July 30-August 5, 2017

DA SLATES MANGO FORUM IN GUIMARAS

            The 4^th Regional Mango Stakeholders Forum will take a place on August 23, 2017 at Guimaras State College Agri Ecotourism Convention Center in Buenavista, Guimaras. Agriculture Sec. Emmanuel F. Piñol, during his Biyaheng Bukid here recently, said that the forum aims to craft the five years roadmap of the Philippine Mango Development.

            Around 150 mango growers, exporters, processors, and industry leaders from the six provinces of Western Visayas will gather and discuss salient plans for the advancement of the mango industry in the region.

            According to the Department of Agriculture (DA) 6 Regional Executive Director Engr. Remelyn T. Recoter, the forum seeks to address industry problems including the lack of mango supply and drastic drop in the volume of production, and to identify interventions to sustain its growth.

            Among the topics to be discussed are the Philippine Mango Industry Situation: Supply and Demand, Issues, Concerns and Initiatives, Postharvest Application for Mango to Extend Shelf Life, Best Mango Production Technology and Cultural Practices in Mindanao, Demand of Fresh Mangoes for Processing And Exporting, Control of Cecid Flies, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Issues on Mango Exportation, DA and Land Bank of the Philippines credit Programs for Mango Fruits production, Crop Insurance, Philippine Rural Development Project for Mango Development, among others.

                Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority reveal that Ilocos Region topped all the mango producing regions with 59.99 thousand metric tons contributing 55.6 percent to the national total mango production. Meanwhile, Central Luzon with 18.4 percent and Western Visayas with 5.8 percent contribution ranked second and third respectively.

            The same forum to be held in the home of the world’s sweetest mangoes in the leg of the National Mango Stakeholders Forum which was already conducted in Davao City, Pangasinan, and Cebu City./MP     

167 TAKE PMA ENTRANCE EXAM IN KALIBO, AKLAN

            A total of 167 male and female applicant candidates took the cadet Qualifying Test (CQT) of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) just recently at Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo, Aklan. According to Maj. Maristella Dela Paz, PMA Class 2005 and OIC of Proctor Team, there was a significant increase in the applicant candidates compared to last year where in only 68 examinees took the examination. In Panay Island, there are two test centers; the other one is in Iloilo City.

            The increase in number of candidates is due to the information campaign among high school graduates that K-12 students can now take the examination. The information drive and review were conducted by Dr. Chris Rebano Francisco, PMA Class of 1968 and a resident of Brgy. Tigayon, Kalibo, Aklan. The two hour information and review were made in some high schools in Kalibo and neighboring towns of Banga at the Aklan State University; St. Joseph High School, School for Philippine Craftsmen, Malinao; Makato Integrated School, Regional Science High School for Region VI, Kalibo; Linabuan Norte High School, Dela Cruz Institute of Business and Industry, and Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo.

            The announcement for the test was featured in Kalibo Cable TV. With the memorandum of the Department of Education (DepEd), School Division Superintendent, the information campaign was disseminated to all school principals, throughout the province of Aklan. This is the first time that the DepEd has participated in the information drive for the PMA which turned out to be successful. Dr. Ernesto F. Servillon, Ph.D, MNSA is the Aklan DepEd Schools Division Superintendent.

            According to Gen.Chris R. Francisco, there is a need to intensify the information campaign about the PMA in the rural areas. This will afford the Aklan youth especially high school students from poor families to take advantage of the free four years college education in Bachelor of Science, and a commission as 2^nd Lt. or ensign in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after graduation.

            The result of the entrance test shall be available in the month of September. Those who pass the mental test will undergo physical examination at the AFP Medical Center. The final successful candidacies will report to the PMA in Baguio City on April 1, 2018. They will compose the PMA class of 2022. It is expected that more male and female candidates from Aklan shall take the entrance test next year usually done every third Sunday of August in 40 testing centers all over the Philippines. Once a cadet is appointed, he/she becomes a member of the AFP with salary and allowances while in the academy. There shall be an information drive on the PMA early next year.

