News Pictorial

(seated l to r) Ms. Anna India Legaspi (Aklan Piña Mantra), Ms. Ruby Roa - president HABI Phils., Ms. Lulu Tan-Gan - Phil. fashion icon, Maria Jinky Troesch, Mr. Marc Mikulaniec - French fashion expert, and Ma. Lourdes Locsin. (standing l to r) Ms. Megs Lunn - APCI Pres., Ms. Rea Rose Marte - LGU Kalibo Municipal Tourism Officer, Ms. Roselle Q. Ruiz - Provincial Tourism Officer, Joy Evangelista Adarme, Jimpee Madarat, Ms. Erlinda F-Q Wilson - NVC Executive Dean, Ms. Monseratt David and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente.  

Dolphy Is An Epic

“Mang Dolphy is more than just a comedian. He exemplified in many ways the best in Filipino.”

Thus spoke ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez at the arrival honors for the late Comedy King Dolphy Quizon at ABS-CBN’s Dolphy Theater on Wednesday, July 11.

The place was abloom with white flowers and Dolphy’s photos – especially vintage ones when he was many years younger – adorned the entrance to Dolphy Theatre and the stage itself.

President Noynoy Aquino’s giant spray of white flowers stood beside Dolphy’s bronze casket.

A red carpet served as fitting welcome to the Comedy King, who worked for the Kapamilya network for more than 40 years.  His first ABS-CBN show was the highly-popular “Buhay Artista” in the `60s. The younger generation knows Dolphy best as Kevin Cosme in the sitcom “Home Along da Riles.”   /MP

Sixty and Going On Strong

(Translated from the original Chinese Proverbs Dr. Leonardo Raphael M. Tayco, Jr. forwarded). This article is addressed to senior citizens.

Let’s all have a happy life!! The article below is well worth heeding. Read it.

There are many 1000-year old trees in [the] mountain, but not many 100-year-old people.

 At the most, only 1 in 100,000 people will live to be 100 years old.

So, if you are now 60 years old, if you live until you are: 

90, you only have 30 years more;

80, you only have 20 years more;

70, you have only 10 years more.

Because you don’t have many years to live, and you can’t bring anything with you (to the grave) when you die, you don’t have to be too thrifty.

Spend wisely the money that should be spent, enjoy what should be enjoyed, donate what you are able to donate, and don’t leave everything to your children or grandchildren, for you don’t want them to become parasites.

 

Don’t worry about what will happen after you are gone because when you return to dust, you will feel nothing about criticisms or praises.

Don’t worry too much about your children for children will have their own destiny and find their own way.  Don’t be your children’s slave.

Don’t expect too much from your children. Caring children would be too busy with their jobs and commitments to render any help.  Uncaring children will fight over your assets even when you are still alive, and wish for your early demise so they can inherit your possessions.

Your children may take for granted that they are rightful heirs to your wealth but they really have no claims to your money, neither do you have any claim to theirs.

 

Don’t trade in your health for wealth because no amount of money can buy good health.

 

When should you stop making money? and how much is enough? hundreds? thousands? one million? ten million? Remember that out of 1000 hectares of good farmland, you can only consume three quarts (of rice) daily;  and if you have a mansion of several thousand square meters, depending upon your size, height and weight, you can actually occupy only eight square meters of space to rest at night.

So as long as you have enough food and enough money to spend, that is good enough. You should live happily.

 

Every person and every family has its own problems. Do not compare yourself or your family with others. To compare yourself, your children, your family with others is foolish.  Fame, fortune, and social status do not really bring true happiness, good health, or longevity. 

 

It does not help to worry about things that you can’t change; worrying about them will only spoil your health.

 

Create your own level of well-being and happiness.  Try your best to always be in a good mood and to have happy thoughts.   Do things daily which give you fun and happiness, then you will pass your time happily every day.

 

There is no certainty that everyday will be a  happy one but every day of happiness is one day gained; sometimes you gain and win, sometimes you lose.

 

Having a “good spirit” cures sickness, cures sickness fast, and even prevents sickness from coming to you. 

 

To have good health and happy life, get a suitable amount of daily exercise,  exposure to the sun, variety of healthy food, reasonable amount of vitamins and minerals.

Hopefully, you have 20, 30, or even more happy and healthy years ahead of you!  /MP

DTI Aklan Holds SME Caravan

To celebrate the National Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Week, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Aklan Provincial MSMED Council will conduct an Enhanced SME Caravan.  Some 100 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the province of Aklan will gather at the Ati-Atihan Festival Hostel and Conference Center on July 18-20, 2012 to attend the three-day Enhanced SME Caravan.

The caravan will bring together National Government Agencies and private sector institutions whose programs are designed to promote entrepreneurship, improve access to credit and markets, and increase productivity and efficiency of Aklan MSMEs.

