Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Sekreto Sa Lampara

Pagkamatay ni Senyor Gustavo ag Senyora Dolor hay guin baligya ko andang unga nga si Sergio ro andang antigo nga baeay. Guin pahalin ni Don Sergio ro andang mga sueogo-on ag nagpanaw imaw sa syudad nga owa it nakasayod kon siin imaw naga estar. Owa man it habilin kundi ro kabulig nga si Adore nga imaw ro guin bilinan nga limpyuhan ro baeay.

Hakita ni Adore rong eaging lampara nga nagaligid sa binit. Rondaya ro ginagamit it Senyora kon imaw hay naga pailaw samtang guina hueat nana ro anang asawa halin sa sosyalan. Guin daea ni Adore ro lampara sa andang baeay agod limpyuhan. Ko gabi-e ngaron, hakibot imaw nga ham-an naga hayag ro lampara nga owa man pag pahayaga. Guin kaeog ni Adore ag guin ling-ling pa ro sueod. Tag anang guina ling-ling, nahueog ro anang boeoytan. Sa sueod it tubo hay may hakita imaw nga binalilin nga papel. Anang guin bugnot agod makita kon ano ro sueod Sa anang pag bugnot, tumambad ro mga papelon nga kwarta ag antigo nga alahas. Naghipos eang si Adore sa anang hakita.

Pagkaaga, sekreto ro mag ina nga nagpanaw sa syudad. Nagbakae si Adore it mabahoe nga baeay ag nagpatindog it negosyo hasta nga nagmanggaranon. Tumaliwan ro napueong dag-on, bumalik imaw sa andang lugar nga isaeahanon tongod namatay man ro anang ina. Binalikan nana ro antigong baeay ogaling may naka kabit nga plaka, “for sale”. 

Sa anang pag pangusisa, indi makatakod ro tag iya sa mga sangag ag maka haeadlok nga naga katabo sa baeay. May naga linagsan ag naga guyod it mingko kadena ro nababatyagan. 

Bumalik kay Adore ro nagtaliwan. Si Don Gustavo hay mapintas kay Donya Dolor.

Sobra ro anang kaimon ag anang guina gapos it kadena ro donya kon mahilong. Agod indi maubos ro andang kwarta, guin tago ko Donya ro anang alahas agod indi ika taya sa sugae ko Don. Owa mabuhayi, namatay ro Donya sa sobrang kasakit. Haaywan ro andang onga nga si Sergio kay Adore hasta nagbahoe ag idto nagtuon sa syudad.

Makaron, nakabalik si Adore ag bu-ot nga bak-eon ro baeay. Ag ana mat-ang habakae. Guin papintorahan nana, guin pa bendisyonan anay parabil imaw mage star. Anang guin kangay ro anang igkampod agod mag atipan. Guin obra nana nga bakasyunan ro baeay kon bu-ot nana nga magpahuway. /MP

Changing Iloilo Airport’s Name

by ALEX P. VIDAL

“The devil himself had probably redesigned hell in the light of information he had gained from observing airport layouts.” Anthony Price

We can’t blame the Iloilo-based Dr. Graciano Lopez Jaena Foundation and the National Historical Institute (NHI) which reportedly endorsed the foundation’s proposal to rename the Iloilo International Airport. It is their job to promote historical figures, edifices and places. It’s the job of politicians to oppose it.  

In the Philippines, politicians are the ones who propose and oppose. They filibuster and dilly-dally. They lobby and negotiate--and they always get what they want.  Politicians almost always have the final say. You may argue with fools but not with politicians. 

There are issues where politicians are viewed as unreliable, corrupt and veritable villains. Their motives are always suspect. History has been so unkind to them. From the Garcia arenola scandal to the Marcos hegemony, FVR Amari scam, Erap jueteng tumult, and Arroyo ZTE hullabaloo.  

Going back to the Iloilo airport. Gov. Art Defensor Sr. and Senate president Frank Drilon as well as regional tourism chief, Atty. Helen Camarista-Catalbas and Iloilo Business Club executive director Lea Lara are right when they simultaneously dismissed the proposal to rename the 188-hectare Japan-funded property, located 19 kilometers northwest of Iloilo City.

CONFUSION

“Let it stay that way,’’ thundered Defensor, Sr. Drilon warned that renaming the airport after a personality will create confusion among tourists and passengers. Camarista-Catalbas, quoted by the Philippines News Agency (PNA), said the airport which continues to receive direct international flights from Singapore and Hong Kong “is beginning to establish a name for itself, and changing ‘the horse in midstream’ may not help in the development of tourism in the region particularly in Iloilo province.”

PNA also quoted Lara as saying that the present name of the airport “has geographic value” and, therefore, the name “Iloilo” must be retained.

With four of the biggest personalities in Iloilo representing large groups in government and private sectors voicing out their collective stand against the proposal, the issue has become moot and academic. It is virtually dead.

Renaming a public place -- bridge, airport, building, street, obelisk, park, ocean -- is basically the job of legislators. Iloilo airport, located in the vicinities of Barangays Tabucan, Gaub, Duyan-Duyan and Manguna, with the airport access road also crossing the adjoining town of Santa Barbara, falls under the jurisdiction of the Cabatuan municipal council. It may need imprimatur or support from the municipal mayor, governor, representatives, and the president before it becomes a Tomas Confesor International Airport or Graciano Lopez-Jaena International Airport or whatever name the proponents would want to put forward.
MIA

When proponents moved to rename the Manila International Airport (MIA) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in honor of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., who was assassinated at the airport after returning to the Philippines from his self-imposed exile in the United States on August 21, 1983, they were inspired by the renaming of New York’s Idlewild Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport in honor of the assassinated American president. The project was renamed Major General Alexander E. Anderson Airport in 1943 after a Queen’s resident who commanded a Federalized National Guard unit in the southern United States and who died in late 1942. In March 1948 the New York City Council changed it to New York International Airport, Anderson Field, but the common name was “Idlewild” until 1963.

