EDITORIAL

Construct Cockpit Arena To Show Progress

Hon. Arnaldo M. Tejada, Sangguniang Bayan member of Kalibo has filed a resolution with the Sangguniang Bayan "Urging Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo to Advice The Aklan Sportsman Enterprises, Inc. (ASEI) To Relocate Its Cockpit Arena at Barangay Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan Pursuant To Law or Municipal Ordinance No. 20, S – 1974, Otherwise Cancel/Revoke The License To Operate If One Was Not Validly Used, After Due Process."
The said resolution is referred to some appropriate committees of the Kalibo SB for studies and recommendation.
The ASEI is represented by its President, Dr. Restituto M. Robillo. According to Hon. Tejada, Kalibo is the capital town of Aklan, the center of trade and industry, the center of the world famous Ati Atihan festival and the gateway to Boracay. Being such, Tejada pointed out, "Kalibo is in urgent need of a modern cockpit arena, located in an appropriate area. Kalibo needs a cockpit arena which can magnetize, attract and encourage more cockfighting enthusiasts, balikbayans and foreign tourists to participate and witness cock derbies and pintakasis. Cockfighting is one of the highlights of the annual Sto. Niño Ati Atihan festival and it generates substantial revenues to the government and provides employment and income to the people.
Notwithstanding its importance to tourism, employment generation and income, the present cockpit arena of the ASEI incurs several violations. First, according to Hon. Tejada, the cockpit is presently located in a zone where cockpit arena is not allowed to exist, second, the present cockpit arena shows several violations of the Building Code and the Fire Code, third there is no parking area and hence traffic hazard, and fourth, the arena is unsanitary.
According to the report of the Municipal Engineer’s Office, Kalibo, "the cockpit building is almost 30 years old and hence, structurally not safe to life and property. The unsanitary condition of the cockpit area is apparent, that food and drinks are served and eaten under the wooden planks of the bleachers and stairs of the building." Moreover, there is no parking space as required in Municipal Ordinance No. 20, S-1974.
Presidential Decree No. 449 of May 1974 was promulgated to govern the establishment, operation, maintenance and ownership of cockpits for development and promotion of wholesome recreation, relaxation and entertainment for cockfighting enthusiasts. Cockfighting is allowed as a vehicle for the preservation of Philippine cultural heritage to enhance national dignity. The law is designed to prevent the exploitation of cockfighting as object of commercialism or business enterprise and prevent gambling.
On the basis of PD 449, the Municipal Council of Kalibo approved "An Ordinance Prescribing Regulations For The Establishment, Operation, Maintenance and Ownership of Cockpits". This Municipal Ordinance No. 20, S – 1974 details the procedure to establish, own, manage and operate cockpits in the town of Kalibo. Among others, it provides that "no cockpit shall be established within 50 meters from school buildings, existing residential areas, commercial areas, hospitals and provides 20 percent of its total area as parking space. Those cockpits located in the above stated areas are given three (3) years to relocate itself from the effectivity of PD 449 to meet the requirements.
As per records found in the Municipal Assessor’s Office of Kalibo and that in the Register of Deeds, Kalibo, ASEI represented by its president, Dr. Restituto M. Robillo constructed, owned and manages until today the Cockpit Arena in Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan. The Cockpit Arena is constructed in 1976 on Block 13 with a combined area of 1,400 square meters. Actually, the area consisted of four (4) lots earmarked as residential lots by the Aklan Capitol Subdivision.
In his draft resolution, Hon. Tejada concluded that inspite of "the mandatory requirement of PD 449 and the Municipal Ordinance No. 20, S-1974 of Kalibo to relocate the existing cockpit located in prohibited area within a period of three years from May 19, 1974, the existing cockpit of ASEI has never been relocated to a site appropriate for it. "It is still in Barangay Estancia operating in defiance of the law and municipal ordinance above-mentioned. The law and ordinance impose penal and other sanctions like cancellation of license, forfeiture of right to renew and disqualification under the prior operator rule protection in the establishment of cockpit as provided for in the Local Government Code, Tejada pointed out.
In summary, according to Hon. Tejada, the cockpit arena of ASEI is violating the Building Code, Fire Code, provision on parking space, sanitation and it is situated in a residential and commercial areas and near school building.
Tejada, in his resolution, urges Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo to apply the laws and ordinance on cockfighting by urging the owners and operators of cockpit arena in Estancia to transfer that cockpit arena to a most suitable site allowed by law, construct a cockpit arena to showcase progress and put matters of public concern in an orderly fashion and legal perspective. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

The Arrogance of Mr. Albar

Mr. Renato Albar, General Manager of the Metro Kalibo Water District (MKWD) displayed his style of arrogance last week unworthy of a public official to do and to emulate. He demonstrated his arrogance, Albar style, before the members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo during its regular session presided by Vice Mayor Nilda B. Tambong. The session was held in the afternoon, Thursday, July 6 in SB Session Hall, Kalibo, Aklan.
Mr. Albar attended that regular session in response to the request of SB Kalibo to inform its members regarding the continuing water rate increases obtaining in MKWD.
In the course of his explanation, Mr. Albar informed the presiding officer and the honorable members of the SB Kalibo, that those questions are matters of "political harassment".
This imputation is not a teaser. The substance, the manner of delivery and the body language of Mr. Albar of his allegation of "political harassment" is a first degree arrogance of a public official.
Where do people go in case of a question or complaint regarding a public utility like the MKWD which bulldozed its way, proceeded to its destination and disregarded the request of the water consumers to stop the water rate increase? MKWD has been raking millions of pesos net profit annually. Why then increase the water rates and squeeze some hard earned money of the depressed consumers via the water rate increase?
Mr. Albar does not feel the pain of water consumers because even his allowance from MKWD reach several hundred thousand pesos annually. He dines his visitors in high class eateries and gifted them with lechon, prawns and crabs among others. Mr. Albar must implant in his brain that politicians are there to articulate the problems, and aspirations of their constituents.
Mr. Albar, before he finished his briefing, invited any member of the SB Kalibo to visit his office for any information they wish to know. This is another arrogance, Albar style.
If Mr. Albar is sincere in his desire to promote mutual understanding between the MKWD and the water concessionaires, he must readily release periodic accomplishment report to the public. He can do it thru the SB members, the Municipal Mayor, Vice Mayor of the towns where MKWD operates. He can release the information via the Aklan media. But he did not.
But it is lamentable, Mr. Albar is not only adamant but impedes the release of information to the public. A very good example where he impeded the release of information is the P25 million questionable pipes and other materials purchases. He does not even want to release to the public the annual financial report which is of public concern.
According to Mr. Albar, the MKWD expansion project justifies the rate increase. Where are the expansion projects? Are these within the jurisdiction of MKWD? If not, Mr. Albar might wish to review the provisions of PD 198, the Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973, as amended under Chapter VII – Powers of Districts. If Mr. Albar justified the rate increase because of project expansion, then it is not possible because Section 30 (b) will only be made if it "will not adversely affect or impair the fiscal position and operations" of MKWD. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Aklan Gov’t Mulls Bora Unified Ticketing System

By Boy Ryan Zabal

The provincial government of Aklan is pushing for the implementation of the Unified Ticketing System to ease the travel of visiting tourists entering via the Caticlan Jetty Port to the famous resort island of Boracay.
Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez revealed that the system to be initiated by the province came after a thorough study of the present collection system. At present, collection fees consist of environmental fee, boat fare and terminal fee which are paid before a tourist can board a motorized pump boat. This fees are collected separately.
"We are fully aware of this hassle to tourists both local and foreign," Marquez told reporters in a press conference recently.
A non-Aklanon tourist pays P50 environmental fee collected by the local government of Malay aside from the P19.50 boat fare charged by the Caticlan Boracay Transport Multi-purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) and the P20 terminal fee charged by the provincial government of Aklan.
Marquez said the Unified Ticketing System would guarantee a systematic, computerized and hassle-free collection of fees in the Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Ports – all major economic enterprises of the province.
"The collection system from the jetty ports to incoming passengers or tourists will be synchronized with the computerization of the provincial hospital this year," he further said.
Caticlan Jetty Port is a major component of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway of the national government which collections reached P15-million for the first six months of the year 2006.
Meanwhile, Governor Marquez also revealed that he would put the multi cabs into operation once the Boracay Land Transport Multi-purpose Cooperative accepts the proposal of the province under a rent-operate-own scheme.
Otherwise, the provincial government would decide to give the multi cabs to a transport group in the town of Banga for a similar scheme, he said.
Bora Transport Coop Warns Erring Boatmen
In another development, the Caticlan Boracay Transport Multi-purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) urged its employees and boatmen to practice the highest standard of service to tourists visiting the famous resort island of Boracay.
CBTMPC chairman Godofredo Sadiasa said the need to improve the transport services should be prioritized by the cooperative with unquestioned customers services to passengers who ride on their motorized pump boats.
"We are serious in disciplining our boatmen and employees after observing due process. We afford them the right to be informed of the complaints and evaluates the sanctions to be imposed," Sadiasa said.
Though the one-entry one-exit policy of the provincial government is held in abeyance, the boat cooperative is strongly supporting its implementation to protect and secure the tourists and the residents in the island.
The one-entry one-exit scheme also aims to clean up the beachfront of motorized pump boats and to strengthen the security of the island from unwanted elements.
The appeal was part of the ongoing efforts of the boat cooperative to police the ranks of erring boatmen and employees. CBTMPC, established in 1996 has 90 pump boats owned by members and some 300 boatmen.
Boat dispatchers are deputized to maintain order in Cagban and Caticlan Jetty Ports. The boatmen of motorized pump boats were trained by the cooperative on how to handle and secure the baggage of incoming guests to the resort island including customer service, Sadiasa added. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

RC Kalibo Donates Shoes

The Rotary Club of Kalibo donated some 36 pairs of shoes to the deserving students of the Dela Cruz Institute of Business and Industry (DIBI), Kalibo, Aklan this week. The donation is in line with the thrust of Rotary International on education. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

ANALYSIS

GAME OF THE THINKING FEET’

