GSE 2013 From Oregon Visits Aklan

The Rotary Club of Kalibo will be the host of five (5) members of the Rotary International Group Study Exchange (GSE) Team. They are from Rotary International District 5110 Oregon, USA. They will arrive in Kalibo on February 20, 2013 and stay until February 22 when they will depart for Boracay.

GSE is a cultural project of Rotary International geared to promote peace and understanding among nations and people.

The GSE Team is composed of:

Tommi Drake 

Team Leader 

Tommi is a member of the Rogue Gateway Rotary Club of Grants Pass, Oregon. Prior to retirement, she was the Gallery Director and Art Department Head at Rogue Community College. Currently, she teaches one class a quarter and is a community advocate working with arts groups and tourism to ‘promote our people and support our area’. She is a grandma of four young people. She visits with them as much as possible. Aside from her art, she loves to hike, raft and visit with family and friends.

Beth McGrady

Beth McGrady is a registered nurse on the orthopedic unit in Coos Bay, Oregon. Her father teaches metal shop for high school students and her mother teaches water aerobics. She’s the youngest of five children having three brothers and one sister. She loves science, reading, and being outside. Herfuture goal is to join Doctors Without Borders and give medical aid around the world.

“Peace begins with a smile.” ~ Mother Theresa

Kendra Northam grew up in Juneau, Alaska and moved to Eugene, Oregon in 2002. She was adopted from S. Korea at 3 months old and has an older sister, supportive parents, and many great friends in her life. Kendra graduated with her nursing degree in 2009 and has since been working on a progressive cardiac hospital unit. Kendra enjoys volunteer work and plans to continue volunteering throughout her nursing career. In 2012, she participated in a medical mission to Guatemala with HELPS International to provide care for the underserved.

Lauretta Prince

Lauretta’s family has lived in Oregon for two generations. Her husband is studying engineering, her mother is a lawyer, her father is a gunsmith, and her brother builds houses. They enjoy outdoors activities like camping, hiking, fishing and playing baseball. Lauretta loves learning about the food, music, languages and customs of other countries. Along with coordinating home stay programs for international students, she teaches English as a second language and she also leads French classes for children and adults.

Emily lives in Cave Junction, Oregon. She graduated from Green Mountain University in 2011 with a Master’s in Environmental Sciences. She works with the National Park Service on watershed health and habitat conservation. She lives with her husband and often plays with their 2 grandchildren. Emily loves exploring new places, growing food for her family and having adventures.

The team will arrive on Thursday, February 20. They will be welcome in a Filipino lunch upon arrival. They will give courtesy call to Kalibo Mayor William Lachica, Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and attend Rotary Club of Kalibo meeting in the evening. 

On February 21, they will visit ASU Banga, Metro Kalibo Water District, Bakhawan Eco Park among others.

Radio interviews are being arranged. 

While in Aklan, they will stay with host families. Tommi Drake, the Team Leader will stay with Past President (PP) Niovady Marin, Beth McGrady – Rtn. Buenas Aires Celi Rivera, Kendra Northam – PP Joel Mercurio, Emily Ring – Pres. Dennis Lim and Lauretta Prince – PP Botoy Villorente. /MP

Adopt Basketball Policy Promote Philippine Boxing

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

Even if there is still the Filipino Flash,” Nonito Donaire, Jr., WBO Superbantamweight World Champion, capturing the limelight in world boxing; even if there is still the Hawaiian Punch, Brian Viloria, WBO & WBA unified flyweight champion; even if there is still WBO World junior flyweight champion Dodie Nietes; even if there is still IBF junior flyweight champion, Junriel Casimero; and even if there is still WBC minimum weight silver world champion Denver Cuello awaiting to snatch the WBC legitimate world champion; without Manny Pacquiao perched at the top of world boxing, the feeling of satisfaction among Filipino boxing fans is never complete.

Donaire’s ascent to boxing world stardom cannot fully assuage the Filipinos’ pride, after Manny’s stunning loss to Juan Manuel Marquez, to include mine, Donaire, four division world champion (flyweight, interim junior bantamweight, bantamweight and now Superbantamweight), an adopted Aklanon, is now adjudged the Fighter of the Year (2012) by Yahoo Sports, Sports Illustrated, Ring Magazine and ESPN, while he captured the American Boxing Writers’ Association’s Fighter of the Year recognition.

Filipino Mercito Gesta was given the chance for a world boxing title against Mexican Miguel Vasquez, the WBO defending world champion. Vasquez was ripe for the picking for a world title against Gesta but Team Gesta and his corner atop the ring failed to develop a game plan for Gesta to pin down a horseback riding boxer from Mexico. Team Gesta has not even developed the flat-footed Mercito Gesta’s jabs which could have been effective against the polo-playing Mexican boxer. Gesta-Vasquez world title tussle was the undercard in the Pacquiao-Marquez fight. Gesta lopsidedly lost on point against trickster-boxer Vasquez.

Among the Filipino world boxing title hopefuls, Cuello has the biggest chance to snatch another world title for the Filipinos. Cuello is an Ilonggo.

Why boxing as sports captivates much of the hearts of Filipino boxing fans? Through the years since Pancho Villa, Ceferino Garcia and Flash Elorde, boxing never fails to deliver sports heroes to uplift Filipino spirits, the likes of Salavarria, Espinosa, Villaflor, Navarette, Barrientos, and others.

