Shouting, Slapping Incident Turns Into Grisly Murder

by ALEX P. Vidal

Were soldiers drunk when they butchered Gen. Luna?

LAKE FOREST, California — If this crime happened recently, today’s more liberated and technologically literate Filipinos would have raged and wept endlessly by its sheer brutality; Youtube and Facebook would have recorded the ugly episode for all the universe to see — and denounce.

He was ganged up and butchered like a pig. Shot repeatedly by a group of rank-and-file Filipino soliders and hacked with a bolo until his intestines came out in front of horrified civilians in a public plaza in the Philippines.

This was how historians narrated the terrible execution of General Antonio Luna by soldiers equivalent today to the Presidential Security Group (PSG) on June 5, 1899, a week before the June 12 first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Perhaps the greatest general and one of the most brilliant patriots to ever serve the Philippine revolution, Luna’s horrible murder from die hards of President Emilio Aguinaldo, became a blot in Philippine history as it gave credence to the French Revolution’s famous dictum that "Revolution devours its own children."

　
TELEGRAM

At 32, Luna, an Ilocano, was five years older than 28-year-old President Aguinaldo, of Kawit, Cavite, when the president’s men known as "Kawit soldiers", extirpated him.

Luna, director of war and overall Central Luzon commander, was supposed to meet President Aguinaldo who established his headquarters in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, after receiving a telegram, purportedly signed by President Aguinaldo, ordering him to proceed to Cabanatuan from Bayambang, Pangasinan.

Until today, nobody has confirmed that the telegram was about a "Cabinet revamp" and President Aguinaldo supposedly was to appoint Luna premier or chief of the Cabinet. Was it a trap?

It was widely known then that Luna and Foreign Affairs Secretary Felipe Buencamino were at loggerheads after Luna arrested and jailed Buencamino and incum-bent Premier Pedro Paterno for negotiating with the Americans for peace and autonomy calling them traitors and cowards.

President Aguinaldo, however, sided with the two high-ranking Cabinet officials and released them.

RECORDS
　

Many historians have diligently ferreted out conflicting and different records and accounts from various sources in the Philippines and abroad, but Manuel Martinez, a 1971 Constitutional Convention delegate, pointed to the University of the Philippines Dean Vivencio Jose as having presented "the most finished and the most careful account, which appears to be fair at all" in Jose’s book, "The Rise and Fall of Antonio Luna."

Here’s Jose’s account, according to Martinez in his book, "Assassinations and Conspiracies":

Luna entered the convent door (leaving his two companions outside). The guard, upon seeing him, got so unnerved that he did not know what to do. Luna, apparently peeved, turned to him and asked whether he knew what he was doing. The soldier got more bewildered and was unable to answer. Luna, vexed at this unexpected reaction from a soldier, slapped him on the face.

Not far off, Luna saw another soldier, an officer, whom he remembered was disarmed at Kalumpit. "Don’t you remember that I disarmed you because of your cowardice?"

The officer, Captain Pedro Janolino, could not answer. He stood there, stiffly, before Luna who was now beside himself with anger. "And you still have the courage to face me?" Luna asked, adding, "Who reinstated you?"

"The officers up there were the ones, sir, who did."

"Well," Luna said, "I will settle you all presently."

Then he hurriedly proceeded upstairs. Up there in the convent, whom should he see but the autonomist whom he hated very much, Felipe Buencamino, now obviously free. To add more to his consternation, Luna learned further that President Aguinaldo had earlier left and was on the way to Tarlac, apparently not complying with the appointment.

"Why didn’t they tell me that they were going away?" Luna said, further angered...In a moment at all, hot words were exchanged between him and Buencamino. And soon they were quarreling while below the presidential guards kept coming and going, whispering tensely among themselves.

RIFLE SHOT
　

Then, as if in preconcerted signal, a rifle shot tore through the blazing afternoon. Hearing the gun report, Luna disengaged from his verbal duel with Buencamino. He went hurriedly rushing down the stairs, where he met Janolino and some soldiers.

Luna shouted, "Who among you fired? Now I am more convinced than ever that you don’t know how to handle a gun." Luna was indeed seething with uncontrollable rage. Janolino, thinking that Luna would attack him, whipped out his bolo and hacked the general, hitting him on the temple above the ear.

The Kawit soldiers then joined the fray, firing and stabbing at the hapless general. In spite of his wounds, the surprised Luna managed to pull out his revolver and, withdrawing to the streets, tried to press the trigger. Pain and loss of blood were slowly blurring his vision and he missed when he fired.

Luna’s two staff officers, who waited outside, Col. Francisco Roman and Captain Eduardo Rusca, ran to help their boss, whom they saw "staggering towards them, chased and attacked by the Kawit soldiers."

"The presidential guards fired repeatedly also at Roman who was hit, fatally. Rusca sustained a wound on the leg and fell on his knees, and while crawling got hit again and fell unconscious, and survived to tell his story," narrated Martinez.

"While Janolino and his companions were butchering Luna with a mixed brew of bullets and blades, many other soldiers were ready behind concrete walls. Luna now reached the plaza, his fist clenched, trying to return the fire of his assassins as copious blood gushed out from his many wounds.　

INTESTINES

"A bit later it was seen that his intestines were already out. He suffered at least 40 wounds. Each of some 30 of the wounds was said to be fatal. The horror of it all. Never in the course of human assassination was so much wrought by so many on one fellow."

Luna, in one last great effort, showed the will to fight...to the bitter end, as he muttered audibly, bravely, "Co...wards! Assa...ssins!" Then, strength leaving his body and will weakened to its last gasp of life, Luna slumped to the ground, face upward, his fist still clinched, as if challenging his murderers, his teeth gritting in rage.

Before expiring, he instinctively turned on his right side. So great must have been the soldiers’ fear of Luna that, when they thought that he would stand up in the last grasp of his breath, those in the front line hastily stepped backward pushing those behind them who fell down!

For one hour, Luna’s badly mangled body laid unattended at the center of the plaza.
For no apparent reason, the soldiers reportedly returned and started hacking Luna’s body again "in sadistic glee."

"Some took off the uniform and among themselves divided the loot of money and jewels. After this dastardly act, they wrapped the body in an old and tattered mat and brought it to the ruined church...There, when darkness crept and settled down the earth, only the bats and other night birds remained the (two) dead men’s sole companions," Jose added.

"Luna and Roman were buried the next morning with honors, with brass band and funeral march, attended by Gregorio Aglipay, and officials of the government led by Luna’s foe, Buencamino.

The soldiers who had committed the deed were presumably there. Even if they were identified, they were not accosted or arrested or investigated. The place may have been occupied almost wholly by anti-Luna partisans."
　

BRILLIANT
　

The demise of Luna, the most brilliant and capable of the Filipino generals, was a decisive factor in the fight against the American forces. Even the Americans developed an astonished admiration for him. One of them, General Hughes, said of his death, probably relishing the irony, "The Filipinos had only one general, and they have killed him."

Subsequently, President Aguinaldo suffered successive, disastrous losses in the field, retreating towards northern Luzon. In less than two years, he was captured in Palanan, Isabela by American forces, led by General Frederick Funston and their Kapampangan allies, the Macabebe mercenaries. President Aguinaldo was later brought to Manila, and made to pledge allegiance to the United States.

They may have destroyed Luna, a first-rate polemicist and publisher of La Independencia, but they did not defeat him as history became kind to him. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Baganihan Sa Akong Kabuhi

Kada isaea katon hay may guina idolo. Sanda ro makabig naton nga baganihan sa atong kabuhi. Mahimo nga isaeang ka manugturo, amigo, artista o kon sin-o man nga makahimo it tumaeagsahon ag indi malipatan nga binohatan katon agud mag madinaeag-on sa pag pangabuhi.

Si Lina hay naga kabuhi kaibahan ko anang tatay. Umpisa nga guin aywan sanda ko anang ina nga nagmunot sa ibang eaeaki, si Tony ro nangin tatay ag nanay ni Lina. Kada abot ni Tony sa andang baeay halin sa pagpasada it tricycle, may guina uli imaw nga siopao o pansit o ano mang makuyam-kuyam kay Lina. Maskin naga tu-on si Lina, imaw ro naga digamo sa andang pamaeay. Kada pag abot ko anang ama hay haum eon ro tubi nga mainit, tsinelas, tuwalya ag anang ilislan. Abo ro naga sunlog kay Tony nga mag asawa it uman ogaling owa guid sa anang buot ro bagay ngaron.

Pagka tapos ni Lina sa pag eskwela sa high school bu-ot nana nga magpundo agod mag bulig sa anang ama. Ogaling owa mag sugot si Tony. Anang guin dugangan ro obra agod madugangan man do kita. Pagkatapos it pamasada, naga sueod pa si Tony sa beerhouse agod mag waiter. Guina tipon nana ro anang tip sa pag serbi para sa pagtu-on ni Lina.

