COMMENT ON THE BLOG

“CT Scan Paga Inagurahan”:

I am very glad to know that Aklan has finally decided to get its first CT scan. There should be no reason for a civilized society to be denied access to this technology that is very essential and critical in diagnosing many life threatening diseases.
My guess is that the fee for the technical component (taking the images) for this test is free since it is owned by the provincial hospital. How about the professional component or the interpretation of the test? Are the patients going to be under the mercy of the radiologists from out of town or are they going to be subsidized by the government? Since it is expensive to use this test, are there criteria on who gets it? Is it going to be based on “medical need”, or based on one’s political affiliation, connection or status in the community?
Without knowing the answer to these questions, the supposedly good news will be met with a lot of skepticism. My suggestion is to send our local doctors to Manila to train how to interpret CT scan examinations. Since it is “hooked up in the internet”, I assume it can be accessed by other doctors anywhere in the world who are given a password.
My other suggestion is to ask Aklanons who are practicing in the states who are qualified to interpret specific CT Scan examinations, such as Radiologists, Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, Gastroenterologists, etc., for second opinions on difficult cases. I am certain that they would be willing to donate their time to serve their fellow Aklanons. The test is as good as the one who is reading it.
Even the well trained Specialists need second opinion, more than a few times.
Barok

(Editor: The schedule of payment in the use of CT Scan is stated in Provincial Ordinance No. 2008-003 published on April 20–27 and May 4, 2008 issue of Madyaas Pen. DRSTMH has sent to training physicians to interpret results. At present, Dr. Douglas Budok, a known radiologist is a consultant based in Iloilo City. The provincial government of Aklan is inviting one physician, a diplomate in radiology to go to Kalibo. She is now with St. Lukes Hospital, Quezon City. The use of CT Scan is principally based on medical needs.
Aklanons abroad who are highly qualified to interpret CT Scan results are certainly welcome to assist.) /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Si Liloy Ag Rong Alilang Ayam

May nagahambae nga mas mayad pa ro ayam nga amigo, ko amigong tawo. Naga bantay sanda kimo sa baeay ag owa naga traidor. Sandang ayam hay naga unong kimo sa tanan nga oras.
May hapueot nga tiyo si Liloy. Naga kurog sa kaeamig ag sa kagutom. Anang guin oba ro anang eambong agod puston ro tiyo. Pagkatapos nana it libod ko anang dyaryo, guin uli nana ro tiyo. Anang guin pakaon it mainit nga noodles hasta naulian. Kada agahon, guina daea nana ro tiyo sa paghatod it dyaryo sakay sa anang bisekleta. Anang guin pangaeanan nga si Bitik.
Sabado, owa it klase, nag-adto sanda sa baybay agod maghampang. Sa andang pagpanaw, may hapueot sanda nga sigay sa baybayon. Andang guin uli ag isueod sa garapon nga may mga bosoe nga hapueot nana sa karsadahon. Dayon nagpahuway.
Samtang naga katoeog ro daywa, may tumugpa nga “spaceship” maeapit sa andang baeay. Halin sa ibang planeta ro spaceship ag may guina usoy nga sigay nga nawigit kuno ko andang prinsesa sa anang pag hinampang. Paagi sa andang monitor, hatunton nanda kon siin ro sigay.
Nag eahay si Bitik. Hakibot ro mga “Aliens.” Indi sanda makasueod sa baeay ni Liloy. Nagpanaw anay sanda. Nagtubo man ratong bosoe ag nangin baeagon nga guin palibutan ro baeay. Tongod karon, indi makasueod maskinsin-o. Nagbunga dayon dayang baeagon ag nangin pagkaon nanday Liloy. Ko ulihi, si Bitik ro guin sugo ni Liloy sa paghatod it mga dyaryo ag ro bayad hay guina butang sa puyo nga naga kabit sa anang li-og.
Bumalik eon man ro mga alien, daea ro mas pwersado nga gamit ag saeakyan. Ogaling hakibot sanda kat makita nga guina libutan it baeagon ro baeay. Guin pabombahan it kaeayo ro baeay ni Liloy, ogaling may tumunga nga robot nga may mas pwersado nga armas. Guin paarakan sanda it bala ag nag paeagiw ro mga alien. Owa eon sanda magbalik.
Ratong robot hay owa it iba kundi si Bitik. Guin padaea imaw halin sa planetary Rox ay sayod sanda ko plano it mga alien nga sakupon ro planetang Earth. Guin saburan nanda it sigay agod mangin giya kon siin sanda matugpa. Pag kasayod ko planetang Rox, guin padaea nanda si Bitik nga isaeang ka ayam agod magbantay sa pag-abot ko mga taga planetang X-Zur. Guin sunog nanday Liloy ratong mga sigay agod indi eon magamit.
Umpisa kato, nangin taga-bantay nanda si Bitik. Naga anyong robot eamang imaw kon indi nana makaya ro kaaway.
Kat matawhay eon sa lugar ni Liloy hay nag eaong nga magbalik si Bitik idto sa andang planetang Rox. Nakapag-asawa man si Liloy it isaeang ka mabuot nga asawa ag may daywa eon sandang mga onga.
Kon hidlawon si Liloy sa anang amigong si Bitik, idto nana guina tangda-a sa eangit ro itsura ni Bitik kaibahan ko mga Bituon nga naga hibayag kana. /MP

NEWS PICTORIALS

Picture above shows participants of the 1st Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo Media Bowling Cup during the opening program in the afternoon, May 8 at the Q-Zone Bowling Center, Estancia, Kalibo.