Although Filipinos are crazy about basketball, basketball as sports among Filipinos can only be better as an entertainment sports as provided by the professional league, not a globally competitive sports. Basketball for Filipinos, lacking in heft and height can no longer be a source of glory. We can never lord on it all over Asia, Southeast Asia, perhaps.

To think that billions of pesos of corporate money, and even that of the government are poured into basketball, wow, “sayang lang”.

DILG must now review the manner sports funds from the barangay, municipal, provincial and regional levels are channelled into basketball. It’s a waste of money investing funds for the dwarfs engaging in sports of the giants. 

Political Romance

Aklan Rep. Florencio ‘Joeben’ T. Miraflores is the outgoing congressman of the lone district of Aklan after his third and last term ends at noon of June 30, 2013. Likewise, Gov. Carlito ‘Lito’ S. Marquez will finish his third and last term as Governor of Aklan on the same date.

Miraflores was a two-termer Mayor of Ibajay and 3-termer Governor of Aklan.

I was at the media bureau of Miraflores’ campaign staff in 1995 when he ran for governor against the late Corazon L. Cabagnot who was then a heavy favourite against the underdog Joeben. Together with Philippine Star correspondent, now Provincial Prosecutor Nel Inventado and DYKR’s star reporter Cha Reyes, we coined Joeben’s gubernatorial platform, the twin priority thrusts in agricultural productivity enhancement and tourism development. Until now, Gov. Lito uses the same program priorities in his administration.

When Joeben ended his third and last term as governor and ran for Congressman in 2004 with Gov. Lito in tandem as governor, I was again at the media bureau of Tibyog party to where the duo belong. With me were Ullyses Espartero and Che Indelible. Efren “ET” Trinidad ran the campaign headquarters.

In both instances, 1995 and 2005, the duo won.

I was the main writer of Gov. Lito’s Inaugural Address, his first 90-days accomplishment report, his SOPA during his first 3-year term. His pool of writers composed of Prov’l. Asst. Administrator Rey Matorres  and PPDO Roger Esto reviewed and finalized it.

Barangay Solido, Nabas, became the primary beneficiary through projects our people needs ranging from school’s fence, multi-purpose stage, irrigation pumps, school electrification, CRs worth of about a million pesos.

My family and I were rewarded. I was appointed SP Secretary by then Vice Gov. Kel Tolentino. As suggested by Ms. Ellen, the HRMD head. I was appointed and confirmed SP secretary in March 2005.

Vice Gov. Billie Calizo-Quimpo, the incumbent regular presiding officer nurtured a working relationship in my favour despite differences in the political campaign trail in the past. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Si Mariang Ueang

Simpli eamang nga babaye si Maria. Owa guid it naga pangasawa kana tongod owa imaw it hilig sa kasadyahan. Parabil mamatay ro anang ina, guin bilin imaw sa anang tiya nga may mga onga nga daeaga nga ka edad nana. Guin alila–an nanda si Maria, eabi guid ko anang igkampod nga si Sita.

Kon may okasyon ro daeaga, puro sugo imaw ag tanan ro obra sa baeay hay ana pa. Pagka gabi-e, gaoy nga gaoy si Maria ogaling naga bangon pa imaw kon mag abot si Sita halin sa kasadyahan.

Ko isaeang agahon ngaron, nagbueaw si Maria. Busa owa eagi imaw naka eaha it pagkaon. Tongod karon, guin paeaba imaw nga owa pagpakan-a. Deretso imaw sa suba. Idto nana guin buhos ro anang sakit it bu-ot. 

“Kon buhi pa kunta si Nanay hay owa nakon naagumi rondayang kalisod”, pagpanangison ko daeaga. Sa tonga ko anang panaeambiton, owa nana mapan-uhi ro mga ueang nga naga hukop kana. Pagka pan-o nana, anang guin dakop ro sambatong mabahoe nga ueang. Hakibot imaw kat nabati-an nana nga naga hambae eon ro ueang. 

“Indi ka magkasubo, Maria. Iya kami kimo naga bulig”, hambae it ueang. “Tan-awa ro imong palibot”, dugang pa guid it ueang. Paglingot nana, hakita nana ro mga prutas ag mga ha guyam-ot. Nagpaayaw-ayaw imaw it kaon hasta naka batyag imaw it kabakod. 

Halin kato, owa nagabalibad si Maria maskin ano ro ginasugo kana. Permi pa imaw nga mabaskog ag malipayon. Nangawa ro mag ina sa mga hueag ni Maria. Ngani guin man-manan nanda si Maria. Ko agahon ngaron, guin sundan nanda si Maria sa suba agod mag eaba. Hakita nanda nga naga estorya si Maria sa mabahoe nga dueang. Pag oli ni Maria, nagpakita si Sita sa mga ueang. Guin sugo ro mga ueang nga daehan man imaw it prutas ag suea. Nagpanaw ro mga ueang ag maangan-angan, may nag aeabot nga prutas ag suea ogaling puro eonot ag eob-ok pa. 

Sa anang kaakig, guin pang haboy ko daeaga ro mga prutas. Sa anang pag hinaboy, hadanlog imaw ag nahueog sa suba. Nagpangoy-pangoy imaw ag guin hukupan imaw it mga ueang agod angkiton. Nag uli imaw nga abo it nina. Dogang pa, nag eaw-ay ro anang hitsura.

