Sunday, July 29, 2012

EDITORIAL

ECONOMY
Is Congress’ Top Agenda

Legislation aimed at addressing “economic challenges” will be high on the agenda during the third regular session of the 15th Congress, leaders of the lower and upper Houses on Monday, July 23 said.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. emphasized the need to further improve the country’s business and investment climate in separate sessions of the two legislative chambers, prior to President Benigno Aquino III’s State of the Nation Address.

Enrile and Belmonte particularly pushed for changes to the constitutional provision which limits foreign ownership to 40 percent in certain investment areas.

“It is high time that we revisit the economic provisions of the Constitution which, to my mind, restrict our economic progress and growth,” Belmonte said.

However, Belmonte warned against changing the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution “overnight.” 

In his speech before the Senate, Enrile said: “We seek to amend only certain economic provisions therein such that there will be more flexibility in the ownership of certain industries, particularly those that are involved in the exploration, development and utilization of our natural resources.”

He also identified as priority Senate bills aimed at prohibiting or discouraging anti-competitive mergers; providing state support to Filipino business concepts; creating a Bureau of Copyright; and improving consumer protections, especially against “botcha” or double-dead meat.

Belmonte, for his part, said other measures the House will push for include a Fiscal Responsibility Act; an Anti-Trust Act to reduce transaction cost; amendments to the Energy and Power Industry Reform Act and strengthening the National Electrification Administration; and the National Transport Policy Act which is expected to “set the direction” for the development of the country’s transport system.

He also stressed the need to pass the law institutionalizing “K to 12,”  which adds two more years to the country’s basic education system, to strengthen human capital resources.

Aside from legislation for economic reform, also identified as priority are measures aimed at improved governance.

Enrile said, Senate will prioritize bills that require public officials and employees to submit waivers to allow the Ombudsman to look into their bank deposits; amend the Anti Money Laundering Act; and strengthen the political party system.

The House, meanwhile, will fast-track the passage of bills amending the Government Procurement Reform Act and the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act, Belmonte stressed.

Both the Senate and the House will likely continue the discussion on the Freedom of Information Bill and Reproductive Health Bill, which Enrile said “have been cause for intense debate.”

In the second regular session, the House approved on third and final reading a total of 15 measures identified as priority by the Legislative Executive Development and Advisory Council (LEDAC), Belmonte said. Enrile, on the other hand, said the Senate approved only five LEDAC priority measures.  /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente


Yap Demolishes West Cove

This column sincerely congratulates Malay Mayor John Yap for his efforts made which led to the demolition of the West Cove Hotel and Resort in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. The construction of West Cove was done with the absence of necessary legal documents, violation of environmental laws and building code among others.

Many Aklanons cheer Mayor Yap of what he did for West Cove. To those who have illegal constructions in Boracay, please comply with the law and all legal orders. To those who wish to “do the Crisostomo Aquino”, kindly forget your plan and comply with the law, rules, and regulations. 

May Mayor Yap proceeds to the equal application of the laws, rules and regulations to all illegal constructions in Boracay. Mayor Yap started at West Cove, many people especially the Aklanons cheer and encourage him to continue the demolition of the illegal structures in Boracay Island, the “number one island resort in the world”.

Fisheries Administrative Order

The proposed Fisheries Administrative Order No. 197-1, Series of 2012 will just result to the tremendous and unnecessary increases in prices of fishes and other sea foods in the market. It will be terribly bad for the consumers.

First, the Administrative order will reduce the period of lease from the usual 25 years to just 10 years. Upon its expiration, it may be renewed for another 10 years. After which the government will lease it to another applicant. How can a leaseholder recover his investment with profit within a 10 year period?

Second, the proposed Administrative Order increases the annual rental fee from P1,000 to P5,000 per hectare. This is an increase of  500 percent.

Morever, a cash bond deposit is required at the rate of P1,000 per hectare to be deposited with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources office. This cash bond maybe utilized after three (3) years if the fish farm is fully developed, the leased area is producing in commercial quantity, and all the terms and conditions of the lease contract are fully complied with. However, the cash bond can only be credited for the payment of annual rental.

These increase of rental fee and cash bond will trigger the additional increase of  the market price of fishes in the market thereby affect negatively the consumers’ pockets.

4:1 Mangrove To Fishpond Ratio

Section 12 (f) requires that the entire fishpond area must attain the prescribed “4:1 mangrove to fishpond ratio. This is a 25 percent reduction of the leased area. The government leases 10 hectares but only 7.5 hectares will be devoted for fish production while 2.5 hectares will remain as mangrove or be converted to mangrove.

It will be mutually agreeable if for every four (4) hectares, the lessee pays for three (3) hectares and be responsible to maintain and protect the one (1) hectare as mangrove.

On the other hand should the government compel the fishpond leaseholders to convert one (1) hectare for every four (4) hectares developed fishpond, there will be a reduction of 25 percent of the area devoted for inland fish production in the Philippines. This will be followed by the reduction of 25 percent fish supply in the market. Hence, prices of fish in the market will increase subject to the economic law of supply and demand.

While population steadily and constantly increases annually, food supply volume diminishes if not remains constant.
The framer of this Administrative Order No. 197-1, Series of 2012 may seriously consider the LGUs imposing and collecting from fishpond lessees the local taxes, fees, and other charges.

Reactions 

According to Cong-ressman Rene L. Relampagos – Bohol, and I-Care Sectoral Representative Salvador P. Cabaluna III, the “proposed administrative order appear(s) to be detrimental to our fisherfolks and fish farmers and are counterproductive to the thrust of His Excellency . . . of achieving food security . . .”

In a position paper of the Iloilo Fish Marketing Cooperative, Inc. the officers and members said of the proposed Administrative Order.

1. The imposition to produce two (2) metric tons of fish per hectare per year “is unattainable”. They conform to “500 kilograms per hectare per year” only. This 2000 kilos per hectare per year is possible if “talaba” is raised.

2. In the way of qualified to lease fishpond, they believed “politics is inserted into our freedom for free enterprise”.

3. Section 4, preference in the disposition of public lands for fishpond purposes “is unfair and unjust. They asked to honor the” time honored tradition of perpetuating properties for the sake of our own family”.