The 3-day caravan will cover the following activities:

1) Entrepreneurs’ Forum – July 18 

A venue for exchange of useful information to MSMEs  on the programs and services offered by the Aklan PMSMED Council members for MSMEs.  Advisory sessions/one-on-one consultation with MSME participants will be conducted. The advisory team will be composed of the four outcome portfolios, namely, Business & Investment Enabling Environment (BIEE), Access to Market (A2M), Access to Finance (A2F), and Productivity & Efficiency (P&E);    

2) A one day Seminar on Effective Trade Center/SME Showroom Management and Visual  Merchandising Mr. James Non c/o  Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) will conduct on July 19;

3) Consultancy on Food Packaging and Labeling Ms. Ana Maria Veronica Solano c/o Phil. Trade Training Center (PTTC) will conduct on July 20 (1/2 day AM, venue 1);

4) Skills Demonstration on Advanced Beadworks Chona G. Lachica of the Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC) will conduct on July 20 (1/2 day AM, venue 2); and

5) Seminar on Wealth Management Ms. Zorayda A. Rosanes of the Wealth Academy, International Marketing Group will conduct on July 20 (1/2 day PM, venue 2).

The enhanced SME caravan aims to establish an enabling environment for business to grow through packages of business information services that could be accessed by the MSMEs.  Participants will have the flexibility to choose what topic to attend to during the simultaneous workshop sessions.  Learnings from these consultations, lectures and workshops will enhance their capabilities in managing their businesses, according to DTI provincial director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr. /MP

Philippines Is Drug Manufacturing Center

Over half a century ago, Japan was Asia’s manufacturing center for amphetamine-type stimulants, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Around the 1960s the operations moved to South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, the UNODC reported.

Today, in its World Drug Report 2012, the UNODC has identified three Asian countries that have become the manufacturing centers for stimulants including “ecstasy” and shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride. These are China, Myanmar and the Philippines.

What happened to the former manufacturing centers? They have not completely eradicated the drug problem, and they continue to grapple with crime families or organizations. But Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have invested in modernizing their law enforcement agencies, and have a continuing effort to rid the agencies of scalawags. They have also invested in improving the technological and human capability of other offices such as those handling customs and immigration to foil drug trafficking.

Thailand under Thaksin Shinawatra launched a brutal crackdown on drug traffickers. The problem – a serious one in a country that is one of the world’s top tourist destinations – has not been completely eradicated. But the bloody crackdown, criticized by human rights groups, broke up several drug rings and neutralized their coddlers in law enforcement agencies.

The illegal drug industry is big business, and drug dealers operate where they smell inefficiency and corruption in law enforcement. These are problems that the Philippines has in common with China and Myanmar. All three countries have some of the world’s toughest drug laws. China has shown that it applies the death penalty on drug traffickers including foreign couriers, in accordance with its laws. Yet huge profits from illegal drugs, particularly those that can be synthesized in small laboratories, push drug traffickers to take risks, especially when they enjoy the protection of crooked law enforcers.

Only a sustained and coordinated effort among several agencies can make a dent in the operations of drug dealers. The effort must include a continuing purge in law enforcement agencies. Police internal affairs units must be revitalized, with more powers and resources. This should be given priority by an administration that rose to power on an anti-corruption platform. - (Philstar News Service) /MP

EDITORIAL

Is CAAP Kalibo Inutile In Kalibo International Airport?

by Megs S. Lunn

At the outset, the new Kalibo International Airport (KIA) boosted the enthusiasm of all Aklanons, not only because it is new, but it is also categorized as an International Airport. There are several opportunities open for Aklan’s tourism industry. However, the enthusiasm gradually faded away. Now there is allegation “KIA is in disarray”. There are many verbal and emotional views about the disorganized airport regarding the positioning of business concessionaires inside and outside of the KIA terminal building. 

A person can see many popular businesses which display for sale non-Aklanon products. People may call it pathetic. However, a true Aklanon should protect Aklan’s One Town One Product  (OTOP) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s). But what Aklanon products to display? Are Aklanons producing enough souvenir items? Food items? 

Aklanons are very privileged to be given the opportunity to showcase some of their products in the KIA, the gateway to our tourism industry. 

However, it is unfortunate when one sees that Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Manila is giving more privileges and priority to other businessmen first from outside Aklan. Why not allow Aklanons to establish before anybody else their businesses of KIA? During my talk with Engr. Percy Malonesio, KIA manager, he  admitted he has no say on any instruction from CAAP Manila, therefore, he including our local government officials cannot do anything to protect our own OTOP and local SME’s. What are they there for?

I learned that even the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan had been requesting space in behalf of the Aklan producers but to no avail. Even our own Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and Cong. Joeben T. Miraflores intervened to help but again, it was in vain. There were many Aklanons who own SME’s who applied for space but they were frustrated. There is no more space. Yet, they learned later, kiosks emerged.

What on earth there is with CAAP Manila that is so impossible for them to give priority to our Aklanon producers? KIA is settled in our own territory, in the province of Aklan. Even the Aklan Provincial Tourism Office has stopped asking for more prominent space inside KIA because of some reasons. What a total shame for Aklan and Aklanons!

Whoever is giving the directives from CAAP Manila, he or she should consider showcasing Aklan’s best in a gallery type at the ground floor and other franchise businesses/kiosk on another floor. While KAMCI – the KIA Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. has been protecting their own cooperative members’ businesses inside KIA, they also have no control of other business inside. I was told that even before, they were resistant to putting up the Aklan Heritage Arts and Crafts, Hugod Aklanons and other Aklan products. They were impeded to display and be in the forefront inside the airport terminal, because of KIA officials’ alleged own personal interest. Due to the proliferation of non-Aklanon products that are beyond their control, top airport officials are now requesting for assistance to limit the presence of goods coming from outside Aklan. 

