DA Sec. Alcala Assists Albay Rehab

DA Sec. Alcala Assists 

Albay Rehab

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala recently delivered calamity assistance to Albay worth P6 million, the first so far to subscribe to the Plan for Albay Glenda Early Recovery and Reconstruction (PAGERR).

The assistance forms part of the government’s quick response effort dubbed as Bicol Rehabilitation Assistance for Glenda –Agricultural Sector, aimed at propping up the badly hit region.

 

Albay posted a Zero Casualty score against Typhoon Glenda, which earned for it praises from no less than President Aquino in his State of the Nation Address. Albay however, sustained P9.3 billion in damages, most particularly in agriculture. 

 

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda organize PAGERR following the declaration of state of calamity immediately after Glenda devastated the province. It is tasked to assess the needs, identify intervention options in specific sites and their beneficiaries, initiate responsive projects, and submit formative and summative reports to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Secretary Alcala visited Albay Thursday last week. He lauded Albay’s effort to fast track its rehabilitation program through PAGERR. He noted that despite calamities, Albay’s agricultural production continues to grow.

 

Alcala turned over 1,000 bags of certified rice seeds, five (5) units of hand tractors, 9,000 packets of assorted vegetable seeds, 9,000 pieces of pili seedlings, 185 bags of hybrid corn seeds, 15 bags of open-pollenated variety corn seeds, 54 sets of garden tools and 1,000 pieces of laminated sacks or canvass pieces.

Salceda said Alcala was so far the first to subscribe to PAGERR, adding that the DA has previously a huge investment in Albay.

 

The governor said collaborations with DA has made Albay self sufficient in rice with production jumping from 73 percent in 2006 to 94 percent in 2013. Albay’s forest cover also grew by 88 percent, with an additional 10,000 hectares planted to trees last year.

 

PAGERR coordinated with Pag-IBIG recently and secured approval of its proposed loan scheme for the province who may need home repairs and improvement, with a maximum of P100,000 each barrower payable in 30 years at P750 per month amortization at a low interest rate at 4.5 percent per annum.

PAGERR had also worked out for deferral of instalment payments on housing and members loan for 12 months for all Albay-based members of the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Salceda said this means “P1.94 billion savings in payment outflows for 27,000 GSIS members – DepEd teachers and employees of LGU personnel and private institutions who reside or work in Albay. This translates to an inflow of about P600 million for emergency loans to some 30,000 beneficiaries including some 3,000 pensioners.

GSIS is infusing some P2.5 billion into the Albay economy to offset the massive capitalization, Salceda explained. /MP

NGCP Has New Emergency Structures Against Typhoon

NGCP Has New Emergency 

Structures Against Typhoon

Some 63 NGCP personnel, in-charge of transmission line restoration, underwent a 5-day training on assembling the new ERS newly purchased structures. They are shown in the above photo undergoing actual training.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) learning from previous experiences on restoring transmission facilities damaged by typhoons purchased new models of Emergency Restoration System (ERS) structures recently.

ERS structures are temporary transmission towers used during urgent restoration activities, usually after a typhoon. The towers are light-weight and take shorter time to assemble compared to a conventional transmission tower. 

According to NGCP, the new ERS model is lighter and has smaller cross-sectional dimensions which make it easier, faster, and safer to transport and erect. Despite its light weight, the ERS structures are strong and durable, and can withstand typhoon windspeed.

To complement the new purchase, NGCP also trained its personnel composed of chief engineers, line engineers, line foremen, and linemen to familiarize them with the replacement model.The training was conducted on June 30 to July 4, 2014 at NGCP’s Mexico Substation in Pampanga.

Company President and CEO Henry Sy, Jr. expressed his delight with the new towers. “This will definitely change the way we restore transmission facilities. Improvement, in terms of efficiency and speed, of our restoration process will benefit not just NGCP and its direct customers, but more importantly, the power consumers.”

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets. NGCP’s regular maintenance activities, expansion, and upgrading projects aim to enhance the reliability and quality of electricity delivered to grid-connected customers like generators, distributors, and large industries./MP

MATH WIZARD

OUT-OF-SCHOOL MATH 

WIZARD IN WISH KO LANG

Experience another inspiring afternoon as Wish Ko Lang features an out-of-school math genius, a social experiment with veteran artist Noel Trinidad, and the story of an overseas Filipino worker played by Rita Avila this Saturday on GMA-7.

The video of a kid, who computes a college-level math problem in his mind without an aid of a calculator, has gone viral on social media.  The math genius is 10-year-old Gerald Tamayo who reached grade IV but had to stop going to school to work to support his family. Many netizens believe that a better future awaits Gerald. Find out this Saturday what surprises Wish Ko Lang has in store for him!

Meanwhile, Wish Ko Lang has tapped Noel Trinidad for a special mission this weekend.  Find out who will help an elderly when his shoes suddenly wore out while walking on the street.  The episode also unveils the story of a former overseas worker, portrayed by Rita Avila, who is now paralyzed after the bus she was riding met an accident.

Hosted by Vicky Morales, catch all these inspiring treats from Wish Ko Lang this Saturday, 4pm, after Startalk on GMA-7. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ikog It Puti Nga Pagi

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

May sangka mangingisda. Masyadong maeawod ro guinapangisdaan ni Antong. May guinasugid nga may naga estar nga pagi sa guina tabuan it eangit ag dagat. Indi nana malipatan ro hambae ko anang lolo kada magpaeawod imaw.

Isaeang adlaw, masyadong madasig rong anang pagpadaeagan ko anang baroto agod makaabot imaw sa guina tabuan it eangit ag dagat. Mga pilang oras eun ro pag nabigar ko anang baroto. Matsa owa it katapusan ro anang hakita. Mataas man guihapon rong eangit. Sa anang kaga-oy, nag pahuway-huway anay imaw. Tag nakapahuway eun imaw, guin itsa ni Antong ro anang lambat. Hakatueogan eun man imaw. Owa ngani mabuhaye, naghinueag ro anang baroto, bosa habugtaw imaw. 

Guin dali-dali nana nga guin hunos ro anang lambat. Hadakpan nana rong isaeang ka pagi nga maputi. Guinpotoe nana ro anang ikog ag dayon umuli eun. Owa pa ngani imaw makatakas sa baroto, may sumalimbad kana nga mabahoe nga pispis. Guin paeas ni Antong ko ikog it pagi ag naduea ratong pispis. 

Kat sa daeanon eon imaw, may mabahoe man nga ayam nga naga eaway ro umatubang kana. Tungod sa gahom man it ikog hay dumaeagan ro ayam nga nagabahag ko anang ikog. 

Parabil si Antong makasaka sa andang ba-eay, may mabahoe pa guid nga sawa rong nag baeabag sa hagdan. Winaslikan nana it ikog ko pagi ag golpe man nga kumarang rong sawa. Pagkasaylo ni Antong sa andang baeay, guin sugo nana ro anang asawa nga hikuton rong pagi agod andang isuea. Nagpahuway imaw sa andang balkon. Parabil imaw hikatueogan, golpi nga guin uylog ro andang baeay. Nagsininggit ro anang mga unga. Gumuwa imaw ag ihaplit ro ikog it pagi, bosa golpi man nga nagtawhay.