4. Section 6, the period of lease is “counter productive” that will trigger “dramatic decline in fishpond development and fish culture”. /MP    

Big Impediments To Road Improvement




The pictures above portray the posts which serve as big impediments in the road improvement project of the government in the Kalibo - Numancia portion of the highway.  These posts are some of the posts along the highway being used by electric offices, telephone companies, and cable television. These posts serve as impediments in road improvement and flood control drainage construction. These posts delay the completion of the project as well as entail additional project cost. Moreover, these posts serve as hazards along the road dangerous to both motorists and pedestrians. 

Special Recollection Peace In Your Hearts



In thanksgiving for the fruitful years of leadership and service, The Infant Jesus Academy Kalibo Family Council under the leadership of Ms. Megs S. Lunn, together with the IJA Kalibo community and in coordination with the newly elected IJAKFC officers and members, led by Atty. Christine Dela Cruz sponsored a free Special Recollection – Peace in Our Hearts by Rev. Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD on July 14, 2012 at the IJA campus. 

Fr. Jerry said, to have peace in our hearts, people need to learn to pray and thank God every moment. Not only to pray, but to learn how to kneel down before God in gratitude. People need peace. Start with God. For what is power and money, without God, without peace in your hearts, in the family, and in the community? 

People need to be the instrument of that peace to others; to stop hurting people. Not only to be good, but to be nice to others. People need to have time with God and to teach the kids how to be grateful. This is everyone’s concern within the family.

The peace in our hearts tips that Fr. Jerry finally shared are the 5-H: 


1. HONESTY – it is good to be honest, beautiful to be  honest. “A person who pretends he is honest is tense.” Once you are honest, you are free; 

2. HUMILITY – people need to be humble of their achievements and  successes. Avoid useless heartaches, quarrels and  problems. “God resists the proud, gives grace to the humble;” 

3. HARDWORK – people must do honest to goodness hard work. Do not corrupt people.  Evaluate yourself at the end of the day  if  you are worth the salary you are paid; 

4 HOLINESS – “Not all who calls, “My Lord, my Lord,” will go to heaven.” Go in peace and serve the Lord. You are holy when you do what God wants you to do, serve the Lord and His brethren. To be of help for help creates greatness in others. It is not enough to go to mass every day and quarrel with your neighbors, have  misunderstanding  with your family,  and envy others; and 

5. HUMOR – “don’t take life too seriously,” is the 11th commandment. Learn to serve with a smile. Learn to laugh and be kind with others through your humor. Learn to smile all the time.

“Let us bring peace to every endeavor, let us be that instrument of peace to others, too,” Fr. Jerry reiterated.
Fr. Agerico “Jerry” M. Orbos is a member of the Society of the Divine Word. A Mission Director of the SVD Mission Philippines, he is active in the promotion of mission awareness and raises fund for Filipino SVD missionaries working abroad. The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) is an international missionary congregation of priests and brothers serving in 50 countries of the world. 

Fr. Orbos shares the Word of God through Sunday TV Mass on ABS-CBN every 2nd Sunday of the month. He writes a Sunday column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer  and  a tele-radio program on DZMM every Saturday, 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. He has written books like Treasured Moments and produced CD’s, too. 

About 1,000 IJAian’s, parents and teachers  attended the Special Recollection with Fr. Jerry Orbos. /MP

DTI Holds Consultancy Seminar On Micro Enterprises

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Micro enterprises or Small and Medium industries are considered the backbone of Philippine economy since they comprise more than 90 percent of all business activities. However dominant as they may seem to be overall contribution to total economic output is less than one-third (1/3). Hence, their impact is hardly felt. Data show that majority employs 10 workers on the average family-owned, low product niche due to inadequate knowledge on packing, labeling marketing strategy and saddled with financial difficulties. The latter is partly solved with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Armando Tetangco, Jr’s. announce-ment that 200 banks in the country are now granting loans to micro enterprises. The total loans had reached P7.3 billion up from P6 billion in December, 2011.

This issue and concern become the rallying point of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council (MSMED) to strengthen growth and productivity of local enterprises. The program of Enhanced DTI Caravan held at Ati-atihan Festival Hostel and Conference Center on July 18-21, 2012 was highly successful. The highlights of the affair follow: 

First Day – opening program with Engr. Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr. Prov’l Director, DTI; message by Gov. Carlito S. Marquez; Annual Accomplishment Report MSMED by Ms. Rose F. Nepomuceno, Pres. Hugod Aklanon Producers Assn. Inc.; Status of Market Potentials of Aklan Indigenous Fibers and Crafts in Japan by Ms. Rhodora D. Sulangi; De la Cruz House of Piña, Awarding of Pioneer MSME’s to Ms. Susima M. De la Cruz; Development of the Piña Loomweaving Industry and Ms. Josefina I. De la Cruz, 1st Aklan Exporter of Abaca & Raffia Placemats; and One-on-One Consultation with MSME members with Aklan PMSMED Council. 

Second Day – Seminar on Effective Trade Center/SME Showroom Management followed by Visual Merchandising by Mr. James Non, Faculty De la Salle College of St. Benilde School of Design & Arts, Industrial Design Specialist.

Third Day – Consultation on Food Packaging and Labeling with Ms. Ann Veronica Solano, Chairperson, Professional Dev’t. Committee, Packaging Institute of the Philippines; Skills Demonstration on Advanced Beadworks by Ms. Chona Gomez Lachica, Resource Person CITC; and Seminar on Wealth Management by Ms. Zorayda Avinante Rosanes, Sr. Marketing Diretor, International Marketing Group Wealth Academy.

A total of 60 participants including food processors, textile manufacturers, wood, bamboo, and nitto-craftsmen and members of academe and LGU representatives attended the seminar workshop. /MP

State of the Nation Address 2012


Publishing in four parts the 3rd State of the Nation Address  of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III for the best interest of the readers.

