Lifting Farmers’ Socio Economic Status Through CARP

by Ernesto T. Solidum

The Saturday, July 9 Kapihan guests are from (l to r) Engr. Ernesto Anino, Mr. Ronilo Ropa, Mr. Eberardo N. Erispe, and Engr. Rene Enriquez. Renato Rasco, and Grace Quimpo are not in the picture.

June and July are CARP anniversary celebrations dedicated to the emancipation of farmers from the bondage of deprivation and strife which. Kapihan guests discussed at Smokehauz Resto & Bar on July 9, 2011. Mr. Eberardo N. Erispe, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II, Mr. Ronilo N. Ropa, OIC PARO/Chief of Operation, Mr. Renato I. Rasco, Chief Admin and Finance Div., Mr. Ernesto T. Anino, Chief Support Services Div., Engr. Rene Enriquez, Chairman, Prov’l Agrarian Reform Coord. Committee, and Ms. Grace Quimpo, Prov’l Information Officer discussed the topic, "Agrarian Reform Program".

Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente said that agrarian reform has made significant progress from the time of Pres. Diosdado Macapagal to Pres. Corazon Aquino. In between the pace was hastened by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos’ PD 27 which declared the whole country under land reform. The passage of RA 6657 or Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in 1988 provided strong commitment in the furtherance of social justice and equitable distribution of wealth.

Erispe underscored Section 1 of RA 6657 which provided the policy of the State to pursue CARP. The welfare of the landless farmers and farm workers started receiving the highest consideration to promote social justice, to move the nation toward sound rural development and industrialization, and the establishment of owner cultivatorship of economic family size farms as the basis of Philippine agriculture.

CARP has 3 program components namely: a) land acquisition and distribution, b) delivery of agrarian justice, and e) social services to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB’s). The latter includes physical infra, info education, and organization into coops.

Farmer beneficiaries (FB’s) are entitled to economic family size farms not more than three (3) hectares. The retention limit of all classes of agricultural lands per landowner is five (5) hectares, Mr. Erispe said.

Ronilo Ropa disclosed that CARP implementation should have ended in 2008 but the 14th Congress enacted RA 9700 or an Act Strengthening CARP, Extending the Acquisition and Distribution of all Agricultural Lands. Its new lease on life is until 2014. It is funded with P150 billion for the next five (5) years. Regular annual budget of P50 billion may be huge but parcelled to support agencies like LBP (land acquisition), DENR (land survey), Land Registration Authority (land titling) and DTI–TESDA (livelihood and training). Majority of funding comes from Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), proceeds from privatization and assets acquired by PCGG.

As of June 30, 2011, report shows that the total target accomplish-ment for land acquisition and distribution is 21,609 hectares with 24,763 FB’s or 90 percent. Land distribution in 17 municipalities is 21,609 hectares with 24,763 FB’s.

The leasehold operation covers a total of 8,656 hectares with 11,184 FB’s or 94 percent accomplishment. In the adjudication, there were 1,556 agrarian cases and 90 agrarian legal assistance which were all resolved, 100 percent.

On the social service component 85.4 kms of Farm to Market Road (FMR) were completed costing P153.4 million; a total of 8 communal irrigation projects with service area of 1,493 hectares was completed at a cost of P48.5 million, and 3 bridges completed with total length of 1,316 meters valued at P7.9 million.

Anino acknowledges that social support services to Agrarian Reform Communities (ARC’s) are hampered due to financial constraint. Still, a total of 15 ARC’s have been established in 14 towns with 13,587 FB’s. The towns of Tangalan, Balete, Libacao, Banga, and Kalibo have yet to be covered by JICA and ADB assistance. The frequency of funding approval/released by ODA is very slow, normally done every 5 years. However, DAR sees to it that capacity building program for FB’s are in place while waiting for foreign aid.

Undoubtedly, there is remarkable solid evidence of DAR Aklan personnel accomplishment in the implementation of CARP (RA 6657) and the latest amended version – CARPER (RA 9700). Obviously, the remaining balance of 10 percent target in land acquisition and distribution would be finished in less than a year. What appears to be a daunting task is the provision of social support services to ARC’s like FMR, irrigation, bridges, livelihood, health and Day Care Center, liberal credit and post harvest facilities, extension of power lines and potable water supply.

The majority of ODA funding agencies like JICA, USAID and member nations of European Union suffer from serious financial difficulties that it is foolhardy to rely on their generosity.

It is reported that ownership of land by farmers under CARP is said to increase pro-ductivity and income by at least 25 percent due to incentive to produce more is enhanced. The factors of production like, labor, capital and management skills are assumed present.

But, based on NSO-NSCB findings, Aklan poverty incidence continues to sky-rocket over the years from 30.2 percent in 2003 and 38.1 percent in 2009. It is significant to note the huge pool of human resources of 24,763 FB’s given CLOA’s and yet remained inactive.

Under CARP, FB’s are entitled to a maximum of 3.0 hectares deemed as economic family size farm. If fully irrigated, this is the ideal dream size for a family of 6 members. Yet, the existing reality shows our average cultivated land area in Aklan is highly fragmented and uneconomical to cultivate. According to Engr. Rizalo F. Concepcion, Manager, Div. A Aklan – Capiz Irrigation Management Office, the average landholding of farmers is only 2 hectares. Since NSO – NSCB specifies P160 per day as average family income of poverty threshold level, it is safe to assume that 90 percent of farmers in Aklan fall under the state of poverty. This is aggravated by the 34 percent unemployment and perceptible increase of food commodities and consumer goods as a result of rising gas prices.

