Gov. Manny Pinol in AKLAN...

Asst. Editor of Madyaas Pen Ms. Megs Lunn and
Gov. Manny Pinol of North Cotabato.

Gov. Manny Pinol (North Cotabato), Dr. Ambrosio "Botoy" Villorente-Publisher,

Madyaas Pen and Mrs. Ofelia Dayang.

Gov. Manny Pinol, Mr. Art Padua-FAMAS Manila and former

Congressman Allen Quimpo during a quick conversation after

delivering his wonderful presentation about the province

of North Cotabato.

Gov. Manny Pinol of North Cotabato led

the cutting of ribbon during the opening

of Media Summit Product Showcase at

Gov. Corazon Cabagnot Training Center,

Kalibo, Aklan. (left to right - Former Cong.

Allen Quimpo, PAPI Pres. Johnny Dayang,

Mrs. Ofelia Dayang, Gov. Pinol and a lady from DTI - Aklan.

MORE PICTURES ON MEDIA SUMMIT - Oct. 26-29, 2006

Gov. Manny Pinol of North Cotabato, Ms. Judith Tindog and company from

National Food Authority with former Congressman Allen Quimpo, President

of North Western Visayan Colleges.

Past President of Negros Press Club Mr. Primo Esleyer

of Bacolod City with Megs Lunn.

Megs Lunn with media practitioners from The LEGISLATIVE GAVEL News -

Giovanni Sanchez (Graphic Director) and Joel Pineda (Copy Editor) of Cebu City Provincial Office.

Megs Lunn, Mr. & Mrs. Pede Lu of the

Pagadian Times, Pagadian City

VIP Pictures at Media Summit...

Gen. Geary Barias as the keynote speaker during the

closing ceremony of the Media Summit at Sampaguita

Gardens Resort & Spa. Gen. Barias is not the

chief superintendent of the Regional PNP

Western Visayas.

Dr. Benny Palma as one the speakers during the

2nd day of the media summit who presented

investment opportunities of Aklan State University.

Joel and Edric of Miriam College were among the

many overwhelmed participants during the summit. They have

enjoyed the hospitality of Aklanons.

Megs with FAMAS Board Director Eloy Padua who has a lot

of appreciation with our Province-Aklan during his participation

in the 4-day Media Summit.

Publisher Dr. Botoy Villorente with Gen. Manager of Metro Trail

Bobby Lastimoso and Mr. Pede Lun of Pagadian Times.

Megs with PAPI President, Mr. Juan Dayang. The man behind

the successful 4-day Media Summit in Aklan.

Media Gab To Showcase Tourist Spots, Aklanon Hospitality

By Boy Ryan Zabal

All roads lead to the first-ever Aklan Media Summit on October 26 to 29 organized by the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc. (PAPI) and the provincial government of Aklan.
PAPI President Juan "Johnny" Dayang said "the four-day event is a showcase of the tourism and hospitality of Aklanons to some 200 delegates and guests from as far as the provinces of Mindanao and Northern Luzon."
Aklan organizers have scheduled a seminar on ethics, broadcasting and a strategic communications management and public relations seminar workshop for public information officers, and a forum on investment opportunities of Aklan.
Dayang said the provincial government led by Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, Vice Gov. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Aklan Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores, Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo and Malay Mayor Ceciron Cawaling have signified their support as media partners of the summit.
With the theme, "The Role of the Press in Spotlighting Investment Opportunities in Aklan," PAPI is also conducting an exclusive seminar on communications management for information officers and public affairs executives by veteran public relation practitioners at the Aklan Training Center, Old Buswang, Kalibo, and at the island resort of Boracay on October 28.
"The eco-tourism potentials of Nabas, Tangalan, Kalibo and Libacao should be prioritized by the government, aside from the world’s beach destination of Boracay," said Dayang, a native of Aklan.
The town of Kalibo boasts of Manggad of Kalibo, the Bakhawan Eco-park and the Ati-Atihan Festival. The eco-town of Tangalan has dive sites and the Jawili Falls while the eastern town of Libacao is famous for mountain trekking and water sports.
"The media summit here in Aklan could be the biggest gathering of media personalities with Kalibo and the Boracay Island as hosts," Dayang said.

Hereunder is the tentative schedule of activities during the Aklan Media Summit:

Date: October 26, 27, 28, 29, 2006
Venues: Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Memorial Center, Kalibo, Aklan; Boracay Terraces, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan; Sampaguita Garden Resort, New Washington, Aklan
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
Theme: "THE ROLE OF THE PRESS IN SPOTLIGHTING INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN AKLAN"
Day One
October 26, 2006, Thursday
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Arrival of delegates, registration, billeting arrangements
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - OPENING CEREMONIES
Opening Remarks - Mr. Juan P. Dayang, PAPI President
Welcome Address - Hon. Raymar A. Rebaldo, Mayor, Kalibo
Address - Hon. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Vice Governor of Aklan;
Convenor, Aklan Media Summit 2006
Address - Mr. Roy Mabasa, National Press Club (NPC) President
Keynote Address - Hon. Ronaldo V. Puno, Secretary, DILG
- Hon. Emmanuel Piñol, Governor of North Cotabato
3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - journalism seminar on ethics, libel and broadcasting
Resource Speakers: - Mr. Fred G. Gabot, Senior Editor, Manila Bulletin
- Mr. Danny Fajardo, Publisher, Panay News
- Dr. Romeo Barrios, Pamantasan ng Maynila
- Mr. Jun Velasco, Manila Bulletin
- Mr. Primo Esleyer, Negros Press Club
- Atty. Toto Causing, Lawyer-Journalist
- Atty. Bernardo Calibo, Director, National Police Commission
7:00 to 10:00 - FELLOWSHIP and CULTURAL PRESENTATION
Guest Speaker - Assemblyman Jose T. Tumbokon, chairman Kasangga sa Kaunlaran, Inc.
Special Awards - Roman A. De la Cruz (Award of Recognition)
Selmar S. Maribojo (Posthumos Award)
Day Two
October 27, 2006, Friday
8;00 a.m. to 12:00 nn. - INVESTMENT FORUM
Theme: "The Role of the Press in Spotlighting Investment Opportunities in Aklan"
Keynote Speaker - Hon. CARLITO S. MARQUEZ, Governor of Aklan Province
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lunch
Speaker
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker: - Hon. Joeben T. Miraflores, Rep., Lone District of Aklan
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - FREE TIME
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Dinner
Guest Speaker - Hon. Carissa Cruz, Under-Secretary, DTI
Day Three
October 28, 2006, Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn.
Guest Speaker - Mr. Nicasio Alcantara, President/CEO, Petron Corporation
- Plenary Session and Adoption of Resolutions
- Mr. Danny Fajardo, PAPI Vice President for Visayas, Presiding
- Gen. Roberto T. Lastimoso, General Manager, Metro Rail transit
12:00 nn. to 1:00 p.m. - Lunch and Departure for Boracay Island
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Free Time
7:00 to 10:00 p.m. - Dinner
Welcome Address
Opening Remarks - Hon. Ceciron Cawaling
Mayor, Malay, Aklan
Guest Speaker - Hon. Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, Presidential Adviser on Culture and Executive Director, NCAA
Guest Speaker - Hon. Ace Durano, Secretary, DOT
Guest Speaker - Hon. Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr., Secretary, DPWH
Day four
October 29, 2006, Sunday
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Free Time for Boracay Tour
Courtesy of Mayor Ceciron Cawaling
10:00 a.m. - Checkout Time and Departure to Kalibo
12:30 p.m. - Arrival and Lunch, Bakhawan Eco Park
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Kalibo Tour, Courtesy of Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo
Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, President, NVC, Kalibo, Aklan
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Free Time

C L O S I N G C E R E M O N Y
Sampaguita Garden Resort, New Washington, Aklan
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Conferment of Awards and Farewell Party:
- Hon. Gov. Lito Marquez for Good Governance
- Hon. Vice Gov. Kel Tolentino for Outstanding Media Leadership
- Hon. Cong. Joeben T. Miraflores for Award of Recognition
- Hon. Allen S. Quimpo, President - (Service Award)
Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo, Aklan
Guest of Honor & Speakers. . .
E X C L U S I V E
Day Three
October 28, 2006, Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn. - Strategic Communications Management Seminar
TOPICS
1) Crisis management; 2) crisis team; 3) shaping public opinion; 4) real value of communication management and public relation; 5) developing integrated communication program; 6) creative manner of dealing with critical issues; 7) selling candidates; and many more issues confronting communications and public relations practitioners.
Resource Persons: - Mr. Wisnton A. Marbella, Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP)
- Mr. Ernesto Banawis, PR Consultant
- Mr. Jose C. Policarpio
12:00 noon - Lunch
12:00 nn. 0 1:00 p.m. - trip to Boracay
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Strategic Communication Management Seminar
(Continuation)
6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. - Distribution of Certificates and Closing Ceremonies
(Boracay Terrace) /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