Makataliwan rong mga binuean, owa eon it nagatuhaw nga kahadluk sa kabuhi ni Antong. Imaw ro guina kilaea nga amo kong ikog it pagi. Daea-daea nana rong ikog nga nakasueod sa taeagbasan maskin siin imaw mag-adto. Guina kahadlukan imaw it mga maeain nga espiritu maskin siin imaw mag-adto tungod sa ikog it puti nga pagi nga may kinaadman./MP

GMA Network Launches ‘Sing with MyJAPS’ Music Video Promo

GMA Network Launches

‘Sing with MyJAPS’ Music Video Promo

GMA Network is set to bring excitement to the fans of Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose with the launching of ‘Sing with MyJAPS’ music video promo, which will run until August 22.

 Following the successful release of Julie Anne’s second album, “Deeper,” GMA Network opens this opportunity to all Kapuso fans who love her bright pop and R&B music. This promo gives them a chance to be featured in the music video of Julie Anne’s hit carrier single, “Right Where You Belong” from her latest album, which will be shown in various GMA Network programs.

 Kapuso fans, music lovers, and netizens alike are invited to take a video of themselves or of someone, singing the chorus of Julie Anne’s “Right Where You Belong” using a video camera or a smart phone. The minus one of the said single’s chorus part can be downloaded from the video-sharing website, YouTube.

 The entries must be submitted in MP4 format to singwithmyjaps@gmanetwork.com together with the sender’s name and address. It must also have the hashtag SingWithMyJaps as the subject of the email.

 The final “Right Where You Belong” music video will be uploaded on GMA Records’ YouTube channel (GMARecordsOfficial) and viewed nationwide in the Kapuso Network. Viewers all over the world may catch it through GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Senate Ok’s Bills For

Poor, Working Students

According to Yvone Almiranez, the Senate last week approved on third and final reading two bills seeking to make education more accessible to poor and working Filipino students.

Approved were Senate Bill No. 2272, known as the Ladderized Education Act of 2014 and Senate Bill No. 2274, an Act which seeks to expand access to education through open learning and distance education.

Sen. Pia Cayetano, chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture sponsors the SBN 2272, and co-sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Villar. SBN 2274 was sponsored by Cayetano and co-sponsored by Senate Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Jinggoy Estrada, Antonio Trillanes IV, Miriam Defensor Santiago, and Villar.

 Senate President Franklin M. Drilon welcomed the passage of the bills in the opening of the 16th Congress, saying that the improvement of the national education system “remains as one of the most important in our legislative agenda.”

“These approved measures are designed to remove barriers to the effective delivery of education throughout the country, such as poverty, distance and age. We really need to make our education more readily accessible to all for a better future,” he said.  

Ladderized Education

SBN 2272 seeks to institutionalize the ladderized education program established under Executive Order 358, Series of 2004. It provides for the mandate and legal framework for a wider-scaled-and accelerated -implementation of ladderized education nationwide, according Cayetano.

Ladderized education is a system of education that allows students to progress between technical-vocational education and training (TVET) and college, and vice-versa, while at the same time opening opportunities for career and educational advancement for working and non-working students.

Under the ladderized system of education, Cayetano explained, a student who has completed two years of tech-voc training will receive a certificate, allowing him or her to gain employment as soon as possible. A student may proceed to further studies if he or she would choose to.

“Many Filipino youth and adults take tech-voc courses because they cannot afford the expenses of a regular education.  Tech-voc training by itself is a viable career option because it is rapid, flexible, jobs-oriented and competency based,” Cayetano said.

She cited a Philippine poverty and education profile report published by the University of the Philppines-School of Economics in September 2013 which showed that out of 100 children who entered elementary schools, only 45 students graduated from high school and 13 completed college.

According to Cayetano, the enactment of SBN 2272 into law would address the present compartmentalization of tech-voc courses, along with college degree programs that hinder the recognition and accreditation of tech-voc competencies in college degree programs. She said the bill synchronizes tech-voc and college degree programs, thereby allowing individuals to progress between tech-voc courses, college degree programs and, ultimately, gainful employment.

Villar, who authored and led the passage of 28 bills on higher or technical education when she was the chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education from 2004 to 2010, said that a ladderized education system would benefit the poor by helping them attain higher or further education. 

“The ladderized system would allow graduates of tech-voc courses to pursue higher educational courses offered in colleges and universities without having to start all over again, as the system allows the transfer of credits earned from tech-voc courses to a degree program,” she added.

Expand Open Learning and Distance Education

According to Cayetano, distance education, is a mode of delivering education and instruction “on an individual basis to students who are not physically present in a traditional setting, such as the classroom.”

“Even though students and teachers are separated through time and space. The measure allows for instruction to be delivered through specially designed materials and methods, such as the use of more advanced technologies like the Internet,” she said.

Students enrolled in open learning systems can get their education through the use of different learning technologies and multimedia material, which strictly follow an approved curriculum, Cayetano further explained.

 Under this measure, she said, distance education at the tertiary level will be at par with existing standards, and comparable to formal educational systems, giving more Filipinos more access to quality education and employment.  /MP

CHIZ PRESSES FOR SENATE PROBE OF PORT CONGESTION

CHIZ PRESSES FOR SENATE 

PROBE OF PORT CONGESTION

Senator Chiz Escudero asked the Senate Committees on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, Economic Affairs, and the Ways and Means to probe the congestion in the two major ports in the country which is hurting the flow of goods going in and out of the Philippines.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has filed Senate Resolution Number 808 urging the three committees to look into worsening congestion in the Manila International Container Port (MICP) and the Port of Manila in order to prevent a potential crisis that will only defeat the country’s economic gains.

“This is already a nagging issue that if left unabated would hurt the gains of the country’s economy. It will hurt us bad since there is already that glaring truth triggering an economic crisis,” Escudero said.

The city of Manila decreed a daytime truck ban to decongest the monstrous traffic jams in the city. Following the truck ban, empty container vans owned by shipping lines occupied 50 percent of the container yards, which caused the congestion.

Many local and international vessels are unable to dock and unload their cargoes in the MICP and the Port of Manila, prompting major shipping lines to boycott the city ports due to lack of berthing spaces.

“It is time for the Senate to step in to abate this looming crisis. It is already causing us economic backlash at costs we cannot afford. Look at the spoilage of perishable goods, the unavailability of raw materials, business loses in the import and export industries, and idled factories. These are more than enough to clog the wheels of our economic engine,” the senator said.

Escudero said the country, as an import dependent nation, cannot afford long shortage of supplies and consumer goods. He added that Philippine export becomes highly incompetent because of the sluggish shipment of goods that can no longer meet on time the demands abroad.

The senator said even exporters from Cebu are also complaining about the same problem of port congestion in the Cebu International Port (CIP) that is costing traders around $15,000.00 per shipment delay.

“We would like the Senate to take the appropriate action to find an institutionalized solution to prevent this continuing economic crisis,” Escudero said.

OFWS IN LIBYA 

URGE TO COME HOME

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay appealed to relatives of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in Libya to help convince their family members to come home given the worsening conditions there.

The Vice President also assured OFWs of assistance once they return to the Philippines. 

“Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has a reintegration program for those who will come home. Members may avail of livelihood assistance and other benefits,” he added.

Filipinos in Libya can contact the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli to coordinate their repatriation. Binay said the Philippine government will shoulder their repatriation cost.

So far, only 831 of the estimated 13,000 Filipinos working in Libya have returned home despite the government announcing a mandatory evacuation of OFWs last month.