The participants come from all media outfits in Kalibo. Picture at right are Vice Gov. Calizo, Megs Lunn and SM Gus Tolentino, chairman, KBP Aklan Chapter delivering his message.

Picture shows Jaime I. Bautista, PAL President & Chief Executive Officer answering questions from the media during the presscon on May 5. With him are Henry So Uy, (left) Executive Vice Pres. and Capt. Eriberto Medina, President, Air Phils.

PAL donated 8 fire protection gears to the Bureau of Fire Protection - Caticlan as picture above shows.

Atty. Diego M. Luces is shown with Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo and Undersecretary Gil (center) during the luncheon party tendered by PAL during the PAL Express Inaugural Flight in Caticlan.

NEWS PICTORIALS

The Aklan Press Club officers and members participating in the civic parade during the 52nd Aklan Day celebration on Friday, April 25.

Picture shows Dr. Douglas B. Budok, a Radiology consultant of the DRSTMH explaining the operation and main-tenance of CT Scan during its inauguration in the afternoon, April 24, 2008.

Kapehan Sa Aklan featured in its every Saturday program on April 26, 2008 the Outstanding Aklanons who were honored in a fitting award ceremonies in the evening of Friday, April 25, 2008 at Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex, Kalibo, Aklan. They are ( l to r) Dr. Peter M. Ureta, PhD for engineering; Hon. Wenceslao Enero Ibabao, RTC Judge, Davao City for Judiciary; Atty. Florentino Mabasa, Jr., Vice President, PLDT for corporate law practice; Ms. Philomena Tesorero-Valencia of DTI-Aklan.

EDITORIAL - MAY 3, 2008

Roxas Calls For 10-Year
Food Security Plan

“The Food Summit should have been convened long before the DA’s admonition for the people to start eating brown rice or half-a-cup of rice. The government was obviously caught flat-footed by the shooting up of rice prices in the world market and we now see an adrenaline rush among executives to come up with abrupt measures.

“We must now convert the current crisis into a genuine opportunity for agricultural reforms. What we need is a ten-year food security plan done quietly but competently in consultation with experts and stakeholders, attuned with global trends and realities but with very clear domestic targets and a realistic to-do list. Otherwise, we will continue to muddle our way through a global regime of soaring food prices. The well-meaning recommendations of different groups during the one-day Summit can be integrated into this ten-year plan.

“A ten-year food security plan must be done soup-to-nuts style, meaning from seed distribution to market access and with social programs to help farmers in between cycles. It must identify the number of driers that the DA will purchase for our farmers per municipality to prevent spoilage and wastage. It also must include a nationwide irrigation plan and funds for Research and Development attuned to specific rice productivity targets for the next ten years. It should include a detailed plan for other non-agricultural food sectors as well.

“We must also consider the fiscal sustainability factor as we are confronted with a humongous rice import bill for the coming months alone. I reiterate my call on the President to convene the LEDAC so we can reach a consensus on interim and long-term solutions to the current food crisis and its impact on our country’s fiscal and economic situation.

“As to public accountability, let’s start with the government’s rice importation program. How much in totality are our rice imports? When were they negotiated, for how much per metric ton, and when will these rice imports actually arrive in Manila? The release of such information is the best assurance to our people that indeed there will be adequate supply of rice in the country for the coming months. I ask the DA and DBM to present this bill of particulars to the people as a sign of their commitment to transparency and accountability in the use of agriculture funds.”

In Southeast Asia, Thailand leads in the Formation of Organization of Rice Exporting Countries (OREC) joined by Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Burma. This is actually a rice cartel designed to dictate uniform price of rice in the world market. Where will the Philippines go? Form the Organization of Rice Importing Countries (ORIC)? The Philippines may be alone.

It is hard to believe that the Philippines is experiencing rice shortage when the International Rice Research Institute and the premier agricultural college, the UP at Los Baños are situated in the Philippines. This is a model of a country where the teachers are excellent but her people are poor implementors. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

14 Outstanding Aklanons Come From 6 Towns

The provincial government of Aklan, during its 52nd Aklan Day celebration, honored 14 Aklanons as outstanding in their respective chosen professions. Of the 14, some six (6) of them or 43 percent are Numanciahanons. The six are the late Judge Maria Carillo Zaldivar, Judge Wenceslao Enero Ibabao, Ms. Ruth Tagala Palmani, Engr. Ernesto I. Templonuevo, Dr. Peter M. Ureta, and PSupt. William Solano Macavinta.

If Ms. Mary Jane Pajarillo – Tupaz whose husband is Mr. Noli Tupaz of Bulwang, Numancia is counted as a Numancia-hanon, then the number will increase from six to seven (7). This will make 50 percent of the Numan-ciahanons who comprised the year 2008 harvest of Outstanding Aklanons. But I will count Ms. Tupaz as coming from Puis, New Washington.

Going over the list of Outstanding Aklanons of 2008, the 14 are distributed by municipalities as follows: Numancia – 6 or 43 percent; Kalibo – four (4) or 28.5 percent; and Libacao, New Washington, Altavas and Banga has one (1) or 7.13 percent each. The most outstanding Aklanons of 2008 came from only six (6) towns of Aklan.

Eat Camote

Ms. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has advocated for the eating of camote. Why not? Let the people eat camote, tapioca and “saba” banana. Saba banana is rich in phosphorus, good for the body.

Camote is easy to propagate and to produce. It is a vine which can crawl on the ground thereby serving as cover crop that prevents soil erosion. It does not need too much irrigation water.