(1ST OF FOUR PARTS)

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Speaker Feliciano Belmonte; Bise Presidente Jejomar Binay; mga dating Pangulong Fidel Valdez Ramos at Joseph Ejercito Estrada; ang ating mga kagalang-galang na mahistrado ng Korte Suprema; mga kagalang-galang na kagawad ng kalipunang diplomatiko; mga kagalang-galang na miyembro ng Kamara de Representante at ng Senado; mga pinuno ng pamahalaang lokal; mga miyembro ng ating Gabinete; mga unipormadong kasapi ng militar at kapulisan; mga kapwa kong nagseserbisyo sa taumbayan; 
At sa akin pong mga boss, magandang hapon po. 
Ito po ang aking ikatlong SONA, at parang kailan lang nang nagsimula tayong mangarap. Parang kailan lang nang sabay-sabay tayong nagpasyang tahakin ang tuwid na daan. Parang kailan lang nang sinimulan nating iwaksi ang wang-wang, hindi lamang sa kalsada kundi sa sistemang panlipunan. 
Dalawang taon na ang nakalipas mula nang sinabi ninyo: Sawa na kami sa korupsyon; sawa na kami sa kahirapan. Oras na upang ibalik ang isang pamahalaang tunay na kakampi ng taumbayan. 
Gaya ng marami sa inyo, namulat ako sa panggigipit ng makapangyarihan. Labindalawang-taong gulang po ako nang idineklara ang Batas Militar. Bumaliktad ang aming mundo: Pitong taon at pitong buwang ipiniit ang aking ama; tatlong taong napilitang mangibang-bansa ang aking pamilya; naging saksi ako sa pagdurusa ng marami dahil sa diktadurya. Dito napanday ang aking prinsipyo: Kung may inaagrabyado’t ninanakawan ng karapatan, siya ang kakampihan ko. Kung may abusado’t mapang-api, siya ang lalabanan ko. Kung may makita akong mali sa sistema, tungkulin kong itama ito.
Matagal nang tapos ang Batas Militar. Tinanong tayo: “Kung hindi tayo, sino pa?” at “Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?” Ang nagkakaisang tugon natin: tayo at ngayon na. Ang demokrasyang ninakaw gamit ang paniniil at karahasan, nabawi na natin sa mapayapang paraan; matagumpay nating pinag-alab ang liwanag mula sa pinakamadilim na kabanata ng ating kasaysayan. 
Ngunit huwag po nating kalimutan ang pinag-ugatan ng Batas Militar: Kinasang-kapan ng diktador ang Saligang Batas upang manatili sa kapangyarihan. At hanggang ngayon, tuloy pa rin ang banggaan sa pagitan ng gusto ng sistemang parehas, laban sa mga nagnanais magpatuloy ng panlalamang. 
Mula sa unang araw ng ating panunungkulan, walang ibang sumalubong sa atin kundi ang mga bangungot ng nawalang dekada. 
Nariyan po ang kaso ng North Rail. Pagkamahal-mahal na nga nito, matapos ulitin ang negosasyon, nagmahal pa lalo. Sa kabila nito, binawasan ang benepisyo. Ang labingsiyam na trainsets naging tatlo, at ang mga stasyon, mula lima naging dalawa. Ang masaklap po, pinapabayaran na sa atin ang utang nito, now na.
Nariyan ang walang pakundangang bonus sa ilang GOCC, sa kabila ng pagkalugi ng kanilang mga ahensya. Nariyan ang isang bilyong pisong pinasingaw ng PAGCOR para sa kape. Nariyan ang sistemang pamamahala sa PNP na isinantabi ang panga-ngailangan sa armas ng 45 percent ng kapulisan, para lang kumita mula sa lumang helicopter na binili sa presyong brand new.
Wala na ngang iniwang panggastos, patung-patong at sabay-sabay pa ang mga utang na kailangang bayaran na. Mahaba ang iniwang listahan na tungkulin nating punan: Ang 66,800 na backlog sa classroom, na nagkakahalaga ng tinatayang 53.44 billion pesos; ang 2,573,212 na backlog sa mga upuan, na nag kakahalaga naman ng 2.31 billion pesos. Nang dumating tayo, may halos tatlumpu’t anim na milyong Pilipinong hindi pa miyembro ng PhilHealth. Ang kailangan para makasali sila: maaaring umabot sa 42 billion pesos. Idagdag pa po natin sa lahat ng iyan ang 103 billion pesos na kailangan para sa modernisasyon ng Hukbong Sandatahan. Sa harap ng lahat ng ito, ang iniwan sa ating pondo na malaya nating magagamit: 6.5 percent ng kabuuang budget para sa natitirang anim na buwan ng 2010. Para po tayong boksingerong isinabak sa laban nang nakagapos na nga ang mga kamay at paa, nakapiring pa ang mga mata, at kakampi pa ng kalaban ang referee at ang mga judge. 
Kaya nga sa unang tatlong buwan ng aming panunungkulan, inaabangan namin ang pagdating ng Linggo para maidulog sa Panginoon ang mga bangungot na humarap sa amin. Inasahan naming mangangailangan ng di bababa sa dalawang taon bago magkaroon ng maka-buluhang pagbabago. Bibigyan kaya tayo ng sapat na pag-unawa ng taumbayan?
Subalit kung may isang bagay mang nakatatak na sa ating lahi, at makailang ulit na nating pinatunayan sa buong mundo: Walang hindi makakaya ang nagkakaisang Pilipino. Nangarap po tayo ng pagbabago; nakamit natin ang pagbabago; at ngayon, karaniwan na ito. 
Ang kalsadang pinon-dohan ninyo ay tuwid, patag, at walang bukol; ang tanging tongpats ay aspalto o semento. Karaniwan na ito.
Ang sitwasyon kung paparating ang bagyo: nakaabang na ang relief, at hindi ang tao ang nag-aabang ng relief. Nag-aabang na ring umalalay ang rescue services sa taumbayan, at hindi tayo-tayo lang din ang sumasaklolo sa isa’t isa. Karaniwan na ito. 
Ang wang-wang sa lansangan, galing na lang sa pulis, ambulansya, o bumbero— hindi sa opisyal ng gobyerno. Karaniwan na ito. Ang gobyernong dating nang-aabuso, ngayon, tunay na kakampi na ng Pilipino. 
Nagpatupad po tayo ng reporma: tinanggal ang gastusing hindi kailangan, hinabol ang mga tiwali, at ipinakita sa mundong open for business under new management na ang Pilipinas.
Ang dating sick man of Asia, ngayon, punung-puno na ng sigla. Nang nagkaroon tayo ng positive credit rating action, ang sabi ng iba, tsamba. Ngayong walo na, tsamba pa rin kaya? Sa Philippine Stock Exchange index, nang una nating nahigitan ang 4,000, may mga nagduda. Ngayon, sa dami ng all-time high, pati economic managers, nahirapan yata sa pagbilang: nakaka-apatnapu’t apat na pala tayo, at bihira nang bumaba sa 5,000 ang index. Nitong first quarter ng 2012, ang GDP growth natin, 6.4 percent; milya-milya ang layo niyan sa mga prediksyon, at pinakamataas sa buong Southeast Asian region; pangalawa po ito sa Asya, sunod sa China. Kung dati tayo ang laging nangu-ngutang, ngayon, hindi po birong tayo na ang nagpapautang. Dati, namamalimos tayo ng investments; ngayon, sila ang dumadagsa. Ang mga kumpanyang Hapon, ang sabi ay, “Baka gusto n’yo kaming silipin. Hindi nga kami ang pinakamura, pero una naman kami sa teknolohiya.” Pati pinuno ng isang bangko sa Inglatera, nakikiusap maisali sa pila. 
