High Self-esteem Boosts Health In Seniors

The importance of high self-esteem is generally linked to formative years, when it can help kids become confident adults. However, a new study from Concordia University in Montreal notes,- it is very important for older adults to maintain, if not improve, confidence levels, as this helps prevent health issues associated with the elderly.

The study was published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.

Overseen by psychology researchers Sarah Liu and Carsten Wrosch from Concordia University’s Centre for Research in Human Development, the study examined how self-esteem changes as we age. If self-esteem decreases, the stress hormone cortisol increases. Researchers found this association “particularly strong” in participants with a history of depression or stress. However, if self-esteem increases, production of this stress hormone decreases.

The researchers measured cortisol levels, self-esteem, stress and depression symptoms in 147 participants ages 60 and over every 24 months for four years. Factors such as economic and relationship status and mortality risk were also included in the study.

Maintaining or improving self-esteem in older adults is believed to prevent health issues.

“Because self-esteem is associated with psychological well-being and physical health, raising self-esteem would be an ideal way to help prevent health problems later in life,” says Liu. She suggests making new friends or doing whatever else helps promote feelings of self-worth.

“Improving self-esteem provides real health benefits in seniors,” Liu adds. “The ultimate solution may be to prevent self esteem from declining.”

Liu also noted future studies could analyze immune function in relation to self-esteem and aging. Previous studies have also found a link between self-esteem and healthy aging, including a 2012 study from the Chinese Academy of Sciences that examined reminiscence therapy as a way to increase self-esteem in nursing home patients. /MP

Ochoa Praises Filipino Women As Nation Celebrates Women’s Month

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Saturday, March 8, 2014 lauded all the women in areas affected by super typhoons and earthquake for their contribution to help the country rise above the challenges brought about by a series of calamities last year.  

On the occasion of the National Women’s Month celebration, Ochoa expressed his admiration to these women who serves “as pillars of strength and solidarity in their respective families, communities, and our nation.”

The Executive Secretary said the capacity of Filipino women to endure and prevail under demanding circumstances embodied women empowerment.

“Heroines all, women in affected areas, though victims themselves, have inspired us with their efforts to keep their families together, extending assistance to others as volunteers in rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and ably performing their duties as leaders in their  respective communities,” Ochoa said.

The theme for this year’s observance of National Women’s Month is “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong.”

 Ochoa announced that the Philippines will begin this month the assessment of the progress of its commitments under the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) of 1995 in preparation for the 20-year global review next year.

 The BPfA is an international accord of women’s rights created during the Fourth World Conference on Women of the United Nation in Beijing in 1995, which has the backing of some 189 countries including the Philippines.  

The BPfA includes key areas of concern needing action such as women and poverty, violence against women, and access to power and decision-making.

According to Ochoa, the Philippine report will be crafted by stakeholders in the government and non-government sectors and will be tackled during the Women’s Consultative Conference this March. 

“The Philippine experience can very well be a major contribution to this review as the world looks at more opportunities for gender equality and empowerment, and for broadening advocacy in the promotion and protection of women’s rights after 2015,” Ochoa said. /MP

Hildegarde Awards GMA News TC’s ‘Bayan Ko’ & ‘Titser’

GMA News TV’s original series “Bayan Ko” and “Titser” were awarded for Outstanding Achievement in the Broadcast Media at the 8th Hildegarde Awards for Women in Media and Communications held on Saturday, March 8, at St. Scholastica’s College, Manila.

“Together, both show represent the best in Philippine television and serve as exemplars of what programming should be – entertaining. It must also be relevant, inspiring and truly empowering,” said Hildegarde Awards Exec. Director Johnathan Libarios Rondina.

The mini series “Bayan Ko” tackled political issues including corruption, bureaucracy and dynasties through the story of a newly elected fictional Mayor fighting for good governance.  Directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr., “Bayan Ko” was top billed by Rocco Nacino as Mayor Joseph Santiago and Pen Medina as the adversarial Governor Antonio Rubio.

 On the other hand, “Titser,” focused on the current state of Philippine education. The series recounted the story of Michelle, played by Kapuso premiere drama actress Lovi Poe, a poverty stricken high school girl who wanted to become a teacher but whose only option after graduation was to work as a housemaid. “Titser,” directed by Alvin Yapan, also starred Agot Isidro and Mara Lopez.

 Both “Bayan Ko” and “Titser” are created and produced by GMA News TV channel Head Nessa Valdellon. Established in 2006 in honor of the 12th Benedictine century saint and healer Hildegarde von Bingen, the Hildegarde Awards celebrates women’s achievements in mass media and its allied fields. /MP

EDITORIAL

Issues On ASEAN Economic Integration 2015

Re-launching of the weekly Kapihan started with a bang on February 28, 2014 with prominent guest, Hon. Luis Arriola, Kazakstan’s representative to the ASEAN and Editor in-Chief of Asian Times magazine. The re-launching was held at Carmen Hotel, the training site of students in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC), Kalibo, Aklan.

The first Kapihan broadcast after its re-launching was on March 1, 2014. In attendance are panelist: Johnny P. Dayang, lead convenor of Aklan Media Forum, Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, former Pres. APCI, Dr. Danilo E. Abayon, Pres. Aklan State University (ASU) and Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Pres. NVC. The topic is, “Asean Economic Integration in 2015.”