Aklanons have nothing against investors from outside of Aklan. We welcome them as they are all around Aklan. However, Aklanons’ products like foods, arts and crafts, fiber crops should be allowed and should show stronger prominence inside KIA. 

It is with regret that non Aklanons are so disappointed and disgusted of what is happening inside KIA. Our local government may now invoke the provisions in the Local Gov’t Code that LGU officials must have say in the management of the KIA. CAAP Kalibo and Aklan Government must walk their talk in  promoting Aklan products and make it part of our tourism industry. Look into Aklan’s OTOP and local SME’s to be in its rightful place inside KIA. An impressive gallery of Aklan’s best should be prominent among others. It should be an exhibit of who are Aklanons. What they can offer to our tourists, local or international, if not, exclusively Aklan’s best! 

It is mandated in DTI’s OTOP presentation that local chief executives or every city and municipality should take the lead in promoting their products and services, that other sectors like the Provincial Tourism office and government concerned agencies should likewise lend a helping hand in sustaining the project. And the best way to do this is by showcasing them through the KIA. To support these projects will give an ideal view for the tourists what Aklan is and how can it helps the macro level economy. 

If Aklanon benefit from the booming tourism industry, then they are the beneficiaries. If they fail to benefit then they are the victims of the tourism industry. /MP  

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Bamboo of Unlimited Uses

Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan has invited EF to participate in a public hearing on the proposed “Amendatory Ordinance No. 04 – 016”. This is the ordinance regulating the transportation of bamboos in the entire Province of Aklan.

The public hearing was held at 10:00 o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, June 26 at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan. Much as I love to attend but I was unable to attend as I had  prior schedule with my physician on the same date in Quezon City. I regret to have missed the said public hearing. 

However, I am pleased to offer my thoughts on the proposed Amendatory Ordinance.

It is not strange to us Akeanons what bamboo is. It is widely ground in the whole province of Aklan especially in Libacao, Madalag, Balete, Malinao, Lezo, Ibajay, and Banga.

There are three (3) species grown in Aklan. The most popular is “Butong” grown in commercial quantity. Butong is widely used for the construction of houses, furniture, perimeter fence, foot bridge, and in fish pens among others.

Its young shoots are used as food like vegetables and pickles. Bamboo is used as musical instrument like the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ. 

Another specie is “Ano-no-o”, more durable than butong but it is spiny that discourages landowners to grow it. Moreover, it is late maturing. 

The third specie is “Kawayan”. This is growing wild as it does not grow bigger than two (2") inches in diameter and about 8-10 feet long. 

Amendment

The amendments to the said Provincial Ordinance No. 04-016 are recom-mended by the Provincial Price Coordinating Council of Aklan (PPCC). Is this PPCC price oriented and production of goods and its producers are the least of their concern? 

Anyway, here are the provisions the PPCC recommended:

1. Section 1 of the Provincial Ordinance No. 04 – 016 is hereby amended by adding a provision of Article 2 of the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA7394) which is the declaration of basic policy providing that it is the policy of the State to protect the interest of the consumer, promote the welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and industry.

Here, the PPCC recommends to add a provision in RA 7394. This cannot be done as SP is not mandated to amend any provision of a national law viz avis RA 7394.

2. Provincial Ordinance No. 04-016 prohibits the transport of bamboo poles from 6:00 to 9:00 o’clock in the morning and from 4:30 to 6:30 in the evening from Monday to Friday. The PPCC recommends prohibiting the transport of bamboo poles from 6:00 to 9:00 o’clock in the morning, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening, Monday to Sunday or daily. These amendments will limit the sales and utilization of bamboos as the distribution time is limited. This is detrimental to the bamboo industry.

Are Saturdays, Sundays and holidays rush hours? These proposed amendments when approved will impede the growth, utilization and development of the bamboo industries.

3. The PPCC will also allow the use of 10 wheeler vehicles in the transport of bamboo poles. Bamboos are grown and produced in the barangays. The 10 wheeler trucks must never be allowed in the growth areas of bamboos to prevent damages to the barangay roads. Bamboos must be hauled from the production center to the distribution center by four wheeled vehicles, then to the consumers via the tricycles. 

4. The PPCC also recommends the ordinance to take effect all over Aklan when Provincial Ordinance No. 04-016 covers only Banga, Kalibo, and Numancia. Are there rush hours in Libacao, Madalag, Lezo, Malinao and Buruanga?

Provincial Ordinance No. 04-016 was approved on November 4, 2004, therefore it has been effective for the last seven (7) years, seven (7) months and 20 days as of July 7, 2012.

For almost seven and eight (8) months, the ordinance is effective, how many apprehensions are made? Violators found guilty? Jailed or fined? If none, then this ordinance is only a piece of paper and cannot be implemented. Why enact an ordinance if it cannot be enforced? Bamboo is the crop of the majority of Aklanons, of unlimited uses.  /MP

Crime Incidents Decrease In Aklan

After eight months of the last meeting, the Aklan Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) held another meeting on Friday morning, July 6, 2012 at GCLC Tourism and Training Center, Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan. The last meeting was held on October 14, 2011.

