Editorial

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Institutionalizing EAS To Save Lives In Kalibo

A one-day seminar on Emergency Alert System (EAS) sponsored by Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) of Kalibo was held on September 27. The objective is to institutionalize EAS among the resident population as proactive defense against natural disasters brought by climate change.

 
RA 10121 or the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 mandates a unified system of communication and early warning from DOST–PAGASA down to Provincial and Municipal levels. The Philippines is identified by the United Nations as the 3rd most natural disaster-prone country in the world.

 
Based on Provincial data, 9 out of 17 towns in Aklan are vulnerable to heavy flooding during moonson season. The affected areas are traversed by the massive Aklan river namely: Libacao, Madalag, Banga, Malinao, Lezo, Kalibo, and Numancia. Other places like Ibajay and Tangalan maybe slightly affected. At 20 cms. precipitation in just 24 hours may result to flush floods and disasters simply because riverbeds are heavily silted and forest land is getting smaller each year. Heavily flooded are river deltas of Kalibo and Numancia where most population, commerce and industry are located. Actually, 50 percent of Kalibo’s prime land is flood prone but confined to coastal and riverine barangays. Typhoon Frank on June 21, 2008 and Quinta on December 26, 2012 are some of the few grim reminders of flooding that hit Kalibo. 

 
It is for this reason that Kalibo under the leadership of Mayor William S. Lachica that EAS is being implemented targeting the vulnerable sector of society. The first training on Basic Search and Rescue was held on November 22 – 24, 2010 at Corazon Legaspi Cabagnot Provincial Training Center. This was re-echoed to all 16 barangays at the same time recruiting citizen volunteers. Presently, it has 35 full time Emergency Medical Technicians on 24/7 alert and backed up by two ambulances and two service vehicles.

 
The concept of EAS according to Terence June Toriano, Head of MDRRMC involves 4 components namely: Risk Knowledge, b) Monitoring and Warning, c) Communication and Dissemination, and d) Response Capability. 

 
Risk knowledge includes household survey in flood prone areas, number of persons at risk especially children, senior citizens and pregnant mothers. The monitoring and warning data may not be sufficient since compilation of data on flood level and precipitation began only 3 years ago. Communication and dissemination are done via on-line satellite from automatic rain gauge and sensors placed strategically on bridges in Libacao (Pampango) and Madalag (Guadalupe). This equipment has a built-in generator, highly reliable and costs P160,000 each. Electronic data is further corroborated by flood level marking on bridges in Guadalupe, Madalag, and Mobo, Kalibo. 

 
The communication and dissemination focus on the Aklan Local Flood Early Warning System (ALFEWS) that mobilize all members of tri-media and netizens to inform, disseminate info in concise, practical and ingenious ways to warn residents of impending disaster. There are 3 codes namely: a) Red – all MDRRMC personnel on standby call. Necessary life-saving equipments are ready for pick up. Residents fill back up bags with 3 day food ration, medical kit, flashlight, legal documents, condom (to waterproof cellphone), b) Yellow – MDRRMC inform public on flood situation, pick up points of evacuees and evacuation center using megaphone, siren of fire truck, church bell, bamboo tubes, drums, etc. to sound alarm and c) Green is go or force evacuation to safety or higher ground.  

 
Mr. Toriano revealed that Kalibo may be one of 3 municipalities in the country to institutionalized EAS. His present priority is to educate the public on ALFEWS’ color code by posting appropriate signages on street corners and acquiring civil defense siren by next year. The siren has an effective range of 1.5 miles and costs P1.5 million. 

 
“Being forewarned is better forearmed” is a good old adage. This jibes well with NDRRMC whose ultimate goal is zero casualty in any disaster. Certainly, we cannot avoid it but man can mitigate its impact. EAS means life depending on the measure of how well can you appropriate it. /MP  

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Akelco’s Financial State

Is Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) in a sound financial state?

Going over the “Independent Auditors’ Report” for the year 2012 operations, made by Balicas, Lamboso & Co, Certified Public Accountants, the following figures are noticed. 

1. In 2012, Akelco generated a total revenue of P1,935,486,682. However, it spent P1,944, 233,406. Subtracting the total expenses from the total revenue, it is minus P8,746,724. This 2012 operations loss is seven times smaller than the 2011 operation loss of P62,584,807.

2. In 2012, Akelco’s total current assets is P971,567,239. It is balanced as its total current liabilities is also P971,567,239.

3. However, its accumulated losses are huge P760,431,675 as of 2012. Did ever Akelco reported a net surplus? Never. What an incompetent management! 

It must be stated that Akelco has a monopoly as it has exclusive franchise in electricity distribution and sales in Aklan and two municipalities of Antique. Yet it is losing annually in its operation.

Electrical Bill

It is hard to believe why Akelco losses in its operation when in its monthly electric bill, Akelco charges for 25 sub items in seven major items which are: 1. Generation and Transmission, 2. Distributions, 3. Supply Charges, 4. Metering charges, 5. Universal Charges, 6. Expanded Value Added Tax, and 7. Other Charges.

The Akelco members pay EVAT for generation, transmission, distribution, and systems loss. Not only that, the consumers pay P0.80 per KWH systems loss. Here, the consumer pay Akelco for its incompetence in management. Akelco losses its product and charge the consumers of what they lost including the EVAT. For the monthly meter reading, consumers pay Akelco P0.43 per KWH. 

What is the difference between “Transmission System charge and Distribution System Charge?” This appears to be one and the same. 

Moreover, Akelco compels the consumers to pay the Senior Citizen discount at the rate of P0.70 per KWH.

Nevertheless, there is one good thing in Akelco. It’s management and staff appear progressive while the consumer members pay one of the highest prices of electricity in the Philippines, experience darkness once in a while, pay the Sr. Citizen Discount and Systems losses brought about by Akelco’s inability to prevent it. 

With this financial situation, is Akelco financially sound?

PAG-IBIG Gives P32M Calamity Aid

The Pag-IBIG Fund has approved P32 million in calamity loans in Zamboanga as of September 30.

It has also approved loans of some 1,732 members affected by the conflict in Zamboanga, with 4,000 applications under processed.

With Zamboanga placed under a state of calamity, the Fund is also offering a 3-month moratorium on housing loan payments to borrowers whose properties mortgaged with Pag-IBIG have been damaged in the armed conflict or whose primary source of income has been impaired as a result of the crisis.

“We have five areas of concern in Zamboanga: Rio Hondo, Sta. Catalina, Sta. Barbara, Kasanyangan and Mariki. We have identified 95 properties worth P76 million that are located in these areas. We hope to come up with the actual number of units affected as soon as our appraisers are allowed to enter the still-restricted areas and conduct ocular inspection,” said Pag-IBIG CEO Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe.