Integration according to English dictionary, New Edition is to make whole or to become complete; to bring parts together into a whole; to remove barriers imposing segregation upon social groups. Economics is the social science concerned with the production, consumption and distribution of goods and services.

BACKGROUND 

ASEAN

Asean was founded in 1967 or 47 years ago. Originally, it was composed of East Asian nations which are: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Vietnam joined in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, Brunei and Cambodia in later years. It is an aggrupation of independent states with different ideologies and economic systems yet strong enough to tackle similar problems that persistently hound them-underdevelopment and poverty. Having shed from the dark days of colonialism and feudalism, the ASEAN has evolved into the Asia Pacific region. Today, it is the most successful regional organization in the developing world. Chungyong Rhee, Chief Economist ADB predicted that ASEAN is expected to join the ranks of India and China by 2015.

On their 30th founding anniversary, the members renewed their pledges and commitment towards building a region of peace, freedom and prosperity. Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, former Prime Minister of Malaysia said that we must stand together linking areas and bolstering each other’s strength. Tangible fruits came in dramatic fashion. ASEAN enjoyed the highest GDP growth at 6.9 percent in 1993. Intra ASEAN trade has been growing from $72B in 1992 to $117.6B in 1994. This is buoyed by a highly motivated and professional workforce and traditional values. Common among Asian countries are respect for the old, parents, teachers, the community come before the individual. Family is extended and is responsible for its members, not the government.

The ASEAN Charter was formally signed by all 10 heads of States on November 20, 2007.Alberto G. Romulo, former Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs said that the mission of ASEAN is to transform the inter-governmental organization into a rules-based concept whose purpose is to meet the challenges and opportunities poised by regional integration, expansion of internal linkages and rapid globalization.

Issues:

Ambassador Cesar B. Bautista, Co-chair Private Sector Competitiveness Center cites hindrances to effect full integration of the Philippines into Asean. One must remember that our country was second to Malaysia in economic development in East Asia during the late 1960’s. Today, we are ranked between 5 and 6. We need to understand our weakness and strength. Reality checks are listed below: 

1. The Philippines is not attracting the same kind of investment as our neighbors. Foreign direct investments from 2000 to 2012 show that – Singapore-$376 B; Thailand-90 B; Indonesia-79 B; Malaysia-74 B; Vietnam-59 B; Philippines-22 B;

The reason is that our business people are lethargic and income tent. In the Philippines, it takes 36 days to register a business, 6 days in Malaysia and 3 days in Singapore. 

Among the Philippines’ underlying weaknesses are:

A. competitive only in 1 or 2 sectors. In most of the other sectors we are in, our products do not sell abroad simply because we are beaten by the competition;

B. there is an imbalance in the distribution of activities in the Philippines’ approach to industry, services and agriculture. Filipinos seem to be looking at and putting industry at a low level at the moment focusing more on services and actually forgetting agriculture;

C. twenty percent of the population holds 80 percent of the wealth, while 40 riches persons in the Philippines have total assets of $44.7B equivalent to 70 percent of Gross Domestic Product, in contrast to Thailand’s 33.7 percent, Malaysia’s 5.6 percent and Japan’s 2.8 percent.

D. Some 2.92 million or 7.2 percent of our workforce is unemployed. And that’s the result of the productivity problem. The country must create 1.5 million jobs each year to address massive poverty and hunger. This can only be rectified by training and development. In contrast, Thailand has only 1 percent, Vietnam and Brunei – 2.7 percent each, Singapore – 2.8 percent, Malaysia – 3.4 percent, Cambodia – 1.4 percent, Laos – 1.8 percent, and Indonesia – 7.0 percent.

E. We have more than 3,000 people leaving the country each day. This translates to lost opportunities for the country to become stronger. Our OFW’s is 8 million. There are 300,000 domestic helpers in Hongkong majority of them Pinays. Although annual remittances is a hefty $22.8 B this also leads to social disorders – family breakdown, insecurity, drugs and crime. 

F. Preponderance of armed conflicts – NPA and Muslim secessionists. For instance a month long military standoff between government forces and MNLF in Zamboanga City in September 2013 cost the government P300 million and lost nearly 200 lives.

Hon. Arriola, a well traveled man in Asia, observed that our native handicraft has not caught the eye of foreigners simply because it is not branded. A branded product reflects taste and sophistication because of quality workmanship and right packaging. Our batek which we love to wear are artfully designed by Filipinos in Indonesia. 

Piña cloth could be used as base material in ladies bags, gift packs, home furnishings aside from being worn as elegant gowns or barongs. A number of famous Pinoy courier have adopted and transformed the gossamer pineapple fibers into a workmanship worthy of praise, said Mr. Arriola. 

Atty. Quimpo believes that current mismatch between college graduates and job requirements is unresearched response to a phenomenon. Many schools open up nursing courses but after a few years, job opportunity is lost. There has to be established guidelines by Commission On Higher Education that certain institutions must adhere to an approved quota say over a 15 year period, turn out quality graduates and automatically stop the nursing course on expiry date because jobs are no longer available. 

Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz of Department of Labor and Employment recently revealed that the country will open its doors to imports whose expertise are in the following fields: Architecture, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Planning, Fisheries, Geology, Guidance Counselling, Librarian, Medical Technology, Sanitary Engineering, Computer Numerical Contractor, Machinist, Assembly Technician, Test Technician, Pilot and Aircraft Mechanic. 