MIA became NAIA on August 17, 1987 by virtue of Republic Act No. 6639. 

The city and province of Iloilo were served by Mandurriao Airport, a city district, which had been in operation since 1937 prior to the construction of the Iloilo International Airport. It opened its doors to commercial traffic on June 14, 2007 after a decade of planning and construction. International flights to Hong Kong and Singapore were launched there in November 2012.

Japanese tourist, Koichi Shimura, a regular Iloilo visitor, described the Japan International Cooperation Agency funded airport as “just like the airports in Japan. Spacious, beautiful and very clean.”  /MP

*Donating Blood Is Holy Act

*Welcome remarks of Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz given during the Aklan Sandugo Awarding Program in Commemoration of Blood Donors Month held on July 31, 2013 at Nenette’s Garden, Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan. Dr. Dela Cruz, chairs the Blood Service Committee of PRC, Aklan chapter.

Giving one’s life for others is not only noble, but a holy act. Just that our Lord Jesus gave up His life for us. So giving up a part of us, our blood in a way is giving the gift of life.  Donating our blood is making us not only heroes. But is making us closely holy, or nearly saints.

 
Good morning to our honored guests. Hon. Emmanuel Soviet Dela Cruz, my cousin. Mayor Lulu, our chairman, Sir Kel, other board of directors members, other guests, blood donors, awardees and advocates.

 
This month, July, we are celebrating world blood donors. Today, is our Sandugo awarding, we are giving appreciation to those who shared a part of themselves so others may regain their good health and be productive, so that others may survive and live longer. In short, we are giving honor to our modern day heroes and near saints.

 
Today, we have 26 national awardees in our Province of Aklan.  I hope that their act will inspire other young and healthy people out there to do the same act of heroism by donating their precious blood.

 
On behalf of the officers and Board of Directors, Philippine Red Cross, Aklan Chapter, and the government of Aklan I welcome you all to this occasion.

 
To all there who can donate blood, please do, do that noble and holy act of blood donating. For some like us, not so young, not so healthy, we will continue to support and advocate this activity for the good of our people and our community. 

 
Lastly, I like to share with you this beautiful prayer of generosity:

 
Lord, teach us to be generous;
Teach us to serve others and You as You deserved;
Teach us to give a part of us without counting the cost;
To fight without heeding the wound;
To toil and not asking rest;
To labor and not seeking reward;
Except to knowing and doing Your holy will.
Amen.

 
Again, good morning everyone. And welcome.
MABUHAY Red Cross volunteers! Always ready, always first, always there. /MP

Aklan SP Members Elected As PBMLP National Officers

 by ODON S. BANDIOLA

 Miraflores

Senior Sangguniang Panlalawigan member of Aklan, Jose Enrique M. Miraflores was elected recently National Vice President of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP). SP member Miraflores represents the West District of Aklan.  He is on his second term.

 Flores

He was reelected with 6,821 votes in the May 13, 2013 elections topping his colleagues in both the west and east districts, thus retaining his seniority status in the SP. 

In his first term from 2010-2013, Miraflores copped the ranking as most senior member. He was duly elected as the provincial representative of the board to the PBMLP, a position he held until his election as vice president.

Miraflores now chairs the SP Committees on Appropriations, Budget and Finance and Ways and Means; Disaster Preparedness and Peace and Order; and Public Works, Housing, Land Use and Urban Relocation. He is also a member of the Committees on Human Resource; Internal Ethics, Privileges and Discipline; and, Laws, Rules and Ordinances.

On the other hand, in an election held on July 26, 2013, SP Member Esel L. Flores was unanimously voted as Provincial Representative of the 16th SP to the PBMLP vice Miraflores.

As a provincial representative, Flores shall act as the liaison officer of the Aklan SP to the PBMLP, disseminates information, budget implementation, conduct provincial PBMLP activities and the collection of membership fees, term dues and other assessments of the PBMLP. He shall likewise represent his Sanggunian to the meetings of the PBMLP National Council but without voting power.

Flores is the former Sangguniang Bayan member of Malay, Aklan for three continuous terms. He was elected member of the 16th Aklan SP in the May 13, 2013 election.

Flores chairs the Committee on Environmental Protection; Games and Amusements; and, Tourism, Trade, Industry and Commerce. He is a member of the SP Committees on Public Works, Housing, Land Use and Urban Relocation, Laws, Rules and Ordinances; Labor and Employment; Internal Ethics, Privileges and Discipline; Energy, Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications; and, Education, Culture, Science and Technology. /MP

GMA Launches New Panata Music Video

 GMA’s News & Public Affairs Mike Enriquez, Mel Tiangco & Jessica Soho

Continuing its goal to empower the public through its unrelenting commitment to render Serbisyong Totoo, GMA News and Public Affairs launches this August the latest version of its “Panata Sa Bayan” music video.

 
This year’s theme “Katotohanan ang Magpapasulong sa Bayan” not only seeks to inspire and encourage Filipinos to be one with GMA News in its pledge to deliver its panata; it also aims to remind Filipinos from all over the world of their role in nation building.

