President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with the Team Philippines to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. During their courtesy call in Malacanang's Heroes Hall. REY S. BANIQUET/OPS/ PNS
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Information Need For House Bill 1109 Approval
by Ambrosio R. Villorente
House Bill No. 1109 authored by Hon. Florencio T. Miraflores was the main topic of discussion during the weekly tri-media program "Kapehan Sa Aklan" last Saturday, August 9, 2008. The weekly program is being held at Kusina sa Kalibo from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M.
House Bill No. 1109 is already approved in the House of Representatives and is now awaiting discussion in the Senate.
House Bill No. 1109 is "An Act Declaring Certain Parcels of Land of the Public Domain Within Boracay Island, Municipality of Malay, Province of Aklan as Agricultural Lands Open to Disposition For Agricultural, Residential, Commercial, Industrial or Other Production Purposes".
Section 1 of the bill specifically delineates the 644.71 hectares to be declared open to disposition. These areas are situated in Yapak and Angol Point. It also provides that this defined parcels of land are excluded from the operation of Presidential Proclamation No. 1801, dated November 10, 1978 "Declaring Certain Islands, Coves and Peninsulas as Tourist Zones and Marine Reserves Under The Administration and Control of the Philippine Tourism Authority.
Section 2 also provides that the DENR shall alienate the agricultural lands identified in Section 1 of the bill through the issuance of a free patent over any parcel of the identified area of land to any citizen of the Philippines who for at least thirty (30) years prior to the effectivity of this Act has continuously occupied and/or cultivated either by himself or through his predecessors in-interest or who shall have paid the real estate tax for that land, and has not been occupied by any other person shall be entitled under this act to have free patent issued to him/her for such tract of land not to exceed twelve (12) hectares per applicant.
But the said bill has been the subject of protest rallies in Boracay. It is also the subject of negative commentaries in the national newspapers, television and radio. In the words of Mr. Johnny P. Dayang, Cong. Miraflores appears to be losing grounds in public relations maneuver. "Two senators have surfaced to oppose House Bill No. 1109 in the Senate", Dayang added who is from Aklan and president of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. In his conversation with Bohol Congressman Chato, he learned that said bill was never discussed in a plenary session in the House of Representatives. Dayang recommends for an open discussion of the House Bill No. 1109 for common understanding of the said bill. He proposed for the holding of the Boracay Summit with House Bill No. 1109 as the principal agenda.
Atty. Allen S. Quimpo expressed his support for House Bill No. 1109 as it will be for the best interest of every Filipino and the country. The bill if approved into law and fully implemented will hasten Boracay Island and tourism development. According to Quimpo, he has filed an identical bill during his time in the House of Representatives. But it didn’t reach first base. I experienced difficulty even with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the request for data needed to support my bill", Quimpo confided. He traced the development history of Boracay until it became what it is today.
There are only two groups which are opposed to the bill. It is DENR which is hesitant to classify and release the land as alienable for it will also lose control of the land. Another group are the big businessmen who prepare a status quo, Quimpo believes. On the other hand, the small land owners are in favor for the approval of the bill. /MP
House Bill No. 1109 is already approved in the House of Representatives and is now awaiting discussion in the Senate.
House Bill No. 1109 is "An Act Declaring Certain Parcels of Land of the Public Domain Within Boracay Island, Municipality of Malay, Province of Aklan as Agricultural Lands Open to Disposition For Agricultural, Residential, Commercial, Industrial or Other Production Purposes".
Section 1 of the bill specifically delineates the 644.71 hectares to be declared open to disposition. These areas are situated in Yapak and Angol Point. It also provides that this defined parcels of land are excluded from the operation of Presidential Proclamation No. 1801, dated November 10, 1978 "Declaring Certain Islands, Coves and Peninsulas as Tourist Zones and Marine Reserves Under The Administration and Control of the Philippine Tourism Authority.
Section 2 also provides that the DENR shall alienate the agricultural lands identified in Section 1 of the bill through the issuance of a free patent over any parcel of the identified area of land to any citizen of the Philippines who for at least thirty (30) years prior to the effectivity of this Act has continuously occupied and/or cultivated either by himself or through his predecessors in-interest or who shall have paid the real estate tax for that land, and has not been occupied by any other person shall be entitled under this act to have free patent issued to him/her for such tract of land not to exceed twelve (12) hectares per applicant.
But the said bill has been the subject of protest rallies in Boracay. It is also the subject of negative commentaries in the national newspapers, television and radio. In the words of Mr. Johnny P. Dayang, Cong. Miraflores appears to be losing grounds in public relations maneuver. "Two senators have surfaced to oppose House Bill No. 1109 in the Senate", Dayang added who is from Aklan and president of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. In his conversation with Bohol Congressman Chato, he learned that said bill was never discussed in a plenary session in the House of Representatives. Dayang recommends for an open discussion of the House Bill No. 1109 for common understanding of the said bill. He proposed for the holding of the Boracay Summit with House Bill No. 1109 as the principal agenda.
Atty. Allen S. Quimpo expressed his support for House Bill No. 1109 as it will be for the best interest of every Filipino and the country. The bill if approved into law and fully implemented will hasten Boracay Island and tourism development. According to Quimpo, he has filed an identical bill during his time in the House of Representatives. But it didn’t reach first base. I experienced difficulty even with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the request for data needed to support my bill", Quimpo confided. He traced the development history of Boracay until it became what it is today.
There are only two groups which are opposed to the bill. It is DENR which is hesitant to classify and release the land as alienable for it will also lose control of the land. Another group are the big businessmen who prepare a status quo, Quimpo believes. On the other hand, the small land owners are in favor for the approval of the bill. /MP
DSWD Region VI Release Shelter Money
"Hulog ng Langit", this is how Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez described the financial assistance he received from Director Teresita S. Rosales, DSWD, Region VI.
Director Rosales came to Aklan to sign Memorandum of Agreement with Governor Marquez, Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, Numancia Mayor Elverita T. Templonuevo represented by Mr. Josue Maravilla and Tangalan Mayor Gene Fuentes.
Director Rosales turned over the checks of individual recipients for emergency shelter assistance to Gov. Marquez who immediately turned over it to Mayor Rebaldo. The money is for 30 families in Tinigaw, Kalibo. Also, Gov. Marquez received the checks for 191 families for Numancia and immediately turned over to Mr. Josue Maravilla who represented Mayor Templonuevo.
Director Rosales also handed over the check amounting to P150,000 for livelihood assistance for the victims of the previous typhoon "Señang" to Mayor Gene Fuentes of Tangalan. That is a loan to invest in livelihood projects by the 30 typhoon victims at P5,000 each.
The money for emergency shelter assistance and site relocation released on August 5 at the Guest House, Capitol Site is just initial amount. Some more is coming, assured Dir. Rosales. The releases are the first in Panay for typhoon Frank victims. DND Sec. Gilbert Teodoro who chairs the National Disaster Coordinating Council has requested Malacañang for P50 million shelter assistance for Aklan.
The MOA signing and releasing of checks were attended by Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Vice Governor Billie V. Calizo, DSWD regional and provincial officials, and members of the tri-media of Aklan. /MP
SEC Warns Business Transactions With Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning the public, especially Aklanons, "to take the necessary precautions before entering into transactions with Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc."
According to the SEC, the Court of Appeals (CA) is "directing Phil-Asia, its officers, directors, representatives, salesmen, agents and all persons acting on their behalf to cease and desist from further engaging in activities of selling, offering for sale pre-need plans and to refrain from further collecting amortization. This SEC warning is issued on September 25, 2003 which is still enforced to the present.
According to the SEC, Phil-Asia Cares Plan, Inc. "has no pre-need plans available for sale…, no licensed dealers; no salesmen’s permit; and no authority to operate a branch. The company failed to comply with all the SEC requirements for a pre-need company and…is not authorized to sell new pre-need plans."
Director Hubert B. Guevara of the Compliance and Enforcement Department, SEC in his letter to Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, informed about Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc. owned by Vicente R. Afulugencia, Sr. because of several queries SEC is receiving regarding the said company.
"The subject corporation has pending criminal cases filed with the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court…for violation of…Securities Regulation Code."
Madyaas Pen tried to contact the officers of Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc. to get its side of this cease and desist order, but failed to contact them.
Based upon the report of PO1 George L. Quimpo, Municipal Ordinance officer of Kalibo, Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc. is presently located at Waldolf Bldg., Osmeña Ave., Kalibo, Aklan. Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc. is headed by Mr. Melchor Constantino, Jr., Area Manager and Ms. Jade Illo, branch manager.
Quimpo reported further that Phil-Asia has Business Permit to operate in Kalibo in 2005. But, it has no Business Permit for the last three years: 2006, 2007 and 2008.
According to Ms. Mary Gay V. Quimpo of the Office of the Mayor of Kalibo, a closure order was prepared and served on August 11, 2008 Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc. /MP
Actor’s Son Plans To Turn Pro Boxing Mngr. Approves
by ALEX P. VIDAL
A 16-year-old Filipino-Canadian part time actor will soon fulfill his dream of becoming a professional fighter after getting the nod of his father who is a former licensed boxing manager in the Philippines.
Jeus "Bookie" Bala-ong has started buying boxing equipment since August 2 "using my own money" after his father Carlos, 58, a former labor employment office chief of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Western Visayas, Philippines, approved his plans.
"Papa has been very supportive of my plan to become a boxer," said Jeus, who finished his elementary at the West Bridge School for Boys in Iloilo City, Philippines. "Both my father and mother (Jeana) are avid boxing fans and so I don’t have any problem convincing them (for me to join boxing).
Jeus, who is a third year high school student at the Sir Charles Tupper High School, Vancouver Canada is currently doing a film entitled "Scooby Doo", will train in any of the three boxing facilities in Richmond, a city some seven kilometers away from Vancouver, said Carlos.
Jeus said he will divide his time to study and practice in the gym if he has no shooting schedules. "At first, I wanted to learn boxing for self-defense. But after watching the fights of (World Boxing Council lightweight champion) Manny Pacquiao, I realized I also need to fight as a professional," Jeus stressed.
Jeus and his elder sister Krista, 22, a nursing graduate at St. Paul’s University in Iloilo city, Philippines, had been recruited to do a film by talent scout Nella Castigiano early this year.
Carlos held a license from the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) as boxing manager before he and his family migrated to Canada. The younger sister of his wife Jeana, a registered nurse here since 2003, is the wife of former world flyweight title challenger Jonathan Penalosa (15-4, 7 KOs).
He had been trying to link with former amateur medalist Rey Fortaleza, brother Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) secretary general Roger, who is now a newspaper publisher in Vancouver.
Carlos also said he and Fortaleza, who covered Pacquiao’s fight against David Diaz in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 28, are willing to help Team Pacquiao in case he will fight here next year as reported in several boxing websites.
Carlos said he plans to formalize his tie-up with Fortaleza when the publisher arrives from Australia.
"Unlike other fathers, I am allowing my son to join boxing because among all the contact sports that he had studied and evaluated, he found boxing as the hardest in full contact," said Carlos, who works as shift supervisor at the children and women hospital on Oak St., Vancouver. /MP
Jeus "Bookie" Bala-ong has started buying boxing equipment since August 2 "using my own money" after his father Carlos, 58, a former labor employment office chief of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Western Visayas, Philippines, approved his plans.
"Papa has been very supportive of my plan to become a boxer," said Jeus, who finished his elementary at the West Bridge School for Boys in Iloilo City, Philippines. "Both my father and mother (Jeana) are avid boxing fans and so I don’t have any problem convincing them (for me to join boxing).
Jeus, who is a third year high school student at the Sir Charles Tupper High School, Vancouver Canada is currently doing a film entitled "Scooby Doo", will train in any of the three boxing facilities in Richmond, a city some seven kilometers away from Vancouver, said Carlos.
Jeus said he will divide his time to study and practice in the gym if he has no shooting schedules. "At first, I wanted to learn boxing for self-defense. But after watching the fights of (World Boxing Council lightweight champion) Manny Pacquiao, I realized I also need to fight as a professional," Jeus stressed.
Jeus and his elder sister Krista, 22, a nursing graduate at St. Paul’s University in Iloilo city, Philippines, had been recruited to do a film by talent scout Nella Castigiano early this year.