The July 6 meeting was presided by Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, PPCC chairman and graced by Under Secretary Luisito Montalbo of the Office of the Presidential Affairs on Peace Process (COP APP).

The two hours meeting dealt on the Internal Security Operation, Police Situation Report and Orientation on OPAPP/PAMANA.

After the program preliminaries, the minutes of the previous meeting was approved.

In behalf of Lt. Col. Eduardo B. Gubat, Commanding Officer of the 12th Inf. Battalion, Major Bonsa gave the Internal Security Operation report of the 12th Inf. Bn. 

P/Supt. Cornelio T. Defensor, Aklan PPO provincial director followed with his police situationer report. Director Defensor, in his powerpoint presentation reported crime rate in Aklan especially in Kalibo and Malay had greatly decreased for the period January to June 2012 compared to the same period in years 2010 and 2011.

USEC Luisito Montalbo followed with his orientation on DPAPP/PAMANA.

Before the meeting adjourned, two resolutions were approved by the body. These are:

1. A Resolution of Support to the Proposed Agreement Between the Government of the Philippines and the RPMP/RPA/ABB Tabara – Paduano Group Towards the Disposition of Arms and Forces; and 2. A Resolution For the Release of 2012 Intelligence Funds. 

Gelo I. Ibardolaza, executive officer of the PDRRMC – Aklan led in the recognition of participants and in the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting.  /MP

Converting An Avenue To A Market

    

    Picture shows stalls constructed along Veterans Avenue, Poblacion, Kalibo during the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan celebration two years ago. The Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo, Aklan wishes to formalize the construction and make it permanent by approving a Sangguniang Bayan ordinance. The said ordinance is now laid on the table by the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan under review. However, the construction of the stalls adjacent to the D. Maagma St. has started. 

Dennis Lim Assumes RC Kalibo Presidency

Pres. DENNIS "Dens" LIM

A young businessman from Tigayon, Kalibo took over as president of the Rotary Club of Kalibo. He is Dennis “Dens” Lim.

His term of office started on July 1, 2012 and will end on June 30, 2013 or a term of one year as being followed by all the Rotary Clubs all over the world.

As followed in the Rotary world, the president of a Rotary Club is elected at least 18 months before the assumption to office. RC Kalibo president Dennis was elected in December 2010. The election is held in advance in order for the incoming officers elected to familiarize with the workings of Rotary, its objectives, plans, projects, and goals and to familiarize with the duties and responsibilities as Rotary Club officers. 

President Dens is only 57 years old, quite young. He is married to Dolce and now living in Tigayon. Dens completed elementary and high school education in Iloilo Chinese Commercial High School, Iloilo City. He studied and completed Bachelor of Science In Commerce degree in the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City.

Dens is a linguist. He speaks five languages which are English, Chinese, Pilipino, Hiligaynon, and Akeanon.

Immediately after graduation, Dens went to business. He became Senior Salesman of Storck Product Incorporated, and Salesman of Fortune Tobacco Corporation all in Iloilo City.

Today, he is the proprietor of Dendrops Water Refilling Station, Tigayon, Kalibo and the Insoy Litson Manok located in Tigayon and Poblacion, Kalibo.

Dens joined the Rotary Club to gain more knowledge and learning experience that will nurture and develop his skills as well as to explore new options that will reinvent his potentials and capabilities.

His colleagues in the Rotary Club of Kalibo believe Dens possesses a high degree of professionalism and dedication to exceptional quality. He is found to be hardworking and willing to go beyond time pressure. He has been exhibiting his resourcefulness in the completion of projects. He is effective in multi-tasking, highly trustworthy, discreet and ethical. He has also a good sense of humor. 

President Dennis Lim with his other officers will be formally installed in an induction program on July 28, 2012 to be held in Kalibo, Aklan.   /MP 

CAPIZ FLASHBACKS

by BIENVENIDO P. CORTES

“Institute Capiz” And its Founder

There used to be a school in the early history of Capiz town (now Roxas City) Telesforo Sucgang founded in 1907 and existed until 1911. The location of that school in this city however could not be determined because that institution stopped operation after four years. It left no record of achievements except the interesting brilliant annal of its founder, Telesforo Sucgang.

Telesforo Sucgang’s records from the National Historical Commission (1973) state that he was a native of Banga,  Capiz (now Aklan). He could also trace his roots to Sapian, Capiz. His mother, Matea Alayon was a native of Sapian, Capiz.

His artistic talents led him to the Academia de Dibujo y Pintura where he met Jose Rizal. They became classmate in a sculpture class.

In the 1879 Liceo Artistico-Literario contests, Sucgang bested Rizal in the field of sculpture. His bust of Cardinal Cismeros earned award over Rizal’s bust of Cervantes. Rizal’s poem “A la Juvintud Filipina” won first prize , however,  in the literary category.

Sucgang was a painter, a  propagandist, a composer, and a revolutionary.

In the early 1900’s, his prolific mind thought of bringing education to his province.He formed Institution Aklan in 1905 and then established one in Capiz in 1907. Short lived, but the institution was one of the great legacies of Sucgang to the Capiceno people and the entire nation.