Housing loan borrowers may apply for the 3-month moratorium so long as their loan account is updated as of the month prior to the declaration of the calamity. They may file their applications at the Pag-IBIG Zamboanga office located at the Pag-IBIG Fund Building, San Jose Road, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City.

Earlier, the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation also implemented a 6-month moratorium on the amortization of payments for borrowers affected by the Zamboanga conflict.

The NHMFC moratorium will start from November 1, 2013 to April 30, 2014. Borrowers should file their application for moratorium not later than October 31, 2013. /MP

Developing Strength

Aklan Provincial Police office conducted training among security guards in the proper handling of fire arms and its actual firing. The training was held last month in the Aklan PPO firing range. 

Photo above shows actual Arnis training. (PO3 Nida L. Gregas photo)

Aklan Credit Surety Fund For Coops & MSMEs

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

Some 26 cooperatives and organizations of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Aklan have joined the Aklan Credit Surety Fund (ACSF) which is spearheaded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Congressman Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. and the provincial government of Aklan under Governor Florencio T. Miraflores.

The 26 cooperatives and MSMEs groups have pledged a total of 2.8 million pesos contribution to the ACSF.
The Office of Congressman Haresco will contribute 5 million pesos to the fund while the provincial government of Aklan has pledged 5 million pesos.

Through Resolution No. 091 – S., 2013, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan, during its 12th Regular Session, has authorized the Provincial Governor to release 5 million pesos to the fund and further authorized Gov. Miraflores to enter into and sign Memorandum of Agreement with the BSP and participating cooperatives and MSMEs groups for the formation of the ACSF.

The MOA signing was held on September 27 at the Sampaguita Gardens, New Washington, Aklan.

The CSF program is a credit enhancement scheme developed by the BSP which aims to increase the credit worthiness of MSMEs that are experiencing difficulty in obtaining loans from banks due to lack of acceptable collaterals, credit knowledge and credit track records.

CSF shall serve as security for loans of MSMEs from lending banks by providing a security cover in lieu of acceptable collaterals.  MSMEs normally find difficulty in putting up collaterals.

Loan applications of individual members of each participating MSMEs groups and cooperatives composing the CSF must be endorsed by their respective MSMEs organization or cooperative.

The Philippine National Bank and Development Bank of the Philippines are the lending banks to the ACSF.

The following MSMEs organizations and cooperatives which joined the ACSF are as follows:

Aklan Seed Growers MPC, Kalibo; Numancia Agricultural and Fisheries Producer’s Cooperative, Joyao-Joyao, Numancia; Boracay Island Hopping MPC, Manoc-Manoc, Boracay, Island, Malay; CBCP Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Camanci Norte, Numancia; Malay Port Services Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Jetty Port, Caticlan, Malay; Aparicio Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Aparicio, Ibajay; Sandona Development Cooperative, Guinbaliwan, New Washington; 

Aklan Food Processors Development Cooperative, Airport Terminal Bldg., Pook, Kalibo; Kalibo Teachers MPC, Kalibo Pilot Elementary School, Kalibo; Medical Mission Group Hospitals & Health Services; Cooperative of Aklan, Tajolosa Bldg., Roxas Ave., Kalibo; Metro Kalibo Water District Employees MPC (MKWDEMPC), Mabini St., Kalibo; Panay Health Care Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Estancia, Kalibo; Nulgea Development Cooperative, Poblacion, Numancia; Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc., G/F ABL Sports Complex, Capitol Site, Kalibo; 

Boracay Land Transport MPC, Boracay, Caticlan, Malay; Caticlan Boracay Transport MPC, Caticlan, Malay; Lezo Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Poblacion, Lezo; Aklan Cooperative Alliance, 2/F Kalibo Public Market, Kalibo; Integrated Barangay of Numancia Development;

Pusiw, Numancia; Altavas District Teachers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative, DLRC Bldg., Poblacion, Altavas; Twenty-Five Peso MPC, Aklan State University, Banga; Libacao Development Cooperative, Poblacion, Libacao; Madalag Development Cooperative, Municipal Hall, Madalag; Handicraft of Aklan MPC, Buswang Old, Kalibo; LBP Aklan Multi-Purpose Cooperative; and Provincial Government Employees Development Cooperative. /MP

NSO Surveys Overseas Filipinos In 16 Aklan Brgys.

The National Statistics Office Aklan is currently conducting Survey on Overseas Filipinos (SOF) in 16 barangays to gather information on Filipino citizens who left for abroad during the last five years.

These barangays are Brgy. Poblacion in Altavas, Brgy. Morales in Balete, Brgy. Dingle in Banga, Brgys. Bay-ang, Magpag-ong, Mambuquiao, and Mandong in Batan, Brgy. Tigayon in Kalibo, Brgy. Poblacion in Madalag, Brgy. Magallanes and Nagustan in Nabas, Brgy. Fatima in New Washington, Brgys. Albasan and Badio in Numancia, and Brgys. Afga and Jawili in Tangalan.

According to Provincial Statistics Officer Blas M. Solidum, the survey, specifically, aims to obtain national estimates on the number of overseas Filipinos including overseas workers and their socio-economic characteristics. It also aims to and provide estimates on the amount of cash remittances including the mode of transfer to their families in the Philippines. 

Information such as the place of destination, length of stay abroad, type of work abroad, date of departure and return are also included.

The SOF is a rider survey to October 2013 round of the Labor Force Survey (LFS).

Mr. Solidum assured the respondents that all information furnished to NSO will be held “strictly confidential” as provided for by law.
Consumer Expectation Survey

On the other hand, some 36 sample households in Aklan are covered in the 4th quarter Consumer Expectation Survey (CES) the National Statistics Office is conducting which started on October 1, 2013.

These households are located in Brgy Dumaguit, New Washington and Brgy. Bay-ang and Magpag-ong, Batan.
The CES aims to provide quick and regular assessments of consumer perceptions and expenditure plans as a tool for evaluating the consumer’s own financial situation, key economic indicators and the economy’s condition over a reference period. 

“The results of the CES will guide planners in forecasting the direction of change of the economy as well as the behavior of inflation rate, interest rate and exchange rates,” according to Provincial Statistics Officer Blas M. Solidum.

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

Mr. Solidum urges respondents to give truthful and correct data to researchers. He assured them their responses will be treated with strict confidentiality and cannot be used for taxation, investigation or law enforcement purposes.
This survey is a joint undertaking of the NSO and the BSP, with the latter as the funding agency. /MP

Aklan PNP Is Ready For 2013 Brgy Election

The Aklan Police Provincial Office (PPDO) in close coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now ready for the upcoming Brgy elections comes October 28, 2013.