            The PMA is the premier military academy of the country which traces its founding from the Academia Militar in 1898 in Bulacan province by the revolutionary government of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. It was further continued by the Americans at the turn of the 20^th century as the Philippines Constabulary Academy (PCA). During the commonwealth, Pres. Quezon appointed Col. Pastor Concepcion Martelino of Kalibo, Aklan as the first superintendent of the PMA from 1936-1940. Col. Martelino was a graduate of the United States Military Academy (USMA) class of 1920. He was captured by the Japanese in 1940; tortured for 17 days and executed by the Japanese for refusing to divulge the secret of the US forces in the Philippines. He was a great hero and indeed  a pride of Kalibonhons. He was an exemplar of the PMA motto, “Couarge, Integrity, Loyalty”. Camp Pastor C. Martelino, the former Aklan Philippine Constabulary and now Philippine National Police headquarters in Brgy. Buswang Old, Kalibo, Aklan is named after him.

            There are now several Kalibonhons and Aklanons PMA graduates or Cavaliers. The first Aklanon (Aklan province) PMA graduates is Andrew Rebano Francisco, (class 1959) who is the first general of Aklan. With his two younger brothers, Clodualdo (class 1967), and Crisogono (class 1968). They hold a record as the three Francisco PMAyers of Aklan Province.

            Some other Aklanon PMA gradutes are Brigadier Gen. Federico Ruiz, Jr. (class 1960) Brigadier Gen. Eduardo Fernandez (class 1962), Chief Superintendent Renato Motus (class 1962), Commodore Daniel Delgado (class 1963) Brigadier Gen. Frederique Romero (Class 1963),Col. Francisco Fernandez, Jr. (class 1965) Deputy Dir. Gen. Roberto Lastimoso (class 1967), Brigadier Gen. Efren Fernandez (class 1971), Col. Edwin Abello (class 1971), Lt. Gen. Emanuel Teodosio (class 1973) Cmdr. Earlyn Reyes (class 1993), Cmdr. Andro Val Abayon (class 1994), and Cmdr. Gualterio dela Cruz, II, (class 1994) an association of Aklanon Cavaliers is being formed to complete the list of Aklanon PMAyers. PMA prestige is so high as it is an institution of academic excellence; a school of leadership and discipline with a mission to produce career military officers and excellent leaders of the country./MP         

Entrepreneurial Farmer

by: Ambrosio R. Villorente

WHY IS PHILIPPINES SPORTS WEAK?

            Due to a border dispute between China and Bhutan, India and Chinese soldiers hurled stones at each other during an altercation in the high Himalayas, an Indian controlled Kashmir. This has escalated tensions between China and India which are already engaged in a long border standoff.

Both Indian police and army officials said, the Chinese soldiers hurled stones to Indian soldiers.

CAN YOU SAVE YOURSELF FROM CYBER CRIMINALS

            Today, some people can access the internet in many ways with the use of many devices. Cyber security problems will continue to increase as no country is immune to cyber risks. This includes the Philippines.

            How can cyber users protect themselves? Mr. Mathias Yeo, Chief Technology Officers of Asia Symantec suggested to apply good practices to protect people in the cyber world. These are: 1. Email Caution- exercise caution in accepting email from unfamiliar sources and opening attachments that are not solicited; 2. Study- Be aware of the threat posed by ransomware; and 3. Security policy- request professionals to help implement a security policy that protects sensitive data at rest and in transit.

UNREGISTERED PRODUCTS

            The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has issued a warning regarding the use of nine (9) unregistered food products and supplements now available in the market.