EDITORIAL

PAPI TODAY

By Johnny Nunez

After years of merely coasting along, the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) stands strong today.
Presently, PAPI counts on some 1,000 regular – member publishers and about 1,750 associate members. Its member publications account for a cumulative total of about 2,000,000 copies every week, more than the combined circulation of Metro Manila dailies on a day-on-week run.
The figure does not include yet the news and information aired by its affiliates in radio, television, and cable organizations, giving PAPI the widest information outreach in the country.
Provincial and regional publications, which are identified with PAPI are often taken for granted particularly when they confine themselves to parochial issues.
Taken together, however, these segmented publications offer a veritable media infrastructure that can effectively educate the people on crucial issues, help them form enlightened public opinions on such issues, and galvanize them to united action towards addressing defined problems.
At 32, PAPI has had it all. It has experienced fame and glory as well as dejection. Tenacious as it should be, however, it survived trying times, managed to recoup lost grounds and even flourished. PAPI’s history is certainly colorful.
Originally composed of newspaper publishers, PAPI was organized in 1974 and took over from the martial law-anointed Philippine Council for Print Media (PCPM) which was generally considered as a benign tool and instrument of press censorship of the Marcos dictatorship.
To its credit PAPI, originally headed by then Bulletin publisher, Brig. Gen. Hans Menzi, a Marcos trusted ally, remained relatively free and independent in its initiatives and programs. It even participated in world conferences, with its publisher-members free to meet and interact with their foreign peers.
At a time when the military banned assemblies even by just three persons, PAPI was allowed to conduct seminars, fora, workshops and symposia that attracted popular participation from publishers, editors, and other media practitioners even as "classified" topics discussed among them never saw print in their papers.
When the Marcos dictatorship was thrown out in 1985, PAPI’s role was cast in limbo. What press freedom indeed was there to protect when media organs of all imaginable shades and persuasions sprouted like mushrooms and press license even became fashionable?
Left in a quandary, PAPI’s leadership which used to be monopolized by media stalwarts from the major Manila-based national publications shifted to the hands of community newspapers publishers. Muriel Sto. Domingo of Naga City became its first president from the local media.
The year immediately following 1985 were turbulent for PAPI. Its officers could not provide it with steady leadership since they were also too preoccupied with their own survival. In addition the organization was hard put to shake off the unpalatable stigma of having cooperated with the Marcos dictatorship. It was aptly described then as "more dead than alive."
In 1995, when then PAPI president Diony Fallarme, no new election was called because no one among its officers was willing to preside over the burial of a dying organization. They instead scouted for a capable leader who can reverse PAPI’s nosedive and were unanimous in their choice of former National Press Club (NPC) Secretary General Juan P. Dayang.
Dayang who traces his roots to the community press, however, never relished the idea of serving as its mortician. Eventually, however, he yielded to appeals for him to give PAPI one last insulin shot. The rest is history.
To nurse PAPI back to health and regain its lost respectability and influence, Dayang moved to consolidate the organization’s ranks and patiently wooed back to its fold its skeptical and prodigal members, He next expanded PAPI’s membership to include not only publishers but also editors, reporters and broadcasters.
Dayang simultaneously launched institution-building initiatives to make the organization more attractive to its members, deserve public support and enshrine PAPI in the annals of history of Philippines and world media.
Among such initiatives were the convening of the National Press Congress every December as a highlight of the annual National Press Week observance, and the Midyear Executive Session of Publishers and Editors in June. Both fora have evolved into potent discussion venues for raging national issues which helped made PAPI become a major partner of the people and the government in nation building.
To address urgent issues concerning the community press and the areas where they operate, PAPI recently piloted in Kidapawan City a region and province-based media summit scheme. The Cotabato Media summit proved impressively successful it will soon be replicated in Aklan on October 26 – 29, 2006.
The media summit scheme which includes three major learning and sharing components will be expounded on in a separate article. Suffice it to say, it promises to be a new blockbuster initiative that is certain to enrich PAPI’s arsenal of programs designed to further strengthen its press freedom and development advocacy.
Initiated by PAPI, Aklan welcomes the participants who came from all over the Philippines to the on-going Aklan Media Summit. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurial Farmer

By Ambrosio R. Villorente

Compliance With Law Is On Good Citizen

Barangay Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan held its Barangay Assembly in the morning of Saturday, October 21, 2006.
Poblacion, Kalibo is in the Ati-Atihan town of Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan. Being such, it is the premier barangay of Aklan. Considering its stature, I decided to attend as I did its Barangay assembly.
I chose to observe Barangay Assembly of Poblacion, Kalibo being the premier barangay of Aklan among all the 16 barangays which held its barangay assembly simultaneously that day, October 21.
What did I learn? There was an overflow of people as the barangay hall was filled with people. They were young people below 20 years old, who mostly represented the depressed areas of Kalibo such as from C. Laserna area. Those present were persons with less in life and less of those who have more. People of great stature, businessmen, civic leaders and those who have more at stake should have attended the barangay assembly. But where are they?
Hon. Leny Clavel was discussing about disaster preparedness when I came in. Hon. Clavel is a barangay kagawad of Poblacion, Kalibo. After him, the SK Chairman of Poblacion, Kalibo discussed his accomplishment on youth development.
I asked a woman near me if there is a copy of the agenda. I was told, "there is no agenda". I asked if the barangay SK chair has provided copies of his report being reported. "There is no copy of his report." I asked if any report of accomplishment in writing is provided the participants of the assembly. The same, "none".
So what are to be discussed? "Any problem the participants may asked the barangay captain and his kagawads, may do", I was told. So, the assembly has no direction, no target. A question as to what are the facilities available in case a disaster happens was asked. The reply was a series of excuses, as the "Barangay has a very limited fund."
It will be to the best interest of the barangay people to have the subject matters to be discussed presented with agenda. The assembly may have a theme to guide the discussion and goals to accomplish. The participants will appreciate to hear and read accomplishment reports from their leaders. A copy of the budget maybe provided the barangay people so that the officials and the people may match the accomplishments with the budget. People will understand that the quantity and quality of accomplishment is dependent upon the budget available. A participant told me, "I have never seen a barangay budget since I began attending barangay meetings".
Moreover, barangay officials will become highly motivated in their jobs should the people representing all social and economic status will participate in barangay affairs like the barangay assembly.
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The Municipal Engineer of Kalibo is having difficulty in the enforcement of the Building Code of the Philippines and even the related municipal ordinance of Kalibo.
A good example is the construction of fence on the piece of land of the late Mr. Emiliano Salazar and Mrs. Elsie Salazar. A building permit was applied and permit was issued for the construction of a fence.
On the process of construction, the Municipal Engr., Emerson Lachica in the course of his inspection found some violations of the provisions of the building permit issued. Engr. Lachica, issued a notice to stop construction. Until today, the unfinished fence which appears like a small room is still standing. Will Engr. Lachica be able to get compliance of all the provisions of the building permit issued? This is worth observing.
Another example is in Kalibo Airport, Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan. Some structures were being put up on the parking lot of the Kalibo Airport. Engr. Lachica issued an order to stop the construction because of the absence of building permit from the office of the Municipal Mayor of Kalibo. Will the people concern apply for a building permit? Conversely, will the Mayor of Kalibo issue a building permit after application is filed in the office of the mayor?
Further, is the construction of the shanties in line with the purpose for which that piece of land was expropriated? If in line with the purpose for which it was expropriated, is the awarding to leasors in accordance with the regular process?
But in good citizenship, compliance with the laws, ordinances, and all legal orders is rested in the people. The law enforcers are there whose jobs are focused on the alleged, probable transgressors of the law. Obedience to the law rests upon the shoulders of the citizen. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Media Killings And The Journalism Ethics

By Johnny C. Nunez

The spate of extra-judicial killings that victimized mostly journalists and leftist militants has elicited certain cogent observations and a number of questions.
Observers noted it is easy to understand why leftists are being gunned down either by their own comrades as is the practice in cases of internal purges, or by state agents, but why the journalists? Were the victims so far really genuine media practitioners or not?
In a message read for him at the recently concluded Cotabato Media Summit in Kidapawan City by Chief Supt. Gerry Doria, Philippine National Police Central Mindanao regional director, PNP Director – General Oscar Calderon noted that of the 24 reported media killings the Police have probed so far, 21 of them did not belong to any organized media groups.
Of the 21, seventeen (17) were radio block-timers or persons who buy radio time for their programs, mostly political commentaries with politicians or political characters at the receiving end of heir tirades. The question thus posed is: Are they genuine journalists?
This observation does not, by any measure, justify their murders. Murder, in any language and under any circumstance, is a violent and heinous crime and cannot be condoned in a civilized society.
Yet the question persists. Are the victims legitimate media practitioners? Did they adhere to the stringent Journalist Code of Ethics genuine journalists impose upon themselves voluntarily in the practice of their profession? Or are they so "haoshiaos" and crass in their commentaries that they earned the ire of the people at the receiving end of their tirades who engineered their summary executions?
Genuine and professional journalists are familiar with their code of ethics which is phrased in the first person for purpose of emphasis. Pseudo – journalists and non-journalists may not, however, be familiar with it.
To acquaint readers with what this code says and provide an insight into the possible motives behind media killings, we are reprinting the code hereunder:

The Journalist’s Code of Ethics

I. I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential facts nor to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognize the duty to air the other side and to correct substantive errors promptly.
II. I shall not violate confidential information or material given me in the exercise of my calling;
III. I shall resort only to fair and honest methods in my effort to obtain news, photographs and/or documents, and shall properly identify myself as a representative of the press when obtaining any personal interview intended for publication.
IV. I shall refrain from writing reports which shall adversely affect private reputation unless the public interest justifies it. At the same time, I shall fight vigorously for public access to information.
V. I shall not let personal motives or interest to influence me in the performance of my duties, nor shall I accept or offer any present, gift or other consideration of a nature that may cast doubt on my personal integrity.
VI. I shall not commit any act of plagiarism.
VII. I shall not, in any manner, ridicule, cast aspersion on or degrade anyone by reason of sex, creed, religious belief, political conviction as well as cultural and ethnic origin.
VIII. I shall presume persons accused of crime as innocent until proven otherwise. I shall exercise caution in publishing names of minors and women involved in criminal cases so they may not unjustly lose their standing in society.
IX. I shall not take unfair advantage of a fellow journalist.
X. I shall accept only such tasks as are compatible with the integrity and dignity of my profession, invoking the conscience clause when duties imposed on me conflict with the voice of my conscience.
XI. I shall properly comport myself in public or while performing my duties as a journalists in such a manner as to maintain the dignity of my profession. When in doubt, decency shall be my watch word. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Reviving Iloilo’s Lost Glory In Table Tennis

