GMA Kapuso Foundation Distributes School Supplies To Students

GMA Kapuso Foundation Distributes School Supplies To Students

In line with the opening of the school year, GMA Kapuso Foundation, the socio-civic arm of GMA Network, made the rounds in different parts of the country to distribute backpacks complete with school supplies via its long-standing Unang Hakbang Sa Kinabukasan project.

Compared to last year, the project even increased its number of beneficiaries from 75,000 to 76,000 grade one students this 2014. Distribution to 1,747 schools nationwide took place all throughout May until the first week of June.

“Our hope is to continuously expand the reach of the project and extend help to more underprivileged students particularly in far-flung provinces,” shared GMA Kapuso Foundation EVP and COO Mel Tiangco.

The Foundation visited a total of 32 provinces in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and the NCR: Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, Cavite, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Oriental Mindoro, Abra, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Palawan, Zambales, Quirino, Aurora, Benguet, Iloilo, Antique, Leyte,  Cebu, Bohol, Davao del Norte, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato, Zamboanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Davao Oriental, as well as Quezon City, Caloocan, Navotas, Valenzuela, and Aklan.

Launched in 1997, the project aims to motivate students to put greater value on education by addressing the lack of basic learning materials, which is considered to be one of the primary reasons behind the high rate of drop out among elementary school students.

Its partners include the Department of Education’s Bureau of Elementary Education, Ever Gotesco, and Go Tong Foundation. /MP

VP BINAY DENIES RECEIVING P2+ B DAP FUNDS

VP BINAY DENIES RECEIVING P2+ B DAP FUNDS

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay and the Home Guaranty Corporation (HGC) did not receive any funds from the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), said HGC President Atty. Manuel R. Sanchez.

“We have not received nor asked for P2.243 billion from DAP,” Sanchez said.

Recent reports stated that Binay, chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), received DAP funds through HGC and the National Housing Authority (NHA).

“The reports are apparently intended to malign the Vice President’s name as part of the demolition job against him,” Sanchez said.

He clarified that the amount, which was allegedly reflected in the Department of Budget and Management’s records, corresponds to the appraised value of the ‘air rights’ above the Philippine National Railway (PNR) track from Buendia in Makati to the junction of Samson Road in Caloocan.

“What we are asking for is proper compensation for our transfer of the PNR air rights to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). We bought it; it is only right that we get paid in return once we transfer it,” Sanchez said.

“We were surprised when we read the reckless reports claiming we got more than P2 billion when in fact, we have received no payment so far,” he added. 

As head of the housing sector, Binay serves as ex-officio chairman of the NHA Board and is not involved in the agency’s operations. 

As for HGC, the Vice President acts as ex-officio vice-chair of the Board while the Secretary of the Department of Finance functions as the ex-officio chairman. 

The ‘air rights,’ along with other assets, was conveyed to HGC in March 2003 after the agency paid the P1.38 billion obligation to investors of the failed Sariling Pabahay sa Riles (SAPARI) project. Aside from the P1.38 billion guaranty call payment, HGC also shouldered the P1.083 billion project expenses. 

The SAPARI was a joint-venture project among PNR, NHA, New San Jose Builders, Inc., and HUDCC. Funding for the project was raised through the issuance of bonds called Asset Participation Certificates (APC), backed up by a pool of assets as security. HGC was mandated to guarantee the payment of the certificates.  

There were insufficient funds to redeem the APCs when they matured. When the guaranty call was made in November 2000, HGC, as guarantor, paid all obligations to the investors who bought the APCs. The asset pool, which included the ‘air rights,’ was conveyed to HGC in payment of the guaranty call. 

HGC published the asset for sale in 2012 to recover its exposure in the SAPARI project. The ‘air rights’ is a crucial component in the development of the ongoing SLEX-NLEX road connector project. Considering the value of the ‘air rights’ to the project, it was deemed in the best interest of the government that the asset remains state-owned. 

HGC withdrew the ‘air rights,’ appraised at P2.2 billion, from public auction for transfer instead to the DPWH to be used in the road connector project. /MP

Senate Finance Committee Summons Abad To Explain DAP

Senate Finance Committee Summons Abad To Explain DAP

Sen. Escudero

The Senate Committee on Finance has summoned Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad to explain before a public hearing scheduled for July 21 the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

          The committee hearing is the continuation of the previous proceedings by the Senate that were suspended out of courtesy to the Supreme Court, which was then deliberating the various challenges questioning the legality of the DAP. The high court declared parts of the government’s spending mechanism “unconstitutional”.

          Senator Chiz Escudero, chairman of the finance committee, has directed the secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to submit to the Senate panel the complete list of all the Special Allotment Release Orders or SARO that were disbursed under the DAP, including “projects/purpose and the amount of the releases.”

