EDITORIAL

Foreigners’ IQ Reduction Scheme

by ALEX P. Vidal

Soren Kierkegaard was right when he cautioned that we must understand life backward and live it forward.

Before we die, we must at least be able to to know the truth and understand the roots of our sufferings, what precipitated our ignorance and why many of us are ashamed of our culture and why we are wallowing in insecurity and lack of pride as a nation.　

The murder of Ferdinand Magellan by Lapu-Lapu sealed our fate.

Although Magellan’s death delayed the Spanish colonization of the Philippines by more than 40 years, what happened next became a horror which had unleashed irreparable damage and wrought unimaginable havoc on our psyche until today in the computer age.

Desperate to enslave the Filipinos after efforts to conquer them by force failed, the Spaniards shifted to another plan. Spain instituted an organization which would disable the development of our critical thinking, an IQ reduction program aimed at making the natives dumb.　

And they succeeded!

COMMISSION

According to Dr. Carlos Alfonso Santos, this program was called the National IQ Reduction Commission (NIQRC) founded in 1521 "by a bunch of starving Spanish conquistadores in Limasawa."

"The conquest was not doing well," wrote Santos. "They were hopelessly lost (they were really looking for Malacca) and Lapu-Lapu had just killed Magellan. The Spaniards realized that if they wanted to claim the land, they would have to make the natives dumber. So they began a number of IQ reduction programs, all coordinated by the NIQRC."

The most successful initiative at the time, according to Santos, was taken by the Catholic Church. "The fraile (Spanish word for "horny cretin") pretended to preach the Gospel, but actually aimed to impose blind obedience and servitude."

"Every Sunday, homilies throughout the archipelago essentially revolved around one theme: You are dirty, uneducated, learning impaired idiots who need white men to manage your affairs." (This was the tactic of humiliation and to develop inferiority complex.)

Santos revealed that when the Americans bought the Philippines three centuries later, they asked the Spaniards what the secret was to holding on to a colony for so long. A former governor general reportedly answered: "It’s simple: keep them stupid."

"The Americans took this advice to heart and did their utmost in keeping our IQs low. Instead of using the Church, however, they established the public school system," Santos narrated.

EDUCATION

"Practically every government ministry was eventually turned over to a Filipino—except the Department of Education. With a condescending smile and a great deal of false charm, the Americans taught English and Math and the Boogie, but left critical thinking out on purpose."

The Americans reportedly were afraid that if anyone actually started thinking, "we would realize that it was just a little bit weird that the United States, itself a former colony that had to wage a bloody revolution to win its freedom, was now taking the rights to self-determination away from another people." 　 　 　

After World War II, the Americans left when they reportedly realized it was too expensive to fix a war-torn country and kept Guam for posterity sake.

In the history of Western thought, according to Dr. Mortimer Adler, freedom has a number of distinct meanings:　

A man is said to be free when external circumstances permit him to act as he wishes for his own good.　

A man is said to be free when he has acquired enough virtue or wisdom to be able willingly to do as he ought, to comply with the moral law, or to live in accordance with an ideal befitting human nature.

All men are said to be free because they are endowed by nature with power of free choice—the power to decide for themselves what they shall do or become.

‘INVISIBLE FORCE’

Meanwhile, Santos said the Philippines’ new leaders retained the NIQRC and is now "a major albeit invisible force."

"They had to find another way of keeping us stupid thought. Sunday Mass was no longer effective since no one went to church anymore and those who did invariably fell asleep after the entrance hymn.

"The public school system, on the other hand, was too expensive. If the government had to build schools, pay teachers and buy books, there would be hardly enough funds to set aside for graft and corruption which eats up 50 percent of the budget.

"So under the auspices of the elected officials of the newly independent Philippine Republic, the folks over at the NIQRC received a new mandate: set up a cost-effective IQ reduction program. They, of course, outdid them-selves and cooked up the best scheme yet: the soap opera."

Santos said, "it is a scientifically proven fact that soap opera decrease an average human’s IQ by half a point per episode. The characters and story lines are so flat and utterly lacking in depth that the viewer’s IQ almost invariably drops."

It’s never too late actually to unshackle our minds from the bondage of this age-old system. We all watch TV and today’s sophisticated cable network offers a smorgasbord of programs. The choice is ours.　/MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Congratulations! Chris Arenas

The Sangguniang Bayan of Malay with the Municipal Mayor approved a Municipal Ordinance No. 96 – 97. This ordinance provides a 25 meter setback from markers installed by the Department of Tourism in the 1980s. This 25 meter setback is termed "no build zone" area.

Moreover, an additional five meter setback is added from the edge of the no built area. Thus 25 + 5 meters therefore are actually no build zone and reserve for the public enjoyment.

But who cares of that Malay, Aklan ordinance? Hundreds of structures were built in Boracay Island Resort, but nobody and nobody gave a damn to that Municipal Ordinance No. 96 – 97. They just constructed any structure of their dream in violation of national, provincial, municipal and barangay laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations. They hallucinated, they are above legal orders and violated it, disregard it. Even officials in Metro Manila allowed those illegal acts.

And now, they are back to their senses. They are realizing obeying legal olders are drafted and approved for their compliance and above all for their protection. But still some are stubborn.

Malay Mayor John Yap fired the first bullet to the West Cove to close it because it never complied with all the laws in its construction; it seemed to resist the order. But the order of Mayor Yap is good and disobeying it is evil. Therefore, now Mr. Crisostomo "Cris" Aquino who is fronting for Mr. Manny Pacman Pacquiao has requested Mayor Yap to delay the implementation of the closure order until he has complied with his contracts with his resort clients. Shame to Cris Aquino!

On the other hand, this column heartily congratulates Chris Arenas who voluntarily started demolishing his beach house in Boracay at Din-iwid, the Jimster Resto Bar building because it contravened the island’s beach setback of 25 + 5 meters.

According to him "the threat of global warning and the consequent sea level rise are factors in his decision to demolish his structure in a no build zone" area.

He is well concerned of the community welfare and he needs to work hand in hand. Cris Arenas is now in his right senses.

The action of Chris Arenas is well received. He must be highly applauded for his community concern.

Those who continuously violate the laws and order must be sanctioned. How about that Mayor Yap? Please continue the good work, and issue closure orders to those resorts which grossly violated all national and local laws.

Thank You Haresco

In a report of Miss Gloria Villas, upon the request of Kalibo Mayor William Lachica, the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo has approved a Resolution of Thanks addressed to Hon. Teodorico Haresco, Jr. of Kasangga Party List for his financial assistance to Kalibo.

Haresco has appropriated P1.5 million for the rehabilitation of L. Barrios St., Pob., Kalibo.

The money came from Haresco’s Priority Development Assistant Project. The Resolution of Appreciation and Thanks is authored by Hon. George Quimpo.

No Budget

The Sangguniang Bayan of Numancia voted against the budget proposal of Mayor Adolfo Iligan in its meeting held on June 28. This disapproval is a great challenge to the leadership of Mayor Iligan. /MP

Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction Project

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Finnish Red Cross (FRC) have aggreed to implement a bilateral program called Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction in Aklan. The FRC will provide the funding of 90,000 Euros for two years. The PRC will do the implementation of the project for the next two years which already started six months ago.

This project will be implemented in five barangays which are Aliputos and Bulwang in Numancia, and Mobo, Bakhao Sur and Bakhao Norte, Kalibo. Last week, the implementors attended a six-days training on Community Based Disaster Manage-ment. It was held in Sampaguita Gardens, New Washington, Aklan on June 20 - 25, 2011. The participants are those directly involved in project implementation. They are community leaders of the five barangays, teachers, LGU officials, and PRC volunteers. One of the highlights of the training was the election and inductionof officers of the said barangays project area.

Memorandum of Partnership Agreement was signed between the PRC on one hand and the Municipality of Kalibo and Numancia on the other hand.

Barangays Aliputos and Bulwang, Numancia and barangays Bakhao Sur, Bakhao Norte and Mobo are among the most affected by typhoon Frank in June 2008. They were part of ARC’s extensive emergency relief operation.

All these targeted barangays face the sea or rest along the Aklan river. The project activities to be done in each five barangays are: 1. Community Based Risk Reduction, 2. School - Based Disaster Risk Reduction, and 3. Strengthen Organizational Preparedness.

The BDATs will undergo a nine-day training in disaster risk reduction, how to conduct a vulnerability and capacity assessment, and BDAT team will be equiped with standard PRC basic kit including megaphone, shovels, jump kits, raincoats, boots, and BDAT vests. /MP

Bill To Grant CHR Prosecutorial Power

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will exercise concurrent prosecutorial powers and functions once Senator Chiz Escudero’s bill seeking to strengthen the functional and structural organization of the agency is approved.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, has sponsored Committee Report No. 37, which seeks further amendment to the CHR’s current charter and equip it with prosecutorial powers similar to that of the Department of Justice (DOJ) over cases involving human rights violation.

