Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Pekeng Paraiso

Gamhanan ag mang-garanon si Don Jose Valiente. Imaw ro tag ana it hacienda Valiente nga nahamtang sa mabahoe nga isla sa Visayas. Ana haeos ro kabilugan ko rondayang baryo. Abo imaw it mga tawohan sa rondayang banwa.

Malipayon nga naga kabuhi ro mga tawo. Bugana ro lugar it mga tunang manggad. Guina pasugtan sanda it Don kon ano ro andang itanom Tongod sa andang kahugod, nag progreso ro andang lugar. Guina kabig nanda nga paraiso ro andang lugar tongod sa kalinong ag bugana sa pagkaon.

Sa maeawig nga tiyempo nga nagtaliwan, nabaeo si Don Jose. Pagkamatay ko anang asawang si Donya Inez, nag asawa imaw it uman. Isaeang ka bata pa ag maluho nga babaye. Sunod ni Don Jose tanan ro kapritso ko anang ikaywang asawa. Kada adlaw, iba-ibang bisita ro naga abot sa andang lugar. May mga kasadyahan nga guina hiwat una sa hacienda ag kangay man ro mga tawo.

Kada adlaw, eain-eaing kalingaw-lingawan ro hakikita ko mga tawo. May una man nga naga baligya it mga sari-saring alahas, pagkaon, ag ilimnon nga owa nasamite ko mga tawo. Tongod sa bag-o sa andang panueok ag panlasa, guina usoy-usoy ko mga tawo ro ilimnanon hasta owa eon sanda naga obra tongod hanangda eon sanda sa mga panandalian nga kasadyahan.

Ka’t owa eon it kwarta ro mga tawo nga ibakae it ilimnon, ag manamit nga mga pagkaon, guin patanum sanda it isaeang ka tanum nga owa nanda makilaea. Ko olihi, hatun-an gidman nanda kon nano. Mariwana gali ro guina patanum kanda. Guin bakae kanda ro mga dahon sa manaba nga kantidad.

Pagtaliwan it pilang dag-on, nag iba ro pagpangabuhi ko mga tawo. Bugana ngani ogaling nangin matamad ag masingkae man ro andang batasan. Nagtuhaw ro pagka hikaw sa kada isaea. Ro mga kabataan hay mas nangin madahas ag haeanggaw sa kasadyahan.

Umabot ro tiyempo nga naka tagumpa-aw ro tanan. Guin usoy-usoy nanda ro dating kalinong ag pagka mahigugma-on. Nadumduman nanda ro bilin ko isaeang ka magueang nga ro paraiso hay makita man sa sueod it tagipusuon bukon it sa pang kalibutanon nga puno it pag pakuno-kuno. Ro paraiso nga andang guina tapakan makaron hay isaeang ka peke nga paraiso. Naka pabusog ko andang panueok ogaling bukon it bukae halin sa tagipusuon. Kon katon pa, Pekeng Paraiso. /MP

The Need For Remedial Reading

by Felmarie I. Taunan

"Reading is the magic key to the world of enlightenment. It is the basic tool for learning in all subject areas".

The Division of Aklan through Mr. Michael T. Rapiz, EPS – I in English initiated a 3 – day Division Training of District Trainers in Remedial Reading for both Elementary and Secondary Teachers and Supervisors on July 11–13, 2011. It was held at Kalibo Pilot Elem. School, Makabayan Center for Excellence. The training is envisioned to train our teachers on how to help our non – readers, frustration readers, and pupils who have no love for reading in an easy and interesting way.

Remedial Reading is defined as a teaching reading skills that have been taught but are not learned or teaching the reading skills for the first time. Evidence shows that remedial reading produces desirable results. But why we should diagnose reading difficulties of the child?

Diagnosis studies the child’s instructional needs based on the expectations of his chronological age, mental age, and grade placement. It seeks to discover why the child reds successfully or unsuccessfully, it gives information of the child’s problems in reading and, if so, what are they and their causes? These serve as a blueprint from which remediation is structured.