Aklan PPO Provincial Director, senior superintendent Pedrito M Escarilla said, the Aklan PNP is now in place with the security preparations specifically on the deployment of PNP personnel in the polling precincts identified in each municipality.

The joint forces of AFP and PNP will intensify the continues conduct of checkpoints especially during the period of delivery of Official Ballots, Ballot Boxes and other election paraphernalia to different municipalities by securing the area and routes of the delivery vehicles, Escarilla added.

“I am assured that this election will be successful and peaceful for we are ready, security is in place and even our election officers are closely coordinated with their respective chiefs of police in Aklan”, Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria stressed.

The Philippine Army is also set for this election. It is waiting for the actual deployment of augmentation to PNP’s security preparation in order to ensure a Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) 2013, said 12IB, 3ID Battalion commander Lt. Col Eduardo Gubat.

The Aklan province is expected to be provided with additional PNP augmentations from the Police Regional Office 6 to re-enforce the needed personnel of every police station.

The 45-day nationwide gunban period took effect on September 28 and effective until November 12, 2013. The liqour ban will be strictly enforced one day before the election, October 27, 2013 until October 28 on the d-day of the elections. (by PO3 Nida L Gregas) /MP

Paul Ledesma’s ‘Return’ As Region’s Anti-Drugs Czar

by Alex P. Vidal

“A drug is not bad. A drug is a chemical compound. The problem comes in when people who take drugs treat them like a license to behave like an asshole.”  FRAN ZAPPA

There are people not happy with reports that former Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-6) Regional Director Paul Ledesma will soon regain his post.

Some of them are drug traffickers and their protectors who fear that Ledesma will again disrupt their illegal trade; drug dealers whose activities reportedly “went smoothly and uninterrupted” during Ledesma’s absence.

Ledesma’s resurrection will definitely send shivers down the spine even of the “untouchables” who have managed to elude police dragnets in the past because of their connections with police hoodlums who tipped them off during raids and serving of warrants of arrest.

As an Ilonggo, Ledesma is familiar with the operations of local drug dealers; he knows the terrain and how to deal with recalcitrant characters in the trade. Unlike his predecessors who come from other regions, and were virtually total strangers in Western Visayas, Ledesma needs no tour guide to locate the lairs of drug dealers all over Panay Island and Guimaras. He has both the resources and authority to flush drug traffickers out from their cocoon if he wants to flex his muscles and implement the full force of the law.

RELIEF

In more than two years that Ledesma was PDEA-6 chief until his relief on June 12, 2011, I have heard so many nasty stories thrown at him especially when he engaged a female teacher-journalist in a heated spat over a parking space in a Diversion Road night spot two years ago; but I also heard a lot of positive feedback in as far as his being the region’s anti-drugs czar is concerned.

There was also a three-series Youtube video that pictured him as villain and abusive person in authority. Some critics questioned his credentials and qualifications to head the powerful office. But they were nothing compared to the black propaganda launched against him by drug dealers angered by his guts and performance. Ledesma was unfazed and dispensed his job without fear and favor. Despite the furor that attended some of the blistering raids his agency had conducted on hideouts of drug traffickers and the high profile arrest of some notorious personalities, no one has accused Ledesma of irregularity or corruption.

POSITION

He actually doesn’t need a government position to eat three square meals a day since he comes from a prominent and wealthy family. Any attempt to bribe Ledesma will surely end up frustrated if the culprit will learn about his background. 

A gun enthusiast and active member of gun clubs in Western Visayas, Ledesma was first recruited in the anti-illegal drugs agency by his godfather, retired police general and then PDEA chief Dionesio Santiago, in 2009.

Despite attempts in the past to discredit Ledesma (some even called him names), he always hogged headlines because he was always present in almost all the major raids conducted by his agency, something his predecessors -- Yogi Filemon Ruiz, Edgar, Layese, and Atty. Ronnie Delicana -- have failed to duplicate. Even in number of arrest and raids, the accomplishments of the trio might pale in comparison to Ledesma’s.
.
WORTH

No less than PDEA Assistant Secretary Rene Orbe had noticed Ledesma’s worth in the agency when he declared on June 14, 2011 during the office’s change of command ceremony at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City which “Ledesma has carved his mark in Region 6 well. His accomplishments are noteworthy.”

I’m not writing this article to praise Ledesma here. The man doesn’t know me from Adam. I’m just stating the facts objectively, and I know how to give credit where credit is due, in the same manner that I know how to criticize constructively any public official, including Ledesma, commits malfeasance or acts detrimental to the public interest. /MP

Reason & Concern

Ronquillo C. Tolentino

The Essence of War Is Violence

When I was in the grades, I chanced to read a German proverb which states, thus : “A great war leaves a country with three armies- an army of cripples, an army of mourners and an army of thieves.”

The Zamboanga conflict is in itself a war. The essence of war is violence. Moderation in war is a stranger. Knowing the consequences of war, I adhere to Cicero’s declaration of preference to the most unfair  peace  to the most righteous war.

Martin Luther said that war is the greatest plaque that can afflict humanity. War destroys religion and  family. Any scourge is preferable to it, Luther asserts. I well remember Shakespeare in Henry VI, Act V, Sc. 2 when he declares: “ O war ! Thou son of Hell.”

In our time, we still hope and pray for the statement of Isaiah 11:4 of  beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruninghooks. Also, that the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid. (Isaiah XI,6).

Machiavelli has this to say about war:” War is a profession by which a man cannot live honorably; an employment by which the soldier, if he would reap any profit, is obliged to be false, rapacious, and cruel.

As I had repeatedly said, the Philippine government should exhaust all peaceful means to end the conflict in Mindanao. It should be a settlement that should not be open-ended.
****
As I write this, my mind raced back to a Philippine Daily Inquirer September 30, 2013 headline regarding the protest of writers and scholars on the alleged downgrading by the Department of Education of literature curriculum.

It would appear that certain DepED functionaries are behind the downscaling  of literature in the “K to 12” program. Simply put, the subject of protest is the downgrading of two core subjects in Grades 11 and 12 by combining the 21st Century Regional Literature and World Literature into one.

It is alleged that the functionaries made the decision sans consultation with literature and humanities teachers and scholars, inclusive of  education planners. It is even stated that the memorandum of Education Secretary Armin Luistro has been overruled by the education functionaries.

We need not belabor the importance of literature in the “K to 12” program.

High school students before and now probably would remember that quotation of literature being an expression in words of life, truth and  beauty. As succinctly stated by the British scholar and novelist, C.S. Lewis “Literature adds to reality, it does simply described. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.” /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Yabe It Pagbag-o

Agahon pa hay naga bugtaw eon si Jelah kada Sabado. Sa pagtoeod nana ko anang maisot nga karito, naga singgit imaw kon sin-o ro may mga basurang plastic, saesaeon, bote ag lata. Ana nga guina bakae, dayon ibaligya man sa “junk shop” sa andang lugar.