The art illustration on the pamphlet cover of RA 9700 of DAR shows the hands clutching the Certificate of Land Ownership Award. It is an emotion-filled moment, an outburst of triumph after years to formally receive emblem of power and prestige. Needless to say the bearers’ sense of responsibility and gratefulness.

However, it is with concern that the FB is emaciated, weak and in the verge of death. Surely we have not liberated the farmer from his dreadful condition of yesteryears. Evidently, the social services promised to FB’s and industrialization program addressed to former landowners have not trickled down and enjoyed by many.

Of the 15 organized ARC’s in Aklan since 1993, we have yet to know whether they have progressed, empowered, dynamic and financially capable. If there is any, the media welcome their success stories.

It is true that agrarian reform is a continuing program as stated in the 1987 Constitution because it covers not only land acquisition and dis-tribution but a totality of support services. It is geared to lift the physical and financial status of farmers, known as the backbone of the nation.

Weather DAR has accomplished the latter objective or not, somehow, the work of the Agency stops after 2014 or when the fund expires. /MP

Red Cross Bares Awardees From Aklan

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) recently bared the list of outstanding volunteers from the Province of Aklan.

The grant of Chapter Awards for active volunteers in recognition of their distinguished leadership in the promotion of the different service programs of the chapter was approved by the PRC Board of Governors according to PNRC OIC Volunteer Service Manager Carlos Benigno S. Gallardo.

PRC Aklan Adminis-trator Arcely P. Pelayo told Madyaas Pen that eight (8) Aklanon volunteers will receive the well-deserved awards.

They are Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, lawyer and former SP member Plaridel Morania and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente for the Bronze Merit Medal.

The Silver Merit Medal will be presented to SP member Dr. Daisy Sucro – Briones and former Kalibo three–term Vice Mayor and incumbent SB member Nilda Buyoc – Tambong.

The Gold Merit Medal will be awarded to Ernesto Melgarejo, lawyer Tomas Raz and lawyer and former Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino.

Tolentino is the incumbent Chapter Chairman of PRC Aklan.

Pelayo added that the awards will be presented to during the 55th Foundation Day Anniversary of PRC Aklan on December 18. (by Ulysses Espartero) /MP

Where Is Hagedorn? Pacquiao’s Walking Encyclopedia?

Was he a victim of intrigue fomented by envious characters regularly forming a beeline in Manny Pacquiao’s growing bandwagon? Did he leave the team voluntarily after being tormented by a romantic liaison gone awry?

For sure, Joaquin "Kino" Hagedorn, Jr. did not accept a job from Team Mayweather for espionage.　

We have not seen Hagedorn in Pacquiao’s last three fights in Arlington, Texas (twice ) in 2010 and recently in Las Vegas, Nevada. Strange.

The tall Mexican-American (former?) boyfriend of Janet, twin sister of Pacquiao’s wife, Jinky, has been a regular and active member of Team Pacquiao.　

In 2008, I called him the "Walking Encyclopedia of Team Pacquiao" in an exclusive article distributed by the Philippine News Service (PNS) to major newspapers, TV and radio stations in the United States, Europe and Asia.

TOP STORY

PNS editor Rufino "Pinoy" Gonzales II said the article topped the list of request for Pacquiao story that year along with the Filipino lefty’s cruel knockout win over Chicago-based David Diaz because of the readers’ curiosity of the then 35-year-old mestizo Mexican, seldom seen on HBO and in public eye tailing the ring heartthrob like a publicity glutton.

The last time I saw Hagedorn was during the post mortem press conference of the Pacquiao-Miguel Angel Cotto WBO scrimmage in Las Vegas on Nov. 14, 2009 — his right hand locked around Janet’s waist while Janet’s eyes were seen tottering towards handsome middle-weight prospect Yuri Foreman, who fought in the undercard (no pun intended, Janet).

"I told you so," he smirked at me, his voice guturral in excitement. "Cotto was brave but Manny was too strong for him." Because I was busy taking down notes of Bob Arum’s braggadocio, I gave Hagedorn a thumb’s up sign to acknoweldge his oratorical brilliancy.

He then gave me a copy of the Sports Illustrated magazine. I haven’t heard from the Las Vegas-based gentleman since that evening. 　

　
INTERVIEW

My first interview with Hagedorn happened first week of August 2008 at the pre-departure area of the Los Angeles International Airport when I arrived from a business trip in Vancouver, Canada via Phoenix, Arizona.　

He first waved at me like a long lost friend even if we hardly knew each other when he spotted me wearing a red "Team Pacquiao" shirt designed by Texas-based pediatrician, Dr. Allan Recto.　

"Can I offer you a cup of coffee or something?" he volunteered. We then proceeded to the Starbucks Coffee inside the airport and ordered Cappuccino and cake.

ALABANG

Hagedorn’s father Joaquin Sr. used to live in Alabang in Metro Manila. He has fond memories of the Philippines having stayed at EDSA in Makati for three months in 2001. He visited the country months before our meeting and went to Janet’s province in Davao.　

He described the people in Davao as "so friendly and they have smiles in their faces most of the time." Hagedorn said he was impressed with life in the province "because the roots of the Filipinos are in the province."　

"There is something in the Philippines that struck me; I felt like home," he stressed. "One day, I want to settle there." (For more details about that interview, please visit http://philboxing.com/news/story-18819.html)

The grapevine said Hagedorn and Janet have called it quits but nobody has come forward to confirm the yarn. And besides, private love affairs are none of our business.

DISAPPEARANCE

His sudden disappearance from the limelight though has provoked some thoughts. There were reports that Hagedorn left the circle "totally downhearted." They did not elaborate.　

