MLGOO Promotes Top–Quality Fooder Crops

By ATBayLON

Municipal Local Government Operation Officer (MLGOO) Ava Miriam C. Seraspi of Makato, Aklan strongly pleaded to all barangay officials to include in their barangay budget for the establishment of Brgy. Plant Nursery for multiplication of forage/fodder crops which are among the best sources of organic fertilizer for a sustainable organic rice production, Makato One-Town-One-Product (OTOP).
This top–quality fooder for livestock produces manure free from weed seeds (good quality organic fertilizer) as well as high-quality fresh milk and meat, according to Mrs. Seraspi, in relation to her message for Nutrition Month celebration last month.
In response to MLGOO Seraspi’s plea, ABC Pres. Danilo R. Torre; Poblacion, Brgy. Capt. Eufemio G. Dela Cena, and Cayangwan Brgy. Capt. Hector C. Inguin plan the Brgy. Plant Nursery establishment in every barangay for the welfare of farm families and community as well. They agreed to bring this agenda on their monthly meeting this month, to be held at Poblacion Brgy. Hall, Makato.
The Municipal Agricultural Services Office (MASO) recommends the planting of grasses such as Napier, Guinea, and rare bushy Rensonei and Flemingea. These can be intercropped with viny legumes, a very common Centrocemma, tropical kudzu to keep it nutritious, tender and juicy for livestock to produce high-quality fresh milk and meat.
Seven hundred fifty (750) linear meters planted to Napier grass is enough for the entire fodder needs of one carabao weighing about 200 kilograms consuming about 20 kilograms fresh fodder daily. Carabao is a natural shredder, unlike gasoline feed shredder for household/market wastes, said Hon. Torre as he convinced farmers. /MP

Banga Exec Mulls Police Station Building

By Boy Ryan Zabal

Chief Supt. Wilfredo Dulay, Sr., Philippine National Police (PNP) regional director, Region 6, welcomed Banga Mayor Antonio Maming’s proposal for a new site of the town’s police station.
The present PNP station is occupying the ground floor of Banga municipal town hall, with the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan and the Mayor’s Office in the second floor.
First-termer Mayor Maming said, in his inaugural speech on June 30 this year, the establishment of the town’s fire and police station building within three years will be prioritized. The proposed PNP building boasts of decent quarters for the policemen, police community relations office, customer service desks, women and children’s office, adequate inmate cells and restrooms. Maming stressed that his town, often regarded as "Banga the Beautiful," should have a new PNP building to enhance the delivery of police services to his constituents.
Banga is home to the Aklan State University (ASU) main campus.
Along with Mayor Maming on July 30, Dulay conducted an ocular inspection of the proposed site adjacent to the municipal town hall. He also briefed the 22-strong local policemen headed by Insp. Dino Ogasi.
Earlier, Dulay inaugurated the newly-completed P2.5-million Madalag PNP station with Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and Madalag Mayor Rex Gubatina, which coincided with the 59th year of separation of Madalag from the town of Libacao.
The blessing and inauguration were witnessed by the Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps (APDPC), mayors of the neighboring towns– Maming (Banga), Dominador Ilio Jr (Malinao), Charito Navarosa (Libacao) and Madalag lady police chief Insp. Avelda Rabino. /MP

Banga Exec Mulls Police Station Building

By Boy Ryan Zabal

Chief Supt. Wilfredo Dulay, Sr., Philippine National Police (PNP) regional director, Region 6, welcomed Banga Mayor Antonio Maming’s proposal for a new site of the town’s police station.
The present PNP station is occupying the ground floor of Banga municipal town hall, with the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan and the Mayor’s Office in the second floor.
First-termer Mayor Maming said, in his inaugural speech on June 30 this year, the establishment of the town’s fire and police station building within three years will be prioritized. The proposed PNP building boasts of decent quarters for the policemen, police community relations office, customer service desks, women and children’s office, adequate inmate cells and restrooms. Maming stressed that his town, often regarded as "Banga the Beautiful," should have a new PNP building to enhance the delivery of police services to his constituents.
Banga is home to the Aklan State University (ASU) main campus.
Along with Mayor Maming on July 30, Dulay conducted an ocular inspection of the proposed site adjacent to the municipal town hall. He also briefed the 22-strong local policemen headed by Insp. Dino Ogasi.
Earlier, Dulay inaugurated the newly-completed P2.5-million Madalag PNP station with Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and Madalag Mayor Rex Gubatina, which coincided with the 59th year of separation of Madalag from the town of Libacao.
The blessing and inauguration were witnessed by the Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps (APDPC), mayors of the neighboring towns– Maming (Banga), Dominador Ilio Jr (Malinao), Charito Navarosa (Libacao) and Madalag lady police chief Insp. Avelda Rabino. /MP

Kristine Kim Tocol Vergara Is AFS Youth Exchange & Study Scholar

Ms. Kristine Kim Tocol Vergara, a senior high school student of Calimbajan – Tina National High School, Makato, Aklan, passed the scholarship grant given by the American Field Service (AFS) Youth Exchange and Study program. As an exchange scholar, she will stay for one year and three months with her foster family in Hillsboro, United States of America, Arturo P. Teodosio, Jr. reported.
Kim, as her family and friends fondly call her, is an officer of the RH (Reproductive Health) Youth Organization of Poblacion, Makato. She is also a youth peer counselor trained by the Aklan Provincial government under the leadership of Governor Carlito S. Marquez thru the Provincial Population Office, headed by Mr. Arturo P. Teodosio, Jr., Provincial Population Officer.
Moreover, Kim is a member of the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program Young Helpers’ Hub (AHYDP-YHH). This is a youth club organized as an offshoot of the AHYDP Peer Counselors Trainer’s training conducted by the Provincial Population Office in coordination with POPCOM 6 and the Aklan State University School of Rural Resource Development, Ibajay, Aklan. According to her, the said training really helped her a lot especially during the interview portion.
Kim admitted, behind her achievement is her being hardworking, patient in everything she does, being natural and true to herself and above all else, having faith in God. "Being poor is not a hindrance to success," she added.
Her feat serves as an inspiration for everyone especially the youth who have high hopes and dreams in life. Kim is Aklan’s pride and that of the whole Western Visayas. /MP

Boracay Hosts PACSA Visayas Convention

The world famous island of Boracay played host to the Philippine Association of Campus Student Advisers and Student Leaders (PACSA) 3rd Mid-year convention on August 1 to 3.
Bannered by the theme, "Campus Advising and Student Leadership: Aligning to Culture, Values and Globalization," some 300 student leaders and campus advisers in the Visayas area attended the seminar convention held at La Carmela de Boracay Resort in Sitio Manggayad, Brgy. Balabag, Malay, Aklan. Prof. Carlos Siguion-Reyna, board member of the Directors Guild of the Philippines, Inc. was the keynote speaker of the opening ceremony.
The speakers were Prof. Gilda Montaño, Dean of the Student Affairs of the West Visayas State University (WVSU), Department of Justice (DOJ) State Prosecutor Geronimo Sy, Prof. Eric Divinagracia, Director for Co-Curricular Activities of the University of San Agustin and Rev. Fr. Boy Celiz, parish priest of Mandurriao.
Other activities included sand sculpture competition, beach volleyball, amazing race, island tour and the Mr. & Miss PACSA 2007.
Joe Eric Indico, president of PACSA Visayas Chapter and concurrent Director for Student Affairs of the College of St. John-Roxas De La Salle was the over-all in-charge of the convention. (By Boy Ryan Zabal) /MP

Aklan Joins Synchronized Breastfeeding On August 8

By Venus G. Villanueva

Some six (6) Aklan towns participated in the Synchronized Breastfeeding Worldwide on August 8, 2007 at exactly 10:00 a.m. Mothers in Aklan municipalities gathered together in a given locality and breastfed their babies at exactly 10:00 a.m. up to 10:01, according to Evangelina Gallega of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Kalibo, Aklan.
August 1-7 was declared by the President of the Philippines as World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) through Proclamation No. 1113 signed on August 1, 2006, in consonance with the celebration every year of WBW by 120 countries of the world.
Proclamation No. 1113 emphasizes that latest scientific evidence have shown that breastfeeding provides protection against major illnesses in infants and children such as respiratory infections, diarrhea and malnutrition and reduces risk of degenerative diseases well into adulthood; and ensures maternal health by protecting against hemorrhages, uterine prolapse, anemia, certain cancers; osteoporosis, diabetes and other illnesses as well as by facilitating the recovery of mothers from the rigors of pregnancy and birthing, and by helping prevent closely-spaced pregnancy.
"Breastfeeding is the most far-reaching and least costly Poverty Alleviation Strategy of developing countries, especially in the Philippines where the breastfeeding culture is diminishing beyond all reasons. It addresses the issue of national health aside from the issues of food security, economy, ecology, empowerment of wo-men, bonding between mother and child, love and faith," the proclamation stressed.
For Aklan, support for Synchronized Breastfeeding Worldwide of Governor Carlito S. Marquez has been solicited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 6 headed by OIC Regional Director Teresita Rosales.
"This year’s event aims to provide measures on how the breastfeeding movement around the world is progressing every year. This movement further aims to achieve the number worldwide that makes all nations cooperate in reviving the breastfeeding culture, and to establish simultaneous breastfeeding as a form of universal prayer for peace and thanksgiving for the gift of motherhood and breastfeeding,"Rosales said in her letter to Gov. Marquez. /MP