Sa bawat sulok ng mundo, nagpapakita ng paghanga ang mga komentarista. Ayon sa Bloomberg Business Week, “Keep an eye on the Philippines.” Ang Foreign Policy Magazine, pati isa sa mga pinuno ng ASEAN 100, nagsabing maaari daw tayong maging “Asia’s Next Tiger.” Sabi ni Ruchir Sharma, pinuno ng Emerging Market Equities and Global Macro ng Morgan Stanley, “The Philippines is no longer a joke.” At mukha naman pong hindi siya nambobola, dahil tinatayang isang bilyong dolyar ang ipinasok ng kanyang kumpanya sa ating bansa. Sana nga po, ang kaliwa’t kanang paghanga ng taga-ibang bansa, masundan na ng lokal na tagapagbalita.
Sinisiguro po nating umaabot ang kaunlaran sa mas nakararami. Alalahanin po natin: Nang mag-umpisa tayo, may 760,357 na kabahayang benepisyaryo ang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Tinarget natin itong paabutin sa 3.1 million sa loob ng dalawang taon. Pebrero pa lang po ng taong ito, naiparehistro na ang ikatlong milyong kabahayang benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilya. Sa susunod na taon naman, palalawakin pa natin ang sakop nito sa 3.8 million; limang beses po ang laki niyan sa dinatnan natin. 
Pangmatagalan po ang impact ng proyektong ito. Hindi pa kumpleto ang mga pag-aaral, pero ngayon pa lang, maganda na ang ipinapakita ng numero. Base sa listahan ng DSWD: May 1,672,977 na mga inang regular nang nagpapacheck-up. 1,672,814 na mga batang napabakunahan laban sa diarrhea, polio, tigdas at iba pa. 4.57 million na estudyanteng hindi na napipilitang mag-absent dahil sa kahirapan.
Sa kalusugan naman po: Nang dumating tayo, animnapu’t dalawang porsiyento lamang ng mga Pilipino ang naka-enrol sa PhilHealth. Ang masaklap, hindi pa masiguro kung lahat sila ay kabilang sa mga totoong nangangailangan ng kalinga ng estado, o buwenas lang na malapit sa politiko. Ngayon po, 85 percent ng lahat ng mamamayan, miyembro na nito. Ang ibig pong sabihin, 23.31 million na Pilipino ang naidagdag sa mga saklaw ng Philhealth mula nang bigyan tayo ng mandato.
Ang maganda pa rito: ang 5.2 million na pinakamahirap na kabahayang tinukoy ng ating National Household Targeting System, buong-buo at walang-bayad nang makikinabang sa benepisyo ng PhilHealth. Dahil sa No Balance Billing policy ng Department of Health, ang lunas para sa dengue, pneumonia, asthma, katarata, gayundin ang pagpapagamot sa mga catastrophic disease tulad ng breast cancer, prostate cancer, at acute leukemia, makukuha na nang libre ng mga pinakamahirap nating kababayan. 
Ito po ang proseso ng pagpapagamot para sa kanila: Papasok ka sa alinmang ospital ng gobyerno. Ipapakita mo ang iyong PhilHealth card. Magpapagamot ka. At uuwi kang maginhawa nang walang inilalabas ni isang kusing.  
Sabi nga po sa isa sa mga briefing na dinaluhan natin, apat sa sampung Pilipino, hindi man lamang nakakakita ng health professional sa tanang buhay nila. Sa iba po, mas malaki pa: may nagsasabing anim sa bawat sampung Pilipino ang pumapanaw nang malayo sa kalinga ng health professional. Anuman ang ating pagbatayan, hindi po maikakaila: nakakabahala ang bilang ng mga Pilipinong hindi naaabot ng serbisyong pangkalusugan ng pama-halaan. Tinutugunan na po natin ito. Mula sa sampung libo noong dumating tayo, umabot na sa 30,801 ang mga nurse at midwife na ating nai-deploy sa ilalim ng RNHeals Program. Idagdag pa po natin sa kanila ang mahigit labing-isang libong Community Health Teams na nagsisilbing tulay upang higit na mapatibay ang ugnayan ng mga doktor at nurse sa komunidad. 
At kung dati tutungo lamang ang mga nurse kung saan makursunadahan, ngayon, dahil sa tamang targeting, kung saan sila kailangan, doon sila ipinapadala: sa mga lugar na matagal nang naiwan sa laylayan ng lipunan. Ipinadala po ang ating mga health professional sa 1,021 na pook na saklaw ng Pantawid Pamilya, at sa 609 na pinakamahihirap na lungsod at munisipyo, ayon sa pag-aaral ng National Anti-Poverty Commission.
Dalawang problema po ang natutugunan nito: bukod sa nagkakatrabaho at nabibigyan ng work experience ang libu-libong nurse at midwife na dati ay walang mapaglaanan ng kanilang kaalaman, nagiging abot-kamay din ang de-kalidad na kalinga para sa milyun-milyon nating kababayan. 
Subalit hindi po tayo makukuntento rito, dahil ang hangad natin: kalusugang pangkalahatan. Nagsisimula ito, hindi sa mga pagamutan, kundi sa loob mismo ng kanya-kanya nating tahanan. Ibayong kaalaman, bakuna, at check-up ang kailangan upang mailayo tayo sa karamdaman. Dagdag pa po diyan ang pagsisikap nating iwasan ang mga sakit na puwede namang iwasan. 
Halimbawa: Nabanggit ko ang mosquito traps kontra dengue noong nakaraang taon. Maaga pa para sabihing siguradong-sigurado na tayo, pero nakaka-engganyo po ang mga paunang resulta nito.
Sinubok natin ang bisa ng mosquito traps sa mga lugar kung saan naitala ang pinakamataas na insidente ng dengue. Sa buong probinsya ng Bukidnon noong 2010, may 1,216 na kaso. Nang inilagay ang mga mosquito trap noong 2011: bumaba ito sa tatlumpu’t pito; 97 percent reduction po ito. Sa bayan ng Ballesteros at Claveria sa Cagayan, may 228 na kaso ng dengue noong 2010. Pagdating ng 2011, walo na lang ang naitala. Sa Catarman, Northern Samar: 434 na kaso ng dengue noong 2010, naging apat na lang noong 2011.
Panimulang pag-aaral pa lamang po ito. Pero ngayon pa lang, marapat na yata nating pasalamatan sina Secretary Ike Ona ng DOH at Secretary Mario Montejo ng DOST, para naman ganahan silang lalong magsaliksik at mag-ugnayan. 
Marami pa po tayong kailangang solusyonan. Nakakabahala ang mataas pa ring maternal mortality ratio ng bansa. Kaya nga po gumagawa tayo ng mga hakbang upang tugunan ang pangangailangan  sa kalusugan ng kababaihan. Nais din nating makamit ang Universal Health Care, at magkaroon ng sapat na kagamitan, pasilidad, at tauhan ang ating mga institusyong pangkalusugan. 
Sa pagtugon natin sa mga ito, malaki ang maiaambag ng Sin Tax Bill. Maipasa na po sana ito sa lalong madaling panahon. Mababawasan na ang bisyo, madadagdagan pa ang pondo para sa kalusugan. 
Ano naman kaya ang sasalubong sa kabataan pagpasok sa paaralan? Sa lilim ng puno pa rin kaya sila unang matututo ng abakada? Nakasalampak pa rin kaya sila sa sahig habang nakikipag-agawan ng textbook sa kaklase nila? 
Matibay po ang pananalig natin kay Secretary Luistro: Bago matapos ang susunod na taon, ubos na ang minana nating 66,800 na kakulangan sa silid-aralan. Ang minana po nating 2,573,212 na backlog sa upuan, tuluyan na rin nating matutugunan bago matapos ang 2012. Sa taon din pong ito, masisimot na rin ang 61.7 million na backlog sa textbook upang maabot na, sa wakas, ang one is to one ratio ng aklat sa mag-aaral. Sana nga po, ngayong paubos na ang backlog sa edukasyon, sikapin nating huwag uling magka-backlog dahil sa dami ng estudyante. Sa tingin ko po, Responsible Parenthood ang sagot dito.  (to be continued next issue)   /MP

