Police Doings

A certain Rey Gelito, 37 and Violeta Tablate, 50 both married of Sitio Cagban, Manoc Manoc, Boracay, Malay, Aklan were apprehended for their alleged violation of Section 5, Article II of RA No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The suspects were identified by PO2 Jose Rupe Panganonong, investigator of the Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office (BSTPO).
Gelito was nabbed on August 12 at B & B Beach Resort at Manggayad, Manoc Manoc in the act of handing a sachet containing a suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu to an informant/buyer, the police report revealed.
Gelito tried to escape from the BSTPO operatives but he was handcuffed by the responding cops.
A rolled aluminum foil, lighter, improvised aluminum foil tooter placed on the bed, two P100 bills used as marked money and one sachet suspected shabu weighing 0.04 gram were recovered from Gelito’s pocket. Gelito pointed to the police a certain Violeta Tablate alias "Bolet" of Cagban, Manoc Manoc as the supplier of the drugs.
In a separate buy-bust operation, Tablate was arrested in her house in the same day reported Panganonong. Recovered from Tablate are three sachets of suspected shabu weighing 0.06 gram, P1,200 including marked money, a lighter and three pieces of crumpled aluminum foil scattered on the floor.
Both Tablate and Gelito are now detained in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan. They are facing criminal charges under I.S. No. 07-6455 and 07-06456.
Libacao Police Arrests Wanted Person
Libacao PNP arrested a homecide suspect, Rosalinda Asiong in Brgy. Loctuga, Libacao, Aklan recently. Asiong who is accused of homecide has been hiding for the last 14 years. She is charged of homicide in Antipolo City.
According to PO2 Larren Sanarias, Libacao PNP arrested Asiong by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by RTC Judge Roy Angeles, Branch 72, Antipolo City for illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions under Criminal Case No. 92–77–00 and homicide under Criminal Case No. 92–77–01–4.
Brgy. Loctuga is about 35 kilometers east of Poblacion, Libacao where Asiong was arrested. For his provisional liberty, a P220,000 bailbond is recommended. Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa commended the Libacao PNP for the arrest of Asiong who was hiding from the arms of the law for the last 14 years.
Drugs In Kalibo
In Kalibo, the PNP arrested Joy Roque, 25 of Purok 6, C. Laserna Street for drug pushing. Roque was arrested during the buy-bust operation in Brgy. Tinigao, Kalibo held recently. The buy-bust operation netted five (5) sachet of suspected marijuana, a Nokia cellphone and P100 bills marked money. /MP

Canadians Avail Aklan VISA Host Services

By ULYSSES ESPARTERO

A group of first Canadian clients has directly engaged the services of the Aklan VISA Host Center under the program "Seamless Travel to Boracay and Beyond."
Tourism Expert Max Zurbito, Jr. said that owing to the significance of the visit of this group that opted to visit Aklan and Boracay instead of to Palawan and El Nido, the center has coordinated with the office of Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez.
The Boracay Association of Resorts, Restaurants and Independent Allies (BARRIA) Consortium launched the Aklan VISA Host Center in March 2007.
Nabas Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member and Women in Nabas Federation President Rhuna Flores-Tipgos told Madyaas Pen that VISA Host stands for Visitors and Assistance (VISA) Home of Organized and Systematic Travel (HOST).
This is a response to the growing needs by the tourists and the traveling public for a professionally managed and delivered tourism services in Boracay Island and beyond.
The first of its kind in the country, the Aklan VISA Host Center shall serve as a one-stop shop where tourists and travelers’ needs shall be available 24 hours a day.
It shall serve as the center for the unified information on the tourism and travel service components within the domestic as well as international destinations.
It is also envisioned to be the central booking office for resorts, hotels, sea, air and land transports, tours, sightseeing and excursions.
"With this scheme, the tourists shall no longer experience the hustle in haggling for a price and paying as many times as they require the same services," Zurbito added. /MP

PTA-drainage Project Construction Continues

By Boy Ryan Zabal

The Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) is constructing a drainage system to address the flooding in low lying areas spawned by illegal building constructions.
According to Boracay Tourism Office officer-in-charge Judith Icotanim, "the drainage system will solve flooding in the area and will complement the ongoing development efforts of the national government. It is evident during the rainy season that some low-lying areas in the island are flooded. It brings trouble to residents and tourists," she added.
The comprehensive drainage project, through the PTA, allocated P179, 990,487.28 to the Boracay Environmental Infrastructure Project (BEIP)-Drainage Component. The project involves the construction of storm drainage canals including drainage outfall structures, sediment traps; demolition and rehabilitation of existing drainage canals and general site improvement that involves installation of concrete pavers.
The drainage component includes the site development works, construction of three pumping station structures including piping, electrical and mechanical works, installation and commissioning of pumps and power supply.
Proclamation 1801, series of 1978 signed by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared Boracay as a tourist zone and marine reserve, placing it under the administration and control of PTA, an entity attached with the Department of Tourism. The PTA implements policies and programs pertaining to tourism development projects in the country. Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores pointed out, "the PTA-initiated storm-drainage project was designed to protect and save the environs of Boracay where low-lying areas are submerged during heavy rains."
The solon was earlier dismayed of the reports of the stalled installation of the storm-drainage system due to non-cooperation of some stakeholders in the island, noting the significance of tourism amenities to guard the island from environmental degradation.
The project, said Malay Mayor Ceciron Cawaling, "will prevent flooding and recurring environmental hazards in the island after heavy monsoon rains inundating the interior parts of Balabag. Those areas submerged in floodwaters will benefit from the full completion of the PTA-funded drainage project," Cawaling added. /MP

Mayors of 3 Major Tourist Spots Sign Accord To Create Tourism Belt

By Boy Ryan Zabal

The mayors of the country’s three major tourist destinations signed an agreement aimed at creating and promoting what they described as a tourism belt that would inter-connect the three municipalities from as far as off Pacific Ocean up to China Sea. This is a major boost to Aklan’s tourism industry, stakeholders believed.
Mayor Ciceron Cawaling of Malay, Aklan, Mayor Annaliza Gonzales Kwan of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and Mayor Mario T. Reyes of Coron, Palawan had signed a tri-town agreement on cooperation in their bid to make their respective municipalities as major contributors not only in the tourism industry but in the overall growth of the country’s economy.
Cawaling has jurisdiction over the world famous Boracay Island, Kwan’s town, on the other hand, prides itself for being called surfers’ paradise mainly because of the huge waves that its seas offer to wind surfers while Reyes’ municipality is famed for its dive sites that feature nine Japanese battle ships that were sunk by American forces during World War II, among others.
The agreement was signed after various government agencies concerned, planners and private stakeholders in the tourism industry identified the three towns as ideal locations for the development of tourism destinations.
Under the plan, local and foreign tourists can now enjoy not only the sights and beautiful sceneries that the three towns are offering but also the other attractions from areas encompassing the tourism belt.
The three municipalities will be the anchor for the development of tourism belt spanning the middle or central stretch of the Philippines from Guiuan in the Pacific passing to Malay, Aklan in the inland seas up to Coron, Palawan, off China sea.
The three parties, although separately, will pursue the development of the tourism belt in a unified manner so that all programs and projects within the context will be mutually beneficial to all.
They will also share data and information on the businesses they intend to pursue even as they will put premium concern on enhancing incendiary industries brought by tourism such as post harvest facilities for the fishing industry as well as agricultural products.
The three municipalities are in discussions with expert planners and business advisors who are exploring the possibility of harnessing their vast potentials through the initiatives of the private sector and supported by the laws governing the local government code.
The herein parties are faced with the same constraints that need to be addressed and hurdled with the help of the private sector.
The parties believed that they will realize the maximum results of their goal if they act and fully cooperate with each other./mp