Ko gabi-e ngaron, may nag rumble una sa bar. Indi guid abi malikawan ro away. May isaeang ka hilong ro nag ma-oy ag hakursunadahan nana ro Hapon nga naga inom man nga naga isaeanhon sa ibang lamesa. Husto guid nga naga paadto si Tony nga may daea nga tray ag hakita nana nga nag gabot it kurta ro hilong agod bun-on ro Hapon. Golpe nga hinaboy ni Tony ro tray sa hilong busa nabuhi-an ko hilong ro kurta.

Dali-dali man nga pinoeot ni Tony ro kurta agod usahon nga ebidensiya kontra sa hilong. Duro guid ro pasaeamat ko Hapon kay Tony. Guin dayaw si Tony sa radio, television ag sa mga baeasahon tongod sa mayad nga binuhatan. Pagkasayod ni Lina sa natabo, nalipay guid imaw ag bugaeon. Owa it eabot nga si Tony hay baganihan kay Lina, nangin baganihan pa imaw sa mata it ibang tawo. /MP

Aklan SP Accredits Badminton Club

The Aklan Sang-guniang Panlalawigan has approved the accreditation of another non-government organization during its 18th regular session on June 8, 2011.

Granted provincewide accreditation is the Ati-atihan Badminton Club while the application for accreditation of Kalibo International Airport Transport Association (KIATA), Inc. was referred back to the Committee on Non-Government Organization and Peoples Organization chaired by Hon. Jonna I. Torres-Morales with members Hon. Raymar A. Rebaldo and Hon. Jean O. Rodriquez to further evaluate the documentary requirements submitted.(Aklan SP finally approved KIATA accreditation on June 15.)

Ati-atihan Badminton Club aims to promote and develop Badminton in different municipalities in the province of Aklan and encourage Aklanons to play the sports. The organization also aims to: 1. be able to produce future badminton players to compete in the regional, national and international levels, 2. inculcate the spirit of sportsmanship among the youth, and 3. to establish a drug free community, camaraderie among members, gain more friends and promote a healthy lifestyle through badminton in the province of Aklan. (by Richie D. Oloroso) /MP

Presidential Appointive Positions 93% Filled Up

Some 93 percent of the close to 10,000 positions that require presidential appointments are filled and nominees for the remaining vacancies are now being vetted by the Palace search committee, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Friday, June 10.

"There are few vacancies left and there are already nominees for these positions. We are just in the process of screening these indi-viduals," Ochoa said.

Close to 10,000 positions in various line agencies, government-owned and - controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and constitutional commissions must be appointed by the President.

All nominees undergo a screening process and are required to submit documents to a search committee in Malacañang that vets these candidates, studies their credentials and assesses their qualifications for the positions they have been nominated to.

The latest major appointment President Aquino made is that of former Senator Mar Roxas as Secretary of the Department of Trans-portation and Com-munication. /MP

EDITORIAL

Weaving Propels Economic Activity
BLWA Experience Tells

by James Earl E. Ogatis

Bagtason, Bugasong, Antique is known for its great hand woven textile for a time now. They developed a lot of high quality products from cotton and abaca as their raw materials in the late 1960’s. During the 1980’s, the production of hand woven textile using polyester as their raw material heightened and produced more quality designs and products.

Seeing the economic potential of the weaving activity, Bagtason weavers organized themselves as Bagtason Loom Weavers Association (BLWA). It was incorporated on July 4, 2008 after the organization was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The association used Tiral in their weaving endeavor. Initially, they started with five units of Tiral. Due to the increase in the production and market demand, they purchased another five units.

Product Creation is not an easy work. It follows many steps and stages to develop it. The first stage is called the Pagsab-ong, wherein it determines the length and number of pieces desired to be produced based on the design. After this, the Paglikis stage follows. It is when the thread is arranged in the Moton, to be followed by Pagbinting.

The thread will be inserted in the "binting", part of the equipment used in this step, in an upward and downward movement. The next stage is the Pagsulod or the stage to insert the thread in the reed. Then, Pagtalingyas or the transfer of thread from the cone to talingyasan. And the last stage is the Pagpanara, it is when the weaving starts.

The Bagtason Loom Weavers Association, Inc. did not limit their production with cloths alone; they expanded their production through making of other products from hablon. Today, the BLWA is producing Patadyong/Pili Patadyong (Patadyong with design). It is a four meter hand woven cloth made from polyester or yarn. Its price also varies depending upon its design. The Patadyong with embroidery costs P1,600.00 while the plain Patadyong costs P650.00 a piece.

Another product manufactured by the Association is the hand woven cloth that is plain checkered. A cloth made from polyester costs P150.00 per meter. Due to the different innovations in lifestyle and fashion, the Association tried the production of Ladies Hat from hand woven cloth. The price also varies depending on the details in each hat. With a plain cloth hat, it is P250.00 and hats with Pili design costs P350.00
To cope with the different innovations in fashion and lifestyle, the Bagtason Loom Weavers Association, Inc. had produced Patadyong Handkerchief and scarf. It is a hand woven cloth made from polyester. Big Scarf with flower embroidery costs P150.00 while Big plain Scarf costs P120.00. For Small Hanky, the price is P60.00. They sell also a two-three meters hand woven cloth with or without embroidery. A soft Weaved Scarf costs P275.00 while a Double Thread Scarf costs P350.00, and for 3 meters Double Thread with Design Scarf costs P500.00

Occasionally, they also produce lei. It is made of yarn or polyester and its price varies depending upon its design. A plain lei costs P30.00 while lei with embroidery costs P50.00. The Association also produces Polo shirt and Long Sleeves made from polyester. A plain Polo costs P650.00/meter while Polo with embroidery costs P750.00. For plain Long Sleeves, it costs P750.00 and for Long Sleeves with embroidery costs P850.00.

Sun Visors are also produced by the BLWA. The Visor is made from polyester and costs P175.00. The very popular Hablon cloth is sold also in the Bagtason, it is a Hablon cloth with rayon threads. It is made from polyester, gold and silver threads. It costs P200.00/meter. For table decorations, the Association is also producing a two meters Table Runner. It is a Hand woven cloth made from polyester and costs P300.00.

All BLWA products contains the logo of the LGU-Bugasong being its OTOP, name of the product, description of the product, name of the association, location, and the price.

Aside from local distribution of hand-woven textiles, the BLWA introduced its products in the international market of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand through the assistance of the Antique Development Foundation. It had served as pasalubongs for our balikabayans and at the same time a part of the different trade and fashion shows. They also joined national and local trade fairs in order to showcase their product. In securing more sales and distribution, they sell in retail, wholesale and consignment methods.

For the last 3 years, the income of the BLWA varies every year. In the year 2008, their income was P267, 000. In the next year, 2009, their income dropped to P56,000. However, as of September 2010, BLWA had already generated P499,350 as their income. The income of the association depends on the demand of Hablon in our market may it be local or international.

Among the product promotions participated by the BLWA are Pasundayag Exposition 2008; 2nd Kinaray-a Arts Festival, OTOP Visayas Island Fair, Balik Bugasong/Patadyong Night, and Visayas Trade Fair. The association is awarded as MSME Top Grosser having sales of P134,580.00, Provincial Champion on the Search for Best OTOP in 2009, best small and medium entrepreneur category in 2009; and Regional Finalist on best SMEs-OTOP.　

Weaving is very important not just in the economy of Antique but it also holds a dynamic culture not just of the Antiqueños but of the Filipinos in general. Let us support our own product, let us help our community and our country. Buy Filipino Products. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

TESDA Training Drivers

RHPG–6 Warns car buyers against hot cars being sold by criminal syndicates from Luzon. Regional Highway Patrol Group–6 (RHPG) Regional Director Cesar Jacob revealed the carjacking incidents are happening somewhere in Luzon and not in Region 6.

RHPG–6 based in Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City has recovered eight (8) carjacked vehicles since 2010. Of the vehicles, six (6) carjacked vehicles were recovered in Bacolod City that included one unit Toyota Innova, two units Mitsubishi Lancer, two (2) units Nissan Urvan, and one (1) unit Honda Civic. The other two (2) are Nissan Urvan recovered in Antique, and a Toyota Avanza recovered in Iloilo. According to Jacob, there is no carjacking syndicate directly operating in Iloilo. He however, advised the probable buyers of second hand vehicles to coordinate with his office to assure the vehicle for sale is not a carjacked vehicle.

Bus Drivers To Train

Ms. Lorena Yungue, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provincial director of Iloilo announced the training for bus drivers.

