Defensor Assumes Aklan Acting Police Director

The Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) has a new acting police director in the person of Sr. Supt. Cornelio Defensor.

Defensor replaced APPO Provincial Director officer-in-charge Supt. Samuel Nacion who is currently the deputy provincial director for administration of Aklan provincial command.

Prior to his assignment, Defensor was the chief of the Regional Headquarters Support Group of the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) in Western Visayas. This position he assumed after his stint as the regional chief of Intelligence Division for three consecutive years.

He was the acting provincial director of Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), station commander of different municipal and city police stations in the city and province of Iloilo, group director of a provincial mobile group and once the district director in Iloilo City.

From superintendent Defensor was promoted to senior superintendent in April 2008.
The new acting police director assured his strong support to the programs and thrusts of the APPO and the provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Carlito S. Marquez.

On Wednesday’s command conference held at Camp Martelino’s Multi-Purpose Building, Defensor assured the chiefs of police, national support units and APPO personnel that the PNP in Aklan will vigorously intensify crime prevention efforts and strengthen the implementation of the Internal Reforms of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province particularly in the campaign on "Bawal ang Pulis sa Sabungan", "No Helmet, No Plate and No Travel Policy".

He also directed the chiefs of police of Kalibo and Boracay police stations to give priority to cases of robbery especially in the premier tourist destination of Boracay island.

Defensor said that if tourists will be affected by the rampant "Akyat bahay" and thievery cases it will tarnish the image of Boracay. Boracay should be properly protected, he said.

The new acting APPO provincial director is planning to request additional police personnel for the island so that he could promptly impose proper deployment of personnel and ensure the peace and order in the island resort of Boracay.

Meanwhile, Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez enjoined the cooperation of all sectors to help the police maintain peace and order in Aklan. /MP

Ro Mobo - Libtong Tulay Gina Kaayad Eon

Ro Mobo-Libtong tulay nga naga konekta ku "vegetable basket" it Kalibo, ro isla – barangay it Mobo sa Kalibo, hay gina padayon eon ro pagkaayad agod maga pag-on.
Gin umpisahan eon ro pag obra ko Lunes, Enero 24 it DPWH – Aklan Engineering District sa pagpamuno ko OIC District Engineer Roberto Cabigas. Gina eauman nga matapos ro pag kaayad sa sueod it gintaeana nga tiyempo.

Matandaan nga ro nasambit nga tulay hay gintinguhaan gid it Sangguniang Barangay it Mobo sa pagpamuno ko dating Punong Barangay Wendell Tayco ag ko mga barangay Kagawad nga sanday Hon. Cesar S. Goopio Jr., Hon. Anila M. Fuentes, Hon. Reynaldo A. Bais, Hon. Neil P. Rico, Hon. Nolito T. Gregorio, Hon. Ricky T. Masangya, Hon. Napoleon V. De Felipe. SK Chairman Leslie Ann G. Torre, Barangay Secretary Joeril A. Dela Cruz, ag Barangay Treasurer Alma R. Macabante nga ikaduhoe sa pag taeu-pangod ni Cong. Joeben T. Miraflores.

Paagi sa Barangay Resolution No. 11, Series of 2010 ko Hunyo 19, 2010 ag gin suplementohan it Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 2010-053 nga gin sponsoran ni anay Ex-Officio SB member Tayco, para mapondohan halin sa Priority Development Assistance Fund ni Cong. Miraflores. Owa imaw magduha-duha sa pag pondo it P2 milyon para mabayluhan ro floor planks, stringers, ag transom nga kahoy it steel structures, para mangin malig-on, ag mapa eumo eon ro pagtabok it mga pumueoyo ag ro andang mga agricultural products. /MP

Aquino: GOCC Dividends Will Be Returned To People

President Benigno S. Aquino III assured on Friday last week that the P29.25 billion dividends and other remittances turned over by 19 government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) will be given back to the people in the form of social services, including anti-poverty programs.

"As you can see, we are working overtime to bolster our abilities to give back to the Filipino people what they have given us, the President said. We will do this, not only because this is what we are mandated to do, but more importantly, because this is the right thing to do."

In his message at the ceremonial turnover of GOCCs check dividends and remittances at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang, the Chief Executive said dividends and other remittances from GOCCs will allow the govern-ment to frontload its expenditures and speed up the implementation of anti-poverty programs, among others.

He reminded the GOCCs that the money belongs to the Filipino people, who he said are the government’s share-holders, and not to the Board of Directors of GOCCs nor to officials of his administration

"The people are our shareholders. It is their interest that we have been tasked to protect. We give them what they own, and we give them the government they rightfully deserve: one that works for the public interest. It is in their trust that we hold our respective offices.

Stressing that good governance is the corner-stone of his administration, the President said he is working on achieving a transparent and accountable government, worthy of the people’s trust thus the need to undertake reforms to enhance the ability of GOCCs to act as stewards of the people’s resources.

These reforms, according to the President, will be implemented with the help of Congress.

He noted that GOCCs have weak board governance, lack of transparency and disclosure practices, poor oversight and multiple and conflicting mandates.

Early on in his administration, the President, having discovered that GOCC board of directors receive exorbitant allowances, issued Executive Order No. 7 directing the rationalization of the compensation and position classification system in GOCCs and Government Financial Institutions.

"GOCCs will no longer be milking cows for politicians and their wards," he said, adding that competent CEOs and Directors were chosen and they are expected to deliver improved services and finances in the GOCCs."

The President said GOCC directors will soon be required to sign a performance contract with the Office of the President and their supervising secretaries so there will be basis to remove non-performing board members.

Moreover, the Department of Finance is developing an IT-based reporting system that will require full disclosure of several aspects of GOCC operations so the public will have access to the financial and operational results, renumeration policies, related party transactions, governance structures and policies, among others.

"Make no mistake about it: our positions are not our privilege, but an obligation placed by the people upon us. We promised to do, not only everything we can, but that we do it with honesty and with only the people’s welfare in mind. We pledged to serve them with commitment to professionalism and integrity, and they expect no less than this. We must not fail them," he advised.

A thorough review of GOCCs will be conducted during the first quarter of this year with the Department of Finance convening a strategic planning workshop with key GOCCs to strengthen coordination, and improve the oversight capabilities of the Government, and to draft a roadmap for the entire system of GOCCs.

"In line with government’s zero-based budgeting, the continued operation of a GOCC has to be justified once the GOCC Governance Act of 2011, introduced by Senator Drilon, has been enacted into law", President Aquino added.

"The time for patronage is over; now is the age of professionalism, meritocracy, and government institutions that are committed to the people… We will leave a country less poor, easier to invest in, and where people trust their government and all of its entities to work for their interests," the President emphasized. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Si Surft, Ro Kuring Ni Binoy

May isaeang ka alila nga kuring si Binoy. Hapueot nana ra sa kalye. Anang guin uli sa andang baeay ag guin pakaon. Maila-on si Binoy sa mga hayop. Kaibahan nana ro kuring sa anang pagkatoeog maskin sapat ro kuring, may tumaeagsahon nga abilidad si Surft. Mataeum ro anang paghugom ag pagpamati. Malimpyo man rondayang kuring tongod guina tampukan nana it baeas ro anang higko.

Maila-on man mag pamasyar si Binoy. Isaeang adlaw, samtang naga pamasyar ro daywa sa plaza, hakita ni Surft kon paalin guina dukot ro isaeang ka kahita sa bag it babaye nga indi mabatyagan. Sa anang pagkakita sa mandurokot, golpeng lumiksi si Surft ag kaeoson ro eaeaki, busa hapilak nana ro wallet. Guin sunod ni Binoy ro anang kuring ag hakita nana kon paalin guin bawi ro kahita sa ratong manakaw.

Nag eapta ro balita hanungod sa hanabo sa mandurukot. Guin dayaw ro kuring ko mga tawo. Bilang premyo, guin pakaon ro kuring ag si Binoy it manamit nga mga pagkaon sa isaeang ka maeahaeon nga restaurant. Matapos ro pag ilabas, guin kulentasan pa it medalya si Surft. Pag abot it gabii, sige ro inuean sa lugar ni Binoy. Habugtaw imaw sa pagkinaeos kana it kuring. Madaeum eot-a ro baha sa andang lugar, busa guin pasaka nana ro tanan nga igdaeapat sa ibabaw it baeay.

Tumaliwan ro sang dominggo. Ko gabii, parabil hikatoeogan, hakibot si Binoy sa pag eopok it baril. May manakaw nga nagsaka sa baeay ko andang kaeapit. Hadaea ko mga manakaw ro mga mahaygang bagay. Parabil pa nag abot si Binoy sa tinakawan, hay nakaadto eot-a si Surft sa pihak nga baeay ag anang guin sundan ro mga manakaw hasta nakaabot sa isaeang ka bodega.