          “You have been asking us which among our programs and projects were funded by the DAP… This is what we have been asking the DBM too since our last committee hearing: where is the list?” Escudero pointed out.

          Escudero wanted Abad to clarify reports that the total disbursed funds under the DAP amounted to P372 billion, which did not tally with the list provided by the budget department. “What DBM gave to the committee only amounted to over P200 billion.”

          According to Escudero, he would also ask Abad to identify the fund releases under the DAP that were considered unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

          “If we want to scrutinize the DAP releases under the guidance of the SC decision, we need all the papers that only DBM can provide. We are entering the budget season and on the part of the finance committee, we are carefully studying the court decision to ensure that the next budget we will be crafting and approving will be compliant with the Supreme Court decision on the DAP,” Escudero said. /MP

VP BINAY SUPPORTS CALLS TO BARE DAP LIST, AUDIT DAP FUNDS

VP BINAY SUPPORTS CALLS TO BARE DAP LIST, AUDIT DAP FUNDS

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay last week said he supports calls for the full disclosure of all projects funded by the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

In a speech during the regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila, the Vice President said “full disclosure is a good starting point” to prove “good faith” by those who conceived and implemented the controversial program.

“Let me state as a lawyer that the question of accountabilities of government officials would have to be reckoned as part of the legal and logical consequences of this groundbreaking decision. As you all know, the Supreme Court (SC) has placed the onus of proving ‘good faith’ on those who conceived and implemented the DAP,” Binay said.

“But where do we start? For me, good starting point would be to make available to the public all the projects funded by DAP. This is after all, consistent with the tenets of full transparency that is the cornerstone of the Aquino administration. I do hope my colleagues will reconsider a reported decision to withhold the release of the so-called DAP list,” he added.

Binay said he also supports the proposal of some sectors for an independent audit of DAP funds.

“And this should be done as soon as possible,” he said.

The Vice President said that speaking as a lawyer, the SC decision and the separate concurring opinions are “rather clear, if not brutally frank, on the matter of accountability.”

“There is no room to speculate or look for hidden clues in the decision of the high court,” he said.

Binay also called for a continued vigilance on the so-called Napoles scam.

“It is essential that we see this cleansing of government to its just conclusion – public service without taint of self-interest, without a tinge of deception and political persecution,” he said.

Meanwhile, Binay also expressed disbelief over recent sentiments that life was better during Martial Law.

“It is a sentiment I will not accept. Yes, there was peace and quiet, but it was, to paraphrase a famous expression, the peace and quiet of the graveyard,” he said.

“I will never trade one day of freedom for all the illusory trappings of tranquility obtained through force under the dictatorship,” the Vice President added. /MP

SP Honors Aklanon Young Filipino Fide Chess Master

SP Honors Aklanon Young Filipino Fide Chess Master

By Odon S. Bandiola

Photo shows the chess sensation with (front row left to right) SP members Nelson D. Santamaria, Harry C. Sucgang, Precious Day, Vice Gov. Gabriel V. Calizo-Quimpo, Mr. Yusi Seraspi-Yecla,  Hon. Apolinar Cleope, and Provincial Sports Development Officer IV Franklin L. Quimpo. Second row (left to right) SP members Emmanuel Soviet Ruisiadela Cruz, Lillian Q. Tirol, Mrs. Jeoralin Ame Yecla, and Hon. Ramon S. Gelito.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan took time to heap praises and accolades to 8-year old Precious Day AmeYecla during this body’s 21^st Regular Session held on June 25, 2014.

Precious Day, a Grade III pupil in St. Dominic School of Kalibo, bagged gold and silver medals in the chess standard category and two (2) more silvers in the rapid and blitz categories during the June 4-12, 2014 15^th ASEAN Age Group Chess Championship, 8 years under. The tournament was held at Cotal Central, Macau, China, Precious Day Ame was one among the youth chessers who represented the Philippines in the distaff side.

The Aklanon girl chesser placed second during the April 21-22, 2014 Grand Finals National Age Group Chess Championship held at San Antonio, Quezon Province. She finished champion in the National Age Group VisayasLeg Elimination held at Robinson’s Cybergate Center, Old Airport, Bacolod City on April 4-6, 2014.

In the National Youth Chess Championship 1^st Elimination Leg on January 24-26, 2014, Precious Day Ame emerged champion.

On September 27-29, 2013, during the National Chess Championship, the Aklanon girl woodpusher emerged champion, followed by a second place finish in the Grand Finals National Chess Championship on Nov. 27-Dec.1 held at PSC, Vito Cruz, Manila, her ticket to the National World Youth Championship held at Dubai on Dec. 17-29, 2013.

Precious Day Ame used to dominate provincial and regional chess tournaments in Aklan and in Western Visas.

She has now the lone distinction as the Youngest Woman FIDE Chess Master of the Philippines.