By Alex Vidal

"All I have to do is dream." EVERLY BROTHERS

Jose Marty Nava, son of murdered broadcaster Josef, is planning to revive table tennis, a "lost glory" in Iloilo.
"We were trained as boxers but we played table tennis since we were kids," quipped Nava, who was only 17 when a lone gunman pumped a bullet on his father’s nape while they were on board a pedicab on their way home in Calumpang, Molo in 1989 (the case remains unsolved until today). Said table tennis or ping pong is "the most underestimated" sport in the country today.Nava blamed sports officials for ignoring table tennis which accounts for the most number of gold medals won by other lightly regarded Southeast Asian nations not known for dominating the Southeast Asian Games.
"We (Ilonggos) used to dominate table tennis even in the Palarong Pambansa," enthused Nava, who is planning to hook up with the revitalized Iloilo Table Tennis Association to put up at least one table tennis table in every barangay starting in the City Proper.
"We will tap the resources of the barangay," Nava said. "The local government code allows the Sangguniang Kabataan and the barangay sports council to allocate funds for sports development program."
Nava said table tennis began as a social hobby in England toward the end of the 1800’s. Dining-room tables and balls of cork made up some of the early equipment were used. These early pioneers may have referred to their sport as gossima, flim-flam, or ping-pong. Around the turn of the century, the game underwent a few changes in England. A person introduced a celluloid ball to the game, while another added pimpled rubber to the wooden paddle.
He added that the recreational game lost some of its popularity when various groups around Europe revived it as "table tennis" in the 1920s. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was formed in 1926. The sport soon spread to Japan and other Asian nations. The Japanese dominated the sport for much of the 50s and 60s, however the Chinese soon closed the gap. China alone dominated the sport for much of the 60’s and 70’s, but after Table Tennis became an Olympic event in the 1980’s, other nations such as Sweden and South Korea have joined the top ranks.
PING-PONG DIPLOMACY
(April 6 - 17, 1971).

A research in the internet showed that one of the first public hints of improved U.S.-China relations came on April 6, 1971, when the American Ping-Pong team, in Japan for the 31st World Table Tennis Championship, received a surprise invitation from their Chinese colleagues for an all-expense paid visit to the People’s Republic of China. Time magazine called it "The ping heard round the world." On April 10, nine players, four officials, and two spouses stepped across a bridge from Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland, ushering in an era of "Ping-Pong diplomacy." They were the first group of Americans allowed into China since the Communist takeover in 1949.
Ten journalists, including five Americans, were also invited to cover the team’s visit, ending the information blockade from the People’s Republic of China in place since 1949. From April 11th to 17th, a delighted American public followed the daily progress of the visit in newspapers and on television, as the Americans played—and lost— exhibition matches with their hosts, toured the Great Wall and Summer Palace, chatted with Chinese students and factory workers, and attended the Canton Ballet.Premier Chou En-lai worked the public relations opportunity beautifully, receiving the Americans at a banquet in the Great Hall of the People on April 14. "You have opened a new chapter in the relations of the American and Chinese people," he told the unlikely diplomats. "I am confident that this beginning again of our friendship will certainly meet with majority support of our two peoples." He also extended an invitation for more American journalists to visit China, provided they do not "all come at one time." That same day, the U.S. announced plans to remove a 20-year embargo on trade with China. A Chinese table tennis team reciprocated by visiting the United States.
Ping-Pong was "an apt metaphor for the relations between Washington and Peking" noted a Time reporter, as each nation signaled, in turn, its openness to change. Despite the public warming trend, Nixon and Kissinger decided to keep their back-channel negotiations with China to themselves. It was not until July 15, after Kissinger’s secret mission to Beijing, that Nixon announced that he, too, would make the journey the following year, as the first American president to visit China.Wang Liqin winning a forehand drive against Jorg Rosskopf.
Table tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world in terms of player numbers, as well as being one of the newest of the major sports. (Ping Pang Qiu) is the official name for the sport in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. (Takkyu) is the official name for the sport in Japan. (Tak-ku) is the name for the sport in Korea.
Table tennis is a sport where two players hit a ball back and forth to each other, with a racket on a table, in a manner similar to tennis. The rules are slightly different, but the concept is essentially the same. Table tennis is an Olympic sport, "ping-pong" is the recreational version of the same sport. Spin, speed and strategy play an important part in competitive table tennis matches. The speed of the ball can vary from slow spinny serves to fast smashes that travel as fast as 110km/h.
The playing surface is a 9 ft × 5 ft × 30 in high (2.7 m × 1.5 m × .762m) hard rectangular table with the surface usually colored green, dark blue, or black. A 6 inch (15.2 cm) tall net divides the table in half (much like a tennis court) and is strung to extend 6 inches (15.2 cm) beyond the table on each side.
The paddles, also known as bats or rackets, are usually about 10 inch long, with a hitting surface that is approximately 6 in × 6 in (15.8 cm × 15.8 cm), although the rules specify no limitations in size or shape. The paddle is covered with pimpled rubber on one or both sides. Modern table tennis paddles are usually covered with rubber, and may have the pimples pointing outwards or inwards, and a thin layer of sponge between the plywood and the rubber.
Spin plays a large part in the modern game of table tennis, and the composition of the rubber and the combination of sponge and rubber is designed to maximize the amount of spin and speed a player can impart to the ball. Other technological improvements include the use of carbon or other synthetic layers as part of the blade to increase the sweet spot or the stiffness of the blade. The ball used in table tennis is a 40 mm diameter ball, made of celluloid, completely hollow and lightweight. A three star rating on a ball usually implies a top quality ball, in bounce and roundness.
Play is fast and demands possibly the quickest reactions of any sport. A skilled player can impart spin to the ball which makes its bounce difficult to predict or return with confidence. Spin combined with speed makes table tennis an exciting sport to play as well as to watch. The difference between Olympic level play and the average home recreational player is tremendous. Often a proper foundation of table tennis skills is required to understand how competitive players can do what seems impossible to the untrained eye.
The winner is the first to score 11 points, with each player alternating serves every two points. At 10-10 (or deuce) the players alternate with every serve. The winner is the first person to gain a clear two points advantage over his opponent. The 11 point game is an International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) change which occurred in 2001. The 21 point game is still widely played at recreational level. All games played at national level and at international tournaments (ITTF) are played to 11 points in either a best of five games (preliminaries) or best of seven games format (championship matches).
-o0o-
POSTCRIPT:
Eighteen-year-old Sarah Geronimo has been tapped to sing the Philippine national anthem during the Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales "Grand Finale" on November 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada one of the three remaining major sports events before the year ends. The two other gigantic sports events worth the full media attention are the 2006 World Pool 9-ball Championship on November 4-12 and the 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar on December 5-15.
Apache leader Geronimo (1829-1909) was of Mexican descent but he certainly was not related to the young Pinay diva who is expected to perform better than the mediocre Jen Bautista, daughter of Games and Amusement Board commissioner Angel Bautista, who goofed during the first Pacquiao-Morales fight in January this year./MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Guinhalinan It Itom Nga Bugas

Rondayang suguilanon hay perming guina saysay kong mga katigueangan nga naga estar sa banwa it Naujan, sakop it islang Mindoro. Suno kanda, katong oras it mga kastila, abong mga baligya rong naga inabot sa atong banwa daea it mga maeagkong galyon o bapor halin sa Mehiko. Sa andang pag-balik sa Mehiko, daea man nanda rong mga paninda halin sa aton, kaparis kong lingkad, tabako, mga panakot ag iba pang mga baligya.
Isaeang bes, sambilog sa mga galyon o bapor ngara hay sakay rong mga sinako nga bugas halin pa sa Luzon ag dapat ma-agi anay sa Cebu parabil dumiretso sa Mehiko. Samtang nagapaeayag rong nasambit nga bapor sa masueog nga tubi nga naga libot sa isla it Mindoro bago madungka sa Cebu, isaea ka mabaskog nga bagyo rong andang nasumaeang. Rong barko, kaibahan kong mga tripulantes ag eakip man rong mga kargang bugas hay naeonod, nahueog idto sa idaeum it dagat. Sa pagtaliwan it mga mahabang oras, rong bilog nga hitabo hay nalipatan eot-a it mga tawo.
Ogaling umabot rong oras, nga rong mga pumueoyo it Naujan hay naka agi it gutom sa andang lugar. Guin kaon it mga apan ro andang mga pananum hasta owa eon sanda it guin ani. Ro kapaeayan naubos it apan. Busa, rong mga tawo, guin pangunahan ko andang kura paruko, hay naghiwat it pagprosesyon ko andang patron. Kutob sa ma-agyan it patron, ro mga tawo hay naga dungok ag rong iba man hay naga eohod.
Pagka-aga, pinukaw rong mga tawo it naga hagiyos nga hangin ag madamoe nga oean. Nagpanara it bintana ratong mga naga estar maeapit sa baybayon. Ratong mga tawong maeapit sa baybayon rong unang nakapan-o kong pag baylo it kolor it tubi sa dagat. Nag itum rong tubi. Maskin rong maputing baeas hay nag-itom man.
Pagkalipas kong bagyo, nagpadueong rong mga tawo sa guwa agod makita kon ano rong natabu. Hakibot sanda kat nakita nanda rong tinumpok nga bagay. Guin samitan nanda ag napamatud-an nga bugas gali. Nagsueonod rong iba sa pagsamit.
Itom nga bugas! Guinpamatian it Diyos rong andang pangamuyo. Ag guin padaehan sanda it bulig. Ngani owa nanda pag aywi ro anda nga lugar ag mas naghugot pa guid ro andang pagtu-o sa Diyos.
Hasta makaron, kon ro sangka tawo hay mag-adto sa Naujan, mahimo pa imaw makabo-oe it itom nga bugas sa mga baybayon, nga mas manamit ag mananam pa kon kan-on ikompara sa ordinaryo nga bugas./MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Acrobats To Awe Aklanons

