MADYAAS PEN

Sunday, August 07, 2011

Embracing Humanity

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

"Service above self" is the motto of Rotary Club. There are two Rotary Club organizations in Kalibo which are quite distinct and separate yet united by common ideals and principles. The Rotary Club of Kalibo is headed by President Bing Santamaria and the Rotary Club of Metro Kalibo by Apol Zaraspe both were present together with their key officers at a weekly Kapihan on July 30, 2011.

Other guests included Dr. Vic Santamaria, Dr. Arnold Jayme, Atty. Tony Tabang, Dr. Botoy Villorente, and Mr. Ely Villanueva.

Dr. Villorente said that Rotary Club is a civic, voluntary organization composed of men and women actively engaged in the pursuit of their chosen business and profession or occupation but who has extra time to serve others in need. There must be absolute willingness to join the cause of volunteerism, attend meetings and pay the required membership fee and assessment to finance projects. Admission to the organization is by invitation only not a personal option according to Dok Botoy.

Any member is privileged to: 1. attend meetings, 2. participate in all activities, 3. pay its dues, 4. learn new ideas, and 5. enjoy Rotary (APPLE). Bing Santamaria plainly admits that RC is elitist probably in the sense that pioneers were businessmen and professionals who had talents and financial capability. Majority of them actually belongs to upper bracket of society. However, over the years, the membership has expanded and no longer limited to the above groups.

Rotarians are a network of inspired people to initiate and make positive changes in the community and people. Today, RC Kalibo is 45 years in the service. Worldwide, there are 1.2 million members in 33,000 Rotary Clubs organizations. Clearly, we have shed the elitist tag which distorts peoples’ perception toward us. Moreover, we are not a funding agency as some people think.

RC Kalibo has been on the forefront of health, livelihood and educational thrusts in closed coordination with LGU’s. Of significance is facilitating donation of pediatric equipment to DRSTMH worth P40 million and educational equipment to ANHSAT worth P7 million by Rotary International. Others are livelihood program on food processing among single moms and widows in Malogo, New Washington, and supplemental feeding among pre-schoolers in New Washington, Makato, and Kalibo. It has established a school library in New Washington Comprehensive High School, New Washington.

Dr. Jayme, a pediatrician manages service projects on children education and health. He said that their nutrition intervention is supplemental feeding for the 1st and 2nd degree malnourished children aged 2-6 years old. Duration is 3 months, budgeted at P200 per day (6 days a week) with parents doing food preparation and feeding in Day Care Centers. Closely integrated into this program are health check-ups, distribution of Vit pills, nutrition leaflets and info dissemination. This year, tuberculosis control among children will begin.

Atty. Tony Tabang said that RC is also focused to assist people with legal problems and in the pursuit of justice. His law office is open to the needy in particular and would be pleased to welcome those who seek assistance.

Apol Zaraspe bared his parallel projects on nutrition feeding program, literacy and livelihood. Previously, RC Metro Kalibo has donated 100 wheelchairs for disabled patients at DRSTMH and book donation to public schools in Tangalan and Numancia. A number of "payao" or fish aggregating devices were turned over to fisherfolks in Baybay, Makato to improve their income and way of life.

"While RC Metro Kalibo is an offspring of RC Kalibo, we treat each other as co-equal, and autonomous", said Zaraspe. RC Kalibo and RC Metro Kalibo held a joint induction program of all officers in the evening of July 30 at Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Training Center, Old Buswang, Kalibo.

On the whole, Rotary International thrusts are focused for the development of people capability to make life more enjoyable and meaningful. Rotary theme this year is "Reach Within to Embrace Humanity". /MP

Embracing Humanity

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Other guests included Dr. Vic Santamaria, Dr. Arnold Jayme, Atty. Tony Tabang, Dr. Botoy Villorente, and Mr. Ely Villanueva.

On the whole, Rotary International thrusts are focused for the develop-ment of people capability to make life more enjoyable and meaningful. Rotary theme this year is "Reach Within to Embrace Humanity". /MP

Youth In Conflict With The Law Deserve Better Chance

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Children in conflict with the law is covered by RA 9344 or Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. As such criminal liability is raised from previous 9 years under the old statute to 15 years old providing ample rehabilitation measures and restoration to the victims. Speaker is Atty. Eric Henry Joseph E. Mallonga, Board member MTRCB and Consultant of Bantay Bata 13 before a crowd of 300 students, PNP, DSWD, and mediamen at the CSQ Gymnasium, Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo on July 29, 2011.

Mallonga advised law enforcement agencies particularly PNP and DOJ personnel not to harass, stigmatize and alienate youthful offenders since they may bear the emotional and physical trauma for life. If a minor is committed to a prison cell with hardened adults, everything fowl happens like being tattooed, sodomized or tortured to death. In short a living hell.

Rather than subjecting them to stigma and abuse, LGU’s must establish rehabilitation Centers for youth where intervention measures may consist of sports, livelihood and creative arts programs. This can be strengthened by integration of school, church, and home in uplifting their welfare said Atty. Mallonga.

Under the correction process, the PNP after taking custody of the youthful offender call the parents/guardian and DSWD Social Worker to determine whether the child acted with discernment. If evaluation proves positive, the offender is committed to a rehabilitation center. Consequently after the counselling, both the offender and victim opt for peaceful resolution of the case.

RA 9344 stipulates that one (1) percent of the total budget must be earmarked for youth rehabilitation. In 2008, a total of P43 billion was available for disposal by LGU’s in the country. Unfortunately, the law was never implemented in earnest despite its initial funding of P50 million.

Nevertheless, PD 603 mandates LGU’s to rehabilitate youth offenders. The passage of Aklan’s Children Code presently benefits only 25 children for Balik Escuela program. Administered by Provincial Social Workers, each one is given food, transport and personal allowance. This may drastically change with Gov. Carlito S. Marquez’ pledge to commit adequate funding for the planned Aklan Rehabilitation Center. It is never too late to make restitutions.

Atty. Mallonga passionately appeals for love, protection and understanding toward our wayward youth. After all, offenses are just petty crimes and culprits curiously yellow with drugs, sex and hooliganism. As part of growing up, there is no permanence because the thrill rapidly wears off. He has high praise for Quezon City’s youth rehabilitation and New Zealand’s unwavering love of children when the latter raised its criminal liability age to 25.

Youth program in the US appears to be sensible since NGO’s supported by the church, professionals and businessmen manage pro-active work program designed to channel excess energy of youngsters into productive endeavors. Favorite mainstays are hip hop dance competition, music and painting lessons and usual basketball held all day long until evening where youths tend to be very active.

Obviously, these noteworthy intervention programs that could be adopted by a compassionate society mindful of its biggest resource – the youth, he concluded. /MP

Reason & Concern

by Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Marquez’ Agricultural Development Program

Since his assumption as provincial governor of Aklan in 2004, Governor Carlito S. Marquez has followed to the hilt and strictly with sustaining and continuous passion the two major thrusts of his administration - tourism industry and agricultural development.

His agricultural development 　program, conscious of the need for food security, is being accompanied with a regreening and beautification program. It is now proceeding on its fourth year. The re-greening and beautification program is an attraction for tourists going to Boracay and "for those who travel via the RORO nautical highway, with 176 participating barangays and 65 residential entries" according to the Aklan Provincial Tourism Office.

Aware of climate change and the apparent problem of food security besetting certain provinces in the country, the Marquez administration is implementing national program for agriculture such as, but not limited to : rice (hybrid, inbred, commercial), high value commercial crops (corn, mango, other fruits and vegetables)　integrated pest management or Sakalikasan, Palayamanan Kabuhayan,　organic farming　system, abaca production, modified rapid composting and　fisheries.

Although the rice production program suffered from El Niño and La Niña phenomena, Aklan remains a rice exporting province complementing the rice needs of other provinces. Aklan province had established concrete artificial reefs, fish　enhancing devices, shoreline pro-tection and rehabilitation project, techno demo on high saline tilapia culture in cage, modified tilapia culture in pond, oyster culture, and the distribution of bangus fingerlings as part of the fishery development programs.

In retrospect, and the year is not far distant, a pilot project on　pangasius fish culture, considered as the next big thing in fishery was initiated in 2010. It is projected to 　present new business opportunities for Aklanons.

In April 2010, the Marquez provincial administration, through　its Economic Enterprise Development Department and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist with the technical supervision from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources provincial fisheries　office launched the Lambaklad project at Baybay, Makato worth　P1.9 million. After six months of operation, it earned a net income of P579,935, more than half of which were allocated to Makato fisherfolks and their multi-purpose cooperative as their net income share. Similar Lambaklad projects are contemplated to be launched at Mabilo, Kalibo and Katipunan, Buruanga.