 
“This year’s Panata music video shows how GMA News and Public Affairs empowers viewers through Serbisyong Totoo. By fulfilling our panata, we encourage people to become better individuals at home, at work, wherever they may be, so that ultimately, they become better citizens who are more involved in helping the nation move forward. In effect, we become one in delivering Serbisyong Totoo,” says GMA Network’s Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa Flores.
The music video features the various anchors and reporters of GMA News led by its pillars – multi-awarded broadcast journalists Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, Arnold Clavio, Vicky Morales, Howie Severino, and Jessica Soho.

 
Through the effective storytelling of internationally-recognized director Mark Meily, this year’s Panata is regarded as “pure visual poetry.”  The musical montage presents the grittiness of the reporters’ everyday battleground—the field, juxtaposed with the strong yet heartfelt music of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. The launch of Panata also coincides with the world-renowned singing group’s 50th anniversary.

 
Meily shares that he immediately agreed to direct the video because of the inherent nationalism perpetuated by the concept. “Ang maganda sa proyektong ito, hindi niya sinisigaw na maka-Pilipino ako, makabayan ako, ang pinapakita lang niya, mga bagay-bagay na biswal. It just talks about ‘yung serbisyo namin sa tao namin. ‘Yun yung pinakamagandang paraan ng pagpapakita mo nung patriotism mo, na hindi kailangan sinisigaw mong literal.” Supporting Meily in this project is Tim Jimenez, director of photography.

 
For years, GMA News and Public Affairs has been a strong medium for reform, documenting factual and unbiased news that actively shapes the country’s social and political landscapes.  And the new Panata music video resonates the organization’s call to not only unveil the truth but to also help the country move forward. /MP

Editorial

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Farm Modernization Requires 

Structural Reform At DA

Farm modernization program in the provinces will be boosted by releasing agricultural machineries and post harvest facilities from the Department of Agriculture (DA). This is announced by Mr. William Castillo, Provincial Agriculturist. In Aklan, the 2013 inventory includes 5 units hand tractor with trailer, 7 units rice thresher, 6 units reaper harvester, 1 unit combine harvester and 1 unit seed cleaner with acquisition cost of P4.06 million. 

Post harvest facilities are 8 units flatbed dryer, 6 units palay shed, 20 units collapsible dryer case, 3 units  warehouse construction, 4 units shredder, 2 units hermetic cocoon, 2 units seeding machine, 300 units seedling tray, 1 unit grass cutter, 1 unit rice processing center 2 and 1 unit rice processing center 1 totaling P33.36 million.

According to Castillo, this is the third year that Aklan will receive farm machineries. The first was in 2011 valued at P4.8 million and machineries worth P24.0 million in 2012. The target beneficiaries are farmers who are bonafide members of registered and functional cooperatives or associations. While recipients of post harvest facilities do not need equity, farm machineries must have a counterpart of 15 percent of the total cost. The total equity of 15 percent for farm machineries is payable by recipients cash on delivery.

The policy behind the counter parting scheme is that farmers will be more responsible and could appreciate the value of proprietary ownership. Definitely, 99 percent of farmer’s cooperative and associations could not afford to enter into such contractual agreement with the government but this is crucial to sound business operation, Castillo pointed out.

Considering that most farmer’s coop or associations lack enough cash, LGU’s must shoulder the equity requirement in acquiring farm machines. Our national target of rice self-sufficiency by 2016 motivates us to exert all out efforts to achieve 7.1 percent increase from the present average yield of 3.7 MT per hectare. Otherwise, the Philippines will have more food imports and hungry Filipinos.

Farm modernization program started since the end of World War II. The DA through the abolished Bureau of Agricultural Extension attempted to mechanized agriculture with agricultural equipment from Japan was distributed in all provinces for demonstration in the 1970’s and 1980’s. It gathered impetus with Sec. of Agriculture Edgardo Angara in 1997. The shortage of fund however impeded its full implementation. The P37.42 million allocation for the province of Aklan this year is 35.8 percent higher than in 2011. It could be most appreciated if farmer recipients take reasonable care in the operation and maintenance of these expensive equipment. 

Increased yield, high quality produce and profit can only be achieved with farm modernization. Unfortunately, only small fraction of existing farmers’ organizations in Aklan are highly qualified to manage these farm projects.

A classic example of misadministration are the post harvest facilities in Tondog, Tangalan and Calangcang, Makato, Aklan where they are idle, neglected and deteriorated for the last 10 years. (How about the field level grain center established in Laguinbanua, Ibajay, Aklan? Is it operating now?) These need thorough inquiry if the LGU’s are competent to manage agriculture extension program. Lackluster performance of DA to address national road security and stability of 64 million farmers is traced to the devolution of the Agency’s functions and responsibilities under RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.

Mr. Fred Romero, Pres. of Aklan Seed Growers Association seriously doubts whether rice self-sufficiency will be achieved by the Aquino Administration in 2016. He said, “in 2012 NFA importation was only 0.5 million MT. Yet total imports for the year based on UN Trade data was 1.5 million MT. In other words, two-thirds of our importation was done by the private sectors which often smuggle or evade paying taxes.”

It is pertinent to note that Philippine rice imports averaged 2.2 million MT for 2008-2010 at an average price of US$675 per ton. Our moderate importation in 2012 (no thanks to rice smugglers) allowed the country to avert rice crisis because of a series of devastating storms that damaged leading rice producing areas of the Philippines.