Letter From ‘Kuya Eddie’

by ALEX P. VIDAL

Eddie Alinea is a model father.

As president of the Sports Communicators Organization of the Philippines (SCOOP), a fraternity of sportswriter in the Philippines, I have worked with him in various local and international events.

I first met Eddie during the 1991 Palarong Pambansa in Iloilo where he covered the event as sports editor of the Manila Standard. He teamed up with Iloilo correspondent Gina Hablero and the all-around journalist Limuel Celebria. 

Nineteen years later in November 2010, we met again in Dallas, Texas during the coverage of the Pacquiao-Margarito fight. Again in May 2011, we joined forces in the coverage of the Pacquiao-Mosley tussle in Las Vegas, Nevada. To save space, I will write a separate story about our rendezvous and how I enjoyed his company each time I was with this magnificent father who is willing to offer his life for his beloved son.

LETTER

Here’s Kuya Eddie’s letter he recently sent to me via e-mail: 
“First of all, me and my family would, again, like to extend our deep appreciation to you and all who have responded to our call for prayers and support for my son Wendell Rupert, who has been suffering from Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia the past four years.

“We feel we owe it to you and our friends to apprise you of his current status wince he suffered a relapse about two months ago. So please read on…

“Wendell had a very smooth consolidation therapy at Makati Medical Center. This was a 25-day Arsenic Trioxide infusion for his relapsed Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. Due to his positive response to his treatment, he managed to be an out-patient for the whole course of his treatment. This helped cut our expenses into half since being an in-patient costs more than P10,000 a day for the hospital room and lab tests alone. This excludes the doctor’s fees and the Arsenic Trioxide which we had to import from India since it’s not available here in the Philippines.

“On July 8, 2011, Wendell underwent another Bone Marrow Aspiration. The result of his biopsy will determine whether he’ll be a candidate for an autologous transplant (his own bone marrow transplanted back at him). Since he doesn’t match with his sisters, this will be the best option for him. That’s why we’re really praying hard for his complete molecular remission.

“While waiting for his test results which can go on for a month, Wendell will have to go through another 25-day cycle of Arsenic Trioxide. This will be his 3rd cycle which will start on July 17.

“We graciously thank God for all the wonderful blessings He’s been pouring us. We thank God for all kind-hearted people He’s been sending our way to help us. We wouldn’t have gone this far without the spiritual, moral and financial support of all the caring and generous people around us. Our family will forever be grateful. 