Financial assistance was provided by the Department of Agriculture for corn production, high value commercial crops, rice　program 　reaching P59.2 million. Also , a Pl5 million farm-to-market road was granted. Along with these is the announcement 　made during President Aquino’s July 12, 2011 visit to Aklan, a P26 million agricultural fund for Aklan shall be available this year.

The Agricultural Training Institute　granted funds for livelihood trainings and programs. Several thousands of hybrid corn seeds were distributed to 1,845 farmer beneficiaries amounting to P5 million for Aklan’s hybrid subsidy from　Deparetment of Agriculture-RFU VI.

Vegetable production program resulted into the distribution of vegetable seeds benefiting thousands of　farmers. Technology demonstration centers were established.

The Aklan provincial government distributed several thousands of Lakatan banana suckers, planted 13,260 mango trees in line with mango production program in 221‘ hectares complemented the reforestration efforts as tree seedlings were planted.

The production of abaca fiber had reached a total production of 1,242,344 kilograms valued at P50 million. The　2010 decrease in abaca production was traced to the abaca mosaic disease. This was controlled with the assistance of the Fiber Development Authority. There are now 4,208 hectares planted　to abaca involving 4,109 farmers. It is during the Marquez administration when Aklan is ranked among the Philippines’ top ten producers of abaca.

NFA-Aklan continues effectively its palay procurement, rice and certified seeds distribution, milling and dispersal programs　for the year preceding. Implementation of the hunger mitigation program and food for school program with the DepEd and the DSWD were done　successfully. The Marquez administration may be considered as the leading exponent of Aklan’s agricultural development since Aklan became a　separate and distinct province on April 25,1956 from Gov. Jose Raz Meñez to Gov.ernor Carlito S. Marquez.

I would end by hoping and praying that provincial administration would concentrate on agricultural development for food security as food security has become a serious　national concern in the same vein and manner as　Marquez administration is doing in its agricultural development efforts.

In the February 2011 food summit otherwise known as Agriculture and Fisheries 2025 (AF2025), the government　has admitted　that Agriculture and its development would be our answer to food　security. /MP

How Can We Help Our President

by Alex P. Vidal

Who says millionaires don’t cheat? Everyone will be tempted when opportunity presents itself. But not all will be tainted.　

Being rich and unmarried, President P-Noy has no reason to steal. His parents were never known to have dipped their fingers on the cookie jar; they were tempted, yes, but not tainted.

Man’s special dignity lies in goods which no other animal shares with him, as other animals share with him the goods of food, shelter, and even those of sleep and play.

　
OFFICE

After more than 100 days in office, President P-Noy should continue to stand firm on the ideals of the late former Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Jr. and the late former President Corazon "Tita Cory," that sterling legacy that has helped catapult the Aquino clan into political fame — and gave Kris Aquino guts to collect boys (when can this presidential sister nail a real man?) like Hello Kitty toys.

While the President may be immaculate, nobody walks a saint in Malacanang; no public official under the present system can match Caesar’s wife, who was beyond suspicion: they will all be subjected to severe suspicion and scrutiny. Lest we forget, we always stumble on a serpent in every paradise, and a snake in every forest. Public office, where cash is aplenty, is no exception!

SUCCUMB
　

Only when the President succumbs to influence of friends and relatives will he be destroyed like Erap and Gloria. Being born with a silver spoon, the President is deemed to have passed the temptation of covetousness.

If he is a rational person, President P-Noy will no longer hanker for material grandeur. If he has a sanity, he will try not to suffer from the sanity of others—those waiting for the right opportunity to enrich themselves under his administration.

Because of the trust given him by his late parents, the President can’t afford to go against them. A good fruit must come from a good tree.
　

CHARACTER

But we can’t tell the character of the man. As Voltaire had said, we can change institution but not the nature of man whose character can only be transformed by rationality and values — philosophical and spiritual.

As citizens, we are duty bound to help our leader fight not only graft and corruption and poverty, but also the tentacles of mysticism, dogmatism, superstition, and, most of all, ignorance! /MP　

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Sekreto Nga Eongib

Mabuhay eon nga mga dinag-on nga owa it naga inato sa rondayang eongib. Owa man it interes ro mga ulihing tubo nga tukibon kon ano ro sa sueod ko eongib ngara. Ogaling sa mga katigueangan, rondayang eongib hay baeay ko andang Babaylan ko tiyempo pa it mga datu nga sanda ro nag pamuno sa andang lugar.

May sangka datung masyadong pintas, si Datu Daeogdog. Ro anang sugo hay owa it makabali. Ag kon maakig imaw hay matsa naga daeogdog ro palibot. Si Datu Daeogdog hay maila-on man it babaye. Ka’t imaw hay naka unga sa isaeang ka sueogo-on it reyna, guin patawag nana ro Babaylan agod ban-awon kon ano ro swerte ko anang onga. Suno sa pag tugma it Babaylan, rondayang unga hay eaeaki ag ro maga pabaylo sa pagpangabuhi ko tanan ag maka pahalin kana sa pagka datu.

Naakig si Datu Daeogdog. Bu-ot nana nga bag-uhon ro tugma it Babaylan. Busa anang guin papatay ag gin eubong mismo una sa eongib ro Babaylan. Parabil guin eubong ro Babaylan, nag-daeogdog ag nag pangilat it masyadong masilaw.

Nagtunga ro ma-damoe nga aso. Sa kakibot ko tanan, naduea ro patay nga eawas ko Babaylan. Nag uli ro mga soldado it Datu nga puno it kakugmat.

Halin kato, guin kahadlukan ro eongib. Owa eon it naga sueod sa ratong eongib hasta nagmalinghot ro lugar nga guin tubuan it mga baeagon.

Tumaliwan ro mga dinag-on, nangin siyudad eon ro lugar. Una mat-a guihapon ro eongib. Umabot ro adlaw, may mga Boy Scouts nga nag "camping" sa rondayang lugar. Isaea eon si Pedrito. Pagkatapos nanda it pamahaw, nagpamasyar-pasyar imaw. Tag naga tikang tikang imaw, ,may habatyagan imaw, mingko may naga tawag kana nga mag adto sa eongib. Guin sunod nana ro panawagan kana. Guin adtonan nana ro gina halinan it limog hasta umabot ag nagsueod imaw sa eongib.

May hakita imaw nga magueang nga naga pungko sa bato. Masilaw ro puti nga biste ko magueang. Guin paypay imaw ag guin tawag sa pangaean nga Salim. Hakibot imaw sa anang pangaean. Ham-an it si Salim imaw tawgon?

Guin taw-an imaw it puti nga bato ko magueang ag guin bilinan nga usahon eamang ro putting bato sa kamaeayran. Golpi eang hakatoeog si Salim, paagi sa damgo, guin saysay ko magueang nga imaw gali ro espiritu it Babaylan. Si Datu Daeogdog hay guin kontra it mga tawo. Nag buylog ro tanan nga imaw hay pahalinon sa pagka Datu. Guin tago nanda ro anang unga nga si Salim basi anang ipapatay. Owa nasayuri ko mga tawo kon siin nag adto ro onga it datu. Ro katapusan nanda nga hakita hay idto imaw guin tago sa eongib ag owa eon it binati.

Si Pedrito baea ro unga it Datu sa anang katoeogon? /MP

AO Mandates All Gov’t Agencies To Use e-Procurement System

President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued an administrative order mandating all government agencies to use the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) in all their procurement activities, including the publication of all bid opportunities, notices, awards and contracts, in accordance with the country’s procurement laws.

By virtue of Administrative Order (AO) No. 17, signed by the President on July 28, government offices are directed to source all their common-use supplies directly from the Procurement Service (PS) of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) or from its regional depots throughout the country, Exec. Sec. Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said .

"This administration reiterates the policy that procurement of government supplies, materials, and equipment shall be done in the most and transparent and competitive manner" Ochoa said.

Ensuring transparency and competition, Ochoa stressed, are keys to protecting the procurement system from graft, as these two elements discourage attempts to rig the bidding and awarding process to favour particular suppliers.

Common-use supplies refer to office supplies like bond paper, ballpens, pencils, and ink, which eat up about P19.5 billion of the government’s annual spending package.

"With a centralized supply purchasing system, the budget department has estimated that the government stands to save as much as P6 billion a year," Ochoa said.

According to Ochoa, PhilGEPS, which can be accessed online at www.philgeps.net, provides relevant information on all procurement activities, and will help accelerate and further facilitate the entire procurement process in all government agencies. At present, the system already has 53,382 registered suppliers.