"Under its present mandate, CHR is neither a judicial nor a quasi-judicial body. Its jurisdiction is limited only to civil and political rights. We want to equip it with significant powers to include economic, social and cultural rights," Escudero pointed out.

At present, CHR is restricted by the Constitution to preventive measures only such as initiating applications in court for judicial writs and orders, conduct investigation and receive evidence of human rights, violations among others.
　

Escudero said the commission will be more empowered, thus rendering it more effective and authoritative if its jurisdiction includes quasi-judicial power.

"The mandate of the CHR is vital in ensuring that it enacts the state policy to secure, protect and guarantee the dignity of its citizens and to ensure the fulfillment of such citizens’ human rights. Therefore CHR could no longer be regarded as a toothless tiger," said Escudero.

The same bill also grants CHR visitorial powers to all detention cells all over the country to monitor the state of the facilities and detainees.

In addition to the CHR’s empowerment, any arrests made by any of the law enforcement agencies should be reported to the CHR within 48 hours. At present, police and military men can keep under their custody arrested persons as long as they want.　/MP

Ilonggos Spend More, Save Less

Ilonggos spend more and save less, according to Vicente Balinas, the president of the Philippine Statistical Association-Western Visayas chapter. Balinas cited the result of the 2009 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) of the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Balinas, who was one of the discussants during the presentation of the survey result Tuesday, June 21, pointed out that the percent share of average expenditure from the average income nationwide is 85 percent or a savings of 15 percent.

In Western Visayas, however, the average share for expenditures is at 90 percent or a savings of only 10 percent.

Western Visayas is the bigger spender compared with Central and Eastern Visayas which made a 17 percent and 20 percent savings, respectively.

"Have the results validated the perception that we are quite extravagant compared to the regions in the Visayas? We Ilonggos spend more and save less," Balinas admitted.

Another very noticeable data, he said, is that the region had a higher spending on special family occasions compared even with that of the national rating.

The result shows that 3.5 percent of the average annual family income in Western Visayas is spent on special family occasions against the 2. 8 percent national rate.

"Again has it validated that as a group of people in Western Visayas, we are fond of having parties," he said.

The expenditure on medical care also surpassed, the national rate of 2.9 percent with the region spending a 3. 9 percent (for health services).

Meanwhile, the FIES result also showed that around 44.5 percent of the income earned by families in Western Visayas is spent on food and 10.9 percent on rental followed by fuel, light and water at six percent. Other expenditures account for 9.3 percent.

The average annual family income in Western Visayas, according to Balinas, actually increased by 2.1 percent, putting into account inflation.

"At current prices, the annual family income in Western Visays increased by 22.3 percent but adjusting to inflation between 2006 and 2009 at 2000 prices, the average annual family income increased only by 2.1 percent. That is the reason why we cannot feel the impact of this increase due to inflation. The purchasing power of Ilonggo is eroded by high inflation," he said.

The FIES is held every three years and the last survey was conducted in 2009.

It gathers data on family income and expenditures, determine the sources of income, levels of expenditure and spending, patterns and related information affecting income distribution and expenditure levels, likewise the distribution and degree of inequality among families.

It also aimed to provide benchmark information to update weights in the consumer price index (CPI) and inputs in the country’s poverty threshold and incidence.

In Western Visayas, the survey was conducted with 1,452 respondent families. It was twice enumerated. The first visit was in July 2009 with the first semester (January to June) as the reference period and January 2010 with the second semester (July to December 2009) as reference period. (PNA) /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Bolang Kaeayo

Si Ernesto hay isaeang ka manog bantay it mga baka ag anwang una sa andang lugar. Abo ro naga tawag kanang bakero. Isaeang adlaw, samtang guina tipon nana ro mga hayop, may hakita imaw nga matsa bolang kaeayo. Anang guin bantayan rayang taeagsang bagay naga kanabo. Guin suguid nana sa ibang tawo ro anang hakita ogaling, guin hibaygan eamang imaw.

Naga tunga rondayang bolang kaeayo kada kahapunanon. Nalipay imaw tongod may manog limpyo it sapatos, manog-bantay it tangke ag mangunguma nga nakakita man gali. Ham-an it mga kubos eamang ro nakakita ag bukon it mga mangin aeamon? Ano baea rondayang bolang kaeayo?

Ro planetang Zar hay guina patihan ko andang siyentista nga magueang eon ag mas magueang pa sa atong planetang eogta. Sa pag pahaum, nag disenyo ro hari ko rondayang planeta it isaeang ka kapsula agod igasudlan ko anang solong unga nga eaeaki ag malikaw sa pageopok ko andang planeta. Sa pag abot ko naka taeana nga tiyempo, guin sueod ro eapsag sa kapsula nga naga katoeog. Kumpleto it kagamitan ro kapsula ag rondaya hay maga eayag sa giwhanan hasta nga masuyop ko bato balani it ibang planeta.

Sa pageakbay ko rondayang kapsula, amat-amat imaw nga naga paeapit sa atong planet, imaw ron nga may nakakakita ko rondayang kapsula nga naga baga-baga. May tiyempo man nga indi makita rondayang kapsula depende sa posisyon ko atong kalibutan.

Umabot ro adlaw nga nahigop imaw ko atong planeta ag idto imaw tumugpa sa lugar it mga mangunguma. Hakibot ro tanan. Pagbahaw ko kapsula, guin buksan nanda ag hakita ro eapsag nga naga katoeog. May pangaean nga Zurex ro anang lampin, busa guin tawag imaw sa rondayang pangaean. Nagbahoe imaw nga maaeam ag eabaw sa tanan ro anang abilidad. Duro ro anang nasayuran, taliwas sa abilidad ko ibang mga onga. Nangin maabtik ag maaeam nga lider si Zurex ag guina tahod ko tanan. Nakaasawa imaw ag naka pamilya. Isaea man ka maaeam ro anang onga. Mabahoe ro pasaeamat ko mga tawo tongod sanda ro pinili ko planetang Zar nga magbaton ko regalo nga nagpabaylo ko andang pagpangabuhi. /MP

Reason & Concern

by Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Attribution of Poem Authorship

A poem titled "Lincoln’s Letter to his Son’s Teacher" had been falsely attributed to Abraham Lincoln. The poem’s language pattern had been doubted to be modern.

American historians and book authors are one in observing that the poem is falsely attributed to Abraham Lincoln emphasizing that the style of writing is not Lincoln’s and　"there is no record anywhere that indicates that he could have written this. Its real author is unknown."

The poem which is hereunder quoted had been appraised by Cindy VanHorn, registrar of the Lincoln Memorial in Fort Wayne, Indiana that the phases are not 19th century phrasing and not Lincoln’s patterns. "Their English certainly didn’t have the 1860s feel of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address."

While it is now considered that the authorship is a spurious attribution, it has been suggested that the title be changed simply as "An Anonymous Father’s Letter to His Son’s Teacher". After all, "there are timeless words of wisdom about educating children and could very well stand on their own without 　guile or Lincoln".　 Herewith is the poem :
　
Lincoln’s Letter To His Son’s Teacher

He will have to learn, I know,　
that all men are not just,　
all men are not true.　
But teach him also that　
for every scoundrel there is a hero;　
that for every selfish Politician,　
there is a dedicated leader…　
Teach him for every enemy there is a friend,
Steer him away from envy,　
if you can,　
teach him the secret of　
quiet laughter.
Let him learn early that　
the bullies are the easiest to lick…　
Teach him, if you can,　
the wonder of books…　
But also give him quiet time　
to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky,　
bees in the sun,　
and the flowers on a green hillside.
In the school teach him　
it is far honourable to fail　
than to cheat…　
Teach him to have faith　
in his own ideas,　
even if everyone tells him　
they are wrong…　
Teach him to be gentle　
with gentle people,　
and tough with the tough.
Try to give my son
the strength not to follow the crowd
when everyone is getting on the band wagon…
Teach him to listen to all men…
but teach him also to filter
all he hears on a screen of truth,
and take only the good
that comes through.
Teach him if you can,
how to laugh when he is sad
Teach him there is no shame in tears,
Teach him to scoff at cynics
And to beware of too much sweetness…
Teach him to sell his brawn
and brain to the highest bidders
but never to put a price-tag
on his heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears
to a howling mob
and to stand and fight
if he thinks he’s right.
Treat him gently,
but do not cuddle him,
because only the test
of fire makes fine steel.
Let him have the courage
to be impatient…
let him have the patience to be brave.
Teach him always
to have sublime faith in himself,
because then he will have
sublime faith in mankind.
This is a big order,
but see what you can do…
He is such a fine little fellow,
my son!

Motor Guina Padaeaga’t Batery*

* Message of Cong. Teodorico Haresco, Jr. during the turn-over of solar and battery operated electric tricycles to Aklan on Tuesday morning, June 28, 2011, ABL Sports Complex, Kalibo, Aklan.

Saeamat gid sa mainit nga welcome ni Atty. Diego Luces. Gabalik-balik gid kita sa Aklan because Aklan is home to me and the welcome is always truly heartwarming, very inspiring.