EDITORIAL - September 8, 2007 Issue

Centennial of Labor Migration
A Poser On RP Progress

By Jeremiah M. Opiniano

In the run-up to the centennial next year of overseas labor migration, a former International Labor Organization (ILO) official wondered why the Philippines still remain underdeveloped.
Manolo Abella, a former top-ranking official of ILO in Geneva, Switzerland, expressed this insight when asked to react on former Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas’s view that labor migration is an "explicit" development strategy of the government.
"Why have we not stimulated more investments in producing goods on which remittance incomes were spent?" Abella asked.
He wonders that in all these years that Filipinos migrate overseas and remit annually billions of dollars, "why have we still failed to build a stronger economy?"
Next year, the country will mark a hundred years when the first Filipinos arrived in California as apple pickers, described in melancholic detail by migrant worker and writer Carlos Bulosan in his book "America In The Heart."
From just a handful of Bulosan’s compatriots, overseas Filipino are now estimated at eight million – temporarily living and working legally and sans official government papers in 191 countries.
Their money has led their families in the Philippines to enjoy benefits while most of them work in dirty, difficult, dangerous, and sometimes dehumanizing jobs. Likewise, with an estimated US$12.6 billion entering the Philippines banking system this year, their money has kept their home country’s economy afloat.
Labor migration has become reputable "especially after the World Bank has recognized that remittances are more important than development aid as a source of development finance, and are more stable than flows of foreign capital", Abella said.
Indeed, the former head of ILO’s migration branch said multilateral group’s recent recognition of remittances for development has made labor migration a more respectable feature of Philippine development policy.
Absentee Progress
However, World Bank economists have cautioned that migration "should not be viewed as a substitute for economic development in the origin country – development ultimately depends on sound domestic policies".
This was so despite president Paul Wolfowitz saying in the Bank’s 2006 Global Economic Report that emigration flows are "critical for development".
Indeed, Wolfowitz has cited that "migration is not always beneficial".
The bank’s statement appears to be in reaction to Sto. Tomas’s statements citing that the Philippines explicitly exports labor as part of the country’s strategy for national development, even noting that Filipinos abroad are sources of the country’s pride.
"[The government] has already admitted that overseas migration has been part of national life, and we have nothing to apologize for," Sto. Tomas said in a forum.
Since remittances account for a tenth of the county’s gross national product (GNP), Sto. Tomas said, the country "has come full circle in recognizing that overseas employment plays a vital role in sustaining our economy".
According to a paper by Mary Lou Alcid of the University of the Philippines’ Social Work Program, the Philippine government has not admitted for a long time that labor export is a policy of national development.
In a paper for an ASEAN regional conference on labor migration by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Alcid wrote that the Philippine government "insists overseas employment is not a policy, and the official position is that people move to where the jobs are."
Abella said it took a government official like Sto. Tomas to backtract on this statement since overseas migration "has always been considered an admission of failure in development."
Black Blocks
According to Abella, Sto. Tomas’s admission matters less "since these [perspective] may change."
What matters most, he said, is "whether policies remain stable" on how the government manages labor migration.
This scholar on international migration disagrees with the assumption that Filipinos are finding employment abroad "because of Philippine policy".
Larger developments elsewhere, such as the oil price boom and export-led industrialization in neighboring countries, are "beyond the control of the Philippine government" and have "created opportunities for our people to earn higher incomes in foreign countries," Abella said.
It was rational for individual Filipinos, he adds, that they were able to exploit these ahead of other nationalities because of their advantage of education and the English language.
Likewise, Abella echoed most analysts’ sentiments that the political noise generated this year hasn’t helped the economy grow to its real level.
"I think our underdevelopment has much to do with poor governance, rather than just misguided policies," he added.
The WB’s report indeed, noted that since remittances are more than twice as the size of international aid flows, these have become an important source of income for developing countries.
Government, Abella said, recognized that "it made economic sense" to support labor migration even if government intervention "was belated response to processes already underway."
Abella wished that Filipino remittances may be "an important source of development finance, and government should find the means to induce more savings rather than consumption."
However, he thinks the country should "worry about her capacity to supply foreign labor market demand for critical skills, and her "low quality" of university education. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

SK/Barangay Elections
Must Be Held

Atty. Diomedes Resurreccion asked me what is my view on the proposal to postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. "If my decision is followed, the elections must be held." And he agreed with me.
However, the opinion of Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores seems to tend to postpone the barangay elections from October 2007 to October 2009. I hope Cong. Miraflores will request the consensus of his constituents in Aklan before he votes on the bill of Cong. Teodoro Locsin, Jr.
Atty. Resurreccion asked why the Barangay election must be held as scheduled? Well, first: That is the law the government must implement and the people to comply; second: those occupying the positions both barangay chairmen, kagawad and SK chairmen have expired terms, therefore no mandate from the people; third SK officials have long past their "kabataan" stage and they must give chance to those who will follow them; fourth, money must not impede the holding of barangay elections as it can be held at the least expense; fifth, holding the elections in October 2009 will induce more and heavy political interference as the 2010 presidential election will follow in seven (7) months hence; and sixth, postponing the election to another date is another indication that the present administration cannot be trusted in law implementation.
"Hugod Numancia"
Hugod Numancia is asking the community people to cooperate toward the fulfillment of the people of Numancia’s vision and mission. LGU Numancia has issued a warning "for individuals, homes and establishments owners" to "be aware of citizen’s arrest and deputized eco-enforcers". For those, LGU Numancia asks the people to obey the following ordinances.
1. An ordinance prohibiting the throwing, littering and disposal of garbage or waste matter in public places and other areas not duly designated as disposal site. Penalty: first offense – P200; second – P300; Third – P500. Penalty for institutional, industrial and commercial entities ranges from P500 – P2,000.
2. An ordinance requiring all vendors, merchants, industrial, service and similar establishments, hospitals, medical clinics, schools, offices, parks and plazas and public utility vehicles to provide and maintain trash receptacles for convenient sanitary garbage disposal and strictly segregating from non-biodegradable garbage.
Penalties for individuals range from P200 to P500 and P500 – P2,000 for commercial and industrial entities.
3. Ordinance establishing curfew on minors within the municipality of Numancia. Penalty to minors and parents: first offense – reprimand and lecture; second – one hour community service for minor and P200 fine for parent.
Reprimand to P1,000 fine to operators and drivers of motor vehicles.
4. An Ordinance establishing a municipal pound, imposing penalty to owners of stray animals. Penalty ranges from P55 – P220.
Abandon Post
Akleco members of the Board of Directors including its chairman may have a wise decision if by their own volition refrain from attending any Akelco board meeting. They must abandon post.
The purposes for which the Akelco member – consumers have elected them to the Akelco Board are no longer tenable. Their actions for the last three years had been adverse to the interest of Akelco member–consumers.
Anyway, most of those who act as Akelco board members are just appointed, some have expired but extended terms. If they are sympathetic to the Aklanons, they must allow the present Akelco Board to disintegrate by refraining from attending any meetings of Akelco.
Let the Akelco management manage the cooperative. For any policy matters required, let the NEA decide and be accountable to the Aklanons.
What is the reason for these men for continuing their membership at Akelco Board? To decide against the interest of the member-consumers? Their honoraria and others? /MP

New Washington Adopts Ambassador Cabangon Chua

By Boy Ryan Zabal

Picture above shows the very important persons who graced the unveiling and blessing of the 13.5 feet tall bronze statue of Jaime Cardinal L. Sin in New Washington, Aklan. They are Senate Pres. Manuel Villar, House Speaker Jose De Venecia, Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Mnsgr. Adolfo Depra, Ambassador Antonio Cabangon Chua, Mr. Tito Garcia, Mr. Ambet Ocampo, Sec. Esperanza Cabral, Roxas City Mayor Vicente Bermejo, Sec. Cerge Remonde among others.

Ambassador Antonio Cabangon Chua was officially declared an adopted son of New Washington, Aklan just recently. Cabangon Chua financed the construction of the 13.5-feet bronze statue of the late Jaime Cardinal L. Sin which was unveiled and blessed in a grand and fitting ceremonies on August 31, 2007.
Vice Mayor Jean Velarde said, Chua remains an approachable and down-to-earth business leader and a true friend of the Catholic Church.
Chua is a close friend of the late Roman Catholic prince who was a key figure in the 1986 and 2001 people power revolts.
August 31 was declared by Malacañang a special non-working holiday in Aklan in Executive Order No. 1370. Former Kalibo mayor Johnny Dayang said Chua showed his great love for Aklan for his unconquerable spirit in bestowing a larger-than-life symbol of Cardinal Sin’s greatness and holiness in New Washington, the hometown of the influential Roman Catholic leader.
Chua graduated from Sta. Ana Elementary School in 1950. He completed his secondary education from the University of the East (UE) in 1953 where he also finished a degree in Business Administration in 1956. He cross-enrolled at Feati University for his engineering, and at the Guzman Institute of Technology, where he completed Automotive and Diesel Mechanic courses.
He gave birth to an expanding business conglomerate - the Philippine Graphic Publishing Inc., Aliw Broadcasting Corporation, Fortune Insurance Group of Companies, Citystate Savings Bank, Citystate Group of Companies, Eternal Group of Companies, Isuzu Gencars, Inc., Citystate Properties and Management Corporation and ALC Industrial and Development Corporation.
CARDINAL SIN’S BIRTHDAY
Presidential Proclamation No. 1370 duly signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on August 29, 2007 lauded Cardinal Sin as a true-blooded Aklanon that contributed to the nation’s political history and social transformation which left a lasting impact on the lives of the Filipino people.
"It is fitting and proper that the people of the Province of Aklan be given full opportunity to celebrate the occasion with appropriate ceremonies," Ermita wrote.
It was on August 10, 2007 when Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez and Aklan Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores requested the President to declare every August 31 a non-working holiday in observance of the birth anniversary of the Cardinal.
"As a prime mover of the first EDSA Revolution and a highly respected religious leader whose ideals can be a continuing inspiration to our youth," they urged the President to declare August 31 a non-working holiday in their letter.
The National Historical Institute (NHI) also unveiled a marker as part of the installation rites in New Washington, after the blessing of Cardinal Sin’s statue in the public plaza in front of the Roman Catholic Church.
Congress Lauds Cardinal Sin
In the House of Representatives, its members commended the most influential Roman Catholic leader Jaime Cardinal L. Sin for his lifetime dedication and spiritual guidance to the Catholic Church. They approved House Resolution No. 149 authored by Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores and Iloilo Rep. Arthur Defensor expressing their admiration to Cardinal Sin’s salutary spiritual guidance to the Filipino people.
Speaker Jose de Venecia, presented the resolution to Dr. Ramon L. Sin, brother of Cardinal Sin during the ceremonies on August 31. "Cardinal Sin is not only of New Washington, not of Aklan, not of the Philippines, but he is of the World," De Venecia pointed out.
Miraflores said, "Cardinal Sin is an Outstanding Prince of the Church who from the time he was ordained to priesthood rendered unparalleled service to the Filipino people, dispensing extensive social services to the poor and needy parishioners. Sin served as Archbishop of Manila for 25 years after which His Holiness, Pope Pius IV, named him Cardinal, which paramount mission he served with distinction until his retirement."
"It is fitting and proper that the 14th Congress provides an eloquent contribution to honor Cardinal Sin by commending and giving due recognition to him for his exemplary spiritual services to the Filipino people and his patriotic contributions to the good governance of the country," Miraflores added.
Cardinal Sin, the solon added, "was not only a leader of the Church but also of democratic institutions, with patriotic fervor served at the forefront of people’s struggle to preserve human rights and promote representative democracy as our way of life."
Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., Agriculture secretary Arthur Yap, Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, Presidential Management Staff Director General Cerge Remonde, League of Municipalities of the Philippines national president Dr. Ramon Guico, Jr., Ambassador to Italy Henrietta de Villa, Roxas City mayor Vicente Bermejo, Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo, New Washington mayor Edgar Peralta, Antipolo Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, Kalibo Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo who concelebrated the holy mass, Social Welfare secretary Esperanza Cabral and Manila City mayor Alfredo Lim graced the blessing of the larger-than-life Cardinal Sin monument. /MP

My Tour In Fast Developing Vietnam

By JUDITH TINDOG

WELCOME TO VIETNAM! Picture shows from (l to r) Cabanatuan City Administrative Officer III, William V. Balbin, Nguyen Huu Tam of Vietnam, Judith T. Tindog, Information Officer II, Aklan, Grizelda A. Arcenio, Information Officer II, Bacolod, Sarah P. Galindo Sr. Grains Operation officer (Quality Assurance), Siquijor and Dr. Rafael V. Marasigan at Iio ChiMinh City Airport.