The AO applies to all national government agencies, including military and police Units; government-owned and-controlled corporations (GOCCs); government financial institutions (GFIs); state universities and colleges (SUCs); and local government units (LGUs), Ochoa said.

In the past, only the national government agencies, including SUCs, GOCCs and their sub-sidiaries, were mandated to use the PS system.

However, upon the enactment of RA 9184, LGUs are now required to use PS or PhilGEPS.

The presidential issuance also calls for a periodic evaluation of all procuring entities, and this includes the regular holding of procurement training programs and distribution of procurement operations manual for all offices and agencies of the government. /MP

Last Voyage

M/V Asia Malaysia Sinks Off Iloilo Waters,
All 147 Passengers Safe

by Florence F. Hibionada

An Iloilo-bound vessel of Trans-Asia Shipping Lines met its last voyage yesterday, Sunday, July 31 with 147 on-board. The ill-fated trip came from Cebu. They were only two hours away from the port of destination when disaster struck.

Among the survivors were a 10-month old baby and 70-year old Eufemia Abonales, the youngest and oldest of the 107 passengers respectively. There were also 35 crew members on board led by Ship Captain Romualdo Gualdizo, the data culled from the official Master’s Oath of Safe Departure stated.

Scheduled to arrive about 6 in the morning, M/V Asia Malaysia never made it to Iloilo Arrastre Port as distress calls were instead made starting at 5 am.

According to Commodore Athelo Ybanez, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Western Visayas District Commander, first to be alerted was the PCG in Bacolod. In minutes, more distress calls came as passengers managed to inform relatives by phone and text messages. Even Iloilo City-based radio stations received pleas for rescue.

"At about that time (5am), M/V Asia Malaysia started to list on the right, by the starboard side. They were already in the vicinity of Calabasa Island off Ajuy, Iloilo or about 33 nautical miles to Iloilo City," Commander Ybanez said. "Immediately, rescue was launched with vessels nearby helping as well."

The first to arrive in the scene of incident was Cokaliong Shipping’s Filipinas Cebu which was en route to Iloilo City. Motor tanker Fil-Visayas bound for Bacolod as fishermen in the vicinity also rushed to help.
　

To note, the area is some 4 nautical miles to the nearest shore.
　

Commander Ybanez further sought assistance of Bantay-Dagat patrol boats of the Iloilo Provincial Government as a PCG helicopter and vessel were also ordered in the scene.
　

Said PCG response units were temporarily pulled out from a search and rescue mission in Masbate and will remain in Iloilo City for aerial and sea survey. With all on-board successfully rescued, the next concern was the possibility of oil spill.
　

Yet Ybanez was quick to allay fears of "significant" spillage saying the incident is likely to only cause　engine room oil spill with the vessel’s tanks expected to remain secure. Nevertheless, the PCG will have oil spill booms readied to contain the area.

"At about 6am, an order to abandon ship was made by the Captain with all of the passengers given life-jackets and transfer made to responding rescue vessels. The Ship Captain and nine others of the senior crew members stayed behind. They were last to abandon ship. By 8am we have gathered that a full rescue was made and by 8:50am, the vessel has totally sunk," Commander Ybanez continued.
　

M/V Asia Malaysia was acquired by Trans-Asia Shipping Lines in 1997 and served Cebu-Iloilo vice versa route. It was 71.6 meters in length with a 551 passengers capacity. It was to be the first and last maritime incident for said vessel off to yesterday’s "Voyage 89."

Of the rescued passengers, 86 were in the Economy Class, 18 in the Tourist Class, and 3 from Cabin Class.
　

A Special Board of Marine Investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident, validate liability, if any, of the Ship Captain, officers and crew on board.　 Further still, the investigation will look into corrective measure to avert similar incidents in the future.
　

PCG Western Visayas Deputy Commander, Captaiin Pedro Tinampay heads the probe body with 3 other PCG officers as members. The investigation is expected to start on August 1 which will hear the accounts of the survivors and crew.

Radio accounts of survivors heard similar stories of fear in the last minutes on board the vessel yet "don’t panic" pleas were made from both crew members and their fellow passengers.
　

Initially heard were concerns of survivors who had difficulty with the life jackets given to them.

"We didn’t know how to put it on because of our nervousness. The crew helped us and fellow passengers", a survivor bound for San Joaquin, Iloilo said.
　

While no official word was released on the cause, it was believed that the listing was brought by the sudden imbalance of the vessel’s cargoes. As huge waves hit the vessel, caused it to list on the right side and the ropes that secured the cargoes snapped.
　

By then M/V Asia Malaysia failed to recover its position as sea water slowly overwhelmed the vessel.

"We will look into the incident but for now we are grateful of full rescue of both the passengers and the crew," Commander Ybanez ended.
　

PCG called on the local Red Cross for assistance and treatment of the survivors who were brought back to Iloilo and Bacolod cities.

Survivors were a mixed group of Ilonggos, Cebuanos, and Anti-queños. /MP

President Aquino Abolishes PTFMRBRD

President Benigno S. Aquino III has abolished the Cotabato City-based Presidential Task Force on Mindanao River Basin Rehabilitation and Development (PTFMRBRD). The abolition is part of the administration’s efforts to streamline government and generate cost savings.

The Executive Order (EO) No. 50, signed on July 28, 2011 transfers the duties and functions of the task force to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), River Basin Control Office (RBCO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council-Office of Civil Defense (NDRRMC-OCD).

PTFMRBRD was created in 2008 to draw up a master plan for a long-term solution to floods in the Mindanao region. It is under the Office of the President.

P-Noy found the functions of PTFMRBRD redundant with those of other existing national government agencies.

"This is consistent with the administration’s thrust to streamline the bureaucracy by rationalizing agencies, offices and other bodies with related and overlapping functions," Ochoa said.

"As all of us are aware that government has limited and finite financial resources, we better maximize these by closing down redundant offices and using their funds where they’re needed instead," added Ochoa.

The abolition of the task force was based on the recommendation of the National Economic Development Authority, DENR, and MinDA, and the assessments of various regional line agencies involved in the response efforts during last month’s massive flooding in Cotabato City, which affected almost one million residents.

"The Department of Public Works and Highways, NDRRMC-OCD, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Regional Planning and Development Office noted that the PTFMRBRD was "merely a monitoring and recommendatory body and did not have the authority over the regional line agencies which are actually implementing the projects and programs related to the mandate of the task force", said Ochoa.

Several representatives from civil society organizations and the academe also recommended the abolition of the PTFMRBRD during consultations with them, added Ochoa.

Under EO 50, MinDA is directed to create and implement a master plan for the management and development of the Mindanao river basin (MRB); negotiate and receive grants and donation of funds for the rehabilitation of areas affected by disaster; spearhead and coordinate all actions to rehabilitate and develop the MRB affected areas; and conduct resource mobilization activities.

The RBCO, on the other hand, was tasked to help develop the MRB master plan by providing technical assistance aimed at making the program self-sustaining and with multi-sectoral involvement.

The EO also directed the NDRRMC-OCD to identify and package relief rehabilitation and long-term interventions for the MRB affected areas and ensure that the master plan is consistent with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan and Framework.

Personnel affected by the abolition of the PTFMRBRD are eligible for benefits available under applicable laws and regulations. /MP　

People’s Republic of China Officials Visit DAR-Aklan ARC

Some 14 high level officials from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) visited the Ibajay Lowland Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) in Mabusao, Ibajay, Aklan on July 29, 2011. They saw the completed projects under the Asian Development Bank funded Agrarian Reform Communities Project I (ARCP1).

After a briefing at Caticlan, Malay, the group proceeded to Ibajay. They paid a courtesy call to Hon. Maria Lourdes Miraflores, Municipal Mayor. The activity was part of the capability seminar of the PRC officials to gain better appreciation of issues affecting project implementation, stakeholder participation, and development impact of ADB operations in the country.

Ms. Rita Festin, the Senior External Relations officer of the ADB in its Philippines Country Office joined the PRC officials. They were oriented on the projects by Engr. Ernesto Anino, CARPO – BDCD of DAR Aklan.

The DAR-ADB-ARCP has implemented 165 projects in the six agrarian reform com-munities in Aklan. A sum of P137,288,095 was invested for infrastructure and agricultural enterprise development in the ARCs. /MP

Thursday, July 28, 2011

EDITORIAL

Organized Crimes Threat To National
Security and Economy

Organized　criminal activities　are threats to the economy and national security. It must be dealt with a clear, well-defined and integrated policy, Executive Sec. Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. believes.