“Please continue praying for my son as he gets ready for his 3rd cycle of therapy. Any form of support is highly needed and would be greatly appreciated. God bless! In Christ, Eddie G. Alinea”. (Editor’s Note: This article was written in July 2011. We don’t know what happened to Wendell. Is he surviving?)  /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Kadungganan Sa Basura


Isaeang ka basurero ro ama ni Arnel. Mahugod nga ama si Mang Segundo. May unga imaw nga si Arnel. Parabil imaw mamatay sa masakit nga Tuberculosis, anang guin bilin kay Arnel nga padayunon ro pangita nga manoglimpyo it mga higko sa karsada, sa mga daeanon tongod may bueawan sa pangitan-an ngara. 

Masino-eondong unga si Arnel. Anang guin sunod ro bilin ko anang ama. Sa mabuhay eon imaw nga ga linimpyo it gamo, owa guid imaw it hakita maskin sang gupod man lang nga bueawan. Abo eon ro hatipon nga basura ni Arnel sa andang baeay. Haeos matabunan eon ro andang baeay ko mga basura, ogaling owa man imaw it bueawang hakita. Tinak-an imaw it tinipon, busa nagplano imaw nga mag panaw eon lang sa Manila. 

Parabil imaw maka panaw, sa anang katoeogon ko gabi-e ngaron, nagpakita kana ro anang ama. Naghambae kay Arnel ro anang ama kon ano ro obrahon ni Arnel sa mga basura. Guin taw-an imaw it paagi kon ano ro ubrahon sa mga basura. Sa anang pagbugtaw, unang tumambad kana ro jacket ag kaeo ko anang ama. Guin suksok nana ro jacket ag kaeo. Dayon, nag umpisa imaw it pagpangita. Anang guin sunod ro sugo ko anang ama nga si Segundo bisan nagtaliwan eon sa kalibutan.

Guin tipon nana ro kada klase it basura. Guin tamnan nana ro mga kahon ag lata it iba-ibang bosoe ag kagang it tinuean-on. May kabueakan man ngani. Nag usoy man imaw it mga prutas pareho it lanzones, mangga nga anang guin tanum. Guin butangan nana it mga naeonot eon nga basura. Guin limpyuhan ro mga bote ag guin butang sa palibot para dekorasyon. Nagsadya-an ro anang palibot. Anang guin pongoe ro mga maeagko nga kahoy ag obrahon nga mga rock garden. Naghilway ro pamantawon, naglimpyo ro lugar ag may pagka malinong.

Tumaliwan ro tatlong buean, abo nga nakapan-o sa pagnami ko baeay ni Arnel. Tongod sa mga mayad-ayad nga hapan-uhan it mga tawo sa lugar ni Arnel, abo nga nagabisita kay Arnel. May mga maestra, ag andang mga estudyante nga naga agto agod magtan-aw kon mauno guin paeonot ni Arnel ro mga basura ag guin abono sa mga iba-ibang tanum. Kon ano ro guina himo ni Arnel agod mag eang-bo ro mga tanum. Nakaabot sa lokal nga mga opisyales it banwa ro guin obra ni Arnel. 

Tongod sa tumaeag-sahon ag maamlig nga guin himo ni Arnel, guin kilaea imaw ag guin padunggan. Ko pagsaueog ko kaadlawan ko andang banwa ag kapiyestahan ko andang hinigugmang Patron, guin padunggan si Arnel. Guin taw-an imaw it plake ag kwarta, premyo sa mayad-ayad nga binuhatan. Abo pa ro nagbinakae ko anang mga buhi nga tanum, mga tinuean-on, ag iba-ibang bunga it kahoy.

Rikara napa matud-an ni Arnel nga husto guid gali ro hambae ko anang ama nga may bueawan sa basura. Dugang pa hay nagtao pa kana it kadungganan nga sobra pa sa bueawan. /MP   

THE GOOD LIFE

Alcedo Dances His Way To College

by MEGS S. LUNN


Dr. Russ Patrick Perez Alcedo


Patrick & Megs


Hail to Aklanon born Dr. Russ Patrick Perez Alcedo, who successfully launched his film screening of Ati-Atihan Lives and Ati-Atihan: Mothers of Philippine Festivals on July 24, 2012 at Latte Café, Kalibo, Aklan. Canada’s Social Science Humanities Research Council sponsored the launching.

It is a documentary film and visual essay Dr. Alcedo himself wrote, directed and produced. The Ati-Atihan: Mother of Philippine Festivals and Panaad: A Promise to the Santo Nino are distributed by the Alexander Street Press, an award-winning U.S. Film distribution company. 

A proud Aklanon, Russ Patrick Perez Alcedo graduated at Kalibo Pilot Elementary School and Aklan Catholic  College. He is a U.P. Diliman alumnus, a former member of UP’s Department of English and Comparative Literature. 

In 2005, he became the only Filipino scholar to have won a full scholarship from the Asian Cultural Council of New York City, previously known as the Rockefeller Brother’s Fund. Under the auspices of this international Arts Council, and through its Ford Foundation Grant, he received his Ph.D. in Dance History and Theory from the University of California, Riverside.

In 2007, Dr. Alcedo was awarded the Rockefeller Humanities Fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution of Washington, D.C. Among the 10 international fellows selected that year, Dr. Alcedo was the sole scholar from the region of Southeast Asia.
Besting close to 40 applicants from all over the world, Dr. Alcedo received a Professorship in the Department of Dance at York University, Toronto, Canada - a much coveted tenure-track, permanent university position. This position made him the first and the only Filipino appointed professor at York University. At this top-ranked Canadian University which students population averages close to 60,000, per year. Alcedo teaches courses in dance studies and dance ethnography at the undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D levels. Last year, he was awarded “Most Outstanding Professor” for excellence in teaching at the Faculty of Fine Arts. 

The leading Filipino-Canadian magazine once featured him in the front cover and the cover story in its winter issue of Tahanan, because of his several achievements.