Samtang guin paea-as nanda si Maria. Guin buligan ko mga ueang si Maria. Nagpatindog imaw it baeay ag nag entra sa negosyo. Malipayon man imaw nga naga binulig sa mga pobre nga naga kinahang-ean. /MP

Gov. Marquez Inducts KBP Officers for 2013

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Photo shows Gov. Marquez (extreme left) inducting the officers of KBP who are Sally Villasis – chairman, Ron N. Bautista – Vice Chairman, Eril S. Ibardolasa–Performance Officer, Jhinkee Jane B. Rodillas–Secretary, Lucy R. Villaruel–Treasurer, DT Joy Gener – Audito and Eleanor Defensor – Reyes–Executive Secretary.

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster s a Pilipinas (KBP) Aklan Chapter held its induction of officers at the Provincial Guest House, Capitol, Estancia, Kalibo on Friday afternoon February 8. The invited speaker and inducting officer is Gov. Carlito S. Marquez.

In his message, Gov. Marquez congratulated the officers and members of KBP for their active participation, interest and commitment in the recently held Sto. Niño Ati-atihan festival. He commended their fair and balanced reporting in pursuit of truth and justice. Based on record, Aklan KBP officers and members are nationally recognized. “The Philippines enjoys a reputation of having its media as one of the freest in the world”, Marquez pointed out.

However, he underscored the need for journalists to inform/educate the people on climate change since this is a major natural phenomenon of the 21st century. “We must address this weather aberration in order to overcome formidable problems of raising sea level, coastal subsidence, coastal erosion and rising ocean temperature. All these problems drastically impact our food supply, health, environment and survival,” Marquez stressed.

We must adapt ourselves to climate change. Since trees inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen, there is a need to implement moratorium on cutting down forest trees. Instead, we must replant denuded hills with agro forest trees and estuarine rivers with bakawan. Our advocacy is community-based re-greening program that is practical, effective and sustainable concluded Marquez.

Ms. Salvacion R. Villasis responded that being the eyes and ears of the people, we are committed as an organization to uphold the vision/mission of KBP. Indeed we are in the business of empowering people since we educate and inform them said Villasis, station manager of DYMT FM Banga, operated by Aklan State University. 

Other officers of KBP inducted with Villasis as chairman, are Ron N. Bautista – Vice Chairman, Eril S. Ibardolasa – Performance Officer, Jhinkee Jane B. Rodillas – Secretary, Lucy R. Villaruel – Treasurer, DT Joy Gener – Audito and Eleanor Defensor – Reyes – Executive Secretary.

Aklan broadcast industry is composed of 3 AM, 4 FM and 2 cable TV stations. They provide continuing educational, informative, instructional and entertaining programs to listeners. /MP

Numanciahanons Pass RN Board

Aklan State University (ASU), College of Nursing produced another set of Registered Nurses (RN) after passing the recently concluded nursing board examination, December 16-17, 2012 at Iloilo City.

Two Numanciahanons among others who passed the board examination are Frenzes P. Tapican, BSN of Poblacion, Numancia and Angelica F. Reyes, BSN of Dongon East, Numancia. Tapican obtained an average of 81.80 percent. She is the daughter Ret. SSgt. Richard J. Tapican and Mrs. Fe P. Tapican. 

Tapican studied in Numancia Elementary School. She completed her secondary education at Regional Science High School for Region VI. Her philosophy in life, “You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life…”

Angelica F. Reyes is the daughter of Mr. Antonio Reyes and Mrs. Anacleta Fernandez-Reyes. She finished elementary at Dongon Elementary School and high school in Regional Science High School for Region VI. She believes in the saying “Success belongs to those who dare”.  

 ASU College of Nursing has 102 examinees, 85 of whom are first takers, while 17 are re-takers. Of the 85 first takers, 51 or 50.49 percent passed while of the 17 re-takers, one (1) passed this year’s Nursing Board exam. /MP

P10.8 M 2013 Agriculture Budget Is Serious

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

There is drastic increase in prices of pork in the municipality of Kalibo. It went up from P140.00 per kgm on December 8, 2012 to P175.000 as of February 8, 2013. This is a rise of 20 percent just after two months. Traders justify the increase to overwhelming demand on account of the holiday season and the province wide Sto. Niño festivals. Iloilo is Aklan’s major hogs supplier transported to Kalibo Wet Market, side stalls and Boracay.

The Bureau of Agriculture Statistics (BAS) record shows Aklan’s livestock inventory as of January 1, 2012 was 11,836 heads, chicken – 1,038,622 heads, cattle – 28,288 heads and carabaos – 21,713 heads.

As of August 2007, National Statistics Office (NSO) reported the household population of Aklan is 433,219. If a family raises only one hog, this means that 421,383 households or 97.2 percent do not have swine in his backyard. Pigs are known as prime source of emergency fund and family “sacrificial” offering during birthdays, weddings, graduation and fiestas. Moreover, hogs are efficient converters of farm residues and kitchen leftovers to pork. 

What can be done about the pathetic livestock situation?

The answer lies in implementing an intensive feedgrains production program that will include corn, sorghum and soybeans. It is lamentable that as of 2011, corn area is only 1,061.0 hectares with a production of 2,817 MT or 2.65 MT per hectare.