LOADPORT TEAM AT SAIGON PORT: SGOO (Quality Assurance Officer) Sarah Galindo (front) getting rice sample while the rest of the team take note of other loading observations and Information

I thought I could never get the chance to visit Vietnam. At age 55 and working in the National food Authority (NFA) provincial office, this dream came true. But blessings are open for all. Ask and you shall receive. This is a promise to all His believers. Everything is in His will and supported by proper authorities. The patience of waiting paid off in not so long time.
On my part, to go out of the country for a mission and tour officially meant a giant leap of joy, inspiration, personal gratefulness. I consider it as another highlight of my 32 years service with the NFA. Everything turned out favorably in the right time from July 22 to 28, 2007 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
We were loadport representatives in connection with the 2007 NFA rice importation for food security and buffer stock purposes. Dr. Rafael V. Marasigan from Extension Department, Central Office, Manila headed the team with Sarah P. Galindo, Sr. Grains Operation Officer (Standard Quality Assurance officer) from Siquijor Office; Grizelda A. Arceño, Information Officer II from Bacolod City; Juddith T. Tindog, Information Officer II from Aklan; and William V. Balbin, Administrative Officer III from Cabanatuan City as members. Our mission visited the loading sites and production areas, warehouses inspection and observation in the conduct of analysis at the surveyors laboratories.
The team attended the one-day pre-departure briefing by the Technology Resource Development Department, the Technical Services Department and Marketing Operations Department for familiarization, awareness and guidance.
We arrived safely in Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon of July 22. Thanks to all the prayers from well-wishers especially to the NFA family. It was a two hour flight. The Philippine time is exactly one hour ahead of Vietnam. Engr. Ta Minh Man and Mr. Nguyen Huu Tam welcomed us warmly. The weather was sunny, as we set our first step on the Vietnam ground. We noticed the big signage nearby: CHAO MUNG QUI KHACH DEN VIET NAM meaning: WELCOME TO VIETNAM. "Thanks be to God. We’re here in Vietnam!". After a short exchange of pleasantries, the two official guides took us to Minh Tam Hotel where we enjoyed staying the whole week.
Our task started with a dialogue and briefing with Ngo Van Duy, the Marketing and Trading Specialist of Vietnam Southern Food Corporation. We discussed our travel itineraries for the week and the status of loading operations.
We paid courtesy call to the Philippines Consulate officials at the Consulate Office, Ho Chi Minh City. Ms. Dao Thi Thu Huong, translator/interpreter in behalf of Consul General Gerry Paglinawan welcomed us over a cup of tea.
In Saigon Port, we witnessed the loading operation of M/V Song Ngan. The group sailed on a motorboat going to the barge, an exciting experience. Mr. Doan Trong Thai of the Overseas Merchandise Inspection Company. Ltd. (OMIC) assisted the group in rice sampling in the barge. Observations at FCC Control and Fumigation Laboratory were made with the assistance of Mr. Adama Soleh AP, manager of FCC and Mr. Kenji Tanaka, chief representative of OMIC.
A day trip at Long An Province was conducted. It is 75 kms. south of Ho Chi Minh City. The team with Engr. Man went for a warehouse and ricemill inspection at Long An Food company Warehouse. We saw the actual milling, packing and loading of rice stocks from the warehouse to the barge intended for Malaysia.
Our trip to Cu Chi, 70 kms., northwest of Ho Chi Minh City to visit and see the Historic Relic and the Cu Chi Tunnel Complex was a day of painful war recollection. Cu Chi Tunnel was the strong base of the Military Zone Party Committee, Saigon-Gia Dinh Command Port, Cu Chi District Party Committee and all People of Cu Chi District.
Visitors gathered in a room for a lecture about the long, arduous struggle of Vietnam. The lecture aimed to explain the profound and true aspirations for peace, independence, and living forever in prosperity and happiness. The lecture over, the assigned guide to the area led us to the different historical sites. We went under the level one tunnel on duck-walk but never tried levels two and three. These tunnels were the hide-outs of the Vietnamese fighters during the war.
We took pictures of the rice fields and rubber plantations. What we noticed and seemed ordinary sight in the rice fields are tombs right in the area. Mr. Tam informed us that rice fields in Vietnam are being used as resting places of the deceased farm owners.
Aside from the historic Cu Chi, the team also visited the Remnants of War Museum and Re-Unification Palace in the Ho Chi Minh City. Both are memorable places preserved for the freedom loving people of Vietnam. We visited the Notre Dame Cathedral built in 1880. The grand structure speaks of its centuries old construction. Our official guides were Buddhist but kind enough to usher us to the Cathedral knowing our eagerness to visit the place of worship. Catholic Vietnamese have two names; a Vietnamese name and a Christian name. Example is Ngo Van Duy whose Christian name is Vincent. Another is Nguyen Minh Tung was baptized Joseph.
Other places of interest we visited were the Vietnam Botanical garden, the Zoo, the Buddhist Temple, the Art Collection and Museum, the Damsen Park. Birds and other wildlife move freely in the man-made forest. Big and tall old trees are abundantly growing. The orchids are in bloom, bonsai of different plant varieties are everywhere, the dragon and other animals made of ceramics are great work of arts, the total landscaping in the park is breathtaking to see. The pretty lotus flowers that float so freely in the park, in the open field or in the business center is unforgettable. The elephant ride is an experience to cherish.
Our last day of our trip was a celebration to remember. Mr. Do Can, Vice-Director of LAVICO, Mr. Nguyen Minh Tung and Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy of ISC tendered a dinner reception held in a place near Minh Tam Hotel. It was a cozy restaurant with live music, with mostly female singers who rendered Vietnamese songs. Although we did not understand the lyrics, we enjoyed the entertainment and music. A male singer sang in English, with songs familiar to us, so inducing to participate with the singing. We got a surprise, a red rose in a vase delivered to our table. The dinner was served with rice as our hosts understand that Filipinos are rice eating race.
Our trip was aimed to observe rice consumption in Vietnam. Well, Vietnamese culture reveals they eat rice noodles during breakfast and dinner. Steamed rice is served at lunch in moderate quantity. This culture in food intake contributes much to the high marketable surplus rice of Vietnam. Perhaps, Filipinos may find ways to reduce rice intakes. This is not a big deal as there are noodles and other rice substitutes. Besides, the habit of not having rice for breakfast promotes body slenderness and fast moving. They use mechanical conveyors from the rice mill to the barge in milling operation.
Our host representatives, Engr. Man of OMIC and Mr. Tam of ISC were highly professionals in all their dealings with us.
People we met in Vietnam were friendly and approachable. During our breakfast in Minh Tam Hotel, we converse with Ms. Bui Thi Canh from Hanoi. She works in the Ministry of Agriculture. Talking with her as she speaks English well was enjoyable.
People in the Ben Thanh market and other business establishments appeared fair in their business deals. They know how to adjust with their customers and get along nicely. We also talked about our beautiful Philippines. They are interested to see the Philippines.
How would I remember Vietnam or Ho Chi Minh City in particular?
Of all the countries and people in Southeast Asia, none has suffered and endured deeper wounds than Vietnam which has a turbulent history of leadership and government. It was only in 1976 that South and North were reunited as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam with Hanoi, her capital. Hanoi stands on the Red River in northern Vietnam. Saigon is the largest city of South Vietnam which stands on Saigon River, about 80 kms. from the South China Sea.
The war over, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the man who had been North Vietnam’s leader. Ho Chi Minh City occupies 2,090 square kilometers with a population of over seven millions. It has soared from the pains and destruction of wars to a booming country in Southeast Asia. It is fast developing as the center of agriculture and commerce as well as tourism, and education.
Vietnamese history, her culture, churches, temples, vast rice fields, scenic view, gunless police, thousands of motorbikes and bicycles on the road, growing business, busy market, rural and urban zones in abundance, giant rivers of Mekong and Saigon, French villas, tall trees in the wide avenues, ‘halo-halo’ of fresh fruits like Dragon Fruit, strawberry, the warm people, the fun with other loadport representatives who tagged me as "Ginang Milyonarya" which was unusual title expired for a week, the generosity of our sponsor and most of all, the Saigon Port fully occupied by ships loading rice for exports to other countries are living memories all anchored in my heart that will constantly remind me of Vietnam.
The fulfillment of my travel to Vietnam is due to NFA Provincial, Regional and Central Office managements, the Office of the DA Secretary, the need of the Filipinos to eat rice contributed to my travel abroad as one of the loadport representatives. This opportunity has widened my exposure to NFA operations as well as my cultural and historical knowledge about Vietnam. It is a lifetime experience I will always treasure. /MP