Durana: ‘Aklan PNP Is Drug Free’

By Boy Ryan Zabal

Some 18 police chiefs in the Aklan Police Provincial Police (APPO), including support units, submitted themselves to drug tests conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory.
The 800-strong local policemen drug examination revealed negative results, said Senior Supt. Benigno B. Durana, Jr., Aklan provincial police director.
"The law does not and will not condone any wrongdoing committed by our policemen. If they tend to tarnish the image of the PNP they are mandated to serve, especially, if they are involved in the use of illegal drugs, they could be dismissed from the service," Durana said in a statement during the regular weekly press conference with the Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps (APDPC) last week.
"The APPO is a drug free zone. The drug-testing for members of the police force is our share in the government’s anti-drug abuse campaign," he stressed.
Any policeman whose drug test is positive for use of prohibited drugs will be administratively charged which is tantamount to dismissal from the police service and charged criminally under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002," Durana pointed out. /MP

Aklan’s Slain Marine Kin To Receive Erap Assistance

By Boy Ryan Zabal

The family of the slain Philippine Marines Private First Class Jhonard Allanza is one of the recipients of the financial assistance and scholarship grants from "Erap Para Sa Mahihirap" and "Saludo sa Kawal Pilipino Foundation" set up by former President Joseph Estrada.
The P500,000 assistance is part of the P7 million for the 14 Marines killed, 10 of whom were beheaded and mutilated by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Abu Sayyaf fighters on July 10 in Basilan province.
Aside from Allanza of Brgy. Mandong, Batan, Aklan, the families of Privates First Class Elizar Semeniano, Reuben Doronio Jr., Freddie Palma Jr., Arjorin Alezar, and Emmanuel Beup; Private Emilio Lachica Jr.; Staff Sergeant Bernard Abes of Tawi-Tawi, Technical Sergeant Noel Bautista of Tagum City, Private First Class Wilfredo Lamban of Sultan Kudarat, Sergeant Cayetano Simbajon of Agusan Del Sur, Corporal Russel Panaga of Albay, and Sergeants Gerardo Licup and Rey Callueng will also receive the compensation and benefits.
Estrada is facing a P4 billion plunder case filed against him by the national government in 2001 before the Special Division of the anti-graft court: Sandiganbayan.
The slain 14 Marines were sent to Tipo Tipo town, Basilan to verify reports of the presence of Italian Catholic missionary Giancarlo Bossi kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibugay on June 10, 2007 by Islamic militants. But some 300 MILF fighters engaged them in a ten-hour gun battle while on their way back to their camp.
The 57-year old Bossi was released in the evening of July 19, 2007 by a renegade group of MILF members in the southern province of Lanao del Norte in Mindanao. The family of the fallen soldiers would receive P100,000 financial assistance from Malacañang P15,000 burial assistance from the Philippine Navy, and P50,000 from the Philippine Marines Mutual Special Financial Assistance. /MP

EDITORIAL - August 11, 2007 Issue

Conserve Water,

MKWD Tells Concessionaires

Kalibo’s and nearby Aklan towns’ water supply is sufficient but everybody must conserve it, because this life-giving commodity is being utilized but not replenished.
This call came from Metro Kalibo Water District General Manager Renato Albar who assured that despite the increased demand for water connections due to a growing population, the water district’s source, which is the Aklan River, filtered through wells, is still adequate.
"We are fortunate here in Aklan because we have abundant water which is clean and of good quality. However, there is still a need to raise the awareness of Aklanons that water is very important for our existence, socially and economically, and that everyone must learn to conserve it" Albar said.GM Albar revealed that currently, the Metro Kalibo District is also serving the water needs of residents of Kalibo’s adjoining municipalities like New Washington, Banga, Balete and the three barangays of Batan.
Talks are still on-going, according to Albar, for the MKWD’s extension of its services to other towns, although some have already established their own water systems.
Even as Kalibo, or Aklan in general, enjoys an adequate supply of water, Albar said the MKWD, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), is currently developing a 150 hectare water shed area in the town of Madalag to ensure the steady and sustained supply of water in the years to come.
The community-based project is now being planted with narra, agoho, lanzones and other fruit trees by the residents themselves who are paid for their accomplishment by the MKWD. The DENR, for its part, provides the much-needed technical assistance.
Derlito Rico, Environment Management Specialist (EMS) of the DENR here, also revealed that talks are ongoing on the National Irrigation Administration’s possible development of another 150 hectares as an additional water shed area adjacent to the one developed by the MKWD and the DENR together with the community. NIA also sources its water supply for farmers from the Aklan river.
In Aklan, Rico said, the province is lucky to experience rains late afternoon and at night. The province of Aklan is maintaining sufficient vegetative and forest cover through the Panay Northwest Peninsula, the Campo Verde and the Panay Mountain Ranges Natural Park which enhances rains.
The vegetative cover, according to Rico, sequesters carbon dioxide, which it uses for food production, and the cycle contributes more rains and cool winds.
Rubber Dam To Solve Aklan’s
Irrigation Need
To construct a rubber dam across the Aklan rivers in Aklan will permanently solve the water woes of the farmers every rice cropping season, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) office, Banga, Aklan stressed.
Farmers in the western side of Aklan, where the Aklan-Panakuyan River Irrigation System (APRIS) is, planted late this cropping season due to the reduced volume of water discharged by the river, which could not be elevated to the intake gates of irrigation canals leading to rice farms, thus, the late planting.
The reduced volume of water, according to the NIA, is beyond its control. The absence of rain in the month of May reduced the water level way below the intake gates and there is no diversion dam contructed in the river system. The NIA office also observed that there was a substantial lowering of the river bed because of quarrying sand and gravel aggregates extractions.
Engr. Rizalo Concepcion, OIC of the Aklan-Panakuyan RIS and concurrently the Provincial Irrigation Officer of NIA-Aklan cited the above reasons when asked to justify to the NIA Administrator why the delivery of irrigation water of Aklan-Panakuyan River Irrigation system came late. "Temporary remedial measures are continuously being done to rechannel the river and build a coffer dam to elevate and train water flow from the river to the intake, but constructing a rubber dam would be more effective to permanently solve the problem," Concepcion stressed.
Despite the late delivery of irrigation water to farms, the farmers served by the Aklan-Panakuyan RIS, as of July, already had their farms planted 95 percent, according to NIA. The rice farms served by the RIS comprise 4,000 hectares. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

To Issue Or Not To Issue
Tricycle Franchise

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

EMINENT PERSONS

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

ANTONG MAMING

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

Aklan Prepares For Alay Lakad 2007

By Venus G. Villanueva

The province of Aklan is scheduled to hold Alay Lakad on September 7 which falls on a Friday. This schedule was agreed upon by the different committee chairpersons including the yearly activity’s honorary chairperson, Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez.
The Alay Lakad is held every year nationwide in order to generate funds for out-of-school youth to fund skills training activities for them as well as to give them starting capital for their small business. Some young Aklan people are even assisted in their studies through the Alay Lakad funds.
This annual activity of Aklan is jointly participated by the local government of Kalibo, headed by Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo.
As with last year’s Alay Lakad which was also held on a Friday, the chair persons justified that holding it again on a Friday will enable the participants to have their rest for two days after the long dawn walk.
Previously, Aklan’s yearly Alay Lakads were held on a Sunday. However, starting Governor Marquez’ term, it agreed to hold it on a Monday so more people will be able to participate, including students and those employees living in far-flung hometowns. Later, suggestions were made to hold it on a Friday for the above-mentioned reason.
In the preparatory meetings for the 2007 Alay Lakad, Governor Marquez, Honorary Chairperson, challenged the committee chairpersons to make the walk livelier and employ new strategies so participants will stay after the walk and attend the program.
One attraction that the committees have added in the province’ previous Alay Lakad is the holding of a raffle with attractive and valuable prizes ranging from appliances, sacks of rice, cash, and groceries.
This year, Governor Marquez has pledged to contribute one refrigerator as one of the raffle prizes. More prizes are expected from other provincial officials and commercial establishments, according to Mrs. Elma Malbas, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and secretariat in the activity.
As in previous Alay Lakads, there will be three starting points – at the Kalibo Airport, Tigayon Elementary School and Camp Pastor Martelino.
This year’s Alay Lakad Over-All Chairperson is Hon. Gerick Templonuevo, President of Aklan Kalantiao Jaycees, a civic club in the province. Templonuevo is a member of the Sangguniang Panla-lawigan of Aklan. /MP

Bohol Pensioners Object Union Bank e-Card Plus Use

(Editor’s Note: Like the GSIS pensioners in Aklan, the old age pensioners in the Province of Bohol have waged war with Mr. Winston Garcia, President/General Manager of Government Service Insurance System. This is the war in the use of e-Card Plus in order to transact business with the GSIS such as the payment of old age pension.
Quoted hereunder is a letter from Mr. Francisco C. Reyes, Jr. and other GSIS pensioners requesting the City Mayor, Atty. Dan Neri Lim of Tagbilaran City to intercede in their behalf with the GSIS so that they can be paid their already delayed monthly pension by sending it via postal service.)