Janet was reportedly seen in the company of a male "friend," a member of a popular Manila band during Pacquiao’s conquest of Antonio Margarito in Arlington in November 2010. 　　

Hagedorn would be a big loss to Team Pacquiao. He is amiable, quick thinker, intelligent and always tots accurate facts about the sport.　

Even if he is not a Filipino, he is closer to most of us Filipino writers; in fact, closer than some fractious Filipinos milling around the boxer-cum-congressman in the circle.
Assuming that he has parted ways with Janet and is no longer part of the team, the nagging question will still remain: where is Team Pacquiao’s "Walking Encyclopedia?" /MP

Reason & Concern

by Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Food Sovereignty

Rep. Jack Enrile, 1st district representative of the province of Cagayan, expounded on his concept of food sovereignty when he was at the Northwestern Visayan Colleges RSQ Building on May 28, 2011 as guest of media and civic sectors.

Congressman Enrile is probing himself not only as a worthy son of a distinguished father but (also) a congressman who can stand on his own as an outstanding and independent congressman and ventilate certain issues of national concern and importance.

Enrile stressed the need for a paradigm shift in the way we define our agriculture and trade policies.

Early in the morning of May 28, 2011 in a radio interview over RGMA-DYRU Kalibo, he emphasized the need for food sovereignty. In a privilege speech on December 6, 2010, titled "Should We Be Producers For Others Or Consumers Of Others?" He defined food sovereignty as the "right of peoples, communities and countries to define their own agricultural, labor, fishing, food and land policies, which are ecologically, socially, economically, and culturally appropriate to their unique circumstances.　

It includes the true right to food and produce food, which means that all people have the right to safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate food and to food producing resource and the ability to sustain themselves and their societies. Enrile refers on the other hand to food security as "the availability of food and one’s access to it. A household is considered food-secure when its occupants do not live in hunger or fear of starvation!"

Enrile sought all his congressional colleagues to join his crusade for a comprehensive framework against poverty and hunger on seven (7) main points. Enrile advocates to prioritize agricultural infrastructure, ensure access to low interest credit to farmers, fisherfolks and farm workers, remove all subsidies on export oriented agriculture and transfer the subsidies to grains and vegetable farmers and livestock growers, launch an effective and strong campaign against smuggling and dumping of food and agri-based products and commodities that could be supplied by our own local products, reclaim our original strength on agricultural research and scientific breakthrough, strengthen NFA as a state trading enterprise that protects our farmers and fisherfolks from predatory elements and break all land monopolies as government implements the last phase of land reform and use these lands for our needs.

In his thrust for food sovereignty, Congressman Enrile also seeks that our export and import policies as a nation shall be adjusted to what is needed by our people first before we send our raw materials and produce to other nations. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Magkaeapit Baeay

Si Donya Patria hay isaeang ka manggaranon nga tawo, may mabahoe nga negosyo. Pirme ra imaw nga naga adto sa ibang nasyon agod mag pamakae para ibaligya sa anang mga suki. Isaea eon ro asawa it senador, mga kongresista ag mga milyonaryong kakilaea sa sosiyudad.

Masyadong estrikta si Donya Patria sa anang mga kabulig. Parabil imaw humalin sa anang mga paeanawon, abo pa gid ro anang bilin. Sambilog nga owa nana naila-i hay ro bisitahan imaw it mga pobreng igbata ag mga manog pakalimos. Busa, perming sarado ro anang baeay. Nahadlok imaw sudlon it mga manakaw.

Isaeang adlaw, may nagtuhaw nga sunog sa andang lugar. Idto si Donya Patria sa andang hacienda sa Davao. Nabilin eamang ro anang mga sueogo-on. Hasta sige ro idlab it kaeayo, sige man ro andang sininggit it tabang. Habatian ko mga kahilapit-baeay ro singgit it mga kabulig. Guin saka nanda ro mataas nga pader it Donya ag guin takod ro hose it tubi agod pa puslitan it tubi agod tapna-on ro sunog. Ro iba hay nag hakwat ag nag paguwa ko mga igdaeapat, samtang ro mga kababayen-an mat-a hay naga bantay ay basi takawon ro mga maeahaeon nga muwebles it Donya.

Pagkaaga, nag abot si Donya Patria pagkatapos nga guin patuon imaw ko nahatabo. Una pa guihapon ro mga kahilapit naga bantay sa mga igdaeapat. Guin indorso nanda kay Donya Patria ro tanan nga owa guid it buhin nga mga bagay. Duro ro pasaeamat ni Donya Patria sa mga tawo. Bilang pasaeamat, nag-hiwat imaw it isaeang ka pagtipon-tipon. Guin kangay nana ro tanan nana nga kahilapit. Nagpahaum imaw it mga regalo nga bugas, de lata, eambong, ag kwarta sa mga nagbulig kana. Ratong ibang pamilyang nasunugan hay guin buligan man nana nga mapatindog ro andang baeay.

Halin kato, perming bukas ro anang puwertahan it baeay eabi guid sa mga pobreng naga pakalimos. Guin patun-an nana ro mga onga una sa palibot. Guin taw-an man nana it kapital sa negosyo ro mga kababayen-an. Nag-pasaeamat imaw sa Diyos nga may tiyempo pa imaw nga makabawi sa anang mga kakueangan. /MP

Aklan Farmers Get CLOA From P-Noy

A Portion of the group of Agrarian Reform beneficiaries who are waiting to receive their Certificate of Land Ownership Award from P-Noy on July 12, 2011.