Iya eoman kita sa sangka proyekto, sangka programa ku Kasangga nga owa gid it ibang tuyo kundi mabuligan ro atong mga pobreng igmanghud. Parehas man ku tuyo ag damgo ni Gov. Lito Marquez ag ni Cong. Joeben T. Miraflores nga librehon ro mga Akeanon sa pagka ga-id sa kapobrehan.

Ito ay isang imbensyon, isang tricycle na pinatatakbo ng battery, ng solar energy – energy na hindi binibili dahil galling sa araw, na magiging malaking kabawasan sa paggamit ng gasoline o kurudo, kaya’t isang malaking hakbang laban sa pollution. Pero ang environmental protection and conservation ay isa lamang sa maraming malalaking benefisyo ng imbensyon na ito.

Alam na natin na ang pinaka-misyon ng Ang Kasangga sa kaunlaran ay ang micro-entrepreneurism. Ang mabigyan ng maliliit na negosyo, mabigyan ng ikabubuhay, ang ating mga mahihirap, isa na rito ang ating mga tricycle drivers. Sa taas, taas, taas – baba – taas, taas – baba, at kung minsan taas, taas na lang ng gasoline at kurudo, lalong naghihirap ang ating mga tricycle drivers and operators. Kaya’t kahit ano pang tulong ang ibigay natin sa kanila, kahit anong micro-finance pa, parang wala ring nangyayari.

Kaya’t kami sa Ang Kasangga, isip nang isip kung anu-ano pa ang magagawa para itong mga micro-entrepreneurs natin, na pinangungunahan ng ating mga tricycle drivers ay mabigyan ng break, makahulagpos nga sa kadena na dala ng mahal na gasoline. At ito ang na-imbento namin. Ang e-trike. Tini-test pa lang natin ito. Pero nakikita ko na ito bilang isang solusyon sa kahirapan, solusyon sa pollution.

Nabigyan na natin ang kongreso kung saan malaki rin ang problema sa pollution, noise pollution, sabi nila. Nabigyan na natin ang Queon City. At bibigyan natin ang ibang cities, ang ating mga lalawigan, mga kabayanan. Pero dahil nga malapit sa puso ko, sa puso ng Kasangga, ang Aklan, inuna natin dito.

Later, in the program, Mr. Brian Stanly Jackson, the inventor, will give you a technical description and the warranties of the e-trike. Then the president and the CEO of our corporation, Mr. Leonardo Cruz, shall explain the financing options, the driver’s net take-home income.

In the meantime, Ang Kasangga’s many other assistance programs shall continue to be implemented. Last week we had these medical missions. Apat na bayan pa lang, pero may darating pa. Tuloy rin ang micro-lending programs natin. Ang tulong sa Philhealth Scholarship sa mahihirap na estudyante. Sa Social Welfare and Development. Ang mga tulong natin sa mga municipio.

Tuloy ang pagtulong-tulong namin nina Cong. Joeben at ni Gov. Lito para sa ikakabuti ng Aklan at mga Aklanon. Salamat uli. /MP

Books I Will Donate

by ALEX P. VIDAL

Ilonggo philosopher-lawyer Ernesto "Ernie" Justiniani Dayot once brought me in his mini library in Brgy. Nanga, Guimbal, Iloilo to show his collection of books, many of them classical and philosophical.

The authors were star-studded: Voltaire, Plato, Bertrand Russell, Baruch Spinoza, Saint Augustine, my all-time favorite Will Durant of the Story of Civilization fame, Deepak Chopra, John Stuart Mill, Ayn Rand, Mortimer Adler, and, believe it or, Shirley Maclaine, to name only a few.

"I started collecting some of them in the early 50’s," explained Don Ernie, a look-alike of Pope Benedict XVI, according to some readers of the Visayan Tribune, where he maintains a regular column.

Don Ernie, now seventy something, actually continues to collect books as a habit until today and don’t be surprised if one of these days, you will bump in the "Book Sale" store somebody who looks like Pope Benedict XVI, err Don Ernie.

　
INTELLIGENCE
　

Anyway, we both agreed that the real measure of a person’s intelligence is not when a person has perfected a quiz or when a person can memorize the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

A person may be considered really intelligent if that person is culturally literate.
A conquest and rationalization of fear and creativity and the ability to synthesize are also true measures of intelligence.

Cultural literacy includes knowledge about world literature, philosophy, religion, world history, proverbs, idioms, The Bible, mythology and folklore, business and economics, life and earth sciences, medicine and health, technology, world politics, world geography, physical science and mathematics, anthropology, psychology, and sociology.

Although it may help a lot, reading — and not just collecting of — books is an ideal vehicle to cultural literacy. When we collect books and don’t read them, cockroach, ants and pests will do their job.
　

EVIDENCE
　

There is evidence that reading increases our creativity. We must remember that Albert Einstein failed in Mathematics in grade school, yet he developed the Theory of Relativity while working in the patent office, where he read voraciously.

Abraham Lincoln never got past grade 2, yet he finished law school because he read books. Marcus Aurelius always carried a book of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey even during the war. So was Alexander The Great and Andres Bonifacio.

Books build a love for learning as well as open the mind to creativity. Reading has thus produced generation after generation of great men and women. A book, a story, a dream, a future—the love of reading is the best gift we can give to our children.

Having been a book collector myself like Don Ernie, I had the privilege to acquire some of the great books during my travel in Canada and the United States and I am proud to mention that I will soon donate some of them in the Philippines now that school year has beckoned. /MP

PAPI Awards Tolentino Journalism Service

Lawyer-journalist Ronquillo C. Tolentino was conferred a journalism service award by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc.

The award was given to Tolentino, former Vice-Governor of Aklan on the occasion of the Mid-year Conference of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) and the 2011 Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines, Inc. (FPPCPI) General Meeting and Elections of Officers held at Ayala Hall, Makati Sports Club, Makati on June 23, 2011.

Awarded by FPPCPI and PAPI Chairman Juan P. Dayang assisted by PAPI Secretary-General Johnny C. Nuñez and FPPCPI President Allan T. Sison, Tolentino was recognized for his fatigue-defying service to the cause of press freedom while serving as Vice-Governor of Aklan Province;　 as president of the Aklan Press Club, Inc.; as columnist of Panay News and other newspapers. Tolentino is now the legal counsel of the Aklan Press Club, Inc., the organization of Aklanon Journalists first organized in the year 1956.

Further, Tolentino was recognized for his outstanding leadership in campus journalism, for mobilizing the collective power of the community press in promoting social and economic development as Director of the Federation of the Provincial Press Club of the Philippines (FPPCP) for many years, thus making him a lifetime member of the local media.

Atty. Allen Salas Quimpo, former Aklan congressman received the award for Tolentino in the presence of former University of the Philippines President Dr. Francisco Nemenzo Jr., and Supreme Court Administrator 　Midas Marquez. /MP

Villar Files Tax Reprieve Bill For Calamity Victims

Sen. Manny Villar has filed a bill that seeks to exempt victims of natural calamities from paying their taxes.

Senate Bill No. 2443 seeks to provide provisional relief to certain victims of typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or other similar disasters by granting special deductions from income and real property taxes in their favor.

"I’m pushing for the early passage of the bill considering that in the case of typhoon Falcon alone, it was reported that more than 400,000 families were badly affected, mostly underprivileged and rural folks. While it will substantially affect fiscal collection,　the need to help our kababayan in rebuilding their lives is important," Villar said.

Villar noted that when Ondoy flooded the metropolis and nearby areas in 2009, Marikina City residents got discounted real property tax rate, which helped them cope with the destruction brought by the typhoon.

"To those who sustain economic prejudice due to losses or destruction caused by these calamities, we must grant a reasonable deduction from their tax liabilities within a specified period as a means to alleviate the adverse economic conditions affecting them and to accelerate the pace of their economic rehabilitation," Villar said.

Under the bill, any person, natural or juridical, whose immovable property was lost, totally or partially destroyed by a typhoon, earthquake, volcanic eruption or similar natural calamities shall be allowed to deduct the total amount of the loss or destruction from his or its income and real property tax liabilities up to a period of five years from the time of the loss or destruction.

The immovable property refers to residential lands and buildings, commercial and industrial buildings, agricultural lands together with the plants and growing fruit trees, and permanently installed machinery intended by the owner of the building or structure for an industry or business.

"While government depends heavily on taxation to serve the people, the government must appropriately show its sensitivity to its vital and fundamental duty to safeguard and promote the public welfare through reasonable legislative measure which will help alleviate serious economic dislocations," he said./MP　

Sugar Workers Stage Rally Versus Coca-Cola

Some 2,000 protesters allied with different sugar organizations have staged a vociferous rally in front of the Coca-Cola Bottlers office in Bacolod City on Tuesday, June 21. They accused the giant soft drinks company of further emasculating the country’s ailing sugar industry to the detriment of some 5 million Filipinos who depend on sugar for their livelihood.