Aklan Launches Tree Planting

By Venus G. Villanueva

Some 23,280 tree seedlings were planted on August 30 in the municipality of Tangalan in the western part of Aklan as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), together with the local government unit of Tangalan, the Department of Education and the community launched the expanded Green Philippines program that targets to plant some 20 million seedlings nationwide.
According to Raul Lorilla, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, the project was launched in Barangay Panayakan, Tangalan and at the Tangalan watershed. Seven groups took part in the tree planting, composed of schools, fishery and agriculture councils, municipal officials and employees of Tangalan, multi-purpose cooperative, barangay officials and DENR employees.
Each group planted specific tree specie – for instance, the Tangalan National High School planted Golden Shower tree seedlings numbering 1,000; Panayakan National High School, Acacia auri, 12,132; Tangalan FARMC, Mount Agoho, 3,000; Tangalan officials and employees, Bagras; Panayakan Lanipga MPC, Mahogany; barangay officials, Narra; and DENR employees, Narra and Molave; 328 seedlings.
The GPP launching in Tangalan, according to the DENR, was aimed to plant trees in some 20 hectares of land.
For this year, however, in sustaining and fully supporting the Green Philippines program, DENR, along with its partners in the province, aims to plant a total of 111,054 seedlings in some 73.86 hectares.
To realize this, PENRO Lorilla recently released a special order assigning DENR personnel as project focal persons/coordinators for thematic protected areas, critical watersheds and open lands.For this year, DENR has set the planting of trees at protected areas, critical watersheds and open areas in the months of July and August; Agroforestry-Community-Based Forest Management Areas in September; Urban Parks, school campus, military camps and housing subdivisions in October; and mangrove and coastal areas in November.
Last August, Lorillla said other GPP sites with mass planting included the Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve at Brgy. Galicia, Madalag; Pana-kuyan River Watershed Project, Brgy. San Jose, Ibajay; Nabaoy River Watershed/Malay Refo. Project at Brgy. Nabaoy, Malay; and Open Forest Land Areas in Brgys. Castillo and Calangcang in Makato.
The Green Philippines Project is an offshoot of the Green Philippine Highways Project (GPHP) launched a year ago to green national highways that serve the route of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway. In Aklan, this covers the national highway where buses using the RORO boats traverse – from Barangay Caticlan in Malay to Barangay Cabangila in Altavas, Aklan, the boundary of Aklan and Capiz.
With its expansion into GPP, the government hopes to arrest air pollution, flooding as well as water depletion and other environmental hazards. /MP

Is Pacquiao Comparable To Elorde?

By ALEX P. VIDAL

"I am the eye in the sky looking at you. I can make you blind."

Alan Parson’s Project

there is no doubt that the 3rd round knockout (KO) win registered by Emmanuel "The Pacman" Pacquiao over Erik "El Terible" Morales last November 19 last year at the Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada was devastating and impressive. Pacquiao settled the beguiling argument on who is the better junior lightweight warrior.
Now that he retained his worthless WBC super-featherweight (junior lightweight) international crown, Pacquiao is expected to abandon the 130-lb division to shoot for a legitimate world title crown in the lightweight division now worn by WBC kingpin Marco Antonio Barrera who is also a one-time technical knockout (TKO) victim of Pacman. Pacman is scheduled to fight again Marco Antonio Barrera on October 6.
I say "worthless" because Pacquiao and his chorus team cannot claim legitimacy as "world champion" unless he pockets the genuine world championship belt. He can either fight Barrera who is being promoted by Golden Boy promotions owned by Oscar Dela Hoya in a megabuck duel or take a stab at the World Boxing Association (WBA) super-featherweight kingpin Edwin Valero (20 wins, 0 loss 20 Kos) of Venezuela. Aside from the dangerous Valero, there is also International Boxing Federation (IBF) ruler Gary St. Claire and World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Joan Guzman of Dominican Republic.
LEGITIMATE WBC WORLD CROWN
any attempt to place the 27-year old Pacquiao in the same pedestal as the much admired Gabriel "Flash" Elorde is still premature as Elorde, who hailed from Bogo, Cebu, strapped the legitimate WBC junior lightweight belt around his waist for seven long years spiked with 10 world title defenses against challengers from different countries.
Since winning the WBC junior lightweight belt from Harold Gomes of the United States on March 16, 1960 at the Araneta Coliseum on a schock 7th round disposal, Elorde repulsed the following challengers: — Gomes in a rematch on August 17, 1960 in San Francisco, California (1st round KO) – Joey Lopez on March 19, 1961 in Manila (15-roud decision) –Sergio Caprari on December 16, 1961 in Manila (1st round KO) –Auburn Copeland on June 23, 1962 in Manila (15-round decision) –Johnny Bizarro on February 16, 1963 in Manila (15-round decision) –Love Allotey on November 16, 1963 in Quezon City (11th round disqualification) –Teruo Kosaka on July 27, 1964 in Tokyo (12th round KO) –Teruo Kosaka (rematch) on June 5, 1965 in Quezon City (15th round KO) –Vicente Derado on October 22, 1966 in Quezon City (15-round decision)
FORCED TO RETIRE BY GAB
Elorde, who started boxing in 1951, lost his WBC crown to Yoshiaki Numata on June 15, 1967 on points after 15 rounds. He was finally forced to retire at age 34 by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) after absorbing a humiliating points defeat to newcomer Hiroyuki Mura-kami in Tokyo on May 20, 1971. After losing his title to Numata, Elorde was able to climb the ring 10 times more, losing four and winning six (3 by KO) of it. Elorde logged 115 professional fights. He won 88, lost 25 and had two draws.
ELORDE IS HALL OF FAMER
Aside from being enshrined in boxing’s Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York, Elorde also holds the distinction until today of being the greatest junior lightweight champion of all time followed by the legendary Nicaraguan Alexis Arguello.
In wearing the WBC "international" title, Pacquiao is "world champion" of boxers in the junior lightweight division that are rated from No. 11 to No. 20. His claim to fame is his proof that he is better than Morales, who, at 30, is already past his prime and is considered "over-the-hill". Pacquiao, according to my fellow boxing analyst Ed Tolentino, is still an "unfinished" masterpiece.
If he can beat Barrera on October 6, Guzman or Valero in a legitimate world title match, Pacquiao must defend the crown against different tough and acknowledged world rated challengers and duplicate if not eclipse the record in title defenses set by Elorde. Only then can we compare Pacman to Elorde, the greatest junior lightweight champion to ever walk on the planet second to none. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Perfectionista

Natawo sa mang-garanon nga pamilya si Betty. Sunod ro anang luho, nagatu-on sa maeahaeon ag pribadong kolehiyo. Guina sunod-sunod imaw ko anang yaya bisan siin mag adto. Halin man sa manggaranon nga pamilya ro anang ina ag ama, busa pirmeng owa sa Pilipinas tongod sa andang mga negosyo.
Bangud sa anang estado sa pagpangabuhi, nangin perfectionista si Betty. Bu-ot nana hay puro sadya-an ro anang palibot, gwapa ro anang yaya, mga maaeam ro anang kaatubang nga kaklase, mabuot ag manggaranon nga mga boyfriend ag amiga.
Sa anang opisina, bu-ot nana nga maga sunod ro tanan sa anang obsisyon, ag ro indi makasunod sa anang patakaran hay anang guina pahalin.
Isaeang adlaw, nakasub-eang si Betty it isaeang ka magueang nga naga pakalimos. Mahigko ro anang suksok, owa it tsinelas, nagalingo-lingo ro anang oeo ag kimpay ro anang alima. Guin punduhan nana ro magueang ag pahalinon sa kalye. Ro pobre nga magueang hay nag dungok eamang ag nagpaeayo. Pag-abot nana sa opisina, hakita nana ro anang guardiya nga naga pungko owa eagi imaw pagbuksi it puertahan. Nagdugang pa guid ro anang kaakig, ngani guin pahalin nana ratong guardiya.
Nakauli imaw nga mainit ro anang oeo. Guintawag nana ro anang yaya agod pahauman imaw it pagkaon. Sa pagdali-dali ko yaya, nasunog ro pagkaon. Sa anang kaakig, guin haboy nana ro pagkaon ag guin paukpan ro anang paboritong ayam nga naga katueog sa binit. Nagkagulo ro bilog nga baeay bangud sa anang kaakig.
Pagkaaga, sige ro anang singgit sa anang yaya, ogaling nagea-as nga owa nana masayuri. Owa man ro anang ayam kundi idto naga winarang sa kalye. Bu-ot nana mag paligos, ogaling owa it tubi ro gripo. Sa anang pag-ilis, owa it naga plantsa kana, ngani nag-adto imaw sa opisina nga yokot ro anang eambong.
Sa anang pagsueod sa opisina, hakita nana ratong magueang nga naga pakalimos. Bu-ot nana nga singgitan ro magueang ogaling owa it limog nga naga guwa sa anang baba. Bu-ot nana nga magtikang ogaling indi imaw maka hueag. Nalipong imaw ag pagbugtaw nana idto imaw sa ospital nga naka-dextrose eon ag manhid ro anang eawas. Nagpakita kana ratong magueang. Bangud owa kana it nagtatap, ratong magueang ro nagbantay kana. Mahaba ro anang toeog ko gabii ngaron. Pagbugtaw ni Betty, katoeog man rong magueang. Hakita nana ro mga pagkaon, de lata ag anang mga eambong. Naka batyag eon ro anang eawas ag maugan man ro anang pamatyag. Nag eaha imaw it pamahaw. Dayon nag eaba ag nag pamalantsa. Pagbalik nana sa anang kwarto, owa eon ro magueang. Nag uli imaw nga isaeahanon.
Naghimos imaw ag nag preparar agod mag-adto sa opisina. Eain eon ro anang pag-atubang sa mga empleyado. Nagbalik man ro anang yaya ag ayam kana.
Nagbalik man ro anang ama ag ina sa Pilipinas. Hakibot sanda sa pag bag-o ko andang onga. Malipayon sanda nga maaywan nanda ro andang negosyo sa mayad nga alima ko andang onga.
Halin kato, bukon eon it perfectionista si Betty. Kaantiguhan eon imaw mag-atubang sa mga maeaw-ay, may deperensya ag maskin bukon it maaeam.
Sa pangabuhi, malisud kon ikaw hay perfectionista. Bukon naton it buyot ro kauga-lingon nga paino-ino o pamatasan it iba. Eain-eain ro estado ko kada isaea nga indi naton masarangan nga pasun-don suno sa atong kabubut-on. Kon kaan-tiguhan kita magtan-aw sa kada isaea nga lipatan naton ro kakueangan nanda, maagum naton ro andang pagrespeto katon ag sa olihi, mapan-uhan naton nga indi eon naton sanda pagpiliton. "Unity in Diversity". /MP