His first multimedia project Boxing To Be The Next Pacquiao is published in the New York Times. The volume Religious Festivals in Contemporary Southeast Asia, of which he is the lead editor, is forthcoming with the Ateneo de Manila University Press. His chapters on the intersections among ethnicity, indigenous and religious identities, and performance are also forthcoming in the anthologies of Palgrave University Press and Oxford University Press, publishing houses based in London, England.

Currently, he holds Canada’s Social Science Humanities Research Council creation grant for his work on performance, immigration, and emotional labor among Filipino caregivers in Toronto. In April 2011, the province of Aklan awarded Alcedo “Most Outstanding Aklanon”. The Filipino Centre of Toronto also awarded him “Most Outstanding Filipino-Canadian” in recognition of his exemplary academic and artistic accomplishments. 

Over-all, his documentary depicts more than just a storyline of real stories of blessedness from our dear Sto. Nino. With the anticipation of the participation of the “Ati”, without boundaries, he showed in the documentary that no matter what race or color a man is, he can show the world that ‘he is what he is.’ It showed truthfulness of his subject and proud to shout to the world, our deep faith in God, through the Feast of Sto. Nino, celebrated through the famous Ati-Atihan Festival. It was Aklanon, truly world class.  

Dr. Alcedo’s accomplishments and recognitions are propelled by “Honesty and Humility”. Growing up in a diverse environment and culture, Patrick always speaks from the heart. “I do not pretend that I know. I am very honest with myself.” 

Indeed, talking to Dr. Alcedo, one will never feel any “air”, but feels his sincerity and compassion. His passion in what he does and his aim to standard of excellence propelled him to be where he is now.  His honesty and genuineness captured the hearts of Canadian people yet, he remains humble as ever. Through his works, he offers hope to every Filipino who dreams of things that never were. He brings honor to our country, especially to the province of Aklan.  /MP

Happy Wedding! Jonnie & Palmi




Photo shows the newlywed, Christopher Jones Quimpo Fernandez and Palmi Isturis - Fernandez with their parents who are (l to r ) Atty. Allen S. Quimpo (Uncle of the groom who stood for his late father), Ms. Erlinda Quimpo Fernandez Wilson, the groom’s mother.  Ms. Evangeline Dalida Laurente, bride’s mother and Pablito Ramos Isturis, the bride’s father.
The pictures were taken during the wedding reception and party at Terranova Garden.  /MP

Happy Birthday Gov. Carlito S. Marquez


      
The Kapihan sa Aklan held on Saturday morning, July 21 devoted its discussion on the desirable characteristic and virtues of Gov. Marquez. It also discussed his completed projects as provincial governor of Aklan province. His twin program on agriculture and tourism was also discussed which emphasis was on fulfillment, problems, and strength. Suggestions were offered to accelerate projects completion. Shown in the above photo (l to r) are Beth Bataga, Recto Vidal, Megs Lunn, Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, and Ernesto T. Solidum. This is how Kapihan sa Aklan celebrated  Governor Marquez’ birthday. 

Thursday, July 19, 2012

EDITORIAL


ALS Bridging The Education Gap

by Ernesto T. Solidum

Alternative Learning System (ALS) consolidated 2012 report in the province of Aklan shows a total of 1,288 out of school youth were enrolled in its non-formal education program with mean passing score of 65.45 percent. Dr. Dobie P. Parohinog, Education Program Supervisor, ALS, DepEd Aklan announced.

Of this total, 29 are elementary level while 794 are secondary. They all come from selected towns of Aklan with only one motivating desire to receive a certificate/diploma which bears the seal and signature of the DepEd Secretary certifying to their competencies comparable to graduates of the formal school system.

The Bureau of Non-formal Education renamed Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS) by virtue of E.O. No. 356 signed by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo addresses the learning needs of marginalized learners to “catch up”. Basically, it is a parallel learning system to provide a viable alternative to the existing formal education instruction encompassing both the non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills. The root of the problem is economic deprivation which offers nearly half of total household  population.

To fully implement the program, special roving Teachers and Learning Facilitators routinely handle classes of 20-30 students once or twice a week. Books, pencils and paper are amply provided for the duration of the course. It’s only here where age limit, school uniform or PTA contribution are not required. After a year, Accreditation and Equivalency Test (A & E) is administered. 

Dr. Parohinog confides that the government spends P270.00/child/year as subsidy for elementary education and P1,200.00/child/year in secondary level. This is the government initiative which provides free and compulsory education in both elementary and   secondary levels. For those 1,288 students of ALS given the opportunity to improve their learning competency, taxpayers saved P1.37 million had they taken it through formal education, Parohinog pointed out.

Data provided by nine (9) municipalities for the period 2006-2010 reveal a total of 338 passed the A & E test. Of this 89 or 26.3 percent are employed, 119 or 35.2 percent are unemployed, 90 or 26.6 percent currently studying and 45 or 13.3 percent had no known status. A random interview of successful learners now employed could be an interesting tool for evaluation.

Profile of Employed 
ALS Passers  

Lou T. Tolores, 30 from Tagas, Tangalan is married with a kid. One of 12 siblings, no one ever got to high school. His father is a blacksmith while his mother is a housewife. There are three (3) of them who enrolled with ALS. Only 2 passed the A & E test and now fully employed as bakers (one is in Boracay while Lou is with An Ria Bakery in Poblacion, Tangalan). His daily wage is P150.00 that includes meals. To augment his income, his wife manages a sari-sari store in their barangay. His only desire is for his daughter to get a decent education. 

Arfred B. Fulgencio, 26 married with one kid is from Ibao, Lezo. He works as Bill Collector of Akelco. Through hard work, his family was able to build a modest house. His wife is currently a third year accountancy student at Garcia College of Technology. 

Gladys Alejandro, 22, single is from Balactasan, Madalag. She is a product of Kalibo II District ALS under Ms. Annelyn D. Billones. She is now working as Office Clerk, Comelec, Banga with salary of P2,000.00 per month. She plans to take up BS in Education.