            These products are: 1. Filipino Delights Malunggay Powder; 2. Hokkaido Brand Mackerel;3. Jumbo Hawkflakes; 4. Argao’s Guiling Tablea 100 %  Cacao; 5. Gina Iodized Salt; 6. Krispers Bread Crumbs Chef’s Mati; 7. BClear Purified Drinking Water; 8. Korean Cup Noodles;  and 9 Korean Cup noodles 110g.

            The FDA post, marketing surveillance activities have notified that the above mentioned food products and food supplements have not gone through the registration process of FDA and have no proper authorization in the form of “Certificate of Product Registration”. Since the said products did go the process, their quality and safety are not guaranteed.   

            The consumption of such products may pose potential health problem to the consumers. The FDA warns all stores and other establishments against distributing the said food products and supplements. Moreover, FDA also requests all Local Government Units and law enforcement agencies to ensure the said products are not made available in their respective areas of jurisdiction and localities. 

Philippine Sports

            It is a good news. The Philippines won gold in Basketball in the Kuala Lumpur 2017 29^th SEA Games. Gilas Filipinas represented the Philippines which defeated Indonesia (94-55) in the play for GOLD.

            The bad news is that among the teams from South East Asia, the Philippines placed number 6 as of August 27, Sunday with only a few games left to play. The Philippines with 19 gold, 26 silver, and 51 gold medals is ahead of Myanmar with 7 gold, 8 silver and 16 bronze medals, Laos with 1 gold, 3 silver, and 8 bronze medals; Cambodia with one gold and 9 silver medals; Brunei with 3 silver and 7 bronze medals and Timor Leste-no medal.

            Malaysia is leading with 88 gold, 61 silver,and 58 bronze medals or a total of 207. This is more than twice to the Philippines 96 medals, Vietnam is second with 50 gold, 36 silver, and 43 bronze or a total of 125 medals.

            Thailand is third with 48 gold, 67 silver, and 65 bronze, a total of 180 medals, two times more than the Philippines 96.

            Singapore won 47 gold, 40 silver and 54 bronze, a total of 141 medals. It is hard to comprehend when Singapore has about 5 million people to the Philippines’ 105 million people has more medals especially gold which is more than twice to that of the Philippines’ 19 gold medals.

            Indonesia is fifth with 31 gold, 44 silver, and 56 gold medals. What goes wrong with the Philippines’ Sports Development Program? Why are Filipinos weak and only sixth among the ASEAN Countries? The function on sports development was removed from the DepEd and transferred to the Philippine Sports Commission. But still the DepEd is continuously engaging in sports activities. What is the job of the Philippine Sports Commission?  The DepEd must wholly concentrate in education and the Philippine Sports Commission must comply with its sports development function.

            Why is Philippines Sports very weak? Filipinos must be economically sufficient, institute proper recruitment of athletes, conduct proper training and practice more to be in level with at least ASEAN member countries./MP     

SUGUILANON NI TITA LINDA

MASALIGAN RO DIYOS

            Isaeang ka binatilyo ro naga pamasyar ko gabi-I ngaron. Owa it iwag ag madueom ro anang ginatikangan. Naka abot imaw sa may kilid it mata-as nga bukid-bukid, ag gulping nahueog imaw. Mayad eang ay naka kapyot imaw sa naga usli nga gamot it kahoy. Nagsinggit imaw agud mangayo it bulig, ogaling naea-os eamang imaw. Owa gid it nakabati. Nadunduman nana ro bilin ko anang ina. “Sa tunga it kapeligrohan, indi pagkalipatan nga magpangadi ag magpangayo it bulig sa Diyos.”

            Nagpanagdi ag nangamuyo imaw it tabang sa mahae nga Diyos halin sa anang taguipuso-on. Sa kalinong it kagabi-ihon, may nabatian imaw nga limog nga naga pangutana, “Naga salig ka baea kakon?” “Hu-o Ginoo naga salig ako kimu”, sabat man it binatilyo.