ACC Elects Directors

Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino was elected member of the Board of Directors of the Aklan Catholic College (ACC) during its annual stockholders meeting held last week.
The administration and management of the Aklan Catholic College is vested in the board of ten directors elected by the stockholders from among themselves and shall serve for one year until their successors are elected and qualified.
Other officers elected are: Most Rev. Jose Romeo O. Lazo, Bishop of Kalibo, chairman; Fr. Frederick Malacas, Fr. Jose Gualberto Villasis, Fr. Paul Andrew Buenaventura S. Sayon, V, Msgr. Jose Dollete, Mrs. Manolita Q. Acevedo, Mr. Katipunan M. delos Reyes, Atty. Ricardo C. Ibarreta, and Fr. Reynold Corsino - members.
The new president of the Aklan Catholic College is Fr. Jose Gualberto Villasis, former rector of the Sto. Niño Seminary, Numancia. /MP

Kalibo PNP Jails Marijuana Drug Pusher

By Boy Ryan Zabal

INTENSIFIED ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN. The suspect, Jun Jun Santos (middle) during the drug raid by the Provincial Intelligence Special Operations Group (PISOG) and Kalibo PNP (ACMagno)

A 29-year drug pusher was arrested by joint elements of the Provincial Intelligence Special Operations Group (PISOG) and the Kalibo Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday morning August 27, 2007 in barangay Estancia–Tigayon boundary, Kalibo.
Police identified the suspect as Jun Jun Santos, of Brgy. Estancia, Kalibo for violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
During the raid, PISOG operatives seized from Santos’ hideout, 23 sachets of suspected marijuana, P100 bills marked money and two cell phones. Santos was collared in Brgy. Estancia by virtue of a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Sheila Martelino-Cortes.
Chief Insp. Aden Lagradante, group director of the 601st Provincial Mobile Group, said PISOG was reactivated by Senior Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. to intensify their campaign against illegal gambling and drug-related activities.
The raid was conducted following information on the rampant drug trade of Santos, mostly among students in the area.
Santos was detained at the Kalibo PNP lock-up cell. Appropriate charges were filed against him. /MP

Militants Commemorate Int’l Desaparecidos Day

By Boy Ryan Zabal

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Aklan joined the commemoration of the international day of desaparecidos recently.
Bayan-Aklan chairperson George Calaor said cases of disappearances continuously increase especially in the ranks of progressive and militant organizations.
"Our just and righteous demands for the basic right to life and equality under the Arroyo administration have now become a terrorist act. This is not just the rebirth of martial law but turning a ghost into monster," Calaor said in a statement.
Calaor stressed the militant group believes the Human Security Act of 2007 will worsen the scenario. The militant group believes the law provided a leeway for the Arroyo government to legalize their atrocities against those who continue to advance the people’s nationalist and democratic struggle.
"We are in great pain today as we think of how our comrades and loved ones are doing in the hands of Malacañang cohorts who pretend to be protectors of the people. But we must be brave - let us turn our grieving into strength to fight for the people’s cause," Calaor said.
Today, there are more than 200 victims of forced disappearances, including the abduction of militants Luisa Posa-Dominado and Nilo Abao-Arado on April 12 in Oton, Iloilo.
"The terror is felt everywhere that even here in Panay island, the wrath of the Arroyo administration has forcibly taken militant leaders from us and their loved ones," Calaor added. /MP

EDITORIAL - September 1, 2007 Issue

To Expand The Role of NGO’s?
Very Doubtful In Environmental Protection

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza said the involvement of non-government organizations, people’s organizations and local government units in protecting the environment and preserving the country’s natural resources will be expanded.
The new DENR chief spelled out and clearly signaled his thrust of strengthening and intensifying partnerships with NGOs and LGUS when he signed early this week agreements on environmental stewardships with the municipal government of Malay, the Island Green Foundation and Aklan Philippine National Police and a group of Guimaras residents.
"Another hallmark of my policy direction is devolution and decentralization," Atienza bragged, adding that "the DENR cannot hope to be everywhere and we have to build strong partnerships with local governments and local organizations and communities to carry out environmental protection in their areas."
The agreements in protecting the country’s natural heritage were signed during the opening ceremonies of the 16th ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment (ASOEN) meeting in Boracay at Malay, Aklan last week.
"I have chosen to sign the agreement before ASEAN senior officials on environment to inform our Southeast Asian neighbors of the direction the Philippines is taking on how it will handle the protection of the environment and restoration of what has been lost," Atienza said.
Under the agreement, the Malay municipal government will manage and protect the Malay Reforestation Project. The Island Green Foundation, led by Armando Davila, will develop and rehabilitate Boracay islands’ remaining forest by planting endemic forest tree species.
The agreement also deputizes the foundation to apprehend violators and file appropriate charges against offenders.
They are given the powers to prohibit illegal occupation, utilization and destruction of flora and fauna without DENR permit and to allow the co-existence of livelihood activities undertaken by the residents of the community along the project perimeter provided that the operations are not destructive.
In Guimaras, a group residents, represented by Glynn Maclang, will underake the protection and nurturing of a four-hectare mangrove area in Brgy. Getulio, Buenavista Guimaras. The group will maintain and protect the four-hectare mangrove area from further degradation due to the impact of strong sea waves. Aside from replanting, the group will also prohibit illegal occupation of the area, including extraction and destruction of mangrove stands.
The Aklan Police Provincial Office, led by Senior Supt. Benigno Durana, Jr. will undertake the planting, maintenance and protection of a two-hectare tree plantation located in Brgy. Naba-oy, Malay, Aklan.
Atienza said an important component of the agreement is law enforcement. "Enforcement is the key in protecting and managing the country’s environment and natural resources. We already have 43 laws directly pertaining to protection and management of our environment and natural heritage. All we have to do is enforce these laws," he said.
"The problems begin when we fail to implement these laws," Atienza added.
SINGAPORE EXPERIENCE
What? Mr. Atienza will involve NGO’s, GO’s and LGU’s and he will tell our Southeast Asian neighbors about it? Our Asian neighbors are just too polite to listen to Secretary Atienza’s good for nothing "hallmark…policy of devolution and decentralization."
Sec. Atienza, just implement the existing laws, rules and regulations without fear and favor. Forget that they are relatives, friends and or sons to extract obedience from them. With your pronouncements, the Singaporeans and the Malaysians will just smile with you.
Visit Singapore and with the lessons learn in there, do it in Boracay, Guimaras, Bohol, Cebu. Study Singapore’s transportation system where there is no policemen to enforce the law. Everybody obeys. Drivers maintain uniform speed and never blow their horns, no traffic violation.
Study her building code. There is no squatter. Study its sanitation, there is no garbage; there is no air pollution. Singapore is so spic and span, with all sides of the 4 – 6 lanes roads are occupied with green trees. On the road divider is underground drainage, and flowers and ornamental plants on the surface.
Sentosa, a small island which was used by the British in the 18th century as fortress to control pirates is now a high money earning tourists destination. Sentosa is an island, but it is accessible via cable cars, boats, cars and train.
Like Las Vegas, Sentosa is open 24 hours a day. The only difference, Las Vegas is situated in the dessert, Sentosa is on rolling hills covered with trees. One could go around the island in 30 minutes at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour. But wow! The attraction! There is the dolphin which cost US $2 million from Thailand, the Song of the Sea. By the year 2010, Sentosa will have its Integrated Resort consisting of five 5-star hotels, casino and a Universal City Studio.
There are several government officials who have been visiting Singapore. But they have not learned any lesson from the Singaporeans. Sec. Atienza, I will salute you as everybody will, after you have transformed Boracay even to the middle standard of Singapore as the world’s tourists destination. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Singapore: A Model Island City State

"Beauty may lie in the eyes of the beholder, but the truth is, the history of humanity has given rise to a diverse spectrum of views on what is considered beautiful."
What is beauty? People often describe beauty as lovely, gorgeous, superb, pretty and awesome.
Our early lovers of nature such as farmers, horticulturists and agronomists had elevated ideals that blend beauty with nature and spiritual heights from mother goddesses. Beauty is perceived usually by definition, but most people go far more as they describe a person, place or thing using terms like heavenly and ethereal. Does anybody who has visited heaven?
But people have a notion of divine ideal, of what heaven looks like, a divine ideal that reflects nature from plants, animals, birds, rivers, mountains, fishes and even men’s inventions such as vehicles, boats and buildings. It portrays beauty in human creation like paintings, music, drama, sculpture, music, dance and architecture.
My short visit to the City Island State of Singapore of five days (Aug. 20–24, 2007) enabled me to see what beauty is in Singapore. I have been to a limited number of countries in Asia, Europe and North America but what I saw in Singapore was a perfect beauty in terms of public governance, tourism management, environmental management and conservation, business, housing, transportation and other public utilities.