There are Eight Principles of Diagnosis’ 1) It is always directed toward formulating methods of improvement; 2) involves more than appraisal of reading skills and abilities; 3) must be efficient – going as far as and no farther than is necessary; 4) Only pertinent information should be collected by the most efficient means; 5) whenever possible, standardized test procedure should be used; 6) informal procedures may be required when it is necessary to expand the diagnosis.; 7) should be continuous and efficient; and 8) interweaving the parents about the child’s physical condition and nutritional status can be a great help.

Levels of performance are: instructional level – also free from observable signs of difficulty along with observable evidence of ability to profit from instruction frustration level – point at which the child becomes completely unable to handle the material.

Who are considered Poor Readers? 1) Slow Learner has the ability level with an IQ below 90; seldom reads on ability level, reads below grade level; the instruction needs to be adopted to his limited ability and the pace of instruction and teacher expectations must be realistic. 2) Reluctant Reader can read but will not; the root of the reading difficulties is the mental attitude of the pupil; solution of the reading problem begins with a change of attitude. 3) Disadvantaged Reader – potential often far exceeds performance; can learn and wants to learn; lacks adequate oral language because of inadequate experience; does not look upon reading as life-related; often feels alienated from the larger social structure; often deficient in auditory attention and needs to learn how to learn. 4) Retarded Reader is usually of average or above average intelligence, although a retarded reader could also be a slow learner, does not read on ability level, may or may not be reading below grade level and may show blocks to learning, especially emotional or neurological, which keep him from learning to read.

What makes reading interesting? How will a teacher entice a reluctant child to read? Is the availability of remedial reading a big problem? These are some of the queries of many of the teachers today. One suggestion discussed in that training is on how to improve the learners to love and to make it easier for them to read is thru our Local Reading Materials. It has an objective of inspiring our teachers to make reading materials; realize that Filipino children are most interested about things that they can relate with a good source of reading text such as: stories and situations about their lives, graphics, and visuals like cartoons and comic strips that can enhance their reading ability.

Why are pictures/illustrations are important? As Sam Glover said, "Humans tend to remember pictures, not data. 72 hours after listening to information, most people retain only 10 percent 72 hours after seeing information, most people retain 65 percent. In other words, if you want your students to remember what you tell them, show it with pictures". And being a teacher, I myself do believe in this. Teachers must give situations that are local or actual to the learners such as a mother and a girl washing clothes, a father and a boy cutting firewood and children gathering it, children helping their parents on their household chores or the family that prays the Angelus.

These are situations they can easily relate with. Conceptualized the materials that will be used. Know the child’s level, the nature and its background. Make sure that the materials that are being used are attractive to them. Since reading can be one of man’s deepest pleasures, it extends his experiences, giving him a glimpse of the world’s excitement, pleasure and wisdom. With these, we’re truly sure that every child is a reader.

"Dare to touch the heart of the weak, unwilling, uninspired, ashamed children. Teachers are Angels and Servants of the Greatest educator who will make an accounting about how patient we were in CHANGING LIVES." /MP

Tibiao, Antique Gears For 2012 ‘Int’l Kayaking Cup’

All roads will lead to the town of Tibiao, Antique, a fourth class municipality next year. Tibiao gears to gather kayaking enthusiasts worldwide for the staging of the 2012 International Kayaking Cup.

Flord Nicson J. Calawag, one of the founders of the Katahum Tours that will handle the marketing of the event, said the white water of Tibiao is a unique selling point of the municipality.

"Tibiao River is one of the best white water rivers in the Philippines perfect for kayaking. We are preparing for the second ‘International Kayaking Cup,’ to be held in Tibiao, Antique, the first was in 1997. This is a big event that will further boost the tourism industry in Tibiao," he explained.

Each station of the river has varieties like a one-meter drop and boulders that will allow maneuvering for various courses.

Kayaking has five grades namely, basic kayaking or Grade 1; Grade 2 is a higher level where the participants must counter flow with the water; Grade 3 has boulders and drops while Grades 4 and 5 are for professionals as they have drops and maneuvers.

"All of those are perfectly suitable at Tibiao River which is actually a seven to nine - kilometer stretch," Calawag explained.

The Tribal Adventures will provide for the venue and equipment. The head of the group travels to Australia this July to look for partner kayaking associations to build more facilities for the international event.

They are also going on site visits to establish different courses and identify stations for those who would like to try.