Some eight (8) Aklanon agrarian reform beneficiaries representing twenty five (25) farmers received their Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) from President Benigno S. Aquino during his visit to Aklan on July 12, 2011. The farmers from seven municipalities of Aklan got a total of 22.3 hectares of land. The eight farmers are part of the beneficiaries who received the social services delivered by Pres. Aquino to the Aklanons.

The eight agrarian reform beneficiaries are Vicente Nacasabug of Pang-itan, Madalag; Pontevillar Quinesio of Bulabod, Malinao; Randy Cuadrante from Guanko, Balete; Consuelo Bautista, Barsilisa Ruiz, Ernesto Macahilig and Nelsie De Vera of Fatima, New Washington; and Simplicio Bamba of Magallanes, Nabas.

Eberardo Erispe, PARO II of DAR-Aklan appreciated this activity as it highlighted the agency’s celebration of the 23rd year of CARP and the 2nd year of CARPER.

Last July 5, Governor Carlito S. Marquez distributed to 468 agrarian reform beneficiaries their CLOA covering the total land area of 720 hectares. That marked the province of Aklan’s celebration of CARP and CARPER anniversaries. /MP

EDITORIAL

PCSO Gives, Bishops Receive

"If it is for the good of the people, I lobby for them. But for my personal use, I never asked", Tandag, Surigao Bishop Nereo Odchimar answered when asked of his thoughts about the six sports utility vehicles (SUV) given to the six (6) bishops of the Roman Catholic Church.

Bishop Odchimar is the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). As a bishop, he had sought for the help of then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the concreting of coastal roads in his province.

Bishop Odchimar admitted, he owns a used Mitsubishi Pajero he purchased for P200,000 out of his own money. "I can show you the deed of absolute sale if you have doubt", he offered.

In a news report, the present Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has identified six (6) Catholic Bishops that received SUVs and cash amounting to P8.3 million from 2007 – 2010. This is the last three years of Ms. Arroyo’s government. "This action was a violation of the constitution", the Commission on Audit (COA) believes.

"Bishop can’t invoke the separation of the Church and the State to escape culpability over the alleged misuse of funds of the state run PCSO," the Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Panfilo Lacson to have said. The two senators agreed, "the Constitution of 1987 barred the donation of public funds for the benefit of any religious group or priests".

Section 6, Article II of the Constitution states, "the separation of the church and state shall be inviolable".

According to Sen. Lacson, the church had long encroached on state affairs. Now they are not only interfering. They have received endowments and vehicles from the executive branch" (of the governemt).

Culpability for the distribution of PCSO largess to bishops and lawmakers could lead to (Cong.) Arroyo, Sen. Lacson stressed. Sen. Lacson said, he has seen documents showing that then president Arroyo approved the allotment of charity funds for certain personalities.

On the other hand, Sen. Pres. Juan Ponce Enrile withheld giving his opinion that the bishops violated the law until the specifics of the grants are established.

But Sec. 29(2) of Article VI of the Constitution provides: "No public money or property shall be appropriated, applied, paid or employed, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefits, or support of any sect, church, denomination, sectarian institution, or system of religion, or any priest, preacher, minister…except when such priest, preacher or dignitary is assigned to the armed forces…"

Moreover, why would PCSO give luxury vehicles purchased out of public money?

Are the churches and the priests above the law? Sen. Pres. Enrile pointed out, "even the highest political leader, religious leaders, priests, ministers who violated the law or committed a crime, those persons are not immune from the operation of the law."

Some bishops view the charges as part of the government’s counter attack against the church critical of the Reproductive Health Bill". However, Enrile and Lacson believe the SUVs issue has nothing to do with the said proposed legislation.

According to the charity arm of the Archdiocese of Manila, the cash and SUVs given the bishops are parts of the long critical collaboration between the Church and the State.

The church had good intention when it received cash and luxury vehicles from the PCSO as they form parts of their spiritual and material services to the poor, Fr. Anton Pascual of Caritas Manila executive director pointed out.

But those were luxury vehicles. Who are using those sports vehicles? Bishops deserve the use of luxury vehicles as well. But it must not come from the charity fund intended for the people who have less in life.

Will the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigate this PCSO SUVs and cash given to the bishops? Why not?

But remember, the receiver has no option to choose. It is the giver’s domain to select which thing to give, and whom to give.

Any violation of the law or the constitution of the Philippines, the penalty must fall on the heads of the givers. The bishops only received. Did they asked for SUVs and cash? /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Strict Implementation of Fishery Laws

A fishery expert believes the rich tuna industry in Tibiao, Antique will be "revived if authorities would strictly implement the Philippines Fishery Laws".

This is the conclusion of Flord Nicson Calawag, a UP fishery graduate. Why, are fishery laws left as mere scrap of papers by the Department of Agriculture? Not being implemented?

According to Calawag, based on his study, tuna fishes follow water current from the Philippines, to Japan, to California, and to the Pacific.

The tuna breeds in Samar and Leyte, follow the water current leading to General Santos City where most tuna fishes are caught.

But some of these tuna fishes are bound to take the short cut route in the Visayan Sea towards the Guimaras Strait, then to Cuyo East Paso, Palawan via the waters of Tibiao, Antique. "This makes Barangays Malabor one of the best fishing grounds for tuna fishing", said Calawag who used to catch tuna fishes as big as those being caught in General Santos City.

I believe Calawag as most of the huge tuna fishes sold in Aklan as early as the 1950’s came from Tibiao, Antique.