PURPOSE OF VISIT

Rencee, my loving wife, and I believed we have been working hard that we have to pause a little, give ourselves a break. So we decided to have a short vacation from our usual job, visited Singapore for pleasure and study. Since Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is about five hours by bus, we went to Kuala Lumpur and spent one day and one night in that city.
To me, my trip was to see, appreciate beauty, study and observe what they have in Singapore which maybe useful if adopted in the Philippines. And true for there are more good things I saw which are really applicable in the Philippines particularly in Aklan. I will share with you these beautiful ideas, practices and information which will really make Aklan, the beautiful if emulated.

POLICE ON THE ROAD

As far as police visibility is concerned, the Philippines is too far advanced than Singapore and Malaysia. Do you know why? Because we have hundreds of policemen in Aklan patrolling on the road. In Boracay, there are 100 policemen which according to Col. Benigno Durana, Jr. their number is not enough.
In Singapore, I never see any policeman. See? We are advanced. But be careful as Mr. Ferdie Ubanos told me, everybody’s action on the road is clearly monitored via hidden cameras installed all along the road sides and above.

ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING

Singapore has no toll plaza for road users but it has its ERP known as Electronic Road Pricing. All vehicles must be provided with this ERP gadget, installed in front of the driver. The application principle is similar to the celphone. One must load it so it can use the road network. The cost in the use of the road depends upon the frequency of road use which is registered thru a machine installed above the road once a vehicle passed.
Once the gadget has no more load, it rings and it is time to reload. To continue driving without reloading means a fine of $500 Singapore dollars or about US $340.00.
The drivers are very courteous. During my stay in Singapore, I never heard any driver blowing his horn. Drivers obey all traffic rules and signals. It is really beautiful to drive in Singapore.
Both sides of the roads are planted with trees. They are wide with ample markings, very plain, no potholes. The roads are all "one way" with road dividers either planted with ornamentals or trees. Under it is underground drainage, no flood. I did not see any tricycle in circulation. Wire thieves will not prosper in Singapore for all wires for electricity and telephones is underground. Cost of car registration varies. The older the vehicle, the higher the registration fee. Any traffic violation is registered in the surveillance cameras such as beating the red light. Penalty in cash will be sent to the culprits at the end of each month. Cancellation of driver’s license maybe meted.
What a beautiful place Singapore is for drivers. Please watch for the next issue for I will entertain you or enjoy with me with my visits to Singapore National Museum, Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Science Center, Sentosa, My Cable Car ride, Dolphin Lagoon, Sentosa 4D Magic, Songs of the Sea and Underwater World. /MP

Singapore and KL In 5 Days

By Ambrosio R. Villorente

At the Singapore Airport

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE with the author and wife, Rencee Villorente. (ARV photo)

To break the monotony of their lives in Aklan, Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente and Dr. Florencia F. Villorente traveled to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia. They spent one day and one night in KL and four days and three nights in Singapore.
Singapore is an Island City State formerly a colony of the British. It was included in the Federation of Malaya which later was granted independence. Sometime in the mid 1960’s Singapore severed from Malaysia and declared its own independence.
Compared with the Province of Aklan, Singapore is quite small. It is about 56 kilometers long and 27 kilometers wide. The area is about two thirds of Aklan populated by 4.20 million people including the 120,000 Filipino OCW’s. According to the taxi driver whom we rode with, it takes him no more than one hour to drive his taxi from end to end.
Though small, Singapore has wide roads planted with trees on both sides with shrubs interspersed with trees on the street islands, under which are sewers and drainage. I learned that most of the tree species were imported from the Philippines like Acacia, Mahogany, Gmelyna and Narra. Pedestrians walk along the beautifully constructed pedestrian lanes.
We went to some of their attractions such as the National Museum, Jurong Bird Park, National Science Center. There was neither police nor security guards in these establishments. We went to Sentosa, a very small island about one third the size of Boracay. However, it is fun filled 24 hours a day.
From the mainland Singapore, Sentosa is reached by cable cars and buses, train and boat. According to our tour guide, by 2010 Sentosa will have five new 5-star hotels, a Universal City Studio and Casino.
Once in Sentosa, taxis are available to go around the island to visit and watch several attractions. Bus rides are free from one attraction to the other such as the Songs of the Sea, a nightly extravaganza. I was mesmerized by the show that featured pyrothenics, water jets, brilliant lasers with captivating music with dramatic effects.
The Sentosa 4D Magix is a new state of the art technology. It put my heart in act. We watched the movie: "Pirates" which shook my seat. The Dolphin Lagoon is inhabited by six dolphins from Thailand which cost US $2 million. They are trained to amuse people. The Carlsbery Sky Tower is 131 meters above sea level. It is circular which provides spectacular views. The Underwater World portrays sharks, eels, stingrays and many other sea creatures via a moving travellator that ferries visitors through the 83 meter long acrylic tunnel as if into the depths of the ocean.
Sentosa is a model for people to emulate in the administration of tourism. Boracay tourism management system is so far away from Sentosa.
Six Hours To KL
We spent six hours traveling from Singapore to KL, Malaysia. Actually, five hours were spent for traveling and one hour for stop. We stopped at Singapore Immigration office for exit, stopped at Malaysia Immigration office for entry. No visa is required for 14 days stay in Singapore and 30 days stay in Malaysia.
It is estimated, KL is about 400 kilometers from Singapore. We passed by a beautifully asphalted road riding in a double deck bus. We were 19 passengers that enjoyed the luxury of the bus like TV, air con, very clean and with reclining seats all push buttons. The road is one way, three lanes. The other vehicles coming from the opposite direction pass on another road separated by lines of trees interspersed with flowers. Both sides of the roads grow trees.
From Singapore to Malaysia, there is no rice planted. The lands are fully planted with Oil Palm trees, some bananas and coconuts. There were poultry houses, cattle ranches. We saw some vegetables like gabi.
Only very few individual family houses are observed as the government has constructed multi-level condominium. Nobody crossed the highway throughout our journey.
My time with Rencee in KL was limited. We arrived at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon and left at 9:00 o’clock am the following day. We saw the Petronas Twin Towers but failed to ascend. The tickets that day were all out. We spent the rest of the day in a mall by the Twin Towers.
In going to the Hotel, we experienced heavy traffic due to the rain. While we spent 10 Ringgits from hotel to the twin towers, we spent 50 Ringgits in going back. We were back to Metro Manila at 5:00 pm, August 24 via PAL that flew the route for three and one hours at 34,000 feet high. /MP

Towering Statue: Monumental Tribute To Cardinal Sin

BY JUAN P. DAYANG

FILIPINOS will pay a great homage when a towering monument of Jaime L. Cardinal Sin, the late Archbishop of Manila, will be unveiled here on August 31, at public plaza of his birthplace, a coastal town called New Washington, in the province of Aklan.
Measuring 13.5 feet high with about 10-feet base, the statue was sculpted by the famous Castrillo brothers.
Commissioned by businessman-philanthropist Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, a long-time friend of Cardinal Sin, the statue will be fitting tribute to a man of cloth whose courage help restore democracy in the country.
Filipinos will recall that fateful day on February 22, 1986 when Cardinal Sin called for ‘people power’ that drove out then president Ferdinand E. Marcos, ending two decades of authoritarian rule and regaining a cherished freedom.
Inspired by the historic event, similar "people power" movements occurred in other countries, overthrowing unpopular regimes and enabling the people to reclaim their human rights.
It was that courage, which came not from bravery but from deep faith in God, that gained for Cardinal Sin the world’s admiration, Bishop Socrates B. Villegas of the Diocese of Balanga, Bataan, in his recent homily pointed out.
Earning plaudits, other religious leaders described Cardinal Sin as the contemporary "Prince of Peace," a "passionate protector" and the "inspiration to the fearful and tearful."
He was called The Cardinal, a giant figure in the history of the land, true champion of the poor, godfather of democracy, Fr. Sid Marinay noted in his book, The Happy Life of Sin, Seen From the Window of a Sinful Priest.
In recognition of Cardinal Sin’s role in the "people power" revolution, he was conferred prestigious awards.
Among these are: Human Rights and Law Award, International Human Rights Law Group, Washington, D.C., USA, May 13, 1986; The Bishop Carroll Dozier and Justice Award, Christian Brother’s College, Memphis, Tennessee, May 24, 1987; Outstanding Manilan, June 24, 1987; Philippine Legion of Honor, Degree of Chief Command, Republic of the Philippines, Mala-cañang Palace, President Corazon C. Aquino, April 3, 1992 and the Award from Gonzaga University highest award, Fr. Peter Desmet, S.J., Medal Spokane, Washington, USA.
Unknown to many, red is the late Cardinal’s favorite color and this explains the courage, the heroic gallant stand he showed in resisting the continued stay in power of the late strongman,
Like that of the Philippine flag, red is also the color of martyrs, says Villegas who worked closely with Cardinal Sin.
He stayed faithful to the red of his cardinalate with his courage. He was a courageous man and he inspired us to be courageous as well.
Cardinal Sin served the Archdiocese of Manila for 29 years, almost two generations. For many students, they have only known one cardinal, Cardinal Sin.
Villegas said that aside from courage, Cardinal Sin’s legacy was his compassion for the poor, the marginalized, the least, the last and the lost.
He recalled that in the last years of his life, Cardinal Sin experienced sufferings due to a debilitation ailment.
Villegas said, "I had advised him many times to stay at home because it was getting for me personally a very humiliating experience to go out in public, for him to be carried around, to be pushed in a chair and to be unable to stand."
But, Cardinal Sin always found his way into the events, into the Eucharist, into every celebration, even to rallies, Villegas noted.
He added "Why? Because for somebody who loves much, nothing is impossible. For somebody who loves much, there is no limit to what you can do because the greatest measure of love is to be loved without measure.
Composing the National Advisory Committee of the Jaime L. Cardinal Sin Monument Project are Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, honorary chairman; Antipolo Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, Kalibo Bishop Jose Romeo O. Lazo, Dr. Ramon L. Sin, Atty. Edmund R. Peralta and Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez.
With this writer, the members of the steering committee are: New Washington town mayor Edgar R. Peralta, vice mayor Jean T. Velarde, former Aklan Rep. Allen Salas Quimpo; Msgr. Adolfo P. Depra and Kalibo mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, president of League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Aklan.
The municipality of New Washington and the people of Aklan led by the newly-elected mayor Edgar R. Peralta, his brother former mayor Edmund R. Peralta, vice mayor Jean T. Tejada are spearheading the preparations for the unveiling and blessings.
The leadership of the provincial government of Aklan led by Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo with the support of Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores are also on top to ensure the success of the event. /MP