Atty. Dan Neri Lim
City Mayor
Tagbilaran City
Bohol
Dear Mayor Dan,
Greetings from the Boholanos!
This is to register our formal protest against MR. WINSTON GARCIA, Chairman and President of the Government Services Insurance System (GSIS) for his inhuman treatment of the Old-Age Pensioners and their survivors who are also beneficiaries of their departed families.
We are taking this step because we, the retirees can no longer endure our sufferings from GSIS, Mr. Garcia has caused us serious irreparable damage.
Here is the brief summary of our complaint to wit;
1. Compelling the old-age pensioners to enroll in the so-called E-Card plus system without consulting the retirees, because of this our meager monthly pensions was suspended leaving the sickly, disabled and handicapped helpless. This problem also exists in all GSIS Branch Offices all over the country.
2. Even after complying with the E-Card system that was forcibly imposed upon us, we would not (cannot) withdraw from the Union Bank because there is no fund in the account of the E-Card Holders.
3. The year-end bonus was distributed in a selected manner where hundreds of beneficiaries did not receive their share; without giving the retirees the courtesy of an explanation.
4. Most of the retirees have to travel from the towns to Tagbilaran City where ATM machine is available. The old and sickly folks have to spend whatever little money they have for their expenses in the city. Some have to travel in wheelchair, with cane walker and those who can barely walk only to find out that there is no money in their account.
5. GSIS have been promising many times to resume our suspended pensions but no positive action was done to the detriment of these old folks. The new E-Card system has been proven to be inconvenient, overly burdensome yet ineffective. Under the old system, the retirees simply had to wait for their checks in the mail. But now, they have to take time, money and effort just to go to the offices where ATM facilities are available. Some have to travel hundreds of kilometers to the city just to get their pension. What compound the matter is, they don’t know how to use the ATM Machine. More often, they have to rely on the assistance of others at the risk of loss, theft or defalcation.
6. Winston Garcia has miserably failed to comply with his avowed undertaking to fast-track the new system. Unfortunately, up to now, the poor retirees are still waiting for the result of this new system to no avail.
To set the record straight, the GSIS have no right to withhold our hard-earned money. We have been deducted portions of our meager salary just for our retirement purpose. This unfortunate incident is the dismal and tragic result of inefficiency. We referred this matter with the proper authorities but it appears our pleadings have fallen on deaf ears.
Right now, several prominent lawyers two of which are bar topnotchers have offered their legal services. In a week or so, after they have gathered enough evidence, they will file appropriate criminal charges against Mr. Garcia and his cohorts. Meantime, we are taking this initiative to inform other affective pensioners in other areas in the archipelago thru the assistance of the print media and television networks.
In the city alone, not including the 47 towns, there are more than 4,000 government services retirees and about 30% of this roughly one thousand two hundred more or less are affected by this problem. If we include the survivors beneficiaries, it will run to another thousands more.
Along this line, we humbly beg your kind indulgence and intercession with at least help us to investigate the GSIS to get (to) the bottom this tragic mess. We are afraid we are made sacrificial lambs of some insidious agenda. We also would like to express that our pension is very crucial to our continued existence. Kindly extend your helping hand.
Thank you most sincerely for your kind assistance. God Bless.

For: THE OLD GSIS PENSIONERS’

By: (Sgd.) FRANCISCO C. REYES JR.
AND OTHER RETIREES

To Rebuild Tambak Bridge Dredge Tambak Creek

In a meeting presided by Governor Carlito S. Marquez, it was a consensus that Tambak Bridge, Tambak, New Washington, Aklan will be rebuilt and dredged.
The meeting was held in the conference room, Roberto Garcia Memorial Building last Friday, August 3. Representatives from concerned government agencies like Mr. Mae Guangco – BFAR, Aklan, Engr. Ruperto Tabuena of DPWH, Kalibo, Mr. Delano Tefora – Provincial Agriculturist, Engr. Rentillo and Mr. Nestor Mejia, Mr. Rome and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente of Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) attended the said meeting.
The meeting agreed that the style of construction of Tambak bridge has been impeding the entrance of sea water during high tide and the exit of water during low tide. As a result, it has worsen water pollution in several barangays of New Washington. Moreover, the proliferation of the constructions of fishpens in Lagatik and other rivers in New Washington might endanger fishfarms as fishkills may take place if pollution is not mitigated.
Furthermore, flash foods occur during heavy rains. Governor Marquez has requested the DPWH Kalibo to locate the original plan of Tambak bridge to be used as reference in the redesigning of Tambak bridge. Governor Mar-quez suggested that culverts under the bridge be removed, excavate about 30 meters wide under the bridge at two (2) meters deep or still deeper than the river connecting the creek. /MP

Cardinal Sin Monument Unveiling On August 31

By Boy Ryan B. Zabal

The Cardinal Sin monument made of bronze which is bigger than Jaime Cardinal Sin’s life size body. It is located in the town plaza facing the Roman Catholic Church, Pob., New Washington.

The unveiling and blessing of the Cardinal Jaime Sin monument in his hometown of New Washington, Aklan is set on August 31, 2007.
Juan P. Dayang, president of the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc (PAPI), confirmed the monumental tribute that coincides with the late Cardinal Sin’s birthday.
Early in July 2007, the contractors commissioned by Ambassador Antonio Cabangon Chua started the construction of the foundation, the 13-feet bronze statue named after Cardinal Sin in New Washington public plaza, Poblacion, New Washington, Aklan.
The statue, faces the New Washington Roman Catholic Church, which costs more than P10-million. It was designed by national artist Eduardo Castrillo, one of the country’s renowned and dominant sculptors of national monuments.
"The monument symbolizes the honor and prestige afforded to the most influential Aklanon in the Roman Catholic hierarchy," said Dayang, a native of Aklan.
Cardinal Sin was born on August 31, 1928 in New Washington, Aklan and was ordained as priest on April 3, 1954.
He became archbishop on January 21, 1974, barely two years after President Ferdi-nand Marcos declared martial law.
On May 24, 1976, he became the youngest cardinal in the College of Cardinals.
The cardinal, in February 1986 in a peaceful revolution, forced the exile of President Marcos, who was accused of corruption, electoral fraud and violations of human rights.
In January 2001, Sin again called on the people, more than one million of them, gathered in peaceful rallies that led to the ousting of President Joseph Estrada, who faced an impeachment trial for alleged corruption.
Sin at 75, retired on September 15, 2003. He remained one of the most influential Christian leaders in South East Asia. Barely two years after his retirement, he died on June 21, 2005 in Manila. /MP

MAKING A FATHER PROUD

Bai Elorde Scores KO Win,
Birthday Gift To Papa Johnny

By Alex P. Vidal

Bai Elorde poses with referee and author after the fight…

International promoter Johnny Elorde celebrated his birthday on August 1 as a proud father. This was after his son, Bai Elorde, fulfilled a promise to his father. Bai scored a scintillating knockout victory which he offered as birthday gift to a father who’s into fight business.
Bai Elorde, popularly known as "the grandson of the late (Gabriel) Flash Elorde", blasted into smithereens Rommel Discalsote in three rounds of a 4-round non-title tiff last week at the Flash Grand Ballroom of Elorde Sports Complex in Parañaque City promoted by his father. Philboxing reported earlier that Elorde dominated Discalsote in scoring the stoppage win. It was Bai Elorde’s third win, and the most impressive, in as many outings as a professional fighter after a brief but sterling career in the amateur.
Before pummeling Discalsote into submission, Elorde connected hard punches that hurt his foe in the second stanza.
Discalsote was counted out by the referee after he fell from a combination of hard punches, the last of which, according to Philboxing, was a straight right to his face.
In his last fight in March this year where he scored a lopsided decision also in the same ring, Bai Elorde, was mobbed like a celebrity.
"Iba ang batang ‘to," sighed Bai’s equally proud uncle, Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde, Jr. who watched with awe in the ringside. "Tutularan sia ng ibang kabataan dahil siya lang ang boksingerong college gradute." (What is extraordinary about Bai is he is the only boxer who is a college graduate).
Bebot Elorde, also an international promoter and manager, said he will not be surprised if Bai Elorde will someday follow the footsteps of his "great" grandfather who reigned as world junior lightweight ruler unmolested for seven years.