Isaeang adlaw nga Sabado, samtang naga inusoy imaw it basura, hakita imaw ko anang daywang ka kaklase sa eskwelahan.
“Jelah, basura ka baea?” supae nga pangutana ni Luna. “Ham-an?”, madahan nga sabat ni Jelah. “Tongod ka baho-baho kimo. Bu-ot ka nakon ipilak sa basurahan…ha! ha! ha!”

Sumabat man si Jelah, “Luna, uling ka baea?” “Ham-an ay?” Hangawa nga pangutana ni Luna. 

“Tongod maitom eon ro imong panit, maitom pa ro imong tagipusu-on. Angay kimo ihaboy ag obrahong panggatong sa impyerno. Daeha lang man ro imong kaklase, baluga!”

“Aba, maisog man gali rong reyna it mga basura. Dungan it paghaboy it bote it mineral water kay Jelah.

“Kaeain guid ro inyong batasan. Ham-an it indi eon lang kamo magtuead kakon? Makabulig pa kamo it paglimpyo sa atong palibot ag malikawan pa ro pagkalhit it mga masakit”, pahayag ni Jelah. 

“Yak! owa ngani kami naga limpyo sa among dogalingon, iya pa? Hayron hu, magpa gusto ka it pueot it basura, angay man kimo ro mangin basurera”. May hakita nga yabe sa basura si Jelah. Guin pakita nana ro yabe sa daywa ogaling nagpaeagiw sanda ay basi may mga kagaw ro yabe ag matapnan pa sanda. Golpe nga humayag ro yabe. Tinamaan sanda it kahayag ag nagtiyog ro andang pamatyag. Naduea-an sanda it alinto. Pagbugtaw nanda, una sanda sa tinumpok nga basura. Kabaho-baho ro lugar ag abo nga mga eangaw, kuratsa, namok ag mga eanggam nga naga kalhit ag naga saka sa andang mga siki. 

Nakabati sanda it may naga huni sa binit. Sa andang paglingot, may hakita sanda nga sawa. Dali-dali nga dumaeagan ro tatlo. Basang basa sa ihi si Luna tongod sa kahadlok. Nagpangamuyo sanda sa Diyos nga librehon sanda ag ha-um eon sanda nga mag bag-o. 

Naghayag it uman ro yabe. Naduea-an eon man sanda it alinto. Sa andang pagbugtaw, idto sanda nahueog sa atubang it karinderya. Naga kaea-on ro mga tawo samtang naga pamati it balita. Suno sa balita, naga eapta ro sakit nga Dengue dueot it namok. Mga onse eon ro patay ag abo pa una sa sueod it hospital nga guina boeong. 

“Aba Luna, moda gali ro masakit nga Dengue? Ham-an it mingko naga eoya kamo ag maeopsi pa? Mataas pa ro inyong eagnat? Dali, daehon ko eon lang kamo sa hospital, may pagkabaeaka nga hambae ni Jelah”. 

Duro guid ro pagpasaeamat nanday Luna. Nangayo sanda it patawad kay Jelah ag haum eon nga magbag-o paagi sa paglimpyo it palibot. 

“Hay saeamat ag nagbag-o man kamo. Basura man lang gali ro yabe sa inyong pagbag-o”, pasaeamat ni Jelah. 

“Ikaw, ikaw, ikaw, hueaton pa baea nimo nga magmasakit kamo tongod sa basura? Kon imaw ron, magbag-o eon kita. Isalbar naton sa basura ro atong kalibutan. Ro atong kahugod ro yabe it pagbag-o ko kada isaea padueong sa malimpyo ag malinong nga palibot”. /MP

DAR VI Fortifies Commitment To Localize Magna Carta of Women

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Region VI affirms its commitment to localize the Magna Carta of Women as it ensures that substantive provisions of the law especially the Rights and Empowerment of the Marginalized Sectors are duly implemented by the agency.

DAR Region 6 Regional Director Alejandro Otacan in his memorandum to all Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officers dated September 16, 2013 emphasized as he reiterated Sec. 105 of DAR Administrative Order No. 7 Series of 2011 providing for the names of the beneficiaries in the issuance of titles. 

Under the Magna Carta of Women, the DAR must ensure that equal status shall be given to women and men, whether married or not, in the titling of the land. Further, the law states that the DAR shall issue Emancipation Patent (EP) and Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA), to all qualified beneficiaries regardless of sex, civil status or physical condition.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations of said law states that in order to protect the rights of legally married spouses where properties form part of the conjugal partnership of gains the names of both shall appear in the EP and CLOA preceded by the word “spouses”.  In unions where parties are not legally married, the names of both parties shall also appear in the titles with the conjunctive word “and” between their names.

The law further states that in no case shall a woman be excluded either in the titling of the land on account of sex, being married, or being in union without marriage to an agrarian reform beneficiary. Other entitlements to women agrarian reform beneficiaries are also spelled out in the law like Right to Livelihood, Credit, Capital and Technology. 

Since the enactment of the Magna Carta of Women, the DAR has consistently fulfilled its mandate in promoting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of women especially its agrarian reform beneficiaries. DAR management issued policies to ensure localization of the law and foremost of which is DAR Admin Order No. 01 Series of 2011 which is the “Guidelines Governing Gender Equality in the Implementation of Agrarian Reform Laws and Mainstreaming Gender and Development in DAR.” /MP

Phil Spent P627.397 M For 4Ps

For the last five (5) years (2008-2013), the Philippines has released and paid P627,397,000 to 26,601 beneficiaries under the Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Each beneficiary received an average of P23,582.55. Those who are enjoying this 4Ps are families which belong to the below poverty level. They are  the people who are devoid of income as they have no work. Hence, they are enrolled in 4Ps.
Each family receives P500 for health and nutrition and P300 monthly for  family with children whose ages range from zero to 14 years.  /MP

Haresco Refiles Bill To Make Aklan Into Two Legislative Districts

Aklan Congressman Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. has refiled the bill at the House of Representatives which seeks to reapportion the Province of Aklan from a lone congressional district into two legislative districts: the East and West districts.

Haresco’s bill is denominated as House Bill No. 112, “An Act Providing For The Reapportionment Of The Lone District Of The Province Of Aklan”.

Luthmyr P. Teoxon relayed the information to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan who is the Committee Secretary of the House Committee on Local Government chaired by Congressman Pedro B. Acharon, Jr.

This development in the lower house of the 16th Congress was an offshoot of Aklan SP Resolution No. 007, S., 2013 passed by the 16th SP on July 10, 2013, during its 2nd regular session, titled, “A Resolution Requesting Congressman Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr., Representative, Lone District Of Aklan In The House Of Representatives To Refile The House Bill Filed By Former Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores During The 15th Congress Seeking For The Reapportioning Of The Province Of Aklan Into Two Legislative Districts Previously Denominated As House Bill No. 3860.” 