During the June 23, 2014 flag raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol, Precious day was conferred a Certificate of Recognition by Governor Florencio T. Miraflores, Cong. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. and Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo.

Precous Day is one among the three siblings of spouse Yusi Seraspi Yecla of Polo, Banga, Aklan and Jeoralin Ame Yecla of Mobo, Kalibo, Aklan.

She’s the product of the AIFA nursery school, her kinder classes at Wadeford School until Grade I. She transferred to St. Dominic School on her Grade II. Precious day Ame top her classes from nursery to Grade II. /MP

Sugilanon ni Tita Linda

Ro Kaisog Ni Daniel

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro hari it Babylon hay nagdamgo. Ogaling sa pagbugtaw nana hay indi man nana matandaan ro anang damgo. Agud matukiban ra damgo, guin patawag nana ro mga mangin aeamon it palasyo. Ogaling owa guid sanda nakatugma. Sa kaakig it hari, guin manduhan nana ro anang sueoguon nga ipapatay ro mga mangin aeamon.

Pero guin pakita it Diyos kay Daniel ro damgo it hari ag kon ano rong kahueugan. Guin sugo ni Daniel nga indi ipapatay ro mga mangin aeamon. Imaw ro matugma kong damgo eakip ko anang kahueogan. Suno kay Daniel, nagakahueogan nga rong evanghelio hay igato-on sa tanan. Si Jesus ro mangin hari sa tanan nga tawo sa kalibutan.

Malipayon rong hari sa anang habati-an. Guin obra nga pinuno si Daniel. Umabot rong tiyempo nga nagbaylo eon rong hari. Imaw si haring Darius. Nagpili imaw it mga kaeaeakihan nga makabulig kana. Si Daniel ro anang guinpili nga mangin pinuno. Abo nga owa naila kay Daniel nga andang pinuno. Duro ro nahaikaw kana, Busa nagplano sanda kon mauno makabaeos kay Daniel.

May batasan si Daniel nga magpangamuyo it tatlong beses sa sang adlaw. Hakita ra it mga kaibahan nana. Nag-adto sanda sa hari ag nagpaobra it pabando nga owa it tawo nga magto-o sa ibang Diyos kundi sa hari eamang. Kon sin-o ro madakpan hay pagasilotan. Nagpasugot rong hari ag guin pabando sa bilog nga kaharian rong kasugu-an. Owa magpundo si Daniel sa pagpangamuyo. Hadakpan imaw it mga tawo ag guindaea sa hari. Nasubo guid ro hari ogaling owa imaw it mahimo tungod imaw rong nagobra kong kasuguan.

Guinperiso si Daniel sa kulungan it mga liyon. Pagkataliwan it pilang adlaw, ko isaeang gabi-i, nagpu-asa rong hari. Indi imaw makatueog. Pagkaaga, agahon pa imaw nga nagbisita sa kulungan it liyon. Guin tawag nana si Daniel. Nagsabat si Daniel. Suno kay Daniel, nakalibre mat-a imaw sa mga liyon ay guinbutangan it busae rong bibig it mga liyon ko anang guina patihan nga Diyos. Nalipay rong hari.

Halin kato, nagpabando ro mahae nga hari nga kilaeahun rong Diyos ni Daniel. Ag imaw eamang rong pagasambahon it mga tawo. /MP

LGU AKLAN BORROWS P200 MILLION

LGU AKLAN BORROWS P200 MILLION

By Janica Anne L. dela Pena

Through the urgent request of Hon. Florencio T. Miraflores, Provincial Gov. of Aklan, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan  (SP) of Aklan approved Supplemental Budget No. 1 appropriating P200 million  for various infrastructure projects. The approval of Appropriation Ordinance No. 001, Series of 2014 was done during the Aklan SP’s 22^nd Regular Session.

The P200 million supplemental budget will be spent for the construction of the office of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan – P45 million; for the construction of commercial building and academic center (Phase II) – P30 million; for the purchase of maintenance/construction/dredging Equipment – P80 million; for the improvement of capitol main building (Phase IV) – P25 million; for the improvement of the Trade Hall building – P12 million; and for the improvement of the Cagban Terminal Building, Caticlan, Malay – P8 million.

Citing its urgency for passage, Governor Florencio T. Miraflores endorsed the supplemental budget for SP approval which will be funded out of the proceeds of loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).

It was on November 6, 2013 when the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Resolution No. 126, Series of 2013, granting the authority to Governor Miraflores to negotiate and enter into a contract of loan with the Land Bank of the Philippines at a total amount of P200 million for various infrastructures and purchases of equipment.

The provincial government of Aklan has a standby credit facility to the total amount of P650 million with the LBP.

During the said regular session, SP member Lilian Q. Tirol stated that the executive and judiciary buildings have been already constructed leaving the legislative building behind. She also added that it’s about time to construct the office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan since it will not only benefit the 13 SP members but the whole constituency in the municipalities of Aklan.