Pacquiao Files P30-M Libel Case

In another boxing front, veteran sportswriter Nick Giongco has refused to issue any statement regarding the reported P30-million libel case filed against him by boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
"I haven’t received the final complaint," the 37-year-old Giongco who writes for the Manila Bulletin and Tempo said in a text message when reached by this writer for comment. "(If I will talk about the case) I might preempt the judge who will eventually hear the case."
Sources said, Giongco is unfazed as he wrote the article "on good faith and without any malice whatsoever."
"What will Mr. Giongco get if he will maliciously slander a national icon who is also his friend for a long time?" commented a fellow sportswriter.
Inquirer News Service reported last July 31 that Pacquiao filed a P30-million libel case against the well-traveled Giongco.
The case, filed in Pacquiao’s hometown in General Santos City by lawyer Franklin Gacal, reportedly stemmed from an article written by Giongco in the news-paper’s July 25 issue.
The news service said, one of the items that caught the ire of the World Boxing Council international super-featherweight titlist was the phrase, "he is reported to be a compulsive gambler and is known to bet hundreds of thousands in casinos, cockfighting and billiards?"
The article came out after it was reported that Pacquiao cancelled his trip to the United States where he was supposed to appear in a press conference to promote his Oct. 6 rematch with former world champion Marco Antonio Barrera of Mexico.
The 28-year-old multi-millionaire instead made an unannounced trip to Cebu and visited his business partner Rex "Wakee" Salud.
Some newspapers described Pacquiao’s Cebu trip as "a spur of the moment" reportedly after a little misunderstanding with his wife Jinky. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Tuso Nga Natusuhan Man

Si Berto hay tuso nga tawo. Mahambae nga imaw ro hari sa katusuhan. Nagmanggad imaw sa pagtinuso. Nalipay guid imaw kon may anang hiloko.
Isaeang adlaw, sam-tang nagatikang – tikang imaw sa tindahan, may hakita imaw nga isaeang ka tawo nga naga baligya it pispis. Rayang tawo hay nagasuksok it gisi nga eambong ag sinursihan nga saewae. Sa anang tan-aw hay kaya nanang lukohon rayang tawo. Sa anang pagpaeapit, nasay-ran nana nga ro pispis hay ginatakpan it kaeo. Rayang pispis hay isaea eamang klase sa bilog nga kalibutan. Rayang pispis hay nagata-o it manggad sa naga-panag-iya. Interesado guid imaw basta manggad ro paga hambaean. Pina-ngutana nana kon pila bakeon ro pispis. "Singkwenta pesos man lang," sabat ko tawo. Nabaratohan ro tuso. Guin dugangan nana it singkwenta tongod na-eo-oy imaw sa eaeaki. Guinta-o kana ro kahon nga natakpan it ka-eo. Indi kana pagpabuksan ay basi eompad. Buksan nana ogaling sa pagbalik kong eaeaki. Sa pagtalikod ko eaeaki abong plano ro tuso nga nahuman sa anang pa-ino-ino.
Mabakae kuno imaw it saeakyan ag mapatindog it kamalig. Mabakae imaw it mga mais ag paeay agud ibutang sa kamalig. Paagi sa saeakyan, tanan ro negosyo anang sudlan ag idto tipunon sa kamalig. Mabuhay eon nga inoras ro tumaliwan ag owa pa guihapon magbalik ro eaeaki. Guin ling-ling nana ag dahan-dahan nga binuksan ro kaeo. Owa it pispis nga sueod kundi ta-e it baka eamang. Sa anang ka-akig, guin balibag nana ro kahon ag ka-eo. Pag-eaum nana, natusuhan nana ro eaeaki, imaw ta na gali ro natusuhan.
Leksyon: Ro indi mo gusto nga obrahon kimo, ayaw pag-obraha sa iba. Tuso man kuno ro amo, hay natusuhan man. /MP

Sa Kilid It Suba It Akean

Ni Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Ro Pag–ako It Kapaltahan

Si Samuel Johnson nga bantogan nga poeta, manunueat ag nag-obra it diksyonaryo hay may ana nga kapaltahan mana man katon. Ogaling ro pagdinaya hay bukon it isaea sa ana nga kapaltahan.
Sa isaeang ka saeo-saeo sa London si-in si Samuel Johnson presente, may isaeang ka babaye nga naghambae kana nga may depekto ro ana nga guin obra nga diksyonaryo. "Pa-ano", hambae ko babaye," nga sa imo nga pagkamainaeamon hay nagkomitar ikaw it saea sa pagta-o it husto nga kahueogan it sangka palabra? Ag ro sabat ni Samuel Johnson hay mawraya: "Sa akon nga pagka – ignorante."
Sa anang estado, mahimo eang konta nga maka-eskapar si Samuel Johnson pa-agi sa bola. Ana konta nga ha-usar ro anang kainaaeamon sa pag-explikar nga ham-an rato hay nagkanabu nga bukon it husto ro anang pagbutang it kahueogan sa sangka palabra. Apang owa nana pagbuhata.
Kon amat iya sa atong kalibutan, may hakita eon nga husto ag kamatuoran ag kon medyo perdido ro sangka tawo sa kamatu-oran hay dayon nana nga liso-on ro kamatu-oran. Raya kon amat ro hananabu sa gobierno sa pagsaad it ginabuhat it mga opisyales ag pagtakup it kamatu-oran hay iba ro nasugid sa mga pahayagan, radyo o telebisyon ko mga nagabuhat it balita sa gobierno. Raya hay nagasugid nga patihan ro pinuril ko kamatu-oran kon ika pierde nanda ro kamatu-oran. Eabi-eabi eon guid sa mga propagandista nga si-in ro anda nga ginata-o nga balita sa tawo hay maeayo sa kamatu-oran ag ginaeaktan it panakot nga pinuril.
Sa kalibutan ngara hay kinahangeanon it sangka tawo nga panan-awon ro anang limitasyon ay ro tawo tanan hay may limitasyones. Mayad pa raya ro anang panan-awon ko magpanagtag imaw it bisaea sa radyo o sa pahayagan nga maeayo sa kamatu-oran.
Sa pagpanan-aw mo it imo nga limitasyones dayon ka man nga makahambae nga may imo nga kapaltahan – kapaltahan nga mahimo mo nga hilikawan, kapaltahan nga mahimo nimong hitadlong.
Mabahoe Ro Diferensya It Tawo Sa Iba Nga Guinbuhat
Ro obra ni Samuel Taylor Coleridge isaea sa mga bantogan sa bug-os nga kalibutan nga manunueat ko 19th century, hay haeos nababa-sahan tanan eabi-eabi eon guid ro ana nga obra nga "Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
Isaea sa mabahoe nga secreto ni Samuel Taylor Coleridge hay ro anang pagpati ko mata-as nga hayga espirituhanon it tawo. Ana raya nga guinpa-ino-ino it maeawig ag ana nga guinpa-athag it mawraya: "May aton man nga kaeag immortal o owa kita. Kong owa kita it kaeag hay kita hay sapat. Guiato eang hay primero ag pinaka maaeam sa mga sapat. Royon eamang ro diperensya, apang sapat man guihapon. Maga eain eamang kita it sangkiri sa kata-as ogaling bukon it sa clasificasyon, mana ko diferensya it elepante sa aeam."
Ka-abo-an nga tawo nga bu-ot mag esclavo it katawohan hay nagarason nga ro tawo hay sapat eamang. Ro pag-esclavo it tawo sa mawraya nga pa-agi hay guina buhat it mga tawo nga naila mag-esclavo o mag-eopig sa anda nga isig katawo pa-agi sa pagturo, sa gobierno, sa pag-ubra, sa panueat, sa sine, sa radio ag telebesyon. Anda gi-atong halipatan o ginahungod nanda nga ro rason nga bukon kita it libre nga maghueag nga mana it sapat hay kita hay tawo ag may kaeag.
Kon ro tawo naga-aceptar imaw nga sapat o kon nagapati imaw nga owa man imaw it diferensya sa mga sapat, dayon nga madali kana ro pag-eopig, dayon nga maeomo kana ro pag-esclavo. Ay ro tawo nga nagapati eon nga owa imaw it rason, o owa imaw it kaeag hay tawo nga madali hipapati nga imaw hay owa eon it mayad mga hin-aga sa ana nga pagpangabuhi ag sa ika mayad it anda nga mga inunga.
Ro tawo nga nagpaeapna-ag nga ro ana nga isig katawo hay sapat hay mana ko mga tawo nga nagdominar katon nga mga Españoles. Ro mga Españoles nagtanom katon it cultura it kapobrehan ‘ "culture of poverty" nga si-in anda nga guintanum sa atong pa-ino-ino ko aton nga mga kalolohan nga it sa kuno hay kon pobre ka matawo, pobre ka man mamatay. Rayang cultura it kapobrehan hay anda nga guintanum agud indi naton hikit-an eagi ro anda nga pag-esclavo ag pag-eopig katon. /MP

Isada Is Kalibo’s Best HRMO

Kalibo’s multi-awarded Human Resource Management Officer IV, Ms. Eleanor Isada, is one of the two nominees of Aklan in the Civil Service Commission’s 2007 Search for Outstanding Human Resource Management Practitioner.
"We could not deny the fact that without Isada’s strict adherence to the Civil Service Law and Rules and her unwavering belief in our employees capability to rise above what they are capable of in serving the people that we may have had difficulties in management," said Mayor Raymar Rebaldo.
"We have many programs designed to improve the performance of our personnel and aid in developing a rapport with their fellow officemates including our Sportsfest during September," added Rebaldo. (By TERENCE T. TORIANO) /MP