The 1st Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo Philippine Gymnaires Acrobatic show will set the capital town of Kalibo in awe. Some gymnasts/acrobats from Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines will perform on November 4 and 5, 2006, at 6:30 PM and 2:00 PM respectively, at the Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex, Capitol Site, Estancia, Kalibo.
The show is a last minute addition to the Kalibo Municipal Foundation Day celebration. It is geared to provide entertainment to the youth and the young at heart.
The occasion will showcase the skills of international gymnasts/acrobats and provide an inspiration to gymnasts and athletes in Kalibo and the neighboring towns.
The acrobatic show is sponsored by Stedi Philippines and Pines Acrobatic Entertainment in cooperation with the Philippine Air Force Reservists Association – Aklan Chapter and LGU-Kalibo.
Entrance fee is PhP75.00 regardless of the printed price of PhP99.00. The price reduction is in honor of the commemoration of the Municipal Foundation Day. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

PAL Cuts Fuel Surcharge To Benefit Flying Public

The Philippine Airlines will reduce its fuel surcharge on domestic travel by P100 per round-trip effective October 23, 2006 as the price of crude oil in the world market eases up.
PAL executive vice president Henry So Uy said the move is intended to pass on the benefit of lower fuel costs to the flying public.
"We are sharing with our passengers whatever benefits are due us in terms of fuel – cost savings. This is one way of giving back, however modest, to our loyal customers,’ he said.
Oil has shed more than a quarter of its value since peaking at $78.40 per barrel in mid July as global inventories swell and supply concerns wane. The price fell to $58.27 per barrel during Tuesday trading in London.
PAL said that should the cost of fuel eases up further, it will adjust its fuel surcharge accordingly.
For flights between Manila and points in Luzon (Laoag, Legaspi and Naga), the surcharge drops from P800 to P700 per round-trip flight.
For flights between Manila and points in Visayas (Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Tacloban and Tagbilaran), the surcharge decreases from P1,140 to P1,040 per round-trip flight.
Mr. So Uy noted that PAL already had a fare structure that is very competitive in the domestic market even before the fuel-surcharge rollback.
The airline offers a wide range of promotional fares (with limited seats) that is available to the public, including 5-day-advance-purchase fares to nearly all PAL domestic points that feature discounts of as much as 81 percent off normal rates.
These fares can be purchased online through www.philippineairlines.com or through travel agents./MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

PRO-6 Cogitates Boracay ID System

BY MONTESA GRIÑO


The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) is proposing identification (ID) system to bolster the security of this popular island resort. For security reasons, workers and visitors going in and out of Boracay must be kept tract by the police, said Chief Supt. Geary Barias, regional police director.
"We are looking into this strategy to materialize soon. Policemen should especially monitor new faces," Barias said. He urged the local government of Aklan to think about the PRO-6 proposal. The ID system could also help the police track crime suspects who may be seeking shelter in Boracay.
The security measures in Boracay are not enough, Barias further said. "We need some high tech equipment that could help our security system." According to Barias, he already directed the Boracay Special Protection Unit (BSPU) to come up with a security master plan, particularly in the island’s entrance and exit points.
The ultimate goal is to prevent terrorist attacks in Boracay. "There are lots of foreigners and prominent persons who are going in and out," Barias stressed. Recently, Aklan Vice Gov. Ronquillo C. Tolentino expressed support to the national ID system, saying that it would be good for Boracay.Last July, the Supreme Court denied with finality the motion for reconsideration filed by progressive groups against the nationwide ID system.
"The Bali, Indonesia incident is a vivid example of terrorism in a tourist destination. Times have changed. Terrorism is now a worldwide dilemma," said Tolentino. "In the light of this, the national ID system has become a necessity. Even modern nations have national IDs for their national security. But how it will be implemented bears watching," he stressed.
The provincial government earlier "held in abeyance" the implementation of the one-entry, one-exit scheme in Boracay after Malay town officials put into operation the multiple entry, one exit policy.The one-entry, one-exit scheme aims to ensure the security of incoming tourists and residents in the island from lawless elements.
The Supreme Court said, "the Kilusang Mayo Uno and Bayan Muna failed to present substantial arguments to warrant the reversal of its April 19 ruling declaring Executive Order 420 on the national ID as constitutional."
The scheme would replace existing cards such as social security, government security and health cards among others into a single card. The court stressed that EO 420 ensures efficiency and user-friendliness in the implementation of current ID systems of government entities under existing laws, which is within the constitutional power of President of the Philippines.
But, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Aklan chairperson George Calaor said, "the national ID system serves as one of Arroyo’s instrumentalities in attacking the people’s democratic rights and welfare." "It will surely and solely be used against her critics, especially those who are calling for her ouster from her stolen seat in Malacañang," he added. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Feature Story

Story Behind Cancellation of Rudy Fernandez’s Bikathon

By Alex Vidal

"Listen, do you want to know a secret?" BEATLES

ABS-CBN Pinoy Big Brothers celebrity edition entry Rudy Fernandez of Ajuy, Iloilo was supposed to highlight with a bikathon dubbed "Cycle of Hope" the World Hospice Day 2006 celebration spearheaded by the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) Hospice Care Foundation held at the Jaro Plaza very recently.
During the final briefing attended by Fernadez, 60; WVMC Hospice Care Foundation president Dr. Annabelle Pabiona-de Guzman, ABS-CBN regional marketing manager Desiree Bretaña, and senior reporter John Sapio of Aksyon Radyo, among other staff members of the foundation last October 4 at the WVMC, it was agreed that Fernandez would be assisted by the Iloilo Cycling Association (ICA) headed as president by Greg Palmes for his own safety "on a voluntary basis."
The one-legged Fernandez said he would use the occasion to establish a record which is a requirement for his participation in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona, Hawaii next year.
Ironman Triathlon was established in 1978 after a number of able athletes debated on who are the physically superior athletes: swimmers, bikers or runners? Finally, a race was proposed to settle the argument: a grueling contest requiring a 2.4-mile roughwater swim, a 112-mile bike race and a 26.2-mile marathon.

FIRST IRON MAN

Fifteen men participated in the first-ever event, and 12 completed the race. With a finishing time of 11 hours, 46 minutes and 58 seconds, Gordon Haller was christened the world’s first "Ironman."
At that time, race organizers expected that the event would eventually grow to include between 100 and 200 participants. Today, upwards of 50,000 athletes from 50-plus countries (and all 50 U.S. states) competed to simply qualify for the Ironman Triathlon. While 10 volunteers assisted with the 1978 event, today’s triathlon requires more than 5,000 volunteers.
The average Ironman triathlete, we’re told, spends 18 to 24 hours each week training for this event. A typical week might include seven miles of swimming, 225 miles of cycling and 48 miles of running. Many competitors also cross-train with weight training, yoga and other exercises.Still, of the 50,000 hopefuls, only 1,500 are selected to participate in the annual event.
Held each October, the Ironman Triathlon World Championship has became one of the world’s most prestigious endurance events. Tens of thousands of spectators line the home stretch, and nearly five million more watch the event unfolding on TV. The first-place winner receives a check for $100,000.

MAN VERSUS NATURE

"Man-versus-nature" has became a signature component of the triathlon. The average temperatures on race day ranges from 82 to 95 degrees, with humidity hovering around 90 percent. Crosswinds on sections of the bike course can gust as high as 60 miles per hour. The worldwide popularity of the Ironman Triathlon has so tremendously increased that a scaled-down version of the event was added to the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. In April 2007, Honolulu will serve as a host site of the U.S. Olympic Trials for the triathlon event, which includes a 1,500-meter swim, a 25-mile bike ride and 6.25-mile run.
Meanwhile, a fun run from the Central Philippine University (CPU) Promenade in Jaro, Iloilo City up to Jaro Plaza kicked off the World Hospice celebration on October 7 in Iloilo City followed by a blood donation program in Jaro Plaza.
Hospice is the care of terminally ill patients and the celebration was dedicated especially for the patients, stressed Dr. De Guzman. Fun Run participants are asked to shell out a P100 registration fee which entitled them to free snacks and freebies. The amount raised in the Fun Run went to the care of terminally ill patients in the WVSU.
De Guzman said, their "foundation is also spearheading a fund-raising campaign for the building of the P28-million Hopice and Family Center which is expected to be finished in the second quarter next year." Fernandez will attempt to hold a record-braking bikathon around the plaza for 24 hours.
According to Fernandez, only his endurance and not his speed in the Jaro Plaza bikathon would be the requirement in the Ironman competition but he must not rest more than five times during the 24-hour odyssey.