SP member Plaridel M. Morania, one of the longest staying members in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, said that it is urgent to construct an office for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. “Records are being lost every time calamity or typhoon strikes since there is no proper place to keep the records safe in the present office; that the construction will provide each SP member his/her own office for them to be accessible to his/her constituents of the Province,” Morania pointed out.

The construction of the legislative building is appropriated with the total amount of P45 million out of the total loan proceeds.

After a long discussion, the presiding officer, Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo divided the house on the issue. The Ordinance was passed with a final vote of 9 to 1. It was only SP member Rodson F. Mayor who voted “no”. /MP

PAPI Schedules National Press Congress In Cebu

PAPI Schedules National Press

Congress In Cebu

The Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) has set its 19th National Press Congress on February 19-21, 2015. It will be held at the Sacred Heart Center, along Jakosalem Avenue, Cebu City.

PAPI Cebu Chapter, led by its President, Engr. Greg Sineneng will host the congress. It will banner the theme, “Forward to ASEAN Integration.”

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), composed of 10 member countries, will see full integration as one economic community next year. Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam composed the ASEAN.

According to PAPI president Luis T. Arriola, the discussion topics during the media event will revolve around the theme, particularly on how the integration of ASEAN into one common market of some 600 million consumers, will impact on, and affect the local community newspaper publishing industry.

The event’s program will formally open on February 19 at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon and progress on to its traditional Fellowship Night. The session on February 20 will last only up to 2:00 p.m. after which interested participants will be treated to a free tour of interesting places around Cebu City the whole afternoon. Optional tours, for a fee, will be available for interested delegates the following day, February 21.

The interested participants desiring to avail of discounted round trip plane fares to and from Cebu may book their tickets in advance, PAPI Treasurer and Conference Director Nelson Santos suggested. /MP

Foliage Plants

Foliage Plants

Araucaria Heterophyllla

Common Name: Norfolk island pine

Description: This is a straight tree with symmetrical branches and needle like foliage. The tree grows very slow, but eventually reaches a height of ten feet.

Temperature: 60 degrees.

Light: Bright light

Water: Allow the top of the soil to dry out between thorough watering/drenching.

Humidity: Low level.

Pinching and Pruning: None needed.

Fertilizer: Once a year.

Soil Contents: Common indoor all-purpose mix.

Propagation: Very difficult, although one can try using leader cuttings.

Pests and Diseases: Stem or Root Rot

Caladium

Common Name: Caladium

Description: Caladium are famous for their extraordinary colourful leaves. One to two feet in size, the leaves can be green, red, yellow or pink.

Temperature: 75 degrees.

Humidity: High level.

Pinching and Pruning: Trim off faded leaves and cut off any dead foliage regularly.

Fertilizer: Fertilize every two weeks during growth period.

Soil Contents: Common indoor all-purpose mix.

Propagation: Seeds, tubers. For tubers, remove them from the container when the plant dries out and place them in peat moss in a cool location until summer. approaches. Then divide the tubers and place in small pots in a warm, moist area.

Chlorophytum

Common Name: Spider plant

Description: Features long, thin green and white leaves. “Baby” plants spring up from the ends of the mother plant’s stems.

Temperature: 65 to 75 degrees.

Light: Bright light

Water: Keep soil evenly moist at all times.

Humidity: Normal level.

Pinching and Pruning: Rotate plant regularly.

Fertilizer: Every two weeks.

Soil Contents: Common indoor all-purpose mix.

Propagation: Division, plantlets. For plantlets, simply cut them off and root in water or peat moss.

Pests and Diseases: Scale, Salt Damage.

Coleus

Common Name: Flame nettle, painted leaf plant.

Description: Velvety leaves with many different colors mark this popular plant. The leaves are often scalloped, and the small blue or white flowers sometimes form at the end of summer.

Temperature: 70 degrees

Light: Bright light

Water: Keep soil evenly moist throughout the year.

Humidity: High level.

Pinching and Pruning: Pinch off flowers and growing tips regularly to prevent leggy growth.

Fertilizer: Fertilize every two weeks.

Soil Contents: Common indoor all-purpose mix.

Propagation: Stem cuttings, seeds.

Pests and Diseases: Mealybugs, White Flies.

Dieffenbachia

Common Name: Dumb cane.

Description: A popular houseplant possessing large, speckled green and cream colored leaves. The sap from the cane like stems, if eaten, can result in paralysis of the vocal cords.

Temperature: 65 to 75 degrees

Light: Bright light

Water: Allow the top of the soil to dry out completely between watering.

Humidity: Normal level.

Pinching and Pruning: Remove dead foliage immediately and keep leaves free of dust.

Fertilizer: Fertilize every two weeks during growth period.

Soil Contents: Common indoor all-purpose mix.