Pagkaaga, nag suguid ro tag anang eaeaki hanungod sa pagpanakaw sa pulis. Guin usisa nanda kon paano nakasueod sa bodega ag kon siin nagguwa ro mga manakaw. Ka’t nag imbistiga ro mga pulis, sige man ro kinaeos ni Surft kay Binoy. Guin sundan nanda ro kuring ag idto sanda guin daea sa bodega. Haabutan nanda nga naga katoeog pa ro mga manakaw. Habawi ro tanan nga tinakaw ag guin sabitan eon man it medalya si Surft.

Tongod sa mabahoe nga bulig ni Surft sa komunidad, guin padung-gan imaw paagi sa pag pa-ugdok it isaeang ka rebulto sa plaza. Abo pa ro habuligan ni Surf ag ro pangaean man ni Binoy hay nag sikat man. Maskin siin sanda mag adto guina dinayaw nanda ro kuring ko anang tumaeagsahon nga abilidad. /MP

GOCCs Turn Over P29.25 B In Remittances

A total of P29.25 billion was remitted by 19 government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) to the national government (NG) on Friday last week.

The checks, representing prior year dividends, the balance of the 2009 cash dividends following the completion of the Commission on Audit reports, and 2010 partial dividends pursuant to President Benigno S. Aquino III in ceremonies held at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang.

The following GOCCs which remitted dividends are: 　
1. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – P14.23 billion in remittances representing prior year dividends of P9.31 billion and the balance of 2009 cash dividends of P4.92 billion.

2. Land Bank of the Philippines – P4 billion representing the balance of 2009 dividends and partial dividends of 2010.

3. Development Bank of the Philippines – P2.8 billion while the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. handed P2 billion representing payments for guarantee fees due and other payables.

4. Bases Conversion Development Authority – P1.8 billion representing the government’s share in the sale of assets, and the Manila International Airport remitted P1.49 billion, representing P1.21 billion dividends and P292 million representing government share.

5. The other GOCCs that turned over their dividends included the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (P2 million); National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (P3 million); National Electrification Administration ((P14.5 million); Cebu Ports Authority (P40 million); National Development Company (P49.4 million); Clark Development Corporation (P100 million); Philippine Leisure and Retirement Authority (P140.6 million); Trade Investment and Development Corporation (P150 million); Philippine Economic Zone Authority (P221 million);

Philippine National Oil Company (P452.9 million); Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (P500 million); Philippine Reclamation Authority (P335 million); and Philippine Ports Authority (P650 million).

"This is a good start for the government but I believe this can be further improved," Finance Sec. Cesar Purisima, said.

Beginning this year, GOCCs will give their performance report to the President every January, Purisima added.

According to the records from the Commission on Audit there are 89 existing GOCCS.
Under the Dividends Law of 1994, GOCCs and GFIs are required to remit to the national government half of the income earned in each fiscal year. The remittance should be in the form of cash or in unencumbered or real estate properties with clean titles. /MP

Students Donate Books

Some 39 volumes of books worth P14,180 were donated to the Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo last Tuesday, February 1. Some 21 volumes were donated by the NVC College of Education and another 18 volumes from the NVC Graduate School. Picture shows Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, NVC president receiving the donation from Dr. Reinalda I. Magdaluyo with the presence of Nikko Delfin - president, NVC Supreme Students Council and some faculty members.

PNP Arrests 4 Suspects In Nabas

For their involvement in illegal gambling in Nabas, Aklan, four (4) suspects were arrested on Wednesday night, January 26 by joint elements of Nabas PNP and Aklan Criminal Investigation and Detection Team.

The arrests were part of the intensified campaign of Aklan PNP against all forms of illegal gambling in the province, said Officer In-charge police senior superintendent Cornelio Defensor.

The suspects were caught while in the act of consolidating money bets at the store at Brgy. Libertad, Nabas, Aklan. They are identified as Jose Castillo y Cireneo, 41 years old, married, resident of Brgy. Buenasuerte, Nabas, Aklan; Jelmar Sulat y Sayawan, 29 years old, married, resident of Brgy.Libertad, Nabas, Aklan; Zenaida Cahilig y Flores, 60 years old, married and resident of Brgy. Libertad, Nabas, Aklan; and Celerina Solidum y Sadiasa 46 years old, widow and resident of Brgy.Unidos, Nabas, Aklan. Their other companions were able to evade arrest by scampering to different directions.

Confiscated from the suspects’ possession and control were several papers containing different number combinations for EZ2 game, illegal numbers game paraphernalia and bet money amounting to P1,000.50.

The suspects are now detained at the Aklan Rehabilitation Center, Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan for violating Presidential Decree No. 1602 after an inquest case was filed at the Prosecutors Office, Kalibo. /MP

John Doe Mauls Newspaper Publisher

Newspaper publisher Lemuel T. Fernandez of The Daily Guardian was mauled by two suspects outside his office on Wednesday night, January 26, along MH del Pilar St., Brgy. Taal, Molo, Iloilo City past 9 o’clock in the evening.

Fernandez, according to Atty. Dennis Ventilacion, former legal counsel of The Daily Guardian, was about to board his service vehicle after working in his office in Brgy. Taal, Molo district, when he was mauled by unidentified suspects. Fernandez shouted for help causing his assailants to panic and run away. However, Fernandez sustained a lacerated wound in the right portion of his head. He is still confined at St. Paul’s Hospital, Iloilo City.

Police Regional Office 6 Director Chief Superintendent Cipriano E. Querol, Jr. immediately created Task Force Guardian to conduct an investigation to identify and arrest the suspects.

The task force is counting on the possibility that the attack against Fernandez is work-related because of some sensitive issues that his newspaper has published.

Querol is also assigning at least two uniformed personnel as temporary escorts for Fernandez. The culprit are still unidentified.

Elena Pabilona of Radyo Ng Bayan and head of The Iloilo Capitol Press Corps visited Fernandez in his hospital bed. She condemns the mauling incident after visiting Fernandez. (PNA) /MP

EDITORIAL

Building A City In Kalibo

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Kapehan forum on January 22, 2011 featured "The First Six Months Accomplishment Report of Mayor William S. Lachica and Vice Mayor Madeline A. Regalado of Kalibo. The Kapehan is held every Saturday at 8 to 10 am at Smokehauz Resto & Bar.

To recall, Mayor Lachica has reported his major accomplishment for the period July 1 to October 8, 2010. While there were remarkable delivery of basic services, revenue generation and cost cutting measures, the tri-media is keen on tracking new improve-ments of the 2010 – 2013 set of LGU Kalibo officials. The premiere town of Aklan is traditionally the leader of participative governance and whatever success in its endeavor to improve the quality of life of its people could be replicated in other areas.

An opening statement of Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente gave lavish praise and admiration to the leadership of Mayor Lachica over the handling of Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival 2011. There was a record arrival of guests and devotees despite unfavorable weather. Tribal participants and revelers showed off their true colors to the frenzied beating of drums, devotion to the Sto. Niño and unity of believers. No untoward incidents were reported and traffic was smooth for all transport vehicles. The Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (KASAFI) headed by Mr. Albert Meñez proved capable to the task despite meager budget.

Hon. Regalado mentioned that she is more comfortable in her current position as Presiding Officer of the SB unlike her previous stint as humble legislator for her last two terms. There is harmonious working relationship between the Executive and Legislative body today. She plans to hold regular EIA sessions every Friday of the month to fast tract vital legislative measures. This is the first time in Kalibo in few decades when elected Mayor and Vice Mayor belong to the same political party.

Mayor Lachica has lined up infra projects for 2011 that include:
a) Auxiliary market at Bagsakan Terminal (Oyo Torong) costing P12.5 million. Meanwhile, documents on land ownership required by Land Bank of the Philippines for the loan is being processed. Project contract was awarded by the previous Administration. Further delay in implementation may lead to revision of budget due to the rising cost of construction materials. It appears that lease contract covering portion of the site is due to expire in mid 2016 which requires renegotiation;

b) Rehabilitation of Drainage System – While there are initial accomplishment in deccloging drainage canals in six major thoroughfares in the Poblacion, there is a need of a Master Drainage Plan. Mayor Lachica has confirmed its existence. He now awaits for the budgets’ release;

c) Rehabilitation of Slaughterhouse – Expenditure of P391,855 was undertaken recently but ultimate goal is to qualify for Triple A status. Upgrading will be on further improvement of physical facilities. A total of 125 heads of livestock is slaughtered per day with income of P27,000 to P30,000;

d) Asphalting and or asphalt overlay – this target secondary streets inside downtown area that have deteriorated over time and constant use;

e) Road Widening and Extension – Due to worsening traffic jam, critical road sections will be widened and or lengthened.

f) Rehabilitation of Dumping site – While a sanitary landfill site in Feliciano, Balete is in the process of acquisition, the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Bakhao Sur channels its biodegradable waste for vermicomposting. Kalibo LGU received three vermicomposting equipment from DA-Bureau of Post Harvest and Research. Kool Earth, an NGO is coordinating with 16 barangays of Kalibo to have a functional MRF in their respective areas to reduce, re-use, and recycle solid wastes; and

f) Installation of Closed Circuit TV Cameras (CCTV) – due to be implemented in 2012. The identified areas are Golden Salakot marker, Pastrana Park, Municipal Hall, Kalibo – Numancia Bridge, and Roxas Avenue.