Winnie Sancho, spokesman for Sugar Watch, said Coca-Cola’s continued preference for imported sweeteners like pre-mix sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) over locally-produced sugar is driving both planters and farm laborers to privation, and any perceived recovery of the local sugar industry could amount to nothing.

Sancho said local sugar producers, particularly from Negros and Panay, can meet the demand of Coca-Cola but are ignored to the chagrin of its millions of dependents.

"If Coke continues to ignore us, then we might opt for a boycott of Coke products," Sancho threatened.

But in spite of the protesters’ livid pronouncement against Coca-Cola, Sancho said the various sugar con-federations around the country are willing to sit down with its top executives to thresh out the problem and find a solution benefiting all parties concerned. (PNA) /MP

Former Governor Posts Bail For Graft Charges

SAN JOSE, Antique (PNA) — Former Antique Governor Sally Perez gave herself up peacefully to police authorities in the town of Hamtic Tuesday, June 21 in anticipation of the arrest warrant from the Sandiganbayan. She posted P60,000 bail for the two counts of anti-graft charges filed by Antique provincial Board Member Tobias Javier.

The charges alleged that the erstwhile Antique governor had received funds which formed part of the controversial fertilizer fund scam from then Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Jocelyn ‘Joc Joc’ Bolante through the Antique Development Foundation where Perez was honorary chairman.

In the criminal complaint, Javier cited Perez’s indiscretion when she herself received the funds through the foundation instead of conveying the amount straight to the Antique Provincial Agriculture Office.

Moreover, Javier said the Antique Development Foundation where the lady governor sat as honorary chairman during the transaction when the foundation no longer exists. (PNA) /MP

Destruction On The Road

Photo above shows damage 10-wheeler cargo truck, a van and a jeepney (covered by the van) causing undetermined amount of damages, disturbed traffic, and shocked several people. The incident happened at about 11:00 in the morning of Tuesday, June 28 on the Osmeña Ave. in front of ABL Sports Complex, Estancia, Kalibo.

Looking at the position of the vehicles involved in the accident, it appears that the truck suddenly swerved to his left blocking the right of way of the van heading toward Banga. Accidents like this could not have happened if the drivers are skillful in driving, emotionally mature, inculcated with road courtesy and the vehicles they are driving are in perfect running and operating conditions.

Observation reveals vehicular accidents are increasing daily because of reckless driving, poor road condition, absence of proper road markings and signages and the increasing number of vehicles not only in Kalibo but the whole Aklan. /MP

EDITORIAL

The Filipino Spirit To Improve His Way of Life

Pres. Benigno S. Aquino’s Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4P’s) is gaining significance on its info drive to explain to detractors and skeptics about justification of combating poverty and hunger in the country. His cabinet Secretaries led by DSWD Sec. Corazon J. Soliman, DOH Sec. Enrique T. Ona and DepEd Usec. Rizalino O. Rivera discussed the human and social amelioration program in a press conference held on June 16 at Casa Pilar, Boracay, Malay.

Sec. Soliman informed that priority target is one million families identified as poorest of the poor by NSO – NCSB for immediate rehabilitation. However, the total data is a phenomenal 5.2 million beset by poverty, disease, illiteracy and hopelessness. This social intervention program is designed to break the shackles of inter-generational poverty cycle through dynamic human resource development.

Aklan carries a dubious record of 30.2 percent poverty incidence in 2003, 32.6 percent in 2006 and 38.1 percent in 2009. DSWD’s updated data reveal that 5,526 families received P34.0 million in 2009 and 6,639 families with P47.00 million in 2010. However, in the first quarter of 2011, the number of beneficiaries increased to 17,712 families with P37.1 million. Altogether, the number of beneficiaries reached 29,877 over a 2.5 year period with P118.3 million covering all municipalities. Fortunately 14 out of 17 municipalities of Aklan (except Lezo, Kalibo, and Numancia) are covered by 4P’s or Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program.

Specifically, CCT provides cash grants of P500 per month, per family for health and nutrition expenses and P300 per month per child for 10 months schooling each year. A maximum of three children per family is allowed, the total to reach P1,250 per month. Cash withdrawal is done through the facilities of accredited banks (LBP) and or personnel of DSWD every two month period. Those beneficiaries found violating the memo of agreement is automatically deleted from the list. "So far, we witnessed many dedicated families eager to improve their way of life," said Soliman.

Sec. Ona said that "the DOH ensures that the most vulnerable sector of society like women and children must be given access to primary health care". This includes maternal (pre and post natal), reproductive and family planning services, vaccination and deworming program done every six months. As a policy, childbirth must occur in a nearest health facility administered by trained health personnel to prevent birth complications and death. Aklan has 51 annual maternal deaths per thousand populations which is very preventable, emphasized Dr. Ona.

The last strategy is an all out support to education involving pre-schoolers (3-5 years old) and youngsters (6-14 years). It is very clear in the program that illiteracy must be wiped out and that families be provided with basic education and skills to develop themselves. At least the child beneficiary must attend school 85 percent of the time in order to qualify for continued privileges, Usec Rivera explained.

A total budget of P22 billion was approved for the five year program the DSWD will implement in coordination with Advisory Committee members: DOH, DILG and DepEd. Cogent reason is the UN Millennium Development Goals to reduce poverty, maternal deaths, and illiteracy by half of its present data in year 2015.

The Philippines poverty alleviate program appears more daunting and dicey each day as impact of local and international social, political and economic factors directly affect the bottom 30 percent of the Philippines population. This is exacerbated by limited budget and resources creating inefficiency and ineffectivity. Indeed a long term solution in these hard and trying times is job creation, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Whatever the outcome, DSWD as well as its partners are very optimistic that planned goals will be realized despite difficulties encountered. Notable case stories emerging from families helped through CCT reverberates with pride, dignity, and triumph. Yes, the Filipino spirit lives on! /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Disaster Risk Reduction

May I share with you my message to the participants read during the closing program of the Community Based Disaster Management Training held in Sampaguita Garden, New Washington, Aklan on June 20 – 25, 2011.

Good morning!

Please accept my sincere congratulations for having been selected participants to this five-day Community-Based Disaster Management Exercise. I believed you are now well prepared for any disaster that might befall your barangays.

Indeed, you are very lucky to have been selected to participate in this exercise in order to: 1. well adapt yourselves to any climate change, 2. to provide first aid to victims of disaster, and 3. to conduct a vulnerability and capacity assessment.

Let us extend thank you and salute the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Aklan Chapter for holding this training in order to reduce risk in any disaster.

Let us also give thanks to the Finnish Red Cross for its generosity to fund this training we are about to close. But, this will not be the last, for the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Aklan Chapter will have several activities more to follow designed to reduce the risks of disaster.

There are more activities to follow like blood collection and distribution.

The three (3) barangays of Bakhaw Sur, Bakhaw Norte, and Mobo in Kalibo, and two barangays of Aliputos and Bulwang in Numancia are very lucky to have been selected the project sites of this bilateral project called "Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction" of the PRC and the FRC.

This is a two year project geared to improve the capacity of targeted communities and institutions to better prepare for and reduce disaster risks.

To realize its obligations, the FRC will provide fund for the project of Euros 90,000 or (about P5.85 million at 1x65). It will also support in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the project through short term visits. The PRC is responsible for the cost effective project implementation.

My dear participants, everybody is expecting you all to be disaster expert managers. With you, your communities, and your people will become more aware of risks, hazards and vulnerabilities, and are enabled to identify the best measures to mitigate these risks. You are expected to increase the security of your people and to minimize risk anytime disaster occurs.

My dear graduates of this security exercise to mitigate risk, are we assured that at the end of the day, can we close our eyes, sleep soundly, and wake up safe and sound the next day? My answer is Yes. How about yours? Yes, or this training will be in vain.

Congratulations! I extend you all happy days ahead!

Reckless Driver

On Friday, at about 9:00 o’clock in the morning, June 17, a van with plate number FWN-129 was running so fast towards Kalibo.

It traveled about 65 kilometers per hour along the road in Poblacion, Numancia but it almost collided head on with other vehicles heading for Makato. But disaster was prevented as drivers heading to the western part of Aklan just slowed down and stopped by the roadside to give way to the speedy and reckless driver.

This behavior will justify approval of Aklan SP Resolution No. 2011-144 asking LTO, the police, and DPWH to strictly enforce the law on speed limits of motor vehicles on the road. The resolution is sponsored by Hon. Victor Manuel M. Garcia aim to avoid vehicular accidents. /MP

Cook Clean and Green

Ms. Perla Manapol (center) receiving the Certificate of Appreciation from Ms. Lillian Quimpo-Tirol, Treasurer, and Ms. Erlinda F. Quimpo-Wilson, Executive Dean both of NVC.

The Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC), Kalibo, Aklan held its Orientation Program for the school year 2011 – 2012 on Friday, June 17 in the NVC CSQ Gymnasium.

Atty. Plaridel M. Morania, former Aklan SP member and member, NVC Board of Directors welcomed the students, faculty, and staff especially the freshmen students and new faculty members.