Carlos held a license from the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) as boxing manager before he and his family migrated to Canada. The younger sister of his wife Jeana, a registered nurse here since 2003, is the wife of former world flyweight title challenger Jonathan Penalosa (15-4, 7 KOs).
He had been trying to link with former amateur medalist Rey Fortaleza, brother Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) secretary general Roger, who is now a newspaper publisher in Vancouver.
Carlos also said he and Fortaleza, who covered Pacquiao’s fight against David Diaz in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 28, are willing to help Team Pacquiao in case he will fight here next year as reported in several boxing websites.
Carlos said he plans to formalize his tie-up with Fortaleza when the publisher arrives from Australia.
"Unlike other fathers, I am allowing my son to join boxing because among all the contact sports that he had studied and evaluated, he found boxing as the hardest in full contact," said Carlos, who works as shift supervisor at the children and women hospital on Oak St., Vancouver. /MP
Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda
Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda
Onga it Birhen
Sa isaeang ka maeayo nga kaharian, may naga estar nga mag asawa sa tunga it kagueangan. May andang solong babayeng onga. Bangud sa kapobrehon, kueang ro pagpakaon sa andang onga. Perming guina-gutom rayang onga. Nagaminasakit ngani busa naghambae ro asawang eaeaki; " Hay kon may una konta nga magaampon ko atong onga."
Maangan angan, may nagpakita nga isaeang ka babayeng nagabeste it azul ag may koronang mga bitoon. Naghambae imaw: "Habatian ko ro imo nga kagustuhan. Kung bu-ot ninyo, akon lang nga ampunon ro inyong onga. Ako si Birhen Maria, ag daehon ko idto sa eangit ro inyong onga." Nagpasugot ro mag-asawa. Guindaea ro onga idto sa eangit ag idto imaw kaibahan ko mga angheles naga hinampang. Mayad-ayad ro anang kahimtangan.
Isaeang adlaw, guintawag ko Inang Birhen rondayang onga. "Mapanaw ako sa maeayo. Aywan ko kimo rayang 12 ka yabe. Ro 13 ka sueod hay pwede mo abrehan ogaling ro ika-13 nga sueod nga may maisot nga yabe hay ayaw guid pag buksi. Kon imong buksan, may kapaha-makan kimo nga matabo. Guindawat ko daeaga ro 13 ka yabe. Dayon nga nagpanaw ro Inang Birhen. Kada adlaw, guinabuksan ko daeaga ro 12 ka sueod paagi sa 12 ka yabe. Hakita nana nga may sambilog nga apostoles nga naga pungko sa tunga it kahayag. Naubos eon nana it abre ro 12 ka kwarto. Ro ika 13 hay bu-ot nana nga linglingon ogaling guin bawaean imaw ko mga kahampang nga anghel. Basi kon mapahamak kuno imaw ag kabilin-bilinan ko Birhen nga indi guid pagbuksan ro pwertahan.
Ka’t nagbaealik sa andang mga sueod ro mga anghel, guin buksan nana ag linglingon ro pwertahan. Golpe nga nag uean it kahayag ro sueod ag ro kahayag hay nagdukot sa anang alima. Golpe nanang guinsara ro pwertahan ag naga kurog nga nagdaeagan sa gripo agod hugasan ro anang alima ogaling indi maduea ro matsa bueawan nga kahayag. Guin tago nana ro anang alima sa mga anghel. Hadumduman nana nga idto sa sueod hay naga pungko ro Sagrado nga Trinidad sa tunga it owa it tupong nga kahayag. Hadumduman nana ro bilin it Inang Birhen ag kon paalin nana akuon ro anang guin obra.
Hasta nag-abot eon ro Inang Birhen, guin bo-oe kana ro 13 ka yabe. Guin pangutana imaw kon guin abrehan nana ro ika-13 ka pwertahan. Nagpamalibad imaw. Pagkakita ko anang guina putos nga to-ong alima, guinpangutana eon man imaw kon guin abrehan nana ro ika-13 ka sueod ag nagpamalibad guihapon imaw. Nasubo guid ro Birhen. Guin pahalin imaw sa eangit. Natumba imaw nga owa it pangalibutan. Sa anang pagmuk-eat, una imaw sa tunga it kagueangan nga puro siit ag mga baeagon. Halin kato, una imaw nag-estar. Naga ipo imaw it mga prutas para pagkaon ag nagasaka sa ibabaw it kahoy kon gabii agod indi pagkan-on it mga hayop.
Ko isaeang agahon, guinpukaw imaw it mga eahay it ayam. Ro hari ko royong kaharian hay naga pangayam. Nahum-gan imaw it mga ayam, ngani guin libutan ro puno it mga ayam nga bu-ot imaw angkiton.
Guinpasaka ko hari ro anang mga soldado agod ipanaog kon sin-o ro guina linahay it ayam. Hakita nanda ro isaeang ka babayeng guinaputos it mahaba nga buhok ag gula-gulanit nga eambong. Guindaea imaw sa palasyo ag guinpa paligsan. Tumunga ro anang ka gwapa. Naila kana ro hari, busa guin pakaslan.
Pagtaliwan it sang dag-on, nag onga ro Reyna it gwapahon nga babaye. Nagpakita kana ro Inang Birhen ko gabi-i ngaron. Guin pangutana imaw kon guin buksan nana ro ika-13 nga sueod. Owa guid imaw mag-ako. Ngani guin bo-oe ko Birhen ro anang onga ag daehon idto sa eangit. Sa pagkaduea ko onga, guin pabangdan imaw nga aswang ag imaw nagkaon ko anang onga. Guin sugo it konseho ro hari nga sunugon ro Reyna sa tunga it plaza. Ka’t una imaw naka gapos, nag hinoesoe imaw ko anang pagka purilon.
Sa anang pagtangis ag paghinoe-soe, golpeng nagdueom ag umuean. Napaeong ro kaeayo. Pagkapaea it aso, nagtunga ro Birhen nga guina buytan ro onga nga prinsesa.
"Habatian ko ro imong pag-ako ag paghinoe-soe. Bulahan ro tawo nga nagahinoe-soe ko anang kasae-anan ay imaw paga patawaron." Imaw ro hambae kana it Birhen. Guin hubad ro anang gapos ag anang guinhakos ro anang onga. Nag-hakos man kana ro hari ag malipayon nga nagbalik sanda sa palasyo. /MP
Maangan angan, may nagpakita nga isaeang ka babayeng nagabeste it azul ag may koronang mga bitoon. Naghambae imaw: "Habatian ko ro imo nga kagustuhan. Kung bu-ot ninyo, akon lang nga ampunon ro inyong onga. Ako si Birhen Maria, ag daehon ko idto sa eangit ro inyong onga." Nagpasugot ro mag-asawa. Guindaea ro onga idto sa eangit ag idto imaw kaibahan ko mga angheles naga hinampang. Mayad-ayad ro anang kahimtangan.
Isaeang adlaw, guintawag ko Inang Birhen rondayang onga. "Mapanaw ako sa maeayo. Aywan ko kimo rayang 12 ka yabe. Ro 13 ka sueod hay pwede mo abrehan ogaling ro ika-13 nga sueod nga may maisot nga yabe hay ayaw guid pag buksi. Kon imong buksan, may kapaha-makan kimo nga matabo. Guindawat ko daeaga ro 13 ka yabe. Dayon nga nagpanaw ro Inang Birhen. Kada adlaw, guinabuksan ko daeaga ro 12 ka sueod paagi sa 12 ka yabe. Hakita nana nga may sambilog nga apostoles nga naga pungko sa tunga it kahayag. Naubos eon nana it abre ro 12 ka kwarto. Ro ika 13 hay bu-ot nana nga linglingon ogaling guin bawaean imaw ko mga kahampang nga anghel. Basi kon mapahamak kuno imaw ag kabilin-bilinan ko Birhen nga indi guid pagbuksan ro pwertahan.
Ka’t nagbaealik sa andang mga sueod ro mga anghel, guin buksan nana ag linglingon ro pwertahan. Golpe nga nag uean it kahayag ro sueod ag ro kahayag hay nagdukot sa anang alima. Golpe nanang guinsara ro pwertahan ag naga kurog nga nagdaeagan sa gripo agod hugasan ro anang alima ogaling indi maduea ro matsa bueawan nga kahayag. Guin tago nana ro anang alima sa mga anghel. Hadumduman nana nga idto sa sueod hay naga pungko ro Sagrado nga Trinidad sa tunga it owa it tupong nga kahayag. Hadumduman nana ro bilin it Inang Birhen ag kon paalin nana akuon ro anang guin obra.
Hasta nag-abot eon ro Inang Birhen, guin bo-oe kana ro 13 ka yabe. Guin pangutana imaw kon guin abrehan nana ro ika-13 ka pwertahan. Nagpamalibad imaw. Pagkakita ko anang guina putos nga to-ong alima, guinpangutana eon man imaw kon guin abrehan nana ro ika-13 ka sueod ag nagpamalibad guihapon imaw. Nasubo guid ro Birhen. Guin pahalin imaw sa eangit. Natumba imaw nga owa it pangalibutan. Sa anang pagmuk-eat, una imaw sa tunga it kagueangan nga puro siit ag mga baeagon. Halin kato, una imaw nag-estar. Naga ipo imaw it mga prutas para pagkaon ag nagasaka sa ibabaw it kahoy kon gabii agod indi pagkan-on it mga hayop.
Ko isaeang agahon, guinpukaw imaw it mga eahay it ayam. Ro hari ko royong kaharian hay naga pangayam. Nahum-gan imaw it mga ayam, ngani guin libutan ro puno it mga ayam nga bu-ot imaw angkiton.
Guinpasaka ko hari ro anang mga soldado agod ipanaog kon sin-o ro guina linahay it ayam. Hakita nanda ro isaeang ka babayeng guinaputos it mahaba nga buhok ag gula-gulanit nga eambong. Guindaea imaw sa palasyo ag guinpa paligsan. Tumunga ro anang ka gwapa. Naila kana ro hari, busa guin pakaslan.
Pagtaliwan it sang dag-on, nag onga ro Reyna it gwapahon nga babaye. Nagpakita kana ro Inang Birhen ko gabi-i ngaron. Guin pangutana imaw kon guin buksan nana ro ika-13 nga sueod. Owa guid imaw mag-ako. Ngani guin bo-oe ko Birhen ro anang onga ag daehon idto sa eangit. Sa pagkaduea ko onga, guin pabangdan imaw nga aswang ag imaw nagkaon ko anang onga. Guin sugo it konseho ro hari nga sunugon ro Reyna sa tunga it plaza. Ka’t una imaw naka gapos, nag hinoesoe imaw ko anang pagka purilon.
Sa anang pagtangis ag paghinoe-soe, golpeng nagdueom ag umuean. Napaeong ro kaeayo. Pagkapaea it aso, nagtunga ro Birhen nga guina buytan ro onga nga prinsesa.
"Habatian ko ro imong pag-ako ag paghinoe-soe. Bulahan ro tawo nga nagahinoe-soe ko anang kasae-anan ay imaw paga patawaron." Imaw ro hambae kana it Birhen. Guin hubad ro anang gapos ag anang guinhakos ro anang onga. Nag-hakos man kana ro hari ag malipayon nga nagbalik sanda sa palasyo. /MP
Basic Mandarin Language Course Opens At Kalibo International Airport
by Mario D. Balandra
Service personnel of the Kalibo International Airport are now attending a one-month Basic Mandarin Language course which opened Monday, August 4, 2008.
This foreign language course is aimed to complement the tourism program of the provincial government of Aklan especially in the municipality of Kalibo. The airport has been accommodating international flights of Mandarin Airlines direct from the Taipei Airport in Taiwan. The course is given free of any charge to those now attending classes.
Students from Kainan University (Taiwan) are handling the training who are April Joy de Juan, Rodelyn Lachica, and Ma. Lourdes Victoriano. They are former MassCom students of Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC). After their second year at NVC, they qualified for a four-year scholarship grant in Taiwan under Kainan University’s International Honors Program.