In an interview with Strictly Politics on ANC, Ochoa disclosed the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) recently reorganized by　President Benigno Aquino III　under Executive Order No. 46 is envisioned to combine the resources and expertise of various law enforcement agencies designed to craft solid policies and guidelines against organized crimes.

"The seriousness and magnitude of our problems involving organized crimes would need strong and resolute actions," Ochoa who now chairs the PAOCC stressed.

To illustrate the magnitude and economics of criminal activities by organized syndicates, Ochoa revealed the illegal drug trade alone has been estimated to be worth over P300 billion a year, or three times the size of the entire Philippine pharmaceutical industry which is worth around P100 billion.　　

This crime, taken together with carnapping, illegal gambling, kidnap-for-ransom,　human trafficking and smuggling endanger peace and national security, Ochoa pointed out.

"Organized crime　has a huge economic, social, cultural and political impact," cited Ochoa who heads the Cabinet cluster on security, peace and justice. "Organized crime also thrives in part because of the corruption of our political system and society. And it feeds this corruption to perpetuate itself, he added"

The　Executive Secretary　said eliminating these threats require strong policies that are clear and coherent to ensure that the "room for errors in implementing programs and in enforcing the laws become smaller."

"If law enforcement agencies follow these polices, guidelines and targets, they will know how to act accordingly," he explained.

Ochoa outlined the following proposed programs the PAOCC will prioritize:

• Rationalize the anti-crime programs of law enforcement agencies to eliminate redundancy and maximize government resources;

• Establish central base　crime index　to consolidate data on crime and to better assess resources to be allocated;

• Strengthen existing laws like the Anti Money Laundering Act to enable prosecution of organized crime elements;

• Link up, coordinate and share resources with the Anti-Terrorism Council and the　Philippine Center　on Transnational Crime (PCTC), which are under the supervision of the Office of the Executive Secretary;

• Improve prosecution rates;

• Direct the special envoy on transnational crime to step up liaison work and information sharing with other countries;

• Strengthen the Witness Protection program;

• Address the killings of journalists and political activists;　

• Enhance police training on exercises and　proper legal procedures and increase per-formance standards; and

• Link　Metro Manila CCTV systems. 　

　　　
The secretaries of the Departments of Justice, the Interior and Local Govern-ment, National Defense and　Foreign Affairs composed the PAOCC. The national security adviser, chief of staff of the　Armed Forces of the Philippines, director general of the Philippine National Police, director general of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, director of the　National Bureau of Investigation, and the executive director of the PCTC are also members. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Mystery of Numancia’s 2011 Budget

"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". This above quoted statement came from Mayor Adolfo M. Iligan of Numancia, Aklan. He said this during the "Kapehan" program on Saturday morning, July 2, 2011 held in Smokehaus Resto and Bar, Poblacion, Kalibo.

Numancia, Aklan until today, July 29 is operating on a 2010 budget. Due to the differences of opinion and failure of communication between the Sangguniang Bayan of Numancia and the executive offices Mayor Iligan heads, Numancia’s budget for 2011 is returned to the executive office for the inabilities of the department heads to provide appropriate responses to some questions of some SB members.

According to Atty. Filemon C. Fernandez who represents the League of Brgy. Captains, sessions were regularly held every Tuesday of the week to pass the 2011 Budget.

"However, on February 22, things went awry. No Local Finance Committee member attended (our session) despite our request", revealed Fernandez.

Who Tells Lie?

"So our session was suspended. The main reason is the office Memo of Mayor Iligan Advising them (local finance committee members) to boycott SB sessions", said Atty. Fernandez.

This Fernandez allegation was vehemently denied by Mayor Iligan on the July 2, Kapehan. But what he said was the opposite of what he wrote.

In a paragraph of his better to Numancia Vice Mayor. Evangeline M. Ibabao, Mayor Iligan wrote: "The Local Chief Executive has therefore enjoined the persons invited not to appear in today’s and in any future hearings for the Annual Executive Budget 2011…" The said letter is dated May 3, 2011 which is herewith reprinted.

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
May 3, 2011

The Honorable
Sangguniang Bayan Members
Numancia, Aklan

Thru: Hon. Evangeline M. Ibabao
Vice Mayor/Presiding Officer

Dear Madam/Sirs:

This is in response to an invitation of that body requesting the appearance of Mrs. Elisa C. Solanoy (Municipal Treasurer), Mrs. Jaimma V. Maribojo (Municipal Budget Officer), Mrs. Soledad U. Mateo (Municipal Accountant), and Mr. Rosendo M. Briones (MPDC), to appear as resource persons in today’s regular session – where the Sanggunian will continue to deliberate on the 2011 Annual Executive Budget and the Annual Investment Plan.

Be it recalled that the Annual Executive Budget for 2011 was submitted to that body for deliberation on November 25, 2010, and in several scheduled regular sessions/special meetings, they have appeared and explained to the Sanggunian relevant concerns of said body.

Up to this time, the body has not come up with its decision. Our office has even suggested that the SB prepare(s) in advance the questions that they intend to ask from the resource persons, but this was not done.

If the purpose of the Sanggunian is to elicit information in aid of legislation, the same could not be done because there is no pending ordinance where information on the budget is necessary. This has been made clear in the decision of the Honorable Supreme Court, copy of which was furnished that office on March 7, 2011, wherein it was ruled, in the case of NEGROS ORIENTAL II ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC., PATERIO TORRES and ARTURO UMBAC, petitioners, vs. SANGGUNIANG PANGLUNGSOD OF DUMAGUETE, THE AD HOC COMMITTEE OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANGLUNGSOD OF DUMAGUETE, AND ANTONIO S. RAMAS UYPICHING, respondents, that the legislative bodies of local government units may invite resource persons who are willing to supply information which may be relevant to a pending proposed ordinance of the Sangguniang Bayan.

However, if the purpose is merely to elicit facts and information on matters relative to the budget which they could not understand, then they should be diligent enough to gather by themselves such facts and information from the different department heads concerned without necessarily asking for their appearance.

It would appear that the Sanggunian is delaying the approval of the budget without any plausible reason. According to some resource persons who appeared in one of their regular sessions, Hon. Bayani M. Cordova manifested that the Annual Executive Budget for 2011 will not be approved if their demand for the creation of three (3) positions in the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan is not granted.

It has been explained to them that their demand cannot be met at this time because creating three (3) positions in the Sanggunian will exceed our PS Cap.

By the delay, the 20% Development Fund which amounts to about P8 million, could not be utilized by the municipality for its social, economic, and environmental services.
The Local Chief Executive has therefore enjoined the persons invited not to appear in today’s and in any future hearings for the Annual Executive Budget 2011 and the Annual Investment Plan 2011, the same being a mere exercise in futility.

It is requested that the Sanggunian now approves the 2011 Annual Executive Budget, and if majority are objecting thereto, the names of those who object to its approval should be entered into the records.

Let copies of this response be furnished all Punong Barangays, this municipality, for their information.

Very truly yours,
(Sgd.) ADOLFO M. ILIGAN
Municipal Mayor

P-Noy Gives Second SONA

President Noynoy Aquino delivered his SONA 2011 on Monday, July 25 with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr.

The president made his speech at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, in Filipino language.

Top local politicians including former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada, Vice President Jejomar Binay, senators and congressmen attended his SONA.

On the start of his speech, PNoy mentioned his previous vow during his inauguration, "Walang wang-wang sa ating administrasyon." (There is no "wang-wang" in our administration).

Pres.Aquino refers "wang-wang" as graft and corruption, abuse of power, and other illegal activities of some government officials and even from the private sector.

Later in his speech, P-Noy announced the plans of his government to improve the country’s economy, job allocation, and to stop corruption, and later mentioned some of the achievements of his administration.

He also announced the appointment of former Supreme Court Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales as the new Ombudsman, where he received the loudest applaud from the audience.

As President Noynoy Aquino noted, Morales will serve as a watchdog of the government to stop "wang-wang", which word was mentioned about 20 times in his speech.

On the latter part, the president thanked the Catholic Church and his cabinet members for all the support he received. He also suggested his countrymen to be thankful to their fellow Filipinos. /MP

Red Cross Aklan Pleads For Blood

by MELROSE S. LUNN

Members of the Aklan Blood Coordinating Council led by Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino - Chairman, PRC Aklan Chapter (3rd from right) discussing the Human Blood Requirement of Aklan during the Kapihan on Saturday, July 23.

To adequately provide the blood requirement of Aklan province, some 5,000 blood units must be collected yearly. This is equivalent to one (1) percent of the total population of Aklan which is 500,000 plus. Last year, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Aklan chapter was able to collect 3,000 bags.

