Entrepreneurial Farmer

Last week, the use of Local Government Unit of Libacao equipment in the hauling of sand and gravel to the house in Janlud of Ms. Padalhin was the subject of criticism among the Libacaonons both in whispers and ordinary conversations. This matter reached the attention of the honorable members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Liabacao. As a consequence, the matter was discussed in their recent SB session.
There, it was disclosed that the sum of thirty thousand (P30,000) was paid to the operator, Mr. Arnold Zubiaga. According to Hon. Nap Navarosa, the P30,000.00 was used for the purchase of fuel. It was not recorded even in the office of the Municipal Treasurer of Libacao. "It is a practice to haul one or two trucks of sand and gravel to the families of whose relatives passed away as a matter of sympathy, said Hon. Navarosa. "Libacao has municipal ordinance allowing the renting of the LGU equipment to private persons," said Navarosa.
The case of the hauling of sand and gravel to the lot of Ms. Padalhin is an invitation to corruption. It was even a corruption that just passed silently if no one questioned it. What the LGU Libacao needs is an implementing guidelines in the implementation of that ordinance about the rental of LGU equipment to private persons.
At least there must be a simple contract between the LGU and the person renting the equipment specifying the terms and conditions, the obligations of LGU Libacao and the obligations of the private person renting the equipment. The hauling of gravel and sand for free to improve the yard of the dead person must be included in the guideline. It must be recorded and made a matter of record.
Hon. Nap Navarosa should not stop after Mr. Zubiaga has reported the P30,000 was used in the purchase of fuel. Mr. Zubiaga must be asked to account the money by submitting financial report. If there is surplus, he must remit it to the Municipal Treasurer of Libacao. This financial report must be disclosed to the public, maybe by posting it on the bulletin board! Madyaas Pen will readily publish it if given a copy of the report.
It is only after a financial report is made public that the doubts and suspicions will be erased in the minds of some Libacaonons.
CONTINUOUS RAINS
The cold, shower, and cloud since the second half of December 2006 until today, has expanded respiratory diseases in Aklan. It has also caused the cancellation of Cebu Pacific flight for Kalibo on January 2.
Not only these clouds, shower/rain and cold had affected the increase in prices of fish. The fisherfolks are afraid to go out at sea to fish, so that even the "Bilong Bilong" cost P120.00 per kilo in the market.
Fishpond operators are also losing money in their operation as milkfish does not grow big because of cold and low salinity. Those who grow plankton for feeds cannot grow because of the continuous absence of sunlight. Those who buy feeds, milkfish just eat it but remained stunted.
KALIBO ATI-ATIHAN
Next week will be Ati Atihan season. Just the same, we will be dancing on the streets of Kalibo with potholes. Just dance, never complain. That is what we have. Kalibo has no money to repair the roads in Poblacion streets and don’t be surprised. The sidewalks will be utilized as it is being utilized for the display of goods for sale. Even advertising stands are displayed as vendors are doing everyday of the year. LGU Kalibo cannot attend to these, so just be patient.
PERSONNEL ARE BUSY
Even the Municipal Engineer is busy that his office cannot enforce the ordinance. Some residents just mocked the law. Look, a person applied to construct a fence and got approval. She constructed a small house pretended to be a fence. Well, Mr. Benny Tirazona said, "This is the Philippines, expect that."
ROCK SOLID
According to Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Tibyog has no problem and the members are rock solid to the re election bid of Congressman Joeben T. Miraflores, Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino, as an observer, I still see Tibyog is like a solid rock.
However, as the May 14, 2007 elections near, is Banga not a problem? Who will be the Tibyog candidates for Mayor and Vice Mayor? How about Batan? This may not be a problem in Batan as there are persons who will run but what is the chance of winning? Is Numancia a problem? The team of Mayor E.I. Templonuevo went on separate ways. Vice Mayor Adolfo lligan and Hon. Winston Carillo has declared their respective candidacy for Mayor and Vice Mayor with Hon. Boy Macahilas and Hon. Mansayon as SB Members. Hon. Domingo Ibabao will stick it out with his brother-in law Nonoy Fajardo for Vice Mayor.
What will Tibyog do in Malay where Hon. Joe Yap is interested to run for Mayor? Will he prevail over incumbent Mayor Ciceron Cawaling? How about in Buruanga?
How about the problem of Ms. Mabeth Mobo Garcia? Is her ambition to be governor of Aklan ended after the press conference of former Cong. Allen S. Quimpo on January 5? If she persisted as a candidate for Governor, how will the Ibajaynons react? This is an interesting event to watch. Ms Mabeth Mobo–Garcia has not announced she has given up her ambition to be Governor of Aklan like her grandfather, father and father-in law. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com