While these Kainan scholars are presently in the province (Aklan) to spend their academic break, they volunteered to share their skill in basic Mandarin language by teaching the service personnel of Kalibo International Airport.
This Basic Mandarin Language course is a joint project of NVC Center for International Human Resource Development (CIHRD), Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Congressman Florencio Miraflores, and Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo in cooperation with Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and Kalibo International Airport Manager, Engineer Percy Malonesio. /MP
This foreign language course is aimed to complement the tourism program of the provincial government of Aklan especially in the municipality of Kalibo. The airport has been accommodating international flights of Mandarin Airlines direct from the Taipei Airport in Taiwan. The course is given free of any charge to those now attending classes.
Students from Kainan University (Taiwan) are handling the training who are April Joy de Juan, Rodelyn Lachica, and Ma. Lourdes Victoriano. They are former MassCom students of Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC). After their second year at NVC, they qualified for a four-year scholarship grant in Taiwan under Kainan University’s International Honors Program.
While these Kainan scholars are presently in the province (Aklan) to spend their academic break, they volunteered to share their skill in basic Mandarin language by teaching the service personnel of Kalibo International Airport.
This Basic Mandarin Language course is a joint project of NVC Center for International Human Resource Development (CIHRD), Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Congressman Florencio Miraflores, and Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo in cooperation with Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and Kalibo International Airport Manager, Engineer Percy Malonesio. /MP
Victoria’s ‘Secrets’
by Alex P. Vidal
While visiting the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada, national historic site of Canada, we were privileged to contact Dr. Dan Buie, chairman of the Victoria Boxing Commission, an organization under the umbrella of the Federation Canadienne du Boxe Professionnelle, who invited this writer to meet him for interview at the Starbucks Coffee in downtown area afternoon on August 4.
Before arriving in Vancouver on August 2, Dr. Buie had sent us an email to contact him and meet him here, the capital city of British Columbia located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is a major tourist destination seeing more than 3.65 million visitors a year who inject more than one billion dollars into the local economy.
We informed Dr. Buie that there have been plans to bring the fight of World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao here next year probably after his duel with Oscar Dela Hoya and that several newspapers in Vancouver have reported that Pacquiao is scheduled to hold a concert arranged by composer Lito Camo.
Among this metropolitan’s biggest "secrets" is that it is a cruise ship port where cruise liners stop at Ogden Point terminal. The city also receives economic benefits from its close proximity to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, the Canadian military’s main Pacific naval base.
Downtown Victoria also serves as Greater Victoria’s regional downtown, where many night clubs, theatres, restaurants and pubs are clustered, and where much larger regional public events occur. In particular, Canada Day fireworks display and Symphony Splash concerts draw tens of thousands of Greater Victorians and visitors to the downtown core.
Incidentally, this island is home to the country’s great sports personalities such as David Anderson, former Olympic and Pan American Games medal winning rower and former Canadian federal government cabinet minister; Don Barber, former NHL player; Len Barrie, former NHL player and now part owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning and is a real estate developer of the Bear Mountain resort and surrounding lands in Langford; Geoff and Russ Courtnall, brothers and former NHL stars, are from the Victoria area.
Gary and Paul Gait, twin brothers and Lacrosse players, were born and raised here; Rich Harden, MLB pitcher, grew up here; Silken Laumann, former Olympic medal winning rower; Steve Nash, two-time NBA MVP, although born in South Africa, grew up here; Rick O’Dell, former NASCAR driver; Lynn and Muzz Patrick, brothers and former NHL players.
Lynn was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Matt Pettinger, NHL player, was raised here. Duncan Regehr, former Olympic boxing contender and figure skater, was born in Lethbridge, Alberta and raised in Victoria. He’s also a stage, television, and movie actor; Bruce Twamley, former professional Association football player; Deb Whitten, former field hockey international player, was born here.
The city has hosted sports events including the 2005 Ford World Men’s Curling Championship tournament, the 1994 Commonwealth Games, and 2006 Skate Canada. Victoria co-hosted the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup at Royal Athletic Park, and is the venue for the Bastion Square Grand Prix Criterium road cycling race.
The city is also a destination for conven-tions, meetings, and conferences, including a 2007 North Atlantic Treaty Organization military chief of staff meeting. Every year, the Swiftsure International Yacht Race brings boaters from around the world to participate in the boat race in the waters off of Vancouver Island. The Tall Ships Festival brings sailing ships to Victoria for the public to see and feel the sailing way of life in the past and present. /MP
Study To Work In Australia
The Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC) Center for International Human Resource Development (CIHRD), is the venue for a one-year course offering that may enable graduates to migrate to Australia and acquire a high-paying job in the hospitality industry.
The NVC CIHRD has entered into an Educational Cooperation Agreement with the TAFE new South Wales Southwestern Sydney Institute for the "Certificate III Hospitality – Commercial Cookery" course to be offered in Kalibo, Aklan and Boracay, Aklan in November 2008. Dean Ma. Erlinda Quimpo F. Wilson, NVC CIHRD Director, met with Mr. Barry Peddle, Australian TAFE SWSI Institute Director in March 2008 for the initial planning. Australian TAFE SWSI representative Ms. Christine Williamson arrived last May 22, 2008 and met with the NVC President, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo for the kick-off of the program.
Upon completion of the course, students will earn Australian qualification and certification that will provide them with opportunities for migration and work in Australia. This global certification will also give the graduate access to high-paying jobs in hotels and restaurants in any part of the world.
The Australian certification is equivalent to 60 points when the graduates apply for migration or permanent residency in Australia.
The certification will also qualify the graduates for jobs in Australian restaurants since commercial cooks are in demand in that country, as commercial cookery has been listed under the skilled occupation list of Australia’s migration laws since September 2007.
Moreover, NVC will work actively with Atty. Imelda Argel, a successful immigration lawyer based in Australia, to discuss migration issues with aspiring graduates and their families.
The NVC offering will be administered by an Australian teacher, who is fully accredited by the Australian administrator’s stay in Kalibo. NVC HRM teachers will be trained with the latest technology and practices in the hospitality business.
Based entirely on the Australian educational system, the course runs for 20 months, with half of it devoted to on-the-job training in restaurants and hotels including immersions in resorts in Boracay.
Graduates who opt to work in the Philippines can fetch higher salaries because of their dual certifications from NVC CIHRD and the South Western Institute. Interested parties may call (036) 262-3439 or Dean Lynne Q. F. Wilson (036) 268-7334, 09283125652. The course is also offered at Australian schools at 27,000 Australian dollars, or almost a million pesos. /MP
Nutrition Studies At BES
"A malnourished pupil is weak and sickly resulting to frequent absences and lack of interest in the class". This is one of the conclusions Dr. Dobie P. Parohinog made on his study to help "School Managers Improve the Academic Performance of Pupils In Class".
Dr. Parohinog is presently the principal of Bulwang Elementary School (BES), Bulwang, Numancia. He conducted the study in Bulwang Elementary School during the school year 2007 – 2008.
According to Parohinog, his study revealed that a malnourish child is weak and sickly, scores low in class evaluation and slow learner and deviant child.
As a result of the various nutritional activities done in June 2007 to January 2008 in Bulwang Elementary School, nutrition level among pupils increased. The improved nutritional level also improves pupil academic performance. According to Parohinog, 30.52 percent of BES pupils were malnourish. Due to activities on nutrition, malnourish children decreased to only 10.36 percent on January 2008 in BES.
Parohinog recommends to school administrators to familiarize themselves with the nutrition status of their pupils in the first month of classes so that relevant information gathered can be the basis of the nutritional activities of the school.(By Dr. DOBIE PAROHINOG)/MP
ASU Receives P5M CHED SAFE Scholarship Grant
The Aklan State University, Banga, Aklan through its President, Dr. Benny A. Palma received a scholarship grant worth P5 million from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the Student Fund for Education for Scholarship (SAFE Scholarship).
The P3 million Scholarship Grant shall cater to poor but deserving 1st year tertiary education students this Academic Year 2008-2009 while the P2 million loan component will cater to financially needy students who are in their 3rd, 4th, 5th or graduating year of study.
This CHED scholarship program, aims to provide assistance to the financially needy but deserving college students, raise the number of grantees in CHED Priority Courses, raise and improve graduation rate at the tertiary level, thus, contributing to the stock of high-level manpower of the country.
As stated in Memorandum Order No. 07-213, s. 2008 issued by the University President, the loan/scholarship grant which is under the management of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) of the University will be awarded to poor but deserving students on a pro rata basis based on enrolment in CHED priority courses and in accordance with the implementing guidelines as embodied in CHED Order Nos. 25 and 26, Series of 2008 (Guidelines for the Implementation of the Student Assistance Fund for Education (SAFE) for Scholarship and Loan) as well as CHED Memorandum Order No. 4, Series of 2004.
Moreover, it is stipulated in CHED Order Nos. 25 and 26 Series of 2008 that scholarship grant may be used for tuition and other school fees, books and course projects, thesis writing, board and lodging, graduation fees, and other valid related educational expenses. (SRVillasis, ASU-ECS /MP
ASU Holds Orientation For New Students
Aklan State University (ASU) held its orientation program for new students of the graduate studies. It was held at the amphitheater, Banga, Aklan in the morning of Saturday last week. It was attended by all graduate schools students of all ASU campuses in New Washington, Kalibo, Ibajay, Makato and Banga.
Dr. Ersyl T. Biray, vice president for academic affairs gave the rationale of the orientation program. The faculty and students from each ASU campuses were presented by the respective deans. Dr. Biray also discussed graduate school policies with Dr. Cecile O. Legaspi, dean of the school of management sciences.
Dr. Roberto L. Saladar vice president for research & extension explained what is ASU "Research Direction". He specifically discussed the Research and Development Extension and Information & Communications Technology (RDETICT) Framework.
As part of the orientation, a holy mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Jude Isidro A. Rebaldo. He belongs to Master of Public Administration Class 2004 of ASU. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Rebaldo strongly stressed the importance of education in the daily life of every person. According to him, information is dynamic which changes every minute. Hence, "education is life. Education is continuing." /MP
Boracay Power Interruption In August–September 2008
Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) wishes to inform all its member-consumers in the whole Boracay Island and Sitio Tabon, Caticlan, Malay that there will be a series of Scheduled Power Interruption for the next two months, August and September.
According to Mr. Chito R. Peralta, Akelco general manager, this power interruption is due to the line conversion of double and triple circuit lines on the said areas where AKELCO is currently rehabilitating the lines for the construction of 30 MVA substation. The power interruption started on August 7, 2008 from 8:00 am to 5:00 am daily excluding Sundays until the construction is completed.
The project will construct a new 30 MVA substation for the replacement of the overloaded 10 MVA substation located at Caticlan, Malay, Aklan. It is being constructed at Sitio Tambisaan, Brgy. Manoc-Manoc, Boracay.
According to AGM for Operations, Engr. Rogen Delos Reyes, the 10 MVA substation which supplies electricity needs for the island and the municipalities of Buruanga and Malay is now overloaded resulting to frequent power interruptions on the said areas including the resort island Boracay.
The current consumption in Boracay alone has already reached 9.55 mega watts, Engr. Delos Reyes pointed out.
The installation of 30 MVA substation when completed, will address the power shortage being experienced by stakeholders and residents of this resort island. It will also minimize the low voltage and numerous brown-outs in the island and nearby municipalities. It could also immediately supply the needed electricity power requirements of the resort and the member-consumers when the 30 MVA is operational and more importantly, provide sustainable power in Boracay Island, the premiere tourist destination in the country.
The Akelco management expresses its apology for any inconvenience. It also requests for our usual cooperation and understanding. /MP
DAR-Aklan Leads Operation Tabang For CARP Farmers
The first batch of five hundred (500) agrarian reform beneficiaries will receive relief-assistance generated by the Department of Agrarian Reform in Aklan from various donor organizations such as the Provincial Government of Aklan, the Congressional District Office, Office of Vice Governor, NGO partners such as Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Soroptimist International of Kalibo, the Archbishop Gabriel M Reyes Memorial Foundation, Boracay Development Foundation, Sto. Nino Filipino –Chinese Catholic Ladies Association on August 8, 2008 at Bacyang, Madalag, Aklan.