Julius Caesar Would Have Been Proud of the Italians


By Alex P. Vidal

We made a random survey among friends and colleagues in the media several hours before the start Monday morning (July 10), (Iloilo time) of the battle for FIFA 2006 World Cup final between Italy and France held in Berlin, Germany. (It is history, Italy was the 2006 World Cup Champion.)
Survey revealed, only a handful picked Italy to win the championship while a great majority professed innocence claiming they didn’t have any idea of what football is all about and they had no inkling about the World Cup. Even Pompey, Marcus and Brutus would have joined Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony in the Coliseum to cheer for Francesco Totti and Fabio Grosso if soccer was invented before the "Ides of March" in 44 B.C.
There is no doubt one of the most exciting sports in the world is soccer. The World Cup demonstrates football madness to the hilt, according to Minyong Ordoñez, a lover of "The Beautiful Game".
In Europe, South Africa, Middle East, Africa, and Asia, soccer generates passion, patriotism, and racial pride unmatched by any stereotyped sports event.
The Filipinos in general are illiterate when it comes to soccer. The sports IQ are low and limited to basketball. Compared to soccer, basketball is inferior. Soccer fans are more analytical and sophisticated than basketball fans who are simple-minded, preferring boring and repetitive plays as instant gratifications.
Here are super soccer thrills, according to Ordoñez, that people all over the world experience in watching a world-class soccer games.
HUGE SIZE MATTERS
The playing field is as huge as a track oval. The grass field is about four times bigger than a basketball court. Ten players (warriors is a better word) on each team totaling twenty can be viewed from the stand beautifully executing offensive in defensive executions.
In a display of the highest capability of the male physique, football players run like antelopes, slither like snakes and attack like leopards. At other times they pirouette like ballet dancers.
On the huge open field one sees play patterns evolve to succeed or fail—depending on the instinct and precision of individual acts.
In a World Cup soccer team, everyone is an artist whether he is a striker, a pass maker, a defender, or a goal keeper.
Every single move counts. To a soccer watcher, the details are beautiful. In a huge soccer field fans see a goal made in sequences of brilliant moves orchestrated by midfielders and strikers. The open skies and huge open field give the picture of a real battlefield. The atmosphere of a battlefield is visualized. The art of war is palpable. The battle goes on in spite of sun, rain and mud.
SPECIALISTS ARE SYNCHRONIZED
Soccer warriors have specialized skills that contribute to the precious winning goal. Strikers (goal makers) are deadly in the penalty area. Their killer instincts are hone in, their legs are pumping irons, their speed belongs to a 100-meter dash champ. Their feet dribble the ball with lightning-fast agility, kick a goal score in several styles of kick effects.
Midfielders are superb ball catchers and handlers. Their precision passes are marvelous at any distance, any speed. They initiate attack patterns and elude their guards.
Defenders are a special breed. They are strategic in winning a game by blunting and stopping attackers within fifty yards and penalty front area.
Defenders artfully execute some of the most cat quick reflex actions in stealing a ball from attackers. Games are won by the superior performance of defenders.
Hearts beat fast when a forward surges towards a goal guarded like a leech by a defender. The simultaneous struggle being displayed by the attacker surging towards the goal and the defender in stopping the attacker at all cost is simply heart-stopping.
In football, every player is key. The post-game analysis is total—a team effort. The whole game is creatively and passionately played by all. No superstars. Team play rules.
THINKING FEET IS GENIUS
Perhaps, the biggest thrill in soccer is the dexterity of the human feet. Foot work. Foot dribbling. Foot ball handling. It’s amazing that in soccer, the foot is as good if not better than the hands in holding, dribbling and shooting the ball. These skills are part genius and part discipline. It comes with practice, practice, practice. But marvelous footwork is just half of the story. The other wonder is legwork. Leg power. Leg agility. Leg endurance. A running leg. Leg excellence involves the foot, ankle, knee, the whole leg as one perfect instrument to play artistic football. The foot and leg excellence is simply an exceptional quality of world-class soccer player. Unique to watch. An object of admiration.
The use of the head is another source of constant fascination. The player’s head seems stone-hard. It is used to catch or block aerial balls, or for butting short passes. More spectacularly, it can head the ball to the goal either through a body dive or a jumping head shot. Simply astounding!
MANLY VALUES
Perhaps the superiority of soccer lies in the inherent virtues of a world-class soccer player. The audience senses this. An excellent player embodies the virtues of self-discipline, bravery, endurance, and the will to win.
The low score in football means victory is hard earned. It means that great things come at the right moment, patience is key to endure the long struggle. In spite of the two-hour battle, football fans enjoy every moment of the game. The display of individual skills from the players, the teamwork and play patterns keep viewers’ interest sustained throughout the game.
GREATNESS IS IN THE DETAILS
A team can lose and still be admired for having played magnificently. In football, excellence is in the details. And it takes struggle and discipline for a player to achieve perfection. This is obvious in the way he plays. The excellence in little details displayed by players is a source of endless enjoyment from the crowd. That’s why kids, glamour girls, yuppies, husbands, wives, farmers, construction workers, taxi drivers, food vendors, prime ministers, presidents, queens, kings, and emperors cheer lustily for their team during a World Cup series. Passion is so high, football even creates extremists called hooligans.
"We Filipinos should elevate our sports IQ from basketball to soccer," counseled Ordoñez. "In soccer there is no oversized Shaquille O’Neal who can bully a victory in a basketball game. In soccer you only have normal height players like Ronaldo and Rivaldo of Brazil, Kluse and Ballack of Germany whose unique and unexpected kick for that precious single goal is more exciting than the boring repetitions in a 50-point score of a surfeit and predictable Kobe Bryant."
He added: "Let’s stop being basketball bores. Let’s be more sophisticated and discover the unexpected and mental pleasures of soccer." /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Makato Celebrates World Population Day 2006

By: Hazel T. Dalida

Makato, Aklan held its annual celebration of the World Population Day for the third consecutive year in the afternoon of July 14, 2006 at the Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex in Poblacion, Makato as part of its local population program.
The high optimism among members of the Makato IEC-Advocacy Team (MIAT) for the positive outcome of the activity is attributed to the unfaltering support of national, regional and provincial allies for similar undertakings in the recent years.
Moreover, the attendance of Cavite Representative Gilbert Remulla who graced the occasion as keynote speaker served as catalyst for other leaders to embrace the population program in a broader perspective and effectively address and design better interventions to strengthen its implementation in their respective localities.
This year’s celebration theme is "Pinoy youth empowerment for health and development". The highlight of the celebration focused on the participation of the youth sector as represented by adolescent students from the various local secondary and tertiary academic institutions.
In the municipality of Makato, the involvement of the youth sector in governance has long been recognized and given importance. There is the youth representation in MIAT which is the frontline organization in the implementation of Reproductive Health (RH) and population related activities and programs. Through this intervention, young people are made integral planners to shape up their future and provide them with better chances of achieving more rewarding lives.
The celebration was given priority by the local MIAT chaired by Hon. Ramon S. Legaspi, Jr. Although several IEC strategies were adopted in the past, it is deemed important to continuously provide every Makaton-on with updated population data and information to help them prepare and adjust to the challenges posed by the rapid pace of population change and its effect to our lives in terms of health, economy and social development. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Diocese of Kalibo Opposes STL and CHA-CHA

In its pastoral statement, the Diocese of Kalibo opposes the conduct of Small Town Lottery (STL) in Aklan and Charter Change. The said pastoral statement is dated June 23, 2006. The full text of it was read in place of a homily last Sunday, June 25 during all the masses in all towns and barangays as recommended by Most Rev. Jose Romeo O. Lazo, D.D., Bishop of Kalibo.
The pastoral statement opposing the conduct of STL in Aklan and the holding of CHA CHA was signed by 55 priests of Aklan including Most Rev. Jose Romeo O. Lazo, D.D. The full text of the "Pastoral Statement of Opposition to Small Town Lottery and Charter Change Now" reads:
PASTORAL STATEMENT OF OPPOSITION TO SMALL TOWN LOTTERY AND CHARTER CHANGE NOW
The Philippine Bishops have declared the Year 2006 as "Year of Social Concerns", thus, making us more aware of our social environment and the issues that affect our life as Christian people. We cannot just be sinfully silent about what we see and judge to be morally questionable activities of government, namely: the plan to institutionalize and in a greater way expand the operation of Small Town Lottery (STL) and the deceptive design to change the fundamental law of the land. We judge these moves to be morally questionable needing more urgent attention and concerted response. "As we render account for every idle word, so we must for our idle silence," St. Ambrose of Milan reminds us. It is sinful to be silent when a stand has to be made.
On the SMALL TOWN LOTTERY (STL)
In their most recent pronouncement the CBCP reiterates their stand against systematic, organized, and widespread gambling whether legal or illegal for it reinforces "the culture of gambling that is seriously eroding the moral values of our people" (23 January 2005, CBCP Statement On Gambling). The government must curb and stop the culture of gambling instead of promoting and reinforcing it.
The eradication of all forms of gambling would give credence to the program of the government to eradicate corruption. However, failure to solve this menace would reflect on the credibility and seriousness of the government to concretely address the social and moral ills in our country. The government must create programs that are not only lasting but also value promoting. They must directly and concretely respond to the plight of the marginalized and less privileged members of society and must not resort to quick solutions that promote viciousness in the lives of our people. The government must therefore provide decent and productive lifestyle that is in keeping with the moral and spiritual values of the people. The government has the moral duty of vigorously carrying out these programs or else it would be another placating and empty political propaganda.
On CHARTER CHANGE
In its Pastoral Statement, CBCP has expressed "deep concern over the attempt of certain sectors to make hasty and substantial changes to our constitution, supposedly through the "People’s Initiative’ provision in our present charter" (CBCP Pastoral Statement on the Alleged "People’s Initiative" To Change the Constitution, 7 April 2006). We saw that the signature campaign was done with considerable haste, leaving the wider sector of our society uninformed of the issues at hand. The manner by which signatures were gathered to legitimize what would seem to appear, as "People’s Initiative" is an insult to our sovereignty. Considering the importance of the matter since it involves fundamental changes in structures of governance, together with our Bishops we see the importance for "widespread participation, total transparency, and relative serenity that allows for national discussion and debate" (Renewing Our Public Life Through Moral Values, 29 January 2006). These have not been done! Hence, we vehemently oppose such action as malicious and deceitful!
OUR POSITION AND CALL
As members of the Aklan Clergy, together with our Bishop, Most Rev. Jose Romeo O. Lazo, D.D., in solidarity with the Archdiocese of Jaro, Archdiocese of Capiz and the Diocese of San Jose Antique, we declare that:
1. We vehemently oppose the institutionalization and the eventual promotion of Small Town Lottery (STL) in every town of our province in Aklan and in any part of the country.
2. We maintain our stand against any form of gambling, illegal or otherwise proposed or now endorsed by the government.
3. We uphold the sovereign right of the people to self – determination even in deciding on the form of government we should take. We believe that real "People’s Initiative" should have the people dictating the manner by which they should be taken as basis for major changes in the governance of the land.
4. We call on those that wield power to be truly respecting of the will of their constituents and not just serve the self-serving interest of their political patrons.
5. As Church, we call on everyone to be vigilant and pro-active. And when prompted by faith, to come out in open manifestation. It is only when we put our acts together that we see ourselves strong and have our voices heard.
With Mary, we seek her intercession as dedicated this "Year of Social Concerns" to her motherly care. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Ro Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni: Tita Linda Belayro