As the program denotes, it aimed to orient the new students of NVC of the following: 1. vision, mission, and goals; 2 course offerings; 3. school administration and department heads; 4. school fees, 5. school uniforms; 6. school facilities; and 7. student organizations among others. These were discussed by the college treasurer, Ms. Lilian Quimpo–Tirol.

In his message, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, NVC president, welcomed both the students, faculty and administrative staff members. Quimpo eloquently explained NVC’s "continuing commitment to the culture of excellence". He urged the students to work and study hard in order to realize the mission and vision of "NVCians on the lead" in all aspects of living, to attain and maintain the culture of excellence.

"In NVC, the youth have the access to quality education where 70 percent of the students population enjoy scholarships. Scholarships from various donors are available at NVC", Quimpo stressed.

Mayon Standard Stove

In another development, NVC faculty members attended a convocation on Thursday morning, June 23 at RSQ Bldg. The convocation discussed the clean and green way of cooking with the use of farm waste like rice hull as fuel.

The topic was presented by Ms. Perla Manapol, a native of Oriental Negros but is a long resident of Colorado, USA. Ms. Manapol described the stove which is highly recommended for use in the barangay. To use the stove, it will reduce the cost of fuel, help mitigate climate change, make the surroundings clean and green and improve the food quality.

To manufacture the stove, one will only spend P800. The stove can be used for about three and one half years. /MP

Palace Orders Cabrera To Explain Alleged Extortion

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Wednesday, June 15 said that top officials of the　Laguna Lake Development Authority　(LLDA) have been ordered to explain why they should not face administrative disciplinary proceedings following allegations of extortion.

Ochoa said a show-cause order had been issued on Monday, June 13 against LLDA General Manager Rodrigo Cabrera, Engineering Division Chief Donato Rivera, Jr. and Lake Management Division Head Jacqueline Dabu based on the accusation of fish pen owner, Dr. Charlie Tan that "the three tried to extort money from him".

Tan alleged that Cabrera and two other LLDA officials demanded "P300,000.00 in exchange for the approval of his request to transfer the locations of his fish pens" – a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices Act (RA 3019) and the　Code of Conduct　and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713).

The three were given five days from receipt of the show cause order to submit their comment to the Office of the　Executive Secretary.

The Office of the President exercises jurisdiction over Cabrera, who is a presidential appointee. Rivera and Dabu, while not presidential appointees, are covered by the order "for having allegedly acted in conspiracy" with Cabrera.

Last Friday, June 10, Cabrera took a 60-day leave from office in order to give the　Office of the President　"a free hand in the conduct of a fair and unprejudiced investigation."

Palace Suspends Wendell Barreras Sulit

Malacañang has formally charged and placed under a 90-day preventive suspension　Special Prosecutor Wendell Barreras Sulit for graft and betrayal of public trust in connection with the questionable plea bargain deal she had entered into with retired Maj. Gen. Carlos F. Garcia.

In a two-page　formal charge　signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. and issued on Tuesday, Sulit was suspended for three months to ensure that there will be no tampering with evidence and interference in her investigation.

"Pending investigation of said charges, respondent (Sulit) is hereby placed under preventive suspension for a period of 90 days, effective upon receipt of the order considering the seriousness of the charges, the existence of prima facie case against respondent that she is probably guilty as charged which warrants her removal from the service. Respondent’s continuance in the office may pose threat to the safety and integrity of the record and other evidence," the Palace stated in the order.

According to Malacañang, Sulit violated existing rules and jurisprudence when she "knowingly and willfully" entered into a plea bargain deal with Garcia in the latter’s P303-million plunder case pending before the　Sandiganbayan.

The Palace alleged that Sulit, together with her deputies, "impaired deliberately the case for the prosecution by ignoring and abandoning evidence favorable to the interest of the government and presenting evidence adverse to its cause."

It also alleged that Sulit failed to discharge her mandated duty of prosecuting erring public officials with utmost responsibility, integrity and professional competence.

Sulit was also accused of causing undue injury to the government and gave unwarranted benefits to Garcia through "manifest partiality, evident　bad faith　and gross inexcusable negligence."

Malacañang gave Sulit a period of 10 days within which to submit her answer to the formal charge before the Office of the　Deputy Executive Secretary　for Legal Affairs.

The administrative case against Sulit was an offshoot of an investigation conducted by the　House Committee　on Justice into the plea bargain agreement　between the　Office of the Ombuds-man　and Garcia.

The House panel

recommended that Sulit be dismissed from the service for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust. /MP

Maintaining Poise and Dignity In the Midst of Poverty and Hunger

The guests at the weekly Kapihan on June 18, 2011 at Smokehauz Resto & Bar discussed the burning issue, "TEPO On Caticlan Reclamation Project." Present are Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, former Vice Governor, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, former Congressman, Engr. Roger M. Esto, PPDO, and Engr. Victory Fernandez, PEO.

According to Atty. Tolentino, Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) petitioned the reclamation project before the Supreme Court which subsequently issued Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO) on June 7, 2011 allegedly based on pure distortion of facts. The provincial government’s area to be developed is only 2.6 hectares and not 40 as alleged by petitioners.

The proposed tourism infra is fully supported by documents like Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) dated June 2, 2011 and Philippine Reclamation Authority on October 10, 2010. Atty. Tolentino is confident that respondent Aklan Provincial Governor will file a motion to lift the TEPO. Under the Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases, motion to dismiss on TEPO is not allowed.

Atty. Quimpo pointed out that environmental laws governing marine conservation on the reclamation project are fully complied with. He cited the finding of UP Marine Institute that there is no environmental impact with reclamation projects less than 10 hectares. Since the project of 2.6 hectares is relatively small, there is no basis for doubt that the P260 million investments will push through completion. As to TEPO, the province has 10 days to respond to the Supreme Court’s decision.

According to Engr. Fernandez, the project accomplishment as of May 31, 2011 is 65 percent completed with Marina Bay area rising 1.0 meter above sea level. Concrete embankment of 2.3 meters is underway for anchoring of small watercrafts.

Considering the volume of construction materials on the job site for installation, the project may be technically 70 – 75 percent finished. As to the status of fund releases, building contractor was paid 45 percent of the total construction cost in April and 20 percent in the May making a total of 65 percent.

In view of unforeseen circumstances, stoppage on the project during these critical monsoon season and frequent storms, the integrity of the foundation and support structures maybe jeopardized. "We just hope and pray nothing catastrophic would happen" said Engr. Fernandez.

Engr. Esto clarified that in as far as he is concerned, "all legal papers and technical reports were fully complied with by the Aklan Provincial government. What appears to be plausible reason for BFI to file a continuing writ of mandamus and petition to the Supreme Court to issue a TEPO is that the government is seen as taking an active role in business and directly competing with them (BFI). This is patently absurd since under RA 7160 or Local Government Code, this is encouraged."

The Jetty Port project is issued ECC by DENR in 1997 and another one in April 27, 2010 for Jetty Port expansion involving 2.6 hectares. The rationale of development effort is to anticipate the influx of tourists to Aklan rising from 0.8 million to one million by 2012. Tourism receipts in 2010 show that Boracay got P14.3 billion boosting national economy.

The side of the Aklan Provincial government was well presented in the Kapehan since speakers are allied with the present Administration. The anti reclamation was absent to present its side. Unfortunately, BFI under the presidency of Ms. Loubelle Cann cannot address present issues and concern. (BFI is lukewarm connecting with Aklan press in Kalibo. – Ed)

However, Boracay Sun, a monthly tabloid dated June 2011 published Sophia Deduce’s article entitled, "SC Asked to Stop P1 billion Boracay Reclamation Project". There are three issues that formed the basis for issuance of TEPO by Supreme Court: First, the Provincial government failed to secure necessary Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment, Programmatice Environmental Project Statement (PEPS) and Programmatic Environment Report and Management Plan (PERMP) before it was issued ECC by DENR;

Second, respondent failed to conduct public consultation with stake-holders, local government units and NGO’s on proposed project; and

Third, Boracay has been declared environmentally critical area by DENR since 1981.
Engr. Esto argued that securing Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (which took a minimum of three years to undertake) prior to issuance of ECC is no longer necessary according to DENR since the project is less than 10 hectares. Likewise, the need to secure LGU Malay’s endorsement is no longer needed based on revised guideline issued by DILG since it is a public works project.

It is untrue that public consultations were not held. We conducted consultative talks in Boracay and Caticlan involving stakeholders and public officials. As to the third issues, the on-going project is in Caticlan, not Boracay as alleged in the 35 page BFI petition.

Undoubtedly, Aklanons are waiting for the decision of the High Tribunal on this controversy. Meanwhile, let us hope for the best, maintain poise, dignity and sobriety in the face of even much bitter trials like raging poverty and hunger. Actually, TEPO is mild and passing phenomenon. /MP

DAR Distributed CLOA To 468 Aklan Farmers

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Aklan marked its 23nd year CARP anniversary and the 3nd year of CARPER (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms) with the theme, "Agraryo, Agrikultura at Kalikasan, Convergence Towards Sustainable Rural Development".