The Philippines produces 15.2 million MT of rice per year said Eufemio Rasco, Executive Director, Philrice. However, we have a fast increasing population whose hungry mouths devour 115 kilograms of rice per person per year. It is in this context that strengthened farm modernization and needed structural reform at DA be implemented at the soonest time possible. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Health Care In Oregon, USA

Dr. Makarius Tel Aviv Dela Cruz III is one of the members of the Group Study Exchange (GSE). As such, he visited the State of Oregon, USA in April – May 2013.

GSE is one of the people to people program of the Rotary International. It is geared to promote mutual understanding between and among countries visited. It is also aimed to foster friendship and promote peace among nations.

Dr. Dela Cruz’ GSE team of five members was composed of other professionals from Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Zamboanga. They were sponsored by their respective Rotary Clubs. The Rotary Club of Kalibo (RCK) sponsored Dr. Makarius Dela Cruz. Out of 18 finalists, five of them were finally selected by the search committee to compose the team.

During the regular meeting of RCK held on Tuesday evening, July 30, Dr. Dela Cruz rendered his travel report through a power point presentation. 

He talked about his travel experiences, people he met, their activities, places and projects visited. Dr. Dela Cruz reported about his host families in Oregon and their impressions about Filipinos and the Philippines. 

Since he is a practicing physician, Dr. Dela Cruz gave more attention to the health care program. He showed more pictures of and commented on the hospitals he visited, its medical staff, financing, administration, supplies and materials with particular emphasis on patient management. 

He described one hospital situated in a small city in Oregon which he compared with the Ati Atihan town of Kalibo, having a hospital 10 times the size of DRSTMH.

Hearing this, one in the audience remarked: In Oregon, they build hospitals, in New Washington they build cemetery.

Three Years of 

Binay As Vice President

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay rendered his accomplishment covering the period July 2010 to June 2013.

As a housing czar of the Aquino Administration, he reported the production of 333,133 housing units constructed valued at P26,299.52 million. 

Specifically, Binay led in the following: 1. the awarding of 16 initial housing units to Nabuklod Aeta families in Floridablanca, Pampanga; 2. ground breaking of Philippine Heart Center Housing Project in Marikina City; 3. provide 2000 housing units to Badjaos in Sibitu, Tawi Tawi; 4. Construction of 2,775 housing units for a business firm in Zambales; 5. construction of houses for 21,800 soldiers and police officers; 6. some 8,534 housing units in Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal will be fully completed in 2014; 7. In Manila, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Pasig, Mandaluyong, and Navotas Cities, some 6,680 housing units will be completed in 2014.

Well and good. So much housing units are constructed in Luzon especially in Metro Manila. No mention of Visayas and Mindanao except in Tawi Tawi.

This provision of low cost housing projects in Metro Manila magnetizes the people in the provinces to go to these said places.

It is now overdue to improve the social and economic conditions in the Visayas and Mindanao to halt the exodus of people to converge in Metro Manila. The government through Vice President Binay must review the housing program and give more attention to the housing needs of people in the Visayas and Mindanao.

People in the depressed areas will refrain from leaving their places if their socio economic conditions are being improved. 

The provision of proper housing is one of the needs. /MP

PRC Awards Blood Donors

Photo above shows Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz - chairman, Committee On Blood Services;  Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente - vice chairman, PRC; Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino - chairman, PRC; and Hon. Lourdes Miraflores - Mayor of Ibajay who received the award for LGU Ibajay. 

For donating his blood 100 times through the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Lydwin Cortes is awarded the Gold Medal Award. Cortes led the other 25 National awardees during the Aklan Sandugo Awarding, the highlight of the Blood Donors Month celebration.

Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino delivering his message during the award ceremony.

Photo above shows Dr. Dennis Ibutnande (center), Dean, College of Criminology, NVC who received the award in behalf of NVC with Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino and Ibajay Mayor Lourdes Miraflores.  

The award ceremonies was held on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at Nenette’s Place, Roxas Ave. Extension, Andagao, Kalibo.

According to Ms. Arcely P. Pelayo, chapter administrator, PRC Aklan Chapter, July of every year is commemorated as World Blood Donors Month.

This 2013 World Blood Month has its theme: “Every blood donation is a gift of life” with the slogan, “Give the gift of life: Donate Blood”. 

Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores is the guest speaker but he was unable to attend. He was represented by Hon. Emmanuel Soviet Dela Cruz.

Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, chairman – Board of Directors, PRC Aklan Chapter in his message expressed his pride and exhilaration to witness this “Aklan Sandugo Awarding Ceremonies with the presence of the awardees. He congratulated the awardees from various organizations and individuals who donated blood.

Tolentino defined blood as a fluid in our body that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of our body. Blood also carries waste to be eliminated from the human body. 

“Almost all serious health issues use blood donated by people to save lives. People need blood transfusions during their surgery, those victims of car accidents, cancer patients, sickle cell, and premature births among others”.

Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz, PRC chairman – Blood Services Committee welcomed the awardees, guest and visitors.

Awarded with Lydwin Cortes are: LGU Altavas with Certificate of Appreciation; Akelco, LGU Lezo, LGU Malay, DRSTMH, Beta Sigma Fraternity, NVC College of Criminology, 12th Infantry Battalion (CAFGU) and Aklan Police Provincial Office with Diploma of Service each, Shangri-la’s Boracay Beach Resort and Spa – Scroll of Honor; Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, and LGU Ibajay – Blood Services Outstanding Awards each; and Blood Galloners who are Ray Oliver Ramos, Jinno Aguirre, Mary Joy Balolong, Albien Regalado, Dindo Miguel Salazar, Ferex Revestir, Nico Angelo Zulueta, Alfred Angelo Romero, Brian Arangote, Romulo Barcelona, Edmund Sarabia, and Richard Ibao. /MP    

VP Binay’s Policy Reforms For Inclusive Growth

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay outlined Monday, July 29 before business leaders a host of economic policies needed to sustain economic development and promote inclusive growth, as he described criticisms against the Aquino administration’s achievements as “unreasonable.”