Assisted Projects

a) Street Lighting from Kalibo International Airport to Poblacion, Kalibo, a tourist – oriented project of Governor Carlito S. Marquez; and

b) Spillway Connecting Brgys. Bakhao Norte and Sur funded at P10 million by DPWH Region 6.

Undoubtedly, there is resounding success of the recent Ati-Atihan festival. Private sector cooperation was prominent.

Moreover, there are institutions with purple hearts which are Garcia College of Technology, St. Gabriel College of Nursing and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They initiated to rid Pastrana Park and its streets of littered garbage after the Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival.

If the Administration opts to develop the Bagsakan terminal as an auxiliary market, it is necessary to widen and decongest the access road at Oyo Torong St. which during rush hours, street traffic is jammed with vehicles, people and baggage. A perennial problem here is the non functional drainage system that is both health hazard and sanitary problem. Commuters are assailed of fetid water and residual garbage.

Obviously the proposed P10 million spillway project funded by DPWH is grossly inadequate since it traverses the Aklan river. More than 10 years ago, a bridge construction was started to connect two sister barangays. Unfortunately, it was aborted and the fund was transferred to Tinigao-Mobo. With this sad experience residents of the area are apprehensive of another shattered dream.

Rehabilitation of slaughterhouse to conform to Triple A standard is long overdue.It is the bread and butter of Kalibo and source of people’s daily meat supply that necessarily be of standard quality and hygiene. Government plan to raise slaughterhouse fee must be thoroughly studied because undue price adjustment could drastically affect consumer buying capacity.

Wiring installation of Akelco, Pantelco, Cruztelco, Kalibo Cable and Aklan Cable must be installed high enough to allow smooth traffic flow. Potential accidents of electric shock, fire, and being snagged can be eliminated. Also six electric posts along Roxas Avenue are traffic hazards since they posted inside the main road. They must be relocated to the pedestrian lane and raise higher.

It is gratifying to note that our leaders in Kalibo are exerting their best efforts to re-invent image of public service. That enduring government and people participation are based on mutual trust and respect. Evidently, this is gaining momentum with big time investors flocking to the provincial capital. Cityhood is within reach as long as we remain united and focused in the struggle. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

MKWD Suspends Water Rate Increase

The Board of Directors and Management of the Metro Kalibo Water District (MKWD) has suspended the imple-mentation of the water rate per cubic meter increase. The increase should have been effective in January 2011 or in the water bills in February for the Kalibo water consumers.

In an announcement over radio station RGMA DYRU Kalibo, Atty. Edmund Peralta, BOD – MKWD chairman announced the indefinite suspension of water rate increase. They will wait for the right time to implement the said increase.

According to Atty. Peralta, there are several negative comments they received on the water rate increase. He did not mention what are those negative remarks against the rate increase.
It is assumed that Atty. Peralta believes MKWD has been gaining huge annual income and therefore rate increase is not needed. Atty. Peralta may also believed that the officials and employees of MKWD are among the best paid in terms of salaries and other fringe benefits while the water consumers are hard up earning money to pay their bills.

But above all, Atty. Peralta exhibited his love to his fellowmen. He understands the difficulties our people are experiencing in their economic life.

Why extract some more blood from those who have less and are many for transfusion to a few who have more?

Mot & Academic

The Civil Action No. 9051 for Certiorari With Status Quo or Temporary Restraining Order With Preliminary Injunction filed against MKWD became mot and academic with the suspension of the water rate increase. The petitioners are Atty. Niovady M. Marin and Augusto G. Solmirano. It was raffled to Branch 2, Regional Trial Court, Kalibo.

NW Fishery Code

One very important local legislation is the "Revised Municipal Fishery Code of the Municipality of New Washington". This is New Washington (NW) Ordinance No. 2010 – 01 enacted by SB New Washington on Dec. 14, 2010 during its 42nd Regular Session presided by Vice Mayor Jean T. Velarde. The said ordinance was approved with the presence of all SB members therefore of unanimous approval.

SB Secretary Mars C. Regalado signed and "certified correct" the said NW Fishery Code, Vice Mayor Jean T. Velarde signed "noted" and Mayor Edgar R. Peralta approved it.

The ordinance is now pending action with the Aklan SP. It was referred to some committees such as on Laws, and Environment which met on January 10, 2011. They gave "no action taken" on the code due to the absence of Quorum.

Going over the said New Washington Municipal Fishery Code, several negative con-clusions can be drawn. I believe legislations are pro-people, but it is unfortunate that this NW Fishery Code if approved and implemented will work against the people for whom it is intended.

I believe the intension is noble but the result is retrogression. It will work against the people. The ultimate victims will be the food consumers, all the people in the community. It will increase cost of pro-duction, reduce products quality, interfere business transactions characterized by retrogressive taxation. Our analysis of some provisions of this Fishery Code will come out next issue. /MP

KASAFI Renders Financial Report In 10 Days

Ten days after the January 10 – 16, 2011 Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival celebration, the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (KASAFI) came out with its financial report.

In a cocktail meeting & press conference held on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 26 at the Capt. Mijares Memorial Bldg., the financial report was presented. Mr. Rufino C. Leyson, KASAFI treasurer discussed the three page report.

It consisted of income and expenses, breakdown of expenses, and accounts receivables. There is no account payable. The financial report was duly signed by Mr. Leyson, Mila R. Balleza – KASAFI Secretary, and Albert A. Meñez – KASAFI chairman.

According to Leyson, the books of account are open to any interested persons anytime he wishes to check.

Machine copies of the financial report were provided to all present in the meeting which shows a total income of P4,189,166.25 duly receipted in 283 receipts. However, the total expenses were P4,167,717.62, the breakdown of which is printed in a separate paper. The total income is P1,257,366.57. Should the accounts receivable of P583,000 is collected and added, the total income is P1,835,366.57.

These figures do not include the income from Magsaysay Park. According to Vice Mayor Madeline A. Regalado, the three nights gate receipts from Magsaysay Park is P932,200.00. This money is turned over to the muni-cipal treasurer of Kalibo.

Adding the Magsaysay Park income to the P1,835,366.57, the total is P2,767,566.57.
In that cocktail meeting, Mr. Meñez thanked sincerely several people and organizations who wholeheartedly cooperated for the successful 2011 Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival celebration.

Certificates of appreciation were given them which were signed by Kalibo Mayor William S. Lachica, KASAFI chairman Albert A. Meñez and Kasafi Vice Chairman Lilibeth Tansinco Goboy. /MP

RC Kalibo Turns Over Project C.U.R.E Health Equipment

Commission on Urgent Relief and Equipment (CURE) is an arm of Benevolent Healthcare Foundation in Denver, Colorado, USA. It aims to deliver Health and Hope to the world.

Ms. Donna Bandiola La Vigne with her husband Jay facilitated the donation consisting health supplies and equipment valued more or less P40 million. Donna who is from Malay, Aklan and her American husband were vacationing in Aklan after typhoon Frank devastated the province. Because of what they saw, they thought of facilitating donations for health supplies and equipment.

Gov. Marquez was contacted. After the dialogue, they forged an agreement to secure the needed health facilities through donation. After two years, two 40 square feet container vans filled with health supplies and equipments valued at P40 million were shipped to Aklan. Gov. Marquez paid the freight from the United States to Kalibo.

To make the donation process simple, a partnership among Rotary Club of Kalibo RI District 3850 and the Rotary Club of Boulder, Colorado, USA RI District 5450 with the help of Dr. Rod Tuenge was made that resulted to a matching grant #71347.

One of the equipment is one (1) unit Blood Bank Refrigerator capable to store 250 units of human blood will be turned over to the Philippine Red Cross, Aklan Chapter on February 9, 2011. This is a part of Project CURE donation. It is hoped this will improve blood supply and services in Aklan. /MP

Husband-Coach of Half-Filipina Olympics Legend Remembers Malacañang visit

by ALEX P. VIDAL

LOS ANGELES, California — If there is one unforgettable occasion that has continued to linger in his memory over the last 60 years, Lyle Draves recalls, it was when he and his late wife, Victoria "Vicki" Manalo-Draves, visited the Philippines sometime in July 1949 where they were given a red carpet welcome and feted in Malacañang Palace by President Elpidio Quirino.

"We hardly had any sleep then," mused Lyle, 96, the first pure diving coach in history who produced three Olympic gold medalists: Vicki Manalo-Draves (1948 London Olympics), Pat McCormick (1952 Helsinki Olympics and 1956 Melbourne Olympics), Sue Gossick (1968 Mexico Olympics).