Miraflores’ bill on Aklan splitting into two legislative districts was passed by the lower house of the 15th Congress but was stalled in the Senate committee level mainly on the opposition posed by Senator Sergs Osmeńa. 

The bill seeks to split Aklan into two legislative districts: the West comprising of the towns of Numancia, Makato, Lezo, Malinao, Tangalan, Ibajay, Nabas, Malay and Buruanga; and the East, composed of the towns of Kalibo, New Washington, Batan, Banga, Balete, Altavas, Libacao and Madalag.

Both proposed districts had already qualified in terms of population of more than 250,000 each. /MP

Chiz Fetes Pinay Miss World Megan Young

Senator Chiz Escudero commended 23-year-old Megan Young for besting candidates from 126 countries to win for the Philippines its first Miss World title, calling her accomplishment a great source of pride and inspiration amid the conflicts confronting the nation.

In Senate Resolution No. 281 he filed to honor and recognize Young, Escudero praised the Olongapo lass’ victory not only for making history for the country, but for telling the whole world about “her story” on what Filipinos can achieve in the international arena. (Megan’s mother is a native of Pandan, Antique.) 

The senator said Young exemplified the true beauty and aspiration of every Filipino when she took home the crown during Miss World pageant held over the weekend in Bali, Indonesia.

“We toast Megan and all our fellow Filipinos who illuminate our pride as a nation and raise our consciousness as a people under one flag,” Escudero said.

“Her accomplishment as a beauty queen brings not only the needed respite from the political and social ills that currently beset the country but hope as well, as we aspire to be a better people struggling to make a difference in life and for the country,” the senator said in his resolution.
Police, Soldiers In Zambo Siege

On the other hand, soldiers and policemen who gallantly battled members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) during the Zamboanga crisis are honored at the Senate through a resolution filed by Senator Chiz Escudero.

Escudero filed Philippine Senate Resolution No. 283 (PSR 283) commending the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police for squarely facing  the rogue elements who tried to siege Zamboanga City in August.
The attack resulted to a three-week-long standoff between the national security forces and the MNLF rebels. It claimed hundreds of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents. It placed the entire city into a standstill for days.

“The utmost display of dedication and commitment of the AFP and PNP to subdue the enemies of the State despite imminent danger and loss of lives cannot be overstated. They squarely fought the enemies with bravery and gallantry without any reservations. The city is now recapturing its peace and order because of these brave men in uniform,” Escudero said.

In his resolution, Escudero explained that the accomplishment of the soldiers and the policemen in reinstating and maintaining the gains of peace and order is characterized by their performance of a sworn duty and not by its mere utterance.

“Our men stood by it in an actual battle for country and people. They deserve the Senate’s commendation for their heroic performance of their sworn constitutional duty as protectors of the people and the State and as sentinels of peace and order in Zamboanga crisis,” Escudero said in the resolution. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Is Aklan’s Sand And Gravel
Quarrying Eco-Friendly?

On Tuesday, October 1, I was invited to be a reactor to the research presentation during the “Statistical Research and Utilization Forum”. The forum was one of the activities in the 24th National Statistics Month on the theme, “Statistics That Matter To Every Filipino.

The forum was jointly sponsored by the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Aklan Rivers Development Council, and the Aklan Provincial Planning and Development Office. 

Here is my reaction to the research findings on “The Aklan River System: Psycho–chemical Characteristics, Geomorphology, Hydrology, Biodiversity, and Socio-Economic and Cultural Profile”.

As an Aklanon, I can say, I’m one of the most interested persons for the development and utilization of our natural resources like the Aklan river.

I always hope our public officials will find time to transform Aklan river from being destructive into a resource friendly and productive river for the good of the people.
I often recall an incident where I attended a meeting in the Department of Agriculture in August 1963 where a question was asked: “Why does the Philippines lack rice when we have vast area of rice field?” 

There was a moment of silence which induced me to stand and say: “There is rice shortage because we have no office that takes care of irrigation”. I said, “rice is a hydrophonic plant which will not bear grain if there is lack of water.” 

With that, the bureau directors including the Dean, UP College of Agriculture present in the meeting discussed the problem of water. They found out that there was really no office for irrigation. 

The following month, September, 1963, my office, Bureau of Agricultural Extension sent me to Taiwan (Formosa) to study irrigation for one month. The USAID financed my trip. I spent the one month visiting the projects in “Shi Minh Dam” that helped make Taiwan prosperous today. Shi Minh Dam has multipurpose uses which are tourism, electricity generation, irrigation, flood control, land reclamation, and job creation among others. The excess irrigation water is processed for domestic uses. 

My travel report was one of the references used in the enactment of the law creating the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) which was approved in 1965. NIA was organized in the same year of its approval.

Every morning and afternoon crossing the Aklan river, I always feel bad for failure to convert Aklan river into a useful resource.
About eight (8) years ago, I wrote about the idea of harnessing Aklan river and make use of the water. I wrote that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan can enact an Ordinance to Develop Aklan river and utilize the resources there for progress and development. LGU Aklan with the ordinance may authorize the conduct of researches, prepare project studies so that the province has ever ready proposals to give for probable funding agencies. 

A few months after the publication of my article, I was happy to learn that the SP Aklan presided by then Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino has enacted provincial ordinance creating the Aklan Rivers Development Council.

Thank you Aklan SP and former Governor Carlito S. Marquez who signed and approved the said Ordinance. This research result about Aklan river is now under review.

I wish to congratulate the authors of this research report. They have done a good job. The findings are excellent basic information useful to planners, policy and decision makers, and funding agencies especially for micro planning.

A common saying states: “in our work, there is always room for improvement”. And my reaction here is to improve further on what you have done. After reading the research report, I admired it. It has enriched my limited knowledge. I wish we will continue doing researches on Aklan river and consider the following: 

1. Include in the future studies research team members who can ably handle and answer the statements of the problem. A rural sociologist for example maybe included to study why matured and recommended technologies are not utilized. Aklan now is short of agricultural products e.g. vegetables, flowers, chicken and eggs inspite of the presence of the national university for agriculture located in Banga, Aklan (ASU). Agricultural Training Institute is also situated in the ASU Banga campus to train agricultural technicians and farmers. The diffusion of information is quite slow and its utilization is equally limited. Aklan Province is rich with natural resources, but statistic show, one of every five Aklanons (21%) is living below the poverty level. Almost all municipalities are members of 4P’s.

2. If possible, include recommendations to solve problems found in the research. A good example is the finding on the “level of coliform”. What is the effect of high coliform level to health? What must be done to reduce the coliform level? Massive information dissemination and construction of latrines project/program for example be recommended. 