Dr. Villorente said that we cannot compete with Thailand in terms of fruit production for the next 10 years since they are already far advanced than us. 

This is echoed by Dr. Abayon that ordinary fruits like rambutan and mangosteen could be marketed and priced higher because of unique quality of taste, odor and consistency. For instance, through research and multiplication we were successful in developing angel sweet rambutan. Aside from this, this rambutan could be processed into prunes. Mangosteen marketing strategy was to adopt the catchword “healthy” to the product label. 

Juan Dayang, an inveterate journalists and organizer cited rationale of holding regular media forum to discuss areas of interest and concern, be governance, fiscal management, health and safety. Live broadcast from cable TV stations allow televiewers to inter-act with panelists and recommend solutions/suggestions. PAPI, FPPC and APCI have joined forces in coordination with the academe led by ASU and NVC and the Catholic Church. Kapihan is geared to create awareness, needs and actions among our people. Such is the essence of participatory democracy, Dayang concluded. /MP    

NVC Celebrates 66th Foundation Day & College Festival

Hon. Luis T. Arriola, guest of honor and speaker addressing the Northwestern Visayan Colleges management, faculty and staff, student body and parents during its 66th Foundation Day and College Festival celebration on February 28, 2014 at Pastrana Park, Kalibo, Aklan. 

Roxas Sends More Cops To Keep Peace In Boracay’s Ati Land

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure the security of 30 Ati families who were recently awarded ownership of a 2.1-hectare real property in Boracay Island through the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA).

Roxas issued the order after the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), with the help of the PNP and the Armed Forces, began putting up last week the perimeter fence marking the metes and bound of the newly-awarded Ati property at Barangay Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.

“Inaasahan ko na sisiguruhin ng ating mga pulis na mananatiling ligtas mula sa anumang kapahamakan ang mga kapatid nating Ati sa Boracay,” Roxas said.

“Alam kong gagawin ng PNP ang lahat, maging maglagay ng PNP detachment sa Ati community kung kinakailangan, matiyak lamang ang katahimikan sa komunidad,” he added.

The NCIP, in a letter dated February 11, 2013, sought the assistance of Roxas to avert possible violence that could mar activity due to conflicting private claims on the Ati property.

In her letter to Roxas, NCIP Executive Director Marlea Munez explained that the Commission issued a Writ of Execution on the 2.1-hectare real property sometime in July 2013 to affirm the recognition of the right of Ati of Boracay Island to their ancestral domain.

Munez noted that NCIP representatives, however, had difficulty implementing the Writ as they encountered organized opposition from private persons and entities who have been claiming ownership of the land despite the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) that was issued in favor of the Ati.

“These private persons/entities have worked to make the implementation of the Writ of Execution not only difficult, but outright dangerous and risky for both the Ati and the government officials involved,” the NCIP official pointed out.

“We believe that your agency is best equipped to aid communities at risk – communities such as the Ati who have been marginalized and oppressed for far too long. Thus, we would like to seek your good office’s able assistance in implementing the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Writ of Execution,” Munez added.

After receiving the NCIP request, Roxas immediately ordered the PNP to dispatch more policemen in Boracay Island to maintain peace and order during the NCIP’s construction of perimeter fence for the Ati community.

“Tungkulin ng PNP na siguruhin ang kapayapaan sa nasabing lugar. Tungkulin din nila na bigyan ng proteksyon ang mahihirap na mamamayan na walang matakbuhan sa oras ng pangangailangan,” the DILG chief pointed out.

Roxas appealed to other private claimants to respect the CADT issued by NCIP for the Ati community and refrain from resorting to violence to stake their claim on contested properties in the island.

“Sana naman ay respetuhin ng ating mga kababayan ang mga Ancestral Domain Titles na ibinibigay ng pamahalaan sa mga kapatid nating Ati. Mas makabubuti kung sasamahan natin ang pamahalaan sa pagtatanggol, pangangalaga at pagpapaunlad ng mga Lupaing Ninuno,” Roxas said. /MP

Dao LGU Wins Outstanding National Organic Municipality Award

Realizing the importance of chemical-free agricultural food products and its benefits to the health and the environment, the municipality of Dao, Capiz pursued the adoption and implementation of RA 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.

Through the initiative of local government officials, the local technical committee on organic agriculture was organized headed by the local chief executive. Thereafter, municipal ordinances in line with the organic agriculture were passed by the municipal council and properly implemented by the municipality among all agricultural stakeholders. Some of these ordinances include no burning of rice hay, composting of agricultural waste, promotion of vermiculture projects, and using concoctions to minimize insect pest and diseases. One of the highlights of the organization of the local technical committee was the adoption of farmers on organic farming technologies and gradual conversion of conventional farms to organic farms.

These initiatives paved the way for the municipality of Dao, Capiz to garner the recognition as National Awardee for Outstanding Organic Local Government Unit in the Municipal level for year 2013 with Php 1 million worth of project as award.  