Telesforo Sucgang (1855 – 1916)

Telesforo Sucgang was a painter, sculptor, musical composer and educator. Born to  Eusebio Sucgang and Maeta Alayon  on January 5, 1855 in Banga, Capiz (now Aklan). He attended the College of San Jose, took up music lessons and then transferred to Letran where he received his A.B. degree. Thereafter, he enrolled in the Academia de Dibujo y Pintura and studied painting under Lorenzo Rocha and Agustin Saez. He also  studied sculpture. In 1879, in a contest sponsored by the Liceo Artistico-Literario, his  entry, a bust of Caardinal Cisneros, won the prize in sculpture together with Glicerio Janson’s entry.

He went to Madrid in 1884 as a government pensionado for four years with Esteban Villanueva.  In 1893, after nine years, he returned to Manila, accepted a royal  appointment in the Essccuela de Artes y Oficios in Iloilo where he taught modeling and engraving.  During the second half of the revolution, he joined the rebels.

At the establishment of the American sovereignty, Sucgang turned to education. He founded the Instituto de Visayas in Jaro, Iloilo in 1900, the Instituto Aklan in 1905, and another one in Capiz in 1907. Then he taught in the U.P. School of Fine Arts. Finally, he founded the Colegio de Minerva in Manila in 1912. He died on December 16, 1916. He had 12 children by his wife Manuella Mateo y Villanueva, a native of Madrid, Spain.

Sucgang’s painting consisted of historical canvasses: “El Desembarco de Magallanes,” and “La LLEGA DE Legaspi y Urdaneta”; marine paintings like “estamos Salvados” and “Steamship Buenaventura’; and portraits, notably that of  Jose Rizaal’s, said to be one of his finest being the closest resemblance to the patriot. His sculptures were religious in nature, like “La Purisima Conception” and “El Despojamiento de la Sagrada Tunica.” Two  of his musical compositions, copies which are unavailable at present, are “La Bahia de Manila” and “La Rosa Temprana.”

Sources:  Notable Personages of Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo, National Historical Commission, 1973. /MP

Santiago Advises The Newlyweds: Try RH

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has offered to June newlyweds an unsolicited advice: practice Reproductive Health (RH).

While speaking in a wedding in Cebu City, Santiago told a newlywed couple, as well as other newlyweds, to “follow the RH paradigm.”

“Reproductive health is the new wave of the future. The critics are flaying a dead horse. To mix metaphors, the critics are missing the boat. In the 2013 elections, the voters will educate the non-educable,” said Santiago.

Santiago stood as a principal sponsor for the Robert Tambis and Mary Elizabeth Avanzado nuptials.

After President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino’s State of the Nation Address, in July 2012, the Senate will proceed to the second reading of the RH bill, where amendments maybe be introduced, revealed Senator Santiago.

“We are amenable to any amendment, as long as the senators are willing to put the bill to a vote on second reading. Because of the long delay in passing this bill from Congress to Congress, sometimes it no longer looks like an RH bill but a geriatric bill,” Santiago said in jest.

She also claimed that apart from the Catholic church, all other Churches have expressed support to the proposed bill. 

“But within the Catholic church itself, you will be surprised by how many progressive priests and bishops are in favor of the bill, although they cannot say so in public,” she pointed out. /MP

NVC Launches School of Arts & Culture

The Northwestern Visayas Colleges launches its School of Arts & Culture on Friday afternoon, July 6 at the NVC Gym, CSQ Bldg., Capitol Site, Kalibo. 

The NVC School of Arts & Culture is in collaboration with Capiz Educational Theater Company. The school aim to improve the quality of teaching of arts and culture  in Aklan. It is now accepting interested students to hone their talents and skills in music, writing, dancing, and painting among others. 

The launching was graced by public school teachers led by Dr. Jesse M. Gomez and the NVC community led by Atty. Allen S. Quimpo. 

The guests enjoyed “Sayaw atbp!” rendered by participants from the Capiz Educational Theater Company. A number is shown above. /MP

Makapobre Ka? O Matapobre?

* A letter to the MP published without alteration. It is unsigned but the letter sender’s name outside the envelope is Mr. Felizardo Sanchez.

Dear Dr. Botoy,

Wa eon ako kinahang-ean it ngaean o pirma. Ako isaea sa libo-libo nga mangunguma, tricycle driver, security guard, food vendor, manugkae-kae it basura, labandera, manogbaligya it tinuean-on o mga ma-inintok nga empleyado, pribado man o gobierno, nga gasalig sa PhilHealth para mabuhin-buhinan ro gastos sa kamahae-mahae makaron nga bueong ag doktor.

Kun owa it PhilHealth, gakamaeatay eonlang rang asawa, rang mga onga, rang mga apo, rang mga igmanghud nga indi kasamit it hospital. Wa man ako it eugta, anwang, o kun ano nga propiedad para ibaligya ag makabayad sa hospital ag sa doktor. Abu kaming makahambae nga ibaligya eonlang ro among kaeag para masalbar sa kasakit o sa kamatayan ro among mga palangga.