3. If possible, reduce the highly technical terms into common terms to promote proper understanding, appreciation and application of recommendations. 

4. Kindly include statistics and its analysis. October is National Statistics Month.

5. Since Geomorphology, Hydrology, Physico-chemical Characteristics are studied among others, did the team subject some specimen for laboratory analysis? Did the research team consult pertinent specialists to make data interpretation highly credible?   

6. Future studies may answer questions like: Who are becoming wealthy out of sand and gravel extracted from Aklan river? My observation is: sand and gravel dealers became rich and still becoming richer. Those who can afford have constructed houses made of stones and cement. But according to National Statistics Office, Kalibo, Aklan, for every 10 houses, seven (7) or 70 percent needed repair. These 70 percent of the houses in Aklan had average floor area ranging from 9.8 square meters to 19 square meters where an average 4.3 dwellers live. How can four people live comfortably on a space 2.5 square meters per person?

7. Is sand and gravel quarrying correctly done to prevent erosions? Are sand and gravel concessionaires following strictly their respective quarrying contracts? /MP

“My Teacher, My Hero”

“My Teacher, My Hero”, is the theme of the “World Teacher’s Month” celebration this October.

The English Club, College of Education, Northwestern Visayan Colleges sponsored the World Teacher’s Day Program, Friday afternoon, October 4 at NVC CSQ Gymnasium. 

Led by Ms. Rose T. Suarez, governor of English Club, some 71 NVC faculty members were honored as “Teachers of the Year”. They were awarded certificates and fresh beautiful flowers. 

Dr. Reinalda I. Magdaluyo with seven others were recognized and awarded “Most Outstanding Teachers” of the year.
In his inspirational message, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, NVC President expressed his admiration and high respect to the teachers. He stressed the teachers’ role in the formation of loyal, loving and productive citizens of the country.

While a student, Quimpo related the ways and methods of teaching of his professors at the University of the Philippines, College of Law, which made him a successful member of the bar and both public and private official.

On the other hand, some three (3) NVC Mass Communication students will represent Aklan to the regional broadcasting competition. This is sponsored by ABS-CBN to be held in Bacolod City sometime next month, November 2013.

These three are selected by the ABS-CBN team in a contest held on Friday morning, October 4 at the Audio Visual Room, NVC Kalibo presided a team from ABS-CBN Iloilo City.

Bryan Zaspa, a 4th year AB Mass Com student is proclaimed champion in the contest. He received cash, trophy, and plaque. Mr. Reontoy, a second year AB Mass Com student is selected 1st runner up and awarded cash and plaque. Leizel Trinidad, a 4th year AB Mass Com student is 2nd runner up and received cash and plaque. Mr. Zaspa is from Libacao, Mr. Reontoy is from Banga, and Miss Trinidad is from Kalibo.

They will compete in the regional broadcast competition with journalism students from Roxas City, Iloilo City and Bacolod City. /MP

October 28 Is Special Non-working Holiday

If you’re a registered voter, you have no excuse not to vote in the barangay elections, as Malacanang declared October 28 a special non-working holiday.

Proclamation No. 656 signed by President Benigno Aquino September 25, said the holiday has been declared to allow Filipinos to exercise their right to suffrage. October 28 is a Monday, thereby listing a new long weekend for October. 

“[I]t is important to give the people the fullest opportunity to participate in the said elections and exercise their right to vote,” Aquino said in the proclamation.

The announcement came even as the Senate and the House of Representatives have approved a bill seeking to postpone the SK polls which Pres. Benigno Aquino III just signed into law.  /MP

Chiz Challenges Colleagues: Open PDAF Use To Public Scrutiny

Senator Chiz Escudero said the disbursement and use of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) by legislators should be open to public scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability.

Escudero issued the call to his fellow lawmakers to open their books to the Filipino people amid the reported misuse and abuse of the PDAF, which was originally intended to finance the pet projects of senators and congressmen.

A recent special report by the Commission on Audit (COA) and revelations at the ongoing investigation by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee initially showed that some lawmakers have allegedly connived with bogus non-government organizations to pocket kickbacks through ghost projects. 

“Whether it’s PDAF, pork barrel or DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program) is immaterial. The important issues here are transparency and accountability. At the end of the day, as public officials entrusted with public funds, we should be able to explain to the public how these were disbursed and used,” said Escudero, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance.

According to Escudero, how each lawmaker allocated and used every single centavo earmarked for the PDAF should be made public and accessible to all stakeholders for scrutiny in the spirit of transparency and accountability.

“This is a challenge to my fellow legislators: reveal how you spent public funds. We owe it to our constituents, we owe it to our taxpayers,” he said.

Since Escudero started availing of the special budget for legislators’ pet projects in 2010, he has posted on his website (www.chizescudero.com) the detailed allocation of his PDAF to local government units (LGUs) across the country. The senator did not receive any PDAF during the Arroyo administration.

He said all the allocations he received under the PDAF had been properly accounted for and open to scrutiny by COA and the public. “All releases and disbursements to LGUs which had sought my assistance were transparent and verifiable. These can be scrutinized by COA and the public anytime.”

Escudero also sought to clarify the “confusion” surrounding the P96 million (not P99 million as earlier reported) he had requested the Department of Budget and Management to download to local LGUs to finance their requests for repairs of specialty hospitals and construction of public markets.

The whole P96 million released by the DBM through its DAP covered the project funding requests that went directly to LGUs in the cities and municipalities of Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Cavite, Rizal, Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan, among others, mostly for infrastructure projects and medical help.

Majority of the LGUs received P500,000 each for the construction and rehabilitation of their public markets.

Since the senator started using his PDAF in 2010, he had only funded infrastructure projects and medical assistance through various LGUs, as well as improvement of regional and specialty hospitals. /MP

BSP Postpones 10th National Rover Moot

In view of the Barangay election to be held on October 28, this year, the 10th National Rover Moot is postponed to Nov. 26 to December 2, 2013. This is announced by Atty. Selwyn C. Ibarreta, chairman, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Aklan Council.

It was announced earlier that it will be held on October 19 – 25, 2013. It will be held in the same venue in Tangalan with LGU Tangalan as host under the leadership of Mayor Gene Fuentes.   

This 10th National Rover Moot theme is, “Scouting Education For Life”. 

Rover Scouting is the final stage of youth development in the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. /MP

Reason & Concern

Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Pork Barrel Scam Scandal 

Shall Be Here To Stay

It took me some time to write as I started to observe the reactions of Filipinos to the pork barrel scam here and abroad. Indeed, at no instance of our national life had the collective anger of Filipinos exhibited on the pork barrel scam.