From January to June 2011, the PRC Aklan chapter collected 1,769 units of blood from the municipalities, organizations and walk in volunteer donors. They responded to our call for a mass blood donation. More blood donors are needed to augment this year’s remaining shortage of 3,231 blood units based on our population.

The municipalities which conducted mass blood donations this year are Kalibo– 25 units, Ibajay – 70 units, Lezo – 39 units, Buruanga–10 units and Malay–36 units. Other municipalities are scheduled in the coming months.

With the inadequate supply of blood recently, the Aklan Blood Coordinating Council and PRC Aklan chapter plead to Aklanons, to our government officials especially our municipal mayors to help campaign and organize blood donation in their respective localities.

The buffer blood supply of Red Cross Aklan was depleted by borrowers who did not come back to replenish the blood borrowed. Therefore, on emergency cases, most of the time, Red Cross staff members are blamed for not giving them blood as they demanded. They are required to bring donors to be able to get the blood they need.

According to Mrs. Arcely Pelayo, administrator of PRC Aklan chapter, there are more or less 865 total of ID’s of those who borrowed blood without a donor. They promised to return with donor. These unclaimed IDs are now deposited with their promissory notes and were not claimed since 2007 at the Red Cross office, Kalibo.

"This means there are many who borrowed blood and depleted the supply. They did not make any effort to replenish the blood they borrowed, did not claim their IDs, and did not honor their promissory notes. If people will just consume blood and fail to replenish the blood supplied them, there will be a continuous shortage of blood supply in Aklan. The physicians are worried by this system that resulted to limited blood supply. This is rainy season and also Dengue season," said Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz, president of Aklan Blood Coordinating Council.

Dr. Dela Cruz is appealing to those who got blood to pay back what is borrowed. "ABCC and Red Cross do not own the blood. Blood belongs to the voluntary donors’ who are issued donors card during blood extraction. This means the donors should have easy access to blood in case they or their family members need it. We like to inform everybody that the amount of P1,500 given for every blood bag taken is for the examinations of blood from any disease (HEP B. HIV, Malaria, Syphylis). The money is also paid for the processing and chemical supplies to determine blood is safe for transfusion. The BLOOD IS FREE. It is donated by certain donors to be lent to people in need. This needs to be returned so that the donor can use it in case he needs it.

To resolve the concerns for lack of blood supply, Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PRC Aklan recommended that the borrowers sign Affidavit of Undertaking, of which the borrower will have responsibility to come back on a certain designated time to replenish the blood borrowed, otherwise, Red Cross has the right to call his/her attention before the Barangay Council and be announced on local radio stations and news papers that they failed to honor their commitments.

More blood donations would meet the supply of blood. It makes one feel good about himself, and the PRC Aklan chapter will have adequate supply of blood for emergency cases. An average person’s body has 5 to 6 liters of blood. Only 450+ml of blood is collected from a qualified donor. /MP

ASU Conducts R&D In-house Review

by Dr. Lelisa J. Teodosio & Sally R. Villasis

To mainstream the various programs of Aklan State University (ASU) towards agriculture and fishery, researchers gathered together on July 14-15, 2011 at the ASU Review Center, Banga, Aklan for the annual research and development in-house review.

Researchers from five (5) campuses of ASU presented a total of 45 research papers. Of these, five (5) are on-going, 24 are proposed while 16 were completed.

The best papers for agri-fishery and eco-tourism were awarded. They are "Inventory and Bioprospecting of Natural Dye-Yielding Plants in the Province of Aklan" presented by Prof. Arlene Dela Cruz et.al.; "Yield Performance of Pummelo var. Helmar as Affected by Pruning and Different Sources of Fertilizer" presented by Prof. Michael T. Ibisate et.al.; and "Resource Assessment of Brackish Rivers of New Washington, Aklan presented by Prof. Zaida A. Ochavo et.al.

For the education, socio-economics and related fields, the best papers are "Perception and Acceptance of Fingerprint Biometric Technology Among Teaching and Non-Teaching Personnel of the ASU: Basis for Policy Recommendation" presented by Dr. Alfonsa Fanie A. Radislao et.al.; "Learning Strategies of BSEd 3 Students in English Language Proficiency as a Second Language" presented by Prof. Librada F. Rebustes et.al; "Leadership Dimension Among Deans and Directors of Aklan State University: Its Implication to Public Administration" presented by Prof. Nicolas et.al.

"We believe that what makes a university is its research. Thus, to sustain further improvement of the quality of researches in ASU, the activity was conducted", said Dr. Anna Mae Relingo, Officer-In-Charge of the Office of the Vice Pres. of Research and Extension and Western Visayas Agriculture Resources Research and Development Consortium Regional Techno Gabay Coordinator.

Recognizing the expertise of the ASU’s partner institutions, panel evaluators were invited to assist in achieving the goal of enhancing the research and development initiatives of ASU.

For Category A, the panelists were Dr. Lily Ann D. Lando, Director for Applied Communication Division, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD); Mr. Rolando V. Labios, Chief Agriculturist and Coordinator for Research Office of the Director, Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research; Dr. Ulysses M. Montojo, Senior Aquaculturist and In-Charge of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division of DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute; WESVARRDEC Director Joseph Edward O. Idemne was represented by Dr. Geronimo L. Gregorio, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension of Capiz State University; Chair of PASUC VI Research Management Council and Coordinator of WESVARRDEC R&D Group; and Dr. Jonic Natividad, Regional Veteri-nary Quarantine Officer, DA-Regional Field Office 6.

For Category B, the evaluators were Dr. Evelyn L. Gregorio, Professor VI and faculty of CapSU Graduate School and Social Science Researcher; Ms. Andrea Panilla, Senior Science Research Specialist, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 6; and Dr. Ersyl T. Biray, Vice President for Academic Affairs, ASU.

President Danilo E. Abayon said, we can do something after several years of inculcating the need to conduct researches by the faculty. It will also be welcome to the stakeholders that the University is getting mature in terms of the conduct of these researches.

He emphasized that the researchers should publish in ISI Journals, as they have already gone through national and international presentations.

Likewise, Abayon cited that the researchers must revive many centers in ASU such as the Center for Productive Use of Renewable Energy, operate the Biodiesel Plant, establish partnership with DOST for the Natural Dye Technology Resource Center, and sustain many other projects that are geared towards the improvement of the University’s R&D and extension programs.

During the closing ceremonies, Dr. Lando expressed her appreciation to the ASU for braving the very important event. She learned that the qualities of researches they have evaluated are much better than two or three years earlier. She inspired the researchers to continue conducting researches as ASU has big responsibility being a Regional University. ASU must lead the way not only for the ASU community but also for their colleagues in the other universities in the region. /MP

Syngenta and ASU Save Bright Student From Leaving

by Richell R. Recoter

"Mark Joseph de los Santos, a 3rd year B. S. Agriculture student of the Aklan State University, Banga was not seen by his professors attending classes during this first semester of 2011. It was noted he has not enrolled. He is in the dean’s list student of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences", said CAFES Dean, Dr. Marilyn E. Romaquin.

The Aklan State University (ASU) officials and faculty were very concerned of his absence. To understand the absence of de los Santos, ASU did a remarkable and humanitarian gesture. A search operation for Mark Joseph in his hometown of Altavas, Aklan with the help of the town’s authorities was done. It yielded positive result.

According to Professor Eva Orlina, Mark’s adviser, "he is a gem for the college, an UPCAT passer, but poverty hindered him to enroll at UPLB." Even in ASU, the professors and dean signed as guarantors of his financial obligations so that he can continue his studies.

His father, a farmer died recently. So he decided to leave college because his mother’s income, a subsistence vendor, is not sufficient to pursue his dream of earning a college degree.

Syngenta, world’s leading agri-business multinational company based in Basel, Switzerland forged and signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Aklan State University recently to provide a full scholarship grant to the poor but deserving students of Agriculture. Mark Joseph was highly recommended by ASU officials.

Richell Recoter, CSR Senior Coordinator of the Syngenta Foundation, Inc. formally interviewed Mark Joseph de los Santos in ASU on July 11, 2011. He found "Mark Joseph is highly qualified and meets the standard requirements that Syngenta is looking for a scholar.

Syngenta approved and will provide the PhP10,000.00 support to Mark Joseph’s schooling each semester. This amount will be spent for his full tuition and miscellaneous fees. The excess of the PhP10,000.00 must be for his other school needs and allowances. He will also be given a thesis support of PhP5,000.