BRAGGARD

NEDA Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal is bragging too much. In a PNA report, Bacal attributed the improvement made in Caticlan Airport as a big accomplishment of President Aquino. Perhaps, the NEDA Regional Director did not know that Caticlan Airport improvement is solely undertaken by the San Miguel Corporation.

Bacal also boasted the P4 billion Panay Flood Control Project in Capiz which funding is yet uncertain. Why claim "various accomplishments when nothing is done yet?

Then Bacal added, "the search is on for fund for the Jalaur Multi-Purpose Project Phase II". This is not accomplishment but a dream.

Bacal is not contented. He also reported, "NEDA and the RDC are…working closely with the Department of Energy…for renewable energy to make sure more cheaper source of power are generated…" When did you last reduce the price of energy? Never! I am yet to hear an announcement the cost of electricity is reduced.

But I only hear announcement on the increase rate of power. The last was two months ago which was P1.60 plus per kilowatt hour.

President Aquino needs factual report and not attributing to him something completed but in reality false report, none.

AFRAID?

His Excellency, President Noynoy Aquino visited Aklan to inaugurate Caticlan Airport San Miguel Corporation renovated. He spoke for 12 minutes in the second floor of the Airport Terminal where few visitors were accommodated.

He called Boracay "Bora" for three times. He did not know people of Malay like to call the Island Resort "Boracay" and never "Bora".

Is President Aquino afraid in Aklan? During his visit on June 25, he sent in advance hundreds of PSG personnel to assure his security. On Saturday morning, June 25 before his arrival, thousands of PNP officers were deployed. Hundreds of military men armed with high powered guns were deployed in areas President Aquino visited. Not only that. There were C-130 vehicles.

Is he afraid of Aklanons who are friendly and amiable people?

Aklanons love their president, but the recent presidential visit has disappointed and frustrated them. /MP

The Controversial 2011 Numancia Budget

by Ernesto T. Solidum

The weekly Kapihan at Smokehauz Resto & Bar on July 2, 2011 was marked by heated debate and concern over controversial failure to pass Numancia’s 2011 Annual Budget. The guests were: Mayor Adolfo Iligan, Vice Mayor Evangeline M. Ibabao, Ms. Jaimma V. Maribojo, Municipal Budget Officer, Ms. Gina V. Visoria, Admin. Asst. II and SB members: Arcel S. Tabuena, Domingo Ibabao, Jr., Bayani Cordova, Atty. Felimon C. Fernandez, and Romeo Ricafuente.

Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino said that Section 316 of RA 7160 or Local Gov’t. Code of 1991 states that the Local Finance Committee (LFC) shall assist the Sangguniang Bayan in the preparation of annual budget. This is a consolidation of budget proposals by different departments/divisions out of local funds and presented for consideration and approval by the SB. The documents to be submitted by Municipal Budget Officer had a yearly deadline every October 16th.

It is with gravest concern that SB of Numancia failed to act on this important piece of legislation that would improve the lives of its citizens. Rather than delve on differences, each one must show restraint and urge contending parties to unite, advised the former Vice Governor.

Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente is grateful for the Municipal Officials of Numancia to come together to the Kapihan forum for a dialogue and resolution of the controversy. The budget of the municipality is based on income and expenditures set by Department of Budget and Management (DBM). It is on this context that all parties must resolve the issue, said the Entrepreneurial Farmer.

Mayor Iligan expressed big disappointment after SB members of Numancia failed to pass the P47 million budget for 2011. Citing Supreme Court decision upholding the right of Negros Occidental Electric Coop officials not to appear before SP session because of violation of principles under ERC, Mayor Iligan said that in a similar manner, the Numancia SB has no right whatsoever to disapprove the Executive Budget proposal.

It is patently false that I advised our department heads to skip attendance in SB budget hearings or not to cooperate with them to pass the budget. What is more damning and humiliating than being on the proverbial hot seat and grilled about perceived anomalies in your department? He asked. After clarifying his stand, Mayor Iligan exited himself.

Ms. Maribojo maintains that statutory provisions were complied with in the preparation of Numancia Executive Budget. It is based on 90 percent Internal Revenue Allotment and 10 percent local revenues. Although the deadline for submission was October 16, 2010, it was finally forwarded on November 24, 2010.

"It stands on record that members of Local Finance Committee (LFC) attended 10 SB sessions on budget deliberation. However, despite our genuine intention and cooperation, we experienced personal harassment. Actually, they (SB members) are only apt for fishing expedition. Until June 28, 2011, the 2011 budget of Numancia needs approval", Maribojo stressed.

Vice Mayor Ibabao disclosed that indeed, there are certain items in the executive budget that need to be justified. However, with the non appearance of LFC members to shed light, there was no way to consider them.

Atty. Felimon Fernandez, Pres., League of Brgy. Capts. of Numancia said that in all fairness, the SB never abdicated its solemn pledge to protect the rights and interest of Numanciahanons. SB sessions are regularly held every Tuesday of each week. Given the limited time to pass annual budget, we made extra precautions to examine the contents. Our brain-storming sessions went on smoothly until February 15, 2011. However, on February 22, things went awry. No LFC member attended despite our request. So our session was suspended. The main reason is the office memo of Mayor Iligan advising them to boycott SB sessions. Based on budgetary guidelines, failure to pass the 2011 annual budget, the 2010 budget shall be deemed re-enacted, said the former DBP Legal Officer.

Hon. Cordova has the letter of Mayor Iligan to prove that LFC members were advised to boycott SB deliberations. There are a number of items that need to be clarified and justified like: Gender Advocacy for Development, Notice of Disallowance by Com-mission On Audit (COA) on salary adjustment in 2010, Non-appropriation for retirement benefits of SK Federation President, and employee of Agricultural Services Division.