Notwithstanding the Zamboanga standoff, the pork barrel scam scandal appeared to have the same headline sizes and accounts in metropolitan newspapers and the rate of commentaries in radios and television networks albeit the Zamboanga problem surfaced two weeks back as I write this.

As it stands, so many names are now appearing in the tri-media to also have committed pork barrel scam scandal either small or big, And certain theories, too, of the escalating scandal. This can be a thick book starting with the history of the pork barrel scam controversy.

The Senator Jinggoy Estrada stinging commentary that the pork barrel scam scandal appeared to be centered on Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Revilla and himself could well be the big starter. But it shall not stop with the three of them.

The pork barrel scam scandal is not expected to just suddenly disappear contrary to the wishful thinking of others. But there is optimism that the Filipino people will not take the scandal to just vanish too suddenly after its too controversial expose’.

As I end my brief commentary anent the pork barrel scam scandal, I may hasten to add that the scandal had reached the broader masses of our people, the man on the streets, the religious sectors, the intellectuals, the youth and yes, even children.

* * * *
The way I look at it, certain national political figures are now being mentioned to have also been involved in pork barrel scam. The early denials are there. But the shady transactions are also being mentioned, nay, documented. It would be easy to determine if the accusations on alleged pork barrel scam commissions are politically motivated or plain propaganda. As the documents could well speak for itself. Verily, it can readily be deduced.

* * * *
Finally, President Aquino signed Republic Act 10627 otherwise known as the Anti Bullying Act of 2013.

The Department of Education shall impose sanctions on schools that do not comply with RA 10627.

In the congressional debates, it dawned on Congress that bullying can be summed up as causing physical and emotional abuse against another person.

One should just look and read the 1987 Philippine Constitution and can readily read that every child is protected by the fundamental law from unfair and adverse treatment whether it is physical or emotional. This is emphasized in the Department of Education’s Child Protection Policy guidelines for public and private school teacher “in the administration of disciplinary actions against erring students”

* * * *
By the way, October would be the National Children’s Month commemoration, “Childhood shows the man, as morning shows the day” according to John Milton. Or in the language of Jones: “The interest of childhood and youth is the interest of mankind.” /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Magic Nga Libro

Paeahampang gid si Rosie. 

Ko hapon ngaron, guina-oy it hampang sa kompyuter si Rosie. Pagka gabi-e, hamuok gid ra anang katueogon. Nagdamgo imaw nga may magueang nga nagpakita kana ag guin taw-an imaw it libro. 

Pagbugtaw nana, may anang hakitang libro nga naka tungtong sa lamesa. May panit nga hapin. Guin buksan nana ro libro. Sari-sari ro kolor ko mga retrato ag matsa buhi kon ana nga tueokon ro mga tawo sa retrato. Sa sige nana nga pagbinukad, may nakita imaw nga sadya-an nga lugar. Naengganyo imaw nga tueokon ro mga retrato it kapispisan, kabukiran ag katamnan. 

Maangan-angan, naglingin ro anang oeo ag nagtiyog ro anang pamatyag. Sa anang pag muk-eat, idto imaw sa lugar nga nakita nana sa libro. Abo nga mga pispis ag alibang-bang ro naga libot-libot kana ogaling owa it tawo imaw nga nakita. Guin daea imaw sa isaeang ka mabahoe nga poetahan. Madueom ro sueod ogaling deretso sa mahayag ag maeapad nga ganghaan. May hakita man imaw nga babayeng naga pungko sa trono nga may korona.

“Malipayon nga pagbalik, Prinsesa Almera, pag aeaw-aeaw ko reyna. Imaw gali ro naduea nga onga nga prinsesa sa anang paghinampang sa kaeati-an ag idto tumugpa sa eogta sa katamnan nanday Mang Beryong ag Aling Luisa. Tongod owa it onga ro mag asawa, guin kabig nanda nga dogalingon nga unga ro prinsesa ag guin hingaeanan kay Rosie. Halin kato, owa naduea-i it pag eaum ro reyna sa pag inusoy sa prinsesa. Sa bulig ko mga pispis ag alibang-bang, hakita si Prinsesa Almera. Paagi sa libro, rondaya ro naging yabe nga maka balik sa kahari-an si Prinsesa Almera.

Mabuhay eon nga naduea si Rosie sa lugar nanday Mang Beryong ag Aling Luisa. Ogaling owa man sanda naga pundo it pag inusoy. Nag abot ro kahidlaw kay Rosie. Nag eaong imaw sa anang inang Reyna nga maka bisita sa anang guina kabig nga guinikanan.

Guin sugtan si Rosie sa anang pag panaw. Abo ro anang daea, mga prutas ag bueak. Nalipay ro mag asawa sa anang pagbalik. Guin saysay nana ro tanan. Masubo nga malipay ro mag asawa. Kada tatlong buean hay nagabalik si Rosie kanda. Ko olihi, tongod magueang eon ro daywang mag asawa hay nagmunot sanda sa Prinsesa agod idto. Owa eon sanda it problema sa pagkaon tongod bugana idto sa kahari-an ni Prinsesa Almera.  /MP

Republic of Pork Barrel

by Alex P. Vidal

“Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike.” J. K.  Rowling

We are not surprised to learn that the man who hauled Senate President Frank Drilon to the Ombudsman for alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or “pork barrel” allocation in the “improvement/completion of the E. Trenas Boulevard Along Iloilo River” or Iloilo Esplanade was no less than his own former consultant, Manuel “Boy M” Mejorada.

It did not also surprise us that nobody from among his political acolytes in Iloilo came forward to belie the graft charges and defend Drilon to death in public forum (Drilon’s co-respondents in the Department of Public Works and Highways or DPWH denied there was anomaly in the project).
As a former campaign manager of the Liberal Party (LP), some partymates in Western Visayas credited Drilon for their victories in the recent elections, but they are mum over the issue (except for Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who was understandably upset that the imbroglio’s epicenter is in the much-ballyhooed Iloilo Esplanade). 

As veteran journalist and former Iloilo Press Club president Teddy Sumaray once said, “he who eats alone, fights alone.”
 

NOT ALONE

In the criminal and administrative cases filed by Mejorada last September 10, Drilon won’t be fighting alone. Mejorada also filed cases for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Republic Act No. 9184 or Government Procurement Reform Act, against DPWH-6 Regional Director Edilberto Tayo, Assistant Regional Director Lea Delfanado, Marilou Zamora, Jose Al Fruto, Marilyn Celiz, Luzviminda Narciso, and Danelo Penoy. Their names are included in the DPWH procurement and implementation of the multi million-peso contract. 