The Techno-demo on Integrated and Diversified Organic Farming System (IDOFS) brought enthusiasm to the farmers to experience the practice of organic agriculture. Here, farmers were taught to make concoctions, vermi composting, integrate farm areas, and manage pest and diseases naturally. The municipal agriculture office spearheaded this project which was funded by the Department of Agriculture (RFU) 6 and Agricultural Training Institute. Learnings on this project were reinforced by educational tours to organic farms in the province of Negros Occidental.

Among the services tendered by the IDOFS learning site in barangay Magsanoc, Dao include trainings on organic agriculture, production of organic fertilizer, production of natural farming system (NFS) concoctions, vermi composting facility, production of carbonized rice hull, organic vegetable (pakbet) production, native chicken and egg production, organic swine production, goat raising, nursery for fruit and forest trees and vegetables, and natural insect repellant, herbs  and medicinal plant  propagation.

Proper and complete recording/documentation of IDOFS is also vital in the success of organic agriculture in Dao. Through the IDOFS, the municipality gained P100,000.00 from organic fertilizer, P50,000.00 from Bio organic nutrients, P56,000 from organic swine raising, P25,000.00 from native chicken raising, P6,000.00 from organic vegetables, P6,000.00 from organic eggs and fruits production.

The establishment of IDOFS enhanced the understanding of the general public of the health and wellness through organic agriculture and harmful effect of conventional farming to human health and ecology. This also encouraged farmers to shift from conventional farming into organic farming practices thereby mitigating the effect of climate change and global warming. (JEEO/IPAS 6) /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ro Eamang ag ro Eangaw

Nagahaboe ko anang baeay ro isaeang ka eamang. Nabatyagan nana rong kagutom ogaling owa pa it makita imaw nga kan-un. Mangan-angan may hakita imaw nga eangaw.

“Hapit anay ag mag sueod sa akon nga parlor,” sampit kong eamang sa eangaw.

“Ron daya rong pinakasadyaan nga parlor nga imong makita. Ro akon nga hagdan hai palibot-libot ag abo pa nga mga bagay nga makita ka nga owa mo pa makit-i sa bilog mo nga kabuhi,”.

“Ah, indi, saeamat guid,” balibad it eangaw.” Indi mo ako mapasugot, tongod sayod ko nga rong makasueod sa imong parlor hay indi eon makaguwa”

Katam-is nga tinuga. Listo ka ag maaeam. Sadyaan guid ro imong mga pak-pak ag naga sidlak ro imong mga mata tuead it mga bituon sa eangit. May akon nga espiho sa sueod it parlor. Kon maghapit ka it madali, makita mo kon ano ka postura ro imong kaugalingon, dugang nga pagdayaw kong eamang.

“Saeamat guid, amigong eamang sa imong pagdayaw ogaling kinahang ean ko eon nga magpanaw. Magakita ugaling kita sa pilang adlaw, “pamalibad it eangaw.

Nagsueod rong eamang sa sueod. Sayod imaw nga indi magbuhay, magabalik rong eangaw. Nagpadayon imaw it pag haboe gamit rong seda nga hilo agod pahauman ro pagbalik ko eangaw.

Nagbantay eon man ro eamang sa anang pwertahan. Samtang naga kanta-kanta, bumalik ro eangaw.

“Saylo anay, posturang eangaw nga may perlas ag pilak nga pak-pak. May kapa nga berde ag  lila. Sa imong ueo hay may korona. Ro imong mga mata hai kapareho ko diamanteng naga siga samtang rong akon, owa guid it siga kundi kapares it saesaeon,” buhos nga buhos nga pagdayaw kong eamang.

Ro uto-utong eangaw hay naengganyo kong mga matam-is nga dila it eamang.  Amat-amat nga nagpaeapit sa baeay it eamang hasta dumukot imaw sa sapot ag owa eon makahueag. Owa imaw it ibang guin paino-ino kundi ro anang naga kintab nga mata, ro sari-saring kolor nga kapa ag korona sa anang ueo. Aha! Sinana ko eamang. Makaron manamit eon rang ilabas.

Golping hinabnit imaw ko tusong eamang ag guin guyod sa sueod ko anang parlor. Ag rong pobreng eangaw hay owa eon nakabalik sa anang guinhalinan. /MP

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Editorial

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Reforestation Junks Exotic Trees

Executive Order No. 23, Series of 2011 mandates the DA-DAR-DENR initiative to develop a National Greening Program (NGP) in cooperation with DepEd, CHED, DSWD, DBM, private sector and other stakeholders. NGP targets 1.5 billion indigenous species to be planted on 1.5 million hectares for a period of six (6) years from 2011 to 2016.

The cogent reason is that the Philippines once a big time log and timber exporter has only 24 percent remaining forest cover. It is now suffering from widespread loss of ecosystem areas including biodiversity maintenance, carbon sequestration, watershed protection and local community’s ability to harvest timber and non-timber forest products. 

Actually, the country has eight (8) million hectares of denuded and idle forest lands vulnerable to intense national disasters as flush floods, water shortages, soil erosion, and landslides. A recent study by the Conservation International said that only about four (4) percent of Philippine forests remain as natural habitat for many endemic species. 

For the last four (4) decades, DENR’s approach to reforestation is adoption of exotic species such as gemelina, mahogany and acacia mangium. Extensive areas were developed for these species from Aparri to Jolo on perceived economic and environmental values. At the same time, it is addressed to tackle massive poverty in the countryside. Alas, for like other “imports” such as Taiwan catfish, golden kuhol or golden apple snail, MAWA hybrid coconut, and others have been an exercise in failure and frustration. Definitely, exotic tree species have limited environmental and social benefits. 