Pero hara,  nagdoble ro bayad sa PhilHealth. Mga 30 mil kaming gasalig sa PhilHealth nga nabayaran ku gobierno probinsyal sa kaeu-oy ni Gov. Marquez ag naamutan man sa kaeu-oy ni Congressman Joeben Miraflores ag Nonong Haresco ku Kasangga Party List. Saeamat gid sa andang kaeu-oy. Pero kumo nag doble ro sukot ku PhilHealth indi eon masarangan ku kwarta nga gin-aeamutan ku tatlo. Buhinan ro PhilHealth beneficiaries. Imbes 30 mil, 15 mil eonlang ro mataw-an it PhilHealth. Paalin ro 15 mil ngara? Gatampoe eonlang it lampunaya? Ga agto sa faith healer nga kun amat mahae pa sa doctor? Gapanguros eonlang, magpina ea-ea ag maghueat it kamatayan?

Ro ideya kunta ni Gov. Marquez hay mabo-oe it hueay (20 porsiento malang) sa kwarta nga nabayad ku PhilHealth sa atong mga maea-haeon nga mga doktor para ibayad sa PhilHealth ku 30 mil ngarang mga pobre. Ro aton ngarang mga doktor, owa’t eabot sa sweldo ku gobierno probinsyal, owa’t eabot sa maeagko nga kwarta nga nabobo-oe nanda sa mga may una-una nga mga pasyente hay – Diyos ko! May hueay pa sa PhilHealth ku mga pobre.

Sa ordinansa nga ginpasa sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan, may mga SP member nga nag-abang. Isaea eon si Vice Gov. Billie Calizo. Nag alma ro mga doctor nga sanay eon sa abu nga kwarta.

Nakiha kuno ku mga doktor si Gov. Marquez. Gov. Marquez: kun saea ring gina ubra padayuna ring saea nga gina ubra. Bukon ron it saea sa Diyos ag sa tawo. Sa mga doctor, buhin-buhini man ninyo ro inyong  pag  higugma sa kwarta. Maeu-oy man kamo kamon.

Kay Vice Gov. Billie: makapobre ka o matapobre?  /MP  

Philippine Leader Denies Asking For US Spy Planes

Philippine Pres. Benigno Aquino on Thursday denied reports he  asked the United States for spy planes to monitor a territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea.

Aquino told reporters his country had its own  ships and aircrafts to keep  eyes on the disputed Scarborough Shoal and that he had merely mentioned in an interview that US aircraft could be called upon for help if needed.

“If you will go through the transcript of the interview, I said ‘We might’ (ask for US help),” he said.

“That is where (the interviewers) suddenly introduced the supposed request for overflights, which wasn’t what I stated.”

Aides said Aquino had made the remarks during an interview with a foreign news agency. 

Subsequent reports of the president’s alleged request for US spy planes raised concerns within China, with the country warning the Philippines against provocation over the three-month stand-off between the two countries.

“Let us correct that. America is a treaty ally. Where we are lacking in capacity, I think we can go to them and ask that they increase (our) situational awareness,” Aquino said Thursday.

The shoal stand-off began in April when Chinese vessels prevented the Philippine Navy from arresting Chinese fishermen encroaching on  the Filipinos’ claim is  part of their country’s territory.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, even waters close to the coasts of neighboring countries.

In addition to the whole  Scarborough Shoal, the Philippines also claims parts of the Spratlys archipelago. It says the shoal is well within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

The two countries are pressing their respective claims to the area, with the  Philippines seeking  support of its main defense ally, the United States of America.

Aquino remarked Thursday that the Philippines had withdrawn its own ships from the shoal almost three weeks ago, but Chinese ships are still in the area.

“If their vessels had also gone home... there would be no more issue. So who is prolonging the issue?” he  asked.

Meanwhile, the Philippines announced Thursday it had filed a diplomatic protest with China over Beijing’s establishment of a new prefecture called “Sansha” to administer disputed territories in the South China Sea.

Philippine foreign ministry spokesman Raul Hernandez said Sansha’s establishment violated Manila’s claim to the Scarborough Shoal, parts of the Spratly islands, and other areas within the South China Sea. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Bueak It Katsubong

Mabuhay eon nga naga inubo ro tatay ni Pilar. Sige ro andang pag paboeong sa doctor. Abo eon ro andang hagastos sa hospital ogaling sige pa guihapon ro anang pag minasakit. Permi eang naga palitik ko andang oeo say Pilar kon ano eon lang ro paagi agod magmayad ro andang ama.

Ko isaeang agahon ngaron, samtang naga buead si Pilar ko anang linabahan, hapan-uhan nana ro isaeang ka bueak it Katsubong nga bag-ong buskad sa andang hardin sa andang tampaan. Mingko naga hambae kana nga himu-on ra nga sigarilyo ag ipasigarilyo sa anang tatay nga may masakit. Guin sunod nana ro limog nga naga halin sa bueak. Guin pamaea ro bueak parabil guin obrang sigarilyo. 

Pagmaea, guin himo nanang sigarilyo ro bueak it Katsubong, guin sindihan ag guin pasigarilyo sa anang ama. Ko isaeang gabi-e ngaron, hamu-ok ro tueog ni Mang Sitoy. Amat-amat nga nagbalik ro sadyaan nga kaeawasan. nagpundo ro pag ubo. Nalipay man si Pilar sa natabo sa anang ama.