In terms of pelf and privileges he had garnered as a prominent national figure since becoming cabinet official under Pres. Cory Aquino in 1986, Drilon has been “eating alone” figuratively.  Except from the multi-million infrastructure projects (including the mammoth Hall of Justice buildings in various cities) he has poured in the region, little can be said about the number of Ilonggos he had helped appoint in key national positions.

BACOLODNONS

Far cry from the number of Bacolodnons former Congressman and now Bacolod City Mayor Monico Punetevella had helped for prestigious appointments in the national and regional offices when Puentevella was one of President and now Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s favorite nino bonitos.

When former Iloilo Gov. Niel D. Tupas Sr., Drilon’s No. 1 ally in Western Visayas aside from Secretary Mar Roxas, was terrorized in a violent but foiled attempt to oust Tupas from capitol by Pres. Arroyo’s interior and local government Secretary Ronaldo Puno on January 17, 2007, Drilon was nowhere to be found. It was then Senator and now President Noynoy Aquino and Senator Chiz Escudero who were in constant communication with members of the Tupas family before, during, and after the capitol seige  (police raided the capitol to unseat Tupas but were stopped by a Temporary Restraining Order from the Court of Appeals) to give them moral support.

SAVE

Drilon also failed to save the ass of City Chief Prosecutor Efrain Baldago, his most loyal factotum in the region, when Baldago, who had a cold war with then Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr., was sacked during the time of Mrs. Arroyo.

Now that he was back in power together with Pres. Noynoy, the most he could give to reward a local talent was help former City Councilor Benjie Gengos become commissioner of the fading Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCCG).  Drilon may be instrumental, in one way or the other, in the appointment of several Ilonggos in the judiciary but the jurists made it as municipal or regional trial court judges based on their own merits and qualifications as assessed by the Judicial Bar Council (JBC), not because Drilon wanted them to be there.

If Drilon did not mention it, many Ilonggos were not privy to the reported failure of the Senate President to help appoint Mejorada, who was Iloilo provincial administrator under Gov. Tupas, as regional director of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

HIRE

Ilonggos also had no inkling Drilon hired Mejorada to maintain his Twitter account, among other tasks, for a monthly salary of P30,000 from September 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011. That shows that Mejorada was more than just a consultant to Drilon; no one would entrust a personal account in social media to just any Tom, Dick, and Harry. If Mejorada knows the password of Drilon’s Facebook account, that is no longer news.

If Drilon was saying the truth that his relationship with his former Twitter account handler-turned-tormentor Mejorada went sour after the foiled TESDA appointment, either Mejorada filed the Ombudsman complaints as a quid pro quo or Drilon was really a crook; and it took someone “who knows where the bodies are buried” to spill the beans, a sidekick who was left with the crumbs while the rest of the Liberal Party boys are happy and gay in the Republic of Pork Barrel.  /MP 

“Gifts of the Spirit” Painting Exhibit By Deaf & Mute Students

by AMBROSIO R. VILLORENTE

Painting Exhibit by deaf and mute students of NVC was open on Monday afternoon September 30 at NVC Hotel Carmen. Picture right shows Hon. Soviet Russia Dela Cruz, Aklan SP member and Dr. Jesse M. Gomez, Aklan Schools Division Superintendent cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Photo below shows a member of the class welcoming the guest and visitors to the exhibit with Hon. Jay Tejada.

MKWD Inaugurates, Blesses Its New Home

The Board of Directors, management and staff and employees of the Metro Kalibo Water District (MKWD) had officially transferred from its office at C. Laserna Street to its new, sprawling and elegant 4-storey building at Barangay Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The Chairman, Local Water Utilities Administration, lawyer Rene C. Villa, Congressman Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. of the Lone District of Aklan, Vice Govenor Gabrielle V. Calizo – Quimpo and Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Plaridel M. Morania, Harry C. Sucgang and Lillian Q. Tirol, together with MKWD Chairman of the Board, lawyer Edmund M. Peralta and MKWD General Manager Edgar Isada, staff and employees were present during the blessing and inauguration of the new MKWD building.

The lot costs Php7 million pesos, while the new building costs Php40 million pesos. The edifice construction was completed after 15 months using the fund from MKWD’s accumulated savings from its operation.

Today, MKWD is classified by LWUA as a Category B water district.     It serves the municipalities of Kalibo, Banga, New Washington, and Balete and some barangays in Batan. It has a total of 20,968 concessionaires. 

Peralta dedicated the new edifice to its officials, employees, staff members and to its concessionaires.

Villa and Haresco lauded MKWD board and management for the phenomenal growth and stability of the water district. They assured their continued support to the water utility firm.

Vice Gov. Quimpo believes that the Oct. 28 weekend is providential to Aklan and the Aklanons. According to her, over the weekend, the Aklan Credit Surety Fund was formally launched by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to benefit Aklan’s micro, small and medium entrepreneurs. It was followed by the formal launching of a housing project in Lezo, Aklan by the Camella Homes, and then the blessing and inauguration of the MKWD building. (story and photo by Odon S. Bandiola) /MP

Tigerair Inaugurates Kalibo Ticket Office

Tigerair Philippines, the country’s fastest growing low-cost carrier, will bring people to Kalibo to experience the best beaches, to savor local delicacies, and walk through its cultural heritage. Starting with this single step, Tigerair will be able to connect people together and contribute to the task of boosting local tourism.

Kalibo, renowned for its tourist attractions and world-class offerings, is witness to Tigerair as the airline spearheads another breakthrough with the launching of the Kalibo Ticket Office on Wednesday, October 2, 2013. It commenced at the Tigerair Ticket Office, Toting Reyes St., Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan. The program started with an invocation and blessing ceremony led by Ms. Malou Pangilinan, Tigerair Director for Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service. The ribbon cutting followed, after which lunch was served. 

The invited guests, prominent people from the business sector and LGU Kalibo government officials and personnel, and Aklan journalists graced the momentous launching ceremonies.

Tigerair flies twice to Kalibo–Manila daily, via Terminal 4 to Manila–Cebu; Manila–Bacolod; Manila–Iloilo; Manila–Puerto Princesa; Manila–Tacloban. Its international flights include Clark–Hong Kong; Clark–Bangkok; Kalibo–Singapore; and Manila–Phuket, Thailand. /MP

Which Is Lousy? KIA? NAIA Terminal 4?

 Picture above shows the Kalibo International Airport departure area loaded with several commercial advertisements which render the airport lousy, dirty and disorderly. The picture was taken at 10:30 on Friday morning, September 20. Why does CAAP allow advertisements in the KIA? But allow no advertisement in the NAIA? (ARV photo)

 

 

 

 

 Photo above is NAIA Terminal 4 departure area. Notice there is no advertisement, very clean, comfortable and orderly compared to the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) which has much to sell and disorderly. The picture was taken at 5:00 o’clock on Saturday morning, September 21, 2013.  (ARV photo)