Camote leaves or tops are used as vegetables, like salad. The tubers are rich of vitamins and carbohydrates. Why, let us eat camote. It is best for the body and excellent substitute for rice. Let Malacañang lead in the consumption of camote.

In the late 1960’s, former president Ferdinand E. Marcos; the late DANR Sec. Arturo Tanco and DANR Undersecretary JD Drilon cajoled the Filipinos to eat sweet potato, cassava and saba banana to supplement rice. They showed to the people that eating root crops and saba–banana is good for the health, minimizes consumption of rice and it adds income of the marginalized Filipinos.

7 Outstanding Aklanons Are Gov’t . Officials

Going over the records of the 14 Outstanding Aklanons of 2008, it shows seven (7) of them or 50 percent are government officials. This reveals Aklanons are still employment driven. Government job means service to the people. No matter of what quality and quantity of performance a government official produces, he gets rewarded by his monthly salary. He performs bad, he performs well, he is paid.

In business, an entrepreneur gets all the profit, when he performs bad, he assumes all the losses. But he is a poor businessman if he lost all the time. It is time to think business as a way of life. It is in the entrepreneurs that Filipinos can get out of the below the poverty level. Let Filipinos manage their own business, the economy and not entrust it to foreigners.

Further, the records of the 14 show, no one is recognized for his efforts to produce food. Are we not experiencing food crisis today? The reason is simple. We have entrusted food production to our lesser competent countrymen. Our farmers must be of the best and the brightest. He must be of the best of health to withstand the rigors of the weather in the management of his crops either in livestock or plant. It is time to cajole the youth with the best of health and the best and the brightest to engage in food production.

One 2008 outstanding Aklanon, Raymundo Dela Cruz Cawaling on fishery was recognized. However, his achievements were on government fishery laws enforcement, planning assistance to get a grant from foreign government and volunteer service abroad. He was neither engaged directly nor cited in food production, specifically fish.

It is time to recognize productive farmers who contribute to food generation and less of food consumption. /MP

Aklan Honors 14 Outstanding Citizens

As one of the highlights of the 52nd Aklan Day celebration, the provincial government of Aklan recognized 14 of its citizens as outstanding in 14 different fields of endeavors. Madyaas Pen will published who are they with their respective fields in three parts:

Ms. Ruth Tagala Palmani started her career as a broadcast journalist in 1964 when she was only 15 years old (the youngest broadcaster Aklan ever produced). As a fourth year high school student, she started first at DYKR and later at DYRG with the following positions: Staff announcer, Chief Announcer and Director of Live shows.

In Queensland, Australia she presented the Filipino Program at 4EB from 1991 – 2005 and ACCESS Service Inc. from 1997 – 2004. She interviewed politicians and prominent leaders in Brisbane and Logan along with her husband Jim who was the Convenor and son Rino who did the panel operation and program presentation. She was the Editor of Ang Batingaw (The Bell) Newsletter of the Filipino Community Council of Queensland, Multicultural News, newsletter of Logan City Multicultural Neighborhood Centre and RIPPLES newsletter; editor/consultant of Living and Working in Logan (Resource Booklet) of Ethnic Communities Council of Logan; founding editor of Ang Binhi (The Seed) newsletter of Filipino-Australian Chaplaincy of Brisbane.

Mrs. Palmani is a recipient of several prestigious awards. In 2007 she was awarded as One of the Ten Outstanding Women of Australia by the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcast Council of Australia. She was conferred the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in Multiculturalism particularly in service to the Filipino community in Queensland and included in the Queen’s Honour List Awarded by Queen Elizabeth of England (the highest award any Australian can get from the Queen) through Governor General Michael Jeffrey of Australia. This 2008 she will be awarded as Who’s Who of Australian Women by Crown Content of Australia and her biography to be included in the book of outstanding Australian women.

Mrs. Palmani is a native of Joyao-Joyao, Numancia, Aklan and married to Mr. Jim Palmani. Presently, she is residing in Australia.

Dr. Peter M. Ureta is a registered Civil Engineer/Structural Engineer graduate at Mapua Institute of Technology in 1966. He finished his Master of Science in Management Engineering at Adamson University in 1986. He also took Postgraduate Research Fellowship in Industrial Engineering at the Ohio State University, USA in 1995, and graduated his Doctor of Philosophy in Management at Adamson University in 1998. He is likewise an APEC engineer and ASEAN engineer.

Dr. Ureta participated in technical training and trips abroad. He is a member of the CHED Benchmarking Team for Study Mission on Curricular Equivalency, Policies, Standards of Priority Discipline in Australia on March 22-24, 2004 and in Japan on December 3 – 7, 2003. He is also a member of the Philippine Delegation for APEC Engineer Register Workshop and 4th Engineer Coordinating Committee Meeting in New Zealand on June 10-15, 2003. He had also visited in line with his profession Thailand, Taiwan, Germany, Malaysia, Cyprus, Singapore, and Ohio and Indiana USA.

Presently, he is the Dean of the School of Engineering of the Lyceum Institute of Technology. He is also a University Consultant for Academic Affairs of the Adamson University; a Civil/Structural Engineer-Partner of P.M. Ureta and Associates; an Accreditor of Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities or PAASCU; a CE Program Specialist of Centers of Excellence & Centers of Development (COE/COD) for Engineering Education and Panel for Engineering, Technology and Architecture, Commission on Higher Education (TPETA, CHED); a National Assessor of Institutional Monitoring and Evaluation for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (IQUAME), CHED; a Specialist, Chairman of CHED University Assessment Team; a Specialist, member of CHED NCR Quality Assessment Team (QAT); and an Evaluator of Peer Process Evaluation (PEP), FEED. Engr. Ureta was Dean of Garcia College of Technology from May 1969 to May 1973 and Executive Vice President from June 1972 to May 1973.