Why? Does the Land Transportation Office (LTO) issue Driver’s License to applicants who do not know how to drive safely? LTO gives written test and actual driving to prove the driver applicants can drive safely.

A bus driver who possesses Professional Driver’s License should have been proven by bus operator and LTO to possess adequate skills, and positive attitude to operate a vehicle.

Any traffic violation and accident committed, the LTO office which issued the professional drivers license and the bus operator who authorized the driver to drive a vehicle are responsible for any road accident. But the driver is the real culprit, mainly responsible for the damages.

Living Poor In Rich Aklan

Aklan province is rich in natural resources. It has wide fertile land, magnificent mountain ranges, rivers, and seas. Aklan has more sauna and fauna.

But more of Aklanons chose to live in poverty. Statistics of the National Coordination Statistics Board (NCSB) show.

However, families of Aklanons who are industrious, healthy, honest, and frugal are able to save a part of their income and live a happy, and normal life.

Those who are idle, dishonest, sickly, and wasteful remain poor. They are happy to ask alms in time of needs like for hospitalization and food. They are happy to receive any assistance regardless of quantity and quality. They lost their dignity and self respect.

Taal Lake Fishkill

The fish kills in Taal lake valued at about P250 million taught the Filipinos valuable but expensive lessons.

First, the culture of milkfish and tilapia was left to the fish cage caretakers and operators some of whom are foreigners. Both the national and local governments didn’t bother to remind them of the proper way of producing fish.

Second, the venue of production is a lake which provides no entrance of clean water and exit of polluted water. The entrance of clean water is the rain. There is no way of draining polluted water. Third, there is no way to provide all the required care such as proper water salinity, turgidity, deepness, temperature, oxygen level, and others.

Fourth, since no government scientific assistance was given, proper fish production management was not made available. Govern-ment aqua culturists came only after fish kills took place to tell the people the probable causes, like over stocking, lack of oxygen, and water pollution.

The use of lakes in fish production must be reviewed to produce high quality fish at economic production cost. /MP

Garbage In Kalibo

A dog in the picture is feasting garbage by the gate of Magsaysay Park, Regalado St., Poblacion, Kalibo. The location is near the door of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority office. The picture is taken at 2:00 o’clock pm, Thursday, June 9.

Idleness, Extravagance, Diseases Means Poverty

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Engr. Roger M. Esto (extreme left) is shown discussing the Aklan Provincial Programs to free the poor from the bondage of poverty. Others in the picture are Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Mr. Blas Solidum and Mr. Ely G. Arensol

An honest assessment and spirited discussion prevailed during the weekly Kapihan on June 4 at Smokehauz Resto & Bar. "Poverty Situation and Employment Generation" was the topic discussed by invited guests who are Engr. Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning and Development Officer (PPDO), Mr. Ely G. Arensol, Sr. TESDA Specialist, and Mr. Blas Solidum, National Statistics Office provincial director, Aklan.
Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino advanced the reason that validity of findings of National Coordination and Statistical Board (NCSB) that Aklan ranks as poorest province in Region 6 is due to prevailing unfavorable climate. Tolentino cited the poor health and diseases, economic factors, globalization and financial meltdown, political corruption and weakened judicial system, over population, high birth rate and social civil unrest. Mitigating these factors could be positive reversal of the present woes, Tolentino pointed out.

Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, SP Secretary said that Aklan’s war on poverty is losing credibility based on NCSB raised data. It consistently climbed over the years: 30.2 percent in 2003, 32.6 percent in 2006 and 38.1 percent in 2009. Under the old method however poverty incidence is shockingly disturbing – 50.9 percent, an unpre-cedented record traced to inefficiency and of ineffectivity in governance said, Mr. Bandiola.

Engr. Esto clarified that the provincial government needs not be blamed alone for this debacle but also LGU’s at municipal level and national government line agencies. He emphasized that everybody must contribute to national aspiration for higher living standard. This includes prompt payment of taxes and cultivation of positive values. At any rate, 14 municipalities with the exception of Kalibo, Numacia, and Lezo are included under the Conditional Cash Transfer program or 4Ps administered by DSWD.

Mr. Blas Solidum appears to be reluctant of NCSB report of Aklan’s high poverty incidence since this is taken from Regional data. As a matter of fact, only 8 barangays were included in the survey out of 327 barangays of Aklan. There is a need to further validate these findings to include all barangays with corro-boration of NCSB and Provincial government of Aklan taking the lead. Nevertheless, program designed to alleviate poverty have been hampered by poor access to education, health, and liberal credit facilities.

Mr. Arensol said that TESDA has been providing skills training appropriate to the needs of domestic and international labor market. Long term courses as tourism, hotel and restaurant management is done in partnership with colleges and universities under CHED. Short term courses like welding, plumbing, carpentry, automotive mechanic and hairdressing are done at the TESDA Provincial Training Center, Laguinbanwa East, Numancia. Scholarship grants are available to poor but deserving students provided they qualify under the program. They must have minimum average rating of 80 percent, high school graduate, good health and good moral character.

Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente bats for education of students for values formation. The basic idea of hard work, honesty, perseverance and thrift must be inculcated and impressed on the youth since these are the universal way of life. Taking a cue from his checkered life, Dr. Villorente admitted that he was once poor but he is able to untangle himself from extreme poverty by working honestly, diligently, and living frugally. Knowledge is power says an old adage.

In the 1960’s, and 80’s, Antique was a struggling province unable to catch up with her upbeat neighbors. The province was known as prime exporter of seasonal labor (sacada) to sugar haciendas in Negros and Capiz. On the other hand, Aklan had a relative moderate economy based on tourism and agriculture.

Now, Aklan is at the bottom rung of six provinces in Region 6 even surpassed by young province of Guimaras. What a disappointment! It is hard to believe how things turned upside down impacting the lives of half of the total Aklan population. "Saan ako nagkamali" is an old Filipino ballad that resonates with pain and remorse.

Highest Power Rate

Well, it couldn’t be denied that poverty and unemployment stand at 38 and 34 percent respectively, a result of economic, political and social malaise. However, the proper environment for success must be formulated and established. For instance, Aklan has the highest power rate in Region 6 at P11.1092/Kwh for residential, P9.6594 for commercial and P9.6493 for industrial. This is the main reason why potential investors shy away from investing in Aklan. Akelco’s services are described by its 100,000 member consumers as inadequate, unrealistic, and expensive. Anyway, the Philippines has the highest power rate in Asia surpassing Singapore and Japan.

Rapid industrialization in the US started with the establishment of hydropower tapping the mighty Niagra Falls in the 1880’s. It proved efficient in turning out iron ore into high grade steel for its basic industries, cars, appliances, transport, building construction, and others.

Fortunately, we have excellent natural resource like the two big rivers: the Aklan and Ibajay rivers that could generate 120 MW more than enough to supply the power needs of Panay Island. Yet, obviously there is no political will to exploit it despite positive feasibility studies.

Although wind farms, coal and biomass power plants could be developed, hydropower stands out because project can be integrated with other uses like irrigation, potable water, fish conservation, tourism and flood control. Obviously, the only hindrance to this proposed mega infrastructure is the cost. What if it cost billions of pesos when cheap and reliable power is distributed to the whole Panay Island grid? Potable water from Libacao could be transported by pipeline to Iloilo City and Roxas City. What if this is another tourism venture benefiting inland barangays of Libacao, Madalag, and Ibajay? Must we begrudge doubling present irrigated area of 6,712 hectares so Aklanon farmers could increase productivity and income? Moreover, floods and destruction could be a fading memory of the past.

The above are cogent and plausible reasons why the Aklan River Development Council headed by Atty. Allen S. Quimpo drafts a sensible proposal for consideration and funding by a probable funding agency. This is also in line with inter-provincial cooperation envisioned under RA 7160 or Local Government Code.

Mr. Odon S. Bandiola mentioned that P70 million annual budget for economic development of Aklan is consigned to payment of bank loans. The 20 percent economic development fund is for repair and or construction of farm to market roads, health center, and schools. Is the governor aware of the difficulty farmers in remote areas experience in bringing their products to the market? Poor handling and transport of farm products result in 15 percent losses and low prices. No wonder half of our farmers cultivating one hectare of rice land although irrigated is classified as marginal and at risk of malnutrition.

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez’ socio economic policy favoring massive infra development on tourism (P160 million for 2.4 hectares Jetty Port reclamation, Phase I), Nursing School Building (P39 million, provincial hospital Renovation (P128 million) all secured by financial loans require an in-depth review. Policy must be evaluated in the light of truth that previous assumptions are unrealistic and expensive. Instead of defined prosperity it brought Aklanons to the brink of financial disaster and shattered of election promises.