It must be underscored that authority to make appropriation and salary adjustments are vested only in the SB. Notice of violation of COA rules and regulation by Office of Municipal Treasurer is valid simply because there is no SB resolution to that effect. Disbursements under RA 6730 is therefore illegal and must be paid back by respondents, Hon. Cordova believes.

Controversy on 2011 budget of Numancia arose because of failed human relationship. The Executive and Legislative branches of government are co-equal and independent yet by function they must cooperate with each other. Baring differences of political opinion, they must strive to come out with the best option given the resources at hand.

Bullying and stone-walling are tactics in the arsenal of scoundrels. For instance, what is wrong with asking a simple question as why the double working personality of Ms. Jaimma Maribojo? She is both a Budget Officer and MSWD Chief at the same time. One wonders whether this kind of local arrangement is sanctioned by the Civil Service Commission.

Going to more meaty matters, why include the 2nd tranch of salary adjustments when this was disallowed by COA? Why is there no appropriation for retirees under the Employment Compensation Benefits? These are legitimate questions.

Fortunately, the 2012 annual budget of Numancia is now being prepared by the Municipal Budget Officer. It is expected that more openness and accommodation on the contentious issues that prevailed earlier be ironed out. Otherwise, Numancia will experience stunted economic, physical and social growth. Clearly, the stakes are high to develop our communities with a responsive and transparent budgetary plan. This is not because it is the right thing to do but an obsession anchored on democratic ideals of governance. /MP

Tibiao, Antique’s Fish Spa Draws More Tourists

Since its inception two years ago, the Tibiao Fish Spa, the latest and most sought-after destination in Antique province, has already served more than 10,000 foreign and local tourists. The Fish Spa is located in Tibiao town.

A new branch located at SM City, Iloilo was officially started in October 2010. It already served some 20,000 guests, according to its general manager Flord Nicson J. Calawag.

With the increasing clients, the company is now preparing for its first franchise offering in Cebu and Davao cities just after making a grand opening in Boracay Island Resort, Malay, Aklan in April.

To diversify its promotion, a Fish Spa Restaurant will be opened in Roxas City, Capiz to allow clients to experience the fish spa as they wait for their orders, Calawag disclosed.

"Apart from relaxation and exfoliation of dead skin and callus, a trip to Tibiao Fish Spa is actually one good form of family bonding", Calawag explained.

Fishes in the spa help exfoliate dead skin and callous with a tickling effect as they nibble on one’s legs or hands. The fishes have teeth similar to a very fine sand paper which aid in the exfoliation.

"Customers now realized that fish is not only for healthy eating but can also clean their feet and hands after around 30 minutes", said Calawag.

Calawag claims their fish spa is scientifically run and together with two other partners, they developed a technology from breeding, feeding of fishes, and water sanitation.
In terms of breeding, they follow a certain ratio for male and female to have a good match. Already they have cross-bred seven species from the lone species they used to have, said Calawag.

"We are targeting to have 10 or more. We are looking for species for brackish water, salt water and warm water fish spa," he added.

"Filipinos are great imitators and we don’t have the monopoly of knowledge so we really have to make some strategy that will make it difficult for them to copy," he said.
A formulated feed was developed as too much feed can pollute water and consequently kill fishes. Moreover, they have also established a UV filter to kill bacteria, bio-filtration to clean wastes and carbon filter for the odor.

"UV filtration is a re-circulating system that passes through the filter and kills the bacteria". High end clients are very particular of sanitation because they are not immune from environmental bacteria", Calawag pointed out.

Based on their studies, fishes secrete anti-microbial enzyme, their natural way of defending themselves against bacteria or impurities. Calawag believes they are now the country’s pioneer in the fish spa industry.

A visit to the fish spa is part of the package being offered by the Katahum Tours for tourists who may want to visit Tibiao, Antique. In addition, the package also includes kayaking, Lambaklad Fishing which is a fishing experience with local fisherfolk on board a large raft that can accommodate a hundred persons in one time, trip to the seven-layered Bugtong Bato Falls, and the "kawa" hot bath, almost similar to a sauna bath. (PNA) /MP

Prepare Plan: Villar Urges Gov’t

Sen. Manny Villar last week urged government to prepare for the effects of the Saudization program, and adopt a plan of action to assist workers who may be displaced as companies in Saudi Arabia prioritize hiring their nationals.

"There is a need to adopt a comprehensive and responsive legislation and plan of action that can support and assist migrant Filipino workers who may be displaced," Villar said.　
　

The Nitaqat system took effect last month to fully implement the Saudization program. This refers to the national policy of Saudi Arabia to encourage employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector and reduce unemployment which currently stands at 10.5 percent.

"While the new system does not cover household service workers, the fact that about 90,000 OFWs working in small establishments could be affected, is a cause for concern. Workers may be displaced as companies only have until September to comply with the policy," Villar pointed out.
　

Under the policy, the Saudi Ministry of Labor has ordered all retail shops to hire Saudi women instead of foreigners.
　

Villar also filed proposed Senate Resolution 521 urging the Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development to assess the impact of the new ‘Nitaqat’ system enforced by the Saudi Arabian government.

"A true assessment of the impact of Saudization on our kababayan in Saudi will guide us craft a plan of action that will adequately assist workers and their families affected by this policy," Villar added.
　

He noted, with a total of 1.2 million, Filipinos are the fourth largest segment of workers in Saudi, followed by Pakistanis, Indians and Egyptians, each numbering to 1.8 million, 1.5 million, and 1.3 million respectively.