Speaking before a joint meeting of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Makati Business Club (MBC) and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Binay said these policies include expanding the tax base by improving compliance and collection and not through tax increases, and “continuing to reduce, lengthen and spread our maturing liabilities to avoid disruptive fiscal bumps.”

He also proposed to raise infrastructure spending from the current two percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to a “truly progressive” five percent of GDP.

According to VP Binay, there is a need to “liberalize foreign investment restrictions to make the Philippines and Philippine enterprises more globally competitive, and provide the Filipino consumer cheaper and more affordable products.”

Binay said policy and infrastructure misalignments that emerge as gains that are cascaded down must be fixed. These include airport development program to match the open skies policy, promoting investments in the power sector, and inefficiencies in the agriculture supply chain.

“In tourism for example, a true open skies policy with an aggressive airport development program has to be undertaken. A reform in the EPIRA law will unlock investments towards the power short areas in Mindanao and Visayas,” he said.

“We must take a look at the inefficiencies of the agriculture supply chain that allows as many as eight layers of middlemen to deprive the Filipino farmer the full value of their produce,” he added.

The Vice President said the execution of development strategies must be decentralized and should take into account the particularities of each economic group and locality.

“That means that finally, we must decentralize execution, through the national government agencies, the local governments, and necessarily too, through the national as well as the local enterprises that these government entities must deal with,” he said.

He also said it was unreasonable to criticize the administration’s record for the last three years.

“China is in its fourth decade of economic expansion and inclusion and is still working to achieve the equitable distribution of economic gains. And so, it is unreasonable to take a harsh look at what we have accomplished over the past three years. We must look beyond the previous three years, even beyond the next three years,” he said.

Binay drew on his long experience as Mayor of Makati to explain why reforms must be sustained and expanded, as he addressed concerns over the supposed failure of the administration to provide relief to poor Filipinos.

Before economic growth filters down to the rest of the Filipino people, Binay said the revenue base must first be expanded and that government resources must fill the needs of the poor.

“As I have learned from Makati, expansion must necessarily precede inclusion. As the revenues of Makati City grew, we carefully focused the deployment of these resources in areas that would directly and sustainably benefit the Makati residents that need it most,” he said.

The Vice President identified three key programs that must be given focus to improve quality of life: infrastructure development, education, and social services.

“Since 1986, Makati’s public investments have consistently focused on three domains. First, on raising the standards and quality of city’s infrastructure to ensure the sustainability and continued expansion of the city’s economy; second, a comprehensive education agenda to ensure the access of the city’s youth to the economic opportunities that are rapidly evolving in the city; and third, the access of its citizens to programs that enhance the quality of life, services like health, senior citizen programs and environment,” he said. /MP

Is Former Deputy Ombudsman Jalandoni Guilty of Grave Misconduct?

Did public prosecutors tamper with evidence in cases filed before the Office of the Ombudsman during the Arroyo administration?

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales believes some of the anti-graft body’s officials have concealed documents against respondents of several graft and corruption cases.

In a 39-page resolution signed July 25, Morales approved 69 criminal indictments against the following erstwhile Ombudsman officials:

Former Deputy Ombudshman for Luzon Mark Jalandoni; Former Assistant Ombudsman; Nenette De Padua; and Staff Rosalyn Martinez

The cases include 13 counts of falsification of public documents and 56 counts of infidelity in the custody of public documents. This, after a probe found that Jalandoni, inserted his own signature on at least 13 rulings of his superiors.

Martinez and de Padua are involved in the process, which was aimed at making it appear that Jalandoni was the approving authority.

The officials have also been accused of concealing documents including state evidence, affecting probes on graft and malversation cases against:

Former Justice Sec. Hernando Perez; Former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority; Sec. Augusto Syjuco; Senator Alan Peter Cayetano; Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III; Former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.; Former Government Service Insurance System chief Winston Garcia; and Former Armed Forces of the Philippines comptroller Jacinto Ligot.

The order also recommended Jalandoni’s dismissal from the service with cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and ban from taking civil service examinations.

Carpio-Morales made the recommendation for additional penalties despite an earlier complaint against Jalandoni after his resignation in April 2011.

Jalandoni was slapped with a fine equivalent to his one year salary in lieu of dismissal from the service since his resignation.

The former deputy ombudsman’s resignation, Carpio-Morales claimed, “was tainted with bad faith” and was offered to evade disciplinary action.

“[I]t is respectfully recommended that that administrative charges against said respondent be taken cognizance of,” the Ombudsman said.

She asked the Sandiganbayan to hold Jalandoni guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The indicment, Carpio-Morales said, should send a clear message that the Ombudsman is serious in preserving the integrity of the graft-busting body.

“We will not relent in our fight against all forms of anomalies in government, even those committed inside our own office, and even those perpetrated by our own high-ranking officials,” Carpio-Morales assured. 

“As the people’s vanguard against corrupt and abusive public officials, it is imperative that we closely monitor our ranks. As such, Ombudsman officials and employees should be beyond reproach,” she added. /MP

3,681 Aklanons Died In 2012

The total number of deaths registered in 2012 in Aklan reached 3,681. This figure is higher by 1.7 percent than the 3,621 deaths in 2011. This is the total number of deaths in Aklan after the National Statistics Office (NSO) in Aklan added the death reports the local civil registrars of the 17 towns of Aklan submitted. 