Dr. Ureta is a member of various Professional Organizations in the National Level and served as Chairman in some of these organizations. He is also a recipient of various prestigious awards and a structure designer/manager of many projects.

PSupt. William S. Macavinta was born on January 13, 1964 to spouses Rosendo Jimenez Macavinta (Deceased) and Favelonia Macavinta Constantino of Laguinbanua East, Numancia, Aklan. He is married to Anna Maria Altarios-Macavinta. They have two children Yana Marie and Adrian Macavinta.

He was assigned in our province of Aklan as Provincial Director of the Philippine National Police for almost 2 years. He is now the Chief of Police of Caloocan City.

Col. Macavinta graduated elementary education in Laguin-banua Elementary School. He finished high school from Aklan College and his tertiary education was from the Philippine College of Criminology with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Criminology. He continued his higher education in Philippine National Police Academy, with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Public Safety, and his Bachelor of Laws at Far Eastern University. He also graduated in Master in Public Administration at Manuel L. Quezon University. Presently, he is pursuing his Doctor in Public Administration in the same school.

As a productive and hardworking Philippine National Police officer, he has been receiving more awards and commen-dations in serving people in various capacities more than equal to the task of the position he is occupying in the service and some of them are the Medalya ng Kagalingan, Medalya ng Kasanayan, Medalya ng Papuri, Outstanding Policeman of Valen-zuela and Outstanding Lakan of PNPA.

On August 13, 1939, Ernesto Irao Templonuevo was born at Bulwang, Numancia, Aklan to parents Jose Peralta Templonuevo, Sr. and Esperanza Roldan Irao. He is married with five (5) children namely: Jeserel, Jose Jay, Jozyl Isidore, Jona Marie Grace, and Jan Ernest Patrick. He is a loving husband, a devoted father, and an inspiration to his nine grandchildren.

Ernesto Irao Templonuevo is a three-termer Mayor of Numancia, Aklan. During his term as Mayor, Numancia was persistent in addressing problems on Solid Waste Management that bestowed the honor to Numancia as the cleanest and greenest municipality in Aklan for three consecutive years since 2005. His advocacy for a clean, healthy, and life-conducive environment saving our dying mother earth started in 2005, when he began to explore available viable technology to address the solid waste management problem of the municipality. The wonderful promise of the technology in vermi composting and vermi-culture gained his interest. His passion had grown tremendously when he attended the international and national trainings, workshops, and symposia on vermi culture. The reason of acceptability and viability of Vermicast Organic Fertilizer, the Local Government of Numancia thru his initiative had chosen vermin product as ONE TOWN ONE PRODUCT in compliance with the program of the Department of Trade and Industry.

With his interest and love for farming, he put up the EI EARTHWORM FARM in Bulwang, Numancia, Aklan. The farm produces three types of organic fertilizer as he developed and formulated which has been tested by the Bureau of Soils and recommended its use to the farming community. On the other hand, with the shredder machine bought by LGU-Numancia which was ineffective in its shredding process of wastes feed in the machine, he studied the mechanics of a rice thresher and inputted his observations in designing and manufacturing the VERSATILE SHREDDER MACHINE., an improved version of the machinery.

Observing likewise, the rice milling process, he incorporated its mechanics in designing and manufacturing the SHIFTER MACHINE to hasten the screening of harvested vermi-compost and protect the vermis from stress when being screened manually. The designs have been submitted to the Intellectual Property Rights Office for patenting. The farm with its facilities and mini-vegetable garden has become a Lakbay-Aral destination among national, regional, and local officials as well as from the members of the academe and various stakeholders which support the Organic Farming Program of the Department of Agriculture.

Judge Ibabao was born on September 28, 1938 at Numancia, Aklan to Conrado Reyes Ibabao and Panfila Enero Ibabao. He is married to Miriam Pacifico Ibabao and a father of an only son, Konrad Stephen.

He graduated his elementary at Numancia Elementary School in only three years and his secondary education at Madyaas Institute also for three years. He completed his Associate in Arts (Pre-law) at the Aklan College in 1953 and earned his Bachelor of Laws degree at Manuel L. Quezon University in 1957. He passed the 1957 Bar Examination with only 18 passing percentage at the young age of 19. He took his oath as a lawyer on September 29, 1959 upon reaching the age of 21.

He practiced law from 1968 to 1994. He handled several cases which included Criminal, Civil, Special Civil Actions, Special Proceedings, Labor, Maritime, Land Registration, and Administrative cases. He has entered appearances and submitted pleadings, briefs and memoranda before the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals; has appeared in the Sandiganbayan, the Court of First Instance/Regional Trial Courts of Manila, Makati, in the cities of Davao, General Santos, Cotabato, Butuan, Iligan, Oroquieta, Dipolog, Suriagao, in the Provinces of Aklan, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Surigao del Sur, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Misamis Occidental; and before the Municipal Trial Courts in the cities of Davao, General Santos, and Dipolog; in the municipalities of Panabo, Tagum, Kapalog, Sto. Tomas, all in Davao del Norte; and in Digos, Sulop, and Matalam, all in Davao del Sur; in Mati and Banaybanay in Davao Oriental; in Polombok, and Tupi in South Cotabato; in M’lang, Makilala and Kidapawan in North Cotabato; and in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Judge Ibabao has also appeared before the Office of Ombudsman (Mindanao), the Office of the Provincial and City Prosecutors of Davao City, General Santos City, Pagadian City, the provinces of Davao, Davao del Sur, and South Cotabato.