"We were herded from one party to another like real celebrities and almost everybody recog-nized us, especially Vicki Manalo, I can’t forget that moment."

Husband and wife visited the Philippines a year after Vicki Manalo-Draves made history: she became the first woman in history to win the Platform and Springboard gold medals in the 1948 London Olympics.

"I was her coach and Vicki narrowly beat (fellow American) Zoe Ann Olsen for the gold in her last Springboard dive," volunteered Lyle, who was permanently enshrined in the International Swimming Hall of Fame at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida on May 12, 1989. "I replaced the regular coach, Fred Cady, who got sick and could not make it to the Olympics that year."

Lyle said Vicki had been elected in the same highest sports pedestal in 1969.

On October 27, 2006, San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom signed a proclamation naming a two-acre park as Victoria Manalo Draves Park in her honor on Folsom and Sherman streets in San Francisco where she was born.

　
HALF FILIPINA, HALF ENGLISH

Vicky Manalo-Draves was half Filipina, half English. Her father was a Filipino musician from Orani, Bataan who migrated to San Francisco, California while her mother was British Gertrude Taylor also migrant in the same state.

Lyle and Vicki have four sons – David, Jeffrey, Dale and Kim – all divers. They have eight grandchildren.

Prior to competing in the 1948 Olympics, Draves won five United States diving championships. Draves turned professional after the Olympics, joining Larry Crosby’s "Rhapsody in Swimtime" aquatic show at Soldier Field in Chicago in 1948.

When Vicki died at age 85 on April 11, 2010 from complications of pancreatic cancer at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California, Lyle relocated to a plush retirement village at the Rushmore Towers in Laguna Woods, California where he has been living alone.

"I missed Vicki so much. But every night I talked to her," sighed Lyle, who is now partly deaf.

Lyle coached female divers to 12 Olympic medals and 35 National Championships. His Olympic silver medalists include Paula Jean Myers and Zoe Ann Olsen, each of whom took a bronze. His divers Olympic medal count reads 7 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze.

　 FIRST GREAT COACH
　

Lyle has been described as America’s first great diving coach beginning an era when diving coaches could specialize in divers and not coach swimmers too, or vice versa.

He was a Hollywood film editor and his show biz background has helped his coaching or again, vice versa since Lyle was diving in and then producing, top rated diving water shows before he became a film editor.

An Iowa farm boy, Lyle met Fred Cady at a swimming meet in Iowa. Fred invited him to California where Lyle began coaching divers at the Lido Club at the famed Ambassador Hotel and at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

One of his first pupils was a 12 year old girl named Zoe Ann Olsen. Next, they both moved to the Athens Athletic Club in Oakland where he met Vicki Manalo. He later married Vicki, who was given away by 1948 and 1952 platform winner, Sammy Lee.

After the Olympics, Vicki and Lyle toured the United States and Europe with Buster Crabbe and Dick Smith.

He described the tours as "our great opportunity to travel as husband and wife since we have been traveling a lot together as coach and diver."

Lyle returned to his coaching, first at tennis champion Jack Kramer’s Athletic Club and then at UCLA.

SHOWBIZ HERITAGE

The Draves boys are Acapulco and World Champion high divers who have followed the showbiz side of their father’s heritage doing high and trick dives in such places as Magic Mountain, Sea World and Marineland.

Lyle describes Fred Cady as "the most brilliant man" he ever met.

"He was the team coach during the 1936 (Berlin) Olympics and he was truly a great diving coach," Lyle said.

The secret to success in coaching diving, Lyle emphasized, is "to follow Sir Isaac Newton and his 3rd law of motion."

He said, "Divers should know how to utilize the muscles inside their bodies by following the third law of motion." /MP

Cocaine Ecstacy Shabu May Enter Boracay

Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol Jr. has ordered a thorough security check on tourists entering Boracay Island.

According to the director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), he received intelligence reports that drug traffickers will be making Boracay as transshipment point of illegal drugs.

The security checks may include frisking of tourists and thorough inspection of their baggage.

There are currently 70 policemen stationed in Boracay, said Querol.

"We have to protect our tourist spot," he stressed.

Querol directed the Aklan Police Provincial Office to augment the Boracay police force.

Intelligence reports reaching Querol mentioned cocaine, ecstacy and shabu as the most likely illegal drugs that drug traffickers may bring to Boracay.

It is not remote that illegal drugs enter in Boracay because the targets by the drug pushers are foreigners. We need to be watchful," said Querol.

He ordered Aklan Police Director Supt. Samuel Nacion to monitor known drugs pushers in the province and the island. (BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO /MP

Marquez Renders Report To Aklanons

Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez will render his State of the Province Address (SOPA) during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) session. This will be held during the SP session on Wednesday, Feb. 2 in Kalibo, Aklan.

It is expected he will present his major accomplishments in year 2010 in his twin program: agriculture and tourism. This will include his performance in health, infrastructure, employment, and peace and order among others.

On the other hand, Gov. Marquez is also expected to announce his program, projects, activities, and governance for this year 2011. /MP

Reason & Concern

by Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Double Jeopardy

The Supreme Court denied the motion for reconsideration of Lauro Vizconde seeking a reversal of the acquittal of Hubert Webb, and others. Through the high tribunal’s spokesperson Jose Midas Marquez, he stressed that the junking of the motion for reconsideration were due to lack of merit and in consonance with the double jeopardy principle.

When the motion for reconsideration was filed by Vizconde’s lawyers, the first impression of lawyers and even law students would be that the high tribunal shall eventually deny the motion con-sidering double jeopardy.

While I no longer teach law subjects after obtaining an exemption from the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) as required for members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) under Bar Matter No. 850 under Rule 7 (Exemption) of incumbent deans, bar reviewers and professors of law who have teaching experience for at least 10 years in accredited law schools, I still manage to accept invitations to deliver lectures in some academic communities in Aklan.

I remember that the Northwestern Visayan Colleges through its Political Science Club conducted a Political Science Seminar on September 17, 2010 at the NVC Alumni Hall. I was requested to deliver a lecture on the Constitution of the Philippines’ Declaration of Principles and State Policies (Art. II) and the Bill of Rights (Art. III). I had occasion to briefly emphasize Sec. 21, Art. III of the Constitution on double jeopardy.

The Supreme Court in a very early case of Julia vs. Sotto (2 Phil. 247) succinctly stated that "without the safeguard this article establishes in favor of the accused, his fortune, safety, and peace of mind would be entirely at the mercy of the complaining witness, who might repeat his accusation as often as dismissed by the Court of whenever he might see fit, subject to no other limitation or restriction than his own will and pleasure. The accused would never be free from the cruel and constant menace of the never ending charge, which the malice of the complaining witness might hold indefinitely suspended over his head, were it not that the judiciary is exclusively empowered to authorize, by an express order to that effect, the repetition of a complaint or information once dismissed in the cases in which the law requires that this be done. Such is, in our opinion, the fundamental reason of the article of the law to which we refer."

Law students may still remember the legal maxim "nemo debet bis vexari pro eadem causa" (no man shall be twice vexed for one and the some cause).

Sec. 21, Art. III of the Constitution of the Philippines states that "no person shall be twice put in jeopardy of punishment for the same offense."

Double jeopardy, of course, applies and is addressed exclusively to criminal offenses.　 As explained in a note which I had taken from a constitutional law expert whose name has now escaped my memory. Double jeopardy "is a right available to avoid a second party involving the same offense."It must be noticed that the protection of the constitutional inhibition is against a second jeopardy for the same offense, the only exception being, that "if an act is punished by a law and an ordinance, conviction or acquittal under either shall constitute a bar to another prosecution for same act."　 The phrase same offense is construed to mean, not only that the second offense charged is exactly the same as the one alleged in the first information, but also that the first and second offense are identical. There is identity between the two offenses when the evidence to support a victim for one offense would be sufficient to warrant a conviction for the other. This is called the "same evidence test." Under the Rules of Court, there is identity between the two offenses, not only when the second offense is exactly the same as the first, but also when the second offense is an attempt to commit the first, or a frustration thereof, or when it necessarily includes in the offense charged in the first information."

Notes : ‘Strange weather’ – Pagasa -Philippine Daily Inquirer January 18, 2011 headline. In a world of climate change, it’s nothing new really!　Last October 2010, a friend sent me a text message, thus " Melbourne had the hottest night in 108 years. In Texas,hills crumble burying 70 homes to 15 feet deep crevices. Peru, Spain and Portugal had worst flooding in 50 years. Iceland volcanic eruption grounding 12,500 international flights. 30 meters deep sinkhole sucked a whole building in Guatemala City. All in 2010 alone. Scientists claim that we have only a decade left. Al Gore said : "Clear manifestation of global warming." /MP

Fond Memories

by MEGS S. LUNN

Living On The Front Line

As a free lance journalist I am neither constrained by nor am I answerable to any employer. Likewise I am not inhibited by the need to earn money to provide for my own support. It being my own choice to work without pay.