Young Filipino Farmers Training Program In Japan

Interested applicants are invited to apply for training under the Young Filipino Farmers Training Program in Japan. This program is the Philippines’ version or counterpart of the ASEAN Young Farmer Leaders Training Program in Japan – a commitment of the Japanese Government to young farmers in the ASEAN region who have the potential to become key farmer leaders. The selection process is now open for young Filipino farmers to study recommended farm and home management technologies and practices in Japan.
As one current and on-going thrust of the Department of Agriculture (DA), it provides support to young Filipino farmers. DA will ensure the sustainability of Philippine agriculture though the continued infusion and training of young farmers and farm leaders to carry on the tasks of making agricultural lands productive and ensure food security for the country.
For the past years, the National Agriculture and Fishery Council (NAFC), in collaboration with the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEF), and the Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), have implemented the Young Filipino Farmers Training Program in Japan (YFFTPJ). A parallel program has also been pursued under the International Agricultural Exchange Association (IAEA) that started in 2001. Since then, 360 young farmers have availed of the YFFTPJ.
The program is composed of four phases, namely:
1. HOME STAY – a 60-day training module under the guidance of the JAECAAP members focus on farm activities, visits to other farms and agricultural institutions, conversational Nihongo and physical fitness.
2. PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION COURSE – a 75-day training composed of various subject matters, which include among others, lectures on Values Formation and Leadership Training, Farm Business Planning, Physical Fitness Course, Formal Nihongo Language Course, Farm Mechanization, Philippine Music Arts and Culture, Basic Japanese Culture and Tradition, Educational Tours and Historical Sites Visit and Computer Literacy.
3. Training Proper in Japan which consists of 11 and 12 months on-farm training under Japanese host farmers of the JAEC and IAEA, respectively.
4. Post Training Program – a three-day training on volunteerism, People-Centered Development, and Orientation on AFC’s, Project Proposal Preparation, and Entrepreneurship.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS– nominees should meet the following criteria:
a. Young Filipino farmer who is an out of school youth;
b. Male, single, 20-28 years old, has no live-in partner and/or child;
c. High school graduate or college level (undergraduate);
d. Not presently employed in any job except farming;
e. Has a minimum of two (2) years continuous farming experience and has available farm and/or existing agri-based project/s.
f. Has no existing loans from the Department of Agriculture/LGU;
g. Of good community standing;
h. A good communicator, and can speak and understand English;
i. Has no physical deformities, tattoo nor pierced ears, nose, tongue and navel or on any part of the body; and
j. Willing to learn Nihongo.
Applicants believe that Agriculture, being the backboned of Philippine economy, plays an important role in the country’s economic development. However, no matter how much production and other support services are made available, if the human resource base of the agriculture sector keeps dwindling through the years, the future of Philippine agriculture would definitely remain uncertain.
The host farmer in Japan will pay the airfare and inland transportation from the Philippines to Japan and back to the Philippines; board and lodging; medical and life insurance and monthly allowance. The National Agriculture and Fishery Council will spend for the board and lodging, training fees, transportation expenses while attending the PDOC. The scholar will pay for documentation like passport and travel tax.
Those interested may contact Mr. Delano Tefora and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente of the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Capitol Site, Kalibo, Aklan. /MP

AKLAN SOLON BATS FOR CARP EXTENSION BEYOND 2008

"For the greater number of Aklanons especially the agrarian reform beneficiaries who have benefited from the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program through its physical infrastructure projects worth over one hundred ten million pesos in Aklan, I am 110 percent endorsing the call for CARP extension beyond 2008." These are the pronouncements of Representative Florencio T. Miraflores, Lone District of Aklan in his regular radio program over station RGMA DYRU.
He publicly lauded the performance of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Aklan and the support it had extended to Aklan. Congressman Miraf-lores believes that more than any government agency and program, the DAR and CARP were able to bring meaningful changes into the lives of Aklanons. He enumerated the laudable infra projects such as roads, bridges and irrigation projects at the municipalities of Altavas, Ibajay, Madalag, Makato and Malinao.
Also, projects under the regular CARP funds were availed by the municipality of Batan. According to Rep. Miraflores, he was informed by Undersecretary Kashmir Leyretana of DAR, Central Office of the forthcoming projects for Aklan from Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project 3 (ARISP 3) funded under the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
Rep. Miraflores underscored DAR-Aklan’s sterling CARP performance through Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino. /MP

No Fake Policemen In Aklan–PNP

Deputy Aklan police director, Supt. Remus Canieso, assured the public there is no fake policemen assigned at the APPO. He stressed this during the weekly press conference with the Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps (APDPC) at the APPO Multi-purpose Building, Camp Pastor Martelino, Buswang New, Kalibo last week.
The ‘fake policemen issue stemmed from the alleged nine Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel in Iloilo province and a policeman from Aklan who passed the National Police Commission (Napolcom) examinations.
These policemen went through the agility examinations. During the written test NAPOLCOM conducted, those cops are believed represented by ‘bogus’ exam takers.
According to Canieso, all APPO personnel underwent physical and psychological examinations before they were formally admitted to the PNP roster.
"These are pure hearsay against our regular members of Aklan PNP. I assure you that all policemen in Aklan passed the rigid examinations". He also lauded the performance of Aklan PNP in the recently concluded Operational Readiness Site Inspection Test and Evaluation (ORSITE) held on July 19 and the intensive transformation seminar of APPO. The PNP Aklan is conducting seminar for its personnel under Republic Act No. 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007 to understand the law and to prevent them from committing abuses, he added. (By Boy Ryan Zabal)/MP

KBP Officials Visit Vietnam

By Boy Ryan Zabal

Mr. Augusto C. Tolentino was one of the 10-man delegation from the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) that visited the historic Vietnam on July 23 to 29.
The IBC DYRG station manager Augusto C. Tolentino is also KBP chairman, Aklan chapter.
"The state visit gave them the opportunity to promote tourism spots of world-renowned Boracay Island, natural eco-tourist spots of Libacao and the Bakhawan Eco-Park of Kalibo," Tolentino said.
Last July 5 – 9, a 12-man delegation also visited the island of Boracay from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) of the People’s Republic of China led by KBP Vice President for Television Alfredo Henares.
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam in June received 335,000 tourists. For the first half of 2007, some 2,117,466 tourists visited Vietnam increasing by 14.7 percent compared with the same period of year 2006. Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, has been attracting domestic and foreign tourists for its thousand-year-old history, rich cultural traditions and friendly people.
It has been voted by readers of the prestigious US Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of the 10 most attractive cities in Asia.
Tolentino stressed, their Vietnam trip was timely for delegates to study the historical sites and age-old traditions of Vietnam with 7,300 cultural and historical sites in over 53 cities and provinces.
Vietnam aims to attract more than 24 million visitors in 2007, including 4 million foreign tourists by boosting human resource development and diversifying tourism products.
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon is located at the heart of the southern part of Viet Nam, between the northern edge of the Mekong Delta and the South Eastern region of volcanic red soil. Being a transformation between the two terrains, Ho Chi Minh City is intertwined with natural forest, vast plains, long coast and hundreds of rivers and canals.
The Saigon River winds around the city and connects it with the East Sea. Over the past three centuries, Saigon, once praised as the "Pearl of the Orient", was known as an important trade center for Chinese, Japanese and western merchants.
It had also been christened the "Paris of Asia" for its wide boulevards lined with the stately trees and magnificent French villas.
Today, Ho Chi Minh City has a total area of 2,090 square kilometers, which encompasses 24 districts with an area of 230 square kilometers and five outer-counties with an area of 1,860 square kilometers.
It has a total population of over seven millions, is the largest city in Viet Nam, and a major hub for commercial, tourist, cultural and scientific activities.
Heads IBC 12 TV Iloilo
Tolentino, station manager of DyRG, Budyong ng Kalibo, was appointed as manager of Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) TV 12 in Iloilo City.
His appointment was recommended by Vice President for Operations Roberto Del Rosario and Executive Vice President Melvin Cuevas and approved by President/CEO Mark Allan Jay Yambao on July 16, 2007.
Tolentino, concurrent chairman of Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Aklan and former Sangguniang Bayan member of the town of Kalibo, replaced IBC TV 12 station manager Eddie Lacsi, former Iloilo KBP chairman.
The new IBC TV 12 manager was strongly recommended by Lacsi to replace him before he retired from government service. /MP