Aklan DAR personnel contributed cash and provided clothing for the farmers as a way of giving back to the clients of CARP. On August 8, the country is observing the 45th anniversary when Pres. Diosdado Macapagal signed RA 3844, the Land Reform Code of the Philippines.
Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer initiated the "Operation Tabang" in response to the plight of the agrarian reform beneficiaries who directly suffered from the destruction brought by Typhoon Frank last June 21. DAR records show that of the 12 agrarian reform communities, 6,066 beneficiaries were affected, 2,084 houses of farmers totally destroyed while 2,912 homes were partially damaged.
Simultaneous with the relief distribution will be a Medical Mission sponsored by the Soroptimist International of Kalibo through its in-coming president, Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo and outgoing president. Dr Lyn D. Salido.
Governor Carlito S. Marquez, chair of the Aklan Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council facilitated the release of 50 sacks of rice to be distributed among the CARP beneficiaries in Aklan. He also lamented the state of some major CARP infrastructure projects that were damaged due to the typhoon such as the Timbaban Bridge that joins the town of Madalag to Malinao. Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores donated ten boxes of sardines for this relief mission.
The next batch of relief distribution will be for the farmer-beneficiaries of Libacao, Aklan. /MP
PPP Extends Photo Exhibit On Typhoon Frank
by Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Ilonggos have flocked to a photo exhibit by photo-journalists and reporters on the impact of typhoon "Frank" which ravaged Panay Island last June.
The exhibit which started on July 26 at the lower ground floor of SM City Iloilo in Mandurriao District has been extended to August 8 to accommodate thousands of people who drop by the exhibit from the opening of the mall until closing time.
"This is one of most successful photo exhibits held in the mall because the throngs of people have not receded," said Troy Camarista, public relations officer of SM City Iloilo, in a telephone interview.
Camarista said they decided to extend the exhibit because of the warm response. "Our shoppers can really connect with the photographs."
The exhibit was organized by the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP)-Iloilo chapter with the help of the Photo Artists League of Iloilo, Inc. and SM City Iloilo.
It included around 90 photographs both published and unpublished taken by Iloilo photojournalists and reporters, said Chris Fernandez, president of PPP-Iloilo.
The photographs are of houses, churches and streets submerged in water, residents in waist high waters, evacuees and other scenes of the tragedy in Iloilo and Aklan.
The two (provinces) were the hardest hit areas when the typhoon struck on June 21.
The Office of Civil Defense reported that at least 342 persons died during the typhoon in Western Visayas region alone. Around 290 are still missing and 886 were injured.
The flooding affected around 2,545 villages and 417,399 families or 2,094,105 persons. At least 50,571 houses were destroyed and another 101,080 others damaged.
"We now can share this photographs as we start to recover and move on," said Fernandez. "There were so many faces, feelings and scenes captured by our cameras that moved all of us."
The photographs which showed the onslaught of storm and flooding and after the waters had subsided "captured the Ilonggo spirit of resilience amid the most difficult time," said Fernandez.
He said these also showed the compassion in helping the victims. Some of the photojournalists and reporters who took the pictures themselves suffered from the calamity and were covering the typhoon when it struck their communities and homes.
"We wanted to capture and share the scenes that move us especially the struggle to survive and to overcome this unprecedented disaster," said Fernandez. /MP
The exhibit which started on July 26 at the lower ground floor of SM City Iloilo in Mandurriao District has been extended to August 8 to accommodate thousands of people who drop by the exhibit from the opening of the mall until closing time.
"This is one of most successful photo exhibits held in the mall because the throngs of people have not receded," said Troy Camarista, public relations officer of SM City Iloilo, in a telephone interview.
Camarista said they decided to extend the exhibit because of the warm response. "Our shoppers can really connect with the photographs."
The exhibit was organized by the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP)-Iloilo chapter with the help of the Photo Artists League of Iloilo, Inc. and SM City Iloilo.
It included around 90 photographs both published and unpublished taken by Iloilo photojournalists and reporters, said Chris Fernandez, president of PPP-Iloilo.
The photographs are of houses, churches and streets submerged in water, residents in waist high waters, evacuees and other scenes of the tragedy in Iloilo and Aklan.
The two (provinces) were the hardest hit areas when the typhoon struck on June 21.
The Office of Civil Defense reported that at least 342 persons died during the typhoon in Western Visayas region alone. Around 290 are still missing and 886 were injured.
The flooding affected around 2,545 villages and 417,399 families or 2,094,105 persons. At least 50,571 houses were destroyed and another 101,080 others damaged.
"We now can share this photographs as we start to recover and move on," said Fernandez. "There were so many faces, feelings and scenes captured by our cameras that moved all of us."
The photographs which showed the onslaught of storm and flooding and after the waters had subsided "captured the Ilonggo spirit of resilience amid the most difficult time," said Fernandez.
He said these also showed the compassion in helping the victims. Some of the photojournalists and reporters who took the pictures themselves suffered from the calamity and were covering the typhoon when it struck their communities and homes.
"We wanted to capture and share the scenes that move us especially the struggle to survive and to overcome this unprecedented disaster," said Fernandez. /MP
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Editorial - August 3, 2008 Issue
CA Prevents GSIS Monopoly of CTPL Insurance
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) was prevented from providing compulsory third party liability (CTPL) insurance to owners of private motor vehicles in the Philippines which will register with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) after the Court of Appeals (CA) issued a 60 days Temporary Restraining Order. This prevented the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the GSIS from issuing CTPL to private vehicles.
The TRO was granted by the fifth Division of CA, penned by Justice Ramon Bato, Jr. to the petitioner, the Alliance of Non-Life Insurance Workers of the Philippines (ANIWP) represented by Jubert Maun, its president.
The CA granted the TRO on the condition that the petitioner posts a P100,000 bond to answer whatever damages the DOTC and GSIS will suffer in case the petitioner is not entitled to a TRO.
According to ANIWP, the petitioner, the DOTC committed a grave abuse of discretion in issuing Department Order 2007-28 on July 5, 2007. This Order laid out the rules and regulations on the integration of the issuance and payment of the CTPL with the LTO’s information technology project systems and database. The DOTC order violated the Insurance Code of 1978 and the Constitution since it delegates the GSIS as the lone insurance entity to provide CTPL for motor vehicles to be registered with the LTO, ANIWP added.
According to ANIWP, the exclusion of other insurance companies duly authorized by the Insurance Commission to conduct business would create a state-owned monopoly and constitute restraint of trade and unfair competition. If the DOTC Department Order 2007-28 will be allowed, no other insurance company can sell CTPL insurance required for vehicle registration.
The GSIS was scheduled to start its integrated CTPL insurance system at the LTO on August 1. In view of the TRO, GSIS was restrained from issuing. The Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court also issued a separate TRO against the GSIS which granted the petition of another petitioner, the Philippines Insurers Associate Association.
This is monopoly. Motor vehicle owners will have no choice but the GSIS.
CTPL insurance policy is a mandatory requirement to all motor vehicles for registration or for renewal of registration.
Transparency, A Must
He was named Time Man of the Year. In 2002, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II of England. He was in the Philippines last week who spoke extemporaneously on the topic: “Leadership in Times of Crisis.
The event was held at Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Makati City. Those who listened to Rudy Giuliani paid P300,000 per table nearest the stage while those who paid P22,000 per seat were situated in the farthest sections of the ballroom. Giuliani, the former Mayor of New York City, draw a powerhouse crowd of 500 which included former Senate Pres. Franklin Drilon, former Pres. Erap Estrada and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay.
According to Giuliani, the people today are in the greatest need of honesty and integrity in government. The more the people can see how the government operates, the more confidence a government can develop among the people.
Giuliani’s advice for any government today is to be more transparent in governance. He spoke on what he called the “Six Pillars of Effective leadership” to overcome cynicism among the people.
“Those who focus on popularity rather than principles tend to be bogged down by small details and lose sight of the ultimate objective”, he stressed. /MP
Entrepreneurial Farmer
Ambrosio R. Villorente
The Government Needs To Develop
Highly Productive Farmers
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap last week announced the government might spend as much as P30 billion in 2008 to subsidize rice. This rice is now sold at P18.25 per kilo in the market. In addition to the money used in the importation of rice from foreign countries, about P18 billion in losses is expected in the distribution activities of the National Food Authority (NFA).
The government allocated P16 billion to NFA to cover direct losses from the resale of rice amounting to P12 billion. According to Sec. Yap, NFA increased its marketing participation to 59 percent.
This means 59 percent in rice trading is handled by the government and the 41 percent by the private sector. In 2007, the government allocated P16 billion in subsidies for the NFA. Part of it was used to cover the direct losses from the resale of the rice amounting to P12 billion.
The 59 percent market coverage means NFA gets 59 percent or more than one half (1/2) of the rice requirement in marketing. It also means 59 percent of rice being traded in the Philippine market comes from foreign rice farmers whose products are marketed, in their behalf, by NFA, a government agency which buys expensive rice from abroad and sells at losses in the Philippines.
It appears that the government is subsidizing both foreign farmers and Filipino consumers. This is only happening in the Philippines, which if allowed to continue, will discourage Filipino farmers to go on producing. That P30 billion if used in the construction of irrigation system, used in the procurement and construction of post harvest facilities for rice will enable the Filipino farmers to produce even more of the volume of rice the government is importing annually at less cost. They may even produce more to transform the Philippines from rice importing to rice exporting country.
The NFA is established to stabilize both supply of and price of rice. However, so far, NFA and the Department of Agriculture are stabilizing supply by importation and stabilizing price by selling imported rice at price even much lower of the import cost, thereby incurring huge losses. The government through the DA should be creative and develop Filipino farmers more productive by providing them with production tools, materials like water and market for their products which quality is globally competitive.
Summer Jobs For Students
During a recent meeting of the Aklan Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council, Dir. Aida Estabillo of DOLE disclosed that summer jobs for students are specifically designed for the private sector. However, in the Province of Aklan most of the summer jobs are made available to students by the LGU’s. However, there are more gray areas, the DOLE and the provincial in charge of the project must iron out.
First, the allocation per municipality is not disclosed. Mayor of Balete has never implemented the summer job; there is a need to explain why;
Second, the selection process is kept tightly. What is disclosed was the names of those who are selected; their accomplishment is never reported; what is reported is the date when pay checks are available;
Third, compensation payment is always delayed. Since the Department of Labor and Employment requires guarantee of 60 percent of the wages by the employee from the employer and the 40 percent by the DOLE, why the delay? Just asking for the public interest.
Fourth, since Dir. Estabillo stressed this program is designed for the private sector, there is a need for more public information to allow private sector participation.
First, the allocation per municipality is not disclosed. Mayor of Balete has never implemented the summer job; there is a need to explain why;
Second, the selection process is kept tightly. What is disclosed was the names of those who are selected; their accomplishment is never reported; what is reported is the date when pay checks are available;
Third, compensation payment is always delayed. Since the Department of Labor and Employment requires guarantee of 60 percent of the wages by the employee from the employer and the 40 percent by the DOLE, why the delay? Just asking for the public interest.
Fourth, since Dir. Estabillo stressed this program is designed for the private sector, there is a need for more public information to allow private sector participation.
Rehabilitation of Kalibo
Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo deserves the commendation for his initiative in the formation of a Rehabilitation Committee to draw plan of action in the restoration and improvement of the Municipality of Kalibo. Mayor Rebaldo issued last week Executive Order No. 09 that will draw plan of action for approval and implementation in the restoration of Kalibo.
During the initial hearing, some of the matters discussed were the improvement of drainage, restoration of creeks to allow excess water to drain and to demolish illegal structures. Initial discussion dealt on the provision of water and electricity to the houses constructed devoid of building permits. It was also discussed the process of relocation of squatters.
This column humbly recommends the inclusion in the demolition of hanky panky shops at the back of the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral and by the side of Aklan Catholic College building. These portions are parts of the road which are “beyond the commerce of man”.