The LGU of Tibiao, on one hand,is focusing and prioritizing on infrastructure projects, especially on the construction of a farm-to-market road to Brgy.Tono, the venue of the event.

The LGU Tibiao is also working on its tourism, environmental and investment codes to at least regulate tourism-related activities.

Tibiao Mayor Walden Lim affirmed they are gearing to become the ‘Kayaking Capital of the Philippines’ specifically for white water kayaking, starting off with this event.

The international event is expected to gather enthusiasts from 12 countries which will be held in September or October 2012. (PNA) /MP

Tala-oc Is New Bishop of Diocese of Kalibo

After almost two years of waiting, Diocese of Kalibo got a new Bishop.

Most Rev. Jose Corazon Tumbagahan Tala-oc, D.D. was installed the new bishop of the Diocese of Kalibo, by his Most Rev. Fr. Onesimo C. Gordoncillo, D.D of the Diocese of Capiz, on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at the St. John De Baptist Church, Kalibo, Aklan.

Bishop Cor was born in Tagas, Tangalan, Aklan on June 16, 1950, on the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, hence, the name "Corazon". "Msgr. Cor" or "Bishop Cor" is dear to him. He took up his Pre-College and Philosophy at St. Pius X Seminary, Roxas City, and his Theology at Central Seminary, University of Sto. Tomas, Manila. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1975 and Bachelor of Sacred Theology in 1979.

He was first appointed as the 4th Bishop of the Diocese of Romblon by His Holiness Pope John Paul II on June 11, 2003, ordained as Bishop on July 30, 2003 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Kalibo, Aklan, and installed as Bishop of Romblon on Sept. 2, 2003.

On May 25, 2011, Most Rev. Tala-oc was appointed as the 4th Bishop of the Diocese of Kalibo by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, and finally, installed as Bishop of Kalibo on July 20, 2011.
Since its inception in 1976, Bishop Cor Tala-oc is the first member of the clergy of the Diocese of Kalibo and who was elevated to the Catholic Hierarchy. He is the 6th Aklanon to become a Bishop. He joins the ranks of the late Gabriel M. Reyes, D.D., Archbishop of Cebu and later of Manila; the late Jaime L. Cardinal Sin, D.D., Archbishop of Manila; the late Ciceron Tumbocon, D.D., Bishop of Cabanatuan; Gabriel V. Reyes, D.D., former auxiliary Bishop of Manila, then Bishop of Kalibo, and the Bishop of Antipolo; Raul Q. Martirez, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of San Jose De Buenavista, Antique, and Julius S. Tonel, D.D., Bishop of Ipil.

Bishop Tala-oc with Rev. Fr. Ulysses I. Dalida, the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Kalibo, led the processions to the altar, also with the Diocesan Board of Consultors, some of the members are from the Religious Congregations and the Laity where they all gathered from the main doors of the St. John The Baptist Cathedral.

Fr. Dalida, after a brief welcome remark for Bishop Cor at the Cathedral, then officiated the solemn mass in honor of his installation. The clergy of the Diocese of Kalibo, the clergy of the Diocese of Romblon, The clergy of the Archdiocese of Capiz, and other concelebrating clergies of the Arch/dioceses of the Philippines, Diocesan Council of the Laity, and Tala-oc and Tumbagahan families, joined the very historical occasion.

Rev. Fr. Mark Randy G. Beluso, is the master of Liturgical Ceremonies assisted by the Santo Nino Seminary Liturgical Altar Servers, Santo Nino Seminary Choir, St. Blaise Choir-Kalibo, Diocesan Liturgical Ministry, Diocesan Cathechetical Ministry, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, St. John The Baptist and St. Jude Thaddeus Parish, Campus Ministry and Religious Education Faculty –Aklan Catholic College and the Diocese of Kalibo parishioners in putting all together a very solemn, successful and historical event in the province of Aklan.

Government officials, priests, seminarians, different schools representatives through their liturgical committee, students, and other parishioners from the province of Romblon, Capiz, Antique and Aklan were also present to witness the occasion.