‘MANY DEMANDS’

The night before Fernandez’s scheduled bikathon, I received a text message from Ms. Bretaña informing that the foundation had canceled the bikathon in the eleventh hour. Ms. Bretaña had earlier expressed concern for Fernandez’s safety even if the bikathon would be held only inside the Jaro Plaza. She offered no other reason why the foundation had called off the bikathon.The following day (October 6, the supposed schedule of the canceled bikathon), I got another text message this time from a member of the board of director of the foundation who requested strict anonymity.
The message said it was Dr. De Guzman who decided to cancel Fernandez’s event "because they have so many demands that we cannot meet." The director said "Fernandez and his manager (unnamed) were asking something which were not part of our agreement earlier."Team Fernandez allegedly demanded that the foundation should pay the PCA bikers who will assist him, among other expenses.
"We already gave him P2,500 cash and two brand new tires for his bicycle but there was no agreement that we would also shoulder the expenses of his back up team because the foundation has no funds for it," said the director. Nevertheless, Fernandez still showed up during the October 7 fun run and blood donation program in the Jaro covered gym. His presence was warmly acknowledged by the foundation.
"There was no bitterness on his face and all’s well that ended well," said the director.Here’s the complete list of officers of the WVMC Hospice Care Foundation: Dr. Mae Lynn Mioten-Acebuque (secretary), Fr. Ilde Tagamolila (treasurer); Dr. Jose Mari C. Fermin, Anita Baylon, Nida Celeste, Dr. Mariano Hembra, Dr. Pepe Sullano, Dr. Wilfredo Pulido, Fr. Dioscoro Villasis (Board of Directors). /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Kalantiao Toastmasters Club Hosts Demo Meeting In Roxas City

For better listening, thinking, and speaking, selected individuals chartered themselves into Toastmasters Club of Roxas City. The demonstration meeting was held on October 21, 2006 at Nesta’s Hilltop Hotel, Roxas City. Kalantiao Toastmasters Club of Kalibo, Aklan hosted the meeting. Picture above shows (sitting, l to r) Dr. Bebot Botin, Dr. Jean Oquendo, Dr. Tina Delfin – President, Capiz Medical Society, and Elected Charter President Dr. Cesar Yap; Standing (l to r) are TM Arnulfo Deemiar/OIC Police Supt., Antique, Judge Eli Cunlu, Ms. Stephanie Cordova – Pres. Medical Representative, Capiz & Aklan and Div. D. Governor Philipp Matthys.

Standing at right is Dr. Cynthia dela Cruz – VP membership, Kalantiao Toastmasters Club delivering her humorous speech during the demonstration meeting. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

KALIBO NEWS

By Terence Toriano

Kalibo Holds 1st Airsoft Sport-Tourism Invitational

Codenamed Operation Datu Marikudo, Airsoft Kalibo in cooperation with the local government of Kalibo, launches the first Airsoft sport-Tourism Invitational tourney today, October 28, 2006. Airsoft Kalibo is a part of the weeklong activities preceding the Foundation Day of Kalibo on November 3. Over 60 enthusiasts from 6 teams within Aklan and Roxas City are participating while support players and enthusiasts crowd Aklan State University – Kalibo Campus’ Football Field where the close Quarters Battle (CQB) Urban Warfare (UW) is being held.
Airsoft gaming has been in the Philippines since the early 1980s with enthusiasts playing simulated war games almost similar to the military’s combat operations minus the death and destruction. However, under Presidential Decree 1866 the implementing rules and regulations on firearms signed by the late President, Ferdinand Marcos, non-lethal Airsoft rifles and gas guns have been considered as firearms.
But as the winds change and its potentials in sport-tourism are realized, PNP Chief Oscar Calderon only recently reclassified airsoft rifles as air guns after continued petitions from Filipino Airsoft (FAS) and United Airsoft Alliance (UAA) lawyers. The swelling number of enthusiasts is estimated to have reached 8,000 all over the country.
In Kalibo, Airsoft is barely in its infancy. Its introduction was started by enthusiasts in October of 2005. It grew to popularity with over 70 players. Airsoft Kalibo (ASK) is the only recognized Airsoft regulating body in Aklan by the Firearms and Explosives Security Agency/Guards Supervisory Section (FESSAGS) of the Aklan Police Provincial Office.
Airsoft is envisioned to encourage a large number of Airsoft gamers in the country with Sports-Tourism in the capital town of Aklan.

AIRSOFT IN KALIBO

Airsoft Kalibo, is in its infancy. It has taken roots in Kalibo with an original objective as an extreme-type of sport. Airsoft or war gaming has sprouted in the Philippines more than 20 years ago but it failed to gain a foothold. It started to gain recognition only when companies from the Peoples’ Republic of China like Wellfire and CYMA started to manufacture amazing and cheap AEGs. The number of gamers swelled.
Airsoft Kalibo was founded on October 15, 2005 by like minded individuals wanting to create a fun way to blow off steam and at the same time add a little extreme action and strategic – tactical war – game simulation. The idea was unpopular at first but it gradually grew in reputation as more enthusiasts saw the value of the game, the fun and excitement, the camaraderie, and its ability to bring together an unlikely bond as if it were a bond borne out of friendship.
From nine (9) gamers under the banner of Airsoft Kalibo (ASK), it grew to more than 30 with distinguished personnel among its ranks. Along with the growth of ASK, other teams sprouted from other towns in the Province of Aklan estimated to over 70 airsoft gamers.
Forging alliances and friendship in Region 6, Airsoft Kalibo have opened up gaming and "diplomatic" relations with Airsoft Group Boracay (ASG Bora) and Roxas Airsoft and have conducted War games with these groups.
With a new face of professionalism, Airsoft Kalibo is now a member of the Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council (MDCC) of Kalibo. It will train its members in disaster rescue and response.
LGU-Kalibo Holds Municipal Children’s Congress

The Municipal Social Welfare Development Office of Kalibo held a Children’s Congress recently at the Magsaysay Park. Some 28 Day Care Centers in 16 barangays of Kalibo participated.
With the theme, "Bright Child, Yaman Ng Magulang, Yaman Ng Bansa", the municipal-wide Children’s Congress drew children with their parents from the different Day Cares in Kalibo.
"This municipal-wide Children’s Congress indicated Kalibo’s sincere commitment to the care of our younger constituents along with the imposition of curfew for minors during weekdays and giving importance to Early Childhood Development through our 28 Day Care Centers in the 16 Barangays" said Kalibo Mayor Rebaldo.
LGU-Kalibo recognizes the critical importance of the Day Care Centers in its continuing programs to maintain a child-friendly municipality. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

ASU-SVM Receives Award from PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board of Veterinary Medicine awarded the Aklan State University - School of Veterinary Medicine (ASU-SVM) for being the 4th top performing schools in the Philippines in the recent Veterinary Licensure Examination.
ASU President Benny A. Palma together with the SVM Dean, Dr. Maria Regina Cabañez received the Certificate of Recognition during the Oath Taking Ceremonies for new veterinarians from Dr. Angel Antonio B. Mateo, Chairman of the Board, and a PRC representative at the Centennial Hall, Manila Hotel held very recently.
In an interview with Dr. Cabañez, she said that they are doing their best to "breed high quality" veterinarians. "As a matter of fact, during the annual convention of the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association in February 2006 at Baguio City. The former dean, Dr. Cecilia T. Reyes, who is now on study leave, was awarded Best Veterinarian in Education."
When asked if they can maintain their rank, she smiled and simply said that they will do their best to provide quality education and hopefully maintain their prestigious position if not improve.
Last year, the School placed fifth in the ranking of Vet Med schools in the Philippines. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

EDITORIAL

Power Without Honor

"Next to power without honor, the most dangerous thing in the world is power without humor," said Eric Sevareid, a famous writer.
This above quotation is best illustrated in an expropriation case of a portion of land of the heirs of Segundo Dela Cruz for use by the Air Transportation Office (ATO). The case is filed by the Republic of the Philippines represented by ATO and docketed in the Supreme Court as G.R. No. 157847.
In this case, ATO is the petitioner while the respondents are Leodegario Sarabia, Herminigildo Dela Cruz, Delia Rebutar, Meldrid Rose, Anita Dela Cruz, Erlinda Lucerio, Georgie Dela Cruz, Felma Dela Cruz, Felino Dela Cruz, Teresita Samson, and Evangeline Colomer.
According to Atty. Liberato R. Ibadlit, lawyer of the respondents, this case has already been decided by the Supreme Court which is now final and executory. "The Republic of the Philippines however, has not yet paid the owners of this land their just compensation".
ATO has taken possession of that land since 1956, but according to the respondents, to them, this is "power without humor". To the ATO, maybe, this is "power without honor". The government has the power or right to expropriate private land for public use. However, the government, the ATO in this case must pay the private landowners their just compensation. According to the Philippine Constitution under the Bill of Rights, Section 1. states: "no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property. . ." In this case, ATO has deprived the Dela Cruz family the use and enjoyment of their property, until today without just compensation.
"ATO has sought the expropriation of a portion of the land of Segundo Dela Cruz for its use and not for business purposes by private persons", Atty. Ibadlit pointed. But why has the ATO Management allowed the construction of stalls?
"The construction of the structure for use by some private persons for business purposes is certainly not in consonance with the government’s taking of property for public use. Besides the construction of these stalls on a lot that is already utilized as parking space is prejudicial to the interest of the public not to mention the fact that it will deprive my client the free and unhampered use of their adjoining property," Ibadlit stressed.
The Dela Cruz lot before the taking over of the ATO consisted of 10,468 square meters located in Pook, Kalibo, Aklan covered by Original Certificate of Title No. P-15596 in the name of the heirs of the late Segundo Dela Cruz. Sometime in 1956, ATO took possession of 4,901 square meters portion of the said lot.
In the Regional Trial Court, Kalibo, Aklan, the RTC fixed the amount of P800 per square meter as just compensation for the taking over of the 4,901 square meters effective in 1999. The aggregate amount to earn 6 percent interest from November 11, 1999 until the finality of that decision. After which ATO must pay the Dela Cruz family 12 percent per annum on the remaining unpaid amount.
RTC also directed the dependants to withdraw the P50,000 savings bank deposit, P10,600 of which shall be deducted from the costs while the balance be applied for just compensation. It declared ATO has a lawful right to retain possession of the subject property. It also ordered the ATO to pay the costs of P9,600 representing the commissers’ fees who ascertained the just compensation for the subject property.
The ATO brought the case to the Court of Appeals which decision dated November 10, 2002, affirmed the decision which states: "Wherefore, premises considered, the assailed decision dated November 26, 1999 of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 5, Kalibo, Aklan in Civil Case No. 5543 is hereby affirmed. ATO moved for reconsideration, but again the Court of Appeals denied it in its resolution of April 1, 2003.
The ATO brought the case to the Supreme Court of the Philippines which petition "is partially granted" in its decision dated August 25, 2005. The November 18, 2002 decision of the Court of Appeals is modified." The computation of just compensation for the 4,901 square meters portion of lot 6860 should be based on its fair market value in 1956. But the Supreme Court is silent on how much per square meter ATO will pay for the lot as of 1956.
This ATO versus the heirs of the late Segundo Dela Cruz is a case of "power without honor and power without humor."/MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Give More Incentives To Farm Producers To Eradicate Poverty and Hunger