This meant that 10 persons died everyday in Aklan last year. The municipality of Kalibo, being the town capital, registered the highest number of deaths at 1, 372 or 37.3 percent of the total deaths in the province of Aklan. There was an increase of 8.5 percent in the number of deaths in Kalibo a year ago, compared with 1,265 recorded deaths in 2011. Other municipalities with high number of deaths last year are the towns of Ibajay with 295, Banga with 280 and Malay with 205. 

Lezo had the highest increase in number of deaths with 71 between the two periods in review. The municipality of New Washington  posted  the highest percentage drop in the number of deaths at 18.0 percent from 221 in 2011 to only 180 in 2012.

Meanwhile, in similar civil registry report earlier NSO received, the number of babies born in Aklan dropped   to 4.7 percent as having 9,765 on- time births registered  in 2012 compared to 10,249 registered in 2011. One baby was born every hours in Aklan in 2012, the report said.

The births and deaths data are generated from the civil registry documents submitted to the National Statistics Office by the municipal civil registrars from 17 municipalities of Aklan every end of the month. /MP

Police May Be Unpopular But Not ‘The Most Corrupt’

by ALEX P. VIDAL

“All institutions are prone to corruption and to the vices of their members.” -- Morris West 

The recent survey conducted by the Global Corruption Barometer of the Transparency International should not be used as the basis to determine which government agency is the most corrupt in the country.

Surveys only determine who is popular and unpopular--like during the election period. They don’t satisfactorily and conclusively establish that the most unpopular is also the most corrupt like in the case of the Philippine National Police (PNP), which is tagged recently as “the most corrupt government agency” based on the “opinion” of the 69 percent of Filipinos surveyed by the anti-corruption watchdog.

Opinion does not make any person or agency guilty of corruption or any misdemeanor. Conclusions should be based on court convictions or number of complaints or cases filed in the proper forum; on how many uniformed men and women failed the lifestyle check and those found to have amassed unexplained wealth, those caught red-handed with their hands in the cookie jar.

PERCENTAGE

Global Corruption Barometer showed only the percentage of “those who believed” that the most corrupt agency is the PNP, not the statistics of court cases, administrative and criminal complaints, and convictions involving organic PNP members. It did not show any number of cases filed with the National Police Commission , the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the courts of law. It did not indicate how many cops were under investigation, under preventive suspension, or have been dismissed and convicted for abused of authority, coddling of criminals, extortion, bribery, among other criminal and administrative violations.

Opinion is merely a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. It is the beliefs or views of a large number or majority of people about a particular thing and does not reflect any factual truth or reality.

PERCEPTION

Public perception about the PNP, or any government agencies for that matter, is not fixed. It depends on circumstances and events unfolding when the survey was conducted; it depends on which agency and its personnel was the “most behaved” and “most notorious” when the survey commenced. Guilt based on coincidence isn’t a de rigueur or compulsatory in this case.

Current events help shape public opinion--and perception. If the survey was conducted at the time when several anomalies in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Bureau of Customs (BoC) and the Department of Education (DepEd) were in the news, PNP could be relegated in the lower level as “the most corrupt.”

Psycho-cybernetics plays a crucial role in this undertaking. If the survey was held at the time when social media and TV networks were playing up the heroism and gallantry of some cops in actual crisis and calamities, respondents would think twice before making disparaging remarks against the law enforcers, judgment that would demoralize dedicated and honest members of the police organization. 

GO DOWN

It was reported further that the latest survey also showed “35 percent of Filipinos thought corruption in the country had gone down a little in the past two years, while 31 percent believed it had stayed the same.”

“Nineteen percent of surveyed Filipinos said corruption had increased a lot, while 12 percent said it had increased a little. Only two percent thought corruption in the country had decreased a lot. Some respondents also admitted to paying bribes in the last 12 months. Nineteen percent admitted to bribing the police while 14 percent did the same for registry and permit services.”

Corruption remains to be the number one scourge in government and is blamed for the massive poverty in the country. Already pandemic in the system, almost every government agency has its own share of scalawags and these rotten apples deplete the national treasury at the behest of powerful characters who run the affairs of the state. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Unang Baeangaw

Isaeang ka mangunguma nga mahugod ag binata si Gabillo. Abo ro anang mga tanom ag guina alilaang hayop. Agod indi masueod ro anang mga tanum it mga hayop, anang guin butangan it kurae ag guin tampukan it maeagko nga bato ro mga haligi agod magalig-on ag indi matumba. Ko isaeang agahon, sa anang pagbugtaw, hakita nana nga samad eot-a ro mga kurae ag nagkaea apok ro mga bato. Ana eaging guin kaayad ro kurae ag guin tipon ro mga bato. Mayad ayad eon ro anang uma.

Ogaling pagkaaga eon man sa anang pagbugtaw ag pagbisita hay wasak eon man ro mga kurae. Nagakalhit eon man ro mga bato. Tongod sa naga katabo, naga libog ro anang oeo kon sin-o ro naga wasak, ro naga samad ko anang kurae. 