Propagation: Root stems and cuttings in sand.

Pests and Diseases: Rarely bothered

Dizygotheca

Common Names: False Aralia, Thread leaf.

Description: An element looking plant with finger-like, bronze-green leaves. Features a single stem which often reaches up to six feet in height.

Temperature: 65 to 70 degrees

Light: Bright light

Water: Allow the top of the soil to dry out between thorough watering.

Humidity: High level.

Pinching and Pruning: None needed.

Fertilizer: Fertilize monthly.

Soil Contents: Common indoor all-purpose mix.

Propagation: Cuttings.

Pests and Diseases: Aphids, Mealybugs, Scale.

Dracaena

Common Names: Dragon trees, Complant.

Description: A very contemporary tree. Dracaena is a member of the lily family. Its palmlike appearance can be most striking, especially with the taller varieties, which sometimes grow as high as 20 feet tall.

Temperature: 65 to 75 degrees

Light: Bright light

Water: Keep soil moist.

Humidity: Normal level.

Pinching and Pruning: Cut off brown tips.

Fertilizer: Fertilize every two weeks.

Soil Contents: Common indoor all-purpose mix.

Propagation: Stem cuttings or top of plant.

Pests and Diseases: Rarely bothered.

Fatshedera

Common Names: Tree ivy, Fat lizzie, Botanical wonder.

Description: A very tall plant which resembles over grown ivy, Fatshedera is actually a hybrid between Fatsia japonica and Hedera helix.

Temperature: 55 to 65 degrees

Light: Bright light

Water: Keep very moist at all times.

Humidity: High level.

Pinching and Pruning: Pinch off growth tips and tie branches to a trellis every six month.

Fertilizer: Fertilize monthly during growth period.

Soil Contents: Common indoor all-purpose mix.

Propagation: Root cuttings in water.

Pests and Diseases: Botrytis Grey Mold

Fatsia Japonica

Common Name: Japanese aralia

Description: The leaves of this plant resemble over-sized maple trees. Waxy, green leaves are sometimes speckled with white.

Temperature: 65 degrees

Light: Filtered light

Water: Keep soil evenly moist during growth period, but allow soil to dry out between watering during dormant period.

Humidity: Normal level.

Pinching and Pruning: Prune leaves back to the stalk when plants grow unwieldy.

Fertilizer: Fertilize every two weeks except in wet season.

Soil Contents: Common indoor all-purpose mix.

Propagation: Seeds, stem cuttings.

Pests and Diseases: Rarely bothered. /MP

Drilon Spends DAP Funds For Iloilo Project

Drilon Spends DAP Funds For Iloilo Project

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon last week stressed that every centavo of the P100 million funds which he availed of under the government’s Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) in 2012 was properly spent in a project that would spur development in the Western Visayas.

Drilon explained that the P100 million under the DAP went to the construction of the Iloilo Convention Center which President Benigno S. Aquino III inspected last June 27.

“I invite everyone to visit Iloilo and take a look at the Iloilo Convention Center which is nearing completion,” Drilon said.  

“The funds I availed of were not misused, nor were they channelled to a bogus non-government organization,” pointed out Drilon. “The funds were used for the construction of the Iloilo Convention Center in order to boost Iloilo’s chances of hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ministerial meetings in 2015.”

“This is a realization of a lifelong dream of the Ilonggos to have their own convention center at par with those of Cebu’s and Davao’s,” said Drilon.

“What is wrong with fulfilling the dreams of your people? What is important is that we can account for every centavo of the public funds and that there is transparency and accountability in the implementation,” he emphasized.

Drilon pointed out that official records would show that every peso in DAP funds he availed of was directly coursed through the Department of Public Works and Highways which implemented the project.

The Senate chief also said that while he respects the decision of the Supreme Court, he still believes that the DAP has served its purpose of expediting the spending capacity of the government which resulted in higher-than-expected growth rates for the past quarters.

Drilon said, he spearheaded the construction of the convention center, which has a total cost of P700 million, in order to expand tourism industry in the Western Visayas.

“It is designed to attract and accommodate major conferences, summits, congresses, fairs, and trade shows and exhibits. It can accommodate more than 3,700 people,” noted Drilon. /MP

GMA NEWS TV BEGINS AIRING “ANCIENT ALIENS” ON JULY 20

GMA NEWS TV BEGINS AIRING “ANCIENT ALIENS” ON JULY 20

This July, GMA News TV airs the series that explores the controversial theory that claims extraterrestrials have visited Earth for millions of years – “Ancient Aliens”.

First aired on the History Channel, “Ancient Aliens” examines 75 million years of the most credible alien evidence here on Earth – from the age of the dinosaurs, to ancient Egypt, to the skies over the western desert in the present day US. Ancient cave drawings of strange creatures, an asphalt-like substance in an Egyptian pyramid made from the remains of unidentified creatures, continued mass sightings in the USA. These are just a few of the strange stories that will be investigated.