The DFA has also reported that safe routes for exiting the North African country have narrowed, leaving rescue by sea as the viable option.

Earlier, a Filipino construction worker was beheaded after being abducted by unknown suspects. Gang rape followed the killing of a Filipina nurse in the capital Tripoli.

RESUMPTION OF PEACE TALKS WITH REDS

Jejomar C. Binay is optimistic the release of  four policemen abducted by the New People’s Army after a raid on a police station in Agusan del Norte will lead to a resumption of stalled peace negotiations.

Binay described it as a “good gesture,” and broached the possibility of peace talks between government and the National Democratic Front gaining ground.

“It paved the way for the continuation of the peace talks,” Binay said. 

Binay was also asked by local reporters in Butuan City if he is willing to go to Kitcharao where the rebels released the policemen. “I’m used to it”, he replied.

He was in the city to award land titles to residents who were able to fully pay their obligations under the Community Mortgage Program of the Socialized Housing Finance Corporation. 

Binay also inaugurated the Senior Citizens Centers across Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur last week.

He also inaugurated the National Housing Authority Talacogon Tribal Village in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur./MP

A Hope for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Sectors

A Hope for Agriculture, Forestry 

and Natural Resources Sectors

by Delano T. Tefora

Today, we want to break ground for hope that rides on the back of our willingness to cooperate, work harder, and see the large picture of our status. This reminds me before, when I was with the government work, Secretary Mario G. Montejo of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) gave during the awarding ceremony in the national Symposium of Agriculture and Resources Research and Development in his message disclosed that with Science and Technology expanded mandate, it must create value, livelihood, opportunities and renewed sense of hope for the countryside advancement.

Sec. Montejo outlined five key programs with PCAARRD which will be able to “look wider, further with dear, sandals-to-the-ground objectives.” First to work on a program that will raise agricultural productivity through smart farming system including seed selection to improve high quality seed use. The DOST will support State Universities and Colleges which specialize in seed-related research and development program.

Second, PCAARRD should promote efficient use of water in agriculture. “We should be able to scan, acquire and adopt technologies that can determine or monitor the right amount of moisture in soil or water in plant.”

Third, PCAARRD should promote the use of fertilizer along with water and other farm inputs. “We must focus on developing awareness on the land and be able to apply which fertilizer for specific crops to cut farming losses and raise yield.”

Fourth, Sec. Montejo urged the PCAARRD to push the use of biomarkers in coconut. “We need to use our coconut wisely through the adoption of genome technology.” The coconut industry is yet to catch up with the growing demand for healthy products like coconut sap, sugar, and virgin coco oil.

Montejo emphasized the important role the private sector plays to achieve higher agricultural productivity in the countryside. He also expressed his concern on the shortage of farming workforce due to the steady rural to urban migration. He said that a mechanization program for the farm sector will help address the manpower lack. There are many non-complicated mechanical farm equipment that we can help design and build using locally available parts and supplies. In the process, we will also create sub-industries in the metals and engineering sectors.

The real and immediate challenge to PCAARRD is to “wade outside its structural and metal gate fortified over the years to ensure the stronger public-private sectors collaboration in the agricultural, forestry and natural resources (AFNR). The council will succeed in helping the country achieve sustainable, inclusive, and science and technology based development path. But these will become elusive to realize due to political intervention and the ongoing corruption in the government, Montejo pointed out.

The most painstaking and careful undertaking to evaluate and understand the message of Sec. Montejo stating the outline of the AFNR programs when it will be put in place will create a great performance in fact on the beneficiary’s welfare. It’s time now to get involve to know where is the peoples’ money for we can describe major sources of evidence to prove while the investigation is ongoing. But unknowingly, we do not know where to go and when to end to pinpoint the responsible culprit in the government.

In support to my contention in the government sector, most are dishonest and has a complete denial of the scams demonstrating the inefficiency of public service while less fortunate people are being politicized. They don’t give a chance to oppressed indigent to breath and feel better in providing support services to boost the families’ income. We want to be able to keep the victims of the strong effect of pork barrel scams resulting to poverty. Involved officials and leaders of our government show that people misread or failed to understand them because they did it in good faith.

There is a saying “no one is above the law” but because being the highest officials in the government, our constitution is no longer imployed. We don’t want to let our less fortunate Filipino brothers’ just die miserably. In this country, can we enjoy genuine public service from our public servants with but “lagay” or grease money since this is a common practice in all aspects of our governance.

Only God knows to help pave the way for officials to follow policies and laws dedicated to implement programs to support the Filipino people in its thrust to improve the welfare of the rural poor through the 4P’s. National and local governments had been constantly faced with challenges of persisting poverty and swelling population. Planting rice is like a long prayed for solution to the problem encountered in the quest for sustainable food security. 

But importation of rice became the key approach to solve the problem and not to increase rice productivity and profitability for rice producers-farmers as funds go to somewhere else. We know where it is going. Several projects, targets and goals did not happen, but justified when flood and typhoon come. 

Sorry, my dear Filipino brothers in the field. Nobody accepts ownership of responsibility to all the misdeeds at hand./MP

Rice Replanting

Rice Replanting: Heavy rains caused by “hanging habagat” the past weeks resulted to the clustering of direct seeded rice seeds in the farms. This woman-farmer, at right picture, from Ngingi-an, Bingawan, Iloilo is replanting rice seedlings to vacant areas in her fields to ensure proper distance and maximum tillering of rice plants. Replanting will also warrant right fertilizer intake per plant thus increasing yield per hectare. (James Earl E. Ogatis photo)/MP

Orchids

Cattleya
Common Name: Cattleya.
Description: These are the most popular group of Orchids, known for their use in corsages. Their flowers bloom in many beautiful and varied colors including purple, white, lavender, yellow, green, and red.
Temperature: 70 degrees day; 60 degrees night.
Light: Partial sun.
Water: Allow the top of the soil to dry out between thorough watering.
Humidity: High level.
Pinching and Pruning: None needed.
Fertilizer: Use fertilizer formulated especially for Orchids every two weeks during growth period.
Soil Contents: Fir bark.
Propagation: Division.
Pests and Diseases: Leaf Spot, Scale, Spider Mites.
Coelogyne
Common Name: Coelogyne.
Description: An epiphytic Orchid with spoon-shaped leaves. Its flowers usually appear in light shades of brown (i.e. beige or cream).
Temperature: 65 degrees day; 55 degrees night.
Light: Shade.
Water: Keep soil extremely moist during growth period.
Humidity: High level.
Pinching and Pruning: None needed.
Fertilizer: Use fertilizer formulated especially for Orchids every two weeks during growth period.
Soil Contents: Fir bark.
Propagation: Division.
Pests and Diseases: Leaf Spot, Mealy bugs.
Cymbidium
Common Name: Cymbidium.
Description: A terrestrial Orchid known for its unusually lengthy blooming period. Foliage is a lovely yellow-green color.
Temperature: 60 degrees day; 50 degrees night.
Light: Filtered light.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist.
Humidity: High level.
Pinching and Pruning: None needed.
Fertilizer: Use fertilizer formulated especially for Orchids every month.
Soil Contents: Cymbidium Orchid Mix.
Propagation: Division.
Pests and Diseases: Leaf Spot, Scale.
Oncidium
Common Name: Dancing lady orchid.
Description: A group of epiphytic Orchids known for their stalks of yellow flowers which are dotted with specks of brown.
Temperature: 70 degrees day; 60 degrees night.
Light: Partial sun.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist, allowing the top of it to dry out in between watering after a growth period.
Humidity: High level.
Pinching and Pruning: None needed.
Fertilizer: Use fertilizer formulated especially for Orchids every two weeks during growth period.
Soil Contents: Fir bark.
Propagation: Division.
Pests and Diseases: Leaf Spot, Scale, Spider Mites.
Paphiopedilium
Common Name: Lady slipper orchid.
Description: A terrestrial Orchid which produces curved foliage and fragment flowers which appear to be extremely waxy.
Temperature: 70 degrees day; 60 degrees night.
Light: Bright light.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist throughout the year.
Humidity: Normal level.
Pinching and Pruning: None needed.
Fertilizer: None needed.
Soil Contents: Osmunda Fiber Mix.
Propagation: Division.
Pests and Diseases: Leaf Spot, Spider Mites.
Phalaenopsis
Common Name: Moth orchid.
Description: A member of the epiphytes, this Orchid features large, moth-like, multi-colored flowers.
Temperature: 75 degrees day; 65 degrees night.
Light: Filtered light.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist throughout the year.
Humidity: High level.
Pinching and Pruning: None needed.
Fertilizer: None needed.
Soil Contents: Osmunda Fiber Mix.
Propagation: Division.
Pests and Diseases: Leaf Spot, Scale./MP