Mark Joseph will also enjoy the privilege of being integrated in Syngenta’s CSR and technical activities in Panay to enhance his personality and knowledge.

The Syngenta Scholarship Memorandum of Agreement was signed by ASU President, Dr. Danilo E. Abayon and Napoleon T. Saavedra, Syngenta Vice President for External Affairs and OIC Head, CSR. /MP

Reason & Concern

by Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Notes On Tourism

Expect President Aquino’s Sona shall be graded this whole week. We are a nation with a fondness for grading others. Let us look at it as part of our democratic state although those who make the grades would not wish that they should be graded.

Executive Order No. 29 which opened the country albeit partially to foreign carriers had been considered by the Makati Business Club to boost the country’s tourism potentials as well as an attraction as investment destination.

The open skies policy, notwithstanding earlier criticism on the absence of air rights reciprocity had been projected to attract six million tourists and generate $18.5 billion in tourism revenues. Too, it is expected that the open skies policy would 　consequently create three million new tourism-related jobs by 2016.

The Department of Tourism under Secretary Alberto Lim appears not to be in good terms with the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and the Tourism Congress. The MAP had considered Secretary Lim’s DOT leadership as the weakest link.

Tourism Congress appears to be at odds with Secretary Lim. It asked Lim to recognize the present composition of the Tourism Congress.

The Tourism Act of 2009 gave birth to the creation of the Tourism Congress. Tourism Congress notes that　the partnership between the public and private sector had not been considered by the DOT.

Electricity Rate Increases

A September 2011 round of electricity rates increase is expected. This had been announced by the Energy Regulatory Commission.　The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) had allegedly　petitioned the Energy Regulatory Commission to recover stranded debts and contract cost estimated at P139 billion.

The Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) had been criticized by a watchdog group as a "massive failure". People in the province of Aklan are keeping watch on electric rates increase as this week, another increase had been noted.

I remember the June 4, 2011 Kapihan sa Aklan where I made the preliminary statement on the causes and factors of　poverty. I ended with a question as to whether the high electric and water rates in Aklan contribute to the　penury of some people in the province. The answer of those present was in the affirmative. /MP

Bible vs Black Propagandist

by ALEX P. Vidal

By the time this article comes out, the next Ombudsman may have been named by President P-Noy. Will it be PCGG Commissioner Gerard Mosquera or retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales? Who will the fountain bless? Youth or experience? (Conchita Carpio-Morales is the new Ombudsman. Her appointment was announced by P-Noy in his State of the Nation Address on Monday afternoon, July 25.)

The next Ombudsman should be like Caesar’s wife — above suspicion. He or she should not tangle in mudslinging with any politician or journalist especially on issues that concern public interest.　

Take the case of former Ombudsman Aniano Desierto, the most controversial character to ever occupy that hot seat. A week after Paranaque Rep. Roilo Golez sent me a personal letter on July 24, 1996 to disclose that he filed impeachment complaint against Desierto, Golez made a follow up letter to "appeal for your assistance" in dealing with black propaganda artists reportedly marshaled by his detractors.

SOURCE

We are not saying that the source of black propaganda or the sponsor was Desierto. But the timing was suspect.

Golez, whose first name is a combination of "Romblon" and "Iloilo," wrote: "Dear Mr. Vidal, There is a group going around, in an apparent black propaganda campaign against me and my family, using fabricated documents, stating the big lie that my son is engaged in government contracting as well as besmirched my wife’s honor and reputation.

"I have only one son; he just turned 25 years old, fresh from college, and now taking up MBA at De La Salle University. My wife is the Managing Director of a U.S.-based company and my son helps as the Administrative and Stocks Manager. No member of the family — not even distant relatives by consanguinity or affinity — is involved in contracting work."

MARRIED
　

"My wife, though married to a politican, is virtually invisible in the political and government circles, because that is how we have preferred it to be since my Post Office days. She is one of the sweetest and gentlest persons on this earth — a woman truly worth dying for — and that is why we have remained happily married for more than 25 years.

"That a PR group, notorious in the PR circles for its foul and diabolical methods, is allegedly behind this vilification campaign paid for by persons threatened by my unrelenting position on certain national issues." 　

In a parting paragraph, Golez added, "I say unto them: JEREMIAH (20:10-13) But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion: my prosecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion. O Lord of hosts, you who test the just, who probe mind and heart, let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause.

APPEAL

　"May I therefore appeal for your assistance in dealing with these black propaganda artists. Thank you and warmest regards. Very truly yours, Roilo Golez (sgd)"

Desierto had every reason to run after Golez, who had accused Desierto of committing very scandalous offenses during his stint in government service.

In filing the impeachment case together with former Senator Rene Saguisag and the late former Comelec Commissioner Haydee Yorac, Golez called Desierto as "falsifier, perjurer and bribe taker."

By the way, the impeachment rap did not prosper and Desierto managed to wiggle himself out from the mess he was in for several months. When the battle ended, both camps had been badly damaged, like the Berlin City razed down by Allied Forces in World War II. This should not happen again. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Bolang Kaeayo

Magueang eon ro planetang X-ur. Mas magueang pa gid ra ko sa atong Planetang Eogta. Sa huyap it mga sayentista ko royong planeta hay pilang adlaw eon lang ro habilin ag mag eapok rondayang planeta. Nag pahaum ro hari para sa anang bag-ong tawo nga prinsipe. Guin pa obrahan nana it kapsula agod idto isakay ro eapsag ag kon siin man imaw nga planeta itugpa.

Umabot ro adlaw it pag paeopad sa prinsipe. Masubo ro tanan eabi guid ro hari ag reyna. Kompleto imaw sa igdaeapat. Guin patoeog anay imaw parabil paeoparon ro anang kapsula. Mga pilang adlaw nga naka eopad ro kapsula ag eompok ro bilog nga planetang X-ur. Owa guid it kabuhi nga habilin.

Samtang naga eayag sa kahanginan ro kapsula it prinsipe, owa pa gid it planeta nga maeapit sa kapsula agod maghigop para may matugpa-an. Sa kabuhayon, amat-amat nga naga eapit ro kapsula sa atong Planetang Eogta. Hasta nga hakita eon imaw ko mga tawo sa atong planeta nga naga bantay sa isaeang ka bolang kaeayo. Guin kabaeak-an ko mga tawo kon ano rondayang bolang kaeayo nga golping nag tuga eamang sa kaeangitan. Sa mabuhay eon, umabot man ro oras nga nagtugpa rondayang bolang kaeayo sa isaeang ka maeapad nga katamnan.

Pagtahaw ko nasambit nga bola, hakita ko mga tawo ro isaeang ka kapsula nga may sueod nga eapsag nga naga katueog. Kompleto sa pagkaon ag igdaeapat ro eapsag. May nakasueat nga Xurex ro anang lampin, busa guin hingaeanan nanda kay Xurex ro unga.

Nagbahoe si Xurex nga maaeam. Mas eabaw pa imaw ko sa ibang mga onga. Pag abot nana sa pagiging hamtong nga binata, guin obra imaw nga pinuno sa andang lugar. Sa anang kahugod ag kaaeam, guin himo nana nga progresibo ro andang lugar. Sayod si Xurex ko anang guin halinan tongod naka tanum eot-a ra sa anang paino-ino. Sayod imaw nga owa eon ro anang planeta, busa guin bilang nana ro eogta nga pangaywang kalibutan. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Chiz Bill Strips PCSO Board of Discretionary Power Over Charity Funds

In the light of the revelations in connection with the misuse in the past of the multibillion funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Senator Chiz Escudero has moved to contain the discretionary powers of its board over disbursement of charity funds.

Escudero filed Senate Bill No. 2892 in order to institutionalize a just and equitable distribution of the PCSO charity funds.

"We are amending Section 6 of the PCSO’s charter as it has sanctioned the promotion of patronage politics and has also become a source of injustice and inequality with the way all these hearings have shown as to how the charity fund has been disbursed with bias for or against those who are in power," Escudero explained.
　

This particular provision of the PCSO charter divides its net receipts to 55 percent-45 percent distribution. The former is earmarked to winnings and prizes, and the latter to charity fund and operating expenses and capital expenditure.
　

The PCSO board of directors is empowered to make payment and grant from the charity fund, which is set at a minimum of 30 percent of net receipts. To top that authority, it is also authorized to earmark a minimum of 15 percent of net receipts for operating expenses and capital expenditures.
　

In the 2009 Commission on Audit (COA) report, the PCSO’s disbursement from its charity fund amounted to a whooping P6.2 billion. The disbursement included the highly questionable intelligence funds maintained by the PCSO.