The well-loved Bishop Cor, accepted the challenge with joy, excitement and commitment of heart as he embarks on his new pastoral ministry. The newly installed Bishop configures his life to Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest and the Good Shepherd and takes on the challenge and mandate of the Lord. In his words, "I will be looking forward to serve as the servant of God to the whole Diocese of Kalibo. It will be an exciting and smooth journey for everyone. I love you all." by Megs S. Lunn /MP

EDITORIAL

Givers of PCSO Fund Must Bear Heavy Penalty,

Not Recipients

Sen. Chiz Escudero has urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to take cognizance of the pieces of information revealed at the Senate inquiries into the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) fund mess.
　

The second Senate hearing last week unearthed damaging information that implicated former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after former PCSO general manager Rosario Uriarte admitted that she was able to draw additional funds for intelligence operations of the agency, which were later found, at the course of the inquiry, to have been misappropriated and used for questionable or non-existent projects.
　

Uriarte told the Senate panel that portions of the agency’s intelligence fund were diverted to relief operations and "blood money" donations to Filipino workers facing death sentences in the Middle East.
　

All the disbursements, Uriarte admitted, were approved by Arroyo.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, said the DOJ should seriously look into Uriarte’s testimonies considering that her statements were given under oath and now a matter of public record.

"I leave it with the DOJ to decide on the matter but I hope they will consider the merits and the weight of the testimonies. The PCSO has been used as a promoter of patronage politics by the past administration and as such it has become a source of injustice and inequality in the use and distribution of its charity fund," Escudero pointed out.

The senator said under the Revised Penal Code both Arroyo and Uriarte may be liable for malversation of public funds.

"At the very least, they could be charged with malversation of public funds given that they used government money for a purpose, however noble, other than what the fund was intended for," the senator argued.
　

He stressed "personal gain" was neither shown nor proven during the hearing to make the liability plunder, the staggering amounts of the said intelligence funds exceeded P50 million notwithstanding. With these revelations, the PCSO charter must be revisited and made true to its purpose and mandate by amending certain provisions that have been abused in the past.

The PCSO should ensure a more equitable distribution of its allotment after issues relating to fund misuse and unfair allocation were discovered in the agency.
　

Escudero during the Senate inquiry into the PCSO fund mess that centers on the vehicles and cash allegedly given to Catholic bishops allegedly close to the previous administration recommended the country’s premiere charity institution should come up with strict and clear guidelines on how funding will be equitably and judiciously distributed among areas where assistance is actually needed.

"Based on these discoveries mostly culled from Commission on Audit (COA) reports, the PCSO is used as a pork barrel by the past sitting president, favored only a selected few. The PCSO　is meant to service health programs, medical services and charities of national character, totally inclusive of all Filipinos in need of assistance and not only exclusive to those who fall on the good side of the sitting president," Escudero pointed out.

The new PCSO administration is pushing to clean the house. This upstart should be coupled with a strong dynamics of equitable distribution of funds utilizing existing system. Escudero asked the PCSO to provide the guidelines on how decisions on medical assistance and grants are made.

"We can use the census and our labor force survey to identify the extent and magnitude of poor families by areas. The PCSO can use this to target and to reach the most number of people in the provinces too and extend its services," the senator said.
　

At the course of the hearing, Escudero asked PCSO officials the manner and equity of their fund distribution. The PCSO officials admitted that out of the 79 provinces in the country, it only has 29 offices located nationwide.

"This should not be the case anymore as it is again a reminder of the "Imperial Manila" syndrome where most of the services and grants are accessible only to the people in the metropolis," reminded Escudero.

"The poor and sick people are not concentrated only in certain parts of the country. We have them all over the country. I believe that the 29 offices of PCSO nationwide have pre-identified the poorest areas where fund allocation and disburse-ment are most needed, like the ARMM and majority of Mindanao," Escudero explained.

A dynamic system is partly a matter of being able to allocate to the right areas and performing post, and checking if assistance was indeed distributed. "The PCSO must rely on a matching system for it to be able to prioritize or have a notion of where charity must be distributed," said Escudero. The PCSO officials whose function is fund allocation must bear penalty and not the receivers who cannot choose like the bishops. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Sweet Death

Before midnight of Monday, July 11, a professor from Rizal Technological College, Tanay, Rizal died of Cardiovascular disease (CVD). He was 41 years old and was a delegate of his college to the Philippines Association of State Universities and Colleges conference being held at the Aklan State University in Banga.