The assessments could not be established by any observer since the planted gemelina and mahogany trees have no competitors in sight. Hence, planting of intercrops like bananas, coffee, cacao, ginger is impossible. Various plant parts like leaves, fruits and flowers are laden with toxic compounds and poisonous to insects, birds and mammals. Of course, goats out of starvation are often seen nibbling young leaves and ripe fruits of gemelina but livestock raisers are dismayed. The animals are stunted or become sickly. This breakdown in the food chain is responsible for fast disappearance of birds, lizards, fruit bats and bees. 

The key to restoration is rainforestation or planting of native tree species like Dipterocarps while providing forest-dependent communities with additional sources of livelihood. Recommended indigenous for planting are narra, guijo, kamagong, red and white lawaan, tindalo, yakal, and molave. Altogether, there are 3,600 species of forest trees to choose from. The program is backed by the Rainforest Restoration Initiative, a network of national and international supporters. Rainforestation is a well researched, cost effective and widely applicable method of planting native tree species in order to achieve a wide variety of management objectives which are: production, restoration/protection and urban enhancement. 

Production is applied in areas where timber harvesting and other forms of resource extraction are permitted. Restoration/protection is designed for areas where the objective is to protect or restore the ecosystem. Urban enhancement is adopted to create favorable micro habitat and promote the appreciation of native trees in urban areas. 

Native tree species nurseries could be found in Brgy. Centro Norte, Pandan, Brgy. Aningalan, San Remegio and Brgys. Imparayan and Luna, Sibalon all in the province of Antique. The planting materials available based on latest website are narra, tindalo, molave, salong, and apitong among others. Their prices are very reasonable. 

How do DENR 

Aklan fare in the NGB?

Penro Ivene D. Reyes has a target of 502 hectares in 2011, 1,444 hectares in 2012 and 1,847 hectares in 2013. Aklan has planted 502 hectares, 1,534 hectares and 1,863 hectares respectively or accomplished 103 percent of target. The DENR Aklan is composed of two (2) Forest Districts which are Kalibo, CENRO and Boracay CENRO. 

In its annual report for FY 2012, Kalibo CENRO relied mostly on the cooperation of DepEd teachers and pupils who planted agro-forest trees like jackfruit, lanzones, talisay, acacia. In Madalag and Batan, PO’s and NGO’s planted mangrove trees and narra. In the same period, CENRO Boracay stakeholders like Rotary Club, BFI, PNP, PA, and PN planted acacia, mountain agoho, gogo, Badlan, and narra. 

The 2013 data show a surge in seedling production by Economic Research and Development Services (ERDS) cooperators. A total of 33,640 seedlings of indigenous species and 30,000 seedlings of fruit trees were produced and planted by 16 PO’s (9 for Boracay and 7 for Kalibo). Congratulations and more power! /MP    

No English

by Luis Arriola*

English Dictionary has not been able to explain the difference between the two words “COMPLETE” and “FINISHED”. Some people say there is no difference between “COMPLETE and “FINISHED”, but there is. 

When you marry the right woman, you are COMPLETE and when you marry the wrong woman you are FINISHED! When your wife catches you with another woman you are COMPLETELY FINISHED and when your wife likes shopping so much you are FINISHED COMPLETELY!!! 

In Asean, especially next year, you are complete if you have prepared properly like if you have joined the AKLAN FORUM. But you are finished if you have not. And completely finished if you had not even given it a thought or do any preparation. (The ASEAN Economic Integration 2015 will be effective next year.)

Are You The Winner? The Loser?

The winner is always part of the answer.
The loser is always part of the problem.
The winner always has a solution.
The loser always has an excuse.
The winner says, ‘let me do it for you”.
The loser says, “that’s not my job”.
The winner sees an answer for every problem.
The loser sees a problem for every answer.
The winner says, “It may be difficult but it is possible”.
The loser says, “it may be possible but it is too difficult”. 
The winner says, “Can, can”.
The Loser says, “Cannot, cannot”.
The winner says, “I’m possible”.
The loser says, “Impossible”.
The winner sees the light.
The loser sees the night.
The winner says, “Never say die”.
The loser always say, “Die, die.”
So, the winner wins.
And the loser loses. 
Your choice?

ENGAGE ROTARY CHANGE LIVES

Past President Megs Lunn reported, “Rotary International District 3850 (Panay, Negros Occidental and Western Mindanao) and District 3830 (Makati, CALABARZON areas plus Palawan) will rendezvous at our beautiful island, Boracay for the annual gathering of thousands of busy Rotarians. 

D3850 Governor Mark Anthony Ortiz and District 3830 Governor Robert Kuan are very excited to make things happen for both districts. Rotarian delegates from these two districts will invade the island for a combo of Rotary learning and Rotary fun on March 6-9, 2014 at the Boracay Crown Regency Hotel & Convention Center, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.” /MP

“SERVICE ABOVE SELF”

Mending Faces of Colorado

by DR. MONA S. MAGAYANES

The Mending Faces, the volunteer group based in Colorado, USA with the mission to repair cleft lip and cleft palate was in Kalibo on February 10-13, 2014. Composed of 48 members, the group arrived on February 8, 2014. They were welcomed at Kalibo International Airport by Rotary Club of Kalibo (RCK) members, with their transportation provided by the provincial government. 