The motivation for my work as a free lance journalist stems primarily from my desire to serve my country together with the people of Aklan. Towards this end. I am committed to promote social justice, to expose corruption and corrupt practice in all forms, and to assist in bringing about the social changes which are now so long overdue.

The only position I can claim to occupy is a moral position, and my guide is my conscience and also my heart. Like a moth to a flame I am compelled to remain true to this cause. This much I owe to myself and to the people that I endeavour to serve.

There are several other journalists who are similarly motivated by such a passion, others in whom an inner fire burns too. As journalists, we are a rare breed, and there are times when we must endure intimidation, or even put ourselves in harms way in order to uncover the truth.

For too long now, the soil of our beloved country has been stained by the blood of the innocent. For too long now our progress as a nation has been impeded by those who seek only to pursue their own vested interest, at any cost, and by any means.

It is men such as these who have caused our country to be branded the most corrupt country in South East Asia. It is men such as these who have brought shame upon us as a nation, a shame which the good and the righteous amongst us have until now had little option other than to endure.

It is we, as journalists, who have both the ability and the courage to speak out in order to address our people’s concerns; who serve as the conscience of our society, and as such we have a valuable role to play.

The wind of change is blowing across our land, and the days are numbered for all those who seek to profit at the expense of others, and for those who seek to divert public funds in order to satisfy their own insatiable greed, and for all those who endeavour to maintain their positions through bribery, intimidation and threats.

I am not alone in expressing these senti-ments. The numerous text messages I have received in response to my recent articles are testimonies that many of our people feel the same way and that changes to our social structure are long overdue. I am reassured that there are many in our midst who not only have good hearts, but who also thirst for a fairer and more just society.

To all who feels this way, I will say this: "the destiny of our country is in your hands. I know that the night has been long, but the darkness of night cannot and will not endure forever. Evil may possess a power of its own, but it is no match for the power of good.

There was a time when light and darkness met. Darkness mocked the light claiming to be more powerful by far. Darkness then challenged light to a duel in order to prove who is the most powerful .A time was duly arranged for them to meet, but when the appointed time arrived, light showed up whilst darkness was nowhere to be found.

What is darkness but the absence of light? What is evil other than ignorance and the absence of those values that so many of us hold so dear? What is weakness other than the absence of strength? And what is fear other than a lack of courage?

It will take courage to change our society, and it will require from us a sincere desire to embrace such a change. No political system or change of government can bring about such radical change, because for change to be real it must come from within the society itself. As such this change begins with you and me.

It is our own perception and attitude which must herald in this change. Our hearts must be our reference and truth our banner. The courage needed to bring about such change resides within us all, but we need to dig deep to discover it.

I believe in the power of good. I believe too that there are many Filipinos of high moral value in our midst, many of whom I have had the good fortune to meet and now count as personal friends.

As individuals we may at times feel helpless and that our efforts are ineffective, but although the problems that confront us may at times seem insurmountable, together, and through our coordinated action, there is big that we can achieve.

The time has come for us to act. The time has come to shrug off our lethargy to stand up and be awaken from our sleep. The time has come for us to stand up and be counted. The time has come for our voices to be heard.

Together we can shape the future. Together we can create a fairer and more just society to live in. Together, we can bring about the much needed change that our society craves.

As a free lance journalist I will do all that I can to herald in this change. I will continue to stand in the face of adversity. I will always remain committed to living on the front line. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Prinsipe Valiente

Ko mabuhay eon nga mga dinag-on nga nagtaliwan, ro kaharian it Bersalya hay guina pamunuan it isaeang ka maisog nga hari. Imaw ra hay si Haring Alpeus. Abong kaharian ro anang guin eopig ag nadag-an nga giyera. Busa, abo man nga hari ro naakig kana.

Kon ano kaisog si Haring Alpeus, imaw man ka bu-ot ro anang asawang reyna. Nagmana kana ro anang onga nga si Prinsipe Valiente. Naga bahoe nga matinahuron ag maeo-eoy-on sa mga pobre si prinsipe Valiente. Guin hanas imaw ko anang ama sa naga kaeain-eain nga pakikipag away. Guin tun-an man imaw it iba-ibang klase it hinangiban agod proteksyon sa anang kaugalingon.

Tongod sa abo nga mga kaharian ro naakig sa hari, guin bayaran nanda ro isaea sa mga opisyal it palasyo agod hilu-an ro hari. Nagmasakit ro hari. Guin patawag ro mga duktor, medico ag mangin aeamon agod tugmahon ro anang masakit. Apang owa guid it nakatugma.

May iseang ka magueang ro naghambae nga isaeang ka prutas ro maka boeong sa hari. Rayang prutas hay nagatubo sa pinaka mataas nga bukid. Dugang pa hay guin bantayan it isaeang ka serpyente nga may pitong ka oeo.

Abo nga mga soldado ro nagpasimpaead agod mag ani it prutas ngato. Ogaling owa eon nakabalik sanda. Ko ulihi, owa eon it naga presenter ngani hapilitan si Prinsipe Valiente agod magpanaw man. Sakay sa anang kabayo, nakaagi imaw sa isaeang ka baryo nga abo ro guina gutom. Anang guin pana-o ro anang baeong mga pagkaon sa mga tawo. Sa masunod nga baryo hay may namatyan. Indi ika paeobong do patay ay kueang do andang kwarta para ibakae it kabaong ag sa pag eobong.

Guin buligan man sanda ko prinsipe. Ro pangatlo nga lugar hay madaeum ro baha nga umagi kanda busa, ana man guin buligan. Gaoy nga gaoy eon ro prinsipe hasta hakatoeogan. May magueang kana nga nagpakita sa anang damgo. Guin dayaw imaw ko anang guin obra. Guin taw-an imaw it isaeang ka baston nga pagagamiton pag abot sa guina adtonang bukid. Sa anang pag bugtaw, nagpadayon imaw sa anang panaw hasta nakaabot sa puno it kahoy nga anang guina tuyo ro bunga.

Nagtunga dayon ro serpyente pagka hugom nga may tawo nga naga abot. Pag eapit kana, guin gamit nana ro baston agod ibunae sa serpyente. Namatay ro sawa. Ana dayon guin ipo ro prutas. Nagbalika dayon imaw sa palasyo. Pag abot sa palasyo, tanan ro mga tawo hay naga taeangis. Madasig nga guin pihak nana ro prutas ag ipuga sa baba ko anang ama.

Nabuhi ro hari nga matsa damgo eamang ro hanabo. Nag hugyaw ro bilog nga palasyo. Naghiwat ro hari it kasadyahan bilang pasaeamat.

Pagkamatay it hari, guin saylo ro korona kay Valiente. Minatu-od guid man ro anang pangaean tongod bukon eamang imaw it maisog nga makig away, kundi man ro anang baeatyagon sa pagbulig sa mga tawo. /MP

Mini Ambulance Donation From Australia

Photo shows (l to r) Mr. Josiah Clay, Pastors Ulyses T. Castro, and John G. Alcedo during the turn over and dedication of mini ambulance on January 23, 2011 at Bulwang, Numancia.

The Aklan Baptist Church (ABC) at Bulwang, Numancia, Aklan received a mini ambulance from the Willow Carys Gray Memorial Clinic Fund of Victoria, Australia. The donor is Tom Carra family and sponsored by Faith, Hope, and Love Children foundation Australia, Inc.

The donation, according to Pastor Bob Gray, is in response to the critical need of extending emergency/relief services to ABC church members and the people of Aklan. Bob Gray visited Aklan province in the wake of devastation of Typhoon Frank in June 2008. He witnessed untold miseries and hardships especially of the poor.

The ambulance unit is equipped with stretcher, oxygen tank, dextrose dispenser, and medicine kit. This will be complemented by a paramedic team to extend free service to those who could not afford the high cost of hiring an ambulance. The minimum charge of a government hospital ambulance to bring patients to Iloilo City is P4,000 per travel, while private contractors could be a hefty P6,000. Indeed for victims timely aid could be unnecessary loss of life.

It should be recalled that at the height of Dengue disease outbreak last year several patients failed to be transported to well equipped hospitals in Iloilo City because of the shortage of ambulance units. The treatment of the disease is transfusion of blood plasma and hospitals in Aklan do not have this capability.

Formal turnover and dedication of the vehicle was made on January 23, 2011 by Mr. Josiah Clay who represented the donor. Pastor Ulyses T. Castor, in his response, called it a treasured gift that could impact the lives of our people in need of emergency services. The church also acknowledged gift of three units sewing machine donated by the couple Claude and Christine Jones.