If ancient aliens visited Earth, who were they? and where did they come from? The first episode of this series delves into these questions, examining possible historic evidence and beliefs from around the world. The Dogon people possess knowledge of a galaxy they claim was given to them by a star god named Amma. The Hopi and Zuni people celebrate Kachinas, gods from the sky, whose headdresses and costumes appear to resemble modern helmets and protective clothing.

Halfway around the world, Chinese legends tell of the Han leader, Huangdi, arriving on Earth on a flying, yellow dragon. Was this dragon more likely a spacecraft? Ancient astronaut theorists believe that these are far from chance encounters and that extraterrestrials not only interacted with us, but changed the course of human history.

Narrated and dubbed in Filipino, “Ancient Aliens” airs every Sunday at 10PM, starting on July 20, on GMA News TV Channel 11. /MP

Can DAP Pass The 4-Way Test?

Can DAP Pass The 4-Way Test?*

*Speech of Vice President Jejomar C. Binay for the Regular Meeting of Rotary Manila, Alphaland City Club, 7232 Ayala Avenue Extension, Makati, 10 June 2014, 12 nn.

A most pleasant lunch break my friends my fellow Rotarians.

This afternoon is a very relaxing occasion for me-thankful that I’m in the company of fellow Rotarians, most of whom I have known since I was mayor of this big little city we call Makati.

To paraphrase the author Paolo Coelho, sometimes the whole universe conspires to grant us small mercies. Though Rotary mercies are never minor, I must say thanks to the Rotary and my fellow Rotarians for this opportunity. 

But we all know, of course, there is no separate universe for the members of the Rotary. In fact, our Rotary Club exists in the middle of the all-too-real world and it does not prefer to be situated otherwise. Like all respectable and responsible citizens, and Filipinos, Rotary lives by interacting with the people and contributing to the whole. It derives its meaning from its close involvement with the world.

At the risk of giving you an anticlimactic dessert, I must say that we are lunching in the middle of bitter times.

You are aware of course of recent headlines grabbing our collective attention. Allow me to reiterate that I cannot and will not add more spark to the fire triggered by the Supreme Court’s recent decision on the Disbursement Acceleration Program or DAP.

Let me state as a lawyer that the question of accountabilities of government officials would have to be reckoned as part of the legal and logical consequences of this groundbreaking decision. As you all know, the Supreme Court has placed the onus of proving “good faith” on those who conceived and implemented the DAP. But where do we start? For me, a good starting point would be to make available to the public all the projects funded by DAP. This is after all, consistent with the tenets of full transparency that is the cornerstone of the Aquino administration. I do hope my colleagues will reconsider a reported decision to withhold the release of the so-called DAP list. Full disclosure, as I have said, is a good starting point. An independent audit of the DAP funds, as proposed by some sectors, would be another.

At this point, I can only ask for sobriety and an end to speculation. Again, speaking as a lawyer, the ponencia and the separate concurring opinions are rather clear, if not brutally frank, on the matter of accountability.

There is no room to speculate or look for hidden clues in the decision of the high court.

But what the DAP decision reminds us is that the journey towards a regime of transparency and full accountability is not an easy one.  These are lofty objectives, a response to the demand of our people for the transparency and accountability sorely lacking in the previous administration.

The Supreme Court, by ruling on the unconstitutionality of portions of the DAP, has, in effect, reminded us that we must and should pursue reforms in government while affirming and respecting the sanctity of our Constitution.

At the same time, I would call for continued vigilance on the Napoles case. It is essential that we see this cleansing of government to its just conclusion—public service without taint of self-interest, without a tinge of deception and political persecution.

Indeed, my friends and fellow Rotarians, it would have been less complicated if everyone involved in the plague of disgrace that has maimed our country could vet or had vetted their actions via the Four-Way Test.

On the other hand, since I presume that they are not Rotarians, I would just appeal to their being Filipino. For in the end, it is our native sense of right and wrong, of concern for our fellow—pakikipagkapwa; innate goodness—kagandahang-loob; and discipline—sipag at disiplina that will save us.

If you ask me, these age-old and revered values of the Filipino look so familiar because they are, after all, as universal as our Four-Way Test. We must go back to them and reassess ourselves, how we look at our sworn duties as public leaders, and government officials.

They are demanded not only of those in power. These values to live by are expected of every ordinary citizen. We live among fellow humans so we must care for them as we care for ourselves. That’s Pakikipagkapwa. We trust them because they are inherently good, and when we treat each other with trust we are compelled to be trustworthy. That’s kagandahang-loob. And we must persist against all odds, we must have the discipline, the strength of spirit, the tenacity of the working man, the inventor, and the champion to do good. That’s sipag at disiplina.