They did surgery for free on 63 patients at Dr. R.S Tumbukon Memorial Hospital from February 10-13, 2014, a great help for the patients whose families could not afford the plastic surgery, not to mention the fact that there is no plastic surgeon practicing in Aklan. Aside from the corrective surgery, some members of the group also did an outreach activity: a dental hygiene demo and distributed dental hygiene kits to the following schools as coordinated by our club:  Jawili Integrated School, Tangalan; Daja Norte Elementary School, Banga; and Gen. F. Castillo Memorial School, Kalibo.  

As a big gesture of appreciation, RCK and the Aklan Provincial government jointly hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner/Valentine Party for them on Feb. 13, 2014 at Nenette’s Garden.  Dr. David Charles, Mending Faces President,  expressed their appreciation to their local partners, RCK included, who made things run smoothly during their mission. It was a relaxing evening of good food, good fun and good company. It was indeed a blast! With many dancing talents uncovered!

In behalf of RCK, “from the bottom of our hearts, “Thank you, Mending Faces!!”, said Dr. Magayanes. She also express her “endless thanks to the Rotarians  who were at the airport to welcome them, who went with Mending Faces in the outreach activity, who worked behind the scenes in ensuring things run smoothly during their mission, who definitely brightened  our Thanksgiving Dinner/Valentine Party with their presence.”  /MP

Poverty Alleviation, Social Welfare Development Programs Advance

Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores, in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered during the 4th Regular Session of the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan on February 5, 2014, underscored the various laudable poverty alleviation and social welfare programs the social welfare agencies in the province implemented.

Miraflores reported that the Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has already covered 26,485 households in Aklan as of 2013 with a total cash grant releases of P356.317 million intended for health and education of children of poor families.

Under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), covered are 4,255 beneficiaries at a cost of P20.9 million.  In the towns of Libacao and Madalag alone, 6,172 beneficiaries are already covered with total disbursements of P26.6 million under the KALAHI-CIDSS of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Miraflores said.

The Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) which randomly covers the towns of Batan, Ibajay, Makato, New Washington and Tangalan with its sub-projects will benefit 19,795 beneficiaries at a cost of P49.5 million.

In the Elderly Week Celebration last year, families of senior citizens who died received a total of P110,000 burial assistance, the different able citizens availed of medicine and hospitalization financial assistance of P1 million worth of Provincial Disable Affairs Office building.

Under the indigency program of the Office of the Provincial Governor, last year, a total of 2,132 indigent Aklanons confined at the provincial hospital availed of financial assistance worth P3.74 million.

The Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development served a total of 82,350 families in the aftermath of super typhoon “Yolanda” whose dwellings had been totally or partially damaged.

Some 450 day care workers in Aklan had availed of cash incentives worth P1.3 million in 2013.

Miraflores said that Aklan will continue to maintain the Comprehensive Center for Women, Crisis Intervention and Child Protection Units and Social Welfare Desks.   He also reported the near completion of the construction of the Aklan Youth Center building. /MP

Court Officials To Release 2011 Asset Statements

The Supreme Court (SC) approved recently the public disclosure of assets statements of judges and justices, but guidelines for such release will have to be discussed in a special en banc session first.

All SC justices, except for Lucas Bersamin and Diosdado Peralta who were both out for a pre-scheduled lecture, approved the move to disclose their statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) for 2011.

The decision to disclose their SALN effectively nullifies the SC’s May 2, 1989 resolution during the time of then Chief Justice Andres Narvasa, who was appointed to the High Court by the late President Corazon Aquino.

The 1992 resolution required court officials to submit their respective SALN before the Office of the Clerk of Court, and which made it unlawful for any person to obtain or use any statement filed under Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, for (a) any purpose contrary to morals or public policy, or (b) any commercial purpose other than by news and communications media for dissemination to the general public.

“Let’s not forget, precedent-setting ang ginawa ni CJ Corona to issue a waiver (Corona’s signing of the waiver was a precedent setting),” acting SC spokesperson Gleo Guerra said when asked whether the court’s decision to release the SALN of justices had anything to do with ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona’s call for other top government officials to also issue a waiver on the confidentiality of their bank accounts, which was an issue raised during his impeachment trial.

Guerra said disclosure of justices’ full SALN was a “collective decision” of the court and not just an initiative of Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who was then acting Chief Justice following Corona’s ouster by a majority vote of the 23-member Senate.

She said, meanwhile, that the justices also resolved to take up during the June 19 session the issue of whether Corona is entitled to get his benefits despite his impeachment.

Corona was convicted by the Senate impeachment court for failure to declare in his SALN his $2.4 million worth of dollar and P80-million peso deposits, which he said were co-mingled funds of his family and his wife’s family-owned Basa-Guidote Enterprises, Inc. funds. /MP

Journalist Spearheads Ombud Petition To Resolve ‘Pork’ Cases

by Alex P. Vidal

“In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous.” - TACITUS

An Iloilo-based journalist and former official of the provincial government has launched an on-line petition asking Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales to resolve cases in the P10-billion “pork barrel” scam involving high government officials in less than one year.