Ko sumunod nga gabi-e, timprano pa si Gabillo nag ihapon. Nag umpisa imaw it pagbantay. Owa pa magnagob ro gabie, maangan angan, may kahayag nga nagtuhaw halin sa eangit. Anang guin bantayan. May nagtugpa nga tatlong ka babaye nga puro may pakpak. Ro andang suksok hay eambong nga puti ag manipis. Nag umpisa sanda it paghinampang. Guin hukas nanda ro andang pakpak, guin sab-eay sa kurae ag guin hinaboy ro mga bato. Tongod kara, hakilaea ni Gabillo ro mga naga winasak ko anang kurae. 

Agod maka baeos imaw, guin tago ni Gabillo ro andang mga pakpak. Owa magpakita si Gabillo. Sa mabuhay man nga pag hinampang, guina-oy ro tatlo. Mansig-usoy sanda ko andang pakpak. Hakita ko daywa ro andang pakpak ogaling owa ro ay Amilah ay idtot-a kay Gabillo. Agod indi sanda maabutan it pagsubat it adlaw, nag eopad ro daywa ag haaywan ro kamanghuran nga si Amilah.

Nagpakita si Gabillo kay Amilah. Owa it mahimo si Amilah kundi magsunod kay Gabillo ag nag iba sanda. Sa mabuhay eon, ko olihi, nag asawa sanda. Nangin mabuot nga asawa si Amilah ni Gabillo. Nagkaunga sanda it isaeang ka babaye. Nagtaliwan ro mga dinag-on ag nag abot ro oras nga guina hidlaw it duro si Amilah sa anang guin halinan. Isaeang adlaw, tag naga hampang ro anang onga, nagsaka imaw idto sa kisame. May hakita imaw nga pakpak. Guin hueog nana sa saeog ag guin tawag ro anang inang si Amilah. Pagkakita ni Amilah ko pakpak, dali-dali nana nga guin suksok ag guin hakwat ro anang unga agod mag eopad hasta makaabot sanda sa anang kaharian. 

Pagkahapon, umuli eon si Gabillo. Owa eon nana makita ro anang mag ina. Guin saka nana ro kisame ag hatun-an nga owa eon ro pakpak. Malipayon nga nagkilita ro pamilya ni Amilah. Idto sa eogta, nangin masubo si Gabillo. Napabayaan eon nana ro anang mga tanum ag mga hayop. Rondaya hay owa malipod ro tanan kay Lumawig. Naeo-oy imaw kay Gabillo busa nagpakita imaw sa binata paagi sa damgo. Guin sugo imaw nga sa pag abot it tungang gabi-e may makita imaw nga eobid nga naga tunton halin sa eangit. Magsaka imaw paibabaw agod makita ro anang mag ina. Guin tuman ni Gabillo ro tanan. Matu-od man ro anang damgo. Nagkita sanda ko anang mag ina. Malipayon sanda ag haeos indi sanda magbueag sa andang pagkita. 

Ogaling, sayod ni Amilah nga malisod magbuhay sa ibabaw si Gabillo tongod isaea imaw ka mortal. 

Nagdangop imaw kay Lumawig. Agod maeobad ro problema, Nag paobra it tulay si Lumawig nga naga angot sa eogta ag eangit. Rondaya ro guina agyan ni Gabillo kon magbisita sa anang mag ina. Imaw man ni Amilah ag ko anang unga kon magbisita sanda sa eogta. 

Agod madali makita, guin butangan ni Lumawig it sari-saring kolor agod maskin gabi-e hay makita nanda kon sanda hay magsaka ag panaog. Halin kato hay nagatunga ro tulay nga may sari-saring  kolor nga puea, orange, dueaw, berde, asul, violeta ag indigo. 

Rondaya ro unang baeangaw nga aton nga makita sa eangit, ro tulay nanday Gabillo ag Amilah nga naga angot sa eangit ag eogta. /MP

Chiz Seeks Senate Probe of “Padrino System” In BoC

Senate finance committee chairman Senator Chiz Escudero filed a resolution asking the Senate to investigate the alleged “padrino system” that has been plaguing the Bureau of Customs (BoC). This after high officials of the bureau admitted that influential personalities have been interfering in the agency’s conduct of business.

Escudero, through Senate Resolution Number 124 (SRN 124), urged the Blue Ribbon, the Ways and Means and the Finance committees respectively to look into the “padrino system” embedded in the BoC by some members of congress.

“This political patronage in the bureau’s system is a loud whisper that cannot and should not be ignored anymore. It has acculturated the entire agency, even its own officials already admitted to its existence. We in Congress should police our own ranks. Who else will look into this if we ourselves turn our eyes away from it?” Escudero asked.

BoC Commissioner Ruffy Biazon himself admitted in an interview that the “padrino system” is difficult to break up because it is deeply entrenched inside and outside the system. His deputy, Commissioner for Intelligence Danilo Lim also admitted in a report that “powerful forces are interfering in the operations of BoC”. These “powerful forces”, also confirmed by its Commissioner for Administration, include senators, congressmen and relatives of some top officials.

Last week, Escudero challenged the BoC officials to name names so that those who are guilty can be made accountable.

“Assuming that not all employees of the BoC are thieves, but the government must weed out all the thieves in the agency, and all those who dip themselves in its coffers, especially from members of Congress if there are. There is emphasis on the kind of public accountability that is constitutionally demanded of from senators and representatives of the Republic,” he said

Escudero said Section 14, Article 6 of the Constitution categorically proscribes any form of intervention from members of Congress in any matter before any office of government for his pecuniary benefit.

Likewise, he said Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act defines persuading, inducing or influencing any public officer is one of the corrupt practices punishable under the law.