Pastor Bob Gray of Carmel Welsh Presbyterian Church in Sebastopol, Victoria, Australia is commended for facilitating the generous donation. In October 2009, a service bus costing P800,000 was turned over to ABC for its Project Compassion program. A total of 280 school children mostly indigents are given free Christian-centered education, supplementary feeding and health care at the ABC Student Center. Sponsors of Project Compassion PH 872 are based in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and South Korea who regularly send money and gifts to 60,000 kids all over the Philippines. Those involved are 320 church partners imbued with the mission to provide well rounded education of children from despondent families.

The Faith, Hope and Love Children Foundation has also delivered similar unit to a Christian church in Guihulngan, Negros Occidental. Pastor Bob Gray together with wife Heather is passionate about building a clinic in each project that they are involved with. This is in memory of their grand daughter Willow Carys who died at a tender age of eight months in 2007. (by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM) /MP

Higante Winners

In response to questions from some of our readers, here is Higante Contest winners held on January 20 in Kalibo.

1st Prize: Nabas – P40,000
(Ibong Adarna)

2nd Prize: Buruanga – P35,000
(Kataw: Dyosa It Karagatan)

3rd Prize: Libacao – P30,000
(Peter Pan)

Individual Category
1st Prize: Tangalan – P10,000
2nd Prize: Balete – P7,000
3rd Prize: Malinao – P5,000

Special Award
Best Festival Presentation
1st Prize: LGU Nabas – P10,000
2nd Prize: LGU Ibajay – P7,000
3rd Prize: LGU Numancia – P5,000

DA Urges Farmers: Plant Weather-resistant Crops

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is urging farmers to plant weather-resistant crops as alternative farming output. For assistance, see or coordinate with the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) regularly of your municipality.

Juvy S. Gaton, DA Information Officer encourages farmers to plant crops resistant to sudden changes in weather patterns, like heavy rains or dry spell, that are not easily affected by erratic weather.

DA officials observe that some farmers are finding it hard to start producing quality rice and corn crops since the varieties they are using are not weather-resistant.

Gaton stressed, "It is important for farmers to know what agricultural produce they should cultivate at anytime of the year. They should regularly work with their MAO for new technologies and varieties that are appropriate for their farms."

"Most farmers are not seeking technical help from their local MAO and end up planting the poor variety of crops at the wrong planting season. This adds up to their agricultural lost for the cropping season. This practice must be stopped", Gaton stressed.

DA regional director Larry Nacionales is preparing seedlings and crop varieties that withstand extreme weather changes to be introduced to farmers.

The DA also recommends the raising livestock, poultry and ponds to cushion agricultural losses significantly. (PNA)　/MP

EDITORIAL

Daily Critiques Help Ensure

Peaceful Ati-Atihan Celebration

APPO Officer In-charge Police Supt. Samuel C. Nacion concluded: Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival is peaceful and orderly celebration.

Although there were some minimal incidents reported such as pick pocketing, snatching and commotions, these did not affect peace and order of the festivity.

Nacion said, "the critiques conducted every day at Aklan PPO conference room together with the Police Assistance Center commanders (PACs) helped correct and improve a better security measures that ensured a successful annual festival celebration."

The three (3) major concerns given emphasis were: full blast deployment of 830 strong security forces on the festivities; simultaneous mobile and beat patrols at major activity areas; and traffic control management especially in the afternoon during the traditional procession that started at 3 pm and ended at 10 pm.

The checkpoints were manned by police, Philippine army and volunteers deployed for the procession.

Traffic re-routing of vehicles going to Caticlan and the eastern towns of Aklan was implemented to decongest heavy traffic.

Police Regional Office (PRO-6) Director Chief Superintendent Cipriano E Querol, Jr. observed "the security coverage and strengthened police visibility for the weeklong celebration is excellent!"

"The mobile and beat patrol, manning and establishment of strategic checkpoints, traffic management units, the maximum deployment of force multipliers and BPATs were in place where they are needed and worked aptly that ensured the successful outcome. of the celebration", Querol added.

He congratulated the OPLAN Atifest 2010 Task Force Commander led by APPO OIC PSUPT Samuel Nacion and the operating units for the job well done when Querol attended the Ati-Atihan festival last Sunday.

The security coverage was personally manned by no less than the deputy regional director for operation 6 PSSUPT Antonio Viernes and Outgoing Aklan PPO provincial director PSSUPT Epifanio Bragais Jr.

Starting on January 14, the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) conducted massive deployment of 830-strong security forces from the Regional Public Safety Battalion, Capiz, Iloilo and Antique Police, Aklan PNP, Philippine Army, Philippine National Red Cross, reservists, BPATs, volunteers, and Kalibo Auxiliary Police that ensured the peaceful and orderly celebration.

Kalibo celebrated its yearly Ati-Atihan festival from January 10 to 16 highlighted by religious procession and spiritual street dancing of Balik-Ati tribes and tourists.

Nacion said the policemen implemented the ‘Oplan Sita and Operation Kapkap’ to all motorists, vehicles, buses, tricycles and suspicious-looking individuals passing through the checkpoints and the nine PACs.

"We sent the signal that the police and other augmentation forces were alert at all times during the festival. The police have tightened the security measures as the annual festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors," Nacion said.

Nacion also directed the policemen assigned in the checkpoints to apprehend motorists without helmets and to maximize police visibility around festival venues in Kalibo’s Magsaysay Park, Goding Ramos Park, and Kalibo Pastrana Park

"The nine Police Assistance Centers (PACs) stationed in different strategic areas in Barangay Poblacion were on duty round the clock. Checkpoints in three municipalities leading to Kalibo were set up with the Philippine Army 12th Infantry Battalion personnel," Nacion said.

The 24-hour Compacs have police investigators and a medical team assigned in two shifts daily to enforce security, emergency and traffic assistance, he added. The public was warned against carrying deadly weapons during the Sto. Niño de Kalibo Festival celebration.

Internal checkpoints were established in Numancia, Banga and Kalibo while external checkpoints were established in Altavas, Crossing Nabas/Pandan, Antique and Caticlan, Malay composed of the Philippine Army and PNP. Checkpoint on illegal possession of firearms, carrying of deadly weapons and No Helmet, No Travel Policy were strictly implemented.

Can the police sustain day to day peace and order in Aklan especially Kalibo? /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Limang Porsiyento Kay Sr.

Nakabaton it daywang ka pahisayod do Entrepreneurial Farmer halin sa Aklan Electric Cooperative. Ro una nga pahisayod hay ro pag ta-o it limang (5) porsiyento nga diskwento sa kada buean baeayran sa kuryente.

Rayang diskwento hay mayad ko sa owa gid. Ogaling ro laye nga gina sandigan agod mataw-an it diskwento ro "Senior Citizen" nga naga bakae it kuryente hay beinte (20) it ana, bukon it lima naga hambae baea ro laye nga lima (5)? o napueo, (10)? Ro sugo tana hay 20 porsiyento ro diskwento.

Pila baea makaron ro mga Senior Citizen (60 years old plus) nga naka pangaean kanda ro andang electric concession?

Ro pang taw-an it diskwento hay ro naga usar eang it 100 kilowatt hour panaba. Kon sobra sa sanggatos (100) hay owa it discount.

Sa concessionaires, maisot ro diskwento. P5.00 kada P100.

Ogaling mabahoe ra sa Akelco. Sa kada P100 million nandang kolektahon, ro limang (5) porsiyento hay P5 million man, maadto sa concessionaires bilang diskwento. Kon sa kilowatt hour, sa 100 million, owa it bayad ro 5 million tongod diskwento.

Rayang pag ta-o it diskwento sa Senior Citizen hay maka engganyo sa mga pamilya nga ro andang "electric meter" hay ipangaean sa senior citizen. Basi abu karong isaylo ro electric meter sa Senior Citizen? Raya man ro baeos sa mga may edad eon.
Ro ikaywang pahisayod hay ro pagtaas it "re-connection fee" halin sa P50 hasta sa P100. Nagtaas it 100 porsiyento.

Rayang pagtaas it sukot sa reconnection fee hay pabor ako. Una, maga turo ra katon nga kinahangean gid nga bayaran ro atong utang o mga bagay nga atong hapadiposlan pareho it kuryente. Dapat gid sukton sanda sa andang atrasado o pag pabongoe-bongoe nga bayaran ro utang.

Kon indi, ano ro paghingaean kanda? "BALASUBAS?" Ikaywa, raya ro pag patuman it guina tawag nga "equity and fairness", pare-pareho ro pagtatap sa kada isaea, sin-o man sanda.

Ham-an ga bayad ro kaabo-an pag abot sa oras? Ag ro iba hay ga bayad it atrasado?

Maakop

Ro akong guin sueat hanungod sa sueok, hangoe, ag hakog hay naka buo-oe it reaksiyon sa pilang batong mga naka basa.