"I am proposing that the board’s discretionary powers be removed and that the charity fund be specifically earmarked based on the policies and mandate of PCSO," Escudero said.

He also sought the expressed approval of the Office of the President in cases when the board needs to allocate over 15 percent of the charity institution’s funds.

"The PCSO fund mess controversy has shown how the charity fund was mishandled and misused. This bill is a move to ensure that the government’s money will be distributed in accordance with specific and real needs grounded on justice and equity," Escudero stressed.

"The proposed measure, once passed into law, will eradicate the lack of institutionalized criteria and standard in the disposition of fund.

"Arbitrariness has always led to abuse. We want transparency. As I have always espoused, remove discretion, you can lessen, if not totally remove corruption," Escudero added. /MP

Villar Pushes For Pet Bill During CSR Expo

Sen. Manny Villar presented before the gathering of the Philippines’ largest corporations　last Tuesday, July 20　the bill that will　institutionalize corporate social res-ponsibility (CSR) among wealthy corporations.

Villar, chairman of the Committee on Trade and Commerce and author of Senate Bill 1239 or the Corporate Social Res-ponsibility Act, is one of the speakers during the League of Corporate Foundation’s (LCF) 10th　annual CSR Expo and Conference at the SMX Convention Center.

A staunch advocate of CSR and chairman of the Villar Foundation, Villar is proposing to make mandatory for "large taxpayers" as defined by the National Internal Revenue Code and as identified by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, to allocate a reasonable percentage of their net income to CSR or projects that complement government’s goals.

The bill, which passed the committee level in the Senate, seeks to provide incentives to business organizations　embracing projects that give back to communities by supporting community development programs, environment protection initiatives, social welfare and assistance.　The incentive could be in the form of a full deduction from its gross income of all expenses incurred.

"The initiative of some business organizations operating in the Philippines’ to care for the environment or provide help to the less fortunate sector of society should be encouraged.　The evolving times tell us that social services should not be a monopoly of the government, especially because we don’t have enough public funds to immediately solve the many problems affecting the country," Villar pointed out.

The Villar Foundation is behind initiatives such as the Las Pinas-Zapote River Rehabilitation Program, the Sagip-OFW Helpline and the construc-tion of churches in different parts of the country.

The CSR on July 20　and 21 provided a platform where the corporate sector and other stakeholders shared best practices, discussed new ideas and trends, addressed current issues and challenges and showcased success stories in CSR.

Over a thousand representatives from the business community, civil society, government, media, and the academe attended the conference and visited the exhibit. /MP　　　　　　　　　　　

Balete Celebrates 150th Rizal’s Birth Anniversary

by Dr. Dobie P. Parohinog

In Balete, the 150th birth anniversary celebration of Dr. Jose P. Rizal on June 19, 2011 was an inspiration and a major activity of DepEd pursuant to DepEd Memorandum No. 90, Series of 2011. His notable contributions in framing desirable virtues and developing the culture of knowledge with the use of his pen as a strong weapon that awaken his people to stop colonialism and abuses against the Filipinos are worthy of emulation.

The celebration started with a National Fun Run for Education geared on a theme: "Every Runner A Finisher, Ever Finisher, A Winner". This was undertaken simultaneously nationwide. It started at exactly 6:30 in the morning in the four assembly places as in Group A (Dodoemon Junction), Group B (front of Jemera’s Residence), Group C (Field’s View), and Group D (Front of St. Jude Chapel-Archangel). Balete DepEd Officials, teachers, students, parents, and local community officials participated and enjoyed.

The local government of Balete strongly supported by DepEd, "Daya hay mabueawanon gid nga programa sa pagta-o it kadungganan sa atong baganihan nga si Dr. Jose Rizal", enunciated by SB member Crispino Beltran, Jr. as PTA Federated President.

"It is indeed noteworthy to give high credit to DepEd Officials, teachers and students of the District of Balete for spearheading the celebration of the birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, a strong advocate of true education, a farmer, a scientist, a physician, and artist," stressed by SK Federated President representing the Municipal Mayor of Balete.

A program was held in Rizal’s monument. It was highlighted with the reading of the minutes of material donations, copies of which were distributed to the student participants and the coordinators of the Community Learning Centers for ALS students. /MP

Friday, July 22, 2011

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Dr. Mildred L. Garay, CESO III – DepEd Regional Director; Dr. Victorina S. Laroza, CESO V – Aklan Schools Division Supt.; Atty. Selwyn C. Ibarreta, Mr, Disederio S. Mortalla – retired DepEd district supervisor. Dr. Erenita T. Labor – principal, Inter Faith Academy and Mr. Romeo S. Tumaob – retired DepEd district supervisor. They received merits and awards from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
Dr. Garay was presented Gold Medal of Merit award, Dr. Laroza – Silver Medal of Merit, Atty. Ibarreta – Bronze Medal of Merit, Mr. Mortalla – Gold Service award, Dr. Labor – Silver Service Award, and Mr. Tumaob – Bronze Service award.

Atty. Ibarreta chairs the BSP Aklan Council Board of Directors, while Mr. Tumaob and Mr. Mortalla are members.

Forest Land Use

The Municipality of Altavas and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for-malized their partnership in the implementation of the program "Forest Land Use Plan" after the signing of a Memorandum of Agree-ment on Thursday, July 21 held in Altavas Social Hall, Altavas, Aklan. Forest Land Use Plan is a 5–year project to: 1. protect and improve Tinagong Dagat as important fishing ground; 2. create more resource – based livelihood opportunities for the people of Altavas; 3. to re-green Altavas; and 4. improve social response for the mitigation of impacts of climate change.

Altavas Mayor Denny D. Refol look forward in 5 years that they will have: 1. rehabilitated and developed 200 hectares of upland and 200 hectares mangrove, 2. rehabilitated and planted with trees along the 5-kilometer degraded easements; 3. constructed and maintained 53 kilometers farm to market roads, 4. convinced two fishpond owners to subscribe to aqua – silviculture, 5. organized four peoples organization for upland and mangrove care, and production, and 6. full operation of nature – based tourism in mangrove and Tinagong Dagat.

Altavas is a 4th class municipality south of Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan. It is adjacent to Sapian, Capiz.

Altavas is only 146 kilometers away from Iloilo City, 48 kilometers from Roxas City and 38 kilometers from Kalibo. It has a total land area of 10,017 hectares, 900 hectares of which are upland and mangrove.

The municipality is slightly rolling to hilly with mount Pulilan and Baguio – Dohoe as the highest with 285 meters and 292 meters above sea level respectively.

Altavas, being a coastal town, produces fish and other marine products and agricultural crops.

According to Mayor Refol, Altavas serves as the center of trade and industry of Central Panay Economic Unification, the gateway of Aklan to Capiz, Iloilo, and Cebu.
As of 2010, there were 14 barangays where 25,186 persons live. Barangays Poblacion, Man-up, and Odiong are highly populated ranging from 6.31 persons per hectare in Man-up to 6.9 per hectare in Odiong.

Soft Drinks

Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz defined distinctly the role of physicians, parents, and school administrators in order to minimize if not stop the negative effects of drinking soft drinks.

She suggested to physicians "to ask parents about soft drink con-sumption, include education on soft drink as part of their anticipatory guidance".

Parents should cease consuming soft drinks, stock their homes with healthy foods, beverages, and milk, and never make soft drinks available at home. School administrators must prohibit soft drinks sale in school, make drinking water available to students, offer nutritious and affordable beverages and stop soliciting assistance from soft drink company. /MP

My Image, My World

Atty. Diego M. Luces who represented Gov. Marquez cuts the ribbon assisted by Vice Gov. Billie Quimpo with the artist Ms. Wilson, her husband David, and brother Atty. Allen S. Quimpo.

"My Image, My World", is a one man art exhibit. It was a 3-day exhibits of Ms. Ma. Erlinda Quimpo Fernandez Wilson, Executive Dean of Northwestern Visayas College, Kalibo, Aklan.

The exhibit was a 3-day run held at Saylo Cuisine, Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan on July 19 - 22, 2011. It was opened in the afternoon of Tuesday, with a simple program and ribbon cutting hosted by Ms. Cecille De Lemos-Ledford. It started with a prayer led by Ms. Lorna T. Sison, adviser - NVC Environmental Club.