That portion maybe converted into pay parking. Their relocation to another suitable place will highly improve sanitation and hastened marketing in the Shopping Center and its vicinity. Also, sidewalks in Poblacion, Kalibo must be cleared of illegal signs like “for customer only”, commercial display, vulcanizing shops and others. This is appropriate time to restore the use of roads and sidewalks to motorists and pedestrians. /MP
During the initial hearing, some of the matters discussed were the improvement of drainage, restoration of creeks to allow excess water to drain and to demolish illegal structures. Initial discussion dealt on the provision of water and electricity to the houses constructed devoid of building permits. It was also discussed the process of relocation of squatters.
This column humbly recommends the inclusion in the demolition of hanky panky shops at the back of the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral and by the side of Aklan Catholic College building. These portions are parts of the road which are “beyond the commerce of man”.
That portion maybe converted into pay parking. Their relocation to another suitable place will highly improve sanitation and hastened marketing in the Shopping Center and its vicinity. Also, sidewalks in Poblacion, Kalibo must be cleared of illegal signs like “for customer only”, commercial display, vulcanizing shops and others. This is appropriate time to restore the use of roads and sidewalks to motorists and pedestrians. /MP
The Day Frank Steals Aklan’s Grandeur
By Victor C. Pagayunan
Typhoon Frank brought 354 millimeters (1.4 ft.) of rain resulting to a century deep flood in Aklan, an average of 8 inches to 1 ft. deep mud in Poblacion, Kalibo and wind which lashed 140 to 170 kms. per hour. It resulted to 53 deaths, thousands of persons made homeless, livestock and poultry killed, agricultural crops damaged and rendered all materials and equipments in the first floors of buildings useless. Shown above is Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz, PP Aklan Medical Society in rubber boots gamely poses on all kinds of muddy documents at XIX Martyrs St., Kalibo, Aklan.
The wrath of Mother Nature is beyond man’s imagination. Typhoon Frank lashed mercilessly against Aklan that fateful day of June 21, 2008. Just picture the havoc wrought to the province. Hundreds of dwellings, countless loss of livestock and the like, millions worth of infrastructures destroyed and above all lives were lost on that unforgettable day!
The fast growing province lost its grandeur. The “Manggad it Kalibo”, like the Bakhawan Eco-Park, the renovated Museo it Aklan and the century old edifice cathedral, the fertile soil of Libacao considered the next tourist destination of Aklan, the town of Madalag known to be the land of the sweetest lanzones, the agricultural land of Malinao, Bugna it Tangalan, the social capital of Aklan, Banga the Beautiful, the town of Numancia known for its sumptuous and luscious cuisine, the Ibajay beaches are towns few to mention were greatly adversely affected.
Many questions beseech my mind. Is this lamentable calamity one of the dreaded prophecies? Or was it the greed of money and power as the world progresses? Or was it Mother Nature’s retaliation to man’s abusive utilization of her mountains and rivers which are vital bountiful blessings to mankind so as to survive in this world? Or caused by illegal loggings of our once verdant forests and the quarry business of our crystal clear river water? Or is it just a simple test of our faith? Or we just took for granted the reminders of those concerned and earth-friendly people? The answers are for each one of us to ponder upon.
As I contemplate on these queries. I was reminded by the book of Genesis that tells us about the creation of the universe, the origin of mankind wherein God looked at everything He had made and He was pleased, which made me discern also about the early history of the human race, the accounts of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the Flood, and the Tower of Babylon.
My nephew, a grade four pupil commented out of his innocent mind and said, “Sometimes Jesus is bad. He gives us strong wind and rain.” I can’t blame his belief but rather asked myself, why this has to happen? He might be true or not at all.
When I took a jeepney ride after that horrible day, the talk of the town was nothing but what had happened as a result of the typhoon. An old woman lamented, “Makasasaea eon gid man ro tawo.” (People have become hardened sinners). I couldn’t help but pray that we will be forgiven and can recover from this tragic event in our lives.
The howling of the terrible wind, the raging lashes of the once calm waters of the wide and narrow creeks and rivers were nerve shattering to the ears. No wonder then that both the victims and the survivors had the common instinct to turn only to God as they supplicated to be spared from Mother Nature’s wrath!
Imagine yourself amidst the pitiful haggard looking evacuees who lost everything they owned swept away by the strong angry current of flood waters. Look at them trembling from the trauma of near death as the overflowing rivers lambasted their dwellings and forced them out in the treacherous water to be carried away or be devoured instantly by the raging water in just a wink of an eye. They were hungry not only for food but for the attention and concern of the lucky one like us, who didn’t experience the tragedy they encountered. Can we just stare at them and say thank God I’m not one of them? Woe to these victims! I just hope immediate assistance from the government, philanthropists and other concerned NGO’s will relieve them of their pain for the moment and rescue them from eminent danger.
The tragic episode they experienced was not their own making anyway! What an irony of fate to feel and see the consequences of abusing our natural resources! Many, many years ago, when the century old proud trees were untouchable guards against the unpredictable attack of floods, our rivers were not overflowed to claim lives of humans and animals alike. But they were gone. Who dug sand and gravel which hastened soil erosion, river siltation and flood? They are here wallowing in wealth. Can you identify them?
We, the survivors of the typhoon Frank must be jubilant that we are very much alive, to thank God that we can go back to work and do our responsibilities bestowed to us. But let’s not forget that our Mother Earth is just there for us. It is not only the environmentalists, who must propagate, protect and preserve our Mother Earth, but we who are the survivors and even the victims who have the indomitable spirits to survive the agony and the misfortune of the said tragedy. Let us take it as another challenge to have an optimistic approach in dealing with trials such as this to make us more determined to achieve success despite the labyrinth’s jigsaw puzzles in the arena of life. Let those environmental destroyers vanish.
Nature’s wrath will come anytime if our natural resources are not conserved and preserved. Like humans, they need extra care and concern so they can be the constant source of help to man’s needs for existence in this planet called earth. God designed it to be so. Thus, let’s join hands and save Mother Earth.
Let us go down into the deep well of oblivion with the pains, heartaches, sorrows of yesterday caused by Frank, the menacing typhoon. Let us overcome all adversities and defy all the odds. Let us face the future with positive outlook and determination. Be guided with the words of William Jennings Bryan which is worth pondering, “Destiny is not a Matter of Chance, It’s a Matter of Choice.” Above all God invites us, “Come to me all of you who are weary and I will give you rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Every difficulty is an invitation to bend our knees and say a prayer. Keep our faith in Him and He will rescue us from all evil. /MP
Continuous Assistance Arrival Raises Hope
by TERENCE TORIANO
Help continues to pour in with national and foreign aids coming in to the Province of Aklan particularly in the Municipality of Kalibo, one of the hardest hit areas of the Super Typhoon Frank.
Foreign aids through religious, civic and government agencies continue to pour in to assist families affected by the flash flood but more help is needed according to Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo who cited out that the usual means of communication like the landline-based telephones are inoperable even the radio stations relying on what cellular phones that survived the flood for text messaging and e-mails to send out information or news.
Flood waters as high as five feet in most areas and twice the average Filipino height in low-lying areas have produced destructive outcome that has never been heard off by the people of Kalibo.
One elderly resident stated her obvious relief saying, “It would have been worse if it happened at night because people would be unaware and they would have panicked and more would have died.”
Of the five reported deaths in Kalibo, one is an elderly resident who possibly died due to exposure and extreme cold or hypothermia.
The aftermath have been heartbreaking for most as they find their belongings unusable including their appliances. Unfortunate families who lost their homes found themselves wondering into evacuation centers or living with their relatives.
All the usual evacuation centers like the ABL Sports Complex suffered heavy roof damages while public schools are affected by flash flood making the Diocese of Kalibo through Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo instrumental in opening the doors of St. John the Baptist Cathedral and the Aklan Catholic College to affected families.
Amazing still is the generosity of home owners with houses not affected by flood who opened their doors for their neighbors.
As Kalibo reels at the recent disaster, Mayor Rebaldo hopes that the national government will not only support and aid the capital town of Kalibo of more relief operation but also for the rebuilding and rehabilitation of a town that is known as the origin of the Ati-Atihan Festival. /MP
Vegetable Production In Seven Towns
Aklan Kalantiao Jaycees with the cooperation of the Aklan State University, Agricultural Training Institute, DepEd Aklan and the Provincial Government of Aklan launched on Saturday their vegetable production and utilization program. It was launched during the “Kapehan Sa Aklan” program of the PAPI, Aklan Press Club and Aklan Media Forum, a weekly program.
The vegetable project will cover the seven towns of Libacao, Makato, New Washington, Kalibo, Numancia, Lezo and Banga.
This vegetable project is geared to ward off the impending shortage of vegetables in Aklan, provide nutritious vegetables to the Aklanons, instill desirable work habit and provide scientific learning experience to the participants.
Attractive prizes to the winners such as cash, garden implements and certificate will be awarded. All participants will be given certificate of participation.
The specific details of the program and entry form are available with the DepEd Aklan and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Capitol Site, Kalibo, Aklan. /MP
The vegetable project will cover the seven towns of Libacao, Makato, New Washington, Kalibo, Numancia, Lezo and Banga.
This vegetable project is geared to ward off the impending shortage of vegetables in Aklan, provide nutritious vegetables to the Aklanons, instill desirable work habit and provide scientific learning experience to the participants.
Attractive prizes to the winners such as cash, garden implements and certificate will be awarded. All participants will be given certificate of participation.
The specific details of the program and entry form are available with the DepEd Aklan and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Capitol Site, Kalibo, Aklan. /MP
Pinoy Runner Gets Mayor’s Certificate for Finishing L.A. Marathon
By ALEX P. VIDAL
Inspired after being awarded with a certificate for finishing the 26.2-mile Los Angeles Marathon this year, Filipino runner Gaudencio “Nono” Casa Jr. vowed to pursue his ambition of running in the lung-busting Long Beach Marathon on October 12, 2008 this year and again in the nerve-tingling L.A. Marathon on March 1, 2009.
Casa, 43, made the declaration after he received a certificate signed by L.A. Marathon president Dr. William A. Burke and L.A. mayor Antonio Villaraigosa extolling him for finishing 2,590th overall out of 25,000 participants in the 23rd L.A. Marathon this year.
He submitted a time of 4:16:35 for 26 miles and 385 yards, improving by some 30 minutes the record he logged last year.
“Congratulations on finishing 23rd annual City of Los Angeles Marathon presented by Honda,” went the letter accompanying the certificate signed by Villaraigosa and Burke. “(Your) months of training came down to one glorious day where you exemplified the heart of 26.2. Your closed finisher’s certificate is well-deserved.”
Casa, a former seaman from Calinog, Iloilo who works in a posh condominium on Wilshire Avenue, said that his efforts and sacrifices have been recognized and appreciated. This will embolden him to train hard and do his best to land in the top 100 if not win any of the two prestigious marathons in the world.
“Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa,” stressed Casa who is married to Riza, Sharon Cuneta’s former make-up artist.
Casa said he was also particularly inspired by Tatayana Aryasova of Russia, who made her marathon debut after giving birth to her first child in 2006, handily held off the male frontrunners after a 19:38 head start, to win the Banco Popular Challenge $100,000 bonus. She received a $20,000 cash prize for her 2:29:09 first place finish, along with a 2008 Honda Accord, as did Laban Moiben, a 24-year old Kenyan who broke the tape at 2:13:50.
“If a 49-year-old woman can do that, why can’t we, the male and much younger runners?” he pointed out.
The marathon day was described by Burke as filled with heart and heartbreak. For the first time in the race’s 23-year history, event organizers allowed a relay to be held. “You could hear a pin drop on the start line when 30 L.A.P.D. SWAT team members and Chief William Bratton gathered for a torch lighting ceremony to honor the memory of Randal Simmons, the first SWAT team member in history to be killed in the line of duty. Immediately following, Simmons’ partner James Hart carried the torch for first leg of the journey. The torch was passed every three miles to SWAT team members and handed to Simmons’ 15-year old son Mat who carried it across the finish line where he was met by his mother, sister and other family members,” said Burke.
Legacy Runner Craig Chambers, one of 249 people who have run every L.A. Marathon, walked the race for the first time to keep his streak alive despite the debilitating effects of stage IV cancer. Another inspiring participant was Johan Otter, the recipient of the Marathon’s 2008 Patsy Choco Courage Award. A lifelong marathon runner, he nearly lost his life when he absorbed the attack of a grizzly bear in Glacier National Park to save the life of his teenage daughter Jenna.