Blusang Puea

Si Dukesa Mira hay maila-un sa kolor nga puea. Ro anang kwarto ag mga kagamitan hay puro puea. Masinadyahon guid si Dukesa Mira kon makakita imaw it maski anong pueang bagay. Sa anang ka gwapa hay kapin nga nagaeotaw kon magsuksok imaw it pueang blusa. Ogaling may nahikaw kana, rong onga it bruha nga si Sabrina. Maskin maeaw-ay imaw, bu-ot gid nana nga madiparahan imaw it mga kaeaeakihan.
Ko isaeang agahon, guinbantayan nana si Mira sa pagpaligos. Samtang si Mira hay naga paligos, may pispis nga nagdagit ko singsing ag kulintas ni Mira nga kon siin dikato rong sekreto ko anang ka gwapa. Guinbutangan it itom nga mahika ag guinbalik ko pispis sa anang guin boe-an.
Pagkatapos it pagpaligos ni Dukesa Mira, anang guinsuksuk rong sing-sing ag kulintas. Nag- gueang rong dagway ni Dukesa Mira. Guinkahadlukan imaw it tanan. Sa anang pagtan-aw sa espiho, nakita nana ro anang dagway nga maeaw-ay.
Samtang, sa owa magbuhay, may nag-abot nga daeaga nga ka gwapa gwapa sa banwa ngaron. Abong mga kaeaeakihan ro nabighani. Rayang daeaga maila-on man it puea nga kolor. Ogaling mapintas imaw. Owa naila imaw nga may iba pang mag eambong it puea, kundi imaw eang.
May sangka babaying nagsamit nga mag-eambong it puea. Pagkasuksuk na, golping nasunog imaw ko anang eambong nga puea. Halin kato, guinbawae ag guinlikawan rong pag eambong it puea sa andang lugar.
Nag-paino ino si Dukesa Mira kon siin nag-bo-oe it kina-adman rayang si Sabrina. Hadumduman na ro asupre. Anang guin eogum sa asupre ro anang singsing ag kulintas. Nagbaga rong singsing ag kulintas. Indi himayang si Sabrina. Ro anang singsing ag kulintas nga guinsuksok hay naga baga-baga! Pati ro anang eambong nga puea hay naga kaeayo man. Tongod kato, nagbalik ro anang dagway nga bruha. Guinkahadlukan imaw kong tanan sa andang lugar.
Samtang sa baeay ni Dukesa Mira, nag balik ro anang pagka bata ag pagka gwapa. Owa eon nagpakita halin kato rong Bruha.
Sa pagguwa ni Dukesa Mira, nag-eaum ro mga tawo nga imaw, kampon ni Sabrina. Ngani, naghiwat imaw it isaeang ka pagtipon-tipon. Guinkangay nana rong mga igbata, mga amigo ag mga amiga. Nagpasaeamat imaw ag nagpangayo it pasensya sa halit nga dueot kong blusang puea.
Umpisa man kato, guintugutan rong tanan maskin sin-o nga sarang eon makasuksok it kolor nga puea. Ro iba nga owa naila sa kolor hay nag obra it ibang "shade" kapares it old rose, pink rose, salmon pink ag kon ano pang halin sa kolor nga puea. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

ASU Launches College of Teacher Education

The Aklan State University headed by its President, Dr. Benny A. Palma, with guests of honor, Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, formally launched the College of Teacher Education (CTE) recently at the ASU Amphitheater, Banga, Aklan with the theme "Relevant Education, Key to Development."
The University Officials, faculty members, non-teaching personnel and students from the five campuses of the University attended the launching.
Hon. Carlito S. Marquez, Provincial Governor, in his message congratulated the University for continually expanding its curricular and non-curricular offerings, which aim to further widen its scope in the service of the people without sacrificing the quality of education. "Even without the formal establishment of the College of Teacher Education, within the umbrella of the University, the public is aware that this prestigious institution, for the past several years had been sending out from its campuses quality teachers now being employed by the public and private school systems. The formal launching of CTE in all the ASU campuses in the Province of Aklan is a strong indication that the University does not rest on its accomplishments and laurels but determined to continue to innovate and introduce major additions to its already wide offerings depending on the need of time and attuned to the development needs of the Province." Marquez stressed.
Congressman Miraflores, who served as the keynote speaker, congratulated the University for holding on to its vision of being a center of excellence and refocusing of its curriculum to address issues of relevance, quality and competitiveness. He believes that the University, in establishing the College of Teacher Education, is aware of and has this concern as priority. As the foremost higher education institution in Aklan, he believes that ASU vigorously pursues its mandate of among others, educating Aklanon youth for the development and public service roles as the University pursues its functions of instruction.
The CTE stands on its philosophy for the development of the rational mind of the person imbued with virtues, ideals, wisdom and craft necessary to promote the desired citizenry of a democratic state.
It envisions to promote leaders in teachers education for universal human development.
Its mission is to develop globally competent and quality educators imbued with the virtues, ideals, wisdom and skills education for life long learning.
Its goal is to produce well rounded, highly competent, technically prepared and morally upright educators who will be the prime movers of development.
Its objectives are to:1) provide knowledge and technical skills through quality relevant instructions in the various discipline; 2) develop the student’s critical thinking, analytical decisions and technical abilities to become effective educators; 3) develop research, extension and production competence among students, faculty members and stakeholders; and 4) develop desirable values among students for the enhancement of leadership and professional skills in education.
The CTE, headed by Dean Edna I. Gonzales, offers the following degree programs: Doctor of Philosophy major in Educational Management (PhD); Master of Arts in Education major in Educational Management (MAEd); Bachelor in Secondary Education (BSEd) major in Mathematics, Biological Science, Social Studies, English, Physical Education, Filipino, Technology & Livelihood Education; Bachelor in Elementary Education (BEED); and Bachelor in Fishery Education (BFE) (ACRelingo and SRVillasis, ASU-ECS). /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

KALIBO NEWS

Chinese Officials Visit Kalibo, Establish Friendship Ties

Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo of Kalibo, Aklan led in the official welcome ceremony to the Chinese officials who visited Kalibo last week. Mayor Wu Sheng, Vice Mayor Wen Yung Yu and company from Sikui, Guan Dong, China were in Kalibo on July 4 to establish friendship and cooperation through economic and cultural exchanges between the two municipalities. Mayor Rebaldo welcomed them in the Kalibo Airport, VIP Lounge, Nalook, Kalibo.
The Chinese visit is an offshoot of the recent visit to Kalibo by Consul General Erlinda Gavino. The Chinese went on a guided tour in Kalibo such as in the Manggad it Kalibo. Consul Gavino found Kalibo as best suited as a partner of one of the highly developed cities in the Peoples Republic of China.
This initial visit is deemed the start of more visits of tourists from China which population is more than one billion people. Before they left Kalibo, Mayor Wu Sheng and Vice Mayor Wen Yung Yu offered a toast of Henessy Cognac worth P6000 a bottle, said Terence T. Toriano, Municipal Information Officer of Kalibo. The Chinese visitors thanked the Kalibonhons for their hospitality during a private dinner held in the Mezanine Resto Bar, Kalibo. They expressed their gratitude and admiration to the people of Kalibo.
On his part, Mayor Rebaldo, in a short speech said, " the new friendship and cooperation between the municipal government of Kalibo and the city government of Sikui will bring not just our people together but strengthen our ties in terms of trades and investments" for mutual progress.

Schools To Teach History of Kalibo

The History of Kalibo is one of the topics discussed in a seminar "Enhancing Makabayan Teaching Practices". The seminar was held last month at APSTA Center, Kalibo. It encouraged participants who came from school districts of Aklan to compile local history in their respective towns. The seminar was led by Ms. Corazon G. Beluso, Education Supervisor in Social Studies, DepEd, Aklan.
The holding of the said seminar according to Mr. Terence T. Toriano is the result of a Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan Resolution which urged the DepEd to integrate in the basic education curriculum for elementary and secondary schools the history, culture and traditions of the town of Kalibo, Aklan.
Hon. Mark V. Quimpo, chairman, committee on education sponsored the resolution’s approval in the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo./MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