Boracay : The Perfect Mix of Seven S’s

(Ed’s note: Boracay as described and experienced by a guest. Read and join his adventure.)
It was 23 years ago when my feet first touched the powder that sprinkled on this island. Then, there was no electricity, no rock bands that rock my sleep until 3:17 a.m., no Greek or Indian or Portuguese cuisine that tempted my tongue, no 18-hole golf course, no Flying Fish or Banana Boat or Yamaha jet-skis floated on the slippery seas. Boracay, in those 1980s and echoed by Madonna, was "Like A Virgin."
Last month, after my 10th or so visit, my feet once more touched the powder. I despised it. You know what I hated the most? The part when, after five days and nights for being stranded there, the boat leaves the paradise to head back home.
I hate leaving Boracay!
To my family-threesome—my wife Jasmin and daughter Jana included—there’s no other place in our archipelago that we’d rather vacation than this island strip off Panay the world calls "One of the Best Beaches in the World." On Boracay’s four-kilometer-long stretch called "White Beach," I can drink, sleep, eat, lie for a massage, listen as the wind howls, I can dip, snorkel, freestyle, watch the sunset, scour for pebbles, sunbathe, drink, sleep, eat... And I can do sports.
Lots of sports. Take what Jasmin and I did. On our first morning, we jogged. For 45 minutes, we ran alongside the water, planted one footmark after another. Then next day, it was adventure time. With my brother-in-law Jake Mendez, Jasmin and I rode their popular ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles). For over an hour, we braved rough roads, wiped dust off our faces, and trekked to Mt. Luho, one of the island’s highest points, and scooted down to Puka Beach. More sports?
Sure. There’s hiking, trekking, caving, mountain climbing, and horseback riding—take your pick. If you’re the adventurous type, jump in. Aqua sports? Plenty to swim about: Scuba diving, windsurfing, sail-boating, kayaking, and parasailing—those are a few.
Here’s one more activity we did: On our third day—together with Jack and Malu Mendez, my in-laws; and Jasmin’s aunt, Chit Garbanzos—we rented a "pumpboat" and, for three hours, circled Boracay. We dropped anchor near Crocodile Island, dove, and held bread by our fingers as the fish chewed on them. What sports didn’t I try that I vow to do next time?
Kite-surfing. Wow. Have you seen that? You’re floating on a surfboard, gripping a pole that’s attached to a rope. High above the rope is a power kite (or a small parachute, as I call it). The strong wind carries the surfboard (and yourself) across the water as you glide and surf. Challenging? Nah.That’s too tame. Make it exhilarating. The result? Expert kite-surfers twist on air; they flip, fly, pull one leg out from the board and push it back in. It’s surfing—but minus 13-foot-tall waves.
Mountain-biking. That’s another sport I’ll do there next time. Hire a guide, rent an MTB and pedal. Climb the hills. Skid through stones and dust roads. Swim straight to the water with the bike if possible! Those are two I must do next time. But the items I didn’t forget to pack? Tennis rackets. Each visit in Boracay, we stay at this resort named Tirol and Tirol (T & T). Why?
One reason is it sits on Station Two, right in the middle of White Beach, and because we get a cottage right on the beachfront. The second reason? Because two hard-courts sleep at the back, ready to be awakened by yellow balls. And so I played. With my daughter Jana, and, at one time, with a Swedish former junior player. Boracay, you soon discover, is more than just the 7 S’s: Sun, Sand, Summer, Sexy girls, Souvenirs, and Swimsuits. It’s also about Sweat!! /MP

EDITORIAL - August 4, 2007 Issue

An Honorable Man

By Ambrosio R. Villorente

"I started government employment as personnel clerk. I have humbly served past and present governors from Governor Roberto Q. Garcia, OIC Gov. Bonifacio Tupas, OIC Gov. Job Parohinog, OIC Gov. Emiliano Y. Fernandez, OIC Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi, OIC Gov. Ben Hur Z. Mobo, Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot, Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores and Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and never had I been accused as Hon. Rodson Mayor did as incompetent, negligent and laxed," Ms. Ellen I. Tolentino, Provincial Human Resource Management Officer, Aklan told Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo in her letter of July 30, 2007.
In her letter to Vice Governor Calizo, Ms. Tolentino begged not to attend the hearing on July 30, 2007 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon. According to her, the provincial government of Aklan is busy in the preparation of the year 2008 budget. The said activity is requiring her to stay in the office for any "frequent consultation" with the provincial officials like the budget officer, accountant, provincial treasurer and other members of the local finance committee. Ms. Tolentino informed Vice Governor Calizo that the appointment of Mr. Antonio Viray, III has a "presumption of regularity on his appointment from the time that his appointment application was referred by the Hon. Governor for evaluation and review to PHO II and chief of hospital, to the time that it was submitted for evaluation at the PHRMO and the evaluation and deliberation of the appointed by the Personnel Selection Board.
After the evaluation, it was thereafter submitted to the…Governor for the appointment signature and…submitted to the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service (commission) verifies the profession of Mr. Antonio Viray, III with the Professional Regulatory Commission."
"It saddens me," Ms. Tolentino said, "Hon. Rodson Mayor had accused me of ‘incompetence, negligence and laxity". To her mind, the statement of Hon. Rodson Mayor accounts to psychological abuse under R.A. 9262, the…Anti-violence Against Women and The Children Act of 2004 as public ridicule and humiliation is an act of psychological abuse."
Ms. Tolentino accused Hon. Mayor of grossly violating the "Gender and Development Code of the Province of Aklan". "In my 30 years of employment giving needed information relative to the personnel policies, I had never been accused of incompetence, negligence and laxity," Tolentino lamented.
Ms. Tolentino expressed her "wish and hope that civility, courtesy and respect of human dignity can be a strict guide in fact findings." She concluded her letter to Vice Governor Calizo thus: "it is my hope and prayer that you can lead the Honorable Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan as…presiding officer to greater heights and glory of our beloved Aklan."
Indeed members of the legislative bodies in the Philippines such as congress, sangguniang bayan and lalawigan are addressed "honorable". What does honorable means? Honorable is a term used as a title of courtesy for certain officials who is characterized by utmost honesty and integrity accompanied with marks of respect. He is a person of noble illustration, with good reputation and respectable.
The people who were rated to be members of legislative bodies like the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan are expected to behave with proper decorum, respectability and humility. He is an educated person who behaves right in any given place, at any given time.
Legislation is a job of men with great imagination, a deep thinker with clear vision and mission. Legislation is a job for gentlemen and ladies who can well empathize the feelings of peers, subordinates, superiors and the people in general. Legislation is not a job for a boar which fights for any garbage by the roadside. Honorable persons discuss matters in a most civilize manner.
In order to craft legislation that can withstand through the test of times, be applicable and beneficial to the country and the community, the honorable members of the legislative body must live and work in a most conducive atmosphere. How can they formulate laws or ordinances by means of a shouting match? They must have a conducive workplace where friendship, love, respect and understanding reign between and among the members and staff of a legislative body. Your honors, we are entertained and laughed at your outbursts, but we prefer proper decorum, a virtue of honorable men in a legislative body. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Ortiz To Attend SP Session

Hon. Rodson Mayor, member of Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) deferred his filing of resolution declaring Mr. Wilfredo A. Ortiz, OIC General Manager of Akelco "persona non grata" with the SP Aklan.
According to Hon. Mayor, Mr. Augusto C. Tolentino has approached and told him that he (Tolentino) will convince Mr. Ortiz to attend the next meeting of the Aklan SP. Mr. Tolentino is the chairman, Board of Directors, Akelco.
By all means, Mr. Ortiz must honor the invitation from the SP. Akelco is a public utility corporation. He is therefore a public servant and must comply with the request of the owners who are the people. The people’s request is articulated thru their SP members.
So far, the Akelco Board of Directors had ignored the problems of the Akelco consumer – members. Some of the Akelco Board members have expired terms, some were appointed and therefore their memberships to the Board are of non mandate from the consumer – members. It is expected of Mr. Ortiz that he tells the SP members the faith of the P3 million allegedly to be spent for lawyers who provide legal advise to Mr. Ortiz and Akelco in his fight to remain silent.

Water Matter
The Metro Kalibo Water District (MKWD) has advertised (not in this paper) that any loss of water meter due to thief will be the responsibility of the concessionaire concerned.
What a very irresponsible announcement! MKWD has forgotten that it compelled the water concessionaire to locate the water meters outside of their fences. According to the MKWD, the water meter must be located outside of the fence of the concessionaires to give easy access to the MKWD water meter readers.
Now that thieves in Kalibo, Banga and New Washington of water meters are on the run, MKWD will not share the burden of loss with the concessionaires. Is this greed? How can a water concessionaire protect his water meter outside of his fence? Unless the water meter is located inside the concessionaire’s property, MKWD must bear the loss of water meter.
Kalibo’s Motorized Tricycle
The Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo and Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo appear in need of more passenger tricycles to circulate in the municipality of Kalibo. They are not yet bothered by the noise and smoke emitted by this tricycles. They are not yet bothered by the traffic being caused by tricycles running on the roads of Kalibo. They are not yet bothered by tricycles running empty or with one – two passenger load consuming more imported gas. Mayor Rebaldo and SB members are not yet bothered by tricycles obstructing traffic.
Kalibo is the capital town of Aklan and therefore all Aklanons goes to Kalibo to transact business with the government, go shopping, go to schools and do other businesses.
During the 5th Regular Session of the Sang-guniang Panlalawigan of Aklan, the SP members deferred action on all the 10 enactments of Kalibo "an ordinance granting provisional authority on motorized tricycle operators."
Based on the volume of the daily circulation of tricycles in Kalibo, the place is now over saturated with it. It is now time to stop granting this provisional authority to operate motorized tricycles. SB Kalibo may not only stop the granting, it may even stop the renewals of old and dilapidated tricycles.
SB Kalibo may also prevent the sale and or transfer of tricycle franchise. It may make the franchise co-terminus with the operators life and the life span of the tricycle. In case of accident which may result to damage beyond repair of the tricycle, its franchise maybe automatically cancelled. This will reduce the number of excess tricycles circulating in Kalibo. /MP

Madalag Celebrates 59th Foundation Anniversary Inaugurates New Police Station

The town of Madalag, headed by Mayor Rex Gubatina celebrated its 59th Foundation Day on July 30. Madalag was founded in July 1948 by virtue of a law signed by President Elpidio Quirino. Madlag was curved out of several barrios from Libacao.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed Madalag Police Station. No less than PCSupt. Wilfredo D. Dulay, Sr., Regional Director of Police Regional Office No. 6 graced the Madalag Foundation Day and the police station inauguration. Dulay was also the guest of honor and speaker. Rev. Fr. Eldrin Gecoli, parish priest of Balete, Aklan blessed the new Madalag Police Station.
Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa, Mali-nao Mayor Dominador Ilio, Jr. and Banga Mayor Antonio T. Maming also graced the occasion.
According to PSSupt. Benigno B. Durana, Jr., Madalag Police Station will be one of the Model Police Stations which is headed by Police Inspector Avelda D. Rabino. She is the only lady police chief among the 17 towns of Aklan.
In his speech, PCSupt. Dulay announced, Ma-dalag Police Station will have six (6) additional PNP personnel to compose the 20 warm bodies who will lead in the provision of basic police services to the Madalagnons. Gov. Marquez congratulated the PNP for the proactive measure which helps the community to have a friendly police station to go with. /MP