Pinay Beauty TopsMiss Teen Philippines USA 2008 Tilt

By Boy Ryan Zabal

A 17-year old senior student of Bergenfield High School won the most-coveted Miss Teen Philippines USA 2008 sponsored by the Philippine Hearts and Hopes Society, Inc (PHHOSO) in New York City held on August 11.
Lovely Tanglao of Sta. Cruz, Manila bested 11 other candidates in the 4th edition of the beauty and brain contest.
Fifteen year old Jem Karis Fabros of Banga, Aklan is this year’s Miss Teen Philippines Pearl Idol 2008 while 16-year old Ashley Almario of Kalibo, Aklan was declared Ms. Tourism 2008.
First runner up is 16-year old Erica Nadera of Yonkers, New York; Kai Mura Foraker, 14, of Waterbury, Connecticut is the second runner up; May Ann Flores, 15, of New York City, is the third runner up and Nina Sausa Fiske, 16, of Lenox Hill, New York is the fourth runner up.
PHHOSO’s chosen five winners received cash award, a free round trip ticket back to her home country, be an ambassador of charitable acts of her chosen community in the Philippines, a scholarship at a famous New York – base acting/modeling school and the rare opportunity to do modeling stints in New York and other cities in the USA, and the Philippines. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Romulus Ag Remus

Sa methologiya it Roma, bugana it mga estorya hanungod sa mga Diyos ag Diyosa. Tanan ro mga Diyos ag Diyosa hay naga estar sa bukid it Olympus. Sa ibabaw ko bukid, makikita ko mga Diyos ag Diyosa ro palibot nga kutob nasakupan ko kaharian it Olympus sa pagpamuno ni Haring Jupiter.
Isaea sa pinaka gwapong onga ni Jupiter hay imaw si Mars, ro Diyos it Giyera. Ma isog ag puerte kon maakig, ngani imaw ro gina padaea ni Haring Jupiter kon may away ro mga tawo nga gina apinan it mga Diyos ag Diyosa.
Sa isaeang ka kaharian nga guina pamunuan ni Reyna Vesta, (ro Reyna nga naga tatap ko sagrado nga kaeayo), nagbisita si Mars agod mangayo it sagrado nga kaeayo para sa isaeang ka giyera nga anang paga adtonan.
Ro sagrado nga kaeayo hay guina gwardyahan it mga "Vestal Virgin". Pitong ka mga Vestal Virgin ro naga bantay sa sagrado nga kaeayo ngato ag bawae kanda ro mag-asawa, maskin makipag sugilanon sa mga kaeaeakihan. Una sanda naga tener sa sueod kon siin una ro sagrado nga kaeayo.
Sa pagbisita ni Mars sa nasambit nga kaharian, hakita nana ro isaea sa mga Vestal Virgin ag nahueog ro anang buot kana. Rikara ro una nanda nga pagkita it sekreto, ag bangud may kinaadman ro hari, nag sige ro andang pagkita. Ko olihi, nagnabdos ro virgin. Sayod imaw nga paga patyon imaw kon masayuran ko palasyo o kon matukiban ro anang kahimtangan. Sekreto imaw nga nagpanaw, owa it nakasayod. Idto sa kagueangan, nag-onga imaw it kapid nga eaeaki ag guin pangaeanan nana kay Romulus ag Remus.
Agud malikaw imaw sa penalidad, guin abandonar nana ro daywang ka eapsag sa magka-eain nga lugar. Si Romulus hay hakita it nanay nga lobo ag si Remus hay hakita man it isaeang ka manggaranon. Nagbahoe sa lugar it mga hayop si Romulus.
Nabo-oe nana ro kasingkae it pamatasan ko mga lobo. Madasig imaw kon dumaeagan, ag maila nga malisod madakpan.
Samtang nagbahoe mat-a si Remus sa pinobre nga pangabuhi. Kapareho ko anang kakapid nga si Romulus, bu-ot nana nga makasamit it magarbo nga pangabuhi. Nag iba imaw sa grupo it mga mananambang nga naga abang ko mga karabana sa disyerto.
Makataliwan ro mga dinag-on, si Romulus hay nag adto sa siyudad agud magpasimpaead. May guin buligan imaw nga isaeang ka negosyante ag guindaea imaw sa lugar it negos-yante. Nangin bantay imaw sa mga kargamento ag nabantayan nana it husto tongod maabtik ro anang mga mata ag madasig kon magdaeagan.
Sige ro pagtiyog it kalibutan ag sa isaeang ka engkwentro, nagkita ro daywa ogaling owa magkakilaea. Tongod puro may handum sa kinabuhi ro kada isaea kanda, owa it may nagpatutos, nga ko olihi hapatay si Remus. Ko olihi, nangin haeambaeon ro pangaean ni Romulus, guin kilaea ro maisog nga soldado, ag guin taw-an it mataas nga posisyon sa kaharian. Sa anang kaabtik guin pundar nana ro Roma ko 753 parabil natawo si Kristo. Ro pangaean nga Roma hay halin sa pangaean ni Romulus. /MP

University Prof Decries Inhuman’ Ordeal In CPA

I was "made to starve", he decried. "I suffered of shabby treatment by personnel of the Cebu Pacific Air (CPA) while waiting after my early morning flight from Manila to Iloilo was cancelled" without his knowledge last July 29, 2007, Dr. Efrain Francis G. Encanto, professor of the University of San Agustin (USA), Iloilo City blasted the airline management in a strongly-worded letter to Lance Gokongwei, the airline’s chief executive officer, dated August 10, 2007.
"This is a letter of complaint regarding the inhumane, negligent and incompetent management of your airline, Cebu Pacific Air (CPA), and it staff, particularly during the cancelled 5:15 AM flight of 19 July 2007 or Flight 5J451 from Manila to Iloilo ," Encanto fired in his letter.
Encanto, newly elected president of the University of San Agustin Employees Union-Federation of Free Workers (USAEU-FFW), said the airline’s check-in agent, Marisol Bautista, only informed him that his flight had been cancelled when he checked-in at 2:30 am and that he and the other passengers in the 5:15 am flight would be transferred to another flight scheduled at 8:25 am.
"I inquired why I was not informed in advance of the said cancellation and Miss Bautista said that the cancellation was just announced at 2:30 am, upon my arrival at the check-in counter," narrated Encanto.
"With this," he added, "I asked her what I am supposed to do until 8:25 am since it was only 2:30 am. She suggested that I could just take my seat inside the pre-departure area and maybe sleep in one of the chairs.
Encanto said he checked-in for flight leaving Manila at 8:25 am and entered the pre-departure area "having no choice."
Inside, Encanto said he proceeded to the Passenger Assistance Counter and asked for the station manager, Christina Juanillo, but overheard her on the radio muttering something and met him only after 30 minutes.

SIGNING OF CONTRACT

"I made it clear to her that the reason I booked the 5:15 am flight was because I had a pressing business meeting, a signing of a 5-year lease contract on the building that I manage, between 8-9 am that same morning," Encanto wrote. "I insisted that I must be at Iloilo before 7:00 am. She promised to find a way for me to be able to meet my client that morning."
But at 4:40 am, Encanto said Juanillo and Bautista informed him they were not able to avail a seat at either Philippine Airlines or Air Philippines.
"I made her (Juanillo) realized that her irresponsible actions could cause the non-signing of our business contract and would mean not only the loss of a 5-year lease but also the loss of my integrity from my client for not arriving on time of a scheduled appointment," Encanto added.
He also complained to Emerson Bandoma, assistant station manager, who approached him that he was not properly informed of the cancellation of his flight and that the airline should have prepared a contingency plan for passengers who were not informed.
Bandoma came back at 7 am to give him a certification that he was one of the passengers in the cancelled flight.
A certain Marty B. Marty of Customer Service met him in the exit door of the pre-departure area and apologized in behalf of the company, he said.
"However, I informed him that the phrase ‘I am sorry, sir’ is the most abused phrased in Cebu Pacific Air. Further, I called his attention on the matter that the Customer Service office of Cebu Pacific Air is a useless office since check-in operations start at 2:00 am but their office opens at 6:00 am. Passengers in the early morning flight have nowhere to go in case of problems."