World Hunger and Poverty Eradication was celebrated on October 16 with a bang accompanied with rallies.
The center of the celebration in Metro Manila was in the Quezon Memorial Circle, Diliman, Quezon City in front of Quezon City Hall. Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Philippine Coconut Administration and the National Housing Authority.
Hunger and poverty cannot be eradicated by delivering speeches and holding rallies. Poverty and hunger can only be eradicated by honest and hard work, frugal living.
It is paradoxical in the Philippines, that the most depressed, hungry and poor people belongs to the group of farmers and fisherfolks. Even if they are the producers of food, they are hungry, they lack food. They lack money to provide themselves with shelter, for their health needs, education for their children and other basic needs to live a normal life.
A famous author pointed out: "there is no unproductive soil, but unproductive farmer." This perception maybe changed if only our farmers will come from the "best and the brightest" of our population. The best and the brightest of our people will remain in the farm only if government policies, programs and activities will be more attractive to them.

Why The Best and The Brightest?

The farmer is a person of all trades though a master of none. It is accepted that farming is a combination of several disciplines in order to succeed in any farm enterprise. A farmer must know engineering such as mechanical as farming requires engineering equipment; chemistry as farmer uses pesticides and fertilizer. A farmer should know accounting to account his investment and income; he may have a working knowledge on veterinary medicine as he may have livestock; he may have a knowledge of human relation to maintain good inter personal relation in the farm; and a farmer may have also the knowledge of climate and weather to protect his crop.
A farmer must be able to market his crops at its highest quality at a just and reasonable gain. It is so lamentable that farm products which are produced by the majority of the Filipinos are of the buyers’ market, while industrial products which are either owned by so few Filipinos or even imported are of the sellers’ market. Sometimes, farm products are secured for free. This is non recognition of the farmer’s effort. The government thru the National food Authority dictates to the farmers to sell palay at P10.00 to P10.50 per kilogram. Beyond that price, NFA does not buy. The P10 per kilogram of palay is the buying price five years ago when the cost of production was cheaper. Will this government palay marketing policy encourage production, eliminate hunger, and eradicate poverty?
Is there any farm family in the Philippines which has been farming a five (5) hectares paddy field which family members had economically improved? and their way of living made more meaningful? There is nill. However, palay industry has made thousands of rice traders earned lavish cash and supplied partially the rice requirements of the Filipinos.
If the rice farmers will only compute their cost of production and subtract it from their gross income, they will realized the overdraft; that only rice hull remain with them while the grains are gone.
The present Philippine agriculture policy urgently needs a review with the view to revise it toward giving more motivation to farm producers. If the present agricultural policy continued more Filipinos will go to beds hungry and poverty will continue increasing. Worst for the national budget appropriated for agriculture modernization are being stolen annually.
According to studies, eight (8) out of 10 Filipinos who got sick die because of poverty. They have no capacity to buy medicine to cure their illness. Further, statistics show, the Philippines has the most expensive medicine in the world.
According to Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, there are several Aklanons who are not released in the DRSTMH, Kalibo because they have not paid their hospital bills even after they were healed. "I have just given parole to some previous patients at the DRSTMH yesterday", Marquez revealed during his monthly press conference on Wednesday afternoon, October 18 in Kalibo.
Hunger and poverty maybe eradicated if the "best and the brightest" of the Filipinos will engage in farm and fish production. The Philippine agriculture policy be reviewed with the view to give more incentives and motivations to the producers. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Is It OVER?

Lachica Appeals Court’s Decision To Comelec

By Boy Ryan Zabal

Politically beleaguered William Lachica appealed a decision of the Regional Trial Court, Kalibo which junked his electoral protest against incumbent Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo to the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Three days after Lachica received a copy of the decision on Election Case No. 131 of Judge Eustaquio Terencio of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 8, his lawyer Marienne Ibadlit filed a notice of appeal on the ground that said decision is contrary to law and the facts established during the hearing. Rebaldo’s lawyer, Immanuel Sodusta also filed a notice of partial appeal on the same decision promulgated on September 29, 2006 by Terencio on unresolved counter-protest and objections to Lachica’s ballots.
Terencio’s decision is the subject of an appeal before Comelec Manila within five days after the release of said decision, the court said. The judge earlier junked the complaint of the electoral protest lodged against him by defeated candidate Lachica and confirmed the proclamation of Rebaldo as the duly elected mayor of Kalibo with a margin of 78 votes. Terencio, in a ruling, declared Rebaldo got 14,104 votes against the 14,026 votes received by Lachica or a margin of 78 votes after the recounting. Last May 12, 2004, the town’s board of canvassers proclaimed Rebaldo winner in the mayoral race with 14,101 votes against Lachica’s 14,020 out of a total votes cast of 28,121 for the mayoral post on the May 10, 2004 election.
"The court finds and so holds that Lachica failed to substantiate in evidence the grounds relied upon in this protest to nullify the proclamation of Rebaldo as duly elected mayor of Kalibo. No amount of damages of whatever nature could be awarded to any of the parties, including attorney’s fees," Terencio said in his 31-page decision. The court also felt it was no longer necessary to discuss the counter-protest of Rebaldo since Lachica’s municipality wide votes failed to overcome the 78 votes lead of the incumbent mayor. "If at all, to discuss the matter would only amount to an academic exercise that would not in anyway affect the outcome of the protest," Terencio added.
But, the mayor’s secretary, Randy Rebaldo said, they respect the decision of Terencio. However, they filed a partial appeal before the Comelec to resolve the counter-protest on contested ballots and to determine the exact lead of the incumbent mayor against Lachica. ""The supporters are questioning us why the counter-protest was not entertained by the judge despite there was clear discrepancies in the actual revision of votes on the contested precincts as against the official election returns in Brgy. Poblacion, New Buswang and Bakhaw Sur,"" Randy said.
In May 2004, Lachica filed the protest alleging massive vote buying and tampering of election returns, commission of errors and irregularities by the Board of Election Inspectors and Board of Canvassers, improper adjudication of votes, errors and irregularities in the election such as marked ballots and bad appreciation of ballots. A recount of the contested ballots was conducted and on April 5, 2006, the revision committee reported that of the total 70 precincts protested and counter protested, there were 4,326 contested and uncontested ballots for Lachica while Rebaldo had 3,774 ballots.
In the course of the revision of the ballots in the protested precincts, Lachica objected to 1,446 ballots credited to Rebaldo while the latter objected 2,136 ballots for the former. Of the 227 stray ballots, Lachica claimed 21 stray ballots and 24 were claimed by Rebaldo while 16 stray ballots were indeed stray. Both netted additional three votes each from the claimed stray votes, the court said.There were 558 marked ballots for Rebaldo formally offered in evidence by Lachica and objected since these ballots were marked and should be excluded and deducted from the votes cast and counted in favor of Rebaldo.
Terencio said Lachica failed to present witnesses to prove the massive vote buying which took place before the actual counting and ultimately convince the court that these were marked ballots because of the established fact of vote buying.
The court also noted discrepancy in the tallying of votes in four pooling precincts in Brgy. Estancia in favor of both candidates as against the actual counting during the revision. "The number of votes that Lachica obtained municipality wide failed to overcome Rebaldo’s lead of 78 votes, thereby sustaining the validity of his proclamation".
The difference of nine votes in the total number of votes of 28,121 for Mayor as canvassed against what was established by the evidence of 28,130 could be traced on three votes each from among the claimed stray votes credited to Lachica and Rebaldo and an additional three votes to the former vice mayor discovered during the actual counting in Brgy. Estancia. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

P5.5B Budget For Region 6 Airports Despite Bombing

By Alex P. Vidal

CALL it a coincidence but when the Senate Finance Committee approved recently the P5.500-billion infrastructure fund for the operation in 2007 of two of the biggest air transport projects in Western Visayas—the New Iloilo International Airport and the Negros Occidental (Silay City) Airport—the Silay City airport was not yet attacked and bombed by the New People’s Army.
The dawn raid last Sunday destroyed some P30 million worth of equipment being used by foreign contractors for their construction.
In a press statement, committee chair, Franklin Drilon said: "The bombing of the Negros airport is certainly a setback, but the move of the committee today to provide funding for this airport sends the signal that we are determined to push through with the project that will bring the region economic progress."
During the committee hearing on the P17.6 billion budget of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) for 2007, Drilon declared the allocation for the new airport in Iloilo amounting to P2.712 billion and P2.788 billion for the Negros airport submitted for Senate approval.Realizing that the new airport being built in his hometown in Iloilo, is as vulnerable to attacks as the airport in Silay City, Drilon called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify security measures surrounding the Ioilo airport, so as not to delay its opening in March 2007.
"The rise of a first-rate airport in Western Visayas that is compliant with international standards is crucial to the development of the country. This will boost our air transportation services, making the Philippines more accessible to the rest of the world," said Drilon.
Drilon played a lead role in the facilitation of the P6.2 billion Iloilo airport project in the past eight years. He is part of the steering committee which oversees the project implementation. In November 1998, then President Joseph Estrada issued a memorandum creating the Iloilo Airport Coordinating Committee, with Drilon as adviser.
Last September 29, 2006, Drilon had an ocular of the site of the new airport in Iloilo and was pleased to see that the construction of the airport is within schedule.
The three-storey passenger terminal, about 12,000 sq. meters in floor area, houses the baggage conveyor on the first floor, the check in area and the airline offices on the second floor, the pre-departure area on the third, and the arrival area along the corridors that lead to the first floor. The airport can accommodate six aircrafts simultaneously parking at a time. Air navigation systems, including a radar area is also in place.
"Iloilo, whose airport has the fourth highest passenger traffic in the country, will benefit from the influx of tourists and investors once the new airport becomes operational in March 2007," Drilon said.Drilon, along with President Arroyo and DOTC Sec. Leandro Mendoza, launched the project in Iloilo in January 2004. The airport is seen to increase air passengers and cargo traffic in the province and its influence areas to boost economic development in Western Visayas.
The new airport is sprawled on 184-hectare site between the towns of Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara, located 19 kilometers north of Iloilo City. The plan is to convert the area into a commercial, residential and semi-industrial district. It will be a domestic trunk line airport that will replace the existing airport in Mandurriao. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Aklan: Two Years With Marquez