Aklan Approves 134 LEP Scholars 265 Appeal For Inclusion

A total of 134 students are now enjoying the Ladderized Education Program (LEP) of the government coursed through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) this semester in two schools.
TESDA-Aklan Provincial Director Edwin Villanueva also disclosed that 265 additional students who are currently enrolled, are appealing for inclusion in the program.
According to Villanueva, TESDA-Aklan is in the process of submitting the letter-appeals of the students to the regional office for inclusion as LEP scholars. The 134 enrolled students were endorsed by municipal mayors of Aklans’ 17 towns, Office of Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, and Provincial Governor Carlito S. Marquez through certificates of endorsements coupons.
Under the program, a student who is enrolled for one semester to obtain a specific job qualification will enjoy a P5,000.00 scholarship. The school will then issue him a Certificate of Qualification. After which, he will undergo assessment test. If he passed, he will be awarded a Certificate of Competency, or NC2.
In Aklan, Panay Technological College (PTC) and the Aklan Polytecnic College (APC) offer ladderized courses. PTC offers Hotel and Restaurant Technology/ Management courses, while APC offers maritime courses.
Villanueva disclosed that at PTC, a student can obtain a job qualification for one semester. In the case of APC, however, a job qualification can be obtained by a student for 2 semesters. A student enrolled in APC, according to TESDA, will actually receive a total of P10,000 scholarship.TESDA-Aklan revealed the total number of certificates of endorsement distributed to Aklan’s local chief executives is not yet exhausted, and since the scholarship endorsements will expire in December, the privilege could still be awarded to students in the second semester.
Moreover, TESDA-Aklan bared nine (9) students enjoyed the Training for Work Scholarship Program in Aklan taking Caregiver courses.
As TWSP scholars, each student gets P15,000 assistance. After graduation, the school should arrange for the students’ employment abroad, provided that he/she passed the assessment test.(By Venus G. Villanueva) /MP

Aklan Gov’t Workers Get Pay Hike

By Venus G. Villanueva

Government workers in Aklan are very happy to get their salary increases effective July of this year.
According to them, the increase will go a long way. It would help much in their daily expenses considering the continuous increases in the prices of basic commodities.
Through Executive Order No. 611 authorizing compensation adjustments to government personnel, government workers are assured of getting a ten percent (10%) increase over their basic monthly salaries as of June 30, 2007. These government workers are covered by the Compensation and Position Classification system under RA No. 6758, as amended effective July 1, 2007.
Government personnel include officials and employees of national government agencies including State Colleges and Universities, government–owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions and local government units.
Military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and all uniformed personnel under the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Coast Guard, and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority will also be granted a thirty pesos (P30) per day increase in their subsistence allowance and a one hundred twenty pesos (P120) per month increase in their hazard pay effective July 1, 2007.
Secretary Rolando Andaya, Jr., of the Department of Budget and Management, had been directed to implement the pay hike. Some P10.3 billion is already reserved in this year’s budget for the salary increases for national government workers.
Andaya pointed out that this is the first-ever increase in the salary of government workers since 2001.
The subsistence allowance of the military and uniformed personnel, on the other hand, was last adjusted in 1998, while the hazard pay has remained at P120/month since its last initial grant in 1987.
According to Andaya, a bill will be filed in Congress which will "overhaul our compensation system, Salary Standardization Part III, and we are looking at around almost P100 billion till 2010 in the form of salary increases." /MP

Recommended Unique Skills for Makato OTOP

Adopting proven technologies for every specific agro-ecologic zones are among the unique practice employed to produce Makato One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) which is organic rice product.
At lowland rice farms (irrigated/rainfed) organic fertilizer can be produced right where it is needed for a sustainable organic rice production. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the root nodules of the legume trees, shrubs and vines, improved grasses and fruit trees can be grown on dikes to produce food, fodder, fuel and fertilizer to save time, labor and space that maybe wasted.
Banana is best planted along borders for human food, livestock feeds and best source of major elements like potassium when process to Natural Farming System (NFS) to produce what is known as Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ). By-product from mushroom and vermin-compost production using leaves and stalk of bananas is organic fertilizer, too.
Bananas serve as windbreak to protect growing crop in the paddies. Pigeon peas (kadios) can produce one (1) kilo bean in four (4) months per ten (10) linear meters distance. It provides high-protein fodder for livestocks when cut back and allowed to regrow can yield one (1) kilo fresh weight fodder per linear meter, plus dry beans.
Mungo along dikes promotes population of nitrogen-fixing bacteria needed by 3rd crop mungo after wet and dry crops of rice.
Pole sitao can produce one (1) kilo green pod per linear meter.
Legume trees, shrubs and vines exhibit excellent growth on paddy dikes include Kakawate, Gaway-gaway, Rensonei, Flemingea, Ipil-ipil, Centrocema, and Tropical Kudzu. Research on Kakawate shows that a 4-year old, 100 trees yield 50 kilos of nitrogen per year equivalent to two (2) bags of Urea. Moreover, all these crops can be sources of fuel for household use. Kaka-wate and Ipil-ipil can provide posts for fence and animal shades.
Neem tree can be planted on dikes to supply bio-pesticide. Keep tress pruned to minimize shading to growing crops in the paddy. Periodically check dikes for potential seepage caused by tree roots. Practice good weed management around trees to discourage rats from colonizing in the dikes. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Kaharian It Alhambra

Mabuhay eon nga owa it hari rong Kaharian it Alhambra. Guina dumaeahan eamang ra ko punong ministro. Rikara makita ro maeagko nga palasyo nga guina punihan it mga batong ruby ro anang mga haligi. Sa trono, una man makita ro pinaka mabahoe nga ruby nga simbolo it poder.
Rondayang kaharian hay pilang beses eon nga guin sunog it mga Turko ag sa mayad nga pagdumaea ni Haring Visconde, na ibalik nana ro palasyo ag nangin progreso ro kaharian. Daywa ro asawa it hari nga puro magarbo. Ogaling pareho man nga owa it onga kanda ro hari. Lipod sa kaaeaman ko daywang ka reyna, may onga ro hari sa isaeang ka dama. Pagkamatay it hari, naghalin sa palasyo si Dama Soraya. Parabil namatay ro hari, naitao nana ro anang singsing para sa anang onga. Rayang singsing hay may guinatago nga kina-adman kon gamiton eamang sa kamaeayran.
Ro daywang ka reyna ro naga aeagawan sa trono, ogaling owa sanda mailai ko mga tawo. Daywang ka grupo rong mga soldado nga naga serbisyo sa kaharian ag guina pamunuan it kada isaeang ka reyna.
Tumaliwan ro kinse años, gaoy eon ro mga tawo sa kagulo ag kapintas ko mga soldado sa pagdumaea ko daywang ka reyna. Para matapna, nagpueong ro mga ministro. Naghiwat sanda it pa indis-indis nga kon sin-o ro maka sakay sa ma ila nga kabayo it hari, imaw ro pagakilaeahon nga hari. Rayang kabayo ro paborito it hari ag idto imaw guina tago sa kwadra nga owa it makasueod.
Ko adlaw it paindis – indis, nagsuksok ro daywang ka reyna it eambong nga pang kabalyero ag nakatakop ro andang uyahon it helmet.
Unang sumakay si Reyna Sarita. Owa ngani imaw nakapaeapit hay dumamba eon ro kabayo. Owa it mahimo ro reyna kundi umatras.
Sumunod nga eomapit si Reyna Verna. Habuytan nana ro kabayo. Guin hameos nana ro oyahon. Nagasakay eon kunta imaw ogaling dumamba eon man ro kabayo ag inapok imaw sa eogta.
Isaeang ka simple nga eaeaki ro eomapit sa kabayo. Nagdungok ro kabayo sa eaeaki, tanda ko anang pagkilaea ag pagtahud. Hakibot ro mga ministro sa guin pakita it kabayo. Ko ulihi, hakilaea nanda nga onga gali imaw ni Haring Vizconde, si Bernardo sa anang dama. Paagi sa singsing, nakilaea ko kabayo kon sin-o ro anang mangin amo. Ro hugum ko singsing, imaw ro permeng guina hugum it kabayo kon sanda magpanaw it hari.
Owa it nahimo ro daywang ka reyna. Guin deklara nga hari si Bernardo ag una sanda nag-estar ko anang ina sa palasyo. Guin kilaea man ro daywang ka reyna ogaling owa eon sanda it poder una sa kaharian. Nagbuylog ro tanan nga soldados ag si Haring Bernardo eamang ro andang guina kilaea nga hari. /MP

Sa Kilid It Suba It Akean

Ni Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Ro Pagpaino-ino Sa Isig Katawo