DELAYED FLIGHT

To add insult, Encanto said the indicated boarding time of a flight leaving at 8:22 am was at 7:55 am. "However, we were made to board at 8:25 am and the plane’s actual departure was at 9:20 am.
He added: "Upon boarding the aircraft, I immediately requested the chief flight stewardess, a certain Jen, that I be served breakfast since I was made to starve since 2:30 am by Cebu Pacific Air. I took my seat and after a while, a lady ground crew came over to inform me that my breakfast will be served in Iloilo Airport upon arrival."
"I informed the ground crew that it would be another hour of waiting. I also suggested that they could get access to food at the pre-departure area canteen. She left without saying a word and no food was ever served."
Encanto decried that the plane took off "after 45 minutes of waiting."
When he requested from Jen a glass of water and a teaspoon of sugar, he was allegedly told that there was none.
"I explained to her that I am a diabetic person and Cebu Pacific Air had starved me since 2:30 am wherein nothing was ever served to me while waiting for the 8:25 am flight," Encanto explained. "She explained to me that her refusal was done upon ground instructions of not serving food since we, of Flight 5J451, were properly informed of the flight cancellation. Yet, she subsequently admitted that they were informed of the cancellation the night before."
He said while talking to Jen, "two other flight stewardesses were pulling the tray of food to be sold to the passengers. I reminded Jen that I was never informed of the said cancellation and was not even offered any food to take while waiting for Flight 5J453 or the 8:25 am flight."

NO FIRST AID KIT

Encanto said he inquired from Jen if the aircraft had a first-aid kit or equipment to assist any passengers with emergency situations. "She informed me that the aircraft was not equipped with any first-aid equipment and that they were not trained to deliver first-aid, rather, they were to only assist passengers," he wrote.
Encanto said he told Jen that his request for breakfast "was not only for me but was also made in behalf of the other passengers of the cancelled flight."
He said, he expressed to the flight attendant his "suspicion that Flight 5J451 and Flight 5J453 may have had less than half of the seating capacity for passengers combined that the airline decided to cancel flight 5J451 and place its passengers in the 8:25AM flight to save on cost."
After 15 minutes, the flight crew came back to him, he said, and informed him that the Captain of the aircraft "would like to see me upon landing at the Iloilo Airport ."
When the plane landed, Encanto said he was the last passenger to get off the plane and the flight attendant "gave me a sign to enter the cockpit where the Captain was waiting."
He asked the Captain, he said, that he would talk to him at the Iloilo station manager’s office after which a ground crew gave him a breakfast in a Styrofoam box and a bottle of water.
Encanto concluded: "I proceeded to the office of Miss Rosalie Gamutan, the Iloilo station manager, and waited for her for another 30 minutes. I narrated to her my ordeal since 2:30 am. After our discussion, I asked why the Captain of the aircraft had not shown up. She promised that she would be responsible of informing the Captain of what transpired during the discussion. I reached home at 12:30 pm."
INVESTIGATION
When sought for comment, Cebu Pacific Air Corporate Communications Manager RG Orense said they were still verifying the facts in the allegations made by Encanto as they just received the complaint-letter.
"We are still investigating and checking the details and we will issue a statement after we have done with our investigation," vowed Orense . /MP

Business

"Your Franchise Store in the Countryside"
Bread & Butter

BY JET RAMOS-CRUZ/ENTREPRENEUR

Bread & Butter main store, Kalibo, Aklan

The Entrepreneur Magazine recently named the Bread & Butter Bakeshop as one of the Best in Franchising Support for providing their franchisees with continuous training, marketing assistance and pre-opening and on-going support as well as their fidelity to their obligations in the franchise agreement.
Aside from Bread & Butter Bakeshop, other awardees were 7-Eleven Convenience Store, Aqua-best, Figard, Gloria Jeans Coffee, Lots’ A Pizza, Red Ribbon, Save ‘N Learn, The Tea Square Natural Iced Teas and Toby’s Sports.
In the island of Panay, a bakeshop that had its beginnings in Kalibo, Aklan, over 20 years ago has grown into major franchising operation for bakery and other food products.
The Bread and Butter Bakeshop franchise, which is owned and operated by the Iloilo City-based Baker’s Dream Franchise Corporation, now has a total of 26 stores in Aklan as well as in the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz and Antique.
Eighteen of the stores are franchised and the other eight are company-owned, and the company looks forward to opening more franchised outlets in the years ahead.
The company has successfully positioned itself as the leading provider of high-quality but affordable bakery and other food products for families in the Panay countryside.
"We offer only clean and freshly baked bread, cakes, pastries and delicacies," says the company’s president, Guidon dela Cruz.
"The pricing and positioning of our products appeal to the large lower-income market in Panay that’s not served by the large national bakery chains."
Another major reason for the success of Bread & Butter bakeshops, dela Cruz says, is that they offer several traditional baked products in portions that make them highly suitable as pasalubong (take-home presents) to family members.
Word of mouth was primarily responsible for the brand’s popularity, he says, but the company further built brand awareness through continuing publicity and advertising in local radio, television, and print media outlets with "Your Family Bakeshop for Seasons" as theme.
Its reputation for quality and its franchising performance has led to its being adjudged as the "Most Outstanding Bakeshop for the Visayas (2005)" in the Philippine Marketing Excellence Awards in August 2006.
Bread & Butter Bakeshop offers two full-store packages to prospective business partners: a small-store package for a store area of less than 70 square meters, and a big-store package for a store area of more than 70 sq.m.
An initial investment of P700,000 to P1 million is required to cover the equipment and set-up costs, the training of bakeshop personnel and the initial operating costs.The payback period for the initial investment in the store is 18 to 24 months on the average.
"To help our franchisees increase their sales, we invested in a modern central bakery commissary that provides finished products to all Bread & Butter Bakeshop stores," says dela Cruz.
"We likewise created a system to extend marketing, administrative, and accounting know-how to franchisees."
He said, that "the company’s franchise expansion program is anchored on detailed and market-oriented planning, continuing innovation, strong support systems for all of its stores, and effective human resource development program. There are still plenty of growth opportunities in market segments and geographical areas that the company has not yet tapped," so Guidon is confident that Bread & Butter Bakeshop can further increase its franchised stores in the next several years.
He expects most of the new franchisees to come from the growing number of overseas foreign workers, early retirees, and young professionals who are seeking new and affordable business opportunities.
"We will continue to focus on the advantages of investing in the Bread & Butter Bakeshop franchise on the strength of our brand, product lines, plant and equipment, skills training and marketing," he said. /MP

Igoy Is New PCL Aklan President

Atty. Wilbert Ariel Igoy was elected president of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Aklan chapter on Friday, August 17.
Igoy, a Malinao town Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member, had assumed the ex-officio role in the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) since July 11, 2007 after PCL national president and now Mandaue City councilor Carlo Pontico-Fortuna confirmed his appointment as interim PCL Aklan president.
In an election held at the Gov. Corazon Legaspi Tourism and Training Center, Brgy. New Buswang, Kalibo, the 136-strong PCL from Aklan’s 17 municipalities elected Igoy unopposed.
Kalibo councilor Gregorio Malapad, Jr is elected as executive vice president. Other officers are SB members Jairus Salazar of Batan (vice president-east), Plaridel Solidum of Ibajay (vice president-west), Basilides Tabernilla of Makato (secretary general), Aizel Villorente of Libacao (deputy secretary general), Lilian Tirol of Kalibo (treasurer), Jay Tejada of Tangalan (press relations officer), Jesus Quimpo of New Washington (auditor) and Josel Rata of Banga (business manager).
Igoy, chairs the Aklan SP Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability. The elected PCL president is supported by local party coalition Tibyog Akean headed by Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez and Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores. /MP

Aklanon Wins KBP Award For Guitars News Feature

BY Venus G. Villanueva

For co-producing a radio news feature titled "Cebu Guitars" at a seminar-workshop she attended in Cebu City last year, Sally Villasis, radio program coordinator of radio station DYMT of the Aklan State University (ASU), Banga Campus was adjudged first prize winner in the Radio News Feature Awards. She shared the award with her co-producer, Patty Tolentino of DZRH, Manila Broadcasting Company.
The award was given to the winners during the Kapisanan ng Mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) General Membership meeting held on August 16 at the Dusit Hotel in Makati City.
Villasis and Tolentino shared the cash prize of P25,000, part of a grant from Free Voice of the Netherlands.
"The award is given to encourage radio broadcasters to take a more conscious effort to help radio audience better understand what is happening in the community through feature stories that are informative and interesting", KBP President Butch Canoy told Villasis in his letter to inform her of the award.
According to Villasis, the Radio News Feature Seminar Workshop she attended in Cebu was held in September 2006, jointly sponsored by the KBP and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ).
Her attendance to the Cebu seminar was recommended by Aklan KBP Chairman and IBC-DYRG Station Manager Augusto C. Tolentino, himself a recipient of various awards from the KBP.
DYMT is a community radio station which started operating in 1993. Dr. Ana Mae Relingo is its current station manager, with the full operation support of ASU President Dr. Benny Palma.
Villasis is an active member of the Aklan Public Information Officers Association (APIOA) and the associations’s incoming Vice President. /MP