The race was run for the 2nd year in a row on a point-to-point course beginning in the valley at Universal Studios Hollywood and ending at 5th and Flower opposite the Richard J. Riordan Central Library in downtown Los Angeles.
The course was designed along the Metro Red Line, which served the start and finish line areas and three points in between. Participants with bibs rode for free on race day. Spectators had the opportunity to watch the progress of the race at various points on the course.
This year, the race was highlighted by several new innovations. In the late stage of the race, participants heard more than 100 mariachis in The Mariachi Mile as the race progressed along Boyle Avenue in East Los Angeles. The final mile of the race featured large banners and inspiring quotes honoring Ernie Van Leeuwen, who ran his first of eleven Los Angeles Marathons at age 82. Also new to this year’s race was SAI Timing, a disposable computer timing strip, said Burke.
Concepcion
Holds Victory
Over Filipino Pug
Despite losing his last fight by 3rd round knockout to Juan Carlos Burgos, ring experts do not consider Adam Carrera a pushover and are not ruling an upset win over North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super bantamweight champion Bernabe Concepcion when they collide in a 10-round non-title fight on July 26 in the undercard of the Miguel Cotto versus Antonio Margarito 12-round world welterweight rumble at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Carrera is not yet over the hill and is not stranger to a Filipino fighter,” said boxing trainer Hipolito Sebastian, Sr. who once handled world-ranked Hector Zaldivar and junior featherweight contender Felipe Sisneros.
Sebastian, 62, said Carrera, a natural featherweight, is only 25 years old and is itching to climb back in the win column to improve his ranking. Carrera, he said, is also eyeing a title shot at Israel Vasquez’s WBC super bantamweight jewels “and he must score a win over the fancied Concepcion (25-1, 14 KOs) to realize his dream. “
Carrera (19-3, 8 KOs), according to Sebastian, was only 19 when he pounded out a unanimous decision win over veteran Filipino prospect Ronnie Longkait on September 20, 2002 at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to post his eight straight win against no defeat.
Carrera, nicknamed “El Torito”, once fought for the United States Boxing Association (USBA) super bantam-weight title but lost on points to Mike Oliver on Sept. 28, 2006. He bounced back a year later by whipping Juan Ruiz in a 10-round non-title tiff in Ontario, California.
Carrera also once held Concepcion’s title he won by knocking out Julio Gamboa in the 7th round at the Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella, California on June 24, 2005.
Concepcion, 20, said he does not under-estimate his opponents, including Carrera. “Pareho lang kami na marunong sumuntok kaya hindi tayo dapat magkumpiansa,” said Concepcion, who stopped Torrence Daniels in two rounds on April 26 at the Plaza de Toros Juriquilla, Queretaro, Mexico to keep his NABF crown.
The Filipino ring sensation has logged more than 50 rounds in his sparring sessions under the watchful eyes of Hall of Famer coach Freddie Roach at the Wild Card gym in Hollywood. He will be assisted at ringside by his manager Aljoe Jaro, who will plane in on July 19, and WBC ring physician Dr. Allan L. Recto who has been designated as his cut man.
WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao, Concepcion’s major sponsor in the United States, will also watch the fight at ringside. /MP
Houseless Families Get P10,000 Assistance
Aklanon families rendered houseless by Typhoon Frank will soon start building their houses anew with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
According to Evangeline Gallega of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Kalibo, Aklan, the DSWD is set to distribute P10,000.00 each to families whose houses were totally destroyed by Typhoon Frank.
Gallega said the DSWD is currently validating the actual number of families in the province whose houses were totally destroyed by the typhoon. Presently, the validation is focused on Kalibo.
The PDCC has listed more than 10,000 totally destroyed houses in its report on damages caused by Typhoon Frank on June 21.
Meanwhile, the PDCC is currently listing names of those who perished during the typhoon in Aklan. Immediate families of these victims, according to the PDCC, will receive P10,000 each.
Some 53 Aklanons died at the height of the typhoon, mostly due to drowning. Others were landslide victims while some were hit by fallen trees.
Numancia town had the highest number of deaths with 16, followed by Kalibo with 7 and Ibajay, 6. The towns of Banga, Makato, Malinao and New Washington had 4 deaths each; Lezo and Libacao 3 each, Tangalan and Madalag, 1 each. /MP
VOLUNTEER JANITORS
In response to the call of Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo, large number of volunteer janitors with their brooms, dust pans, and other tools came early in Poblacion, Kalibo to clean the town. "Gin dam-usan kita it eonang, mag bueoligan kita agud maka dam-os it buling sa Ati-atihan" Picture above shows volunteers sweeping Roxas Ave. dust & other garbage. /MP
Senior Citizen Terencio Prevents Global Warming
by ATBaylon
Preventing soil erosion: Picture above shows soil erosion prevention by terracing across hillside and constructing ladder look drainage as being practiced in Malaysia. (ARV photo)
Senior Citizen Emelio T. Terencio, the father of Brgy. Aglucay will extend his services to the reduction of the volume of solid waste. He will introduce the love of nature, the practice of ecological balance and promote strong family relationship at neighboring barangays of Cayangwan, Makato, Aklan.
He decided to allow his son get out of government service and to privately spend time to guide townmates who lost links to Mother Earth. Terencio wants to keep them aware of their role in taking care of the environment to save the dwindling biodiversity and prevent destruction of natural ecosystem.
He is coordinating with the offices of the Municipal Agricultural Services and Municipal Social Welfare Development to harmonize the thrust and programs in food production and social welfare development of Makato.
He strongly promotes the interest of many farmers as well as the youth to actively participate and practice Natural Farming System (NFS) to phase in appropriate technology for a sustainable agriculture. He is strongly supported by LGU-Makato headed by environment-friendly mayor, Hon. Ramon S. Legaspi, Jr. on the conduct of NFS seminars/trainings of farmers of Makato. He has adopted multi-cropping system of farming with NFS technology. He plans to include in his farm the 15 herbs as sources of organic fertilizer and pesticide. /MP
New Houses For Typhoon Victims
by Ambrosio R. Villorente
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will provide 250 units of houses to the victims of Typhoon Frank. Ms. Arcely Pelayo announced last week during the board meeting of the PNRC, Aklan chapter. According to Ms. Pelayo, 125 units will be for Kalibo and the 125 units will be for Numancia.
Materials for construction are imported except for the walling and others easily available locally.
The recipients will provide the labor in the construction. They will be provided with carpentry tools for the construction as a component of the house. In addition to being a typhoon victim, he must also be:
1. permanent resident of the barangay for one year; 2. owner of the lot where the house will be constructed; 3. has not received any shelter assistance from any NGO or the government; 4. must be a family composed of parent and children; 5. sign a contract that construction is completed in 30 days; d 6. the new house is located in safe area away from deep floods, landslides and other natural dangers.
PNRC Aklan Relief Assistance
Meanwhile, Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, chairman, PNRC Aklan reported that PNRC Aklan has provided relief assistance to some 8,514 families and 44,227 persons as of July 31. This relief assistance consisted of food items for 7,109 families; non-food items for 1,820 families; hygiene kit – 734 families and temporary shelter – 471 families.
According to Mary Joe B. Galeon of the PNRC Aklan, the food items or food pack consisted of 6 tin cans sardines, 6 packs noodles, 5 kilos rice and mineral water.
The Hygiene Kit consisted of 2 rolls toilet paper, toothpaste, shaver, comb, 2 bottles shampoo, one pack sanitary napkins and one box powder soap.
The non-food pack consisted of Geri containers collapsible, and used clothing. The temporary shelter was tarpaulin plastic sheet.
These materials distributed came from PNRC Capiz Chapter, United States Agency for International Development, PNRC National Headquarters, SMART, Provincial Government of Aklan, GAVER, Holy Trinity Prayer Group of Australia. NVC allowed the use of rooms as operation center, MMDA allowed the used of Boom truck. Some kind individuals provided vehicles for relief operation like Boracay Tropics, Gie Recoter, Regner Pelayo, John Rey Tordecillas, Manuel Jizmundo, Frits Onayan and Robelyn Delos Reyes.
PAL Foundation donated 10 bags used clothing and 2 boxes used pillow cases. /MP
Monday, August 04, 2008
EDITORIAL - August Issue
AKELCO 3 Priority
Rehabilitation Approaches
On June 21, 2008, immediately after the weather calmed, flood subsided, the damages known, there were no water, no electricity, no communication network. There were muds. Destructions were assessed.
On Monday, June 23, relief goods kept coming to Aklan. It came from kind hearted citizens of Aklan, from fellow Filipinos, organizations and from abroad. Food came in the form of rice, canned goods, water, used clothings, blankets, candles and others. There was solidarity demonstrated by public officials.
Top government officials visited Aklan such as Sen. Mar Roxas, PGMA who came on July 1 and 2, Senators Richard Gordon, Loren Legarda, Bong Revilla, Migs Zubiri, Manny Villar, Jinggoy Estrada and some members of the cabinet, their bureau and regional directors. They all came to assess the damages with relief assistance and promises for rehabilitation after typhoon Frank lashed Aklan.
Makati Mayor Jojemar Binay and former president Erap Estrada came to Aklan. MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando came and sent his MMDA Mercy Mission to Kalibo which was composed of 35 heavy engineering equipment and its respective crew. They arrived on June 25 and left Kalibo July 21. They cleared Kalibo with mud and debris, declogged the drainage system of Kalibo and cut falling trees. They demonstrated valuable work attitude and habit to the Aklanons. Before they left, Mr. Aldo Mayor, their team leader gave his observation and recommendation to improve life in Kalibo or Aklan. Before they left for home, the MMDA Mercy Mission imprinted its greatness to the hearts and minds of the Aklanons.
There was a total black out. There was total darkness on Saturday evening, June 21. When PGMA visited Aklan, Mr. Chito Peralta, general manager assured her, Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) electric services will be 100 percent restored on July 25. He gave himself one month to repair the damage.
In an announcement over the radio when radio broadcasting resumed, Mr. Peralta informed the radio audience of his three priority approaches in the restoration of Akelco services to the consumers, thus: first – backbone line; second – trunkline; and third – those in the interior. Is the priority followed? Your own observation is the best answer. The tendency for those whose electricity was restored will believe Mgr. Peralta. There are those whose electricity were even earlier restored will doubt Mr. Peralta for one, two or three reasons.
As of July 28, 2008, in a telephone interview with Engr. Rogen Delos Reyes, asst. general mgr. of Akelco, he said 97 percent of the electric consumers are now having electric services. This means out of some 91,240 Akelco subscribers, 2,748 are still in total darkness. Are you one of these three (3) percent? This data mentioned above coming from one of the top officials of Akelco cannot be contested. It is only the actual condition in the field which will refute the statistics stated above. How many percent of the houses of the Municipality of Numancia are still in total darkness such as in Badio, Bubog, Camanci Sur and Norte? There are barangays where houses are all served with electricity. There are several isolated houses which electric services were earlier restored. Thanks to the Akelco, they were served ahead. This is a deviation of the three priority approaches in electric power restoration mgr. Peralta first announced.
On Monday, June 23, relief goods kept coming to Aklan. It came from kind hearted citizens of Aklan, from fellow Filipinos, organizations and from abroad. Food came in the form of rice, canned goods, water, used clothings, blankets, candles and others. There was solidarity demonstrated by public officials.
Top government officials visited Aklan such as Sen. Mar Roxas, PGMA who came on July 1 and 2, Senators Richard Gordon, Loren Legarda, Bong Revilla, Migs Zubiri, Manny Villar, Jinggoy Estrada and some members of the cabinet, their bureau and regional directors. They all came to assess the damages with relief assistance and promises for rehabilitation after typhoon Frank lashed Aklan.