Today, Aklan has 10,408 hectares or 60.8 percent rainfed rice farms that could be utilized for feedgrains production. Hybrid yellow corn and sorghum could be planted in this area after rice is harvested. Although corn does not need more water, it needs irrigation water during critical growth stages like early seedling and flowering stages. 

Sorghum on the other hand is tolerant of occasional wet soil condition. Soybeans need a rolling fertile area for optimum growth. Other potential areas could be under coconut plantations.

Corn bran constitutes 70 percent of total ration in animal feeds. High cost of commercial livestock feed leaves practically nothing to farmer’s cost of investment. Dr. Lorenzo, a veterinarian of the Department of Agriculture reported that based on their financial analysis, it is the animal buyers and agricultural suppliers who benefit most from backyard piggery project.

In a Kapihan Sa Aklan forum, Mr. William Castillo, Aklan provincial agriculturist revealed that the monthly actual consumption for hogs alone in Aklan is 200-250 heads, majority of which come from other provinces and outsiders call the shots.

The challenge to overcome this problem lies in our willingness to solve it. Providing a key role could be the Agricultural Training Institute to handle technology transfer to farmers and LGU agricultural technologists. LGU can finance agricultural projects in livestock and poultry, rice and corn, vegetables and other crops. 

For Aklan to appropriate 10.8 million pesos for agriculture in 2013 is a serious matter to consider. This is an injustice to the underserved farmers and fishermen. They deserve more assistance in order for them to participate in provincial development and progress. /MP

Editorial

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

Aklan Needs P114.089 Millions 

For Loan Repayments In 2013

It is good that the people of Aklan is already updated on the total amount and the status of loans incurred by the provincial government through the years specifically during the Miraflores and Marquez administrations as provincial governors.

Thank the Office of the Provincial Treasurer and the Office of the Provincial Accountant for making public the figures on loans incurred during the budget briefings in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan late last year. As it was the subject of budget deliberations, the SP is duly mandated to further make it public through our information dissemination and through the media outlets.

Incurring debts is not new and startling move in governance. Contracting loans for development projects and religiously servicing repayments are parts and parcel of sound fiscal management, sound governance. Incurring loans and repaying it on schedule is part of the system, a corporate reality, government having corporate function.

Marquez should not be faulted for incurring these loans. In fact, he should be praised for applying corporate fiscal administration in local governance.

In an attempt to clarify things about the subject, a mere news article may not suffice. Hence, this news commentary.

First, it cannot be a total P579.294 million outstanding loans starting in 2004. This figure was accumulated as of 2004. The loans were contracted starting that year, in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The loans contracted after 2004 are the P40 millions bond floatation to finance the initial construction of the Caticlan Jetty Port and Terminal, and DOF’s Logofind of P81.895 millions used to upgrade the facilities of the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH) into a tertiary hospital. These loans were contracted by former Governor Florencio T. Miraflores.

The P40 millions bond float is already fully paid by the administration of Gov. Carlito S. Marquez. That bond floatation landed in the pages of “success stories” book of the Department of Finance. The Caticlan Jetty Port and Terminal facing Boracay Island is now the highest earning economic unit of the provincial government of Aklan. It netted some P459.693 millions income for the last three years.

The unpaid balance as of this date of the P81.895 millions to upgrade the DRSTMH is P51.765 millions. The complete repayment of this loan is in 2019. The people can now judge how well the loan was utilized through the facilities of the upgraded hospital. It earned a total of P612.863 millions during the last three years but operational expenditures totalled P888.549 millions. Government hospitals are not for profit, rather, public service, health services particularly.

The biggest single loan contracted under the administration of Marquez, is of course, the P260 millions Boracay bond floatation which sold like hotcakes in 2010. This is earmarked for the expansion of port and tourism facilities in barangay Caticlan designed to keep the area atuned with the fast growing tourism industry spurred by Boracay. The Supreme Court of the Philippines issued a temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) stalling for a moment the full implementation of the project.

The revenue generation trends of both the Cagban and Caticlan jetty ports and terminals point to a viable economic prospect for the Caticlan port expansion to be funded by this bond floatation. To date, the outstanding balance of the bonds remains at P187.777 millions which must be fully paid in 2020.

The P30.313 millions loan for the construction of the school of nursing building has a present balance of P15.156 millions. Full repayment is due in 2018. 

The P52.286 millions for the construction of the Calangcang Sports Complex in Makato, Aklan has an outstanding balance of P39.214 millions to be fully repaid in 2019.

Both projects are in compliance with the local government unit’s mandate of delivering relevant and appropriate social services in education and sports development. The minimal income from these facilities is compensated by its impact to Aklan’s population. The school of nursing has enrolled students about half the tuition fees charged by private schools but produces comparatively higher passing rate in nurses’ licensure examination. 

The sports complex in Makato charges a minimal fee for the use of its facilities but it is compensating enough that Aklan is able to comply with its mandate of hosting regional sports meets and enabled local athletes to place prominently in sports competitions. Now, Aklan is always running third, next to Iloilo and Neg. Occ., in the annual regional Palaro.

For Budget Year 2013, a total of P114.089 millions are required to service these debts. Some P77.45 millions as amortization for the principal and P36.624 millions for interest.