Other successful ALS students are Ms. Ledilyn M. Guillepa of Poblacion, Kalibo now working as OFW in Singapore. Ms. Jennifer I. Olesco is a Grade School Teacher at Bacan Elem. School, Banga. 

The above mentioned people serve as inspiration and model who may have wasted their lives if not for window of opportunity given by ALS. Aware of the benefits, civic minded barangay officials of Bakhao Norte, and Bakhao Sur even fetch their ALS scholars to and from school during scheduled weekend classes. 

The municipality of Kalibo has annual appropriation of P50,000 to ALS District II for the purchase of school supplies and computer units. This is also implemented in Malay where government officials are keen on increasing literacy rate and employment potentials for the booming tourism industry.

Virtually, ALS is bridging education gap or chasm? (statistics show that only 3 out of 100 elementary pupils finish college) by fulfilling its mandate under RA 9155 or the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001. However, it depends upon the response and attitude of individual learners and their parents. As Booker T. Washington once said, “I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed”.  /MP   

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente


He Forgives

After seven weeks of his dismissal by impeachment, former chief justice of the Supreme Court Renato C. Corona revealed he is “moving on” and has “forgiven those who worked for his impeachment”. This includes President Benigno C. Aquino III.

“You can’t call on God for forgiveness without forgiving”, he told newsmen in Cebu City after a tape interview on the Cebu Catholic TV network last week. That was Corona’s first public appearance after his dismissal as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Corona needed peace. “The greatest gift God can give to a person is inner peace,” he pointed out.

Cristina accompanied her husband in Cebu City.

At 63 years old, Corona is now keeping himself busy with many things he has longed to do. He is now busy writing his “memoirs”, reading his favorite books, and watching DVDs about history. He plans to return to teaching on “special topics”.

Are you convinced you are guilty?

Corona remains convinced “the Supreme Court ruling upholding the total distribution of the 6,435 hectare sugar plantation Hacienda Luisita owned by the Aquino family was the main reason behind the impeachment” 

Hungry Filipinos Decreases

The number of poor and hungry Filipinos has decreased. 

According to the survey conducted on May 24 – 27, 2012, an estimated 10.3 million Filipino households or 51 percent of the total households admitted they are poor. This is lesser than the 11.4 million households or 55 percent recorded in the March survey.

Further, the survey revealed those who admitted they were poor in terms of food accounted for 39 percent or about 7.9 million households, a decrease from the former 45 percent.

Peso Rises

The Philippine peso strengthened further to its highest level in four (4) years, ending last week’s trading in the P41 to a US dollar.

The appreciation of the peso came about following reports the central banks of China and the European Union may implement measures to stimulate their respective economics.

The Philippine peso closed at 41.72 against the US dollar, up by 30 centavos compared to Monday finish of 42.02 to a US dollar. 

Moreover, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) pointed out that “the appreciation of the peso was not solely influenced by external factors but by the favorable economic indicators for the Philippines”.

Stress Factors

The Filipino tourists cannot readily decide what places to visit because of stress. According to the Global Survey done by Skyscanner, among the Filipino respondents, 64 percent said they are stressed in deciding where to go. Another 21 percent of the Filipino respondents’ believed “affordable flights” is also a stress factor when making travel arrangement.  

Filipinos had less worries on the following: quality of airport – 2.67 percent; accommodation – 1.91 percent; dates – 2.6 percent; finances – 1.84 percent; and passport issues – 5.92 percent.

The survey covered 20,000 respondents from 12 countries, the Philippines included.

The search for cheap flights is one main cause of stress and the need for the best value for money deals becomes essential. /MP                                                    

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente


He Forgives

After seven weeks of his dismissal by impeachment, former chief justice of the Supreme Court Renato C. Corona revealed he is “moving on” and has “forgiven those who worked for his impeachment”. This includes President Benigno C. Aquino III.

“You can’t call on God for forgiveness without forgiving”, he told newsmen in Cebu City after a tape interview on the Cebu Catholic TV network last week. That was Corona’s first public appearance after his dismissal as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Corona needed peace. “The greatest gift God can give to a person is inner peace,” he pointed out.

Cristina accompanied her husband in Cebu City.

At 63 years old, Corona is now keeping himself busy with many things he has longed to do. He is now busy writing his “memoirs”, reading his favorite books, and watching DVDs about history. He plans to return to teaching on “special topics”.

Are you convinced you are guilty?

Corona remains convinced “the Supreme Court ruling upholding the total distribution of the 6,435 hectare sugar plantation Hacienda Luisita owned by the Aquino family was the main reason behind the impeachment” 

Hungry Filipinos Decreases

The number of poor and hungry Filipinos has decreased. 

According to the survey conducted on May 24 – 27, 2012, an estimated 10.3 million Filipino households or 51 percent of the total households admitted they are poor. This is lesser than the 11.4 million households or 55 percent recorded in the March survey.

Further, the survey revealed those who admitted they were poor in terms of food accounted for 39 percent or about 7.9 million households, a decrease from the former 45 percent.

Peso Rises

The Philippine peso strengthened further to its highest level in four (4) years, ending last week’s trading in the P41 to a US dollar.

The appreciation of the peso came about following reports the central banks of China and the European Union may implement measures to stimulate their respective economics.

The Philippine peso closed at 41.72 against the US dollar, up by 30 centavos compared to Monday finish of 42.02 to a US dollar. 

Moreover, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) pointed out that “the appreciation of the peso was not solely influenced by external factors but by the favorable economic indicators for the Philippines”.

Stress Factors

The Filipino tourists cannot readily decide what places to visit because of stress. According to the Global Survey done by Skyscanner, among the Filipino respondents, 64 percent said they are stressed in deciding where to go. Another 21 percent of the Filipino respondents’ believed “affordable flights” is also a stress factor when making travel arrangement.  

Filipinos had less worries on the following: quality of airport – 2.67 percent; accommodation – 1.91 percent; dates – 2.6 percent; finances – 1.84 percent; and passport issues – 5.92 percent.

The survey covered 20,000 respondents from 12 countries, the Philippines included.

The search for cheap flights is one main cause of stress and the need for the best value for money deals becomes essential. /MP