sale under penalty of law.

-0O0-

Republic of the Philippines
Regional Trial Court
Sixth Judicial Region
Kalibo, Aklan

Office of the Provincial Sheriff

RURAL BANK OF ALTAVAS (AKLAN), INC., Mortgagee, -versus- EJFMP CASE NO. 07 (2009) AMELIA RENTILLO

Extra-Judicial Foreclosure of
Mortgagor Mortgaged Property Under Act 3135, as amended

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF EXTRA JUDICIAL SALE

Upon Extra-Judicial Petition for Sale under Act 3135, as amended by Act 4118, filed by the Mortgagee RURAL BANK OF ALTAVAS (AKLAN), INC., against the Mortgagor, AMELIA RENTILLO, of legal age, Filipino, with residence and postal address at Brgy. Poblacion, Banga, Aklan, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness to the Mortgagee which as of February 4, 2009 amounts to Pesos: FOUR HUNDRED EIGHT THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY FOUR PESOS and 73/100 (P408,774.73), Philippine Currency including interest, penalty charges, Attorney’s fees and other expenses in connection with this foreclosure and sale, the Clerk of Court VI/Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff of Aklan or by Deputy will sell at public auction on August 25, 2009 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter at the office of the Provincial Sheriff of Aklan, Regional Trial Court, Godofredo P. Ramos Hall of Justice building, Kalibo, Aklan, to the highest bidder, for CASH and in the Philippine Currency, the real property including all the existing improvements thereon to wit:

ARP/TD NO. 93-019-0355 & 93-019-0356

"Parcel of Orchard land (Lot No. 701-G), with an area of 4,387 square meters more or less, situated at Brgy. Palale, Banga, Aklan, bounded on the North by Lot 701-F, on the East by Lot No. 701-C, on the South by Lot No. 701-E, and on the West by Lot 702. Said land is declared in the name of AMELIA SONCUYA RENTILLO, under ARP/TD No. 93-019-0355 & 93-019-0356, and is assessed at P8,920.00 including all the existing improvements found thereon."

Prospective buyers and bidders may investigate for themselves the title to the property above described and the encumbrances thereon if any there be.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.
Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines, this 17th day of June, 2008.

ARNALDO C. TEJADA, JR.
Clerk of Court VI/Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff

By:
(Sgd.) FREDDIE G. ZAMORA
Sheriff IV

-0O0-

Republic of the Philippines
Regional Trial Court
Sixth Judicial Region
Kalibo, Aklan

RURAL BANK OF ALTAVAS (AKLAN), INC., Extra Judicial Foreclosure of Mortgagee, Real Estate Mortgage under Act 3135, as amended. - versus – AMELIA S. RENTILLO, EJFC No. 08 (2009) Mortgagor,
x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF EXTRA JUDICIAL SALE

Upon Extra-Judicial Petition for Sale under Act 3135, as amended (Sec. 6, RA 7353), filed by the mortgagee, RURAL BANK OF ALTAVAS (AKLAN), INC., duly organized under Republic Act No. 7353, with principal office at Altavas, Aklan, against the mortgagor, AMELIA S. RENTILLO, Filipino Citizen and a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Banga, Aklan, Philippines, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which, as of February 4, 2009, amounts to EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED TWO PESOS & FIFTY CENTAVOS (Php 830,602.50), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalties, attorney’s fees and surcharges but exclusive of interest and other incidental expenses in connection with this sale accruing after February 4, 2009, the Clerk of Court VI and Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff of Aklan, Regional Trial Court, Kalibo, Aklan, thru the undersigned Sheriff IV, will sell at public auction on August 31, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter at the main entrance of the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Godofredo Ramos Hall of Justice, Capitol Site, Kalibo, Aklan to the highest bidder, for CASH and in Philippine currency, the following property with all its improvements, to wit:

ARP/TD Nos. 93-019-0357 & 93-019-0358

"A parcel of Orchard land (Lot No. 701-H), situated in Brgy. Palale, Banga, Aklan with an area of 4387 Sq. meters, more or less. Bounded on the North, by Lot No. 701-G; on the East, by Lot No. 701-B; on the South, by Barangay Road; and on the West, by Lot No. 702. Said land is declared in the name of AMELIA SONCUYA RENTILLO, under ARP/TD No. 93-019-0357 & 93-019-0358 and is assessed at Php 9,110.00 including all the improvements found thereon."

Prospective buyers may investigate for themselves the title herein above described and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the stated time and date above.
Kalibo, Aklan, June 22, 2009.

ARNALDO C. TEJADA, JR.
Clerk of Court VI and
Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff

By
(Sgd.) REYNALDO R. BAUTISTA
Sheriff IV