Isaeang adlaw, samtang naga adto imaw sa obra, may habasa imaw nga pahisayod nga nakasueat sa “tarpaulin”. Ro pahisayod hay naga kangay nga mag adto sa sangka paga hiwaton nga seminar sa mga “herbals” sa sin-o man nga naila.

Ay Pilar nga guin tandaan ro pahisayod. Pagkatapos it anang obra, nag agi dayon imaw sa seminar ag nagpamati. May mga nasayuran imaw hanungod sa Katsubong nga maka tapna sa ubo o sa may masakit nga Asthma (Hapo). 

Bueong gali ro bueak it Katsubong sa pagpapundo it ubo, naka pahagan-hagan it pamatyag ag nakapatoeog pa. Ogaling kinahangean nga indi magsalig eang permi sa bueong ro tawong naga masakit. Kinahangean guid ro presko nga hangin, ehersisyo ag masustansyang pagkaon pareho it isda, tinuea ag prutas. 

Halin kato, guin tatap it mayad ni Pilar ro anang tanum nga Katsubong sa andang hardin. Agod maka bulig man imaw sa ibang tawo nga naga kinahangean, anang guina buead ro mga bueak agod bisan anong oras, may anang ikatao sa anang ama kon abuton it masakit nga hapo. /MP

BAMBOO

(Scientific Name: Bambusa spinosa, Roxb.)

Local Names – Bamboo Aound, Bicol; Bataken, Visayan; Caungin, Pampanga, Kawayan, Tagalog; Bicol; Zamboanga.

Area and Production – This plant is widely grown in the Philippines although not much attention is given to its culture. Bamboo is grown on 39,000 – 52 hectares in the Philippines. The local production is insufficient.

Trade and Consumption – In 1936, the Philippines imported from China and Japan 22,784 kilos of dried bamboo sprouts worth P5,074. In the same period our importation of baskets and other manufactured products from bamboo, rattan and reed was P11,740. The Philippine consumption of this material is also great but there is no published data as to the exact amount. 

Varieties and Yields – It appears to be only one variety of B. Spinosa. The yield increases as the plant becomes more established. 

Soil and Climate Requirements – Bamboo is of wide distribution in the Archipelago at low to medium elevations. It grows in various kinds of soil, preferably in sandy loam.

Culture – It is propagated by root-division or rootstocks, or by stem cuttings from tree not less than a year old. Cuttings with two or more healthy buds should be planted in slanting position and distanced at 15 to 20 meters each way. Young plants should be given a start. Planting should be done in the early part of the rainy season. 

Important Diseases and Insect Pests and Their Control

There are no serious diseases and pests of bamboo at present.  

Uses – used mainly for building purposes, for the manufacture of cheap furniture as chairs, benches, tables, beds, cupboards, picture frames among others. The young, tender shoots are boiled and eaten as vegetables and for pickles. Mature stalks have varied other uses. It is used in making almost any type of household utensils. Hollow joints are used for carrying water or as cooking utensils. It is made into pots and baskets of different kinds.

Important Data

1. Seed rate – 25 to 45 cuttings per hectare

2. Germination capacity – 90 to 100%

3. Food value – Bamboo shoot (Labong), moisture, 92.77%; Ash, 0.55%; Protein, 1,76% Fat, (.51%; Crude fiber, 0.17%; Carbohydrates, 4.2%.

4. Nature of plant – a tree-like grass attaining a height of 10 to 20 meters, the lower, spiny growths on the canes forming a dense, interlaced thicket. Widely distributed in the Philippines. /MP   

NSO Conducts CE Survey for BSP

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) had contracted the services of the National Statistics Office to conduct the 2012 Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) aimed to get consumers assessment on their financial situation, the economic condition of the country and the over-all performance of the government.

The CES is a household–based data gathering scheme covering a total of 5,000 samples nationwide. In Aklan, about 39 households in two sample barangays, namely Bay-ang, Batan and Dumaguit, New Washington were selected for CES. The enumeration started on July 2, 2012 and will be completed within two weeks.

Data gathered from the consumer expectations survey are very important in forecasting the future course of the national economy. This has been proven in many countries of the world conducting the consumer expectation survey, such as the United States of American, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan. In the Philippines, the consumer expectations survey is even more significant as our consumers’ expenditures account for more than half of the total gross domestic demand for goods and services.

According to Mr. Blas M. Solidum, Provincial Statistics Officer, the NSO’s responsibility in this survey is to undertake the data collection and encoding of the questionnaires, while that of the BSP is to generate tables and analysis of the results.

The core questions in the CES cover three basic areas of consumer sentiment: personal finances, business conditions, and buying conditions.

Mr. Solidum said that the results of the CES will guide planners in forecasting the direction of change of economy as well as the behavior of inflation rate, interests rate and exchange rates. /MP

Hope For The Orphans

by MEGS S. LUNN

A promising orphanage named Cross Point Ministries located at Bougainvilla Beach, Pook Interior, Kalibo, Aklan aims to provide a Christ centered haven of hope for orphans. The initial focus are the infants zero age to 6 months. It will serve the needs of the entire province of Aklan. 

Mr. Michael Yap a Filipino-American who lives in New Jersey, USA but with roots in Pook, Kalibo conceived the idea. He had a clear dream to take care of small children which started way back in 1989. 