Finnish Red Cross Distributes Risk Reduction Response Tools

Finnish Red Cross Distributes 

Risk Reduction Response Tools

In partnership with the Finnish Red Cross, the Philippines Red Cross (PRC), Aklan Chapter launched the “School Based Disaster Risk Reduction Project 2014-2015”. It also awarded response equipment and formally introduced its scheme, reported its accomplishment and logged frame among stake holders and partners.

The launching program and awards ceremonies were held at Hernani’s Mix’n Macth, L. Barrios St., Kalibo, Aklan.

Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino – Chairman, Board of Directors, PRC Aklan chapter, Dr. Jesse M. Gomez – Aklan Schools Division Supt., and Ms. Toni Jokinen – Finnish Red Cross delivered their respective messages during the program.

Ms. Laurence T. Cadunggan presented the school project activities and accomplishment.

The recipients of the School Based Disaster Risk Reduction Project equipment are the project areas as follows: a) Mobo Elementary School, Bakhaw Norte Elementary School, Buswang Old – Bakhaw Sur Elementary School, and Tinigao Elementary School, Kalibo; b) Bulwang Elementary School, and Aliputos Elementary School, Numancia; c) Panayakan Elementary School, and Jawili Integrated School, Tangalan; and d) Laguinbanwa Elementary School, and Ibajay Central School, Ibajay./MP 

“Circus of lies.”

“WELL-FUNDED SPEAKING 

TOUR” FOR DETRACTORS SET

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) last week revealed that Renato Bondal, one of the complainants in the plunder complaint against Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay and several city officials, will go on a nationwide speaking tour starting with the Visayas region.

 Bondal will be visiting key cities in Region 6, 7 and 8, said Joey Salgado, spokesman for the Vice President. The tour also shows that the complainants are “apparently well-funded,” he said.

 Salgado described the speaking tour as a “circus of lies” where Bondal will be repeating baseless attacks on the Vice President, who is the perceived frontrunner in the 2016 election.

 “The Bondal roadshow is nothing more than a circus of lies. He will be visiting the Visayas region, the first of several stops in a planned national tour, shows that his group has graduated from local opponents to a well-funded demolition crew,” he said.

 Salgado reiterated the reply of the Vice President and Mayor Binay to the plunder complaint filed by Bondal alleging overpricing in the construction of  Building 2 of the Makati City Hall.

He said the 12-storey building is an office building with parking floors and not solely a parking building/facility as alleged by the complainants.  

“That they presented it as a parking building/facility shows their intention to mislead both the media and the public,” he said.

Salgado also said the project passed COA scrutiny.

 “From the start until formal turnover, the project was subjected to COA audit. The project  passed all the audits,” he said.

He added that the COA did not issue any adverse findings for the project and in fact, found the contract price for the project reasonable.

 Salgado also debunked claims that the project did not go through bidding.

 “The project underwent bidding as prescribed by law, contrary to the claims of the complainants.  All budgetary releases for the project were approved by the City Council in several ordinances, contrary to the claims of the complainants. At no point did the Vice President during his term as mayor, and incumbent Mayor Jun Binay release funds without City Council approval,” he said.

 He also said the National Statistics Office (NSO) is not the final arbiter on overpricing.



 “To prove overpricing, an actual canvass of similar items is needed. This has been established by the courts and also part of COA rules. Not NSO statistics but an actual comparison of similar items,” he said.

 The P7,000 per square meter construction cost claimed by the group as the standard building cost “is the approximate cost for a socialized housing unit, not an office building.”/MP

Aklan Yolanda Victims Get Aid

Aklan Yolanda Victims Get Aid

by Ernesto T. Solidum

Relief goods for Aklan Typhoon Yolanda victims from Compassion International Philippine Country Office.

The Compassion International Philippine Country Office after a thorough evaluation of households in Aklan adversely affected by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last November 8, 2013 decided to continue its relief and rehabilitation efforts. To recall, 175-230 kph winds directly hit all provinces of the Visayan Region and devastated 4.4 million households and their livelihood. 

Aklan province, nine months after the disaster is slowly moving towards full recovery. Thanks to the numerous domestic and international donors. At least one third of the total populations who are poor are still struggling to find decent income from agricultural projects and cottage industries. The community action called bayanihan built temporary shelter made of light materials during time of emergencies.

A total funding of P230,000 was received by Mr. Renato Fuentes, Project Director of Aklan Baptist Student Center at Bulwang, Numancia, Aklan. The money will be used to purchase relief goods for the victims. The target food distribution is 201 households whose kids are enrolled under Project Compassion No. PH 872 while 60 household recipients come from the community. Mass distribution was done on August 4, 2014 at the new annexed building. Each recipient received 23 kgm. of well milled rice and 6 cans of sardines.

Rev. Ulysis Castor, Pastor of Aklan Baptist Church said that this is the fifth event the Church has undertaken in this relief operation. Fortunately, the same donor organization will give another aid in the form of housing construction materials at a cost of P652,000. The identified recipients from the Municipality of Numancia (Bulwang, Camanci Norte, Camanci Sur, Bubog, Pusiw, Navitas, Albasan) and Kalibo (Poblacion, Bakhao Norte) are grouped into two categories namely: partially damaged and completely damaged houses. The former will get corrugated G.I. sheets, plywood and umbrella nails worth P2,000 each while the latter will receive P5,000 worth of similar materials. The date of distribution of construction mater-ials is set for next week.

According to Rev. Castor, three months ago the first release of construction hardware were given to prioritized members of Project Compassion. However, the management later considered another option to give similar benefits to other households in the community, Compassion as the name suggests, knows no borders or payback.

Compassion International is a non-profit, interdenominational organization advocating well rounded Christian education. It targets youth from indigent households and offer them free education, medical and hospitalization benefits, school supplies and supplemental feeding. School kids are fully supported by Christian donors from Australia, New Zealand, USA, and other countries. Financial coverage starts from elementary to college provided their academic grades are satisfactory, exhibit good moral character, and committed to finish the chosen course.