Poverty and unemployment are strange bedfellows each one thriving on complacency and neglect. Remember blame game is an escapist attitude and accomplishes nothing. /MP

Gov. Creates Anti-Illegal Recruitment/Human Trafficking Task Force

Due to the several cases reported of syndicated illegal recruitment and human trafficking that had been affecting some Aklanons, Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez created the Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Human Trafficking Task Force. In an Executive Order No. 011, Series of 2011, Marquez spelled out the 14 functions of the Task Force.

They are to: 1. receive complaints on illegal recruitment and human trafficking; 2. provide legal assistance to victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking as well as their families; 3. facilitate the investigation of reported cases of illegal recruitment and human trafficking; 4. conduct monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement of applicable laws on illegal recruitments and human trafficking; 5. coordinate with OWWA, POEA, and DFA on matters pertaining to search, rescue, repatriation, and other related tasks pertaining to victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking; 6. provide medical assistance to victims of illegal recruitments and human trafficking;

7. provide economic and other material support to victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking as well as their families; 8. provide logistical support to law enforcement agencies pursuant to anti-illegal recruitment and anti-human trafficking operations; 9. undertake a comprehensive media campaign to raise awareness level of Aklanons on issues of illegal recruitment and human trafficking; 10. undertake the involvement of local government units in a social awareness campaign on issue of illegal recruitment and human trafficking; 11. provide livelihood programs, counseling services and placement services to victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking; 12. conduct seminars on schools on the issues of illegal recruitment and human trafficking; 13. prosecute violators of illegal recruitment and human trafficking; and 14. provide means for witness protection program.

The task force is lead by its chairman who is the provincial governor and his co-chairman, the provincial prosecutor of Aklan. The members are the PNP provincial director; regional directors of the OWWA, POEA & DFA, Provincial heads of DOLE, PIA, DILG, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer; District Public Attorney, and Provincial legal officer.

This task force creation is effective as of May 5, 2011.

Ms. Vivian Ruiz-Solano, Aklan Provincial Public Employment Service Office Manager released to the public 15 ways (don’ts) to follow to prevent illegal recruitment. These are: 1. do not apply at recruitment agencies not licensed by POEA; 2. do not deal with licensed agencies without job orders; 3. do not deal with any person who is not an authorized representative of a licensed agency; 4. do not transact business outside the registered address of the agency. If recruitment is conducted in the province, check if the agency has a provincial recruitment authority; 5. do not pay more than the allowed placement fee. It should be equivalent to one month salary, exclusive of documentations and processing costs;

6. do not pay any placement fee unless you have a valid employment contract and an official receipt; 7. do not be enticed by ads or brochures requiring you to reply to a post office (P.O.) box, and to enclose payment for processing of papers; 8. do not deal with training centers and travel agencies, which promise overseas employment; 9. do not accept a tourist VISA; 10. do not deal with fixers;

11. be very skeptical of overseas employment opportunities that sound "too good to be true"; 12. beware of an agency that is unwilling to give you a written contract; 13. do not hesitate to ask questions. You have a right to know what services to expect and the costs involved; 14. do not make a hasty decision. Instead, take time to weigh all the pros and cons of the situation. Be wary of demands that "you must act now"; and 15. keep a copy of all agreements you signed, as well as copies of documents you forwarded to the company. /MP

Panay Tourism Projects Need LGU Support

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking forward for more support from Local Government Units (LGUs) to highlight the potentials of their respective community–based ecotourism (CBET) projects.

To recall, eight municipalities in Panay Island were selected as pilot areas for the CBET which earned support from the Local Government Support Program (LGSP) in 2003.

Dubbed as "Ocho-Ocho" Econ Tour the destinations covered the municipalities of Pandan, Antique and Malay and Nabas, Aklan under the Northwest Panay circuit; Tangalan and Kalibo towns in Aklan for the North Panay and towns of San Joaquin, Ajuy and Concepcion for the Iloilo circuit.

While several of the destinations continue to draw tourists, others need to be revived.
DOT regional Dir. Edwin Trompeta said "these destinations and their potentials are still there, except that they were not high-lighted because they no longer have the support of LGU".

He also said that the Department of Tourism has been including the areas in its packages of promotions and recommended them to tour operators likewise to the Philippine Tour Operators Association.

Meanwhile, another destination that is expected to make an impact in the tourism industry of Western Visayas is the opening of what has been dubbed as the biggest zoo in Asia situated in Guimaras province. "It’s a work in progress, the owner is not in a hurry to open," he said. 　

SMC Helps Aklan Promote Tourism

The Aklan provincial government through the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council, cited San Miguel Corporation for its role in pushing for the progress of the province, especially in the field of tourism.

Foremost among SMC’s contribution is the billion peso investment in the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Caticlan Airport in Malay. It is now also considering investing in other potential tourists destinations in the province.

Vicky Ramos-Antonino of the Aklan provincial tourism council said that SMC is very supportive of local entrepreneurs in Aklan.

"The company has provided us fund for the establishment of a showcase area for Aklan products at the second floor of the Kalibo International Airport. Local entrepreneurs could now showcase their products for tourists ensuring them of cheaper prices but high quality because the items are sold by producers themselves," Antonino said.

The showcase is also in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Hugod Akeanon, among others.

"It is but rightful that we start seeing the San Miguel Corporation as partner of the province for our tourism development," Antonino added.(PNA)/MP　

Pinoys Will Mock And Scoff At Attempt To Ban Circumcision

by ALEX P. Vidal

NEWPORT BEACH, California — Whether it is a doctor or albularyo (quack doctor) toting the scissors, Filipino boys consider it as birth right or duty to undergo circumsicion at early age as part of tradition that started way back in the pre-Spanish colonization.

In fact, male circumcision, the surgical removal of some or all of the foreskin (prepuce) from the penis, is the source of pride for most Filipino boys entering adolescence. The ritual is more of a badge of glory than implied passport to the men’s club.

It is far cry from the standpoint of some residents of San Francisco, California who will vote in an election in November whether to ban or allow circumcision.

California’s Department of Elections certified just over 7,700 signatures gathered by proponents of the ban who aim to outlaw the practice of circumcising males, 18 years or younger, even despite religious or cultural traditions.

　
JAIL TERM

　
Anyone, including medical practitioners, could face a $1,000 fine and one year in jail if they violated the ban in accordance with the proposal.

If the referendum was applied in the Philippines, Filipinos would mock and scoff at the idea and would never take it seriously; they would view it as invasion of the provinces of religion and culture.

The word "circumcision" or "tuli" in Pilipino comes from Latin circum (meaning "around") and caedere (meaning "to cut"). Uncircumcised boys passed puberty age usually face taunts and ridicule from playmates who call them as "putyong" in Hiligaynon, "pisot" in Cebuano, or "supot" in Akeanon and Pilipino.

To be branded with such unsavory tag is totally unacceptable for most Filipino boys thus circumcision has been considered a requisite like high school diploma.
　

GENITAL CUTTING
　

Supporters of the ban, meanwhile, argued that the practice of circumcision would "protect all infants and children in San Francisco from the pain and harm caused by forced genital cutting," according to campaign literature posted on their web site.

Former Senator Juan Flavier was a staunch advocate of circumcision for health reason. He subscribed to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which stated that "there are evidence indicating that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of HIV acquisition by men during penile-vaginal sex, but also states that circumcision only provides partial protection and should be considered only in conjunction with other proven prevention measures."

Early depictions of circumcision are found in cave paintings and Ancient Egyptian tombs, though some pictures are open to interpretation. Religious male circumcision is considered a commandment from God in Judaism.
　

WIDELY PRACTISED
　

In Islam, though not discussed in the Qur’an, male circumcision is widely practised and most often considered to be a sunnah. It is also customary in some Christian churches in Africa, including some Orient Orthodox Churches.

According to the WHO, global estimates suggest that 30 percent of males are circumcised, of whom 68 percent are Muslim. The prevalence of circumcision varies mostly with religious affiliation, and sometimes culture.

Most circumcisions are performed during adolescence for cultural or religious reasons. In some countries they are more commonly performed during infancy.

In some cultures, males must be circumcised shortly after birth, during childhood, or around puberty as part of a rite of passage. Circumcision is commonly practiced in the Jewish and Islamic faiths./MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Onga Nga Malalison

May isaeang ka Ama nga may daywang ka onga nga eaeaki. Ro kamagueangan hay bu-ot mag alila it mga hayop ag magpananum. Samtang, ro kamanghuran mat-a hay bu-ot magpinamasyar ag magtambong sa mga kasadyahan.

Isaeang adlaw, guin tawag ko Ama ro anang daywang ka onga. Tongod magueang eon imaw, bu-ot nana nga masayuran ro andang mga plano sa pangabuhi. Naghambae ro kamanghuran nga bu-ot nana nga usuyon ro anang suwerte sa ibang lugar, busa bu-ot nana nga pangayu-on ro anang hueay nga manggad sa anang Ama.