Let Aklanons be the judge on how well these loans are being utilized. The provincial government, since 2004, had never defaulted repayments to its financial obligations. The Commission on Audit report in 2011 cited Aklan for its aggressive borrowings to fund the social and economic infrastructures. Debt servicing is well comfortably provided for in its annual budgets, via sound fiscal management. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Cuachon Stops Physician’s 

Private Practice

Effective February 16, 2013, private practices of physicians employed at Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH) is stopped. This is announced by Dr. Cornelio V. Cuachon, Jr. of the DRSTMH during the 23rd regular weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Kalibo held on Tuesday, February 5.

According to Cuachon, the private practice of government physicians of DRSTMH has adversely affected the services in the said hospital. “The private practice has delayed medical services that could have been given to patients, but delayed because the concerned physicians were out on private practice”. 

Cuachon specifically mentioned the delay in surgery for 5 to 6 days”.

Beginning Feb 16, all physicians are directed to observe Civil Service law and rules especially the compliance to office hours. They will be on eight hours duty in the hospital.

But the physicians can engage in private practice outside of office hours, Cuachon admitted. 

“Those who will apply to engage in private practice will be granted permission subject to certain conditions”, said Cuachon. “Maybe they will be allowed provided private practice is done after office hours”, Cuachon added.

2013 Sto. Niño 

Ati-atihan Festival Loses Money

The Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Foundation, Inc. (KASAFI) in its Statement of Income and Expenses as of Jan. 29, 2013 reported a total Net Income of P4,745,414.28. This report is as follows: 

Balance as of January 31, 2012- Php1,330,413.15

Add: Total Cash Receipts - 3,607,277.38

(per OR # 533 to 718) SUBTOTAL - Php 4,937,690.53

Add: Interest on Deposit - 21,521.86

TOTAL - Php 4,959,212.39

Less: Expenses - Php 3,930,903.11

(refer to attached breakdown)

INCOME - Php1,028,309.28

Add: Accounts Receivables - 3,717,105.00

(per attached breakdown)

TOTAL NET INCOME - Php 4,745,414.28

This report cited was signed by the responsible officers of KASAFI who are Mr. Rufino C. Leyson – Treasurer; Ms. Milla R. Balleza – Secretary; Mr. Edison M. Lao and Mr. Augusto C. Tolentino – Auditors, and Mr. Albert A. Meñez – chairman.

Going over the Statement of Income and Expenses, the Net Income appears big – P4,745,414.28, but it is not.

This is not the total income gained in the 2013 Kalibo Sto. Niño Festival celebration. Take note that the report states: “Balance as of Jan. 31, 2012 – P1,330,413.15”, this is not earned in the 2013 but earned the previous celebration.

Moreover, the interest on Deposit is P21,521.86 which is certainly earned by the money of the previous year’s income.

In addition to the previous balance and interest earned on deposit, there is the P3,641,105 donations made by business firms and public officials. 

Adding these three items, it total to P4,993,041.68. 

However, in my analysis, the P1,330,413.15 is the KASAFI money as of Jan. 31, 2012, and the interest on deposit of 21,521.86 are already available before the 2013 celebration. It must be excluded in the computation of net income for 2013 Ati-atihan.

Using the total income of P4,959,212.39 presented in the report is misleading because those two items are already available even before the 2013 Sto. Niño Festival. 

The 2013 Kalibo Ati-atihan festival only grossed P3,667,277.38 as the Statement of Income and Expenses show. After subtracting the total expenses of P3,930,903.11, the net gain is negative P323,625.72. KASAFI lost.

The amount of P3,641,105.00 are still receivables. This represents the amounts pledged by political leaders and business firms.

Another P76,000 earned in the Souvenir Program is also collectible. /MP

NVC To Celebrate 65th Annual College Festival

On the theme: “Role of the Academe In Coping With Environmental Degradation and Climate Change”, the Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC) will celebrate its 65th Annual College Festival. The celebration is scheduled on March 1 and 2, 2013 according to its President, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo.

The activities for the two days celebration are being finalized by the Steering Committee headed by Mrs. Melrose Q. Martelino, chairman of the Board of Regents, NVC.

Among the highlights are the Search for NVC Sweetheart and King of Hearts 2013. The participants to the contest will represent their respective departments. The first and final canvassing will be held on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Coronation will take place on Friday evening, March 1. 

There will be Thanksgiving Mass, Playground Demonstration, and Parade and Review in honor of Miss NVC Sweetheart & King of Hearts 2013.

Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, NVC president has organized the different committees for the preparation of the NVC College Festival celebration program. /MP

ASU Launches Social Transformation Initiative

by Sally R. Villasis

The Aklan State University (ASU) through the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Banga and Muguing Barangay Council launched the extension program “Livelihood and Nutrition Intervention for Social Transformation in Barangay Muguing” on January 29, 2013 at Barangay Muguing, Banga, Aklan.

The launching program and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement was attended by the officials of LGU-Banga headed by the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Antonio T. Maming, faculty and staff of ASU led by the University President, Dr. Danilo E. Abayon and Muguing Barangay Council headed by the Barangay Captain, Hon. Luzviminda A. Miraflores.

In her welcome remarks, Hon. Miraflores expressed her appreciation for the support extended by the program partners.

Dr. Abayon, in his message, emphasized the important roles that the partners play in transforming Barangay Muguing into a progressive community.  He highlighted the significant contributions of the University in terms of research and extension that can be shared to the community.