Donors behind humanitarian relief services acknowledge resiliency and courage of Filipino victims to hold on to core moral values amidst widespread catastrophe. Indeed, picking up the pieces needs a bigger hand in all our human struggles. /MP 

Entrepreneurial Farmer

DPWH Dismantles 

Misleading Road Signs

Madyaas Pen sincerely appreciates and thanks OIC-District Engr. Noel L. Fuentebella of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Kalibo, Aklan for his immediate actions on my suggestion to institute corrections on two “misleading” road signs. The two road signs were located along the highway in Laguinbanua East, Numancia and Linabuan Norte, Kalibo.

My letter was delivered to Engr. Fuentebella’s office in Kalibo on July 31, 2014. On Tuesday, August 5, the two signage in the said places were dismantled and removed. I thank you Engr. Fuentebella and staff members for the positive action on my suggestion.

Below is the response of Engr. Fuentebella to my letter:

“Sir:

This pertains to your letter dated July 31, 2014 which was received by this office dated August 1, 2014 furnishing us a picture of misleading road sign located at Brgy. Laguinbanua East, Numancia, Aklan and informing us of another misleading road sign located near the gate of a school in Brgy. Linabuan Norte, Kalibo, Aklan.

Please be informed that upon ocular inspection/verification, the said misleading road signs were installed by Robinsons Place without securing proper permit from this office. As such, we have already removed the same and kept it for safekeeping to avoid confusions to the travelling public (see attached pictures).

We thank you for your support and vigilance in the interest of public service.

Very truly yours,

(Sgd.) NOEL L. FUENTEBELLA

OIC-District Engineer”

EDITORIAL by Ernesto T. Solidum

Aklan Tourism Infra Needs 

Preparation For APEC Summit

“APEC: State of Aklanon Preparedness” was hot topic in the Kapihan recently at NVC Carmen Hotel. The guests were Mr. Niven M. Maquirang - Jetty Port Administrator, Engr. Ronnie G. Tabernilla - DPWH, Supt. Jonil John Trio - APPD, Police Supt. Samuel Nacion, and OIC Police Prov’l Dir. Aden Lagradante.

Atty. Allen S. Quimpo said that the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in the Philippines next year is a good opportunity whereby policymakers and businessmen from countries will know firsthand the actual conditions happening in the country, specifically in Region 6. The delegates’ expertise on economic development is most welcomed as they discuss issues and strategies to hasten industrialization through growth of small and medium enterprises. Food security is timely because of climate change.

The Boracay event will be held on May 10-15, 2015. This will be attended by 1090 guests (including some family members) and September 21-25, 2015 in Iloilo City with 500 guests. Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog got the nod of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III after inaugurating big ticket projects as the Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo River Esplanade and Sen. Benigno Aquino Avenue (4 lanes). It should be noted that the P5 billion Iloilo International Airport was completed 6 years ago.

Engr. Tabernilla said that the Aklan West Road widening project from Kalibo to Caticlan (65km) has a total budget outlay of P668.07 million. The release of funds is by road sections namely: a) Dumga, Makato to Tamalagon, Tangalan – P150 million, b) Junction Nabas to Caticlan – P100 million.

For Kalibo Circumferential road, release of fund is: a) Tigayon riverbank to Jaime Cardinal Sin Avenue – P65 million, b) Pook Jetty port to Jaime Cardinal Sin Avenue – P85 million, and c) Riverbank Mina to Makato – P109.0 million.

The special releases are: a) Concreting Pobl. Tangalan to Naisud, Ibajay via Jawili – P98 million and b) Expansion and concreting Kalibo to Banga (4 lanes) – P460 million (allotment of Sen. Franklin Drilon for the Boracay Summit.)

Mr. Maquirang cited the bidding of 2 jetty Ports namely: Caticlan and Cagban for improvement of facilities to anticipate not only APEC guests but also phenomenal growth of 9 percent tourist arrivals for the first six months of this year. The funding for Caticlan is P207 million while Cagban is P61 million all sourced from DOTC.

The bulk of the project at Caticlan Jetty Port is to extend the breakwater to open sea in order to provide safety navigation of small watercrafts, filling of 2.6 hectares foreshore area and construction of boardwalk. In Cagban, it will extend the boardwalk and develop the foreshore area in coordination with private developers. Considering that the time element is only 8 months from now, the construction will be of two shifts, 24/7 Maquirang disclosed.

OIC Supt. Lagradante said the PNP will provide the usual maximum security and assistance for these are high profile guests. Our security protocol will commence at Kalibo International Airport (KIA) up to their hotel in Boracay. If possible there must be no disruption of regular flow of passengers or tourists traffic and be in control of any situation, averred the Police Superintendent.

Sr. Supt Nacion feels it is a challenge to have the Aklan PNP provide security, maintain peace and order for the duration of the APEC summit. “We will mobilize our SWAT team, public safety company, canine units, bomb disposal ordnance unit and coordinate with Philippine Navy and Philippine Coastguard to bolster our personnel and equipments”.

Let’s admit it. Iloilo is far ahead and better prepared in as far as hosting the summit is concerned. Aklan on the other hand is just starting the ropes so to speak. Aklan tourism infra projects namely: KIA and G.P. Ramos International Airport, Western Road widening project, Circumferential road, Kalibo bridge widening and 2 Jetty ports in Malay are rather on implementing stage or halfway in completion. Presently, KIA is one of 10 busiest airports in the country according to CAAP.

It is common knowledge that when a project is rushed for completion, the result is generally substandard finish or structurally defective. 

In Boracay, tourists find it uncomfortable to ride in tricycles speeding at 30-40 kph on provincial roads. It’s more fun in the Philippines slogan has some hair raising tale. Land Transportation Office (LTO) Aklan shows there are 4,026 vehicles in Boracay as of September 24, 2011. It has 18 kms. of road network and resident population of 28,309 (NSO May 1, 2010) but may now be 37, 101 based on high growth rate of 7 percent per year.

Architect Maquirang is bullish about influx of tourists to Boracay and national economy. His projects up his sleeve are: a second Jetty Port in Yapak and elevated Jetty Port in Caticlan to separate incoming from departing passengers. This will be complemented by the Pook Jetty Port in Kalibo where 2 fast crafts (200 passenger cap.) will ferry airline passengers and domestic tourists direct to Cagban Port. Obviously bigger expense will be allotted for construction of a passenger terminal in Pook, said Maquirang.

Palawan Subteranean River, a World Heritage Site has a tourism load capacity of 900 visitors per day to make it sustainable or prevent undue stress on the environment. In Boracay it is unbridled desire for more infra development despite having reached the optimum limit of growth.

Rather than build new and bigger infra why not fund a feasibility study on beach nourishment as proposed by Engr. Jonathan Salvador? The objective is to reclaim or restore 1,500 meters long by 75 meters wide beach in Balabag by means of siphoning dredge ship. Funding of a beach nourishment project may come from the annual tourism receipts which was P26 billion out of 1.3 million tourists in 2013. Furthermore, the annual revenue of Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Ports is P300 million according to Mr. Maquirang. The priority of the study is important due to the rapid coastal erosion exacerbated by climate change and illegal structures done by hotel and resort owners.