Likewise, he has appeared before the National Labor Relations Commission, other labor agencies and tribunals, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National Police Commission, the Bureau of Lands and other government agencies and bureaus.

He was a former Area Representative of DRB Marketing for Visayas and Mindanao for Credit and Collection from 1965 to 1968 and a District Manager of First Nationwide Credit Corporation with assignments in Batangas City, Roxas City, Ormoc City, Tacloban City, and Suriagao City from 1962 to 1965.

He was appointed Regional Trial Court Judge by President Fidel Ramos for RTC Branch 33, Davao City on April 15, 1994. Judge Ibabao has been cited for his diligence and perseverance in the speedy and prompt resolve of cases based on intelligent and well studied decisions. He is highly regarded for his competence, honesty, integrity and impartiality which endeared him to his fellow court workers and court users.

Judge Wenceslao E. Ibabao was a special awardee in the Supreme Court Search for Centennial Judges and Court Employees in 2001 during the Centenary Celebration for the “Effective Implementation of Total Quality Management in a Regional Trial Court”. He has successfully harnessed the full support and cooperation of his court personnel in providing consistent and quality administrative services to various court users, thereby contributing to the development of an effective and efficient judicial system worthy of public trust and confidence. (to be continued next issue)

Ombudsman Suspends PhilSCA President Sampang

Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez placed under a six-month preventive suspension the President of the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA) and five others for the alleged irregular bidding of an engine overhauling project in 2005.

In a 16-page Order, Ombudsman Gutierrez ordered the preventive suspension of Enrico Sampang, PhilSCA Pres.; Engr. Reynaldo Roca, Chairman of the PhilSCA Bids and Awards Committee (BAC); and Engrs. Jabel Abella, Erwin Abon and Cynthia Dayao and Dr. Felix Boyles, all BAC members.

Records show that on Sept. 1, 2005, Abon, Aircraft Maintenance Technologist II, assigned at the Flying School of PhilSCA, requested Sampang for the overhauling of one Tampico aircraft engine.

The Minutes of Meeting of the BAC dated Jan. 9, 2006 states that the BAC conducted two failed biddings on Dec. 14, 2005: on the first bidding, no bidders submitted documents to bid while on the second bidding, there was no bidder. Hence, the Committee approved that a ‘Negotiated Procurement’ be effected.

Dr. Sampang invited several bidders to submit quotations on the overhauling and repair of the said aircraft engine: Phil. Aerospace Dev. Corp. (PADC) submitted its P3,915,392.71 bid dated July 21, 2005; Aeroflite Aviation Corp., a P1,500,000 bid on Jan. 12, 2006 and Aviation Technology Innovators, Inc. (ATI), P1,475,000.

The BAC recommended the awarding of the project to ATI. The said Abstract of Canvass was signed by Boyles and approved by Sampang.

Sampang also sought another canvass from Air Ads Corporate Aviation, dated Feb. 13, 2006, but was received by the Acting Procurement Officer only on April 28, 2006, or two days after the PhilSCA and ATI signed the Contract of Service for the project.

Assistant Ombudsman Mark E. Jalandoni, of the OMB’s Field Investigation Office (OMB-FIO), said “as borne by the record, the bid of the PADC was dated five months earlier than the date of the first scheduled bidding on Dec. 14, 2005. It also appears that the submitted bid was not for engine overhauling, but for the supply of one engine for Piper aircraft and not for Tampico aircraft.”

He also said it is highly irregular that such bidding would be conducted twice in a single day and declared a failure to be able to conduct a negotiated procurement.

He also noted that the BAC deliberately inserted the name of Air Ads Corporate Aviation as one of the legitimate bidders in the Abstract of Canvass to give the false impression that there were actually four bidders.

In her Order, Ombudsman Gutierrez ordered that the respondents be placed under preventive suspension without pay for six months, “considering that the evidence of guilt is strong and the charges” against them “involve acts constituting dishonesty and grave misconduct”.

She ordered Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chair Romulo Neri to immediately implement the Order. The respondents were directed to file their respective counter-affidavits within ten days from receipt of the Order. Their failure to do so shall be deemed a waiver and the proceeding shall continue according to existing rules. /MP

1st Vice Gov. Gabrielle Calizo Aklan Media Bowling Cup Set

By BOY Ryan ZAbal

The 1st Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo Aklan Media Bowling Cup opens on May 10 to 16 at Q-Zone Bowling Center, Kalibo, Aklan.

The Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps (APDPC), Aklan Press Club, Inc. (APCI), Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) Aklan Chapter and the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI)-Aklan support the .weeklong tournament .

Tournament director and APDPC president Boy Ryan Zabal said the team-sport event aims to foster friendship, understan-ding, generate common bowling interest, and fun among the Aklan tri-media members from print, broadcast and cable TVs.

The competing teams are CBIS Hot FM/DyMT Community Radio, DyiN Bombo Radyo/RMN DyKR, RGMA DyRU Super Radyo/IBC DyRG Budyong, PAPI-Aklan and PIA-Aklan, Aklan Cable TV/Kalibo Cable TV and Print Media composed of Panay News, Hublas, The Aklan Reporter, Hala Birada, the Western Visayas Explorer, Boracay Punch, Madyaas Pen, The Visayas Inquiry and iTravel Magazine.