Guin tao ko Ama ro anang guina pangayo, samtang nagpabilin ro kamagueangan. Pag abot sa siyudad, nagpaayaw-ayaw it kinalipay ro kamanghuran ag eain-eain nga mga babaye ro anang guina kabuhi. Umabot ro oras nga naubos eon ro manggad ko kamanghuran. Amat-amat nga nag paeagiw ro anang mga amigo hasta owa eon imaw it guinakaon. Agod may maka-on, nag presentar imaw sa isaeang ka mangunguma nga mag alila it baboy. Una man imaw maga estar maeapit sa tangkae. Guin baton imaw.

Ro guina daea nga damog sa baboy hay anang guina pili ro sarang pa makaon. Kon gabi-i sa anang pagtoeog, anang hadumduman ro anang guin halinan. Idto imaw sa eoyo ko anang Ama ag owa it gutom sa andang baeay.

Bu-ot nana nga magbalik ogaling, hadaog imaw it kahuya sa anang kaugalingon. Ko olihi, nagmasakit imaw ag owa eon imaw pagbatuna sa anang guina obrahan. Hapilitan imaw nga mag uli eonlang sa anda. Maeayo pa, hakita imaw ko anang ama. Sa kahuya nana, nangayo imaw it kapatawaran. Naghinyo imaw nga magpa sueogu-on eon lang agod mabaton it uman ko anang ama.

Guin sugo ko ama ro anang mga sueogo-on nga paligsan, bistehan, ag pakan-on ro anang nagbalik nga onga. Guin taw-an pa imaw it singsing tanda nga guina baton eon imaw ko anang Ama. Sa kalipay ko andang ama, nagpahiwat imaw it isaeang ka "welcome party" sa pagbalik ko hinigugmang onga.

Pagkahapon, nag abot ro kamagueangan halin pa sa eanas. Hangawa imaw nga matsa may piyesta sa andang baeay. Nasayuran nana sa mga sueogo-on nga nagbalik ro anang igmanghod ag guin abi-abi ko anang ama. Akig imaw nga nagpaeapit sa anang ama.

"Sa mabuhay eon nga paniyempo, iya ako nga guin pa umwad ko ro atong kahayupan ag kaeanasan ogaling maskin sambilog nga kanding hay owa guid nimo ako pag patyi. Makaron, nagbalik ro akong igmanghod nga naubos nana ro anang mana ogaling imo pang guin baton ag guin handaan" hambae ko magueang.

"Sa sueod it mahaba mga tiyempo, iya ka sa akong eoyo. Ro kutob akon hay imo tanan. Ro imong igmanghod hay nag eayo katon ogaling nagbalik nga naghinoe-soe. Imaw hay patay nga nabanhaw. Indi baea dapat nga magkalipay kita?" pahayag ko anang ama.

Bulahan ro nagkasaea nga nagbalik ag nag hinoe-soe. Kita tanan hay kaanggid ko ratong onga nga malalison. Nag paeayo kita sa atong ama sa eangit paagi sa pagpili sa tiko nga daean. Ogaling malipayon ro atong Ama kon kita magalik kana. Bukas ro anang alima sa pagbaton katon it uman. /MP

Sweet Dream

At 2:30 pm, Thursday, June 9, this man in the picture is sleeping sweetly despite the noise pollution from vehicles and people passing by along Pastrana St. near Forever Sale Merchandising, Kalibo, Aklan. /MP

President Aquino Brunei State Visit Costs P2-M

The two-day state visit of　President Benigno Aquino III and his 55-man delegation to　Brunei Darussalam cost the tax payers around P2 million, the lowest spending by the government for a presidential trip.

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Wednesday, June 1 that funds set aside for the trip covered expenses for food, supplies and telecommunication services.

According to the Finance Office, Office of the President, the total amount it prepared for the presidential trip to Brunei was the lowest budget it has earmarked for a presidential trip since the Fidel V. Ramos administration.

President Aquino and party left Villamor Air Base via a　chartered flight　to the oil-rich sultanate, accompanied by Foreign Secretary　Albert Del Rosario, Finance Secretary　Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo and　Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

"The President’s two-day state visit to　Brunei　seeks to reinforce our strong ties with one of our partners in the ASEAN. There are various areas of cooperation wherein the two countries can work together, and the President’s visit will formalize several agreements that our government has been working on," Ochoa said.

"The foreign visits of the President are usually short but productive and reflect the President’s commitment to make the most out of his trips abroad," the　Executive Secretary　added.

While in Brunei, on the invitation of　Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, President Aquino discussed cooperation on fighting transnational crimes and combatting human and　drug trafficking,　further strengthened ties between the two members of the Association of　Southeast Asian Nation　(ASEAN), witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding on tourism, agriculture, shipping and ports, and sports development.

The Chief Executive also made a sales pitch to lure investors. He tackled global warming,　rising oil prices　and Spratlys — a group of islands in the South China Sea　being claimed wholly or partly by the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia,　China　and　Taiwan.

He personally thanked Brunei, which is a member of the International Monitoring Team in Mindanao, for its efforts in the peace negotiations between the government and the　Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and for its role, as member of the influential Organization of Islamic Conference Peace Committee on Southern Philippines, in ensuring that the peace deal with the　Moro National Liberation Front　 holds. /MP

Aklan Rivers Development Is Glimmer of Hope

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Picture at right shows Engr. Rizalo Concepcion of the Aklan - Capiz Irrigation System discussing the effect of irrigation water and crop production especially rice. At his left are Mr. Odon S. Bandiola and Mr. Edwin Ramos.

Engr. Rizalo F. Concepcion, Manager, Division A, Aklan – Capiz Irrigation Management Office is the lone Kapihan guest on May 28, 2011 at Smokehauz Resto & Bar. He discussed the state of irrigation system in Aklan and its rehabilitation efforts to maximize the delivery of services to farmers.

Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, SP Secretary recalled that former Defense Sec. Juan Ponce Enrile cautioned Aklan’s leadership not to rely heavily on tourism but more importantly on agriculture for sustained growth and stability. Today, he is proven right for his uncanny insight. The 2006 – 2009 data of National Statistics Coordination Board show Aklan has the highest poverty incidence of 42 percent in Region 6. In effect, 14 out of 17 towns are under receivership of the Conditional Cash Transfer program of the Aquino Administration. Poverty threshold for a family of 6 members is P162.00 per day to defray expenses for basic life essentials like food, clothing, shelter, medicine and others.

According to Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, poverty and want crop up because families do not consider virtues of honest labor, patience, and thrift. It is appalling to note that in the 1960’s, only about 20 percent of total population was poor. Today, we have more than doubled this number. Apparently, our priorities are in the wrong direction which need adjustment.

On irrigation, Dr. Villorente, former Director of Agricultural Training Institute mentioned that rice is semi-aquatic plant that requires massive quantities of water for optimum growth. Data of IRRI show that for every one kgm. of palay harvested, 5,000 kgms. of water was used.

Engr. Concepcion said that RA 3601 or National Irrigation Act was passed on June 22, 1963 and approved by Pres. Diosdado Macapagal. NIA’s total service area in Aklan cover 4,476 hectares during the wet season but shrinks to 4,200 hectares in the dry months. The Aklan River Irrigation System covers six towns namely Kalibo, New Washington, Banga, Lezo, Makato, and Numancia. On the other hand, Panakuyan River Irrigation System serves eight barangays of Ibajay.

NIA has well served Aklanon farmers for the past 44 years and considering the passage of time, coverage area has diminished by 30 percent. Due to personnel retrenchment, NIA’s remarkable force was reduced to a skeleton. More management responsibility and autonomy are transferred to registered Farmers’ Irrigators Assn. "Our job is concentrated on providing technical supervision, human resource development and posting collection targets from our member – consumers," Engr. Concepcion said.

Irrigation service fees depend upon the season but payable after harvest time. The rate is P1,500 per hectare wet season or payment in kind of 100 kgms palay (dry) and P2,250 per hectare, dry season or 150 kgms palay (dry).

Collection efficiency over the years remain very low at 70 percent because of inadequacies to meet farmers’ expectations. Based on funding requirement P80,000 per hectare is needed to rehabilitate an existing irrigation facility. This means having a budgetary outlay of P358.0 million.

Data from the Department of Agriculture, Aklan show that of 17,120 hectares planted to rice, only 6,712 hectares or 29.2 percent are irrigated. Considering that 5.0 metric tons per hectare is optimum yield under irrigation and double cropped per year, farmers lost considerable advantage to become a major rice exporter.