Ms. Catherine Hamon, Deputy Travel Editor of Los Angeles Times said that Boracay does not deserve to be recognized as a Travelers’ Choice for the best beach in the world title for it is overcrowded and overdeveloped. Book author Dan Brown call Manila as the gates of hell probably noting the chaotic service at NAIA. He must come to Boracay to get his taste another hell or heaven on earth.

Whether true or not this is a wake up call for sobriety that deserves a soul searching examination. Aklan may have the golden egg but let us take good care of the hen. Presently, it is about to die of exhaustion, congestion and neglect. Tomorrow may be too late to resuscitate it. That being said foreigners and businessmen will just pack up and move to other promising places. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Mariang Sinukuan

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro pangaean ni Mariang Sinukuan hay naghalin pa sa ngaean it bukid it Sinukuan. Ogaling ro pagkatawo ni Mariang Sinukuan hay owa it nakasayod ko anang guinhalinan. May nagasugid nga imaw ra rong bunga it pagsanib kong buean ag adlaw. May naga hambae man nga bunga imaw kong pagsanib kong hangin ag tubi. Imaw hay isaeang ka Ada o engkantada nga owa it kamatayon.

Isaeang adlaw, nagdesisyon si Maria nga manaog sa datag ag idto imaw mag-estar. Sa isaeang ka maisot nga payag maeapit sa busay. Nagkabuhi imaw it isaeang ka ordinaryong tawo. Nag alila imaw it mga hayop ag nagpananum man. Pulos matambok ro anang mga tanum nga taeong, kamatis, ag hamtak. Matambok man ro anang mga hayopan pareho it manok ag baboy. Kon may magdakop o magtakaw it anang tanom hay naga taeang sanda nga indi makauli. Maka uli eamang sanda kon i-uli nanda ro andang guintakaw.

May isaea man nga eaeaki nga naga estar sa kagueangan, ma-eapit sa payag ni Maria. Kada agahon kon magpamasyar si Maria hay hakikita nana rong kahugod ni Roberto.

Ko agahon ngaron, nagpakuno-kuno si Maria nga magaeaba sa busay. Sa oras nga naga uli eon si Roberto daea nana ro mga tinoean-on ag prutas agod ibaligya sa banwa, haagyan nana rong daeaga nga naga eaba. Sa kasadya-on kong daeaga, tinukob it kaila si Roberto. Nagpakilaea imaw.

Hasta kato, una eon sanda naga kita kita sa busay. Ko isaeang hapon ngaron, guin hatod ni Roberto si Maria sa andang baeay. Pag-uli ni Roberto, guinpabaeonan ni Maria si Roberto it eoy-a. Pag-abot sa baeay, nangin bueawan ro eoy-a. 

Perme eon nga nagabisita si Roberto sa baeay ni Maria hasta nga nagnubyohanan ro daywa. Abo eon nga eoy-a ro nabaton ni Roberto, bosa nagpasyudad imaw agod ibaligya ro mga eoy-a nga bueawan. 

Na-engganyo si Roberto sa syudad hasta nalipatan si Maria. Owa eon imaw naga uli-uli.

Nangin masubo si Maria. Guinsumpa nana si Roberto. Guindaea nana ro anang ba-eay ag nangin baeagon rong tanan. Halin man kato, nangin palhi rong lugar ag guin kahadlukan ko mga tawo. /MP

More WV Families Meet 

Minimum Basic Needs

At least eight (8) out of 10 families in Western Visayas meet the minimum basic needs for survival based on the results of the 2013 Annual Poverty Indicator Survey (APIS). These needs are measured by access to safe drinking water, presence of electricity at home, and use of sanitary toilet.

According to the result, 80 percent of families in the region have access to safe drinking water, 83 percent have sanitary toilets and 89 percent have electricity in their homes.

In terms of the minimum basic requirements for security, 43 percent and 67 percent of families live in houses with outer walls and roofs, respectively, are made of strong materials. Five (5) out of 10 own the house and lot they occupy and 91 percent have at least one gainfully employed member, 18 years old and above.

On enabling needs, at least 99 percent of families with children 6-11 years of age have their children enrolled in elementary grades, while seven (7) out of 10 families with children 12-15 years old sent their children in high school. The percentage of children in school increased both in elementary and secondary compared to the 2011 and 2010 figure. 

In addition, the proportion of families with working children 5-17 years old dropped to 13.0 percent in 2013 compared to 2011 figure of 13.6 percent. 

According to Provincial Statistics Officer Blas M. Solidum, the 2013 APIS is the 9th in a series of nationwide poverty indicators surveys undertaken by the Philippine Statistics Authority (formerly NSO).

The survey is designed to provide access and impact indicators that can be used as inputs to the development of an integrated poverty indicator and monitoring system for the assessment of the government programs on poverty alleviation. 

The 2013 APIS was conducted in July 2013 with a sample size of around 13,000 households, of which 11,334 households were eligible for the survey. 

Of the total number of eligible sample households, 10,864 were successfully interviewed. This is translated to a 95.9 percent response rate at the national level. /MP

Killing of Mylene De Leon-Scott

Killing of Mylene De Leon-Scott

By Alex P. Vidal

“Force always attracts men of low morality.” ALBERT EINSTEIN

We don’t know what rules of engagement (if they are covered by the rules) did the American cops use when they responded to a commotion that resulted in the killing of Filipino-American Costco warehouse worker Mylene De Leon Scott on May 29 in Virginia, USA.

Either the life of the lawman who fired the shot or the lives of others present in the crime scene were in danger that the situation warranted the use of excessive force, or the cops were unfit to deal with cases involving people with emotional and mental disability (Mrs. Scott had been suffering from nervous breakdown, according to a Canada-based relative).

Based on initial reports, it appears that the cop who shot and killed Scott may have panicked after efforts to calm her down with a taser failed. She was reportedly armed with a knife and scissor and was acting hysterically. 

The question that boggles the minds of many people is this: if the cop failed to neutralize the 38-year-old Scott with a taser, was it necessary to fire a gun five times and fatally hit the woman amok? Rules of Engagement are rules or directives to military forces (including individuals) that define the circumstances, conditions, degree, and manner in which force, or actions which might be construed as provocative, may be applied.

‘PROVOCATIVE’

If Scott’s actions were “provocative” was it necessary to kill her in order to stop her from committing a violent act? Rules of Engagement supposedly do not normally dictate how a result is to be achieved but will indicate what measures may be unacceptable. 

It is given that cops in the United States, or any other countries for that matter, are trained to overpower hostage takers or individuals who run berserk, with the use of lesser force like taser, bat, or physical contacts proportionate to violent acts. But not the capital punishment of death!

In the case of Scott, extra caution should have been observed since firstly, she was a woman; secondly, she wasn’t carrying a high-powered gun; and thirdly, she was not known to be a hardened-criminal. Responding deputy sheriffs don’t respond to a call for commotion alone. They arrive in crime scene as partners. They have back ups and armed with walkie-talkies, cuffs, bats and service firearms. A knife-wielding woman doesn’t have a chance versus two male cops in any confrontation.

INVESTIGATION

We just hope Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman will leave no stone unturned in the investigation now that the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC has asked US probers to focus on concerns by Phil-Ams that “law enforcement officials may have responded with disproportionate force” when they shot dead Scott. 