The highlight of activities started on June 13 with streamer hanging among CARP implementing agencies, Harvest Festival of High Value vegetables under the ARISP II project in Buruanga; June 21, participation to the launching of the National Greening program in tandem with DENR, local governments and other stakeholders; June 23-27 – participation to the Agraryo Trade Fair at SM Megamall.

In Madalag, Aklan in coordination with the LGU-Madalag CLOA will be distributed to 163 farmers covering 206 hectares of land on June 29. On July 1, mid year assessment at DAR Regional Office will be held; and CLOA distribution at the Governor Cabagnot Training Center Kalibo on July 5. On July 9, DAR Aklan joins Kapihan sa Kalibo through Aklan Press Club, Inc. and Aklan Media Forum.

A total of 468 agrarian reform beneficiaries will receive their Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) on July 5 from Governor Carlito S. Marquez, and the Mayors from the towns of Libacao, Madalag, Ibajay, Malinao and Balete as follows: 33 farmers from Libacao covering 47 hectares; 138 farmers from Ibajay covering 69 hectares; and 80 farmers from Malinao for the 207 hectares.

The CLOA distribution will include orientation on the salient features of RA 6657 as Amended by RA 9700 to be handled by DAR Aklan PAROII Eberardo Erispe and the duties and responsibilities’ of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries will be discussed by PAROI Ronilo Ropa. Discussions on real property taxation and the issuance of Tax Declaration will be handled by Municipal Assessor Ramil Martinez for Madalag on June 27 and Provincial Assessor Kokoy Soguilon on July 5 respectively. /MP

Reason & Concern

by Ronquillo C. Tolentino

SC Issues Tepo On Boracay Reclamation

By the time this week is over, respondents, in the Caticlan reclamation issue may have had made their comments to the Supreme Court temporary environment protection order (Tepo) issued on June 7, 2011.

Respondents Aklan Provincial Government, the Philippine Reclamation Authority and the Department of Environ-ment and Natural Resources Environment Management Bureau, would verily comment that the Boracay Foundation, Inc. (BFI) petition on the Caticlan reclamation had been taken out of context as the reclamation project is only for 2.6 hectares of Caticlan. No more, no less.

Early on June 2, 2011, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued a press release stressing that the reclamation project covered in an Environ-mental Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued included only 2.6 hectares on the Caticlan side, but not the bigger portion of the project of 37 hectares, which includes the Boracay side. This press release came immediately after BFI filed a continuing writ of mandamus and petitioned the high court to issue a Tepo against the reclamation project. The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) approved the reclamation project in April 2010. The PRA and the provincial government of Aklan entered into a memorandum of agreement in May 2010 and subsequently a notice to proceed was issued in October 2010.　

Probably, respondents shall file a motion to lift Tepo. A motion to dismiss is not allowed under the Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases.

With the high court Tepo on the reclamation issue, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) findings on Boracay erosions had been the talk of some environmentalists and Boracay observers lately albeit the findings are of 2009 vintage.
　

I remember the March 19, 2009 Kristine Servando’s Newsbreak/abs-cbn NEWS.com commentary headline Boracay threatened by erosions. Servando quoted Dr. Miguel Fortes, head of the UNESCO’s National Committee on Marine Science (NCMS) who said : "The island is dying a slow death at the moment. That is erosion. It is like the sea is eating up the beach. If it continues unabated, maybe the island will be submerged, or the white sand is gone or reduced… the signs are there. Even for now, even if it’s isolated but obvious, give it time where nothing substantial will be done, they will lose their sand."

Fortes, according to Servando’s commentary, explained that erosion is occurring too rapidly, not because of over-crowding, but mainly because resorts and locals have built "environmentally unfriendly" structures like sea walls, which have blocked the natural flow of the current that naturally replenishes the beach. Fortes stressed that sand should only move in and out of the shore, in and out, and it does not move to other islands. They have modified (natural processes) by constructing something, water and air are hindered, changing move pattern, on the coast so that erosion becomes more dominant, Fortes said.

Fortes noted the erosion happening at Diniwid, described in the Servando’s commentary as a 280-meter long stretch of beach in the southern part of Boracay island, known for its powdery white sand.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) - Boracay Vice President Peter Brugger who had sought the intervention of the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources made an account as quoted in the Servando commentary "that many establishments in the northern part of Diniwid beach violated building laws and ordinances inclusive of no building or business permits, building permanent structures on main reserves or no build zones and the set back from the tide mark."

Servando’s lead sentence in her commentary is also an appropriate concluding sentence, thus: "Imagining Boracay Island in Aklan without its pristine white sands is like imagining an oasis without water." /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Prinsesa Zoraya

May isaeang ka datu nga may tatlo ka unga nga pulos eaeaki. Sa kada unga, guin patugma nana sa Babaylan ro suwerte nanda. Suno sa tugma, puro abusador ro mga unga ag puro sakit it ueo ro dueot sa datu.

Ko olihi, naka unga imaw it babaye. Sa kinaandan, guin tugma ko babaylan nga imaw ro maga pamuno sa andang kaharian. Natawo imaw nga may haboe agod matago sa tanan ro prinsesa. Guin daea imaw sa isaeang ka isla agod idto imaw maga bahoe ag malikaw sa anang mga magueang nga pulos eaeaki nga maeain it pamatasan. Tongod sa kahidlaw sa anang onga, nagmasakit ro reyna hasta namatay.

Nag asawa it uman ro datu sa isaeang ka mapintas ag maluho nga babaye. Nag unga sanda it eaeaki ag buot nana nga imaw ro maga hari sa kaharian. Tongod kara, owa nana guina pa iba ro anang onga sa ibang onga it datu.

Sige ro pag ilinaway ko mga datu ag napierde si Datu Tarik. Guin buslan imaw it bag-o nga datu. Guin preso imaw sa idaeum ko anang palasyo. Nangin olipon ro anang asawa ag mga onga. May handum guihapon ro reyna, busa, naki alyansa imaw sa bag-ong datu. Nag panaw imaw sakay sa isaeang ka Vinta.

Idto imaw napad-pad sa isla ni Prinsesa Zoraya. Kilaea imaw ko prinsesa ogaling owa nana hakilaea ro Prinsesa. Nagpa olipon kana ro prinsesa agod makatipon it balita hanungod sa anang ama. Pagkasayod ko prinsesa nga guin preso ro anang ama, nagpanaw imaw eagi-eagi ko gabii ngaron sakay sa anang Vinta.

Pag abot nana sa palasyo, owa imaw makilaea tongod guin putoe nana ro anang buhok nga matsa eaeaking hangaway. Bato-bato nana nga naeopig ro mga guwardiya. Anad nga anad imaw sa pagbuyot it iba-ibang armas nga guin turo kana ko anang amigong magueang sa isla.

Nagsueod imaw sa presuhan ko anang ama. Nalipay ro anang ama sa pagkita nanda. Kat matawhay eon ro tanan, guin balik nana ro anang ama sa trono. Pagkasayod ko pangaywang asawa it datu, nag uli imaw ag nangayo it patawad sa prinsesa. Nag kasugot ro tanan nga magueang nga kon mamatay ro datu, si Prinsesa Zoraya ro maboeos sa trono. Nangin malinong ro pagdumaea it datu ag nag umwad ro andang lugar. Sa pagtaliwan it datu, nangin maeomo ro pagsalin sa korona kay Prinsesa Zoraya. Natuman eon man ro tugma (panghimaead) it Babaylan.

Paagi sa bato, may gahum si Pedrito kontra sa mga maeain nga espiritu. Abo ro anang habuligan eabi guid ro mga guina pigos. Nagtuon imaw it pagka maestro ag anang guin tun-an ro mga ulihing tubo it mga mayad nga pamatasan, paghanas ko andang mga abilidad ag kon ano ro pagserbisyo sa banwa. Nangin ma umwad ro lugar nanday Pedrito.

Isaeang ka huwaran nga komyunidad ag malinong nga naga kabuhi ro tanan. Hasta hapan-uhan ko mga punuan it siyudad, guina pangayaw ro andang lugar. Guin kaayad nanda ro eungib nga nangin daeayunan it mga turista tongod isaeang ka makasaysayan nga lugar.

Natuman ro tugma ko Babaylan. Si Pedrito ro reinkarnasyon ni Salim. Imaw ro naga hupot ko bato nga may gahum sa pagpabaylo ko pagdumaeahan ni Datu Doeogdog. /MP

Camarines Sur Mediaman Shoot To Death

Romeo Olea, 49, a commentator of DWEB-FM a local radio station in Nabua, Camarines Sur was shot twice in the back by two gunmen on a motorcycle while on his way to the station last June 13.

Following the killing, Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero was prompted to condemn the death of another mediaman in Camarines Sur. He enjoined the local police to get the suspects of this recent crime against journalists.

Escudero said the government should exhaust all means to put a stop to this crime against journalists who have been reporting public anomalies to the people. Undeniably, journalists help the Aquino government’s fight against corruption.