In particular, Panakuyan River Irrigation System in Ibajay is capable to irrigate 1,200 hectares, but due to financial oversight, it can only service 504 hectares. Still without irrigation water are Tagbaya, Ondoy, and Aquino in Ibajay, and Solido, Nabas.

Access service roads of NIA Aklan total 86 kms. straddling several barangays. This facility is suitable only for light vehicles, never 10 wheeler trucks. Most are ill-maintained and will be appreciated if part of barangay IRA fund be used for regular maintenance.

It is also reported that some misguided elements are encroaching their way into public property. Constructing unauthorized fence enclosures and plowing edges of service roads are forbidden and illegal. Other farmers have the gall to divert swine sludge or toxic chemical wastes into irrigation canals. Where is our sense of responsibility?

One intriguing aspect of irrigation system is that favored rice areas are target for land conversions. Despite land use plan institutionalized by LGU’s, developers transgress them with impunity. DAR should be in the forefront of all these anomalies.

The need to address our food security, poverty, and unemployment in Aklan undoubtedly rest with our massive Aklan River. Natural resource could provide power, irrigation, potable water, tourism and fish conservation. Once water flow is regulated, recurrent flood destructions could be a thing of the past. Evidently, this is included in the plan of Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Exec. Director of Aklan Rivers Development Council. How long will people wait for this transformation to happen?

Boracay tourism has placed Aklan on the map of fame and glory. Yet, ironically, many people here go to bed hungry each night. Solution to this painful reality is within our reach. By turning our attention to our fresh water resources, Aklan can move forward with courage and strength. At least glimmer of hope is on the horizon. /MP

EDITORIAL

2011-2020 As National Decade
On Biodiversity

President Benigno Aquino III　has declared 2011 to 2020 the National Decade on Biodiversity to promote the importance of　protecting natural resources　toward a healthy environment and a sustainable development.

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Tuesday that Proclamation No. 178, signed by the President on May 25, recognizes the vulnerability of the country’s biodiversity, touted as one of the richest in the world, and the need to coordinate actions at various levels in the government.

"Our country is one of the top 18 mega-diverse countries in the world, but we are also a biodiversity hotspot or one of the most endangered areas in the world largely due to　deforestation. Our biodiversity faces continuous threats of degradation and the government needs the cooperation of everybody to reverse the situation," Ochoa said.

Proclamation No. 178 directs the　Department of Environment and Natural Resources　(DENR) to coordinate activities and create a　national task force　that will plan and implement activities for the National Decade on Biodiversity. The task force shall submit annual accomplishment reports to the Office of the President and a final report three months after the culmination of the decade-long event.

The presidential issuance likewise enjoins all branches and agencies of the government, including state universities and colleges and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), in cooperation with the private sector, community organizations and　civil society groups, to initiate activities to promote the National Decade on Biodiversity.

"Correspondingly with the United Nations (UN) Decade on Biodiversity, we consider this event an excellent opportunity to deepen awareness of the public on the significance of biodiversity, including the social, economic, environmental and cultural impacts of losing biodiversity," the Executive Secretary said.

The Philippines is a founding member of the UN and a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity　(CBD), an　international treaty signed by 150 government leaders aiming to preserve the biological diversity around the world.

On Monday,　President Aquino　launched the UN Decade on Biodiversity for Southeast Asia at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace.

During the launching, DENR Secretary Ramon Paje handed over a copy of Presidential Proclamation No. 178 to　UN Assistant Secretary General and Executive Secretary of the CBD, Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf.

Can any person participate in the compliance of this Proclamation No. 178? Yes, in hundred simple ways. Plant trees, instead of cutting. Clean your surroundings, do not litter. Allow water to pass on the creek, not block, and many other ways.

DA/DepEd Agri-Pinoy On The Air

Ms. Ella Mae Salibio reported the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 6 launched the Agri-Pinoy on the Air as support to the Adopt-A-School Gulayan sa Paaralan program at Donato M. Pison Sr. Memorial School at San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The Agri- Pinoy on the Air aimed to supplement vegetable production and sustainable farming technology transfer to parents, teachers and pupils through regular daily radio farm program aired over DYRI-RMN 774 at 4:00 to 4:30 in the morning.

Mrs. Angelita T. Ragodo, Asst. Schools Division Superintendent and Chairman of the Adopt-A-School Program stressed that it is important for the pupils to eat nutritious foods such as vegetables and fruits before going to school so that they can listen attentively and participate well in the class discussions.

She said that the parents and out-of-school-youth should participate and take part in the Alternative Learning System programs of the government and Agri-Pinoy on-the-Air is an example of an Alternative Learning System program which has a goal to teach new farm technologies not only to the farmers but also to urban housewives through the use of radio.

James Earl Ogatis of the RAFID 6 explains the process and mechanics of the School-on-the-Air, registration and how graduation is being held. He stated that School-on-the-Air (SOA) is a special segment of the daily program Agri-Pinoy Radio Farm Program.

Agri- Pinoy banner program focal persons or SOA professors will be discussing specific technologies such as vegetable production, organic fertilizer, pest management among others. Mr. Ogatis said that the SOA on sustainable agriculture will start on the middle of June this year.

Mr. Raymond Peter Tolentino, MSIE, the school principal said that all Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) beneficiaries should be listeners to the Agri-Pinoy on Air.

The launching was a corroborative undertaking of the DA-RAFID 6, Agri-Pinoy High value Crops Development Program, Iloilo City Agriculture Office and Donato M. Pison Sr. Memorial School.

This join project between DepEd and DA Iloilo is worthy of emulation. How about that Aklan? /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

AKELCO’s Over Collection

In 2009, Akelco collected 100.94 percent as payment for electricity sold to its consumer – members. This means their collection was 0.94 percent more of the value of electricity distributed.

In 2010, Akelco also boost of its 105.35 percent collection efficiency which enabled to earn recognition and award. But the question is who paid the 5.35 percent over the 100 percent full payment for the year 2010 electricity sold to its consumer – members? Add the 0.94 percent over collection in 2009, over collection for the last two years 2009 – 2010) is 6.29 percent.

Akelco must repay the 6.29 percent over collection.

K+12

Mr. Oliver J. Relator is asking, is K+12 Key To Improvement Or Additional Burden? Mr. Relator related, the newest program injected into the educational curriculum by the Department of Education (DepEd) is the K+12. Effective this School Year 2011 – 2012, every child must pass through Kindergarten, six years in the elementary level, four years to complete junior high school and another two years for senior high school before qualifying for a college course.

This new program of the DepEd has caused diversified reactions from the public, particularly the parents and the students sector. Most parents and students strongly oppose the addition of another two years to high school education. The percentage of opposition coming from this sector is greater as opposed to those who favor the new curriculum, said Relator.

Is there a study conducted on the perception of the parents and students on K+12 to support the reactions above stated.

Relator adds, parents view this change as another added burden to the hardships and sacrifices they have to undergo just to send their children to school. It would mean another two years of paying tuition fees, school uniforms, allowances, books, and miscellaneous expenses. It would imply two years delay for students to graduate and seek jobs to earn a livelihood. What could have been an early graduation is stretched to two more years of study and would actually drain the pockets of the parents who have to slave to ensure that their children finish education to land a job.
On the other hand, the proponents of the new program believe that students need the additional two years of study so they can be better equipped and be mature enough when they graduate from their studies. It would mean that by the time they finish high school, they have ample knowledge of basic education, and mature enough to choose what profession to take. The additional two years will provide students more learning and experiences to help them in deciding for their future.

Now as the launching of the K+12 program has been finalized, the most prominent questions come to mind: Will it really improve the educational prowess of the students, making them more knowledgeable and successful or will it yield the same results like the past years and just add to the burden carried by parents whose shoulders are already slumped and staggering in trying to make both ends meet, let alone send their children to school, Relator asked.

The answers remain to be seen. All we can do is hope that the results will be for the better.

Mr. Oliver J. Relator is Teacher II in Banga Elementary School, Banga, Aklan. /MP

New Akelco BOD Members

Shown above are four new members of the Board of Directors, Aklan Electric Cooperative being inducted to office by Ang Kasangga Party List Representative Hon. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. They are (l to r) Rodrigo M. Quimpo - Kalibo & Numancia; Norma A. Salido - Ibajay & Nabas; Cong. Haresco; Haydeen G. Bandiola - Boracay Island, Malay; and Samuel R. Remegia, Jr. - New Washington & Batan.

Akelco does not only distribute electricity in Aklan and in Pandan, and Libertad, Antique. It also dances in the air.

Some 28 Akelco graduates in Basic Lineman’s Training Course proved they climbed electric posts with grace and joy. They demonstrated their poise in an intermission number during the 28th Annual General Assembly (AGMA) held in Lezo, Aklan on May 28.