Makati Mayor Jojemar Binay and former president Erap Estrada came to Aklan. MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando came and sent his MMDA Mercy Mission to Kalibo which was composed of 35 heavy engineering equipment and its respective crew. They arrived on June 25 and left Kalibo July 21. They cleared Kalibo with mud and debris, declogged the drainage system of Kalibo and cut falling trees. They demonstrated valuable work attitude and habit to the Aklanons. Before they left, Mr. Aldo Mayor, their team leader gave his observation and recommendation to improve life in Kalibo or Aklan. Before they left for home, the MMDA Mercy Mission imprinted its greatness to the hearts and minds of the Aklanons.
There was a total black out. There was total darkness on Saturday evening, June 21. When PGMA visited Aklan, Mr. Chito Peralta, general manager assured her, Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) electric services will be 100 percent restored on July 25. He gave himself one month to repair the damage.
In an announcement over the radio when radio broadcasting resumed, Mr. Peralta informed the radio audience of his three priority approaches in the restoration of Akelco services to the consumers, thus: first – backbone line; second – trunkline; and third – those in the interior. Is the priority followed? Your own observation is the best answer. The tendency for those whose electricity was restored will believe Mgr. Peralta. There are those whose electricity were even earlier restored will doubt Mr. Peralta for one, two or three reasons.
As of July 28, 2008, in a telephone interview with Engr. Rogen Delos Reyes, asst. general mgr. of Akelco, he said 97 percent of the electric consumers are now having electric services. This means out of some 91,240 Akelco subscribers, 2,748 are still in total darkness. Are you one of these three (3) percent? This data mentioned above coming from one of the top officials of Akelco cannot be contested. It is only the actual condition in the field which will refute the statistics stated above. How many percent of the houses of the Municipality of Numancia are still in total darkness such as in Badio, Bubog, Camanci Sur and Norte? There are barangays where houses are all served with electricity. There are several isolated houses which electric services were earlier restored. Thanks to the Akelco, they were served ahead. This is a deviation of the three priority approaches in electric power restoration mgr. Peralta first announced.
The Delay
Akelco is not able to comply its target date of completion of July 25. According to Engr. Rogen Delos Reyes, the delay is brought about by the inclement weather condition, the delay in the arrival of materials and fatigue of the Akelco personnel. Akelco also lost some 5,000 electric meters due to flood, thieves and some were damaged, Delos Reyes pointed. Akelco installed 547 posts and about 25,000 meters electric wires, added Delos Reyes. But electric cooperative from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao came and helped Akelco. They even went home two weeks ago after completing their assignments like ORMECO.
On the other hand, some observers agree Akelco may have accomplished the 100 percent electric power restoration if Akelco followed strictly its program of priority. There are observations that some Akelco teams spent more time and effort by moving around. Some observers revealed, the repair crew repaired one, two-seven electrical connections, then moved out thereby spending more travel time, manpower and fuel. Management could have adhered to its rehabilitation priority.
Engr. Delos Reyes, personally confided he learned several lessons in this calamity Frank brought to Aklan. May he and his staff values it and profit from it for the project. Before we stopped the telephone interview, he voluntarily offered to reconnect power line to residential houses in Badio immediately.
True to his words, electricity was restored to the houses of my neighbors and in my house. Some seven (7) houses were connected to the Akelco line by five Akelco men in about 1/2 hour. After which, they left even some neighbors requested them to also reconnect them to the supply of electricity. But no, they hurriedly left, I was told. When I came home from office that evening I was delighted to learn electricity is restored to my house.
Thank you Engr. Rogen Delos Reyes. You are true to your words. /MP
Entrepreneurial Farmer
Ambrosio R. Villorente
Union Bank Is GSIS Choice
An anonymous person sent his reaction on my previous column about the "Long Line of GSIS Pensioners at Union Bank in Iloilo". His comment is quoted hereunder.
Why did GSIS chose UnionBank?
Was there any bidding or public hearing? UnionBank has very, I mean very few branches/ATM.. Even their customer service is very difficult to reach. If the number is not busy (almost everytime), there is no officer available (to answer the call). It always takes me days to be able to talk to one. So if you are a credit card holder and you lost your card, who knows, someone would already be able to use it because you are not able to report it’s lost.
Boohh to GSIS and UnionBank!!
Duty & Transparency
Ms. Vivian Ruiz Solano, in charge of the Summer Employment for students must consult the Local Government Units concerning the said project. It appears that some municipal mayors are not informed of the said Summer Jobs for students. This was discovered when Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo asked Regional Director Estabillo of the Department of Labor and Employment during the distribution of checks for the payment of labor under the Emergency Employment Assistance Program for typhoon victims held in the Aklan provincial capitol recently.
In another project and in the presence of some municipal mayors and key provincial officials in the said meeting with Dir. Estabillo, Vice Gov. Calizo revealed that about 1000 qualified and identified families to be covered by Philhealth forfeited the health insurance benefits because their respective health cards, even if they were issued, were not distributed to the MSWD identified qualified recipients in Balete, Aklan. The premiums paid were wasted.
It is proper that information such as Philhealth insurance be given to the proper person to handle who is the municipal mayor in case of LGU.
Kalantiao Jaycees, Kalibo, Aklan in cooperation with the "Bangon Akean" will launch vegetable program. This is a project to help solve the shortage of vegetables in Aklan, provide alternative productive activity for children, help improve nutrition and give scientific actual learning experience.
This project will cover initially seen (7) Municipalities in Aklan which are: Kalibo, Banga, Libacao, Numancia, Lezo, New Washington and Makato. The details of the project will be explained on Saturday morning, August 2, 2008 during the "Kapehan Sa Akean" tri media program. /MP
Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda
Ni Tita Linda Belayro
Ro Titiris Ni Sakira
Manogpamueot it basura si Sakira. Kon owa it klase, kaibahan ko ibang mga onga sa tambakan it basura sanda naga adto daea ro andang mga sako. Ko isaeang agahon, masakit ro ina ni Sakira. Owa guid sanda it kwarta agod ibakae it boeong. Naubos eon ro andang kabakeanan ko pilang adlaw. Ro anang mga igmanghod nga si Bandoy hay naga pangayo it pagkaon. Permi eon lang nga noodles ro andang pagkaon.
Nag eaong imaw kay nanay nana agod mag-osoy it kwarta. Nanaog imaw nga mag adto sa tambakan. Maangan-angan, nag-agi ro trak it basura. Dayon nga daeagan ko mga onga paadto sa tambakan. Sigeng aeagawan ko mga onga sa mga bote, plastic ag saesaeon. May hakita nga isaeang ka titiris si Sakira nga owa guina inatuha ko ibang mga onga. Kat abo eon ro anang hapueot nga bote ag mga karton, guindaea nana sa junk shop agod ibaligya. Nagbakae imaw it noodles ag sang kilong bugas. Dayon guin oli agod eahaon. Naka-kaon ro anang ina ag igmanghod.
Guin bo-oe dayon nana ro anang titiris ag guin limpyuhan. Sam-tang guina sudlay nana ro buhok ko titiris, hapan-uhan nanang may naga kaeog sa sueod. Guin tas-tas nana ro eambong ko titiris. Idto nakatahi ro mga papilon nga kwarta nga linibo. Nahueog man ro guin putos nga mga alahas nga singsing, aritos ag kulintas. Anang guin-daea sa anang ina.
Nag eohod ro anang ina sa pagpasaeamat sa grasya nga nag-abot kanda. Ogaling una man ro kahadlok tongod owa nanda masayri kon sin-o ro tag-ana kara. Guin daea ni Sakira ro anang ina sa ospital ag nagbakae it mga kina hangeanon sa baeay. Nagbakae man sanda it sangkiri nga groserya agod ibaligya rona sa andang lugar. Owa guid it nakapan-o sa andang pagpangabuhi kon may nag dugang tongod owa nanda guin gasto tanan ro mga alahas ag kwarta nga hakita.
Isaeang adlaw, may pumundo nga itom nga auto sa printe ko andang baraka. May nanaog nga daywang ka tawo nga naka antipara it itom. Nangu-tana sanda kon may nakapoeot it titiris nga eagi una sa andang lugar. Haum nanda nga bakeon ratong titiris. Ka’t owa man sanda it habo-oe nga impormasyon, umuli lang sanda. Amat-amat nga guinabakae ni Sakira ag ko anang ina ratong kwarta it mga igdaeapat ogaling ro mga alahas, owa guid nanda igbaligya.
Sa pagtaliwan it mga inadlaw, naduea ro titiris. Nagpaeayo ro titiris tongod suno sa mga taga runa, guin gamit kunta it mga sindikato ratong titiris sa illegal nga mga transaksyon, ogaling hapilak ro titiris ag haadto sa mga basura tongod owa masayuri ko ibang miyembro it sindikato nga ro titiris gali hay may mga sekreto. Para malikaw ro pamilya sa maeain nga katuyu-an it mga sindikato, nag paeayo eon lang ro titiris nga owa masayuri.
Naduea eon sa paino-ino nanday Sakira ratong titiris. Mayad eon ro andang pagpangabuhi. Pagtaliwan it pilang domingo, may nagbisita kanda nga isaeang ka dalagita nga ro anang biste hay kapares ko ratong titiris. Nagpakilaea imaw nga imaw ratong titiris ag nagpanaw nga owa nageaong bangod basi madakpan it mga tawo. Ka’t idto eon imaw sa ibang lugar, hakita imaw it isaeang ka engkantada it kagueangan. Naeo-oy kana ratong Ada ag guintaw-an imaw it kabuhi. Ogaling gamiton nana sa kamaeayran. Hadumduman nana ro pamilya ni Sakira. Paagi sa gahum it Ada, guindaea imaw idto sa may tambakan ag idto sa baeay ni Sakira imaw umadto. Nalipay it duro sanday Sakira. Guin baton imaw ag guin pakilaea nga igkampod nana. Hawig ro andang hitsura ngani guin hingaeanan imaw kay Samira.
Halin kato, malipayon nga nagpangabuhi sanday Sakira ag Samira. Nagmayad man ro anang ina ag owa sanda nagakalipat sa pagsimba ag pagbulig sa mga tawo. Bu-ot man nanda nga makasamit ro ibang tawo ko grasya ng habaton sa Diyos nga maka ako. /MP
PPhA Inducts Ureta Vice President
BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO
An Aklanon was elected vice president for Visayas of the Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA). She took her oath of office during the Induction of Officers held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel Manila, Pasay City.
Mabel P. Ureta-Concepcion, Food and Drug Regulation Officer (FDRO) II of the Department of Health, took her oath before Hon. Leonor Tripon-Rosero, Secretary of the Professional Regulations Commission. PPhA is the country’s PRC-accredited professional organization for practicing pharmacists.
Inducted with Concepcion are the following officers: Normita D. Leyesa, President; Atty. Froilan A. Bagabaldo, executive vice president; Ma. Lourdes S. Garganera, vice president for Luzon; Dean Adelina C. Royo, vice president for Mindanao; Dr. Olivia M. Limuaco, Treasurer; Dr. Yolanda R. Robles, executive secretary; Leonila M. Ocampo, public relations officer; and Dr. Norma V. Lerma, Auditor. The Board of Directors is composed of Marian M. Andaluz, Dr. Rosalinda C. Solevilla, Dalisay J. Cuevas, Marilyn Y. Tiu, Marita P. Siscar and Ramona O. Wee.
Concepcion’s career as a pharmaceutical leader is characterized by many firsts – a fitting testimony to a career hinged on nothing short of excellence.
As the newly-elected vice president for Visayas of the PPhA, she holds the distinction as the first Aklanon to be admitted to the national board of the country’s oldest pharmacist organization. She was also elected vice president for Visayas of the Department of Health League of Pharmacists.
Prior to her election to national office of these two professional organizations, she served as government representative of the Aklan Pharmaceutical Association for Pharmacy Year 2002-2007. It was through her effort and initiative that the APhA was declared national winner of the 2008 PPhA-Unilab Outstanding Chapter of the Year and regional winner of the 2008 PPhA-Unilab Distinguished Chapter for Visayas.
Concepcion’s multi-faceted and distinguished service record of 24 years as a Registered Government Pharmacist tells of a legendary adventure for the promotion of pharmacy as noble yet distinct among health care profession. She even organized events to recognize the exceptional achievements of senior pharmacist. Through her services and leadership, she forged and strengthened new territory for pharmacists in Aklan as instrumental leader of APhA./MP
Tan Leads PAL Express, AirPhil NAIA 3 Transfer
Philippine Airlines chairman and CEO Lucio C. Tan led top PAL executives and ranking guests from the government when the flag carrier’s low-fares unit PAL express and affiliate carrier Air Philippine both took off from their new hub Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on July 24, 2008.