By Ulysses V. Espartero

The provincial government of Aklan under the united leadership of Congressman Joeben T. Miraflores, Governor Carlito "Lito" S. Marquez and Vice Governor Ronquillo "Kel" C. Tolentino aims to improve the productivity of agriculture and increase revenue from tourism and to effectively implement programs and projects which redound to the greater welfare of Aklanons and the development of AKLAN.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

TOURISM continues to be an anchor industry of the province. Total tourist arrivals for 2005 was nearly half a million. When translated into tourism receipts, money which circulated into Aklan’s mainstream economy was estimated at P3.8 billion. To prepare Aklan for a projection of one million tourists by 2010, the provincial government
• Released P1 million for the land ferry service (multicabs) for Boracay
• Allocated P1 million to promote and market alternative tourists destination
• Improved infrastructure facilities in Kalibo Airport, the road networks, the Caticlan Jetty Port and Passenger Terminal and several seaports.
• Upgraded two jetty ports – the Caticlan Jetty Port in mainland Malay and the Cagban Port in Barangay Manoc-Manoc in Boracay.
AGRICULTURE remains to be the main lifeline of our economy the sector being the number one employer and generator of income for the Aklanons. The united leadership has innovated production programs in crops, fisheries and livestocks.
• With the Rice Hybridization Program, Aklan envisions to be known as the Hybrid Rice Seed Capital of Western Visayas. 39 Hybrid Rice seed growers produced 1746 bags of F1 variety seeds distributed all throughout the region.
• Coastal Resource Management Program – provided assistance to organized fish farmers, mangrove plantation; installation of artificial reefs; and tilapia/catfish fingerlings dispersal to upland freshwater.
• Agriculture Development Program – provided grafted mango planting material for 25 hectares; allocated P1 million for a 200 – hectare abaca plantation in Libacao; initiated a breakthrough artificial insemination program for cattle and carabaos increased population.
INVESTMENT, EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME GENERATION.
• 2005 total incremental investments is P612M or 64 percent increase over 2004
• 2005 incremental employment for direct/indirect activities reached 5,408 or 32 percent (positive growth) than in 2004.
• 119 accommodated in foreign employment
• linkage with JS International Placement Agency, 36 Aklanons now employed in the Carribean countries and we expect an inflow of $18,720,000 yearly
• tourism in Boracay employed 5,000 workers, 56 percent are Aklanons
HEALTH, EDUCATION AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES
• subsidized 23,086 families under the Health Indigency program
• opened the Associate in Health Science Education with the Aklan State University with 100 students, appropriated P2M for nursing laboratory and P15M for nursing facilities at DRSTMH compound
• appropriated P8.8M for 147 School Board Teachers
• appropriated P6.7M for 1,116 Provincial Scholars
ENVIRONMENT
AND INFRASTRUCTURE
• institutionalized the
Aklan River Development Council to revitalize and sustain efforts to preserve and develop the Aklan Rivers system
• P60M appropriated for infra projects – P2.5M for Capitol grounds and facilities, P15M for replacement of Old Provincial Capitol Building, P2.5M for Navitas port.
LANDMARK PIECES OF LEGISLATION.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has passed ordinances
• Creating the Aklan River System Development Council
• Prescribed the One-Entry-One-Exit Policy in Boracay
• Regulating the utilization of our natural resources including small scale mining
• Creating the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) to maximize revenue generating capacity of the provincial government.
EEDD OPERATIONALIZATION
• Human Resource Management
• Transparency of General Services office – updated assets, inventory of properties/vehicles, 200 projects bidded out for hospital supplies/infra projects
• 2006 Annual Budget execution – balance appropriations outlays with income to be generated; constant fiscal review; completion of general revision of real properties
• purchase of hospital CT Scan/ultrasound Machine, computerization of hospital operations; and appropriation of P50M for additional hospital equipments/IT program.
OTHER MAJOR CONCERNS
• pushes for a 29.1 megawatts hydropower plant at Timbaban, Madalag to supply low cost electricity
• pushes for sanitary landfill sites for garbage disposal not only of Boracay but that of Kalibo and New Washington. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Court Upholds Validity of Boracay’s “One-Entry, One-Exit’ Ordinance

By Odon S. Bandiola

All systems go for the implementation of the "one entry, one exit" provincial ordinance in Caticlan and Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.
This after the Regional Trial court in Aklan through Branch 7 Presiding Judge Virgilio Luna Paman junked Civil Case No. 7633 for a Declaratory Relief with Preliminary Injunction filed by the Municipality of Malay through Mayor Ciceron Cawaling against the provincial government of Aklan represented by Governor Carlito S. Marquez.
The complaint sough the court to annul and to declare it void the "one-entry, one-exit" ordinance for alleged violation of the Constitution for it restricts people’s right to travel and violate Section 468 of the Local Government Code.
Complainant –municipality of Malay assailed the ordinance as usurping the powers and functions of the Municipality under Section 447, Section 17 (b) 2 (XII), disregarded and trampled the corporate powers of the municipality under Section 22(d) aside from duplicating the assessment of fees and impeding the free flow of commerce.
The assailed ordinance is actually Provincial Ordinance No. 05-032 titled: "An Ordinance Implementing The Regulations Of The One-Entry, One-Exit Policy To And From Boracay Island For The Preservation, Protection, Security And Safety Of The Provincial Tourism Assets And Resources And Prescribing Penalties For Violations Thereof."
In dismissing the complaint, Judge Paman emphasized that the court declined to be unwittingly drawn into the turf issues between Malay and the Province. He described the petition to be unnecessary, improper, or at least premature under the circumstance.
Paman reminded the complainant, that generally speaking, when a municipality questions the official acts of the province on legal and social issues, it must protest and seek redress initially within the sphere of the government branch where it belongs, in this case, the executive branch, to the province, then to the Department of Interior and Local Government or the Department of Justice on legal issues. The judge said in this case, the principle of exhaustion of administrative remedies was not observed.
The judge further based his dismissal of the case in another angle saying that the interest of the petitioner municipality is adverse to or conflicting with the interest of the respondent province since the questioned ordinance is undisputably for the public welfare and passage of which is predicated on the exercise of the province’s governmental and administrative functions, hence the implementation of the ordinance passed by the municipality on the same matter must yield to the provincial ordinance.
Paman further ruled that the petition is not proper for declaratory relief because validity is not determinative of the construction of definite rights, status and other relations commonly expressed in written instructions, but of issues on protection of tourism assets, security and internal revenue allotments. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Tita Linda Belayro

Ella Engkantada

Rong kaharian it mga engkanto hay putos it kalipay sa pagkatawo it isaeang ka Prinsesa. Dungan sa anang pagkatawo, nagbueok-ead ro mga kabueakan. Rong mga prutas nagpadayon nga nagatoeobo ag maw man ro mga amamakoe. Napuno rong bubon it bueawan nga tubi nga ilimnon it mga engkantada.
Gin pangaeanan ro prinsesa nga si Ella. Pagbahoe ni Ella, nagpamasyar imaw sa bilog nga kaharian. Sa pagsunod nana sa isaeang ka alibang – bang, naka–saka imaw sa isaeang ka pukatod. Dayon nanang nadiskubre rong ibang kaharian.
Maeagko ro mga baeay, madasig ro mga saeakyan ag eroplano. Nawili imaw it tinan-aw. Sa owa magbuhay, nanaog imaw. Indi imaw makita it tawo. Sige ro anang pinamasyar. Sari-saring mga tawo ro anang nakita, may matambok, maniwang, maintok, ag masakiton. May mga onga nga arikison, mga naga kalhit sa kalye. Mahigko rong palibot, eabi gid ro mga pamaeay. Abo nga asô nga naga halin sa guin sunog nga basura. Nag buyog ro anang oeô ngani nag-uli eon lang imaw. Guin suguid nana sa anang Inang Reyna rong anang nakita. Gin inga-an imaw. Indi eon imaw pagpabalikon. Ogaling indi nana malipatan ro anang nakita.
Nagbalik imaw it uman. Sa isaeang ka baryo, abô nga pobre, masakiton ro mga onga ag kueang rong pagkaon. Ko gabi-i ngaron, may nagbutang it mga pagkaon sa ogsaran it mga kabeayan. Pagka – aga, hakibot rong mga tawo. Sige rong pagdinaea it pagkaon sa mga baeay. Nasadyahan rong eawas it mga onga. Tongod owa nanda masayri kon sin-o rong nagabinulig kanda, nagsueat sanda sa mabahoe nga papel it mao ra "Kon sin-o ka man nga nagabinulig kamon, saeamat guid nga abo".
Nag-adto eon man imaw sa ibang baryo. Abo nga mga onga nga owa nagaadto sa eskwelahan. Naga hinampang eamang sa kalye, naga sugae, naga sigarilyo ag naga pinanakaw.
May umabot nga mga karton sa mga klase. May marka nga "Para sa mga mahugod, mag-adto sa eskwelahan", Ro sueod it karton hay mga eambong, saewae, sapatos, bag, tsinelas.
Masunod nga Domingo, umabot rong katapusan nga karton nga may sueod nga mga pagkaon, de lata, gamit sa pamaeay ag kusina. "Para sa mga mahugod nga mga ginikanan.
Kada onga ag ginikanan bo-ot nga makaangkon ko rayang mga gamit. Nagmuk-eat sanda sa kamatuoran. Maskin owa eon rayang mga bulig, kinahangean nga maghugod eon sanda, tatapon ag bantayan ro andang mga inonga.
Bo-ot nanda nga magpasaeamat ogaling owa nanda makilaea ro tawong nagtina-o it bulig. Paagi sa imahinasyon, guin obrahan nanda it munomento. Iseang ka anghel, maputi, mahaba it buhok, ka itsura guid ni Ella Engkantada. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