“It’s all fun and acquaintance for those bowling athletes ready to carry their team to victory,” said APCI president Dr. Ambrosio Villorente. They are vying for the highest individual score (men and women) and highest team score honors plus special awards, he added.

The ‘Best of Aklan Media’ and the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) are also pitted in an exhibition bowling match before the semifinals of top 4 teams.

Vice Governor Calizo, PAPI national president Juan P. Dayang and KBP Aklan chairman Augusto Tolentino are expected to grace the opening program. /MP

ASU Banga Holds Alumni Annual Homecoming

The Golden Jubilarians (BRHS Class 1958) and Silver Jubilarians (AAC Class 1983) served as hosts in the ASU Banga Alumni Annual Homecoming. It was held on Saturday, April 26. The day affair was held in the ASU amphitheater while the evening affair was held at Teodosio’s Park.

The April 2008 homecoming started with a Holy Mass at St. Joseph the Worker Parish church, Banga. The mass over, the alumni held a motorcade around the Poblacion, Banga and a short program in the amphitheater, ASU, Banga.

The short program started with the invocation followed with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem with Ms. Annette N. Morales on the keyboard. The ASU and Banga Rural High School Hymns were sang.

Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, alumni vice president welcomed the alumni present in his message. Some 35 years of graduates were represented during the homecoming. They were graduates of Banga Rural High School, Aklan Agricultural College, Aklan State College of Agriculture and now Aklan State University. Capiz Farm School (CFS) alumni was not represented. Atty. Fedencio S. Raz who passed away on March 30, 2008 used to represent CFS.

ASU started as Banga Intermediate School in 1917. It became Capiz Farm School in June 1918 and then Banga Rural High School in 1928. By virtue of RA 3439, it was converted into Aklan Agricultural College in 1963. It was transformed into Aklan State College of Agriculture on April 10, 1992 as mandated by RA 7371. ASCA became ASU on April 4, 2001 as authorized by RA 9055.

President’s Report

Mr. Roberto J. Teodosio, alumni president rendered his accomplishment report specifically the construction of the Alumni Bldg. under construction inside the ASU main campus, Banga.

Dr. Guerrero C. Legaspi, class president, BRHS 1958 recollected their four years of memorable stay, struggle and triumph in his golden memoirs. Silvery Thoughts were also given by Ms. Daisy Rasco-Casuayan, class president of AAC H. S. Class 1983. Dr. Benny A. Palma, ASU president ended the morning program with his inspirational message.

There were games and interactions that followed after the grand lunch. Dr. Guerrero C. Legaspi was elected president for alumni year 2008–2010 in an orderly and peaceful election chaired by Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente.

Other officers elected with Guerrero are: Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente – vice president; Mary Ann A. Ramos – secretary; Daylinda Rigodon – treasurer; Abelardo P. Legaspi, III – public relations officer; Rufina Regatalio – business mgr.; and Edilberto Solidum – auditor. The board of directors are Atty. Tomas S. Raz, Atty. Sergio R. Rigodon, Dir. Edwin Trompeta, Edilberto Macahilig, Jose Urquiola, Jr., Roberto Remaneses, Conrado Ricaforte, Jr., and Chito Nabor. Roberto Teodosio is member ex-officio.

These 2008–2010 officers were sworn to office by Dr. Benny A. Palma during the fellowship night held at Teodosio Park. /MP

‘IT’S MY CHANCE NOW’

David Diaz: No To Pacquiao-Marquez Trilogy

By ALEX P. VIDAL

Excited by the prospect of being tapped to be the next opponent of World Boxing Council (WBC) superfeatherweight champion Manny Pacquiao, WBC lightweight king David Diaz passionately rejected the possibility of a third meeting between Pacquiao and former world champion Juan Manuel Marquez.

In a post fight press conference arranged by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions inside the media center of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Diaz said: “How can he (Pacquiao) just fight (with a face) like that?” referring to the cut suffered by the Filipino ring idol in his 12-round split decision win over Marquez.

“It’s my chance now; they have already fought twice,” said the Chicago-based Diaz (34-1-1, 17 KOs), who scored a 10-round unanimous decision victory over Ramon Montano (15-4-2, 1 KO) of Las Vegas in a non-title bout underneath the “Unfinished Business” main event.

Diaz’s mastery over Montano in the first pay-per-view bout, solidified his credentials for the Pacquiao joust.

Top Rank boss Bob Arum earlier said Pacquiao’s next fight will be against Diaz on June 28 for Diaz’s WBC belt. The fight was originally scheduled in Macau, Arum explained, but there is a big possibility it will be held again in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.

“Of course, we must first consult the doctor (if Pacquaio can fight on June 28 as he had two nasty superficial cuts on the right eyelid that required 10 stitches),” said the 76-year-old Arum.

Meanwhile, Arum applauded the Pacquiao-Marquez rematch calling it “a remarkable fight.”

Golden Boy Promotions top executive Richard Schaffer, Marquez’s promoter, described the match as “hell of a fight and we can’t take it away from both guys.”

“But I believe strongly, very strongly that, that fight should have gone to the defending champion,” Schaffer said. “Very sadly that a week before the fight, a judged was changed.”

He was referring to Vic Flaherty who was replaced by Tom Miller of Mineral Ridge, Ohio.

Arum, however, justified the replacement saying it was approved by both the WBC and the Nevada State Athletic Commission. “We have to learn to live with close decisions,” Arum argued.

He said, “Freddie Roach, in fact, is to be commended for being an honest guy.”