Migrante Middle East said around 350,000 Filipino workers in Saudi will be affected once the Nitaqat scheme has been fully implemented. /MP

Swift Justice Against Rapist Cabbie

by Alex P. Vidal

To all taxi drivers, please pay attention.

The first known case of rape in Iloilo involving a taxi driver as the perpetrator and a female student as the victim happened sometime in 1991 and ended in bizarre murder of the rapist.

The cabbie, Felipe "Pato" Palomado, 43, of Brgy. Kahirupan, City Proper, managed to rape the victim, (name withheld) a 17-year-old nursing student from a Catholic university located on General Luna St., City Proper, twice in as many assaults.

The first rape happened when the victim, daughter of a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer, boarded his cab from Anhawan Beach in Oton, Iloilo at past 6 o’clock in the evening.

But instead of bringing her to her boarding house in Lapuz, La Paz, Palomado brought her in an isolated grassy area going to the Iloilo International Port in Loboc, Bo. Obrero. Using superior force and intimidation, he violated her.

FEAR
　

Palomado succeeded in planting fear in the heart and mind of the victim who kept the incident to herself and did not tell anybody. But after only two days, Palomado "kidnapped" her while she was on her way home from school and forced her to board his taxi. This time, he ravaged her inside a drive-in motel in Mandurriao district.

Unfazed, the victim mustered enough strength and sought the help of a board mate who contacted her parents. The parents, surprisingly, did not report the matter to authorities.

After two weeks, a macabre scene shocked the Ilonggos: Palomado was found dead with 27 stab wounds in his body, his neck slashed. His lifeless body was sprawled inside his cab.

Bombo Radyo reporter Abe Beatingo (now SB member of Leon, Iloilo) made a flash report to early morning anchorman Manny Gallar (now Iloilo board member): "May isa ka bangkay sang taxi drayber nasapwan sa sulod sang taxi diri sa Loboc, Bo. Obrero. Ginpatihan sang kapulisan nga biktima ini sang holdup."(A dead body of a cabbie was found inside his cab in Loboc, Bo. Obrero. Police believed he was a victim of robbery.)　

　
EARNINGS

Police investigators, however, were puzzled when they discovered that Palomado’s earnings were intact, including his wallet which was not taken by the "robbers", or (culprit).

The big question mark that cropped up in their minds was: If he was not a victim of robbery, who killed Palomado?

Although dead men tell no tales, it was later learned from various sources and confidential testimonies of some taxi drivers and neighbors who knew Palomado that a "bidding had been held for his head."

"He had it coming," they chorused.

Why do I still vividly recall the circumstances of this crime story that happened 20 years ago? Because Palomado, a known womanizer, who was once suspected to have also raped his own daughter, used to live in an adjacent barangay where I grew up.

We hope the cabbie and his male accomplice who attempted (was there really no rape that happened?) to rape the 19-year-old daughter of an insurance executive from Villa Matilde Subdivision recently will not suffer Palomado’s predicament.　/MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Bugaeon Nga Pabo

Guina pabugae ni Pabo ro anang mayad ayad nga baeahibo. Sa bilog nga kasapatan nga may pakpak, imaw eamang ro naga panag iya it sari-saring kolor nga baeahibo. Abo kanang naga kahikaw nga mga manok, pispis ag bebe. Busa nagdugang pa guid ro anang pagkabugaeon.

Isaeang adlaw, samtang naga kinahig sa eogta agod maka tuka ro mga manok ag agak, umagi si Pabo.

"Hay kon ako kinyo, indi ako mag kinabudlay it pagkinahig. Masamad ro akong kuko ag mahigkuan pa ro akong baeahibo. Hueaton ko eon lang nga mag gueang ro mais ag baeatong", pasaring nga hambae ni Pabo. Naga hueat it haum ro Pabo. Imaw nga imaw ro guina inobra it Pabo kada agahon.

Kon gabi-e, idto imaw naga katoeog sa mataas nga tinumpok nga kahoy ay basi angkiton imaw it mga eanggam. Samtang ro mga manok hay una sa idauem naga katoeog.

Tumaliwan ro mga inadlaw. Ogaling, owa guihapon naga gueang ro mga mais. Ro baeatong hay owa man natuling. Indi pa mahimong anihon. Naka batyag it kagutom ro Pabo. Tongod sa kainit, amat-amat nga nagkaeamatay ro dahon it mais ag imaw man ro baeatong.

Isaeang gabii, may isaeang solterito, nag agi sa kamaisan, hilong nga naghaboy it upos it sigarilyo sa kamaisan. Tongod may kaeayo pa ro upos, hinay-hinay nga nag makot hasta golping sumiglab ag nasunog ro kamaisan. Nasunog ro mga mais ag baeatong, sipot guid. Tongod sa owa eon it makaon, napilitan nga magkaon it sunog nga mais ag baeatong ro bugaeon nga Pabo. Tongod sa kinaon, nagsakit ro anang tiyan. Sa kaeo-oy ko mga manok, andang guin tabang, guin bueong ro Pabo. Guin pakaon it eab-as nga eago agod matampi ro kasakit.

Nag mayad si Pabo. Halin kato, kaibahan eon imaw it mga manok nga naga usoy it pagkaon. Kon tiyempo it pagpu-po ko mais ag ani it baeatong, guina taw-an ko Pabo ro mga manok agod maka baeos man imaw sa guin himo kana nga kamaeayran. /MP

Antique Opens Home For Abused Girls

The local government unit (LGU) of San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, in partnership with the Let Us Care Foundation, Inc., recently opened a facility that will accommodate girls in difficult circumstances.