Michael is married with eight (8) children. As if he doesn’t have enough, he still thinks of an orphanage back home. In 2006, he came back to the Philippines to conduct need analysis, went around orphanages in Aklan, Bacolod, Iloilo and Metro Manila. Michael, with his deep faith in God, prayed for wisdom about his dream. 

Back then, he shares backlogs in the family. He lost his job as carpet cleaner. He nearly lost his wife and children as they were on cross-roads, until in his dream, God told him to fix his family problem first before anything else. Therefore, he went back to the USA and attended to his family problems. After which, he finally decided to put up this orphanage in Pook in 2009. He went back again to the Philippines and talked to his father, Manny Yap, who owns a large property in Pook Interior. 

It is surrounded with fishponds and many green trees. In 2010, he went to Iloilo and filled up the SEC Registration Form. He organized the board. Back in the USA and with his grandparent’s property, the father, out of the 30 hectares of land, donated at least one hectare to fulfill his dream. It was a welcome donation from his father. Indeed, God favored his dream. In 2011, he secured all the needed legal documents. The Board of Directors was organized with two American friends and six Filipinos additional members. They all came home together for the ground breaking in March 2011. 

Instead of constructing a new building which could have cost US $20,000, his father Manny Yap gave their old house to the orphanage.

The board members back in New Jersey   raised funds for the orphanage expenses. The initial amount was spent for the renovation of the house. The fund raising included the night of worship, a dinner and some rummage sales auctions. There were anonymous donors at the same time.

Michael has strong faith to make things happen. So that at present, the Cross Point Ministries Hope for the Orphans is manned by seven staff members. The board of directors religiously open their hearts and minds into taking good care of the orphans. /MP

Aklan Police Nabs A Police In Drugs Buy Bust Operation

Aklan drug operatives arrested two suspects which involved policeman in buy bust operations in Kalibo, Aklan on Thursday afternoon, June 28, 2012.

The joint Elements of Aklan Provincial Intelligence Branch led by police senior inspector Lory Tarazona and Kalibo PS led by SPO3 Reynaldo Macario under the  supervision of Kalibo police chief   superintendent Aden T Lagradante they identified the suspects as Ethyl Ann Fabiosa y Sabordo, 27, single, native of Brgy. Balintawak, Escalante, Neg. Occidental. She is presently staying at Oyo Torong St., Kalibo, Aklan. 

Another suspect is PO2 Edsel Tan y Tiu, 33, married, presently assigned at the Aklan Provincial Public Safety Company, Camp Pastor Martelino, New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan. He is a resident of  No. 420-B, Timawa, Tanza Zone 1, Iloilo City, but presently residing at Poblacion, Altavas, Aklan.

The suspects were collared in two separate operations after thorough surveillance and positive transactions thru police poseur buyer of dangerous drugs from the suspects which resulted to their apprehension and recovery of drugs evidences.

According to PIBO police chief senior inspector Tarazona, one buy bust operation transpired at about 5:30 p.m. on June 28, 2012 at Rizal St., Kalibo, Aklan wherein suspect Ethyl Ann Fabiosa sold to the police asset one (1) piece heated sealed transparent plastic cellophane containing suspected shabu. 

Recovered from poseur buyer in exchange of the buy bust money were the following: one (1) pc five hundred peso bill (unmarked money); five (5) pcs one hundred peso bills (marked money) and one (1) unit Nokia cellphone 2100 color white/violate with text messages of suspected illegal drug transactions. 

In the follow-up operation at around 6:20 P.M. of same date at Ceres Bus Terminal in Osmeña Ave., Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan resulted to the arrest of PO2 Edsel Tan Y Tiu with recovery of drug paraphernalia and other items from his possession and control which are: one (1) heated sealed transparent plastic cellophane containing suspected shabu; Two (2) pieces of five hundred peso bills (marked money); one (1) unit caliber 9mm Pietro Beretta, Serial No. P62350z (PNP Property) with one (1) magazine loaded with 10 cartridges; one (1) leather inside holster; one (1) unit Nokia cell phone 6682 color blue/gray with text messages of illegal drug transactions; one (1) black wallet containing one (1) piece five hundred peso bill (unmarked money), PNP ID, BIR ID, RAIDSOG ID; one (1) piece Mercury Drug wallet containing one (1) piece one thousand peso bill, one (1) piece five hundred peso bill, four (4) pieces one hundred peso bill and one (1) piece 50 peso bill; one (1) piece transparent plastic bag (Donewell) containing several pieces of small transparent plastic sachets; One (1) piece short straw with residue of suspected shabu and one (1) pc improvised match box containing matches.

Suspects were under the custody of Kalibo police station while recovered items were brought to Aklan Provincial Crime Laboratory for examination.

Aklan PPO provincial police director PSSUPT Cornelio Defensor said, the constant operation is part of the intensified anti-Illegal drug campaign of the Aklan PPO which aims to make Aklan a drug free province.

“I will not tolerate any illegalities especially involving policemen in Aklan since we are committed in pursuing transformation towards a more effective, efficient and credible police force in this province, Defensor stressed. 

An inquest case for Violation of Republic Act 9165 is being prepared against the respondents. /MP