Hon. Margarito Andrade, Sangguniang Bayan Committee Chair on Agriculture said that the program is very timely in response to the needs of the residents of Barangay Muguing particularly on livelihood and nutrition.

Mrs. Josephine Pajo, CAFES Faculty cited the ASU extension program which aims to address the request for assistance of Barangay Muguing to improve the quality of life of its populace specifically the out-of-school youths, unemployed adults, and women.

She mentioned the several projects which comprise the program namely, Gender Empowerment through Enhancing Gender Sensitivity Awareness; Nourishing the Vulnerable that includes Nutrition Education for children, mothers and the elderly; Livelihood for Food such as production, processing and marketing of organic food; Healthy Muguing for Enhancement of Rural Health Services; and Re-greening Muguing that will initiate climate change mitigation and adaptation activities.       

For his part, Prof. Alexander I. Ramos, Director of ASU-Extension and Community Services (ECS) emphasized that the ECS is the forerunner of the University’s efforts to reach out to people who are in need of knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and opportunities for quality education, sustainable agriculture, enterprise development, health and social welfare.

Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, Member of ASU-Board of Regents expressed his support to the extension program in the barangay. He encouraged the community to participate actively in the implementation.  Likewise, he shared significant insights on farming practices and climate change.   

Meanwhile, PO3 Philialyn Navarra of Banga-Philippine National Police imparted some important information on domestic violence.      

Part of the activities include forum on Gender Empowerment discussed by Prof. Therese Jean Sarabia of ASU-College of Teacher Education, while the topic on Climate Change Adaptation was shared by Prof. Eva Orlina.   /MP 

PhilHealth President/CEO Resigns

Eduardo P. Banzon, M.D., MSc., due to personal reasons, resigned from his post as president and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, according to GMA News’ News to Go on Tuesday.

The Philhealth Board of Directors accepted Banzon’s resignation on Monday, the report said.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona will serve as PhilHealth OIC until a replacement is named. Banzon, who assumed office in 2011, worked toward a universal health care program in the Philippines, one of the key promises of President Benigno Aquino III.

He pushed for measures to decrease out-of-pocket expenditure for health services, such as a higher premium, which would allow for expanded benefits. Banzon also pushed for the Sin Tax Reform bill, which would also enable PhilHealth to expand its benefits.

President Benigno Aquino III signed into law Republic Act No. 1035 or the Sin Tax Reform Law last Dec. 20. /MP

PhilHealth President/CEO Resigns

Eduardo P. Banzon, M.D., MSc., due to personal reasons, resigned from his post as president and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, according to GMA News’ News to Go on Tuesday.

The Philhealth Board of Directors accepted Banzon’s resignation on Monday, the report said.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona will serve as PhilHealth OIC until a replacement is named. Banzon, who assumed office in 2011, worked toward a universal health care program in the Philippines, one of the key promises of President Benigno Aquino III.

He pushed for measures to decrease out-of-pocket expenditure for health services, such as a higher premium, which would allow for expanded benefits. Banzon also pushed for the Sin Tax Reform bill, which would also enable PhilHealth to expand its benefits.

President Benigno Aquino III signed into law Republic Act No. 1035 or the Sin Tax Reform Law last Dec. 20. /MP

PhilHealth President/CEO Resigns

Eduardo P. Banzon, M.D., MSc., due to personal reasons, resigned from his post as president and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, according to GMA News’ News to Go on Tuesday.

The Philhealth Board of Directors accepted Banzon’s resignation on Monday, the report said.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona will serve as PhilHealth OIC until a replacement is named. Banzon, who assumed office in 2011, worked toward a universal health care program in the Philippines, one of the key promises of President Benigno Aquino III.

He pushed for measures to decrease out-of-pocket expenditure for health services, such as a higher premium, which would allow for expanded benefits. Banzon also pushed for the Sin Tax Reform bill, which would also enable PhilHealth to expand its benefits.

President Benigno Aquino III signed into law Republic Act No. 1035 or the Sin Tax Reform Law last Dec. 20. /MP

Reason & Concern

Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Arbitration Tribunal, At Last

Finally, after two years of manifesting patience and exhaustion of political and diplomatic remedies, the Philippine government had elevated to the United Nations for arbitration the West Philippine Sea issue with China.

The Department of Foreign Affairs had counted 15 protests against China for what it perceived as “incursions into the disputed waters”. Early on, the Philippines had, to my mind, considered conciliation. Now, it has resorted to compulsory arbitration.

A distinction had been made by former Senate President Jovito R. Salonga in his book Public  International Law   between arbitration and conciliation when he said that under conciliation, the parties are not bound to  adopt the proposals for a settlement which are suggested to them whereas in arbitration a legal obligation exists to comply with the award of the arbitrator. Arbitration is a judicial process, while conciliation is essentially a bargaining process, Salonga asserted.

The arbitration shall be in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) also called the Law of the Sea Convention or the Law of the Sea treaty.

Hopefully, the Philippines and China shall have nominated their representatives to the five-member arbitration panel so that the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea can start with the arbitration process.

While the Philippines had earlier protested certain incidents in the  West Philippine Sea involving China such as “sea patrols, oil exploration, military exercises, and the establishment of a Chinese administrative unit to govern all of the disputed Spratly islands”, the Philippine protest had fallen into China’s deaf ears. Hence, the resort through compulsory arbitration.