But for now, the need for a sense of national discipline consumes me most of all.  Corruption in government, a perceived breakdown in law and order, perceptions of a house in disarray, are issues I consider rooted in the lack, or total absence of a sense of discipline.

Culture of discipline is manifested by simple folks doing the simplest things-in the crossing of streets only on pedestrian lanes, in the pick up and drop of passengers in designated bus stops only.  In societies where such practices are common, discipline and excellence extends all the way to quality governance and leadership.  Where discipline is lacking in the simplest and most basic of practices, disregard for law and doing the right things become pervasive in the highest levels of government and private enterprise.  On the other hand, as we have so painfully experienced, discipline demanded from the top begets dictatorship and tyranny. 

And so therefore, the crusade for national discipline must necessarily begin with the ordinary citizen. Because a disciplined citizenry can demand a disciplined leadership.  This is the true essence of a democracy.

But as we decry the void in law and order, and the breakdown in discipline especially among our youth, we must always be ready to offer concrete solutions. As one organization, Rotary is capable of responding to this challenge and inspiring people to remain engaged in nation building.  I am counting on each and every Rotarian to rise to this ambitious challenge and lead the way. 

My friends, allow me to close by indulging in a bit of personal nostalgia.

I am tempted to reminisce about the worthy battles that we fought during the years of the Marcos dictatorship as members of the lawyers group, MABINI. We defended the student activists picked up in the night by military police. We lawyered for the political detainees at the various military detention camps. I was once a political detainee myself, and spent my fair share of incarceration as a result of my refusal to accept an offer of amnesty in exchange for pledging support for the dictatorship. It was a decision born out of conviction, understood and supported by my wife Ellen who was pregnant at that time with our eldest child, Nancy.

We joined the rallies after the assassination of Ninoy Aquino, joined the multitudes in toppling the dictatorship in February 1986, and helped our beloved President Cory take our nation towards the uneasy steps of reclaiming democracy and freedom.

Today, we can only shake our heads in disbelief over the sentiment that life seemed to be a lot better during the years of the dictatorship.  It is a sentiment I will not accept. Yes there was peace and quiet, but it was, to paraphrase a famous expression, the peace and quiet of the graveyard. I will never trade one day of freedom for all the illusory trappings of tranquility obtained through force under the dictatorship.

Today we also hear much disdain if not contempt, for the collective wisdom of the Filipino people, with many boldly advocating wholesale disenfranchisement and reposing the right to vote only on the so-called educated classes. There is a word for such a system: it is called a dictatorship.

My friends, even during the most turbulent periods in our nation’s history after 1986, our people have shown that they possess the collective strength and wisdom to do what needed to be done. For this is what the 1986 EDSA revolution was all about, giving back to the people the power to chart their destinies. It proceeds from unfailing trust in the people, for that is the essence of democracy.

This is why I feel very optimistic that the movement for national discipline will take hold and prosper during our lifetime for history and experience have shown that when the times and the national tempers demand it, our people can move as one and achieve greatness. The Filipino people can do things that move history and shake the world. /MP

PSA Aklan Conducts Annual Poverty Indicator Survey

PSA Aklan Conducts Annual Poverty Indicator Survey

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Aklan is conducting the 2014 Annual Poverty Indicator Survey (APIS) this July 2014. Some 72 sample households in five (5) barangays are covered

These barangays are Brgy. Lapnag, Banga; Brgy. Pinatuad and Solido, Nabas; and Brgy. Albasan and Badio, Numancia.

The APIS is a nationwide survey designed to provide information on the different non-income and income-based indicators related to poverty to monitor the poverty situation in the country and for the formulation of policies and programs to improve the living conditions of the population.

According to Provincial Statistics Officer Blas M. Solidum, data to be gathered in this survey include: household demographic characteristics, schooling status and highest grade completed, economic characteristics, housing, water and sanitation, social protection, sources of income and family expenditures from January to June 2014.

He also said that information on drug awareness and prevention will also be collected to determine the family’s knowledge about drug problem in the community and the various programs implemented in order to stop it.

The APIS will be conducted as a rider to the 3^rd Quarter Labor Force Survey (LFS). Aside from the aforesaid barangays, LFS sample areas are as follows: Brgy. Poblacion, Altavas; Brgy. Morales, Balete; Brgy. Bay-ang, Magpag-ong, Mambuquiao and Mandong, Batan; Brgy. Tigayon, Kalibo; Brgy. Paningayan, Madalag; Brgy. Nagustan, Nabas; Brgy. Fatima, New Washington; and Brgy. Afga, Tangalan.

PSO Solidum requests all respondents to cooperate in this survey by providing correct information to data collectors with the assurance that all information given will be held strictly confidential. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

CONNECTING THE HINTERLANDS

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

          Through Resolution Nos. 124 and 125, both Series of 2014, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan urged the Provincial Engineer’s Office and the Department of Public Works and Highways to develop road network plans that will connect the provinces of Aklan and Antique via the boundaries of Malinao or Madalag towns. SP member Emmanuel Soviet Russia A. Dela Cruz sponsored the resolutions, according to Odon S. Bandiola, Aklan SP secretary.