Mr. David E. Wilson welcomed the guests. Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, NVC President, Aklan Vice Gov. Gabrielle C. Quimpo, and Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, gave their respective messages which deal with importance of arts and culture. The artist, Ms. Wilson related how she began her paintings. /MP

Poverty Reduction Through KALAHI-CIDSS Projects

by MELROSE S. LUNN

DSWD, KC-CIDSS MCC team, and LGU Aklan representatives signing the Memorandum of Agreement. They are (l to r) sitting first row Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa , Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, and DSWD Regional Director Minda Brigoli, CEO VI. Standing are Mr. Tommy Cabuenos - Dep Project Mgr MCC, Ms. Elsa Malbas - DWSD Aklan, Ms. Marivic Anonuevo - Managing Director MCC, Mr. John Polk - Resident Country Director, MCC Mr. Andres Moll - Dir KALAHI-CIDSS MCC, and DSWD Asst. Regional Director.

AKLAN. DSWD Regional Director – Minda Brigoli, CEO VI, Aklan Provincial Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, with LGU Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa and LGU Madalag Mayor Rex Gubatina, inked a Memorandum of Agreement for the project implementation of the KALAHI-CIDSS Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), during the MOA Signing between DSWD, KALAHI CIDSS and the Provincial Government, last July 19, 2011 at the Gov. Roberto Q. Garcia Building, Aklan Provincial Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan.

The towns of Libacao and Madalag were considered this year’s ‘guaranteed municipalities’ for the P450K grant per cycle per year of the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) - Compre-hensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (CIDSS) by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

These municipalities in the province of Aklan are among the 21 target municipalities in the country for this year’s MCC’s project implementation. Libacao is a 3rd class municipality and is located at the southern tip of Aklan, while Madalag is a 4th class municipality and the second largest municipality of the province.

Mayor Gubatina and Mayor Navarosa expressed their utmost gratification to MCC and to Governor Marquez for this welcome opportunity of development in the towns of Madalag and Libacao, respectively. Gov. Marquez in his welcome remarks said, "this project is project security as to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. The grant is the nation’s strategy on poverty reduction as Libacao and Madalag had high poverty incidence rate in the province."

Governor Marquez described the project as "a blessing and a thanks-giving" for Aklanons. The provincial government is supporting the project, join forces with DSWD and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

Ms. Marivic E. Anonuevo, Managing Director of MCC Philippines said, "This project is project of the people, for they are to identify, implement, monitor and evaluate the project itself. It is people power in action. The uniqueness of the project is people empowerment." Mr. Andres K. Moll, Director of KALAHI-CIDSS MCC affirmed this statement by saying, "KC is about building community. It is making a difference in the lives of others. As public servant, they are the people we ought to serve."

KALAHI-CIDSS will bring positive approaches and new perspectives to combat poverty in the county. Both the mayors of two municipalities expressed their excitement that at a long period of time, they can finally improve road from farm to markets, and then the rest of the development follows. "The project is the principle of participation, transparency, and accountability," added DSWD Regional Director Minda Brigoli.

Gov. Marquez further stated that, "this project will bring stronger partnership between the local government units, national agencies, and the community as a whole." Last May 2011, the team visited the province during the evaluation process of KALAHI-CIDSS MCC Philippines. The MOA Signing was also followed by the installation of the new members of the KALAHI-CIDSS MCC and Aklan team.

The Philippines is a recipient of $434 million Philippine Compact for Economic Development from the Millennium Challenge Corporation. MCC is an independent foreign aid agency created by the US Congress that forges partnerships with developing countries. MCC provides eligible countries with large scale, five year grants or compacts for projects geared towards sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. /MP

4 Aklan Towns Receive Good Housekeeping Seal

by MEGS S. LUNN

The Municipalities of Balete, Malinao, Tangalan and Lezo, Aklan received the Seal of Good Housekeeping from Sec. Jess Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government. The four municipalities are among the 42 cities and municipalities which were conferred the Certificate of Eligibility. These LGUs are qualified to avail of the PCFund. The distribution took place during the recent Local Governance Forum CHANGING GEARS TOWARDS GREATER PRODUCTIVITY with DILG Sec. Jessie Robredo in Iloilo City last July 5, 2011.

The Seal of Good Housekeeping for LGUs is in line with the DILG’s commitment to scale up interventions to promote and institutionalize the practice of governance that values transparency, accountability, participation and performance.

It aims to recognize LGUs with good performance in internal housekeeping focusing in four areas which are: (1) Good Planning; (2) Sound Fiscal Management; (3) Transparency and Accountability; and (4) Valuing of Performance Information.

LGU with the Seal of Good Housekeeping is entitled to the Performance Challenge Fund for LGUs. It is open only to LGUs belonging to 4th-6th class municipalities like Malinao. Lezo, Tangalan and Balete among the 17 municipalities in Aklan.

The Philippine Challenge Fund is worth P1 million each to finance projects aligned to the Millennium development Goals (MDGs).

The Performance Challenge Fund for Local Government Units is an incentive fund to LGUs funded by the 20 percent Development Fund. It rationalizes national govern-ment inter-governmental transfers to LGUs, and encourages alignment of local development initiatives with national government development agenda and priorities. /MP

Brawl At Iloilo Governor’s Office

by ALEX P. Vidal

When two top officials of the old Iloilo provincial capitol trans-formed the governor’s office into a boxing arena, I did not only witness the bloody encounter, the event became my baptism of fire as boxing referee.

The brawl between then deputy governor Ruben Bermudo and provincial toursim chief Manny Benedicto at around 11 o’clock in the morning on July 3, 1990 exploded while DYRI Radyo Agong reporter Arsenio "Kamlon" Ang and I were doing interview with vice governor Robert "Bob" Maroma, who was then the acting governor.

There were only five of us in the governor’s office present— Maroma, Bermudo, Benedicto, Ang and I who had just won his labor case in the Supreme Court against the defunct DYRP "Radyo Tagring."

DAGGER
　

Even before the start of interview, we noticed Messrs. Benedicto and Bermudo, then in their mid 50’s, giving dagger looks against each other. At one moment, Bermudo removed his eyeglasses ala Eddie Garcia to plant a sharp stare at Benedicto, who recip-rocated with his own ala Pacquito Diaz look.　

Some five minutes while Maroma was answering our questions, the two disappeared—they entered the conference room located about four meters away from us. Then we heard a commotion inside. The noise didn’t stop Maroma from talking but our eyes — Maroma’s, Ang’s, mine — were exchanging tacit signals alternately like actors in a silent movie.

When the conference room’s divider started to shake violently and two angry voices dishing out unprintables, Maroma stood from his seat and rushed to the scene. I grabbed my camera and followed suit. Kamlon stayed and was scrambling to prepare his radio tape recorder.

THROATS
　

Inside, we saw two gladiators literally holding at each other’s throats on one hand and throwing rabbit punches on the other hand. Blows went raining from all angles— a choatic scene! Maroma tried to separate the two but was in awkward position and could receive one of the flying fists flat on the face if he forced the issue. 　

So determined were the two Capitol bigwigs to maim each other that they refused to let go of their grips — Benedicto’s shaking fingers came closed to drilling holes on Bermudo’s neck; Bermudo locking Benedicto’s jaw with a tight Steven Segal grip. Both were gasping for their breath like sprinters in the 100-meter dash, their false teeth threatening to jump from their mouths. Maroma lost his balance on his second attempt to act as third man in the ring.

PHOTOS

Instead of taking photos, I grabbed Benedicto’s hand to prevent his fingers from committing cannibalism. Having lost much energy, he obliged. Bermudo, also fighting for air in his lungs, let go of Benedicto’s jaw but not after leaving some scratches on his newly shaved skin.

"Tama na ina!" (That’s enough)," Maroma, who was himself losing some energy — and patience, shouted while scratching his head in disgust.

When the smoke had cleared, the protagonists could manage to release Mona Lisa-like smiles as if King Kong did not vandalize their mangled faces. Either the pain from their violent physical activity did not yet take its toll on their system or they were ashamed for acting worst than their grandsons and tried to suppress it.

No arrest was made even as Maroma hinted of slapping the misbehaving officials with administrative cases. Kamlon, who hit a jackpot with his tape recorded eye-witness account, had a field day repeatedly playing the violent episode to friends and politicians, including Bermudo and Benedicto, who just grinned to hide their embarrassment. 　　

　
MISS RP-GUAM

We found out their conflict emanated from the province’s preparations for the arrival of the Miss Philippines-Guam in Iloilo that year. As tourism boss, Benedicto begrudged Bermudo’s decision to bypass his authority and disapprove some items in the budget, among other reasons.

If there was one person so terribly upset and mournful that morning, it was neither Benedicto nor Bermudo; it was Maroma, whose interview with us had been cut off unceremoniously; thus, he failed to deliver an important message to people as acting governor as news the following day was dominated by his warring subalterns’ ignominy. /MP