Sambato, taga Malay nga indi ko eon pag hingadlan da ngaean sa pag respeto ko anang hinyo hay nagtawag paagi sa telepono agod mag tao sa anang reaksiyon hanungod sa "greedy".

Hayra ra among pag baylo-baylo it hambae sa telepono. Hambae ni Ising: "Kueang pa ro sueok, hangoe, ag hakog".

Ano makon do kueang? Ra anang sabat: "halipatan nimo ro hambae nga "maakop". Ano ro maakop? Anang sabat: "Bu-ot nanang mamahan tanan o angkunon tanan ro manggad, poder, dungog ag iba pa. Congressman eon do eaki, mayor do asawa, konsehal do onga Congressman man do igkampod. Sa masunod nga eleksiyon, may switching eoman kuno. Bu-ot mamahan tanan. Poder, manggad, dungog. /MP

To Establish Care Center At DRSTMH

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed today, Tuesday, January 18 that permits the establishment of West Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) Satellite Treatment Hub at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital, Kalibo.

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez in behalf of Aklan Province signed the MOA while Dr. Ariel Valencia Director of DOH, Region VI signed in behalf of the Department of Health (DOH). The MOA signing took place at the Roberto Q. Garcia Memorial Bldg., Provincial Capitol, Kalibo in the presence of Medical officials of DOH and the DRSTMH.

The WVMC Satellite Treatment Hub, Marquez pointed out, "is established to make treatment, care, and support accessible to People Living With HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) in Aklan".

"The PLHIV is established in Kalibo not to condemn but to provide refuge to the people infected with HIV/AIDS", pointed out Dir. Valencia of DOH.

The DOH also donated eight (8) sets of microscope valued about P1 million for the early detection of HIV/AIDS.

The microscopes are distributed one each for the Rural Health Units in Lezo, Ibajay, Batan, New Washington, Makato, Madalag, Altavas, and Libacao. /MP

The Big Ati-atihan Winners

Kataw: Dyosa It Kadagatan of Buruanga, picture above, bags 2nd prize, P35,000 in Higante Contest while Ibong Adarna of Nabas got first, P40,000, and Libacao’s "Peter Pan" is third. P30,000.

In the tribal contest, P415,000 were distributed as prizes to the winners which are: Black Beauty Boys, first prize in Tribal Category (big group) worth P70,000 and Tribu Bukid Tigayon (small group) P40,000. Scorpio 11-19 got first prize of P30,000 as modern group and P30,000 for Lilo-anong Ati Ag Si Datu Marikudo in Balik Ati category. For other winners, see page 4. /MP

50 Events Will Spice Up Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival

The country’s best tourism event is getting bigger each year with close to 50 events now in the list of activities of the 2011 Dinagyang Festival, according to city tourism and development officer (CTDO) Benito Jimena.

The 43rd year of the festival marked another paradigm shift as it moves to become a vehicle in the promotion of environ-mental protection.

Jimena, who was the guest during the recent presentation of the Little Miss Dinagyang candidates in their newspaper gowns, emphasized that this year’s celebration strikes on the need to protect the environment in line with the thrust of the city to become a livable community.

The use of recycled materials, such as with the case of newspaper gowns, is one manifestation of Dinagyang becoming a "green" festival.

Making an impact to the festival is the launching of e-jeepneys on Jan 23. Ten e-jeepneys will usher the start of the Ati competition starting off with a parade from the San Jose Parish church towards the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand carrying the city government’s important festival guests.

Other events that have already kicked off are the dressing up Dagoy, which is the official mascot of the Dinagyang, Model Ati Warrior, Dance Showdown and preliminaries of the Miss Dinagyang search.

Other events slated to take off are Golf Tournament, Ilonggo Arts Festival, Photo Exhibits and Contest, Airsoft Competition, Moto Cross and Moto Circuit, Luces in the Sky, Food Festival, Tambor Trumpa, Martsa, Musika, Sto Nino Fluvial Procession, Sponsors Mardi Gras, Kasadyahan and Ati Competitions, daily masses for tribes, Swimfest, Religious Sadsad, medical and dental mission, feeding program, International Dinagyang 5K and 30K Duathlon, among others.

The festival has consistently been adjudged as the Best Tourism Event of the Philippines now in the Hall of Fame by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) leading to this year’s tagline of ‘Iloilo’s Finest, Nation’s Best.’

This year’s theme is "Senor Sto Nino: Source of Our Unity, Bond of Our Family."

Tight Security Measures

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has drawn up tight security measures for this year’s Dinagyang Festival, especially during the three-day highlights slated Jan 21-23.

C/Inspt. Uldarico Garbanzos of the ICPO’s operation section presented before Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog that close to 5,000 security personnel to include organic members of the Philippine National Police, from the ICPO; augmentation from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) and the Police Regional Office 6, Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC), National Service Training Program, barangay peace keeping action teams, among others will be deployed during the festivity.

They will be assigned in nine sectors that will cover the four judging areas, SM City, Riverside Boardwalk likewise in perimeter areas where several events are also being held.

They will also establish tourist assistance and medical evacuation areas in time of emergencies. They will also be complemented by K-9 dogs from the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Air Force. (PNA) /MP

LGU Malay Creates Boracay Ati-atihan Tourism Council

The local government of Malay plans to create an Ati-atihan council to promote the Boracay version of the festivity every year.

Malay Councilor Jupiter Gallenero said the council has already passed a resolution creating the council and is studying on how the Ati-atihan of Boracay could be further promoted.

"However, the council should put emphasis on the religious side of the revelry which is to give reverence to the Sto. Nino or Child Jesus," Gallenero said.

Last week, thousands of tourists saw the improvements of the Boracay Ati-atihan version with activities that included fluvial parade, beach dancing to the beating of the tribal drums, among others.

One of the highlights of the festivity was the participation of foreign and local tourists in the beach dancing which was culturally open to everyone as part of their devotion.

"The council should also see to it that the Ati-atihan festival is a way from the commercialization as we promote the Ati-atihan culture of Aklan," Gallenero added.

For several years, Boracay has been celebrating its own version of Ati-atihan in cooperation with the Parish of Boracay. (PNA)

Eat Root Crops: DA Urges People

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Unit 6 (DA-RFU 6), Iloilo City is encouraging the public to consider eating root crops as an alternative to rice.

According to DA regional information chief Juvy S. Gaton, the DA is urging the public to eat root crops such as camote, cassava, taro, potatoes and yam. This is aside from banana and corn which are used as staple food in some provinces.

Gaton stressed, “root crops are good alternative food to rice. Promoting root crops is DA’s way to make sure that everyone has enough to eat in times when rice may not be readily available”.

DA regional executive director Larry Nacionales stressed that root crops are easy to produce even in areas where there are less irrigated water. Likewise, some agribusiness companies usually use them as sources for their starch and carbohydrates raw materials.

Researchers on nutrition found that root crops are rich in beta carotene, inolin, minerals and micronutrients.

For those interested, the DA is giving free technical assistance to farmers and communities that are keen on planting root crops.

Moreover, DA Sec. Proceso Alcala suggested that Filipinos should diversify their diet to include more vegetables, tubers, and root crops to ease the pressure on rice.

However, for those farmers planting rice, the DA is prompting farmers to plant rice using certified seeds (CS) to lessen costs and increase production as the CS has been proven to be of good quality seeds.It would ease the importation of rice from other countries in the long run.

Plant Certified Seeds

Using certified seeds among farming villages will boost the region’s rice yield this year.

Manuel O. Olanday, the DA’s regional Agri-Pinoy Rice program coordinator, assured certified seeds have been proven to increase rice yields of farmers. To hasten the production and use of CS, the DA is training some 187 rice cluster areas in the region to serve as initial sites for the propagation of certified seeds. It is helping farmers in Western Visayas to grow and produce high quality seeds for their own use. This is necessary so these farming communities will stop relying for certified seeds coming from the DA.

Currently, there are around 40 cluster sites in Aklan, 15 in Antique, 25 in Capiz, 14 in Guimaras, 60 in Iloilo and 33 in Negros Occidental.

Illegal Fishing Summit

Iloilo province holds Anti-Illegal Fishing Summit on Jan. 20 at the Siete Recados, Dumangas, some 42 kilometers away from the city. The summit will be attended by the different stakeholders such as the mayors of Iloilo Province, heads of government agencies concerned in coastal resource manage-ment, and the law enforcers. They tackle the problems of illegal fishing and fast depletion of the coastal resources. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Paha Ni Hudas

Suno sa owa ikasueat nga estorya, paha kuno ni Hudas ro anang guin gamit sa pagpanghugot. Ro anang paha ro guin higot sa anang le-og ag guin higot sa kahoy nga bubog. Abo nga mga tawo ro nagka interes sa ratong paha.

Kon ham-an sanda man lang ro nakasayod? Ro paha hay guin baligya sa mata-as nga haega bilang koleksiyon. Nag saylo-saylo sa eain-eain nga tag-ana ro paha. Ko olihi, owa it nakasayod kon sin-o guid ro naga panag-iya.