We just hope Chapman meant well when he said during the press conference that “It’s a very unfortunate situation for everybody. I just want to make sure our deputies are safe and everything gets investigated properly. Ultimately, we’ve got to go through and interview all the witnesses … I don’t want to speculate on minuscule details at this time.” 

Meanwhile, in a statement posted at the official website of the Embassy, Philippines Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. extended “deepest sympathy to the family of Mylene De Leon Scott . . . who was shot dead by police officers responding to a reported disturbance inside the Costco Wholesale Store in Sterling, Virginia, on Wednesday, 29 May 2013.”

ASSISTANCE

Cuisia added: “The Embassy stands ready to extend its assistance to the family of Ms. Scott. We will continue to coordinate with police authorities in Loudoun County to secure more information on this case.”

The embassy said it shared “the concerns expressed by Ms. Scott’s family in the Philippines and the members of the Filipino-American Community that law enforcement officials may have responded with disproportionate force.”

The statement concluded: “We request authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial and expeditious investigation of the incident.”/MP

Senate Moves To Repeal Law That Discriminates Women

Senate Moves To Repeal 

Law That Discriminates Women

In a move to further uplift the welfare and dignity of women, the Senate last week moved to repeal an outdated law which penalizes widows who remarry within three hundred and one days after the death of her husband.

Senate Bill No. 1647, filed by Sen. Nancy Binay under Committee Report No. 47 and sponsored by Senator Pia Cayetano, chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Family Relations and Gender Equality, repeals Article 351 of the Revised Penal Code, which punishes women who contract premature marriages.

   

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon lauded the lady senators who took the lead in the latest effort of the Upper Chamber to eliminate discrimination and promote gender equality.

“This measure enjoys the full support of the Senate, for it is only right to abolish laws that serve no purpose other than to perpetuate discrimination against women,” he said.

Known as “Crime of Premature Marriage,” Article 351 also covers women whose marriages have been annulled or dissolved, if she marries before the expiration of the period of 301 days after her legal separation.

Violators face punishment of one month to six months jail term and a fine not exceeding P500.

“Since there has been no known conviction for violation of Article 351 of the Revised Penal Code, it is high time that we in Congress take the necessary step to abolish antiquated laws which serve no other purpose other than to perpetuate discrimination against women,” Binay said. 

“Approval of the measure by a male dominant-Senate is the right step towards ensuring the equality of law between men and women,” she added.

For her part, Cayetano said that there should be no room for laws that “perpetuate discrimination against women in our laws.”

Senators Loren Legarda, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar and Binay signed the committee report. /MP

Scholarship Grants To Top 10 High School Graduates

Scholarship Grants To 

Top 10 High School Graduates

The Senate bill granting automatic college admission and scholarship to the top 10 graduating public high school students was approved by the Senate on third and final reading last week.

Authored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Peter Alan Cayetano and sponsored by Sen. Pia Cayetano, chair of the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, Senate Bill No. 2275, also known as the Iskolar ng Bayan Act of 2014, seeks to make quality higher education more accessible to the underprivileged youth. 

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon also hailed the passage of the measure, saying that such initiatives can help address the challenge of providing complete and quality education for the Filipino youth.

“Binilisan natin ang pagpasa nito, upang sa susunod na pasukan ay maging ganap na batas na ito at mapakinabangan ng ating mga kabataan. Sa batas na ito, kahit mahirap ka, basta magaling ka, ikaw ay may laban na makapasok nang libre sa mga state universities and colleges,” he said.

Under the proposed legislation, Cayetano said, the top 10 public high school students of their graduating class would be accorded automatic admission to State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) of their choice within their provinces or nearby provinces, depending on the size of the SUCs and their course offerings.

However, she said, the University of the Philippines (UP) will be excluded in the list of SUCs due to its institutional autonomy as the national university unless it would come up with its own scholarship program for the top 10 public high school students.

“It is an unfortunate fact that college education is out of reach of majority of the Filipinos,” Cayetano lamented during her sponsorship speech.

Cayetano cited a study conducted by the Department of Education which showed that out of the 45 students who graduated from high school, only 26 students actually enrol in college. According to the study, the high cost of education is the primary reason for the low turn-out of enrolees in college.

“The youth are either employed or would rather search employment. The quality of higher education must be more accessible to the students,” Cayetano stressed.

She said once the bill was enacted into law, the scholars would be provided with free tuition fees, textbook allowance and a monthly living allowance.

 “The Iskolar ng Bayan Program provides a big incentive for high school students to work hard and excel in their academics in order to rank within the top 10 of their graduating class and be afforded the benefits of this measure,” Cayetano said, adding: “Poverty and lack of opportunities will not hinder the crème de la crème of our public high school system from pursuing higher education.” (Patrishia Catilo)/MP

SP OKEYS CONVERSION OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS INTO INTEGRATED SCHOOLS

SP OKEYS CONVERSION 

OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 

INTO INTEGRATED SCHOOLS

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan, as of July 2014, has endorsed for approval by the Department of Education (DepEd) the conversion of 16 elementary schools province wide into integrated schools which will eventually offer junior and senior high school curricula in relation to the government’s K to 12 education program.

These conversions are in addition to the existing 68 public national high schools each in 68 barangays of the province of Aklan.

These elementary schools to be converted into integrated schools are from 10 different municipalities of Aklan.

Cortes Elementary School, Balete will be converted into Cortes Integrated School through SP Resolution No. 2012-153 on June 28, 2012, and Balete Elementary School into Balete Integrated School through Resolution No. 153, Series of 2014 approved on July 16, 2014. 

 

Four (4) elementary schools of the municipality of Batan will be converted into integrated schools, namely: Mandong Elementary School and Tabon Elementary School through SP Resolution No. 2012-133 on May 23, 2012; Ipil elementary School through SP Resolution No. 2013-099 and Palay Elementary School through SP Resolution No. 2013-100, both approved on May 29, 2013.

Buruanga’s Habana Elementary School will also be converted into integrated school through SP Resolution No. 2012-123 passed on May 19, 2012.

Kalibo’s Bakhaw Norte Elementary School is also endorsed for conversion through SP Resolution No. 070, Series of 2014 enacted on March 26, 2014.

Dalagsaan Elementary School of Libacao is endorsed through SP Resolution No. 2012-155 on June 20, 2012 for conversion into an integrated school.

Three (3) elementary schools of Madalag were endorsed for conversion to integrated schools. These are Ma. Christina Elementary School through Resolution No.  080, Series of 2014 approved on September 11, 2013, Agtughangin Elementary School through SP Resolution No. 2010-068 on April 8, 2010, and Medina Elementary School into Carmen Infante Salazar Integrated School through SP Resolution No. 2012-023 on January 11, 2012.

The conversion of Baybay-Alibagon Elementary School, Makato into integrated school was endorsed through SP Resolution No. 2013-017 on July 17, 2013; and, Malinao Elementary School into Malinao Integrated School through SP Resolution 2013-013 on June 5, 2013.

Nabas’ Tagororoc Elementary School was also endorsed to become Tagororoc Integrated School through Resolution No. 109, Series of 2014 passed on May 28, 2014.

Jawili Elementary School of Tangalan is endorsed for conversion into Jawili Integrated School through SP Resolution No. 2012-097 approved on March 28, 2014./MP

NEWSMAKER - Argentina’s Modest Man Focuses On The Poor

NEWSMAKER - Argentina’s 

Modest Man Focuses On The Poor

The Pope will visit the Philippines on January 15-19, 2015. The places to be visited while he is in the Philippines cannot be released until finalized.