"Journalists, like Romeo, help in our fight against corruption not only in government as well as in our community. The government should exhaust all means to find the perpetrators and have them prosecuted," he added.
　

Escudero also asked the local police to investigate every possible motive in the killing of Olea and not just stop on recent reports that members of the New People’s Army were the ones behind the murder.

The latest crime against a journalist, likewise, Escudero said doesn’t help the image of the country as one of the world’s most dangerous place for mediamen.

"This latest killing goes to show that even under the current administration the country remains to be a dangerous place for journalists to live and work. Now that we have a new government with new people at the helm, I urge our concerned authorities to maximize the use of our existing institutions to work against these crimes.’
　

As of March 2011, 98 journalists had been killed in the Philippines since 2000 because of their work including at least 33 in the Ampatuan massacre of November 2009, according to the International Press Institute.　/MP

NACPHIL Promotes Good Governance

The National Auxiliary Chaplaincy Philippines (NACPHIL) R/6, Inc., an NGO promoting Good Governance with LGU, PNP and other parties concerned with its Vision; "A Godly Filipino Society with Good Governance," NACPHIL’s Mission is "To promote nation-building with good governance, produce righteous leadership through the deployment of chaplains among LGUs that will unite all the proponents of the mandate on Values Formation and Moral Recovery under the spirit of cooperation and working together.

NACPHIL partnership with LGU (R.A. 7160)-supports all the good programs of Mayor Quezon F. Labindao like the ongoing weekly feeding program for malnourished children (6 months-12 years old) one barangay at a time (support from SB Members & VM Allan Dagohoy & PNP Buruanga), voluntary cleaning of Barangay Alegria front beach with PB Janelyn Gatunggay & Council, attending municipal employees Monday flag ceremony, conducting once a week VALUES HOUR to PNP Personnel with PINSP Alfonso N. Manoba, Jr., posting of chaplains to their assigned barangay to conduct Moral Recovery & Values Formation Session to barangay officials, monthly updating the Liga ng mga Barangay and Office of the Sangguniang Bayan, weekly holding our Meeting, Upgrading & Training and Basic Chaplaincy Course every Saturday in Tindan’s residence in Poblacion, Buruanga.

Presently, there are 17 active Auxiliary Chaplains plus 3 Junior Chaplains who help for a Better Buruanga in voluntary basis, headed by their Municipal Chairman who is also the General Secretary for NACPHIL Visayas Chaplain Jee Ann B. Bolina-Resource Speaker of DSWD Gender & Development (GAD) to 4Ps recipients in 15 barangays, a Capiceña by blood but Buruanganon by heart. /MP

EDITORIAL

US To Help If Spratly Row Worsens

Sen. Chiz Escudero cautioned Malacanang against invoking the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) in the territorial dispute with the Beijing government without carefully studying its provisions in the light of a statement by a Palace aide who said last week that Washington will help the country should the row over the Spratly Islands worsens.

The Philippines has been engaged in a word-war with Chinese officials for the past months over several confrontations with Filipinos in the potentially oil-rich group of islands, which is also being claimed in part by Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.
"I urge Palace officials to carefully review the MDT and read through its fine prints and get confirmations from the US government through its ambassador if indeed this situation is covered or what the limitations there may be to the application of the MDT from the point of view of the US government," Escudero suggested.

He bats for pursuing and exhausting all diplomatic remedies in the contested islands, also urged Malacanang to assign the Department of Foreign Affairs as the lead agency in discussing this in public "instead of the Palace through its spokesperson in order to avoid any faux pas on our part."

"Any issue or conflict must be resolved through peaceful and diplomatic avenues as stipulated in the ASEAN Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Seas," the senator pointed out.

According to　Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr., the military is careful not to provoke open hostilities in the Spratlys but is keeping an "active defense posture." Oban admitted though in another statement that the country can do little if China resorted to force to lay its claim on the territory and remained "hopeful that the Americans will not stand aside should the conflict erupts and that they can invoke the MDT with the US." US Ambassador Harry Thomas, while calling for the full implementation of the 2002 Declaration of Conduct between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, however, appealed in Iloilo City for calm and said that Washington takes no side on this issue as stated by US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Escudero said that while the country is very well within its rights to protect and defend its territories when bullied, the government should exercise caution in resorting to other measures other than diplomacy.

The Philippine navy reported it had removed foreign markers installed on three reefs and banks in disputed areas of the West Philippine Sea. The wooden posts were removed in May just before the Philippines protested alleged incursions of the Chinese navy in Philippines territorial waters. Lt. Col. Omar Tonsoy reported.

Even Manila has accused Beijing of putting posts and a buoy in Philippines claimed waters, the Philippine Navy has not determine who placed the wooden posts. The markers were all posted on Iroquois Bank, Recto Bank and Boxall Reef, all on the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines also accused China of undermining peace and stability in Asia by sending naval vessels near the Recto Bank to allegedly intimidate rival claimants, install posts and buoy. The Chinese Navy also allegedly open fired on Filipino Fishermen and intimidated a Philippine oil exploration ship.

But the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hong Lei announced, Beijing does not intend to employ force in the Spratly controversy.

Palace spokesperson Edwin Lacierda emphasized both on the part of China and the Philippines the need for diplomacy and a peaceful solution to the Spratly dispute.
China today will use diplomacy but in the future may change her policy from diplomacy to the use of force. The Philippines must arm herself /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Yap, A Mayor With Guts

Mayor John Yap of Malay, Aklan deserves long and loud applause for his action to close the West Cove resort in Boracay, Malay, Aklan. Mayor Yap issued his "Closure Order" on the basis of several violations West Cove has not complied with since building construction started a few years ago until completion and had been opened to guests.

According to Mayor Yap, West Cove is operating without business permit, no building permit and other requirements necessary to do business in his municipality like hotel and restaurant operation.

The closure order of Mayor Yap directed the owners of West Cove to immediately stop its business operations, close the establishment, and comply with the laws, ordinance, rules and regulations before re-opening West Cove. If not, demolish the structure.

But the man standing as owner of West Cove, Crisostomo Aquino alias Cris is strongly defying the Malay Mayor’s closure order. Until today, business is as usual in West Cove.

Is this man Cris a stone wall, so strong to defy a legal order? If he cannot obey a legal order from a duly elected official, then he is disobeying all the people of Malay who elected John Yap, Mayor.

"It is enough for good people to do nothing, for evil people to succeed", said Jose Rizal. Let the people of Malay support Mayor Yap on his crusade to do justice to every man. Let all Aklanons support Mayor Yap implement the laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations without fear and favor. He has started at West Cove, let us accompany him until all illegal businesses in Malay are wiped out.

Mayor Yap has the guts, all the balls, and strong political will. Congratulations Mayor Yap. Please continue your walk on the "Daang Matuwid".

Numancia Re-enacts Its 2010 Budget

In view of its inability to approve its Municipal Budget for 2011, the Numancia LGU is operating on its 2010 budget. This means stand still. Numancia cannot move on but operates as if it is still 2010. This is one year set back. For the personnel, there will be no promotion, no additional compensation.

Numancia cannot even start working on any development project this 2011. The officers and personnel can only perform the routine jobs like tax collection and issuance of permits.

What is happening in Numancia is a great challenge to the leadership, a strong challenge to Mayor Adolfo Iligan’s leadership.

But he cannot get the cooperation of his SB to approve the budget. In management, the budget is an instrument of "Control". Do the Numancia SB members control the
executive officials?

In a communication received via the "grape-vine", Mayor Iligan is a weak Mayor, to the point that some of his functions are exercised by "little Mayors".

Certainly, Mayor Iligan does not agree on this imputation. But if Atty. Iligan is the Mayor of Numancia who leads, why can he not get the compliance of at least the majority of the SB members to approve the budget?

Is there a "cog on the wheel" that hinders smooth travel?

One cog mentioned is the Budget Officer’s designation as Acting Municipal Social Welfare Officer which is said to have a "conflict of interest". Is there no conflict of interest if a personnel does the budgeting and himself disburse the fund for his social welfare project?

If yes, by all means allow him to continue holding dual positions. If no, by all means assign the function to another personnel.

But why give more work to a person when there are other personnel who can equally do the job or even do better?

This column wishes, as Plato said, "through obedience, learn to command". It is my wish to both the executive and the legislative officials to learn to obey and to command.

I wish Mayor Adolfo Iligan exercises his leadership, knows his way, shows the way, and goes the way: "daang matuwid". /MP

Kalibo Food Festival A Gastronomic Experience

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Guest resource persons shown (l to r) are Ramon Quimpo, Jr., Gerwin L. Garcia, Teodorico T. Salas, and Edwin Ramos - moderator.

Kalibo’s celebration of its patronal Saint John the Baptist is fixed every June 24th. This year, the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Tourism Council (KATC), holding to tradition for the past 16 years, will sponsor a 6-day food festival. At the weekly Kapihan on June 11 held at Smokehauz Resto & Bar, Teodorico T. Salas, Chairman, KATC, Gerwin L. Garcia, Auditor, and Ramon Quimpo, Jr. – PRO discussed the advantages of the Food Festival.

Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino said that religious significance is very evident in the way the celebration is held such as thanksgiving mass, prayer and merrymaking splash or plunge into the river. St. John, the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth was the forerunner of Jesus Christ and baptized people in the river Jordan.

Quimpo disclosed the theme of celebration which is, "Kalibo Food Festival Goes Green", an advocacy targeting environmental awareness and protection. Food festival runs from June 18-23 at Magsaysay Park offering delectable native and foreign cuisine for various customers. Night life will be perked up with non stop live band concert notably Brownman Revival, a talented group of performers from Manila. Local bands from Iloilo, Capiz, and Boracay will complement and cater to young audience. Show starts at 5:00 pm until 1:00 am. Kalibo PNP will provide full security detail and assistance.

Salas said that on opening day June 18, mass will be offered at Kalibo Cathedral followed by a motorcade in the afternoon. An evening opening program and concert will feature the Brownman Revival band. A modest entrance fee of P100 per customer is charged to cover the cost of contracting the entertainers. Experience from past events tell half of the patrons came from nearby provinces and tourists from Boracay.

The food festival is geared to promote and develop the tourism industry not only of Kalibo but also Aklan says Garcia. For the same event in the past, KATC was adjudged the best performing Tourism Council for several years by Department of Tourism (DOT), Region 6. He mentioned that farm and garden planting materials can be procured from displays of ornamental plants and fruit trees seedlings.

KATC, an NGO registered with SEC and accredited by DOT is performing excellently in promoting tourism in coordination with other NGOs and GOs. However, KATC is required to pay taxes in the amount of P3,745. Special tax on income receipts of hotels and lodging houses for the duration of the event removes any incentive because hoteliers pay business taxes on yearly basis.

This is frivolous and non-sensical. Since its members are businessmen and hoteliers will the LGU levy taxes? KATC is composed of businessmen who are partners in development and to engage in this challenging and strenuous activity may not be commensurate with cherished goals. Is our action only driven by love of money? There is a need for the Committee on Tourism headed by Hon. Mark Sy to look into the facts and make restitution.

Food festivals include binakol, inubaran, papait, and kaldereta are favorites of food gourmets. Preparation by booth owners are meant to tickle the palate and pocket of connoisseurs. It comes with a price though since convivial atmosphere at the park is perked up by music, hip hop dancing, drinks, color and camaraderie. Dining out for the whole family is encouraged in clean, entertaining, and healthy ambiance. Minors must not be served alcoholic beverages, smoking ban and anti-littering strictly enforced. Take home counters in line with the theme will make use of biodegradable materials.

Tourism is a big dollar earner drawing domestic and foreign visitors to our shores. Holding food festivals is one effective tool to develop our cultural identity as a people hence the need for total cooperation and commitment. KATC is paving the way since it is viable, non partisan, non-sectarian, and service-oriented. To its officers and members, we wish you more power and success. /MP

Aklan SP Conducts Hearing On Women and Child Abuses

A proposed provincial ordinance, Hon. Phoebe Clarice L. Cabagnot filed with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan requires all private and public schools in the province of Aklan to include in their Social Studies, Civic and Culture classes in elementary and secondary levels as provided for in R. A. 7610 and 9262 to ensure children’s and women’s awareness of their basic rights.

A public hearing on the proposed provincial ordinance was held on June 7. The public hearing was a lively interaction among the SP members on one hand and the participating stakeholders such as public and private school heads, PTA officers, government agencies representatives and NGO’s on the other.

R.A. 7610 provides strong deterrence and special protection against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination, providing penalties for its violation, and for other purposes.

Republic Act No. 9262 of 2004 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children provides protection for abused women and their children against their partners or former male partners or those with whom they had or are having a dating relationship.

"Child abuse has reached primetime television shows with the recent case of child abuse allegedly committed on the Willing Willie show prompting the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board to suspend the airing of the show", Cabagnot pointed out.

Integrating these subjects in the basic school curriculum will increase awareness of children and women of their basic rights, decrease and eventually eliminate the incidence of child abuse and violence against women cases in the province," Cabagnot stressed.

"Educators play a very significant role and this will further enhance their roles in preventing and mitigating child abuses and violence against women cases aside from enforcing Section 4 of the Implementing Rules and regulations of the Anti-Child Abuse Law (RA7610) that states "school personnel (including teachers, school nurses, counsellors, adminis-trators and child care personnel) are required to report suspected incident of abuse," Cabagnot added.

Stakeholders present recommended during the public hearing that the proposed ordinance: must prescribe the inclusion in the teaching modules not only relevant information provided for in RA 7610 and RA 9262 but other national laws and local ordinances (Children’s Code and GAD Code) designed for the protection of and advocacies on women’s and children’s right; a budget must be incorporated in the ordinance chargeable against Provincial fund such as the 5 percent GAD Fund or the Provincial School Board Fund; implementation strategy must also be integrated as an inter-agency scheme among DepEd, PSWD, and GAD Council.

SP members who led the public hearing are: Hon. Rodson F. Mayor, Hon. Victor Manuel M. Garcia, Hon. Phoebe Clarice L. Cabagnot, Hon. Daisy S. Briones, Hon. Jean O. Rodriguez, and Hon. Raymar A. Rebaldo. /MP

Laua-an Progressive Muscovado Sugar Industry

by James Earl E. Ogatis

Traditional practices in sugarcane farming brought a competitive advantage in favor of the Laua-an sugarcane farmers to produce a much demanded muscovado sugar in the market.

Muscovado sugar as a one-town-one-product (OTOP) of the municipality of Laua-an, Antique is usually produced without much farm inputs.

According to Mr. Alfonsito Sorilla, Laua-an municipal agricultural officer, sugarcane farmers follow conventional farming technologies and not the new production technologies because of limited capitalization, small land holdings and the absence of irrigation system.

"We have 413 sugarcane farmers tilling around 400 hectares sugarcane farms, and the average landholding is 7,500 square meters per farmer. Most of these farmers rely on muscovado mill owners for financing of their farms," said Mr. Sorilla.

It is notable also that Laua-an sugarcane farmers use one variety, the Alunan or La Carlota variety. This variety is proven to be well adopted in the municipality. It is drought resistant, has good regeneration and produces more suckers.

Edgar Noble, one of the pioneers of the Antique Muscovado Industry Council (AMIC) said that he is ratooning his three hectare sugarcane farm for almost ten years now.
"Ratooning is one practice the sugarcane farmers employ to reduce farm inputs on the succeeding years thereby producing the same or higher production." Noble related.

He stressed that following proper fertilization schedule, applying lime, elimination of vines or aeration, and allowing farm waste to decompose increase his produce from 40 pikos to 60 pikos per hectare. But this production is much lower than the national average of 80 pikos per hectare.

Laua-an has 107 muscovado sugarcane mills but only 98 are operational. The seven mills are upgraded, complied with the hazap practices and accredited by AMIC. These mills are enclosed with a fence and use stainless utensils.

Some sugarcane mills affect quality and quantity of muscovado production of Laua-an. The conventional crushing method of some mills is poor and individual outputs are different in quality, color and texture.

Despite of these constraints, the municipality of Laua-an produces quality muscovado sugar for the entire province of Antique. Sugar produced even penetrates the markets of Iloilo, Capiz, and Aklan specifically the Boracay hotels and restaurants.
Pahinis Festival
　

Their effort to sustain and improve the muscovado sugar pro-duction is stipulated in their annual celebration of Pahinis Festival. Pahinis is a Kinaray-a word which indicates the onset of the milling season. It is the general cleaning of all sugar mills from the surroundings, utensils, machines and carts.
　

This festival also showcases muscovado products such as kakanin, medicine and other confectioneries. Promotion of muscovado as health food, processed naturally, and free from chemicals.
　

The inclusion of Laua-an as one of the five central towns identified for the Antique convergence area of the DA, DAR and DENR signals better future for the muscovado farmers. Problems on production technology, irrigation, postharvest, packaging and marketing will be addressed soonest, the farmers wish. /MP

Ban Burning of Agricultural Wastes

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is strongly urging local government units (LGUs) to craft and implement ordinance that prohibits the burning of agricultural wastes.

Immaculate Juntarciego, chief of the Solid Waste Management Section of the EMB, said that the burning of agricultural wastes does not only emit carbon dioxide which is hazardous to health but may also contain residue of pesticides and herbicides.

Currently, she mentioned that there are only a limited number of LGUs that have responded to the call which is understandable because the proposal is just new.

The province of Negros Occcidental nonetheless, she said, is way ahead because former Gov. Joseph Marañon already banned the conduct of such activity.

Instead of burning agricultural wastes, Hontarciego said farmers may set up a composting area to allow the wastes to decompose and later be used as organic fertilizer.

In the province of Aklan, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has already approved a Provincial Ordinance prohibiting the burning of rice straw and other agricultural wastes. However, this ordinance is neither implemented nor followed by the farmer. According to studies conducted by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, rice straw decompost is equivalent to two bags commercial fertilizer. /MP