EDITORIAL

Less Family To Feed Improves Nutrition

July, is the Philippine Nutrition Month. The theme of this year’s celebration is "Kumain Ng RIGHT, Para Maging BRIGHT". How can a family eat right to grow bright?
First, the family must plant and produce the right and appropriate food for proper family nutrition. Second, if the family is not engaged in food production, it must have enough income to purchase enough quantity and quality foods for its dietary needs. Third, if the family did not have any of the two above, it may result to borrowing money or goods, ask food from relative and friends and live on alms. The absence of the three above methods to secure the right food will compel the family to steal.
On the basis of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) report, six out of 100 school children have stunted growth because of protein – energy malnutrition (PEM). This is 6 percent of our school children. The children, aged 6 months to five years, 8.2 percent of them lack Vitamin A.
On the whole, 30.6 percent of the Filipinos are suffering of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Out of the total IDA affected Filipinos, 50.3 percent are pregnant women, while 45.7 percent are lactating mothers.
As a result of malnutrition, the mental and physical development of the children are retarded, their resistance to infections is weakened that result to the unnecessary loss of lives. There is high infant and child mortality rates. If this malnutrition problem will continue unabated, the well-being of the future citizens of the Philippines will be endangered.
The theme this year: "Kumain Ng RIGHT, Para Maging BRIGHT" is so appropriate for the annual celebration. Presidential Decree No. 471, the Nutrition Act of the Philippines was approved on June 25, 1974 aimed to create proper awareness among our people of the value and importance of proper nutrition.
But how can a family provide its members with proper nutrition even if they are well informed regarding nutrition? The family members must know the appropriate, quantity and quality of food required by each family member. Having all the food materials, the family must know how to properly process and cook the food material to save the nutrient contents until the food is eaten.
However, proper family nutrition can only be improved after poverty is reduced in the Philippines. Family members will enable themselves to produce or procure enough foods if they have money, and prepare it according to recommended nutrition intake. The family above the poverty level will have variety of food such as fish, meat, poultry, fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products using iodized salt in its preparation. The family can have regular exercise and avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic drinks. But to the depressed and oppressed? No way. Malnutrition will be there.
Moreover, it will be advantageous for a family to limit its family members. More members with less family income results to less food, inadequate money for health, sub-standard housing, inadequate money for education and for other basic needs.
How about that? /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente


Marquez’ Government Business Enterprises

Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez announced his policy of investment recovery. His announcement was made during his monthly press conference held on July 5 at the Guests House, Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan.
According to Governor Marquez, it will be good for the local government to spend and recover the investment. He pointed to the plans, programs, projects and activities of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist to focus its programs to business enterprises so that its expenditures will be recovered with profit.
Marquez cited some business enterprises where the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist such as the planting and production of seaweeds for export. Seaweed is rich in calcium and iron as food. It is also processed abroad such as the processing of seaweed oil which is highly in demand for the manufacture of airplanes and computers.
Marquez also cited the abaca rehabilitation program in Libacao and the planting of it in Madalag this year. Abaca planting expansion program will be made in Banga and Malinao. According to Marquez, abaca has the strongest stencil strength among the fiber plants in the world. It is processed into paper pulp and manufactured into security papers. This paper is used for the printing of paper money.
In the Philippines, abaca fiber is a raw material used in handicrafts manufacturing.
Abaca thrives well in high elevation with cool weather. It grows well in places like Libacao. Abaca is a perennial crop, the first harvest of which is one year after planting. Harvesting is done once a year from the plantation provided proper management is given such as proper weeding and sanitation. The fibers are extracted from the petioles of abaca which when dried now sells at P32.00 per kilogram in Libacao, Aklan. The average annual production of abaca according to Mr. Manuelito V. Delegencia of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, Kalibo is 750 kilograms per hectare. At P32.00 per kilogram, the farmer will have an average annual income of P24,000 per hectare. There is some 1,750 hectares planted to abaca as of 2005 in Aklan.
Another crop Governor Marquez has selected for planting is mango in Buruanga. Mango loves to grow best in Type A climate – distinct wet and dry and in the open field. Buruanga possesses this soil and climatic conditions favorable to mango production.
Mango is one of the favorite fruits the Filipinos love to eat. Filipino researchers and plant breeders have transformed mango from seasonal to non-seasonal fruit tree. Mango therefore is now available in the fruit-stands any day of the year.
Mango is not only sweet, it is also nutritious. It is rich of vitamins, minerals and fibrous materials good for the body.
Excellent quality fruits sell at an average price of P40.00 in the fruit-stands. Mango traders have developed mango markets abroad. Philippine mangoes is now exported to China, Singapore and Australia and therefore helps generate dollars.
Moreover, mango trees help conserve the soil, improve the environmental condition in the area planted to it and reduce the effect of warming. Mango trees also serve as windbreaks, hence mitigate the damage of strong winds.
The Provincial government will also support farmers in cattle production. "The 10 hectare farm Aklan provincial government owns in Makato will be devoted for the production of corn, the produce of which will be used to feed the cattle," said Marquez.
Marquez lamented the existence of 180,000 Aklanons who are below the poverty line for whom the program is addressed to. This production program of Governor Marquez deserves the cooperation and support of all Aklanons. Everybody must do its share for the success of this program. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

ATI-RTC VI Conducts Community – Based

Participatory Extension Management

The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center VI (ATI-RTC VI) Western Visayas conducted the four-day TRAINERS’ TRAINING ON COMMUNITY-BASED PARTICIPATORY EXTENSION MANAGEMENT (CBPEM). This was held at ATI-RTC VI Conference Hall, Banga, Aklan on June 19-23, 2006. The activity was a collaborative undertaking with the Institute of Community Education (ICE), College of Public Affairs (CPAF), University of the Philippines at Los Baños.
A total of 38 Technical Staff from the Provincial Planning and Development, Agriculturist, Vegetarian, Environment Management, Cooperative, Health, and Social and Welfare Development, Municipal/City Agriculturists and Rural-Based organizations (RBOS) Coordinators of Negros Occidental.
A team of trainer’s from the ICE, CPAF, UP at Los Baños Laguna and ATI-RTC VI facilitated the conduct of the course.
In the Opening Program, Dr. Ana Mae C. Relingo, Director for Extension and Community Services who represented ASU President, Dr. Benny A. Palma, welcomed the guests and participants. Relingo cited the close and numerous successful collaborative extension and training endeavors done between ASU, and ATI. Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, Center Director of ATI-RTC VI also gave her separate welcome message. Ms. Joy Pastoral, Project Evaluation Officer III of the PPDO and Mr. Enrique Escarez III, City Agriculturist of Cadiz City introduced the guests and participants. An Inspirational Message and Overview of the four-day course was given by Dir. Virginia R. Cardenas, Director of ICE and of Philippine Extension Network (PEN).
Hon. Carlito S. Marquez, Provincial Governor of Aklan stressed his desire in his inspirational message to transform Aklan into globally competitive Province with our ASEAN neighbors on the basis of improving the quality of locally produced export-oriented products.
Dr. Cardena and Dr. Evangeline C. Sulabo, University Researcher of ICE, CPAF, UPLB served as the pool of Trainers.
Among the topics discussed are the following: Current State of Philippine Extension System; Introduction to Participatory Extension & Management; Participatory Rapid Community Appraisal (PARCA), Livelihood Analysis; Problem Analysis; Causal Model Technique and Identification of Intervention; Application of Logical Framework, Action Planning. Project Visitation to nearby community-based projects like the Mangrove Reforestation of Kalibo and Coconut Village Processing Center in Ibajay.
The training aimed to enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills especially in the application of framework tools and techniques in community-based participatory planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of extension programs at a given area.
Specifically, the Course will:
· Gain new insights of the principles of participatory extension planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation under the developed extension system;
· Enhance the knowledge, skills and competency in undertaking participatory extension project planning (eg. Community appraisal, problem analysis, identification of interventions, development of indicators and legitimizing projects for local funding);
· Set up goals and objectives of the extension support, education, and training services in the municipality using the CBPEM approach; and
· Appreciate the role of participatory tools and techniques in extension management program development;
It is in this context that ATI believes that true complementation will be achieved once the devolved agencies are converged together with the LGUs’ leadership under the municipal Community-Based Participatory Extension Management (CBPEM). The LGUs of Negros Occidental being the first to respond to the challenge of CBPEM was given the first priority to attend this kind of Trainers’ Training with the objective of conducting the same at the municipal/city level. The same focuses down to the barangays to enhance agri-social, infra and medical services to further develop the natural resources and talents of its people in the area. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Pacquiao Wins By Unanimous Decision

Many Pacquiao, after horrifying third round survived the fight and retained his World Boxing Council international super-featherweight title. The fight was held at the historic Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City in the morning of July 2.
Pacquiao floored his game opponent Oscar Larios of Guadalajara, Mexico twice amidst the tumultuous shouts of his compatriots who paid as much as P50,000 a ticket. Those who went to the general admission paid P500.00.
Larios failed to upset Pacquiao. Instead, Larios hit the canvas on the seventh and 12th rounds. He stood up smiling which generated sympathy from Pacquiao. He won in all the cards of the three judges who were from France, Belgium and Thailand.
All the four Mexican boxers, Oscar Larios included, went home defeated in the hands of the Filipinos during the "Mano A Mano" fights in the Big Dome.
Czar Amonsat defeated Silverio Ortiz, Jimrex Jaca defeated Hector Marquez and Jerry Peñaloza staged a come back by defeating Tomas Rojas. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Aklan Expects Hydropower Project Construction Signs MOU

Aklan may emerge as the key to help address the country’s power woes, after the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by and among the Provincial Government of Aklan, Tri Energy Development and Consultancy, Inc. (Tridecon), California Energy International Ltd. (Cal En) and the Municipality of Libacao. This is the first step in the conduct of a project study on the proposed Aklan Hydropower Project at Dalagsaan, Libacao, Aklan. This project had been conceptualized by the Provincial Government since 1956 and field reconnaissance surveys of several dams and power house had been proposed.
Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez said, "the hydroelectric power project in Libacao is a much welcome development in the province as a source of sufficient, stable and cheap electricity needed to industrialize Aklan’s agriculture, eradicate poverty and provide job opportunities to Aklanons," after the signing ceremonies.
"With the Aklan River Hydropower project, we can get on with the formalization because this is a private-led initiative with the California Energy and the Tridecon supporting us to have affordable and stable electric power supply," Marquez stressed.
Some 160,000 Aklanons live below poverty line, subsisting on only P50 a day, and the realization of this project, even with the start of the construction, could already provide much-needed jobs, according to Gov. Marquez.
Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores of the Lone District of Aklan was glad to see the initial step taken by the province of Aklan, the municipality of Libacao and the California Energy. The Aklan Hydropower Project in addition to the Timbaban Hydroelectric Power Plant might be the answer to the continuous search of the Department of Energy for indigenous and renewable power source, said Miraflores.
"In Panay, this is the most acceptable source of energy as the bishops of Western Visayas are against coal-powered electric plants. The Philippine National Oil Company also believes that hydropower is a viable project for the country. Side by side, the two hydroelectric power plants in Libacao and Madalag will generate sufficient power for the current and future requirements of Aklan, the island of Boracay and even Panay. Without any additional source of power now, business will never be profitable," Miraflores pointed out.
Libacao Mayor Charito Navarrosa also expressed elation with the coming to Libacao of Cal Energy to develop and operate the hydroelectric power plant which is a multi-million dollar project to provide Libacao, the province of Aklan and Panay Island with sustainable electricity at less cost. This will provide Aklanons and their children a better life through jobs creation and other opportunities brought by investments.
Navarrosa also saw the signing as historic, a means for Libacao and Aklan to hasten economic development.
For Aklan Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino, the MOU signing is "an idea whose time has come."
All Aklan officials who were signatories to the MOU assured Cal Energy represented by Raymund Cunningham of their full support for the realization of the project.
TRIDECON is the consultant firm of the project, headed by its president, Henry Camasura who was also present at the MOU signing. (PIA/VGVillanueva) /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Presidential System vs. Parliamentary System