          Both resolutions were passed by the provincial legislative body during its 20^th Regular Session on June 18, 2014. It revives the previous plan to connect provinces of northern Panay. The proposal is to connect Aklan via the hinterlands of Nabas, Aklan to Pandan, Antique or Buruanga, Aklan to Libertad, Antique.

          Dela Cruz said Aklan is presently crisscrossed with road networks along the coastline and a coastal road network from Kalibo to Ibajay is already on-going to boost further the tourism industry of the province of Aklan.

          “There is a felt need for the inland communities of Aklan sharing common borders to get connected with one another with roads wherever possible to promote and achieve closer contact and improve the social, cultural, agricultural and industrial advancement of the inhabitants of the mountainside communities,” said SP member Dela Cruz.  

          “The construction of connecting roads facing the heartland of the inland communities will open up vast areas of virgin lands of the public domain suitable for cultivation and habitation, discover hidden places of scenic beauty and sights of wonder preserved in their pristine state and further bring about the utilization and development of watersheds for irrigation and potable water supply purposes,” Dela Cruz added.

          In the decade of the seventies and eighties, there was a plan to connect Aklan and Antique via the boundary of Malinao, Aklan and Sebasti, Antique, almost simultaneous when the Gibon, Nabas to Caticlan, Malay road was penetrated and now fully paved.

          At the southern portion, road construction had been started to connect Aklan and Capiz via the towns of Altavas and Jamindan. There was likewise a plan to connect Aklan and Iloilo via the planned Libacao-Lambunao, Iloilo road. /MP

Editorial

PHO Bares Prevention Against Measles, Rubella and Polio

by Ernesto T. Solidum

Measles, rubella (German measles) and polio are top viral diseases that annually claim the lives of children worldwide. In 2012 recorded deaths for measles were 122,000 cases or 300 deaths every day or 14 deaths per hour. In the Philippines, out of 10 common causes of deaths, measles rank number 1 while polio may not be intense but important because the disease was wiped out in 2000 but reappeared 3 years ago due to the imported wild polio virus.

In Kapihan sa Aklan forum on July 5, 2014 at the Conference room of Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokun Memorial Hospital, Dr. Cornelio Cuachon Jr, Public Health Officer (PHO) I, gave a power point presentation on the nature, status and treatment to lower the disease incidence which mainly are affecting children and young adults. Health authorities have come up with a nation-wide month long vaccination program dispensing measles-rubella vaccine for kids 9 to 59 months old and oral polio vaccine from birth to 59 months old. Dr. Cuachon said that September is chosen campaign month because the month appears to have the highest disease occurrence. Campaign period targets all 327 barangays of Aklan.

Casual organism of measles is paramyxovirus that normally grows in the walls that line the back of the throat and lungs. It is spread through coughing and sneezing and personal contact of body fluids. The clinical signs are fever for 2-4 days, cough, conjunctivitis (red eye) and rushes for 5-7 days. Most deaths are due to complications namely: blindness, encephalitis (infection that causes brain swelling), severe diarrhea, ear infection and pneumonia.

The only practical and economical way to treat measles, rubella and polio is to subject the children to vaccination program given free by Public Health Office personnel. Measles-rubella vaccine is administered in 2 doses while polio vaccine is given once through the mouth. Vaccines are actually weakened virus or bacteria that when injected into the bloodstream of a person induces development of anti-bodies to fight off the disease. In effect, it makes a person immune to future attack. Definitely, there is no specific anti-viral drug for measles and polio victims said Dr. Cuachon.

Ms. Bella Villaruel, Nurse III revealed that they have a target of 66,107 children for measles and rubella vaccination and 77,604 kids for oral polio treatment in the province of Aklan. They are confident that with the help of LGU’s, barangay officials, brgy. health workers and brgy. nutrition scholars, they could increase vaccination performance to 95 percent this year.

It is noted that calamities like typhoons and floods predispose the people especially children to various illnesses. The country is devastated by an average of 23 typhoons per year and health workers may find difficulty in performing their task. It is disheartening to know that parents are not completely sold out to immunization as a way to prevent disease outbreaks until it is too late. World Health Organization data show that measles vaccination resulted to 78 percent drop in measles death between the years 2000 and 2012 worldwide.

Dr. Victor Santamaria, PHO II averred that mass info education campaigns on the above diseases are done in earnest via television, radio and public forum starting July to September. In reality, promotion of health and wellness must be ingrained in our personal lifestyle such as balance nutrition, exercise, rest and health habits that include vaccination. This campaign is vital since lives and the future of our children are at stake. /MP