Arum said Flaherty was a friend of Roach’s family “and it would have been more controversial if he was not replaced (because of the split decision).”

In that fight, Miller scored 114-113 for Pacquiao. Duane Ford also saw Pacquiao the winner, 115-112, while Jerry Roth gave the fight to Marquez, 115-112.

“A great fight that was given to Pacquiao wrongfully,” said Schaffer.

Pacquiao: My Job Is To Train Hard, Not To Choose My Foes

Egged to comment if he still wants a third match with conquered world champion Juan Manuel Marquez, World Boxing Council (WBC) superfeatherweight champion Manny Pacquiao meekly said: “My job is to train hard and not to choose my opponents.”

Pacquiao, 29, said he will leave the matter of choosing his next foe to his promoter—Top Rank headed by Bob Arum. “I will just train hard and fight,” declared Paquiao.

Without beating an eyelash, Arum said Pacquiao deserves a paycheck of at least US$6 to $8 million excluding his share in the pay-per-view of HBO.

But Pacquiao, who has been penciled to face WBC lightweight boss David Diaz on June 28 in Las Vegas, said he can not discount the possibility of a third showdown with Marquez, 34, who claimed he was robbed of victory in losing to Pacquiao by split decision last March 15 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas.

The newly crowned world champion from General Santos City, Philippines, however, is more inclined to go up in the 135 lbs and shoot for the WBC baubles of Diaz rather than stay put in the superfeather-weight division.

“Manny actually did not find it hard to tip the scale in the 130 pounds because in his fight with Marquez, he easily tipped the scale at 129 pounds. This means that everything is not yet final in as far as the next fight of Manny Pacquiao is concerned,” said promoter and Pacquiao associate Rex “Wakee” Salud.

Pacquiao promised to train hard for at least three months before fighting again on June 28.

There is also a possibility that the June 28 scheduled world title fight against either Marquez or Diaz will be moved to July or August depending on the advice of his doctors who helped stitched the cut on his right eye he suffered in his shootout with Marquez for the Mexican’s WBC superfeatherweight belt last March 15.

“The doctors will see to it that Manny’s wound will be totally healed before he goes up the ring again,” said Games and Amusement Board (GAB) boxing chief Nasser Cruz who is himself a ring physician. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Pispis
Naga–Iti It Bueawan

Nakakita eon baea kamu it pispis nga naga iti it bueawan? Kon owa pa, basaha ninyo rayang suguilanon.

Kon tiempo it pag bueoeak it kahoy nga Dap-dap, may guina suguid ro mga katigueangan sa baryo Mahay-hay sakup it Quezon nga may naga hapon sa isaeang ka kahoy sa kilid it kantil nga isaeang ka pispis nga naga iti it bueawan.

Apang ro matama-an sin-o mang tawo ko rayang iti hay maging bato. Owa it eabot kara, ro naga bantay sa daean paadto sa kahoy hay mga mapintas nga tigre ag lion. Ro kahoy man hay guina bantayan it mabahoe nga sawa nga kayang magtoeon it tawo. Kon indi ka paearon, hay mahueog ka sa madaeom nga kantil. Abo nga tawong nagpasimpaead ogaling abo man nga napaslawan.

May isaeang ka binatilyo. Ro anang pangaean hay si Pitpitong. Abo kara ro anang kilaeang pispis. Ana nga guina pakaon tanan ro pispis nga naga adto sa anang hardin. Ko isaeang adlaw ngaron, samtang nagatinuka ro anang mga alilang pispis, umabot ro andang pinaka nanay. Nagbalita imaw hanungod sa isaeang ka pispis nga guin maldisyon it bruha nga idto naga hapon kada gabii maeapit sa kantil. Suno pa sa nanay nga pispis, abo nga mga tawo ro bu-ot mag dakop sa pispis ngara bangud naga iti it bueawan. Nagka enteres man si Pitpitong pagkabati nana sa ratong pispis.

Ko agahon ngaron, guin pahaum ni Pitpitong ro mabahoe nga pispis. Nagsakay imaw sa likod it mabahoe nga pispis pa adto idto sa kahoy. May guindaea pa imaw nga abo it mga dahon. Pag-abot nanda sa daean, may hasubeang sanda nga tigre. Guin sabyahan nana it abo ro tigre ag busa, hakatoeogan. Tag sa tunga eon imaw, may tumunga man nga lion nga kabahoe-bahoe. Ana man nga guin sabwagan it abo. Hakatoeogan man ro hari it kagueangan. Nakaabot sanda sa puno it kahoy nga guina tinihan it pispis nga naga iti it bueawan. May eumutaw nga sawa sa puno it kahoy. Malisod nanda sabwagan rong sawa bangud naga buga it kaeayo. Sumakay imaw sa amigong pispis, indi maabot ko sawa. Busa, nasaburan ni Pitpitong ro sawa ko anang abo ag hakatoeogan. Guin dakup nana ro pispis ag ibutang sa anang daeang hawla. Pag-abot sa anang baeay, naghugyaw ro tanan nga hayop.

Nagkanta it sadyaan ro pispis ag dayon umiti. Puro bueawan ro iti. Maangan-angan nag aso it madamoe, paghawa it aso, isaeang ka babayeng prinsesa ro nagpakita. Imaw si Prinsesa Mayen nga guin maldisyon it bruha bangud sa kahisa ay abo ro anang mga bueawan nga guin regalo kana. Sa anang kaakig, guinsumpa nana ro prinsesa nga tanan ro anang bueawan hay indi mapuslan tongod idto sa anang tiyan maadto tanan. Maga guwa eamang kon may isaeang ka tawo nga magalibre kana. Paga bantayan imaw it mga mabangis nga hayop ag sawa. Kon mapierde nanda ro mga hayop, ro mga bueawan sa anang eawas hay maga guwa paagi sa iti.