ast of Two Parts
By Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino

6. The present system is extremely rigid. [Briones. "A New Constitution," 3 The Law Review 375].
7. The presidential system is inevitably connected with the spoils system and the tyranny of political parties, and the conviction that the system entails frequent deadlocks and makes difficult and functioning of government. [Sinco, "A Return to Unicameralism," 9-10 Phil. L.J. 240; "The Need for Constitutional Revision,’ The Defender, May 13, 1967].
8. There is the difficulty of electing an independent Chief Executive under the present presidential system, e.g. Osmeña vs. Roxas. [Salvador Araneta, A program of Constitutional Reforms, p.51].
9. It has been said that the greatest virtues of the presidential system is its stability. It is true that stability is generally a virtue but it is the result of continuous victory of the party in power that stability may ripen into dictatorship and that dictatorship may lead to revolution. [Kalaw, The Philippine Social Science Review, July, 1934, VI, pp. 214-247].
10. The very fact that the cabinet system tends to change governments more often that the presidential type should, under the circumstances, win us to its favor. Considering the fact that we have been so accustomed to supporting the party in power in our government, I do not think that we will change to the extent of upsetting the government on slight pretexts. Admitting the fact that all representative democracies on large scale must be governed by parties, I believe that in order to offset the evils that come from our characteristics party system, that form of government which facilitates an easier change of power should be favored.
11. It has been said that we are accustomed more to the presidential rather than to the cabinet system, the contrary seems the more true. We have been more accustomed to the theory of cabinet responsibility, or personal union of legislative and executive functions, than to the other theory, e.g. Spanish governor-general was in a sense the lawgiver for the Philippines, for while laws at that time came from Spain, he was empowered with the advice of the Consejo de Administracion to make the necessary rules and regulations; the government of the Philippine Republic was a cabinet system; the Philippine Commission (1901-1906) was composed in the majority of members holding both executive and legislative positions.
12. Under the presidential system, all departments of the government become partisan in nature from the office of the President down. There are really no non-partisan activities.
Under the cabinet system the titular head, although not a powerful factor in shaping the policies of the government, acts as a check to purely partisan activities and is instrumental in preserving the national unity. [II 428-429 Kalaw, supra.]
Arguments Contra
1. The presidential system is the system we know best. We have operated under it for more than thirty years. [Constitutional Revision project, UP Law Center, First progress Report, p.140]
2. We are emotional people; that trait is not good basis for the parliamentary system, and is the surest indication that government under the system would be characterized by frequent cabinet changes, such as that we witness in France. And then, there is that minor element of amorpropio which is manifested by a tenacious refusal on the part of government officials to leave their posts even if they have no more right to them; with this under a parliamentary system of government, we will have frequent dissolutions of the parliament of law-making body by prime ministers who cannot graciously accept a vote of lack of confidence. [Tolentino, "The Charter and the Citizen," 8 FEU Faculty, First Quarter, 1963-1964].
3. We are not ready for the parliamentary type because we have not devised an effective procedure for the conduct of honest and fraud-free elections without the aid of armed forces and the spirit of sportsmanship has not yet become energized in our elections, therefore, it is risky and dangerous to adopt the parliamentary system, with its frequent change of ministries and holding of elections. Such coming in and going out of governments would upset our political equilibrium and foster chaos and uncertainty in the conduct of public affairs. [Aquino, "Proposed Amendments to the Constitution of the Philippines," 5 Ateneo Law Journal 332, 1955-1956 (III 141)]. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Ro Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Tita Linda Belayro


Karibal Nga Syokoy

Ro Isla Miramar, hay guina panag iyahan ni Don Vicente ag Donya Basilia Rivera. Bantog ag guina dayo it mga turista rondayang Isla. Kaabuan ko mga nagaagto sa isla hay mga milyonaryo. Dugang pa sa kasadya kong Isla, isaea sa mga guinadayo hay rong daeagang onga nga si Armina. Guina katapangan nga diwata si Armina kon naga buead sa silakan, o mag eonoy sa dagat kon kahapunanon tongod sa anang kaputi ag mahabang buhok.
Samtang nagasakay imaw sa isaeang baesa, nagapaeutaw-eutaw imaw sa tubi ko hapon ngaron, hakita imaw it Syokoy. Naila – an imaw it Syokoy ko mga oras ngaron. Agud makabulig ro Syokoy sa mga tawo, nagbulig imaw sa pagpabugana permi ko dakop it mga mangingisda. Mabakas man rong pag inihaw sa baeay bakasyonan it mga preskong eokos, isda, pasayan ag alimango.
Naga inabo rong mga naga visita sa rayang Islang Miramar. Isaea eon si Roselo. Nabighani it tudo tudo si Roselo ag haeos una eot-a naga tener sa rayang baeay-bakasyonan nanday Armina.
Owa it kalibutan rong daywa: si Roselo ag Armina nga may naga ngit-ngit sa andang matam-is nga pagsugilanon. Ko isaeang agahon, si Roselo hay nag eangoy eangoy sa baybay. Sa owa it suko-suko, guin hunos rong siki ko nagaeangoy nga si Roselo. Owa nakatunga rong binata. Naduea nga owa nasayuri kon siin nag-adto si Roselo. Nag eapta rong balita hanongod sa pagkaduea ni Roselo. Maski patay nga eawas ni Roselo, hay owa gid it dinahum dahum.
Ro masunod nga nagpangasawa kay Armina hay si Arman. Pagkatapos it paligos sa baybay, nagpamanlaw imaw sa isaeang ka paealigsan ko hapon ngaron. Nagpakita rong Syokoy. Kinuryente imaw busa nasunog ro anang eawas. Mas nagduda rong mga tawo sa misteryo nga ga katabo sa Isla Miramar. Guina patihan nanda nga may sumpa kay Armina rong mga kataw ag ibang nagakabuhi sa idaeom it kadagatan.
Nagkabuhin rong mga turista nga naga visita sa Isla Miramar. Masubo rong mag-asawang Don Vicente ag Donya Basilia. Mas masubo si Armina bangud owa it kasiguruhan kon imaw hay maka-asawa pa o indi. Sa likod kara, ro andang hardinero nga si Percival hay nagpaeapit kay Armina agod lingaw-lingawon. Nag subeang ro andang mga mata. Puno it paghigugma rong kay Percival. Puno man it kangawa rong kay Armina. Ma-angan – angan, umabot rong Syokoy. Mabuhay eon gali nga naga binantay imaw sa daywa.
Guinbuhos ko Syokoy rong tanan nga ka imon kay Percival. Paagi sa anang baston, nag buga it kaeayo agod tupukon si Percival, ogaling maabtik rong binata nga guinsagang ko anang saeaming rong kaeayo ag bumalik rong kaeayo sa Syokoy busa nasunog rong Syokoy.
Guindayaw si Percival sa anang kaisog. Owa mabuhayi, guinpakasae sanda ko Don ag Donya. Sa pagkaduea kong Syokoy, nag amat-amat it balik rong mga turista. Hasta makaron, sandang mag asawa rong naga abi-abi sa mga turista. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Larios Frustrates Pinoy Fans