Rather than issue belligerent statements that may be misconstrued as an invitation to a show of military force, the Philippines had maintained its composure. On this matter, the Philippine government had shown its adherence to Article II, Sec. 2 of the Philippine Constitution which states: “The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations.”

Political Dynasty

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) had issued a pastoral statement against political dynasties. Let us see whether Congress shall wake up from its more than Rip Van Winkle slumber on the CBCP pastoral statement and consider an enabling law banning political dynasties.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s privilege speech aimed at Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile had affected the dignity and stature of the Philippine Senate as an institution. 

As I listened to the privilege speech of Senator Cayetano, I was thinking of having it titled similar to that rock n’ roll song of the late fifties titled: “One for the money, two for the show”!

(Let the dismantling political dynasty start in Aklan by self restrain.) /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Espading Ni Marikudo

Si Marikudo ro hari it mga Ati. Pag abot it mga datu sa isla it Panay halin sa Borneo, nagkasugot sanda sa mga dumueo-ong. Guin baligya nanday Marikudo ro kapatagan nga maeapit sa suba ag nagpadueong ro mga Ati hasta sa may dueonan it bukid Madyaas.

Ro baylo ko eogta hay bueawan nga sarok ag bueawan man nga kulentas. Bu-ot pa ko mga datu nga pangayu-on ro espading ni Marikudo nga may pu-eo nga bueawan ogaling indi pag ita-o ko hari tongod duyon ro simbolo it gahum nana bilang hari. 

Nagpadueong ro mga Ati idto sa tunga it kagueangan. Tumaliwan ro mga inadlaw, indi mapaea sa huna-huna it isaeang ka datu ratong espading ni Marikudo. Busa, nagpadaea imaw it taga bantay sa lugar it mga Ati. Natukiban ko taga espiya nga permi gali nga naga pahuway-huway ro hari sa idauem it puno it dap-dap, maeapit sa suba. 

Ko agahon ngaron, ka’t nagpahuway ro hari, guin kamang nana ro espading nga naka tak-eos sa kilid it hari. Ogaling, ka’t anang pagbuyot sa espading, golpeng nag alsa ag nagtiyog-tiyog. Pagtugpa ko espading, nahueog sa ueo it espiya. Naninahan ro espiya ag namatay. Nagbugtaw si Marikudo ag pagkakita sa patay nga espiya, nagbangon imaw ag guin pueot ro espading nga matsa owa it natabo. Sayod imaw kon ham-an it namatay ro espiya. 

Halin kato, owa eon it nagmitir nga takawon ro espading ni Marikudo. Pagkamatay ni Marikudo, daea man nana hasta sa eobnganan ro anang espada. Kutob sa mga naga handum nga kut-kuton ro anang eobnganan agod takawon ro espading hay tanan napaslawan. 

Makaron, guina patihan nga una pa nakaeobong ro espading. Tongod abo eon nga nag bag-o sa lugar nga anang eobnganan, owa sanda nakasayod kon siin guid kampi naka eobong ro espading.

Basi ikaw bu-ot man nga mag angkon ko espading ni Marikudo? /MP     

Run To Save Lives

“I choose to Run To Save Lives”. This is the tagline of the nationwide “Million Volunteer Run (MVR) year 2 the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will hold on Feb. 10, 2013.

The first MVR the PRC held was on Dec. 4, 2011. It was a big success. Some 450,000 runners participated held simultaneously nationwide.

The PRC is intensifying its program for youth and adult volunteers in its different humanitarian endeavors to make them useful and responsible citizens of the Philippines.

The MVR aims to serve as a driving force to advance the spirit of volunteerism to address today’s humanitarian challenges. It strives to empower the nation against the dangers of disasters by developing our youth and volunteers as humanitarian soldiers. It hopes to raise funds for PRC youth volunteers trainings on disaster management and equipping every community with life-saving skills.

There will be two starting points in Kalibo, Aklan. One at Kalibo Airport Entrance, Pook and another at Brgy. Tigayon in front of Suburbia Hotel. The assembly time is at 5:30 in the morning and will simultaneously start at 6:00 a.m.

The runners are requested to wear red T-shirt during the run. Adult runners are strongly urged to pay P100 each while the students will pay P20 each. /MP

Rosalie Castañeda Arcenio Mutya it Kalibo Ati-atihan 2013

by DELANO T. TEFORA

In the evening of January 11, 2013, the 17-year old Rosalie Castañeda Arcenio was chosen as the best among the other 11 lovely official candidates to the Mutya it Kalibo Ati-atihan 2013 grand finals and coronation after a rigorous selection process by the 12 official judges. 

The exceptional lady who exemplified a  typical Filipina beauty, and whose innate poise, grace and intelligence set her apart from the rest. She was crowned Mutya it Kalibo Ati-atihan 2013. 

Among the awards Rosalie received are: Best in Swimsuit, Best in Illumina award, Best in Long Gown, and the corporate award – Miss AirPhil Express. She was chosen as Miss Kapuso GMA network by GMA Kapuso artists. 

Rosalie is a scholar in the Northwestern Visayan Colleges under the Atty. Allen Salas Quimpo Scholarship Project, to assure her of a college degree. A first year student of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges, she is studying Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

She finished elementary at Camanci Norte Elementary School, while she completed her secondary education at the Regional Science High School for Region Vl in 2012.