According to Escudero, the Customs, as the second biggest revenue earner in government, deserves a full and thorough legislative deliberation not only to institute reforms but also to cleanse it. “The BoC has long been perceived as the most corrupt agency in the government. Its performance in terms of revenue collection is a major instrument for the government’s target programs. Any deficit is directly proportional to the public’s disadvantage”.

The BoC has admitted it would fall short of its revenue target of Php 340 billion for 2013. /MP

SBN 1081 Makes Stereotyping Unlawful

Stereotyping based on race, religion or ethnicity will be unlawful once Senate Bill No. 1081 (SBN 1081) or Anti Religious and Ethnic Stereotyping Act is approved into law.

Authored by Sen. Chiz Escudero, SBN 1081 makes any racial-profiling and stereotyping unlawful with penal provisions for those who will be proven violating and guilty of such. 

According to Escudero, chairman of the senate committee on finance, it has become a typical ill in our society to cast particular groups of people in a mold simply because they belong to stereotyped communities or groups.

“It’s an age-old ill, stereotyping ascribes negative traits to a particular group or person, such as when a person suspected of being involved in a crime is referred to as a ‘Muslim suspect,’ when no such identification is made when such a suspect belongs to a Christian or other religions. It’s almost rooted in bigotry and this should be rectified by an enforced legislation,” the senator said.

Individuals who belong to the stereotyped communities feel a diminished sense of citizenship, a feeling of being an unequal member of society when we claim to live under one flag and one country.

“Every citizen has the fundamental right to be free from discrimination”, said Escudero. /MP

NVC Holds Induction Ceremonies For Student Officers

NVC Supreme Student Council officers for school year 2013-2014 are shown above. They are Christopher I. Moya, Leizel A. Trinidad, Vanessa Z. Gervacio, and Christine Castillo. 

Leizel A. Trinidad, a fourth year AB Mass Com student was installed president of the Supreme Student Council, Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo, Aklan. The mass induction ceremonies was held in NVC – CSQ Gymnasium, Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan on Monday, July 22.

Hon. Plaridel M. Morania, Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan member administered their Oath of Office.

Other officers inducted with Trinidad are: Vanessa Z. Gervacio-vice president, Christie L. Castillo-Secretary, Christopher I. Moya-treasurer, and Kimberly Z. Retoran-Auditor. 

The council members are: Ma. Precious A. Domingo, Giselle Irish Apolinario, Giselle L. Aurelio, Rustom I. Llanera, Kimberly Casaul, Mary Ann B. Fabale, Danica F. Yabut, Robert R. Barrientos, Richel Joy B. Severo, Cherie Mhel R. Chu, Vanessa A. Tamayo, Jerson P. Graciano, Collin Mae D. Jison, Jemery S. Reontoy, Arnel A. Evangelio, May Flor D. Abayon, Jey Vee M. Mendoza, Dexter John R. Bolivar, April Joy T. Astronomo, Richelyn Jell T. Ignacio, Sarah Mae E. Montaña, Jean Rose J. Laurente, and Rekie Mae G. Quimpo. 

Atty. Plaridel M. Morania and Dr. Reinalda I. Magdaluyo are the advisers.

Also, newly elected officers of all school organizations sanctioned and recognized by the NVC college officials were sworn into office. Their respective advisers administered their oath of office. 

Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, NVC president in his inspirational message pointed out that the “NVC is a school of scholars and a school of leaders”. He urged all the NVC students to maintain the brand of “NVCians on the lead”. 

Quimpo assured, “NVC will always be here to provide affordable and easily accessible high quality education to the mass of our people”. 

Erol M. Valguna and Sidney Mae F. Regalado both 4th year AB MassCom students served as master and lady dean of ceremonies. /MP

Iloilo River: A Finalist In Environmental Feat

A possible public-private partnership (PPP) for restoring the Iloilo River is in the offing between the Iloilo City Government and the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led firms, a development that is being pushed by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon.

Drilon and Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog met with Mr. Pangilinan and his team last Tuesday, July 30 to brief the group of the business tycoons regarding Iloilo River and efforts, both short and long terms, being undertaken to revive the river and make it the anchor of economic development in Iloilo City.

“The group of Mr. Pangilinan is examining the entire plan to determine if there can be viable significant public-private partnership. Nothing is certain yet at this point because we are still in the exploratory talks as to which aspect of the rehabilitation plan he can best intervene in,” said Drilon.

“I hope, as all of us would like to see, to get Mr. Pangilinan and his group sign up for Iloilo River rehabilitation,” he added.

Drilon told Mr. Pangilinan that the Iloilo River is now a finalist in an international environmental feat known as the Thiess International Riverprize Award because of the various collaborative undertakings that have been done to clean and save the 20-kilometer river from further damage.  

Iloilo River is representing the whole of Asia in the said award along with Bolshaya River in Russia, Mara River in Kenya, Africa and the Murray Darling Basin in Australia, noted Drilon.

Drilon also said to Mr. Pangilinan that the river used to contain various kinds of natural and man-made obstructions that altered the original flow of the water and brought about pollution to the river. 

But with the strong political will and collaborative efforts among its stakeholders, Drilon said the redevelopment of Iloilo River is already showing positive effects.

Drilon relayed to MVP, as he is commonly referred to, the various activities the Iloilo River Development Council has so far achieved which include, among others, the removal of 10 derelicts and 38 idle vessels, fish pens; and relocation of about 1,000 families living along the danger zones of the river and its tributaries.

Drilon also constructed an Esplanade - funded through his priority development assistance fund - along the river to boost tourism in the city and to increase environmental awareness among its residents. /MP