By Alex P. Vidal

Every boxing aficionado in the country last week expected Manny Pacquiao (41 wins, 3 losses, 2 draws, 33 KO’s) to transform the Araneta Coliseum or the Big Dome in Cubao, Quezon City July 2 into an instant roped slaughterhouse when he tangled with dynamite-fisted Oscar "Chololo" Larios and do what Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, Sr. did to Harold Gomes on March 16, 1960 on the same venue: wipe the canvas with the visitor’s lips.
They placed heavy bets that Larios (56 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw, 36 KO’s) would not finish the full route and capitulate in the third or sixth stanza as predicted by prized coach Freddie Roach. (But Larios proved them wrong. Larios was still standing as the bell sounded to end round 12, the end of the fight. Larios though was knocked down in rounds 7 and 12.)
QUICK KILL
Like in the Elorde-Gomes tussle, Pacquiao’s strong determination to execute the visiting rival in grand fashion ala matador aiming for a quick kill in the Barcelona bullring is fueled by high public expectations whipped up by media mileage and gargantuan publicity of the ABS-CBN-backed US$4 -million promotion.
Pacquiao was aware that his failure to put up a gallant show before an adoring hometown crowd meant a terrible disappointment as fans expected for no less than a knockout win for the local hero. (But Pacquiao fans got a scared of their lives when Larios showered Pacquiao with his left and right fists in the third round.)
That psychological baggage has victimized the likes of Alejandro "Cobrita" Gonzalez and Luisito Espinosa to mention only a few. Heavy-favorite Gonzalez, aiming to snatch Espinosa’s WBC featherweight belt in 1997, was brutally disposed of by Espinosa in the fourth round during a rematch in Gonzalez’s hometown in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Gonzalez, who kayoed Espinosa in two rounds three years earlier, had predicted a more destructive ending for Espinosa and paid dearly for his pre-fight braggadocio.
The same Espinosa kissed goodbye his WBA bantamweight bauble in 1991 when he was mauled black and blue en route to a shock fourth round knockout defeat to the visiting Venezuelan underdog Israel Contreras also at the Big Dome.
NO MATCH
Espinosa had the crowd behind him but their cheers and jeers were no match to Contreras’ blistering fists, thus momentarily ending the Tondo boy’s colorful fistic career (He bounced back to grab another world crown in the higher division.
Battle-scarred Pacquiao was heavy favorite to roll past his tune-up customer Larios in route to a multi-million third match with Erik Morales in November in Las Vegas.
Since he fought in front of his compatriots, Pacquiao should have obliged himself to put up a devastating performance to please his benevolent sponsors led by San Miguel Corporation, movie producers, relatives, hangers-on, etc.
He must have impressed including those who didn’t believe in his invincibility as a certified ribcracker. (However, he allowed the fight to last the distance to avoid lucky punch from Larios. Moreover, "Na awa ako sa kanya as he smiled when I hit him", Pacquiao said.)
DREAM
Fighting before a hometown crowd has always been a dream for superstars like Pacquiao.
But there are also big risks—overconfidence, distractions, over-hyped and burn-out.
In his eagerness to quickly flatten Larios, Pacquiao might prematurely empty his gas and fade away in the long run. (This did not happen.)
Sources from the Teiken Gym in Tokyo where Larios was holed up for at least three weeks prior to arriving in Manila, said orthodox Larios trained hard to last the distance; meaning, his training regimen included revving up his lateral movements and honing his dizzying footwork. (His rigid training paid off as the fight showed.)
Larios will never engage the dangerous Pacquiao in a phone-booth brawl and will avoid the boxer-cum-movie actor like a leper until the final bell. The plan is to prevent a visit in the canvas and finish the 12-round shootout with head unbowed win or lose. (Larios deviated from his fight plan according to his manager Reynaldo Mendoza. He fought Pacquiao toe-to-toe that enhanced two knockdowns.)
If the fight went the distance, a point victory for Pacquiao isn’t far-fetched considering that his outfit, the Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP) has the "bigger say" in the rich promotion. (Accurate prediction).
BLOOD THIRSTY
The blood thirsty Filipino fans who expected Pacquiao to dismantle Larios, went home empty-handed and dissatisfied as they have lusted for Larios’ blood like spectators in the Roman Coliseum. (Pacquao boxed his own way) and allowed Larios to remain fighting until the bell sounded to end the boxing.)
Larios, received his biggest paycheck of US$400,000 after the fight in a checkered career, who lost nothing but gained everything much. He thanked the Filipinos for giving him the chance to fight.
Pacquiao, maintained his reputation as a Mexican killer and the universal billing as "one of the most exciting fighters in the world today." /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

EDITORIAL

Conduct Disaster Drills To Mitigate Damage

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". This is an established principle everybody believes. For one to believe it is to forewarn himself. This is most applicable in cases of diseases prevention. One must avoid doing something to prevent the occurrence of disease such as avoiding over eating to minimize if not prevent obesity or some heart diseases.
But there are things that cannot be prevented, even predicted. Earthquakes, floods, tsunami and many other natural disasters cannot be detected.
What people can do is to mitigate its effects, minimize its damages to both lives and properties. Understanding the things to be done in case a disaster happens like volcanic eruption, flood and typhoon will minimize its negative effects.
For these reasons, two schools in Kalibo, Aklan – one public and one private served as pilot sites for the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) spearheaded an earthquake drill synchronized with the Nationwide Earthquake Drill last week.
The selection of the two schools was agreed upon at the orientation and briefing called by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez at the ABL Sports Complex recently. The members of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council, MDCCs of the seventeen towns of Aklan, DepEd-Aklan officials, representatives of transport, major business establishments, heads of concerned government agencies and the local media attended the briefing.
According to Ret. Maj. Paquito S. Saratiosa, PDCC-Aklan Action Officer, the conduct of Nationwide Earthquake Drill after the opening of school year 2006-2007 is necessary to mitigate the effects of disasters like earthquake.
The provincial and school officials of Aklan hoped the conduct of this drill will be useful in the event an earthquake strikes Aklan and have minimal damages. The failure of agencies concerned to conduct preparedness training on what to do during earthquakes will result to more heavy damage.
"The holding of an earthquake drill in schools is important so pupils, students and teachers will know what to do during and after an earthquake," stressed Maj. Saratiosa.
He also said Aklan is prone to earthquake, being on the path of Tablas and Negros Faultline.
"The earthquake drill is very essential as some Aklan schools and establishments have three-storey buildings already. This drill will test the awareness and preparedness of school administrators, principals and school populace as well as the owners of big business and transport establishments in Kalibo," Saratiosa further said.
Saratiosa appealed to school officials and business establishments to inform their pupils and students – and employees and customers on the part of business establishments about the earthquake drill last week. He urged them to send at least five observers to the earthquake drill being conducted in the selected schools in Kalibo – the Kalibo Pilot Elementary School (KPES) and the Garcia College of Technology (GCT).
Aside from earthquakes, Saratiosa also warned Aklanons that the province has some parts prone to landslides and soil liquefaction. He also said all the coastal municipalities of the province are prone to tsunamis.
An Incident Command System (ICS) and Mass Incident Casualty Management (MICM) are also mandated to be integrated in the actual drill. (PIA/VGVillanueva) /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurial Farmer

The Need For Media To Highlight Agriculture

By Ambrosio R. Villorente

With the present situation now happening in the Philippines, especially in Aklan, it is time for media entities and its members to devote more time to feature agriculture and fishery development, production and marketing. It is suggested that more space maybe allotted in the newspapers and more time for radio and television for stories on farm and water resources production and utilization.
As long as there are lives, food and water will remain the basic needs as there are other needs like housing, healthcare and more. And media as one of the instruments of productivity need to devote a proportionate time and space in its treatment of stories and activities relevant to food production and utilization.
Majority of the Aklanons appears to believe that Aklan is self sufficient in fish being situated and surrounded by water; 12 of the 17 municipalities are coastal; and the province is traversed by the Aklan river. But that is a paradox because Aklan now imports two (2) trucks of milkfish weekly from Batangas which are raised in Taal Lake.
Media, must consider the percentage of the 87 million Filipinos who are malnourished because of lack of food and or the improper food intakes. Media must consider the imbalance of population increase annually the food production as it diminishes brought about by rapid land conversion and the increasing cost of production. Media must consider the use of farmers and fisherfolks to get bigger appropriation of the annual budget only to be stolen by corrupt government officials.
Perhaps, at this time, media may re-allocate its time devoted to sob-stories to agriculture and natural resources development and productivity.

On The Kalibo Food Festival Sa Kalye

Most music and food aficionados, tourists, visitors and balikbayans, despite the 100 Peso entrance on the last day of the 11th Kalibo Food Festival Sa Kalye on June 23, gathered at the Kalibo Pastrana Park to dine delicious food, enjoy the company of their friends, family and peers. They listened and danced to the tunes of the local pop band, 24K, the Iloilo reggae band, Bahaghari, and the popular reggae music of the Brownman Revival.
The Kalibo Food Festival Sa Kalye was one of the features in Saint John the Baptist fest. According to Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, the food festival is held annually to greatly benefit the restaurants and the hotel services in the Ati-Atihan town of Kalibo in partnership with the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Tourism Council and private companies.
The highlight of the festival is Brownman Revival’s performance who literally rocked the house with their popular songs. They prompted the audience to dance and sing with then as they sang most of their tracks in their album "Steady Lang" featuring "Binibini", "Lintik" and "Maling Akala". /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

RAFC Re–Elects Provido Chairman

Ricardo P. Provido, Jr. of Philcongrains was re-elected chairman of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) of Region VI. Mr. Provido was first elected RAFC chairman in 2002 and was consistently re-elected to the said position. He will serve for another two years (2006 – 2008).
RAFC is organized pursuant to Executive Order No. 116 concerning the re-organization of the Department of Agriculture in 1986 and as mandated by the Agricultural and Fishery Modernization Act of 1997. RAFC is organized to encourage people participation and empowerment in agriculture and fishery development through sectoral representation in policy making bodies so that its polices, plans and programs are formulated and executed to satisfy the needs of the clientele and to promote social justice, equity, productivity and sustainability in the use of agriculture and fishery resources.
The election of officers was held during the RAFC meeting on June 27, 2006 in the conference room, DA, Region VI, Iloilo City. The meeting and election were participated by Provincial and City Agricultural and Fishery Council chairmen and sectoral representatives from Region VI.
The other officers elected with Provido are: Edna Viterbo of Capiz – Vice Chairman; Felicito R. Tidon of Iloilo – Treasurer; Dr. Reynaldo Dusaran of Central Philippine University – Auditor; and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente of Aklan – Public Relations Officer. Regional Executive Director Jindra Linda L. Demeterio of DA is Vice Chairman ex – officio.
Those elected as sectoral committee chairmen are; 1. Mike Baylon of Bacolod City – food crops, 2. Lily Ong of Roxas City – livestock and feed crops, 3. Rodrigo Jiz – fisheries and aquatic resources, 4. Imelda Fernandez of Iloilo Mango Growers – commercial crops, 5. Maggie Villaruz – agriculture and fishery mechanization, and 6. Florendo Besana – marketing.
The PAFC chairman elected/re–elected in their respective provinces for the term 2006 – 2008 are as follows: 1. Joy Palacpac – Negros Occidental, 2. Antonio Arnaiz – Antique, 3. Edna Viterbo – Capiz, 4. Felicito Tidon – Iloilo, and 5. Ambrosio R. Villorente – Aklan.
Guimaras has not conducted its election until this writing. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

For Agrarian Beneficiaries

One of the objectives of DAR-ADB-ARCP interventions is the provision of funding assistance for livelihood projects to increase productivity and income particularly the women sector through the promotion of Gender and Development initiatives. Recently, Makato Mayor Jun Legaspi handover to Agbalogo Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative a check worth P50,000 as a seed capital for women members of the said cooperative. Receiving the check is coop Chair Alex Aguirre and witnessed by MARO Elma Daguno, officers of AFMPC and PARO I Numeriano Cordova, Jr./MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Iloilo Experts Predict KO Win for Pacquiao