Rosalie was born on November 3, 1995 in Camanci Norte, Numancia, Aklan, a coastal Barangay of the said municipality. Her parents are Roger Erenea Arcenio, now deceased, and Ma. Cristita Castañeda Arcenio of Bago City, Negros Occidental. Rosalie is a typical Filipina of simple beauty at five feet, six and a half inches (5’6 1/2’) in height. 

She revealed her philosophy in life saying, “You can, if you think you can”. Her parents raised her as a strong and confident person even as her father passed away during her early age. She was trained to look at things in positive way, that failures won’t discourage, instead, it serves as her inspiration to aspire for more, until she finally makes it worthwhile.

Looking at Rosalie, she can be described as a young lady living as a model of a new generation, aspiring to achieve better in life out of the basic idea of goodness and faith in God. She encourages other young ladies with potentials to join beauty pageants.

Rosalie deserves our sincere congratulations as she embraces God in all her endeavours. /MP

Boracay: 5th Most Romantic Island In The World

Boracay white sand beach is perfect for lovers to walk and talk sharing romantic thoughts under the sun.

Crowded beaches don’t exactly make for a lover’s paradise. Yet Boracay, with its congested shores, has recently been named the fifth most romantic island in the world by the readers of high-end travel magazine, Travel + Leisure. 

Lovers continue to pepper Boracay’s shores, Valentine’s season or not. Rose-An Jessica Dioquino featured in the magazine’s February 2013 issue, Boracay is noted for its powder-fine sand, which Travel + Leisure’s Christine Ciarmello said “may just be the softest in the world.” Earlier in the month, the island was also featured in a sweet Department of Tourism ad that showed a man proposing to his girlfriend, though the beach is not quite as empty in real life as it is in the ad. 

Boracay Island resort is an ideal getaway for honeymooners and family bonding to experience an enjoyable, refreshing and romantic vacation.

The romance is obviously not lost on the tourists. According to Cara Lim, a Boracay resident and chef at a high-end resort on the island, many couples populate the island during Valentine’s season. “We even prepare set menus for the couples,” she said. Of course, there are those who prefer quieter, less-commercialized shores like Palawan or Bohol over cosmopolitan Boracay, which has long lost its backpacker charm to the various establishments that have mushroomed all over the bone-shaped island. Also, recurring reports of algal bloom along White Beach as well as travelers’ stories of catching E.coli infections from the water deter some tourists from heading to Boracay. 

Still, lovers continue to pepper Boracay’s shores, Valentine’s season or not. Many of them can be seen walking the length of the island’s White Beach hand in hand, kissing against the sunset, or sharing a candlelit meal at one of the beachfront restaurants. On one occassion, a newlywed couple posed for photographs in the water—in full wedding garb! Other awards Boracay is no stranger to travel awards. The island has consistently been on Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards list, being named top island and one of the top 10 party beaches in the world last year. 

Many Boracay resorts have also received international acclaim. Discovery Shores in Boracay was named fifth best hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure. The upscale resort was also named among the best hotels in the Philippines by travel website Tripadvisor, along with four other Boracay hotels: Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, Monaco Suites de Boracay, Boracay Beach Club, and the Regency Lagoon Resort. (by Amanda Lago) /MP

The Philippine Madrigal Singers Captivate Capiceños

by BIENVENIDO P. CORTES

Roxas City – The Capiz Gymnasium at the Villareal Stadium in this city was full audience of eager Capicenos to hear the various repertoire of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. They were in town Going for the Gold on their 50th Anniversary Outreach  Concert Tour.

The Association of Resorts, Restaurants  and Hotels of Capiz , Inc. (ARRHC) , headed by Mrs. Imelda Caeg sponsored the grand concert.

The  program/repertoire was opened with the singing of the National Anthem followed with the  singing of the Capiz Hymn. 

Mrs. Caeg, in her opening  remarks,  said that the coming in Roxas City of the Philippine Madrigal Singers is their first project and whatever funds raised will be used   in the promotion of tourism and environmental-centered programs, projects and   other allied activities.

The Madrigal Singers with Mark Anthony A. Carpio as choirmaster, rendered  l4 repertoire songs  during their four-part singing skeds. 

In Part l, they sang Doxologia,  Cantate Domino, Ama and Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri. Part II, Izar Ederrak (Basque),  Rasa Sayang/Lenggang Kangkong (Malay), and Italian Salad.  A parody of an Opera Scene brought laughter and googles to the audience.

After a ten-minute intermission, Part III repertoire consisted of a Cebuano Medley (Bisaya), Pagtulogna Nene (Ilonggo), and Tong Tong Pakitong (Tagalog) and in Part IV, they sang Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin, I’m Yours, Da Coconut Nut, and Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isa Ang Musika. 

As a backgrounder, the Philippine Madrigal Singers was organized in 1963 by National Artist Professor Andrea O. Veneracion. The choir is one of the world’s most awarded, having consistently won all the top prizes in the most of the world’s prestigious choral competitions.

Now with the direction of Mark Anthony A. Carpio, the ensemble continues to perform a wide repertoire of various styles and forms: Renaissance music,  classical music, Filipino and International folk songs, contemporary  and Avant-garde music,  Opera and even popular music. Their specialization and focus on the Madrigal idiom has inspired their unique set-up of singing while seated in a semi-circle, without a conductor.

Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tangco and other local officials, NGOs, school  officials and students were among those who  attended the unique grand concert. /MP