May isaea anay ka editor it sangka magazine nga naghambae sa isaea nga seminar it mga bata pang mga manunueat it maw raya: "Kon sa akon mana nga "position" hay may adlaw-adlaw ako nga nabaton nga "short stories" ag sa akon mana nga pagkatapos it basa sa mga nasumitir kakon, dayon mana ako nga makakita it manunueat nga owa naila it tawo; ag kon ro manunueat mana hay owa naila it tawo hay dayon man mana nga ro anang panueat hay indi man pagabasahon it tawo."
It sa pila katon ro owa naila sa aton nga isig katawo? It sa pila katon ro owa man nakibir kon anano ro manabo sa sociedad nga aton gina istahan ag ro tawo nga naga estar sa comunidad nga aton nga ginahueagan?
Hasta ro tawo indi magpaninguha it higugma sa isig katawo, hasta man ro tawo owa it interes sa mga ideya it isig katawo, o sa pagpamati it anda nga opinion, ro anda nga panimu-ot, ro anda nga batasan, ro anda nga kahadlok, ro anda nga naila-an ag owa naila-i, ro anda nga kamaeayran, hay it sa siguro man ro maeayo ro eaw-eaw naton sa pagpangayo it kalinung, gi-ato man hay manguin maeayo man kita sa pag-ilintindihan.
Ro tawo nga bugaeon hay ro tawo nga nagapaino-ino eamang it sobra ko anang eawas; ag imaw man ro tawo nga owa nagapaino–ino it anang isig katawo.
Ro husto nga pag-apreciar it isig katawo, ro pag-apreciar kanda o ro pagpanan-aw kanda hay basi sa anang imahe it Maka-ako, bisan sanda man hay napanan-aw nga may kapaltahan o kasae-anan. Raya ro panan-aw nga dapat ibutang bisan ro kalibutan hay nagaeonoy eon sa higko o tapu-tapo, ag bisan man ro kalibutan nahabutang sa kasae-anan ag crimen. Ro tawo indi dapat gihapon magkalipat it pag-intiende ag paghigugma sa isig katawo.
Ro Pag-Alila It Atong Eawas
Sa panan-aw it syensya, tatlo nga bagay ro nagapadali it kabuhi it tawo. Ag raya nga tatlo, imaw ro pagtabako o panigarilyo, ro pag-inom it sobra nga aeak, ag ro pagkaon it mga matambok nga pagka-on. Sa guin pahayag ngara, isaea eamang ro gusto nga hambaeon: ro pag-abuso it tawo sa anang eawas pa-agi sa inom, tabako ag pagkaon.
Ro tawo hay it sa bukon tanan it may panamgo nga maguing Olympic champion. Pinili eamang ro mga tawo nga nagmayad sa atleta. Ro mayad nga eawas hay importante sa pag-pangabuhi it tawo.
Ro imo nga relasyon sa imong isigkatawo, ro imong entusiasmo nga maka-obra ag magapa-ninguha nga ika ta-o mo ro imo nga gina hangup, ag ro imong paghueag sa pag-abot it mga imo nga gusto nga hi-abot hay nagasandig man sa mayad nga pangeawason.
Sa hinambae anay sa Latin, "Mens sana en corpore sano." "Mayad kono nga mag paino-ino sa mayad nga eawas. Busa, ro pagpanan-aw naton it mayad sa aton nga eawas hay kon amat, sa dagaya ko aton nga gina paino-ino hay indi man naton pagkalipatan. Pero kon amat hay halipatan naton nga ro hayga it mayad nga pangeawason ag kon kita hilipat hay naga pangatubang kita it posibilidad nga maduea ro aton nga eawas.
Sa tawo makaron, kinihangeanon nga kilaeahon nanda ro pagpamayad it anda nga eawas. Ag sa raya nga butang hay kinihang-eanon nga mga butang it mayad nga metodo o pamatasan sa pag-improvar it pagmayad it eawas mana ko regular nga pagpatan-aw it eawas sa doctor, ma plano nga programa it pag ehersisyo, pagbantay it imong guinaka-on, pag-mentenar it husto nga bug-at it eawas ag pagrecognizar it nagpalya nga pangeawason o manaba ag owa nagaka-ayon ayon nga emosyon.
Ro tawo nga mayad it pangeawason, ro cuida-dano it nacion nga mayad it mga pang-eawason, kinihangeanon it sociedad, kinihangeanon it nacion sa pagpa-uswag it nacion. /MP

He Has Nothing Against His "Ninang" GMA

By MEGS S. LUNN

Senator FRANCIS "Chiz" ESCUDERO graced as the guest speaker of the Rotary Club of Metro Iloilo during their 29th Induction and Turnover ceremonies. The affair was held at Sarabia Hotel and Convention Center, Iloilo City on July 14, 2007.

Senator Escudero started his induction speech by quoting the PREAMBLE of the Philippines Constitution thus: "We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution." He then proceeded to dissect each word such as justice, freedom, love, equality and peace. That the only way for us to attain this goal is thru our own language (Filipino); to understand each other by using the language/dialect we speak. It is a simple way of saying why Filipinos obey laws outside of the country but they can’t do it in their own country like the simple way to obey the traffic laws and the likes. He gave emphasis on the young leaders of the country to do their job and to hold on to HOPE.

He stressed, that he has nothing against his "Ninang" Gloria Macapagal Arroyo but rather, he is disappointed that she can’t simply do some changes. That as president of the Philippines, she has to simply follow the people’s conscience and to make changes; to point out what is wrong and what is right; to follow the laws, rules and regulations. He emphasized the two simple things to be a good Filipino and citizens of our country: to follow and obey the Constitution of the Philippines and other laws, and to speak our language to understand each other. That as leader, to teach and to follow, to talk your walk, and to walk your talk. Escudero asked the crowd who among the politicians are thinking of 2010? Who among them who has ambition to join the political arena and run for office in 2010? Those who will say "NO" to political position in 2010 are liars". He said, a true politician is true to himself and that there is nothing wrong with saying yes to 2010. To dream is free, to make ambitions is free.

According to Escudero, Filipinos, when they are out of the Philippines they do things right and obey the laws, rules and regulations of that country. However, most Filipinos in the Philippines, violate the laws, rules and regulations.

He advised the young leaders like Pres. John Michael "Kano" NG, President of RC Metro Iloilo being the youngest club president of District 3850 at age 26: to do his job, to support, to remind, to critic, and to serve as guide to his fellow young leaders.

Escudero stressed, his office is open to young leaders who have open minds, positive or negative; to tell him the right direction where to go and what to do because he believed that he was put to office by the mandate of the people to serve the people. He encouraged the young leaders to approach him because as he said, it is the obligation of the people to remind the politicians of their promises and their jobs, that people articulate to the leaders and that leaders must listen to them; to be open to criticism in order to learn; to listen to the constituent because they are the people leaders serve.

Escudero is a graduate of Political Science and Bachelor of Laws at UP Diliman, Quezon City. After which, he went to Georgetown University Law Center, Washington DC for his masters degree in international and comparative law. He captured the attention of all Rotarians and guests present with his sentence like: "to serve the poor, and that at the end of the day, to show his face with head up without being guilty."
He concluded his speech with a prayer quoted from St. Francis of Assisi as part of his challenge to Pres. Kano and the audience: "Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." As young achievers, Escudero exhibited his humility, that he is not a perfect individual, that he needs the guidance from above to guide him in his limitations and that his only dream is to serve the people.

Senator Francis Joseph Guevara Escudero or Chiz is raised by parents who are both educators. His father, Salvador H. Escudero III, was Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine UP; Director, Bureau of Animal Industry and served twice as Department of Agriculture secretary. His mother was also a professor in the College of Home Economics, UP Diliman.

He was a member of the House of Representatives, 11th Congress in 1998 and Assistant Majority Floor Leader and Senior Deputy Majority Leader in the 12th Congress in 2001 and in the 13th Congress as House Minority Floor Leader.

Being the third youngest senator of the Philippines, Chiz is cool and confident, quick with his words, and unwavering in his commitments and conviction, Chiz at 37, is in his prime. If his political mentors rewarded him with a smile and a pat on the back for what he accomplished as a boy of 28, they now regard him with respect and value his professional advices.

The Rotary Club of Kalibo was represented in the Induction Program of RC Metro Iloilo by its president Morris Morier and 10 other officers of the club. /MP

Unfriendly Bridge To Environment

The culverts installed in Tambak bridge, New Washington, Aklan about eight years ago by the DPWH. In view of its construction it has impedded the flow of water in the creek. The creek itself is now covered by soil with trees growing and a squatter colony is developing.
Since there is no more inflow and outflow of water in the creek, floods during rainy season are slow to reced causing damage to the environ-ment. Moreover, some 500 - 800 hectares of fishfarms are adversely affected by polluted waters. Fresh water from the sea is prevented to get inside the river because water could no longer pass under the bridge, polluted water cannot be drained, hence polluted water is resulting to fish kills.
New Washington Mayor Edgar R. Peralta has assured the Aklan Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council through its Chairman, Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente that he will restore the creek to its original situation when free flow of water in that creek was not impedded and allow fresh water from the sea to get inside the fishfarms. Peralta assured Dr. Villorente that he will request the Sangguniang Bayan of New Washington to approve a resolution that will restore Tambak creek to its original situation./MP