According to the beatings and rhyme of the music being played, equipped with tools, they climbed the 14 electric posts, two per post. Upon reaching the top, they swayed, shook, bended, twisted, and turned around to the delight of the audience, some 15 meters below more or less on the ground.

Moreover, the Akelco Chorale Society amazed the participants to the annual assembly when they sang the Doxology, Philippine National Anthem, Aklan Hymn, and EC Panunumpa.

The four voices were well blended in proper timing and beating. Indeed, the performance was outstanding.

Atty. Ariel Gepty who introduced the guest speaker and inducting officer, party list Cong. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. reviewed to the participants the life of Cong. Haresco which touched on his life, education, business, and family.

As normally done, Haresco praised the Akelco Management of their accomplishment and the consumer members for their quest to get light.

GM Chito Peralta’s report deals how officers and personnel work in Akelco that resulted to P35.7 million surplus over operational expenses in 2010 and got three awards which are Single Digit Systems Loss, Best in Collection Performance, and Prompt Payment.

As president of Akelco BOD, Mr. Wayne T. Malilay reported the BOD accomplishments which are policy decisions made, resolutions formulated and approved, and the holding of district elections among others.

There were several concerns to be raised during the open forum, but due to lack of time, only four were answered. The AGMA started one hour late because the guest speaker came late.

The AGMA ended with a raffle draw the prize of which were one refrigerator, one washing machine, one TV set, and 12 pieces cellphones. /MP

ERC: Power Rates To Go Higher

Manila, Philippines - The cost of electricity in the country, already the second highest in Asia next to Singapore, will go up further, energy officials told the House committee on energy yesterday.

The committee chaired by Batanes Rep. Henedina Abad, in the course of its hearing on the energy situation, endorsed a consolidated bill extending the power rate subsidy program for the poor by another 10 years.

The program is expiring next month, 10 years after the enactment of the Electric Power Industry Restructuring Act (EPIRA) of 2001. It covers those with electricity consumption of up to 100 kilowatt-hours (kwh) a month.

Abad and Representatives Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar and Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City are the principal proponents of the 10-year extension.

After the committee voted to endorse the consolidated bill, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) executive director Francis Juan briefed the panel on the impact of the entry of renewable energy investors into the power industry.

He said rates would surely go up since renewable energy is much more expensive than conventional power generated from crude oil, coal, water, and natural gas.

He said based on the ERC’s initial com-putation, electricity produced from ocean waves would cost P17.65 per kwh; P17.95 from sunlight and P10.37 from wind.

"These are just proposed rates, which will still be subjected to public hearings," Francis Juan said.

He added that potential investors are waiting for the rates to be approved before spending their money on the renewable energy projects.

The present average cost of electricity generated from a mix of crude oil, coal, water (hydro), and natural gas is about P11 per kwh.

Cong. Evardone said the proposed rates are "unacceptable" since people are already reeling from the high cost of electricity.

Evardone said when Congress enacted EPIRA in 2001 and the Renewable Energy Act in 2008, the general expectation was for electricity rates to go down.

"But they are going up, instead of going down," he said.

He pointed out that the renewable energy law gives investors a lot of incentives, including income tax exemption and duty-free importation of equipment, so they could offer electricity at a low price.

He added that the present and new players in the power sector are lobbying for higher renewable energy rates so they could earn billions in net profits.

Leyte Rep. Sergio Apostol said the impending increase in rates "is totally wrong."
"Instead of helping consumers, we are adding more burden to them," he said.

Rep. Arnel Ty of the party-list group Liquefied Petroleum Gas Manufacturers Association said since non-traditional energy sources are expensive, the government might as well stick to conventional sources.

He said higher rates could scare away investors and could drive more people deeper into poverty.

Commenting on the lawmakers’ statements, Energy Undersecretary Ina Asirit said using traditional or renewable energy is a policy issue which Congress and the executive branch have to decide.

She said the present law mandates the use of non-traditional energy sources. /MP

Villar Proposes 6-hour Work Day For Teachers

Sen. Manny Villar proposed to reduce the working hours of all public school teachers to a six-hour workday or a total of a 30-hour workweek.

"Teachers clamor for higher pay but shorter working hours. Their work schedule leaves them stressed out and exhausted. Reducing their number of working hours will allow them to have more time to innovate and enhance classroom teaching and result to a more productive workforce," Villar said.

Villar’s Senate Bill No. 2454 provides a 6-hour workday for public school teachers and exempts them from compliance with the 8-hour workday.

The bill repeals　Sections 13 and 14 of Republic Act No. 4670 or the Magna Carta of Public School Teachers. The Department of Education issued Memorandum No. 291, Series of 2008 allowing teachers to allot six hours for actual classroom teaching a day, with the remaining two hours to be spent in teaching-related activities. Thus, teachers are required to render a total of eight hours a day.　

"A shorter work day would be a great relief for the teachers. We are also proposing that any work performed in excess of six hours a day shall be paid an additional compensation of at least 25 percent of their regular remuneration," he said.

The bill seeks to exempt teachers from the generally established rule on 8-hour workday under the Civil Service Rules. Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987 also states that: "Officers and employees of all deparments and agencies except those covered by special laws shall render not less than eight hours of work a day for five days a week or a total of 40 hours a week, exclusive of time for lunch."

The proposed bill provides that co-curricula, out-of-school activities and other activities of any teacher outside of their normal duties shall be paid an additional compensation of at least 25 percent of his/her regular remuneration after the teacher has completed at least six hours of work a day. /MP

Reason & Concern

by Ronquillo C. Tolentino

CHED’s Agricultural
Farming Thrust

The creation of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) came about on May18,1994 through the passage of Republic Act No. 7722 or the Higher Education Act of 1994.　

The CHED acts as the collegial body in for-mulating plans, policies and strategies relating to higher education and 　the operation of CHED. Its creation was intended　for a broad agenda of reform on the country’s educational system as outlined by the Congressional Commission on Education.

In 1992, part of the reform was the trifocalization of the education sector into three governing bodies : the CHED for tertiary and graduate education, the Department of Education for 　basic education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for technical, vocational and middle-level education.

For some years since its creation, CHED has not been emphatic about agriculture as a course. Even some agri-oriented state colleges and universities have not really make agriculture attractive to students, inclusive of its importance to national development and food security.

Close to four months back, the Commission on Higher Education and the anti poverty NGO Gawad Kalinga entered into a partnership to translate agriculture into a popular course.

The CHED and Gawad Kalinga considered launching a five-year program to establish "village universities" as an innovative propagation for" agri-entrepreneurs and empower communities for additional income generation".

Arguing For Victory?

The agreement between CHED and Gawad Kalinga also stressed that the project shall establish a model agri-ecological tourism farm that will showcase appropriate and viable agricultural technologies and also provide a livelihood for family beneficiaries.

Debates on the RH bill has become too heated and personal. It should be debates guided by reason, sobriety and charity.　As it appears, both sides are girding for 　their respective triumphs on the issue. I remember the Scottish novelist George Macdonald when he said: "When a　man argues for victory and not for truth, he is sure of just one ally, that is the devil. Not of the defeat of the intellect, but the acceptance of the heart 　is the only true object in fighting with the sword of the spirit." /MP

Et tu, P-noy?

Lucio Tan could suffer Khodorkovsky’s fate if P-noy thinks and acts like Putin.

by ALEX P. Vidal

Newport Beach, California — Let us admit that there are two kinds of justice in the Philippines: one for the rich and one for the poor.

Since they are—or were — affluent and influential, the brains behind the assassination of President P-noy’s father, Senator Benigno Sr., were not even rapped in the knuckles.

So were the murderers of Visconde mother and daughter, of Dacer and Corbito, to name only a few celebrated cases.

Because he was rich, thrill killer Claudio Teehankee Jr. managed to wiggle himself out from a life sentence via presidential pardon. Rolito Go nearly completed Illegal loggers in Mindanao, irresponsible miners that wrought havoc on our environment for profits. Millionaire child rapist Romeo Jalosjos, living out inmate Tony Leviste, and so on and so forth.

Because he was poor, Leo Echegaray became the poster boy of Erap’s much-abhorred and atrocious lethal injection. Interestingly, since Marcos fell in 1986, no big fish or rapacious public officials have been locked behind bars. Show must go on?

BARACUDA

Lucio Tan would have been the first baracuda to root in jail for alleged tax evasion. But, again, because he is super rich (in fact, the richest and most influential man in the Philippines), he was able to whale himself away from fish nets — thanks to the negligence or collusion of his political acolytes, the three former presidents — FVR, Erap, and Gloria. Et tu, P-noy?

It was common knowledge that Tan supported the presidential bid of Erap in the most recent elections (the reason why he nearly bundled out P-noy) — probably as act of gratitude for allowing him to strut away from his alleged billions of tax laibilities when Erap was still calling the shots in Malacanang.