ASU To Pilot Integration of e-Programs, e-Services

The Aklan State University (ASU) will pilot the convergence of electronic programs in the whole Philippines including Aklan.
"The ASU will become the model of integration of e-programs for the country if this project is pushed through", said ASU President, Dr. Benny A. Palma.
For a start, ASU will spearhead the upcoming Consultation – Workshop on Strengthening e-Programs and e-Services in Aklan on October 25-27. The workshop has the support of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), and the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC). It aims to:
• give participants a clear understanding of the different e-programs and e-services being implemented in Aklan
• develop a complementary program integrating all the initiatives on e-programs and e-services; and
• formulate a plan of action including strategies to generate resources for the implementation of the integrated e-program for the province.
The workshop is conceptualized in response to the continued growth and popularity of using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) both in public and private sectors in the province. Concerned agencies have noticed that different agencies are undertaking various ICT initiatives without any consultation among each other.
Participants will be expected to give a short presentation of their e-programs and e-services on Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources (AFNR) technology generation, technology delivery services and technology utilization and application. Then it will be followed by workshops on program integration and action planning.
The details of the consultation-workshop was finalized during a meeting last month hosted by PCARRD – DOST held in Los Baños, Laguna.
Dr. Palma, together with Dr. Roberto L. Saladar, ASU Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Director, Dr. Anna Mae C. Relingo, ASU Extension and Community Services Director, and Prof. Arlette U. Portaje, attended the said meeting. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

COMELEC-Aklan Prepares for May 7, Elections

The provincial office of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Kalibo, Aklan is now busy preparing for the conduct of the May 2007 elections.
As in other provinces, COMELEC-Aklan is continuously doing the registration of voters. According to Ms. Lorena Tumbagahan, COMELEC Kalibo Head and concurrently the Officer-in-Charge of Aklan Provincial COMELEC Office, voter’s registration would end on Dec. 31, 2006.
Tumbagahan emphasized that "the media is considered as partners of COMELEC as far as election activities are concerned."
Tumbagahan appealed for the help of the local media in disseminating the information on the termination of voters’ registration on December 31. She revealed COMELEC Aklan has only one data capturing machine and her office might be deluged with last-minute registrants on the last day.
"We can only accommodate a limited number of registrants in a day and the applicants are to be subjected to demographic and biorhythmic capturing process which is different and time-consuming unlike the old procedure. We also call on our young people, those who are now 18 years old including those who would be turning 18 on or before the May 14, 2007 elections to register at COMELEC now," Tumbagahan stressed.
"We encourage our young people to register now so they would be able to exercise their constitutional right to help the government by voting and selecting the right candidates to govern our country," she said.
Tumbagahan distributed copies of Resolution No. 7707 which contains the Calendar of Activities and periods of prohibited acts in connection with the May 14, 2007 synchronized national and local elections.
Election period for next year’s electoral exercise starts on Jan. 14, 2007 and will end on June 13, 2007.
According to COMELEC, the schedule of activities until the May 14, 2007 elections are:
1.October 31, 2006 – last day to file application for transfer of overseas registration record from post to the Philippine city or municipality;
2.November 21, 2006 – last day of hearing of applications for registration/certification as overseas absentee voter;
3.December 15, 2006 – last day to prepare National Registry of overseas absentee voters;
4.December 29, 2006 – filing of petitions for inclusion of registration record of overseas absentee voters;
5.December 3, 2006 – last day to file application for registration, transfer of registration record;
6.January 12, 2007 – last day to hear application for registration, transfer of registration records;
7.January 14, 2007 – last day to prepare the certified list of overseas absentee voters;
8.January 14 – June 13, 2007 – election period
9.January 15 – February 12, 2007 – period to file certificate of candidacy for senators;
10.January 15 – March 29, 2007 – period to file certificate of candidacy for local elective positins;
11.January 28, 2007 – last day to file petition for inclusion of qualified voters in the local registry;
12.February 2, 2007 – last day to file petition for exclusion of qualified voters in the local registry;
13.February 13, 2007 – posting of the certified list of voters;
14.February 13 – May 12, 2007 – campaign period for senators and political parties, organizations or coalitions participating under the party – list system of election;
15.February 28, 2007 – last day to appoint members of the Board of Election Inspectors;
16.March 15, 2007 – issuance and sending of notices of inspection and verification of completeness of VRRs for each precinct book of voters;
17.March 30, 2007 – Inspection, verification and sealing of precinct book of voters;
18.March 30, 2007 – campaign period for candidates for members, House of Representatives, and elective provincial, city and municipal offices. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

KALIBO NEWS

By Terence Toriano

DOST Announces 2007 Science and Technology Scholarships

The 2007 science and technology scholarships is now ready for grad. Graduating students in Aklan high schools may avail of the 2007 Science and Technology Scholarship Programs under the RA 7678 Science and Technology Scholarship and the DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship.
This is in line with the education sector program of Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo in partnership with the DOST’s drive to provide quality education to deserving students and to improve their scientific and technological aptitude in order to compete in the globally competitive industry of Information and Communications Technology.
Applicants to these programs must passed the following requirements:
- They belong to the top 5 percent of their graduating class;
- A resident of Kalibo for the last 4 years;
- A natural – born Filipino citizen;
- In good health; and
- Of good moral character.
The scholarship privileges include:
- Tuition and other school fees of PhP4,500/semester/term
- Allowance for textbooks and school supplies at PhP 3,000/academic year.
- Grant of PhP500.00 for Military Science/Physical Education uniforms for 1st Semester/1st year only.
- Free transportation for 1 economy-class round trip fare between their home province of residence and place of study on reimbursement basis
- Group health and accident insurance
- Additional privileges during summer, if required in the curriculum
- Monthly living allowance for a 10-11 month duration:
1. RA 7687 S&T Scholarship:
- For those who will take up Physics, Physics Teaching Courses, PhP4,000 monthly living allowance
- For those who will pursue other DOST-SEI priority courses, PhP3,000 monthly living allowance
2. DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship:
- For those who will take up BS Physics, BS Applied Physics, BS Physics for Teachers and BSE Physics and Technology, PhP4,000/PhP 2,150/PhP 1,825 for full/partial/special scholarship, respectively
- For those who will pursue S&T priority courses, monthly living allowance of PhP 3,000/PhP 1,400/1,200 for full/partial/special scholarship, respectively
Brochures, application forms and additional requirements may be obtained and upon completion submitted at the DOST Provincial S&T Office at the Capitol Compound, Kalibo, Aklan.

LGU-Kalibo Trains Entrepreneurs

Some 30 beneficiaries will undergo a capability training seminar on Self Employment Assistance – Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program under the Municipal social Welfare and Development Office from October 25 to 27, 2006 at the Barangay Hall of Brgy. Bakhaw Norte, Kalibo.
Seen as a way to alleviate poverty and increase employment, the SEA-K Program is helping families in the different barangays in Kalibo. It provides the means to better their lives through capability training and capital assistance.
"The ideal way to help our less fortunate people is by giving them a chance to improve their lives through programs like the SEA-K. This way, they will be able to help themselves, their family, and serve as an inspiration to others," says Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo.
To date, SEA-K Program has 184 beneficiaries and their families through Rebaldo’s incessant drive in providing alternative sources of income for the less privileged Kalibonhons.

Foreigners Join The 1st Raymar A. Rebaldo
Invitational Badminton Cup

Scheduled on October 28 to 29, 2006 at the ABL Sports Complex, the first badminton tourney in Kalibo named after its innovative Chief Executive, Raymar Rebaldo, is set to welcome players from Indonesia and other neighboring countries, said organizer Chrency Magallanes.
With the theme, "Palo Mo, Tulong Mo," the proceeds of the 1st Raymar A. Rebaldo Invitational Badminton Cup will be donated to the Stimulation Therapeutic and Activity Center (STAC), an institution for physically and mentally handicapped children.
The participants to the tourney will pay a registration fee of PhP500.00 per person per category. The victors may win the 2 nights/3 days free accommodation to a resort in Boracay.
The tourney is part of the Municipal Foundation Day Celebration of Kalibo along with other different activities including Airsoft Kalibo’s 1st Airsoft Invitational codenamed Datu Marikudo at the Soccer Field of Aklan State University – Kalibo Campus on October 28; the "Last Cock Standing" Karambola-Pintakasi Cockfight at the Aklan Sportsman’s Stadium on November 2; and the 1st Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo Soccer Football Cup 2006 at the Soccer Field of the Aklan State University – Kalibo Campus on November 4. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com