Pagkabati ni Pitpitong sa panaysayon ko prinsesa, guindaea nana ro prinsesa sa anang kaharian sakay sa mabahoe nga pispis. Nag hugyaw ro tanan eabi guid ro hari ag reyna. Tanan nga guin iti it pispis hay guin tao ni Pitpitong sa mga pobre tongod imaw eot-ah hay isaea eon nga Prinsipe. Sa sugo man it isaeang ka medico, guin dik-dik nana ro dahon it saeong, ibhan it abo ko dahon it pampatoeog, tubi-an halin sa ika pitong busay paagi sa anang alilang pispis. Nagsakay imaw ag pag-abot sa kahoy, guin pangbo-bo-an na ratong mga bato sa idauem it kahoy. Nagbaeangon tanan sanda, nag-pasaeamat kay Pitpitong ag nag-uli sa andang mga pamaeay. /MP

INVITATION

The Rotary Club of Kalibo is heartily inviting the members of the Aklan Tri-media to a presscon on May 6, 2008.

It will be held at 9:00 A. M. at RC Kalibo Livelihood Training Center, Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan.

Farmer-Teacher Project Receives Award

The Aklan State University (ASU) received a trophy and cash prizes being the lead implementing agency of the project “Establishment and Sustainability of Farmer-Teachers (FT) in the Agrarian Reform Communities in the Province of Aklan” as Third Prize Winner of the CY 2006-2007 Best Public Sector Projects Awards under the state universities and colleges category.

The awarding ceremony was held on April 18, 2008 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City. It was the Second Regional Development Council VI Awards recognizing Local Government Units, Regional Line Agencies and State Universities and Colleges that have implemented projects to address the development agenda of the region. It is in partnership with the Canadian Urban Institute Urban Partnerships Program Philippines, German Technical Cooperation Decentralization Program and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Iloilo City.

During the awarding ceremony, the University was represented by its President, Dr. Benny A. Palma and the Project Leader and Director of Extension and Community Services, Dr. Anna Mae C. Relingo. Likewise, the Project Team members, Dr. Evelyn P. Vedasto and Dr. Lelisa J. Teodosio and Altavas Municipal Agriculturist, Mrs. Mila J. Andrade were present.

The Project was presented during the awarding ceremonies by the Farmer-Teacher himself, Mr. Pio Baconawa from Barangay Talon, Altavas, Aklan.

The FT Project was conceived and implemented by the University in partnership with the Department of Agrarian Reform, Agricultural Training Institute and Local Government Units to transform agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) into a new breed of Filipino farmer-entrepreneurs who are productive enough to sustain employment, livelihood and rural welfare. It is a means to transfer agricultural technologies to the farmers under the principle of “learning by doing”. It is based on the belief that the commitment to alleviate the life of the poor should be complemented by alternative sustainable income generation activities utilizing appropriate local resources and area specific technologies.

The trained, developed and sustained ARBs, are effective partners in the development and promotion of agricultural technologies. Consequently, they are serving as models of a new breed of empowered farmer-entrepreneurs and as active partners in the socio-economic development of the countryside.

The FT project was pilot tested in five (5) municipalities in the Province of Aklan, namely: Altavas, Madalag, Malinao, Makato and Ibajay. It included training of farmer-teachers, establishment and maintenance of their respective demonstration farms as venue for hands-on training of their fellow farmers on High Value Commercial Crops (HVCC) Production with technical assistance from the ASU Field Instructor, Agricultural Technologist from the LGUs and Development Facilitator of the Department of Agrarian Reform, who composed the FT Team in every pilot municipality.

The FT project enabled the communities to understand the practical problems of the farming community and the measures necessary to address these problems, which ultimately led to the development of a need-based, location specific package of technologies. (SRVillasis) /MP

Manggad Ka Numancia It Akeanon

In recognition of the Municipality of Numancia as Regional Awardee in Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran 2007, this hymn was composed, dedicated and sang by DR. DOBIE P. PAROHINOG, Principal, Bulwang Elem. School, Numancia, Aklan during the eve of the Numancia municipal and relegious fiesta on May 1, 2008 in honor of its patron saint, Saint Joseph The Worker.

I

Manggad ka Numancia it Akeanon

Manggad ka Numancia kamon;

Ro suba ag eawod hay bugana,

Sa baeas, alimango ag isda.

(Alimango ag isda)

koro:

Hangad natong mga Akeanon

Progreso it banwa naton.

Kon rong tanan gabueoligan,

Mga lider suportahan.

II

Manggad ka Numancia it Akeanon

Banwang mabugana-on

Sa paeay, mais ag tinuean-on,

Baboy ag manok nga ginalitson.

(Manok nga ginalitson)

Repeat Koro

III

Manggad ka Numancia it Akeanon

Permi kang madinaeag-on

Sa kultura ag sa edukasyon

Kita hay gapanguna gihapon.

(gapanguna gihapon)

Repeat Koro

IV

Manggad ka Numancia it Akeanon

Malimpyo ro banwa naton,

Ag ro mga tawo hay Diyosnanon;

Raya guid ro kadungganan naton.

(Ro kadungganan naton)

Repeat Koro

Coda: Aton ro kadaeag-an

Sa Diyos pasaeamatan