Agud maboeong ro kaibog sa ratong paha, nag obra ro mga tawo it eain-eain nga disenyo it paha. Rondaya ro guina suksok it mga onga ag guina tawag nga paha ni Hudas. May nag-obra man it rebentador nga paha ni Hudas nga kon sindihan hay mga tunga sa oras ro sige-sigeng pag linupok.

Ogaling, pag abot it kwarisma, indi naton malipatan kon paano guin baligya ni Hudas ro atong Ginuo. Sa kantidad nga 30 bilog nga pilak anang guin kanulo ro anang maestro. Pagkabaton nana ko pilak, guin sukot imaw ko anang konsensiya ag kat indi eon nana matakuran, nag adto imaw sa puno it bubog ag idto mag panghugot paagi sa pagbitay gamit ro anang paha.

May naga hambae nga ro paha ni Hudas hay may sumpa. Naga pakita eang rondaya sa eain-eain nga mga tawo sa eain-eain man nga henerasyon. Kapareho ko natabo sa isaeang ka tawong paeahilong ag sugaroe. Tag owa eon imaw it cuartang ibakae it guina inom ag guina taya sa sugae, hadumduman nana do sangka paha. Anang hakita ag guin buoe, dayon ana nga guin bali-og ogaling, habatyagan nana nga guina eo-ok imaw hasta namatay. Nagpanaw eon man ro paha ag hapueot it manog bote.

Guin poeot man nana ro paha ag daehon sa anda. Guin limpyohan ro paha agod ibaligya. Abu ro kabak-eanan.

Ko gabi-i ngaron, sinaka imaw it manakaw agod takawon ro anang kwarta. Pagsueod it mga manakaw, hakita nanda ro paha nga may mga nag idlap nga bato. Andang pinoeot, ogaling nagbaga ro paha ag guin poeopotan sanda hasta namatay.

Siguro, maskin sa anong bagay nga guina gamit sa kaeainan hay may sumpa. Ogaling kon sa kamaeayran ro paggamit, dueot hay kapahuwayan. /MP

2011 Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival Contest Results

　
Tribal Category – Big Group Participating Group Prize
First Prize Black Beauty Boys P70,000.00
Second Prize Kabog 40,000.00
Third Prize Libtong Boys 30,000.00
Consolation Prize Tribu Tiis-Tiis 10,000.00
Consolation Prize Maharlika Tribe 10,000.00
Consolation Prize Lord Eagles 10,000.00
TOTAL P170,000.00

Tribal Category – Small Group
First Prize Tribu Bukid Tigayon P40,000.00
Second Prize Morongga Tribe 25,000.00
Third Prize Tribu Alibang-bang 20,000.00
Consolation Prize Tribu Osman-ian Copradiro 7,000.00
Consolation Prize Tribu Hampakan "King of Spider 7,000.00
Consolation Prize Tribu Responde 7,000.00
TOTAL P106,000.00

Modern Category
First Prize Scorpio P30,000.00
Second Prize Aeang-Aeang Group 15,000.00
Third Prize Adlaw Gabii Ni John 10,000.00
Consolation Prize En Chanting 3,000.00
Consolation Prize Kababaihan It Kalibo 3,000.00
TOTAL P61,000.00

Balik-Ati Category
First Prize Lili Anong Ati Ag Si Datu Marikudo P30,000.00
Second Prize Malipayong Ati 15,000.00
Third Prize Kinantuing Group 10,000.00
Consolation Prize Tribu Ilayanhon 3,000.00
Consolation Prize Tribu Isalacan 3,000.00
Consolation Prize Maninikop Group 3,000.00
TOTAL P64,000.00

Individual Category
Most Comical Absurungsong P 2,000.00
Most Symbolic Jungle Tribe& Golden Sarok 4,000.00
Most Original Authentic Customized Ati 2,000.00
Most Modern Frankelyn Abelarde & 4,000.00
Recycled Queen
Most Fantastic Fantastica 2,000.00
Total 10,000.00

Grand Total P415,000.00

Religious ‘Sadsad’ For Miracle Believers In Iloilo’s Dinagyang

Iloilo’s 2011 Dinagyang Festival looked forward to heighten people’s devotion to Sr. Sto Niño with its ‘religious sadsad’ which according to several testimonies had already granted devotees’ petitions.

The activity slated Jan 22 will boost the second day of the three-day highlights of the annual Dinagyang Festival.

"This is one-hour non-stop dance offering to Señor Santo Niño", Dominador ‘Jun’ Rivera, chairman of the festival’s Liturgical Committee said.

It will start at exactly 7:00 p.m. in front of San Jose Parish Church just adjacent the historic Plaza Libertad.

The devotees may create their own steps during the ‘sadsad’ which they can use for the religious dance simultaneous with their offering of personal prayers, wishes and petitions", said Rivera.

"We have been receiving some letters here and even abroad informing us that their petitions were granted to them after joining the activity in previous years", he claimed.
Rivera said, "this religious dance has been a longtime practice but it was not given focus for several years. This time, the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival organizer wants this religious event be given emphasis even as it encourages the public to be part of the activity."

Aside from the ‘religious sadsad’ the religious component of the festival also includes blessings of children, pregnant mothers and Santo Niño images and feeding of children, among others.

The religious activity will be highlighted by the fluvial procession in the afternoon of Jan 22.

The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, one of the triumvirate organizing the 2011 Dinagyang Festival will showcase Dinagyang souvenirs like shirts, Señor Santo Niño icons, mascaras and key chains among others.

Int’l Race In Iloilo Dinagyang

A race that will gather some 1,200 participants coming from different local government units and other places around the world will happen in Iloilo City on January 26.

This, after Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog signed an executive order forming the Technical Working Group for the 1st Iloilo Dinagyang International 5K Run and 30K Duathlon.

For the event, the duathlon will consist of a 5K run, followed by a 20K cycling leg and finally another 5K run, in a format of a little similar to triathlon.

Organizing the duathlon is also part of the sports campaign for the city, Mabilog pointed out.

Rommel Castro of the Iloilo City Sports Commission is designated race director, with Moises Salomon Jr. as assistant race director.

The event is open to both local and international participants. It is included in the official schedule of activities of the Dinagyang 2011 celebration this month. (PNA) /MP

Rotary Club To Distribute Water Pumps

The Rotary Club of Jaro Centraline (RCJC), Iloilo City will distribute 50 water pumps to poor communities in Panay Island within the first quarter of 2011.

RCJC president Freddie Salvania said the jetmatic pumps are sourced through the help of Rotary International assistant governor for District 3850 Winston Santos to help poor communities in the three provinces in Panay Island.

They will identify the beneficiary communities which will receive the free jetmatic pumps. They will start delivering the free jetmatic pumps as soon as they identify which communities will be most benefited by their project, Rotary International District 3850 has around 1,200 members in 51 Rotary Clubs in Iloilo City, Bacolod City, and in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental, Zamboanga provinces, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and Occidental Misamis. (PNA) /MP

DAP Schedules Training In Kalibo

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) will conduct a four-day training workshop in Kalibo on January 24 – 27, 2011. This will be held at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Memorial Tourism and Training Center, Buswang Old, Kalibo.

The workshop is geared to update the participants of the Revenue Code of the Province of Aklan. It is also designed to provide adequate understanding of good fiscal management and its relevance to effective local government unit revenue generation and resource mobilization strategies, and to formulate a re-entry plan outlining major activities and strategies to improve LGU revenue generation and measure its impacts.

As outlined the workshop includes: 1. The Overview of Local Fiscal Governance and Administration; 2. Traditional and Non-traditional Sources of Local Revenues; 3. Key Strategies for Effective Local Revenue Generation and Resource Mobilization; and 4. Enhancing Local Revenue Generation Potentials Through The Local Revenue Code.
The participants to the workshop are Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo, all members of the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), SP Secretariat headed by Mr. Odon Bandiola, Aklan provincial heads of offices like Atty. Diego M. Luces, Assessor Kokoy Soguilon, Budget Officer Grace B. Macahilas, Provincial Accountant Maria Victoria Salido, PPDO Coordinator Roger M. Esto, Provincial Treasurer Suzette Pioquid, Provincial Tourism Officer Roselle Q. Ruiz, DRSTMH Chief Dr. Paul L. Macahilas, Port Terminal Administrator Niven M. Maquirang, Provincial Engr. Victory M. Fernandez, General Services Officer Medelia A. Solanoy, Atty. Lee T. Manares, EEDD Asst. Head Rex Victor B. Consemino, Cooperative Officer Lilian R. Rey, Provincial Veterinarian Gervase B. Radislao, Social Welfare Development Officer Elma S. Malbas, Human Resource Mgt. Officer Ellen Tolentino, and Provincial Agriculturist William B. Castillo. /MP