The move underscored PAL’s support for the Philippine governments effort to turn NAIA Terminal 3 into the premier gateway to Manila. Dr. Tan opened the PAL Express and Air Philippines check-in counters at the new terminal and then personally welcomed passengers checking-in for PAL Express flight PR 055 to Boracay and Air Philippines flight 2P 977 to Bacolod.
He was assisted by PAL president Jaime J. Bautista and other senior PAL executives. The PAL Chorale serenaded passengers and guests during the ceremonies. Starting July 24, all PAL Express flights departing Manila will operate from Terminal 3. These comprise the services to Boracay (Caticlan), Busuanga, Calbayog, San Jose, Surigao and Virac. The return flights from these points will also disembark at the new terminal.
Likewise, all Air Philippines flights will shift their departure and arrival operations to Terminal 3 on July 24. These include the services to Bacolod, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Naga, Puerto Princesa, Ozamiz and Tuguegarao.
In all, PAL Express will operate 75 flights per week and Air Philippines, 56 flights per week at Terminal 3, making the two PAL affiliates combined the largest operator at the newly opened facility. Any new or additional service by these two units in the future will also emanate from Terminal 3, PAL said. For instance, PAL Express’ forthcoming service to Catarman, Northern Samar, scheduled to start August 1, will operate from Terminal 3.
However, regular PAL domestic and international flights using jet aircraft will still operate from the flag carrier’s current hub at NAIA Centennial Terminal 2. Passengers on PAL Express and Air Philippines flights from Manila, as well as those holding PAL tickets on Air Philippines-operated code-share flights, are advised to proceed to NAIA Terminal 3 along Andrews Avenue (opposite the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus), Pasay City at least two hours prior to their scheduled departure time. /MP
US Distributes Passport Cards
The United States Departments of State and Homeland Security (DHS) on Passport Production jointly announced on July 22 that the new U.S. Passport Card is in full production and is now being distributed.
"The Passport Card is a convenient, wallet-sized document for land and sea travel between the United States and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not valid for international travel by air," says a media note from the Office of the Spokesman in Washington D.C. secured by Philippine News Service (PNS).
It said, beginning in June 2009, travelers will be required to present a single Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document denoting both citizenship and identity when entering the United States through a land or sea border.
More than 350,000 Americans pre-ordered the U.S. Passport Cards since the State Department began taking orders on February 1. Over 7,600 cards have already been mailed to advance customers, and all pre-orders are expected to be filled by September 30, 2008, added the Office of the Spokesman.
"After that initial distribution, we expect the processing time for passport cards to be the same as for passport books – less than four weeks. Customers will be able to track the progress of their passport card application online beginning in mid-August," it stressed.
The passport card will facilitate the frequent travel of Americans living in border communities by utilizing a vicinity-read radio frequency identification (RFID) chip.
With this technology, DHS’ U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will be able to access photographs and other biographical information stored in secure government databases before the traveler reaches the inspection booth so that inspection can be facilitated. For privacy protection, no personal information is stored on the electronic chip itself.
The chip will reportedly have only a unique number pointing to a stored record contained in secure government databases.
"We are pleased to offer Americans a choice of documents, the traditional passport book, and now the passport card, to meet their personal needs for international travel," said Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Janice L. Jacobs. "The passport card is the newest addition to the Department’s long history of providing secure, reliable services to the American traveling public."
"We have been working closely with the U.S. Department of State to be able to provide another type of secure identification that is vital to protecting our nation’s borders" said Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Policy Stewart Baker. "The new passport cards will help facilitate legitimate travel while allowing our frontline personnel to focus more on those who may pose a threat."
The Passport Card is available for $45 for first-time adult applicants and $35 for children under 16. Adults who currently have valid passports can apply for the passport card by mail for $20. /MP
A Historic Visit To Mexican Embassy To Help Pinoy Boxers
By ALEX P. VIDAL
Disturbed by the fate of Cebuano boxer Apol Suico who was scratched from the card following his failure to obtain a Mexican visa on time for a 10-round non-title fight versus Koki Kameda in Sonora, Mexico on July 12, World Boxing Council (WBC) ring physician Dr. Allan L. Recto has scheduled another visit to the Mexican Embassy in Makati City, Philippines tentatively on August 1 in the hope to win the heart of the consulate for Filipino boxers wishing to fight in Mexico.
"I would like to request if I could have a courtesy call with you and discuss other opportunities on how I could help our Filipino boxers especially when they have fights in Mexico," read Recto’s letter to Mexican Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Angel George Cruz who holds office at Consul Encargado de Asuntos Consulares on Dasmarinas Village, Makati city.
Recto, husband of famous pediatrician, Dr. Gesina of Laredo, Texas, said he wished the sad plight of Suico, a flyweight contender, would not happen again to other Filipinos making a living in professional boxing.
Suico (10-2, 6 KOs) failed to make a trip for his failure to get the Mexican visa on time. Matchmaker and Tokyo-based journalist Joe Koizumi had expressed sadness over Suico’s predicament saying the young Filipino prize-fighter was denied of the opportunity to earn a leaving because of the visa problem.
Recto said, "Filipino boxers leaving for fights abroad should be properly assisted by authorities concerned because this is their only opportunity to earn dollars and they are carrying the flag of the Philippines."
"Had Suico applied for Mexican visa earlier, his chances to improve his world ranking if he beat the world number one Kameda were big," Recto stressed.
Recto believed that the Philippines should sustain its "cordial" relations with the Mexican Embassy so that they would assist Filipino athletes not only in boxing by expediting their visa applications but on other problems.
"Paying a visit to the ambassador is one way of showing our deep respect for the Mexican Embassy and improving our foreign relations," stressed Recto.
Recto also informed Ambassador Cruz that he had been to different Mexican cities like Leon, Gunajuato, Cancun, Zihuatanejo, Cozmel, etc. "because I love travelling to Mexico."
The 44-year-old physician was also accommodated by Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Antonio M. Lagdameo in a courtesy call at the Embajada De Filipinas on Sierra Gorda, 175, Col. Lomas De Chapultepec Delegacion Miguel Hidalgo on July 4.
Recto, who will serve as cut man for world-ranked Bernabe Concepcion who will fight in the undercard of the Miguel Cotto versus Antonio Margarito world welterweight rumble at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 26, told Ambassador Cruz "the primary purpose of my trip to the Philippines is to watch Bobby Pacquiao’s fight (brother of our famous boxer Manny Pacquiao) in Cebu on August 2, 2008." /MP
"I would like to request if I could have a courtesy call with you and discuss other opportunities on how I could help our Filipino boxers especially when they have fights in Mexico," read Recto’s letter to Mexican Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Angel George Cruz who holds office at Consul Encargado de Asuntos Consulares on Dasmarinas Village, Makati city.
Recto, husband of famous pediatrician, Dr. Gesina of Laredo, Texas, said he wished the sad plight of Suico, a flyweight contender, would not happen again to other Filipinos making a living in professional boxing.
Suico (10-2, 6 KOs) failed to make a trip for his failure to get the Mexican visa on time. Matchmaker and Tokyo-based journalist Joe Koizumi had expressed sadness over Suico’s predicament saying the young Filipino prize-fighter was denied of the opportunity to earn a leaving because of the visa problem.
Recto said, "Filipino boxers leaving for fights abroad should be properly assisted by authorities concerned because this is their only opportunity to earn dollars and they are carrying the flag of the Philippines."
"Had Suico applied for Mexican visa earlier, his chances to improve his world ranking if he beat the world number one Kameda were big," Recto stressed.
Recto believed that the Philippines should sustain its "cordial" relations with the Mexican Embassy so that they would assist Filipino athletes not only in boxing by expediting their visa applications but on other problems.
"Paying a visit to the ambassador is one way of showing our deep respect for the Mexican Embassy and improving our foreign relations," stressed Recto.
Recto also informed Ambassador Cruz that he had been to different Mexican cities like Leon, Gunajuato, Cancun, Zihuatanejo, Cozmel, etc. "because I love travelling to Mexico."
The 44-year-old physician was also accommodated by Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Antonio M. Lagdameo in a courtesy call at the Embajada De Filipinas on Sierra Gorda, 175, Col. Lomas De Chapultepec Delegacion Miguel Hidalgo on July 4.
Recto, who will serve as cut man for world-ranked Bernabe Concepcion who will fight in the undercard of the Miguel Cotto versus Antonio Margarito world welterweight rumble at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 26, told Ambassador Cruz "the primary purpose of my trip to the Philippines is to watch Bobby Pacquiao’s fight (brother of our famous boxer Manny Pacquiao) in Cebu on August 2, 2008." /MP
DAR Sec. Nasser Pangandaman Aids Aklan
Directly coming from the Cabinet meeting at Malacanang, Sec. Nasser C. Pangandaman of the Department of Agrarian Reform arrived in Kalibo, July 10. He brought relief to DAR-Aklan employees and assessed the extent of the damage wrought by Typhoon Frank. The Secretary turned over P400,000.00 to Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino, PARO-Aklan as financial assistance to 107 DAR employees, seven of whom their houses were totally destroyed and inhabitable, five partially damaged and the rest whose houses were ruined by flash flood and mudflow that destroyed home fixtures, personal effects and other properties. Sec. Pangandaman also turned over relief goods to Ms. Helen Laserna, of the DAR Employees Foundation.
Sec. Pangandaman was also appraised of the situation affecting 4,553 Aklanon farmers who were directly affected by the typhoon. The initial data show agrarian reform beneficiaries coming from eleven agrarian reform communities in Aklan were badly damaged. Hardly hit were those coming from Kalibo, Numancia, Madalag, Malinao, Makato, Libacao, and Ibajay.
Equally alarming is the condition of CARP’s major projects in Aklan especially the Timbaban Bridge connecting the municipality of Madalag to Malinao. Partial estimated damage to CARP infrastructure projects in Aklan runs up to P30 M.
Sec. Pangandaman together with his party led by Head Executive Assistant Atty. Jim Coleto and OIC Director Fely Banares pledged to immediately look into these concerns and set directives to address these. /MP
ASU holds Seminar on Disaster Risk Management and Rehabilitation Operation
The Aklan State University (ASU) held a Seminar on Disaster Risk Management and Rehabilitation Operation on July 22, 2008. Some 150 participants from the five campuses of the University, Aklan Philippine National Police and broadcast media participated.
Ms. Merlie B. Mendoza, a Humanitarian and Advocate of Human Security was one of the resource speakers. She commended the University for initiating the seminar, one of the mitigating measures in times of disaster. The University has an important role to play, since it is an agricultural University, and the farmers are one of the mostly affected sectors, Mendoza pointed out. One of the mechanisms to reach them is through the expertise of the faculty members and students who are teaching and studying agriculture. The farmers must be educated on climate change adaptation.
She added that the disaster that happened in Aklan will most likely happen again. She emphasized that we must prepare for natural disasters which are inevitable, wherein it is an opportunity for the Aklanons to join hands and a great challenge we must respond.
Another speaker, Mr. Jemy Lao See, is an Aklanon. He is former Philippine Tourism Attaché in Taiwan, Chairman of Bicol Disaster Management, and presently connected with Hawaii Tourism. Lao See stressed that everyone must be well prepared for any disaster that almost certainly will happen anytime any place. He added that the means of communication must be established, the people must listen to the warnings from the experts on any disaster that might occur, and volunteers must be trained on how to respond.
During an interview over DYMT Community Radio last week, Ms. Mendoza is very hopeful that the Aklanons could recover. She suggested that the members of Civil Society Organizations must work hand in hand and find solution. She pointed out the important role of the community radio in informing the people.
Mr. Lao See pointed to the different sectors of the community which must be trained on how to prepare and deal with any disaster.
"Everyone must take part in taking care of the environment – beginning from the household chores, to the workplace and everywhere", she stressed. (SRVillasis, ASU-ECS). /MP
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)