Who is the Pope? He is Argentina’s man focused on the poor. According to Alejandro Lifschitz, he is the first Latin American Pope, Argentina’s Jorge Bergoglio, a theological conservative with a strong social conscience, known for his negotiating skills as well as a readiness to challenge powerful interests.

He is a modest man from a middle-class family who declined the archbishop’s luxurious residence to live in a simple apartment and travel by bus.

He was also the main candidate against Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in the 2005 conclave that elected the German to become Pope Benedict, backed by moderate cardinals looking for an alternative to the then Vatican doctrinal chief.

Described by his biographer as a balancing force, Bergoglio, 77, has monk-like habits, is media shy and deeply concerned about the social inequalities rife in his homeland and elsewhere in Latin America.

“He shares the view that the Church should have a missionary role, that gets out to meet people, that is active ... a Church that does not so much regulate the faith as promote and facilitate it,” she added.

“His lifestyle is sober and austere. That’s the way he lives. He travels on the underground, the bus, when he goes to Rome he flies economy class.”

The former cardinal, the first Jesuit to become pope, was born into a middle-class family of seven, his father an Italian immigrant railway worker and his mother a housewife.

He is a solemn man, deeply attached to centuries-old Roman Catholic traditions as he showed by asking the crowd cheering his election to say the Our Father and Hail Mary prayers.

He spent his weekend in solitude in his apartment outside Buenos Aires and is a member of well-known Argentine soccer club San Lorenzo.

“He was always a very pleasant and accessible person,” said Roberto Crubellier, 66, a church employee in a downtown Buenos Aires church where Bergoglio used to go and pray.

“He used to walk from the cathedral (about 10 blocks) and he stayed, praying silently in the last rows of pews, as though he was just an ordinary guy.”

In his rare public appearances, Bergoglio spared no harsh words for politicians and Argentine society, and has had a tricky relationship with President Cristina Fernandez and her late husband and predecessor, Nestor Kirchner.

TURBULENT TIMES

Bergoglio became a priest at 32, nearly a decade after losing a lung due to respiratory illness and quitting his chemistry studies. Despite his late start, he was leading the local Jesuit community within four years, holding the post of provincial of the Argentine Jesuits from 1973 to 1979.

The newly elected Pope Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)After six years as provincial, he held several academic posts and pursued further study in Germany. He was appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992 and archbishop in 1998.

Bergoglio’s career success coincided with the bloody 1976-1983 military dictatorship, during which up to 30,000 suspected leftists were kidnapped and killed -- which prompted sharp questions about his role.

The most well-known episode relates to the abduction of two Jesuits whom the military government secretly jailed for their work in poor neighbourhoods.

According to “The Silence,” a book written by journalist Horacio Verbitsky, Bergoglio withdrew his order’s protection of the two men after they refused to quit visiting the slums, which ultimately paved the way for their capture.

Verbitsky’s book is based on statements by Orlando Yorio, one of the kidnapped Jesuits, before he died of natural causes in 2000. Both of the abducted clergymen suffered five months of imprisonment.

“History condemns him. It shows him to be opposed to all innovation in the Church and above all, during the dictatorship. It showed he was very cosy with the military,” Fortunato Mallimacci, the former dean of social sciences at the Universidad de Buenos Aires, once said.

His actions during this period strained his relations with many brother Jesuits around the world, who tended to be more politically liberal.

Those who defend Bergoglio say there is no proof behind these claims. On the contrary, they said the priest helped many dissidents escape during the military junta’s rule.

His brother bishops elected him president of the Argentine bishops conference for two terms from 2005 to 2011.

CONSERVATIVE 

THEOLOGY

In the Vatican, far removed from the dictatorship’s grim legacy, this quiet priest is expected to lead the Church with an iron grip and a strong social conscience.

In 2010, he challenged the Argentine government when it backed a gay marriage bill.

“Let’s not be naive. This isn’t a simple political fight, it’s an attempt to destroy God’s plan,” he wrote in a letter days before the bill was approved by Congress.

Bergoglio has been close to the conservative Italian religious movement Communion and Liberation, which had the backing of Popes John Paul and Benedict as a way to revitalize faith among young people.

Bergoglio has addressed the group’s annual meeting in Rimini and presented the books of its founder, Rev Luigi Giussani, to readers in Argentina.

His support contrasted to the critical view that another Jesuit, former Milan archbishop Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, had of Communion and Liberation during his life.

Martini died last year, leaving behind a posthumous interview saying the Church was “200 years behind the times.”

Rev Gerard Fogarty, a Jesuit and Church historian at the University of Virginia, said he was “pretty sure I’d never see a Jesuit pope” and was surprised that Bergoglio had been chosen because of the criticism of his stand during the dictatorship.

RIVAL CANDIDATE

In the 2005 conclave, Bergoglio emerged as the moderate rival candidate to the conservative Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who went on to become Pope Benedict. After that conclave, some commentators spoke of Benedict as “the last European pope” and said the Latin Americans had good chances to win the next time./MP

Schools To Teach Entrepreneurship Subjects

Schools To Teach 

Entrepreneurship Subjects

    The Senate last week approved on third and final reading a bill which seeks to instill business acumen among the Filipino youth by introducing entrepreneurship and financial subjects in the school curriculum.

Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, chair of the Committee of Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship sponsored the Senate Bill 2212. According to him, the measure seeks to encourage Filipinos to go into businesses for themselves as an alternative solution to unemployment and underemployment.

    “As the number of unemployed youth in the country grows each year, we really have to create new ways of thinking to address the epidemic,” Aquino said in his sponsorship speech.

“Through training and exposure, young people would have an option of choosing to be their own bosses and start their own businesses as an option, instead of being an employee for a company that is not their own,” he added.

    Under the bill, Aquino said, the Department of Education would develop and integrate subjects and competencies in entrepreneurship in the curriculum for the primary, secondary and alternative learning modules.

    In addition, he said, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other private institutions would develop entrepreneurship and financial literacy modules for the tertiary and post-secondary education.

He said financing and grants would also be provided for the students, together with mentoring and the much-needed market linkages.

    “Financial literacy in the basic education system is a good foundation for entrepreneurship in the future. Let us enable an environment where these young people can harness their innate energy and creativity and provide them the opportunity to start on their own and build their own businesses,” Aquino said. (Pilar S. Macrohon)/MP

Malaysian Donates Rice To Kalibonhons

Malaysian Donates 

Rice To Kalibonhons

Mayor William S. Lachica (2nd from right) in the above photo distributing Malaysian rice to Kalibonhon.

    The Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture donated 5.7 metric tons of rice to the Municipality of Kalibo. The rice was repacked in ten kilo bags and were distributed last week through the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR). The distribution was led by Kalibo mayor William S. Lachica with the presence of Mr. Wiroj Saengbangka - APTERR General manager, Mr. Nitthi Attayothin and Ms. Jansinee Kankaew - APTERR Technical Staff members.

    The rice was distributed to the victims of the super typhoon Yolanda of barangays Andagao, Nalook, Tinigao, Mabilo, Tigayon, New Buswang, Old Buswang, Pook, and Poblacion, Kalibo. Some of the receipients are also 4P’s beneficiaries. 

     The distribution was held at Magsaysay Park, Poblacion, Kalibo last week./MP