The facility, named as "Let’s Care Home for Girls", is an initiative of the Let’s Care Foundation based in The Netherlands with the Let Us Care Foundation, Inc. as its partner organization in the Philippines.

The shelter occupies the 299 square meters abandoned ice plant in Brgy. 4, near the San Jose Sea Port. It will be operated by the foundation free of lease for 20 years as per memorandum of agreement signed between the LGU and Let Us Care Foundation.

According to San Jose Mayor Rony L. Molina, the ice plant is an idle asset of the LGU, a discarded thing until the foundation turned it into a beautiful and significant structure.

Erna B. Vinkers, founder of Let’s Care Foundation, said the Let’s Care Home for the Girls will serve as a temporary shelter for girls five to 17 years old who are victims of sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse, forced into prostitution and neglected children.

Girls who are below five years old or 18 years old and above are special cases that could be accepted in the shelter as per assessment of the social worker and approval of the program administrator.

Let’s Care Home for Girls aims to provide a 24-hour alternative family care and healing to girls whose needs cannot be adequately met by their own families and relatives over a period of time due to circumstances and condition beyond their control.

"This (home for girls) shows that we Antiqueños are caring, especially to the less privileged," according to Antique Governor Exequiel B. Javier. (PNA)　/MP

Aklan Fil-Chinese Trader Is Missing

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was urged to probe and help solve the case of the missing wife of a Filipino-Chinese businessman in Aklan.

Police authorities said that Eliza Dy was reported missing by her family since April of this year.

Her husband Benny, who admitted that he is a suspect, also expressed hope that his name will be cleared once the NBI probe is completed.

Benny admitted that he had a quarrel with his wife and he physically harassed her prior to her disappearance.

The Dy family was puzzled because she left behind her cellular phones, personal belongings and even her bank accounts at their home here in Kalibo.

Photos of her being missing are now being circulated in Iloilo, Capiz and Boracay Island asking for possible information of her whereabouts.

Meantime, a man from Batan, Aklan was recently arrested by police operatives after sending a text message to Eliza’s daughter asking for P5,000 in exchange for information of her mother’s whereabouts.

The suspect, Sammy Sanciano, who already posted bail denied the accusation after he was arrested in an entrapment operation. (PNA)

To Upgrade Boracay Hospital To Medical Tourism Facility

The Department of Health (DOH) will assist in the upgrading of the Don Ciriaco Tirol Hospital also known as Boracay District Hospital into a medical tourism facility.

DOH regional director Dr. Ariel Valencia assured Boracay tourism industry will serve as springboard to more revenues for the province once the plan is done.

"We are only waiting for actions from the Aklan provincial government as they should take the lead for the plan to materialize. We will support them in this endeavor," said Valencia.

Boracay is identified by the DOH as one of the probable sites for the establishment of a medical tourism facility because it is considered a premier tourists destination in the country.

It is also expected to create more livelihood opportunities for people in the province. (PNA)　/MP

Disabled Child Matters To STAC

July is National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation month. Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) Kalibo celebrates it annually, every July 17-23. This year for the first time, Koolearth, Inc. (KE) and Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PNPAAAI) initiated the opening-salvo of the celebration.

KE and PNPAAAI collaborated with Aklan Provincial Police Office, Aklan Press Club, Inc., Aklan Medical Society and Allied Health Services, Philippine Dental Association – Aklan Chapter, Pharmaceuticals and Drugstore Association – Aklan Chapter, Rotary Club of Roxas, Local Government Unit of Kalibo, Division D – Toastmasters International and some individual philanthropists carried out a very successful Medical and Dental Mission. Some 130 special kids beneficiaries of STAC Kalibo, Banga, Malinao, Makato and Malay, were treated last July 1, 2011 at the APPO Multi-purpose Hall, Camp Pastor Martelino, New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan.

Some concerned people of our special kids helped in terms of their expertise, medicines, food and spent time to serve the lowliest and the poorest in the community.

For one, Atty. Clarence V. Guinto of Human Rights Affairs Office in Camp Crame, Quezon City through his initiative helped. He sent PSI Anna Marie Cabasa, MD and PSI Michelle Daguno (MD) from Metro Manila and the team from PNP Region VI – PSI Dexter Lopez (MD), PO3 Melvin Caldeo (MedTech) and PO2 Hitler Delorito, PCI Charlita A. Hontiveros and PI Jomar Cascano (Dentists of Capiz Health Service, Capiz PPO to assist the medical and dental mission.

The Aklan PNP Sub-station of Kalibo, Banga, Malinao, Makato and Malay were in-charge of logistics. Likewise, Malay Mayor John Yap, Hon. Victor Garcia – Aklan SP member, Cedric Sazon of Marzon’s Hotel, Capiz and Aklan Medical Representatives Association (CAMERA), Mia’s Drug-store, Rescate Drugstore, Bread and Butter, Berting Nakaya of Rotary Club of Kalibo, Jean’s Cakes and Pastries, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils – Kalibo Branch, Dr. Barb Moyer of Uplift Internationale, Seafront Pizza, and Infant Jesus Academy Kalibo Family Council of the many benefactors.

Mr. Wayne T. Malilay, president of PNPAAAI Aklan said, "These are the kids that we need to serve, they deserve our help more than anything else." While Joanna Tay-Meren, manager of STAC – Kalibo said, "this is the first time ever that STAC children benefited in the dental mission".

The Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center – Kalibo and its satellite centers all over Aklan offer free Rehabilitation services like Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy with Special Education (SPED) sessions, Parents’ Training Program (PTP), Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Training and other related services. /MP

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