Earlier that evening, he attended with his fellow delegates a fellowship dinner. After which, he with his room mate in the ASU guest house returned to their room. They rested, conversed but after a while he felt dizzy. His room mate called for help.

The victim was immediately brought to the DRSTMH, Kalibo.

But the victim died on the way. The physician on duty at DRSTMH pronounced him dead on arrival.

"All that live must die passing through nature to eternity", according to Shakespeare. That professor died in line of duty. He has a sweet and easy way of dying.

DRUG FREE?

Who said Aklan is "drug free"? Shabu estimated to cost some P1 million was confiscated at Caticlan Airport upon its arrival. The PNP arrested two persons named Jonajim Lima and Alexander Mildred of Pasay City. They are charged before the Provincial Prosecutors Office, Kalibo, Aklan for violating the Com-prehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. This apprehen-sion is said to be the biggest in Boracay, Malay, Aklan.

FEAR

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III seemed to fear the Aklanons during his visit. When he visited Caticlan, Malay about two weeks ago, he brought several hundreds of PSG. Some came days before his arrival.

During his arrival, thousand of soldiers and policemen with long arms were deployed to secure him. There were armored vehicles.

Similar happened last Tuesday, July 12 in Kalibo. While he was inside the ABL sports complex, a helicopter flew shortly before his arrival until his departure.

From the Kalibo International Airport, P-Noy motored directly to ABL in Estancia, Kalibo via the shortest route. Unlike other presidents before him, there was no motorcade to allow the people along the routes to view P-Noy. His last two visits in Aklan were very short of low quality visit.

BOXING LADY MAYOR

Mayor Sarah Duterte of Davao City is now called the "boxing lady mayor" of the Philippines.

Boxing lady Mayor Sara Duterte requested the Sheriff to stay for two hours the houses demolition until her arrival. But Sheriff Abe Andres started the demolition even before she arrived. On her arrival, she boxed the Sheriff for four times resulting to a black left eye. The Provincial Sheriff Abe Andres was implementing Court Order to demolish houses constructed on a private real property in Davao City.

Asked if he will file court case against Mayor Duterte, Sheriff Andres said, "No". But the Sheriffs’ Association will do the filing of the case against the boxing lady mayor.

MORE DEMOCRACY

Aklan is an excellent democratic haven. Ukay-ukays are being displayed along the sidewalks, tricycle repair/vulcanizing shops are allowed to do business by the roadsides. These shops block the way, pollute the air with noise, smoke and oil spills that make the road slippery.

In front of the ABL Sports Complex, vendors enjoy spreading their things for sale even occupying one fourth (1/4) portion of the highway. Where is order of things? N-O-N-E!
But beware for a wayward vehicle might hit them. Where are the road safety enforcers? They are there present but highly tolerant. /MP

P-Noy Visits Aklan

An estimated crowd of 4,000 trooped to the ABL Sportscomplex to welcome P-Noy on Tuesday morning, July 11, 2011 in Kalibo, Aklan.

Aklan Governor, Hon. Carlito S. Marquez, Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores and Kalibo Mayor William S. Lachica received His Excellency, Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III. The short program of his visit was held at Augusto B. Legaspi Gymnasium, Capitol Site, Kalibo, Aklan where P-Noy distributed some cash for social services to the poor.

The program included project briefings on: a. Philhealth Cards, b. Supplementary Feeding Program, c. Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, and d. 4P’s by Hon. Corazon Juliano – Soliman (DSWD Secretary). P-Noy distributed Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) through Hon. Anthony Parungao (DAR USEC); and e. financial support to agricultural projects in Aklan by Dir. Larry Nacionales.

The Supplementary Feeding Program checks were received by the Municipal Mayors with their respective municipal social workers, treasurer and day care officers. The Philhealth Cards were received by rep-resentatives of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, one of whom was Mr. Prosperino I. Necodemus, 66 years old, a farmer from Malinao.

