Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

To Issue Or Not To Issue
Tricycle Franchise

For a tricycle to operate in Kalibo, a tricycle operator must get a franchise from the Sang-guniang Bayan (SB) of Kalibo, approved by the Mayor of Kalibo and submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan for its information and record purposes.
The SB Kalibo must approve an "ordinance granting provisional authority to operate motorized tricycle to operator." If this granting of authority to operate a tricycle in the town of Kalibo is through an ordinance duly approved, then its approval must follow the process of local legislation.
One of the steps in the approval of ordinance is the "conduct of public hearing" on the proposed ordinance. Did the SB Kalibo conduct public hearings before the approval of such similar ordinance? With the present situation of tricycles circulating in Kalibo, particularly in the Poblacion, it is highly probable strong public objection will be mounted.
But according to Ms. Diana Figaredo, secretary to the SB Kalibo, legislation granting franchise to operate motorized tricycle does not need public hearing and it is transmitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the information and record purposes only.
It is hard to understand why the Kalibo SB does not subject to public hearing when the operation of motorized tricycle highly concerns with the public health and safety of the pedestrians, passengers, the operators and drivers and the general public. By all means, subject the granting of vehicle franchise Mr. & Mrs. Honorable members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo to strict public hearing.
Kalibo is now a "tricycle forest" of Aklan inhabited by imported machines which produce harmful animals like smokes detrimental to the lungs and eyes, noise with decibels deafening to the ears. Worst when tricycle passes by, loads or unloads on any spot of the road. Worst still, when driven by unauthorized drivers, who when it meets accidents is not capable to pay the damage done.
It is time to stop issuing motorized tricycle franchise before tricycles become a public menace in Kalibo.

EMINENT PERSONS

Eminent, according to the dictionary, means renowned, exalted, distinguished, outstanding, remarkable, and noteworthy. It is an adjective which denotes or describes the quality of a certain person. Eminent suggests of a reputation based on brilliance of achievement or splendidness of character.
Mrs. Gloria Maca-pagal Arroyo, in her quest to maintain the golden island of Boracay sustainable world class tourists destination organized what she calls the "Group of Eminent Persons." She organized this group believing that this eminent persons will provide her timely, accurate and fitting advise about Boracay Island. She believed of their wisdom, knowledge and strength that they will not fail her as far as Boracay Island is concerned.
However, there are information this day that some of these eminent persons are on the lead in violating the laws, rules and regulations crafted to make Boracay the best place in the world to visit and being maintained as a sustainable tourists destination. Since 1995, the provincial government has been announcing to the public, it has a master plan to follow in the development of Boracay. In 1998, when the then Governor Miraflores announced again he has the Boracay Development Master Plan, I took the courage to request for a copy of it. Mr. Art Alejandrino promised to give me. Thank God, until today, I have neither seen nor received a copy.
When DENR Secretary Lito Atienza was in Boracay last week, he requested all the stakeholders to stop the on going constructions in Boracay for the next six months until after a Boracay Development Master Plan is adopted. Is there really a Boracay Master Plan? Or whenever there is a new DENR Secretary appointed, he must also change Boracay Development Master Plan to his own?
But, it is really too bad for some illegal constructions of resorts in Boracay is associated with a son of Secretary Atienza. If this is true, then Secretary Atienza must prioritize the demolition of the resorts of his son. This is leadership by example. He has no right to compel others to observe laws, rules and regulations if he himself violated it.

ANTONG MAMING

Banga Mayor Antonio T. Maming is showing he is a good and effective municipal executive. He has cleaned the Banga Public Market. While before, some vendors slept inside the public market, not anymore today. Police officers are detailed in the public market all through the night and every night.
Tax collectors in the public market have increased collection as correct amount of taxes base on the space occupied are collected everyday. Especially on Monday, market day. Stallholders in the public market are asked to pay back rentals or update their payment of rentals.
Mayor Maming has designated a new municipal treasurer with the special assignment to account accordingly the money collection and disbursement on the daily basis. Livestock dealers are now compelled to pay the required and just abattoir fees in Manggan, Banga.
Mayor Maming stopped the payment for a certain school and office supplies which were alleged not to have been delivered and received neither by supply officer nor by any LGU Banga official.
Continue the good work Mayor Maming. Congratulations! /MP