By Alex P. Vidal

For most boxing experts of Iloilo City, the only way for Oscar Larios to upset Manny Pacquiao on July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum is for the Mexican heartthrob to bring a pistol when he climbs the ring for Pacquiao’s World Boxing Council (WBC) international super featherweight title.
"Larios is not anymore in the class of Pacquiao," volunteered Mario "Marlon" Lumacad, Jr., 51, manager of Johnny Elorde Boxing fitness center, Iloilo City. "At 29, he is on the way down and Pacquiao will knock him out in seven rounds."
Lumacad, son of a professional boxing trainer Mario, Sr. said, "the Larios that Pacquiao will be facing on July 2 is different from the two-time world champion Larios four years ago."
Former Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Commissioner Emmanuel "Nonong" Palabrica, a native of Bingawan, Iloilo, predicted that "Manny will win by knockout in the 8th round because Larios is known as an aggressive boxer and not a defensive boxer."
"Although he is a tough opponent, Larios will not survive Pacquiao," said Palabrica, legal counsel of the Pan-Asia Boxing Association (PABA).
Roland Magahin, poster parent and manager of former World Boxing Federation (WBF) welterweight ruler William, said Larios will attempt to win on points while Pacquiao will try to finish him off in the early rounds.
"But it will be Pacquiao who will win by knockout," said Magahin, regional vice president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP).
June Carlo Panela, an aspiring referee and judge, said he saw Pacquiao stopping the Guadalajara dynamo in the third round or fourth round.
"Larios’ very wide stance might also be a factor against him. On the other hand, Larios’ 1-2 combination plus his speed and long reach may initially give Pacman a hard time going in despite (Fred) Roach’s (claim of) having studied Larios’ (bouts in the) tapes," said Panela. "I won’t be surprised if I see again that ‘Roach Uppercut’ which Pacman beautifully executed against Erik Morales."
Panela warned that Larios’ jaw "might again be broken" as he has not fought quality fighters in the mold of Marco Antonio Barrera and Morales, both knockout victims of Pacquiao.
Veteran boxing trainer Alfredo "Pidong" Amistoso, Sr. said in vernacular: "Manny Pacquiao will knockout Larios because the Filipino boxer is strong and brave. I have not yet seen a boxer as brave and as strong as Manny Pacquiao."
Couple Gerlie and Arnold Tinagan, owners of a popular martial arts and kickboxing gym in Iloilo City, said the "Mano o Mano" fight will be a mismatch.
"If Pacquiao was able to flatten Barrera and Morales, si Larios pa?" they chorused. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

PCC Distributes 15 Buffalo Bulls

By Boy Ryan Zabal

The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) has implemented the Cara Bull Loan Program in Aklan in support of the artificial insemination program to establish carabao-based enterprises and its genetic improvement,
Fifteen (15) heads of island pure breed American Murrah Buffalo from PCC Stock Farm in Ubay, Bohol were distributed to recipients at the Bagsakan Center in Brgy. Libas, Banga, Aklan recently.
"These bulls range from 18 months to two years old and are expected to breed in one year under the five-year Cara Bull Loan Program," Agriculturist II/Coordinator Thamar Restar stressed.
The program started in 2004 after Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores coordinated with PCC Muñoz, Nueva Ecija for Aklan to become one of the recipients of the program on carabao upgrading.
The cara bulls distributed to recipients could produce 1,200 F1 calves for meat purposes by 2011. Banga Mayor Jeremy N. Fuentes and Provincial Administrator Diego M. Luces witnessed the distributions to recipients from the towns of Altavas, Balete, Batan, Banga, Libacao, Madalag, Malinao, Makato, Tangalan, Ibajay, Nabas and the Provincial Livestock Farm in Makato, Aklan.
PCC is an attached agency with the Department of Agriculture by virtue of RA 7370, otherwise known as the Philippine Carabao Act of 1992, authored by then Sen. Joseph Estrada. It became operational in 1993. It has established 13 carabao centers throughout the country.
The project aims to ensure higher income and better nutrition and technology development and dissemination. It is a joint undertaking of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, the Congressional District Office of Aklan, PCC West Visayan State University (WVSU) Lapaz, Iloilo City and the local government units Aklan. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Presidential System vs. Parliamentary System

(First of 2 Parts)
By Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino

On whatever method the 1987 Constitution may be amended or revised as provided in Sections 1 and 2, Art. XVIII of the said Constitution or whether the revision or amendments shall be ratified or not in a plebiscite, the remaking of the Constitution shall demand from the citizenry awareness, knowledge and discussion. Jorge M. Juco, in his work The Citizen and Constitution emphasizes that the Filipino must inform himself (and others) what the constitution that he is to change already contains. "In order that he may better know what changes he is to institute in the fundamental law, he must know what options confront him, and the consequences of his choice. It, too, demands discussion – this is the keystone of democracy: matters must be discussed openly and open-mindedly. Beyond this, the remaking of our constitution demands reasons. Popular passions and prejudices, while they may away a mob and inspire demonstrations, cannot constitute a stable basis for democratic government. Constitution of countries are not judged by their appeal to the vices of a people, but to their virtues, and to the capacity of the people to look beyond present needs towards the aspirations of the future."
Surfacing as a proposed amendment is a shift to a parliamentary form of government. Whether this shall push through, stalled or derailed by certain legal questions, it is necessary that the advantages and disadvantages be now considered. Fortunately, I had kept some notes during the campaign for the elections to delegates to the 1971 Constitutional Convention.
Political education is necessary in a democracy. Political education contributes to the strengthening of democratic process.
Whether charter change shall see the light of the day or shall be consigned to the region of oblivion considering the mounting opposition to it, hereunder are the arguments in favor and arguments contra on the proposal for the abolition of the presidential system of government and the adoption of the parliamentary system:
Arguments in Favor
1. The parliamentary system is characterized by immediate responsibility. Under this arrangement, Congress and the real active executive work together in intimate partnership, immediately sensitive to public opinion. Congress may repudiate the Prime Minister and his government in one day if they should prove themselves unworthy of coincidences; or they may be retained without limit of time by successive Congress renovated at general elections. A harassed administration obstructed by an irreconcilable legislature, or a parliamentary minority confident of winning a majority from the electorate, can take their case to the people without delay and at the proper time, by obtaining a dissolution of Congress and new elections. The President himself may be allowed the power to dissolve in order to bring an unworthy Congress promptly before the bar of the people. [—Recto (4 Historical Bulletin 19-40, March 1960); - Barrera, "A Semi-Parliamentary system – An Alternative?", pp. 6-7].
2. Our political experience since liberation has been marked by many crises which would have been resolved one way or the other, more justly and more expeditiously than they were, if we had been able to exact prompt accountability from the administrations that have been in power. [Recto, supra].
3. Under the parliamentary system, the people can visit swift retribution on official misconduct. At present, our hands are tied until the next election. [Recto, supra].
4. The parliamentary system would insure teamwork and coordination between the legislature and the executive, unlike under the present presidential system where the executive may belong to one party and the legislature controlled by an opposing party, thereby generating utter confusion in national policy. [Sumulong, Speech delivered before the Philippine Lawyers Association on February 8, 1968 at the Winter Garden, Manila Hotel; Manila Chronicle, February 11, 1968, p.8; February, 1968 p. 11; Manglapus, "Is America the Only Voice of Democracy?" Manila Times, December 7-8, 1968].
5. Under the parliamentary system, the government is much more sensitive and responsive to the signs of continued public support because through custom, the Lower House in its support or lack of support normally reflects the state of public opinion. Furthermore, a major change in the platform on which the majority party was elected cannot be carried out without a new mandate through election or a "safe" majority in Lower House. Moreover, although the legislative is elected for a definite maximum period varying from country to country, the representative character of administration is maintained throughout, because loss of popularity of those who run the country involves a change even before the term of office of the Lower House is completed. [Quezon Jr., (Graphic, V. 30, pp. 10-11, May 18 1966)].
6. The present system is extremely rigid. [Briones. "A New Constitution," 3 The Law Review 375].
7. The presidential system is inevitably connected with the spoils system and the tyranny of political parties, and the conviction that the system entails frequent deadlocks and makes difficult and functioning of government. [Sinco, "A Return to Unicameralism," 9-10 Phil. L.J. 240; "The Need for Constitutional Revision,’ The Defender, May 13, 1967].
8. There is the difficulty of electing an independent Chief Executive under the present presidential system, e.g. Osmeña vs. Roxas. [Salvador Araneta, A program of Constitutional Reforms, p.51].
9. It has been said that the greatest virtues of the presidential system is its stability. It is true that stability is generally a virtue but it is the result of continuous victory of the party in power that stability may ripen into dictatorship and that dictatorship may lead to revolution. [Kalaw, The Philippine Social Science Review, July, 1934, VI, pp. 214-247].
10. The very fact that the cabinet system tends to change governments more often that the presidential type should, under the circumstances, win us to its favor. Considering the fact that we have been so accustomed to supporting the party in power in our government, I do not think that we will change to the extent of upsetting the government on slight pretexts. Admitting the fact that all representative democracies on large scale must be governed by parties, I believe that in order to offset the evils that come from our characteristics party system, that form of government which facilitates an easier change of power should be favored.
11. It has been said that we are accustomed more to the presidential rather than to the cabinet system, the contrary seems the more true. We have been more accustomed to the theory of cabinet responsibility, or personal union of legislative and executive functions, than to the other theory, e.g. Spanish governor-general was in a sense the lawgiver for the Philippines, for while laws at that time came from Spain, he was empowered with the advice of the Consejo de Administracion to make the necessary rules and regulations; the government of the Philippine Republic was a cabinet system; the Philippine Commission (1901-1906) was composed in the majority of members holding both executive and legislative positions.
12. Under the presidential system, all departments of the government become partisan in nature from the office of the President down. There are really no non-partisan activities.
Under the cabinet system the titular head, although not a powerful factor in shaping the policies of the government, acts as a check to purely partisan activities and is instrumental in preserving the national unity. [II 428-429 Kalaw, supra.]
Arguments Contra
1. The presidential system is the system we know best. We have operated under it for more than thirty years. [Constitutional Revision project, UP Law Center, First progress Report, p.140]
2. We are emotional people; that trait is not good basis for the parliamentary system, and is the surest indication that government under the system would be characterized by frequent cabinet changes, such as that we witness in France. And then, there is that minor element of amorpropio which is manifested by a tenacious refusal on the part of government officials to leave their posts even if they have no more right to them; with this under a parliamentary system of government, we will have frequent dissolutions of the parliament of law-making body by prime ministers who cannot graciously accept a vote of lack of confidence. [Tolentino, "The Charter and the Citizen," 8 FEU Faculty, First Quarter, 1963-1964].
3. We are not ready for the parliamentary type because we have not devised an effective procedure for the conduct of honest and fraud-free elections without the aid of armed forces and the spirit of sportsmanship has not yet become energized in our elections, therefore, it is risky and dangerous to adopt the parliamentary system, with its frequent change of ministries and holding of elections. Such coming in and going out of governments would upset our political equilibrium and foster chaos and uncertainty in the conduct of public affairs. [Aquino, "Proposed Amendments to the Constitution of the Philippines," 5 Ateneo Law Journal 332, 1955-1956 (III 141)]. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

