Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

STL Test Run Dies

“Sa patak ng pawis mo, may aanihin ka; Sa iyong mga kamay, sarap ng buhay.” (By the sweat of your brow, you’ll harvest; in your hands is the joy of life.) This is one valuable line in a radio commercial which to me is filled with beautiful meanings. It is a statement worthy of consideration of a young man and woman toward the development of their social and economic life.
Nevertheless, most Aklanons wish to live a life of honest and decent life. They want and are earning their bread through the pursuit of their respective profession and or business no matter how lowly but honorable undertaking.
Last week, Hon. Rodson Mayor withdrew his resolution indorsing the conduct of test run of Small Town Lottery (STL) in the Province of Aklan he filed in the Sangguniang Panla-lawigan of Aklan. While the 16 of the 17 municipal mayors of Aklan signed and submitted a resolution requesting the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to conduct a test run of STL in Aklan, some of them have withdrawn their signatures from that resolution. They did it after their respective constituents manifested their disgust, disapproval and abhorrence to the entry of gambling in their community.
Altavas Mayor Kathryne Refol has signed and approved a resolution of the Sangguniang Bayan of Altavas opposing the conduct of any test run of STL in their municipality. In the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan, Hon. Ariel Igoy sponsored a resolution affirming and reaffirming the three (3) previous resolutions of Aklan all approved and submitted in 2006 opposing the conduct of STL test run in Aklan. The Igoy resolution was approved 12:1 with Hon. Rodson Mayor voting against it. And it was approved only after a lively and hot discussion between Hon. Rodson Mayor and the presiding officer, Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo.

GMA Pardons Erap

“Do to others what you want others do to you”. Thus, Ms. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last Friday, October 26, 2007 issued Executive Clemency to former President Joseph E. Estrada. This Executive Clemency just erased the crime of plunder of former President Erap Estrada committed against the Filipino people. Estrada did not even accept he committed it as he said, “it is true I have committed mistakes but stealing is not included.”
While Mr. Estrada was overwhelmingly voted as president in the 1998 election, PGM was not, as her election to the presidency in the May 2004 election was doubtful as evidences show in the famous Garci tape. The GMA presidency is becoming so popular of stinking deals such as the National Broadband Network deal and the cash gift to governors. Hence, GMA expects other presidents that will follow her to do to her similar to what she did to Erap.
The Executive Clemency given to Erap restored the social and political rights of Mr. Erap Estrada. Where did the work, the sacrifice and efforts spent for the last six and one half years (61/2) go that led to the conviction of Erap to the crime of plunder? It was a waste of time, resources and effort!
Is PGMA so scared that she pardoned Erap that she maybe pardoned later? What of the NBN deal, the cash gift to the provincial governors? Since she started her presidency, GMA has not tasted any sweet moment in Malacañang. Most of her proposals were rejected by the people such as her proposal to amend the Philippine Constitution, the NBN and the postponement of the holding of the synchronized Barangay and SK elections.

DA’s 5 PilLars

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has outlined its five priority agenda for the next three years (2007 - 2010). These are irrigation, post harvest facilities, credit, market access and research extension.
In the course of the implementation of these priority agenda, the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Councils in each province are enjoined to focus its meetings to these priority agenda. They are mandated to report to the National Agricultural and Fishery Council issues and concerns that require immediate attention and recommendations on how to address these issues/concerns. /MP