            “Magbuhi ka sa imong gina kapyutan,” sugo kung limog. Napa-ino-inuhan nana nga madaeum ro anang tugpa-an ag mata-eawis ro mga bato, busa hinadlukan imaw. Ginti-is nana nga mag-kinapyot sa bilog nga sang gabi-e.

            Pagka-aga, ma-eoya eon ro binatilyo.  Haeos indi eon imaw makahueag sa kaga-oy. Paghayag duro guid ro anang kangawa. Ro anang gina-kapoyutan hay daywang ka pye eamang rong kaeapit sa eogta. Owa eon kunta imaw magti-is it sang gabi-e kon gin sunod nana ratong limog.

Halin kato, naga salig eon imaw sa Diyos ano man ro matabo./MP

ESPINIDO’S ASSIGNMENT TO ILOILO STUMPS MAYOR

            The question is: “Will he live?” Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte asked. He referred to Iloilo City Mayor Patrick Mabilog. Pres. Rodrigo Duterte has linked Mabilog to the narcotic trade.  He announced that Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido will be assigned as Police Chief of Iloilo City. Espinido was former Police Chief of Albuera, Leyte, and is the current Chief of Police of Ozamiz City, where Mayor Reynaldo Parohinog was alledgedly killed by police in illegal shootout.

            How about Mayor Jed Mabilog? The Iloilo City Mayor said, he is puzzed, but he welcomes Espenido’s assignment to his city.

            While delivering his speech during the National Heroes Day celebration, Pres. Duterte called Espenido to the front and told him to stay there. “I will ask you again. You asked for the assignment in Leyte, the Mayor there died.”  Breaking off midway through a prepared speech at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City where Espenido and 129 soldiers killed in the battle for Marawi City were honored, Pres, Duterte said. “You asked for another assignment in Ozamiz City, Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog there also died. Now you want Iloilo City because Mabilog has been identified as a drug trade protector. Will he live?” Pres. Duterte asked.

             Espenido did not answer. Later he told reporters that his assignment to Iloilo City is “God’s will.” “You know that my superior’s order, specially the President’s, are God’s will. We will do our best,” he said.  Espenido urged Mabilog to cooperate in the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.

             Asked about his orders to Espenido, Pres. Duterte said: “Your duty requires you to overcome the resistance of the person you are arresting, if he resist, and it is a violent one, I hate to see dead policemen and soldiers performing their duty. Do you hear me? Your next assignment is Iloilo City.”

            The “murder, homicide and unlawful killings” are not allowed. Police must uphold the rule of law while carrying out their duties. Pres. Duterte unleashed the war on drugs after taking office in June last year following an election campaign in which he vowed to use deadly force to wipe out crime and drugs.

            Thousands of people have been killed and the violence was criticized by the international community. Mabilog is one of the officials named by Pres. Duterte as among some public officials involved in the narcotic trade. No charges, however, are filed by the police against the mayor.

            Mabilog is being aggressive in implementing programs and activities against illegal drugs in Iloilo City.

            However, Espenido’s assignment to Iloilo City has given Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon a “cause of concern”. Drilon, who is from Iloilo acknowledged that it is Pres. Duterte’s prerogative to post Espenido in Iloilo City. “The peace-loving, cultured and law-abiding Ilonggos welcome (Espenido) in Iloilo City,” said Drilon. “The assignment to Iloilo City of Espenido is a cause of concern,” Drilon said,

            However, Drilon hopes that Espenido would heed Pres. Duterte’s order to “follow the rules of engagement” in confronting the drugs problem in Iloilo City.

            “While there’s a lot of double speak in the President’s marching order, ultimately it is on Espenido’s account and responsibility to uphold the rule of law and to follow the rules of engagement in his new place of assignment as Espenido knows what to do” according to Sen. Panfilo Lacson.

            Espenido used to work with Lacson in the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force 17 years ago. “I know him as a focused, diligent and upright noncommissioned officer.  I am banking on that and more to say what I just said about the man,” Lacson said/MP.