Stating that “delays cause injustice and deepen the culture of impunity for corruption,” Manuel Mejorada posted the petition on change. 

Mejorada, inducted by Pres. Corazon Aquino as president of the Iloilo Press and Radio Club in 1990, stated in his petition, to wit: “WHEREAS, the media exposes on the P10 Billion Pork Barrel Scam involving Senators, Congress People and NGOs put up by Janet Lim-Napoles have rocked the entire nation, causing grief, shock and anger among its citizens over this grand theft of the public treasury in a country where more than 70 percent of its people live in abject poverty; 

“WHEREAS, such corruption have taken deep root in the country’s institutions over a period of time, and the perpetrators have grown emboldened to continue with their activities under the “Matuwid na Daan” government of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III because only a handful have been prosecuted and convicted; 

“WHEREAS, while due process is a sacred right for those accused, complainants, too, are entitled to see a speedy and just resolution of their grievances and complaints, and the delays in the resolution of cases which often take years in the Office of the Ombudsman tilt the balance in favor of the corrupt; 

“WHEREAS, it is not only the complainants who are affected by the unreasonable delays in the conduct of preliminary investigations by the Office of the Ombudsman, but the respondents as well if they are innocent of the charges, because for as long as the cases are pending, they hang over the heads like swords of Damocles; 

“WHEREAS, the most effective deterrent to corruption is swift punishment for those who are guilty without giving up their right to due process; 

“WHEREAS, in many instances, elected officials are absolved of their offenses and go-scot free from their administrative liabilities because of the delays that result in the cases being overtaken by their re-election, in which case the Aguinaldo doctrine set down by the Supreme Court becomes applicable; 

“WHEREAS, the basic principle of the Rule of Law is jeopardized by these delays, and there is now an urgent need for the Office of the Ombudsman to impose deadlines on the resolution of cases that are brought before this Honorable Body; 

“NOW, WHEREFORE, we respectfully PETITION the Honorable Conchita Carpio-Morales to impose a deadline for One (1) Year from the time the issues are joined and resolve the cases based on the evidence on record; at no instance should the cases go beyond a period of three (3) years from the time of filing.  (Signed) Manuel P. Mejorada, Villa San Lorenzo Subd., Lapaz, Iloilo City” /MP

TRUE…!!

by Johnny Nuñez

For those who understand, no explanation is needed.

For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a short, balding golfer who was about 90 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch.

 When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, “Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate. 

I wasn’t sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. “Along with heated apple pie,” Jim added, completely unabashed.

We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time.. But when our orders were brought out, I didn’t enjoy mine.

I couldn't take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldn't believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim. I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait.

 I smiled. He asked if he amused me, I answered, “Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?”

He laughed and said “I’m tasting all that is possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life’s so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good.

This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I haven’t been this old before. So, before I die, I’ve got to try those things that for years I had ignored.

I haven’t smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven’t fished. There’s more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.

There are too many golf courses I haven’t played. I’ve not laughed at all the jokes. I’ve missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes.

I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.

 I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most.

I haven’t cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again.

So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I’d say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart’s desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired.”

 With that, I called the waitress over. “I’ve changed my mind, “I said. “I want what he is having, only add some more whipped cream!”

 This is my gift to you.

We need an annual Friends Day!

If you get this twice,

then you have more than one friend.

Live well, love much & laugh often.

Be happy. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Saksi Ro Tuburan Sa Putli 

Nga Paghigugma

Kato anay nga inadlaw suno sa mga katigueangan, may isaeang ka tuburan (waterfalls) sa barangay Mahayhay, sakup it Laguna. Guina pangayaw it mga turista rondayang tuburan. Rikara man naga eaba ag naga paligos ro mga kadaeagahan sa Mahayhay.

Ro manami sa tuburan hay guina halintuead sa belo it nobya kon magtubod paadto sa ubos. 

Ogaling, owa eot-a makaron rondayang tuburan. Kon paalin naduea, hayra ro estora kara. Samtang naga linaba ro mga kadaeagahan ko isaeang agahon ngaron, may nagtaeang nga isaeang ka binatilyo sa tuburan. 

May hakita imaw nga daeaga, si Viola ro anang ngaean. Na ingganyo imaw sa ka anyag it daeaga. Umpisa kato, permi nga naga bisita ro binata sa daeaga hasta nagsumpaan sanda nga maghigugma anan mientras may naga tubod nga tubi sa tuburan. 

Sa owa man magbuhay, may nag abot nga isaeang ka daeaga halin sa syudad. May pagka moderno ro babaye sa tanan nga pag hueag. Ko pilang adlaw, nga nag taliwan sa andang pagkilaea, may sekreto gali nga kaila sa eaeaki. Sa isaeang pagtipon-tipon, guin hilong ko babaye si Medardo. Sa kahilongon, owa imaw kasayod ko anang guin obra. Hasta hakita sanda ko agahon ngaron nga nag eobog kaibahan ko babaye nga parehong hilong. Naakig si Viola kay Medardo. Nag away sanda ag isaeang adlaw, hakita eang ro patay nga eawas ni Viola nga naga eotaw-eotaw sa tuburan. 