A total of 2.1 million pesos was released for the 5,798 pre-schoolers in seven municipalities of Aklan which are: Balete – P221, 760 for 616 pre-schoolers, Banga – P251,640 for 699 pre-schoolers, Ibajay – P507,960 for 1,411 pre-schoolers, Kalibo – P446,040 for 1,239 pre-schoolers, Lezo – P95,040 for 264 pre-schoolers, Libacao – P509,400 for 1,415 pre-schoolers, and Tangalan – P120,240 for 334 pre-schoolers.

The supplementary feeding program is the provision of food in addition to the regular meals to currently enrolled day care center children. This will be in the form of hot meals as recommended by Food and Nutrition Research Institute to be served during break time to children in day care centers. The beneficiaries of the program are the three-year old and four-year-old children; and those five-year-old children not catered in DepEd but enrolled in day care. This is aimed to augment support for children in day care centers and to improve knowledge, attitude and practices of children enrolled in day care centers, parents and caregivers through intensified nutrition and health education.

There are three municipalities participating in the program which are Kalibo, Makato, and Numancia. They received Social Pension of P280,500 intended for 187 elderly persons. Social pension is the monthly stipend at P500 each to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of indigent senior citizens to fulfill the obligation of the government to protect the most vulnerable sector through social protection mandated by Republic Act 9994. For the 1st quarter 2011, the 16 LGU’s in Aklan received the social pension fund. For this quarter, seven LGU documents are being processed.

On Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a total of P24,000 was released to 14 beneficiaries. Libacao has eight household beneficiaries with a total grant of P12,500 while Madalag has six with a total grant of P11,500. The 4 P’s is the national government’s flagship program for poverty alleviation for the poorest families with children 0-14 years old. It provides conditional cash grants to poor families amounting to P500 a month per household for one year, and P300 a month per child for health and nutrition for a maximum of three (3) children, for 10 months.

In Western Visayas, Pantawid Pamilya is implemented in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental. It covers 75 municipalities, 11 cities and 173,723 households. The program covers 14 municipalities in Aklan with P105,029,200 released for the 23, 322 households. /MP

NVC and Rotary Clubs Unveil Rotary Land Marker

Officers of the Rotary Club of Tokyo Jonan posing for a souvenir picture in front of the Rotary Land Marker situated on the portion of Bakhawan Eco-Park. (ARV Photo)

by GLORIA T. VILLAS

Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC) and the Rotary Club of Kalibo, welcomed the arrival of Rotary Clubs of Tokyo Jonan and Makati South at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) on Monday morning, July 11, 2011. NVC community was led by its president, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo and the Rotary Club of Kalibo by its president, Bing Santamaria in welcoming the visitors from Tokyo Japan and Makati City.

From the KIA, the group proceeded to the Bakhawan Eco Park, New Buswang, Kalibo for the unveiling ceremonies of the Rotary Land Marker. The marker weighs 200 kilograms made of steel and erected on the portion, now called Rotary Land, of the Bakhawan Eco Park.

Mrs. Lorna T. Sison, NVC Environmental Club adviser disclosed that this marker demonstrates the continuing commitment of the Rotarians of Tokyo Jonan and Makati South in environmental con-servation and protection.

Last year, the Rotary Club of Tokyo Jonan funded the Bakhawan Planting project of 30,000 bakhaw propagules covering a 10 hectare area at a total cost of Php100, 000.00.

"Among those tapped to plant was the NVC Environmental Club. While they planted, they are also caring it", Mrs. Sison said. The Rotary Club of Kalibo was also on hand to support different projects and groundwork concerning the Bakhawan Eco-Park.

Mr. Kuni Minomoto of the Rotary Club of Tokyo Jonan said, "the environment conservation and protection are essential not just only here in the Philippines but also all over the world and I believe that trees are the verve and safe haven of all living things.

With pleasure, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, NVC president thanked the NVC Environmental Club for actively participating in different advocacies to preserve the environment. Along with the projects of the NVC Environmental Club is the adoption of a school based solid waste management, seminar workshops, lectures, Beach Clean Up, Art and Essay Writing Contests concerning man and his biosphere. It also joins the Most Eco-Friendly School Contest sponsored by the DepEd and DENR.

After the unveiling ceremonies, the group ate lunch at Hernanis Kalibo, held a dialogue with the officers and members of RC Kalibo about matters of common concern. The group returned to Manila at 5 o’clock in the afternoon of the same day, Monday. /MP

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