Tan is the replica of Moscow’s Mikhail B. Khodorkovsky, hitherto the richest man in Russia before Vladimir V. Putin stopped him in his tracks and caged him for tax fraud.
　

DISASTER

Like Tan who frolicked with Erap amid P-noy’s skyrocketting pre-election popularity, Khodorkovsky, a billionaire who owned Yukos Oil, Russia’s largest energy company, flirted with disaster when he used his wealth and influence to oppose then president and now prime minister Putin.

After Khodorkovsky’s arrest in 2003, Yukos (we can’t imagine if this will happen to Tan’s companies) was bankrupted and its assets absorbed by government-owned companies whose executives were cronies and allies of Putin.

By the way, Khodorkovsky and his business partner, Platon Lebedev, lost in their appeal on May 24 to overturn their second conviction this time for large-scale embezzlement which many Russians and world leaders, including President Obama, viewed as harassment. Both business partners have come to symbolize as "prisoners of conscience" and are racking up support from all over the world, including the Amnesty International.

Instead of being released this year after spending time in jail since 2003 for tax fraud, Khodorkovsky and Lebedev will remain in prison until 2016 and will have spent 13 years in jail if released as scheduled currently.

　
PERSECUTION

Khodorkovsky’s supporters have accused Putin and his allies — including probably the frosty President Dmitri A. Medvedev - of orchestrating the second trial to keep a potential political rival out of the way. His continued persecution has been seen as a sign that Putin continues to operate as Russia’s paramount leader ahead of presidential elections in March next year.

Khodorkovsky’s fate also underscored the abuse of justice system in Russia for political arm-twisting and maneuvering, something that would raise a furor in the Philippines.

Tan could suffer Khodorkovsky’s predicament if P-noy thinks and acts like merciless Putin. All Tan has to do is shift political alliance and discard the umbilical cord that binds him with P-noy’s political rivals.

It is still President Benigno "P-noy" Aquino III’s call, however, if he will run after Tan for alleged tax evasion and prove to all and sundry that he is not FVR, Erap and Gloria. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Regalo Ni Haring David

Kada mag abot ro kinatawuhan kada dag-on ni Haring David, guina tipon nana tanan ro mga kabinataan agod mag tao it regalo. Rikara man imaw naga pili sa mga soldado nana agod buslan ro mga magueang eon.

Isaeang agahon pa sa anang compli anyo hay naga pila eon ro mga binata agod kon una eon sa trono ro hari hay guina pasueod eon tanan sanda. Isaea eon baea si Sajid sa mga kabinataan nga naga hueat sa pagbukas it puwertahan. Sa owa magbuhay, guin buksan eon ro puwertahan it palasyo. Nag ueonahan ro kada isaea sa pagpili ko mga bagay nga naka hat-hat sa lamesa. Pagusto it pagpili ro kada isaea kanda. May habilin nga tuktukon eon nga yabi nga imaw ro guin bo-oe ni Sajid. May hakita man imaw nga kwarto una sa palasyo. Anang guin samitan nga abrehan paagi sa ratong yabe.

Habuksan nana ro puwertahan ag tumambad kana ro naka tumpok nga mga toeon-an. Anang guin buksan ro sambilog nga libro. Anang ha notahan nga ro mga tawo sa ritrato hay matsa mga buhi. May nag eapos nga aso sa sueod ag ro hugom hay naka patoeog kanda. Sa anang pagbugtaw, idto si Sajid sa lugar nga matsa paraiso. May karatula una sa puwertahan nga may naka sueat: "Ro malimpyo it paino-ino ag tagipusuon ro sarang eamang makasueod".

May golping nagtunga nga isaeang ka ada, guin boytan na ro butkon ni Sajid agod markahan. Nagpiyong imaw sa kasakit nga anang nabatyagan. Sa pagmuk’eat ni Sajid, idto eon imaw sa sueod it palasyo. Nagkililita sanda ko ibang mga binata. Kada isaea kanda hay guin pakita ro andang mga guin daea pabalik agod ipakita man kay Haring David. Pag abot kay Sajid, guin pakita nana ro anang marka sa butkon tongod owa man imaw it daea. Nagtango-tango ro hari. Sayod nana ro kahueogan ko rondoyong marka.

Guin himo imaw nga taga laygay ni Haring David tongod sa anang kaputli ag ka limpyo ko anang paino-ino ag tagipusuon. /MP

Boracay Implements ID System

Barangay Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island Resort, Malay started its own identification (ID) system as one of the community efforts to ensure safety in Boracay.

Manoc Manoc Barangay chairman Abriam Sualog said they must compliment the needed safety standards not only for its residents but also for tourists staying in this resort island.

Barangay Manoc-Manoc is the largest barangay of Malay town with over 2,000 residents.

"Europe and other countries have already their own ID system. We encourage residents and foreigners residing here to voluntary register at the barangay council to avail of our Barangay ID system. I assure my constituents that they will be benefited with this system," said Sualog.

The village has a computerized automated system as data base. Part of the process to avail of the ID, a person must secure a barangay clearance first.

Intensity 5 Quake

Intensity 5 quake on the Richter scale rocked Panay island on Sunday afternoon, May 29, Phivolcs, Roxas City reported.

Epicenter was located at five kilometers north. 23 degrees west of San Jose, Antique. (PNA) /MP

Talaoc Is Diocese of Kalibo Bishop

After three years of waiting and with God’s grace and blessing, the office of the Diocesan Administrator, headed by Rev. Fr. Ulysses Dalida is happy to inform that His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI has designated the Most Rev. Jose Corazon Tumbagahan Talaoc, D.D as the 4th bishop of the Diocese of Kalibo.

The appointment was announced officially on Wednesday noon, May 25, 2011 in the Vatican and exactly six o’clock in the evening, Manila time. Bishop Talaoc is the bishop of the Diocese of Romblon at the date of his designation. He last visited Kalibo during the Regional Youth Day celebration last April 2011. He is an Aklanon from the parish of St. John Nepomusen, Tangalan, Aklan.

The Diocese of Kalibo took three years to have the next leader of the Diocese after the Most Rev. Jose Romeo O. Lazo, D.D was transferred to the Diocese of San Jose, Antique. According to Rev. Fr. Ulysses Dalida, this is the longest time that the office of the bishop was vacated in the history of the Diocese of Kalibo. (by Mark Anthony D. Leyson) /MP

BSP Aklan Annual Council Meeting

Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Aklan Council will hold its 17th Annual Aklan Council meeting on June 25. It will be a one day affair to be held at APSTA Bldg. Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan.

The council meeting according to Ms. Leila P. Leonida – Pamatian will deliberate on the following matters: a. Accomplishment report of the Council Chairman, Atty. Selwyn Ibarreta, b. Financial Report by Council Treasurer, Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, c. Election for 4 regular members of the Executive Board, d. Various matters affecting BSP Aklan Council Scouting Operations, and e. Hold the National Court of Honor and other Recognitions.

Dr. Victorina S. Laroza, schools division superintendent of Aklan said the participants to this Annual Council Meeting are members of the Executive Board, Municipal and district chairmen, district scouting commissioners, institutional heads and representatives of secondary schools, district leaders, principals, and district field scouts commissioners (Kawan & Troop).

Registration is free as all the needs for the holding of the annual council meeting are adequately provided.

Dr. Laroza and Ms. Pamatian are encouraging the participants to the council meeting to wear the official Scouters Type "A" uniform. /MP

ASU Bags WESVARRDEC’s Awards

Aklan State University (ASU) won the "Outstanding Partner Member Agency" award of the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) during the First Regional Techno Gabay Summit and TechnoMart at the Amigo Plaza Mall, Iloilo City on May 25-26, 2011. this is the second time ASU got the award.

In the same ceremonies, Dr. Clyde G. Abayon won as Outstanding Techno Gabay Team Leader and Miss Salvacion R. Villasis as Outstanding Regional Applied Communications Representative.

They received plaques of recognition and cash prizes from RRDCC Chair Minda J. Formacion on May 26.

The award was achieved by ASU through the untiring effort of the ASU Techno Gabay Team and the FITS staff.

ASU assists FITS Centers in Altavas, Banga, Ibajay, Nabas, New Washington and Numancia in Aklan and Libertad in Antique.

The search aims to honor and recognize the contribution of the prime movers in the attainment of the Consortium’s Program.

Meanwhile, the TechnoMart served as a venue for FITS Centers and their Magsasaka Siyentista who promoted their products at the ASU booth which include bariw, ginger ale powder, puto tostado, and vermicast.

Some 16 managers and staff of FITS Centers in Aklan and Libertad, Antique attended the WESVARRDEC technology fora. (Sally R. Villasis, ASU-ECS)/MP