Pagkakita ni Medardo, nag eompat imaw sa mataas nga bato ag tumama ro anang oeo sa mataeum nga bato busa na nina, dayon namatay. Pareho sanda nga nag eotaw-eotaw sa tubi hasta naagahon. Pagkaaga, nakita it mga tawo nga owa eot-a it tubi ro tuburan. Maskin owa eot-a ro tuburan, ogaling nangin saksi sa isaeang ka putli nga paghigugma nga hasta makaron una sa tagipusuon ko mga pomoeoyo it mahayhay. /MP

Barotac Viejo Indigenous People Finish IFS Course

Some 80 indigenous people of Sitio Nagpana, Brgy. Lipata, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo graduated in the season-long training on Integrated Farming System (IFS) with the theme “Development of Upland Area through Integrated Farming System,” February 18.

Through the season-long training, farmers are able to utilize their upland areas in the propagation of different high value commodities such as vegetables, banana and coffee. 

The department of Agriculture (DA) 6 technical staff, Edgar C. Oyson, encouraged farmers of the indigenous group to conserve the abundant natural resources in order to maintain sustainability in both agricultural and community sectors. 

“The learning you have gained from the three-month long IFS training should be communicated and shared to the larger community through proper implementation of technologies and cultural practices,” said Oyson. 

Barotac Viejo Municipal Mayor Niel C. Tupas III announced that the roads of Sitio Nagpana will be concreted this year. 

“This would ease the transportation and delivery of agricultural products and inputs from farm to market and vice versa,” stressed Mayor Tupas. 

Representative from the Department of Education 6 had mentioned during the graduation regarding their proposal to implement the Alternative Learning System (ALS) through the DA’s School On-the-Air Program. /MP

Chiz Proposes Repeal Libel Provisions In PH Laws

Senator Chiz Escudero is pushing anew for the passage of proposal he put forward to decriminalize libel, including online libel which constitutionality was upheld early this week by the Supreme Court.

Escudero has first put the proposal in 2007 to decriminalize libel and the provisions that define and penalize libel under Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).

Now that the High Tribunal has ruled on the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cyrbercrime Prevention Act of 2012, Escudero saw the need to pass his proposed legislation seeking to repeal laws that consider libel a criminal offense in order to guarantee freedom of expression.

“The Philippines, as a country deemed democratic and developing, cannot rest on its antiquated laws that run detrimental and contrary to the exercise of freedom,” Escudero said. “Decriminalizing libel accords greater protection to freedom of speech and expression.”

He added: “If we take away the threat of fear of incarceration and restraint of liberty, we encourage a strong print media to continuously provide a mechanism that promotes transparency over the excesses of government and other entities.”

 According to Escudero, the existence of libel in Philippine laws is hurting the country’s global press freedom ranking, which has dropped in recent years from 147 out of 179 countries in 2013 and 140 in 2012 based on the World Press Freedom Index.

 Last year, the senator introduced Senate Bill No. 126 to amend the cybercrime law by removing its online libel provision. In Senate Bill No. 127, which Escudero reintroduced, he is seeking anew the repeal of Article 355 of the RPC to decriminalize libel committed by writing, printing, airing on radio or any similar means.

Escudero said the two proposed bills, while seeking to scrap criminal penal provisions, did not completely remove the remedies provided under existing laws against media abuse and irresponsible reports.

“I respect the decision of the High Court but there still lies a pressing need to pass the amendments removing the criminal provisions of libel as a crime.“ These bills are only consistent with my long-time position to decriminalize libel from our statutes and just retain civil liabilities just so we also ensure that the exercise of our freedom of expression comes with equal responsibilities,” Escudero said. 

More Benefits For Solo Parents 

Senator Chiz Escudero pushes strongly to provide further benefits and support on top of what is already provided in Republic Act 8972 (Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000) should be given to solo parents to lessen the burden of raising children alone and to ensure that their children are given the opportunity for a better future, Senator Chiz Escudero said.

Escudero, chairman of the senate committee on finance pushed, for the passage of this proposal through Senate Bill No. (SBN) 121 which seeks to provide additional support and benefits to solo parents such as discounts from purchases of baby’s milk, food and food supplements, clothing and medical supplies.

 “There are already benefits provided for by RA 8972 but we take into account the challenges of economic realities single parents face. But this proposal does not discount either the effects it may entail to businesses, employment and other economic activities.”

 Escudero said the proposal is worthy of evaluation and deliberation as all stakeholders “may be able to strike a balance between profitability and social responsibility.”

 Under the bill, the following proposals shall be granted to any solo parent employee who has rendered service of at least one year:

- parental leave of not more than seven working days WITH PAY (in addition to leave privileges under existing laws)

- ten percent discount from all purchase of clothing and clothing materials for the child from conception until 2 years old

- fifteen percent discount from all purchases of medicines and other medical supplements/supplies for the child from conception until 5 years old, and

- basic personal exemption from individual income tax in the amount of fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) in addition to the existing exemption a solo parent may claim.

 The bill also proposes that any solo parent as defined by law shall be entitled to the issuance of a solo parent ID by the municipal or city social welfare officer.

 Any employer who fails to provide the benefits mentioned in this amended act shall be penalized with a fine of P50,000.00 or a one year imprisonment or both.

 Any subsequent violation carries a P200,000.00 fine or a two year imprisonment or both.

Any person who abuses the privileges of this proposed act, on the other hand, shall be punished with imprisonment or a fine of P50,000.00 or both. /MP