SUGILANON NI TITA LINDA BELAYRO

Sekretong Aeagyan

Sa pusod it dagat hay may sekretong aeagyan nga nagatumoy paadto sa pihak nga kalibutan it Mahika. Guindaea ko magkahagugmang Azir ag Oprah ro andang eapsag nga onga nga si Alvina idto sa kalibutan it mga mortal agud e-eayo. Guinsarhan rayang aeagyan agud indi matukiban it iba.
Napueot rong eapsag kong mag asawang Cedes ag Ardos. Sanda ra hay mga mangingisda. Ro eapsag hay may guina kumkom nga batong itom. Owa man masayuri ko mag asawa rayang bato, busa guinputos ag gin tahi sa anang eambong agud indi maduea.
Nagabahoe si Alvina nga gwapa ag madasig kon magdaeagan pareho it hangin. Madali nana matapos rong mga trabaho nga owa it kaga-oy. Bihira nga magkaon it karne si Alvina. Hilig gid nana rong prutas, tinoea, isda ag gatas it baka ag kanding.
Isaeang gabii, may mga manakaw nga nagsueod sa andang compound. Andang tinakaw ro alilang baka ag kanding. Nabugtawan ni Alvina. Maeayo eon rong mga tawong nagaguyod ko mga hayop. Guin eagas nana hasta naabtan. Guin pangsipa rong mga manakaw ag guin panggapos. Guin sugid nana sa kapitan it barangay. Guin preso rong mga kawatan.
Masunod nga gabii,, maeamig rong hangin. Nagdamgo imaw, si Alvina ko anang ina. Sa anang damgo, guin sampit imaw nga magmunot idto sa dagat. Sumunod si Alvina. Pag abot sa dagat, nag eonip sandang daywa hasta sa aeagyan. Guintandaan nana it puting bato. Dayon imaw nga habugtaw. Indi maduea sa anang paino ino ratong damgo.
Ko agahon ngaron, guin samitan nana nga eonipon rong dagat. Idto nakita nana rong aeagyan ag idto imaw umadto sa pihak nga kalibutan. Ro andang beste hay parang sina-una. Sari-saring kolor. Matsa karnabal sa anang panan awan.
Hakita imaw it isaeang ka guardiya, tongod pinasahi rong anang beste. Guardiya imaw sa plaza. Guinpangutana si Alvina. Owa imaw it ibang sabat. Sa pag usisa kay Alvina, may nakita sanda nga itom nga nakatahi sa anang eambong. Guintas-tas ag guinbukad. Tumambad rong itom nga bato. Golpeng naghayag. Nakaputos rong bilog nga plaza sa kahayag. Rong bato hay pinakamataas nga mahika nga indi matupungan. Buot nga dakpon imaw ogaling naputos imaw it kahayag. Umabot rong hari it royong kaharian. Paagi sa bato, nakilaea nana nga si Alvina hay onga ko anang onga nga prinsesa.
Nag-eapas ro daywa sa kasuguan nga bawae ro mag-asawa nga bukon it kapareho. Bilang silot, guin papatay sanda, pero bago napatay, guin tago ro andang onga idto sa pihak nga aeagyan sa lugar it mga mortal. Sa kahidlaw ko anang onga nga prinsesa, guinbaton it hari si Alvina sa anang kaharian. Hanungod sa anang mga ginikanang mortal, nagakita sanda sa anang damgo ag guinabuligan paagi sa anang Mahika. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

SPECIAL REPORT

PINOY TEACHERS IN THE U.S.
‘The higher the pay, the harder the job’
By Alex P. Vidal

A visiting science education teacher from the University of Georgia, USA has advised Filipino teachers in Iloilo City intending to teach in the United States "to be strong" saying US public school teachers are currently facing a "difficult cultural problem" and that Filipino teachers "might lose their important values because of the problem of the culture of teacher."
Dr. Deborah J. Tippins, now assigned at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) under the Rotary Foundation University Teacher Grant, told members of the Rotary Club of Jaro-Iloilo City during its 45th regular weekly meeting last June 16 at the Amigo Terrace Hotel, that "the job of teachers in the US is harder even if the pay is big."
"Inter-city schools (in the US) are difficult to work at as students don’t respect the teachers there," Tippins said.
EAGER TO LEARN
She said, unlike in the Philippines where students are easy to motivate and are very eager to learn, "students in the United States are undisciplined; they carry knives, and they call their teachers bad names, throw chairs and piece of paper at them."
Tippins said she learned of so many Filipino teachers in the US that are "oftentimes struggling" in their workplaces.
It is illegal to pray in a US classroom, she said, because of their strong adherence to the separation of state and church. "If you pray in the classroom, you are automatically fired," she warned. "You can’t have religious icons inside the classroom."
On the contrary, most classrooms in the Philippines, the only Catholic country in Asia, start their morning classes with prayers and with icons of the crucifixion and the Blessed Virgin Mary conspicuously displayed above the blackboard.
VALUES
"Money is not the only thing in the world (for Filipino teachers)," Tippins stressed. "Important values maybe lost (if they can’t withstand the problem of the culture of teacher)."
Tippins said most American teachers are shying away from inter-city schools but would demand a "hazard pay" if prevailed upon by the institutions to work there.
And because American teachers avoid inter-city schools, many Filipino teachers are assigned in these schools, she opined.
In US schools, teachers are allowed only a 15-minute break for lunch unlike in the Philippines where teachers can have enough time to prepare for the next session, Tippins said.
The biggest problem US schools are facing today is shortage of teachers especially in the fields of science, Spanish language, mathematics, and special education "that is the reason why we recruit from the Philippines."
P.E. TEACHERS
Ironically, she said, there is an abundance of teachers in the physical education subject "as everybody wants to teach in sports."
American teachers, Tippins pointed out, prefer to work in pharmaceutical firms "where the pay is good and the hazard is less."
There is a shortage of teachers in the US because American schools have more classrooms, she said.
"We have no special classroom for special students. All students whether bright, gifted, blind, impaired, artistic are in the same classroom," Tippins stressed.
JAMPACKED CLASSROOMS
They only have a maximum of 21 students per classroom unlike in the Philippines, she said, where a jampacked classroom can still accommodate from 30 to 50 students.
American teachers, Tippins added, also have multi-cultural schools and most of the students are Spanish-speaking Mexican immigrants who don’t speak English making it difficult for them to deal with their different backgrounds and history.
Tippins, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Athens, Georgia District 6910, will be here until August 2006.
She majors in anthropology research and has been visiting the country since 1999. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

KALIBO NEWS

LGU Kalibo Holds Solid Waste Management Workshop

A 3–day Participatory Strategic Planning Workshop on Solid Waste Management was held at the Conference Room of the Municipal Hall of Kalibo on June 27 to 29, 2006. Barangay officials from the 16 barangays of this Ati- Atihan town and representatives from the different service organizations and the media attended the workshop. The workshop was in line with the program of the Municipality of Kalibo to maintain cleanliness and to protect the environment of Kalibo which is a consistent winner in the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran, under first class municipality category.
Kalibo won the awards as the Cleanest and Greenest Municipality in Category A in the province of Aklan for five consecutive years. In year 2000, Kalibo was a hall of fame awardee for the Search for the Cleanest and Greenest Municipality in Region VI for winning the top award from 1995 to 1998.
In 2005, Kalibo got again the 2nd Runner Up award in Region 6 in the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran, Category A Municipality. "Urbanization and environmental preservation are possible with a political will, a consistent solid waste management plan and implementation", Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo stressed.
Court Denies Kalibo Ambulant Vendor’s Call For TRO
Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 6 denies the preliminary mandatory injunction petitioned by the Kalibo Ambulant Vendors Association against the Municipality of Kalibo. The decision was released on June 16, 2006. Judge Niovady M. Marin of RTC, Branch 6 Kalibo, Aklan dismissed the petition for lack of merit. It was found out that the petitioners have not paid the necessary business and Mayor’s permit fees for the current year. Some of the business and Mayor’s permits presented were already expired.
On the basis of Ordinance No. 2002 – 057 as implemented, this allowed the ambulant vendors to occupy portion of the sidewalks and road shoulders during market days. However, the ambulant vendors occupied the whole busy portion of Toting Reyes Street. The practice resulted to heavy traffic experienced, commerce and trade were disrupted, public health and safety were threatened as dumping and littering of garbage were unchecked and the essential lifeline in the Municipality of Kalibo was cut off.
Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo permitted the ambulant vendors to sell their wares and products at the new Satellite Market at Oyo Torong Street near the Provincial Transport terminal. However, the ambulant vendors insisted to occupy Toting Reyes Street to sell their goods and this is not possible./MP
On The Kalibo Food Festival Sa Kalye
Most music and food aficionados, tourists, visitors and balikbayans, despite the 100 Peso entrance on the last day of the 11th Kalibo Food Festival Sa Kalye on June 23, gathered at the Kalibo Pastrana Park to dine delicious food, enjoy the company of their friends, family and peers. They listened and danced to the tunes of the local pop band, 24K, the Iloilo reggae band, Bahaghari, and the popular reggae music of the Brownman Revival.
The Kalibo Food Festival Sa Kalye was one of the features in Saint John the Baptist fest. According to Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, the food festival is held annually to greatly benefit the restaurants and the hotel services in the Ati-Atihan town of Kalibo in partnership with the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Tourism Council and private companies.
The highlight of the festival is Brownman Revival’s performance who literally rocked the house with their popular songs. They prompted the audience to dance and sing with then as they sang most of their tracks in their album "Steady Lang" featuring "Binibini", "Lintik" and "Maling Akala". /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com