Kapuso stars are World Youth Alliance Asia Pacific Ambassadors

Kapuso stars are World Youth 

Alliance Asia Pacific Ambassadors

(From Left to Right: Charee Pineda, Joanna Marie Tan, Simoun Ferrer, Lord Leomer Pomperada, Julian Trono and Kristoffer Martin)

Last September 30, GMA Artist Center talents Charee Pineda, Joanna Marie Tan, Julian Trono and Kristoffer Martin were named as the first Filipino celebrity ambassadors of the World Youth Alliance Asia Pacific.

The World Youth Alliance is a global coalition of young people committed to promoting the dignity of the person and building solidarity among youth from developed and developing nations.

Present during the contract signing were Regional Director of World Youth Alliance Asia Pacific Lord Leomer Pomperada, GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President for Talent Branding and Imaging Simoun Ferrer and GMA Artist Center Talent Manager Tracy Garcia. /MP

TALK CHEAPER THAN P54-B TO SOLVE MRT-3 WOES

TALK CHEAPER THAN P54-B

TO SOLVE MRT-3 WOES

MRT WOES: Former chairman of the Metro Rail Transit Corp. Robert John Sobrepeña tells (from right) Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto and Senators Grace Poe, Chiz Escudero and Serge Osmeña during a public hearing last week that the company repeatedly proposed to procure new trains but the DOTC instead recommended the purchase of second-hand trains. (Alex Nueva España photo)

According to Sen. Chiz Escudero, to solve the problems surrounding the ownership and control of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) Project,  P54 billion is not needed to buy out Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC) and take over its operations.

 Escudero, chairman of the Senate Finance panel commented at the hearing of the Committee on Public Services that the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the MRTC, led by the Sobrepeňa group made no attempt to sit down and discuss a string of operational and maintenance issues affecting the service of MRT 3.

 The DOTC plans to buy out the MRTC from operating MRT 3 for P53.9 billion in a bid to improve its services to the riding public. 

 However, Roberto Sobrepeňa, chairman of the Fil-Estate, the major equity holder in the MRTC, said the DOTC had not made a formal offer to buy them out. The P54 billion is just an approximation and is not even enough to buy MRTC shares.

 “Are you even talking?” Escudero asked the DOTC and the MRTC, to which Sobrepeňa answered, “No, your honor. They have not talked to us. We have not talked to them.”

At the hearing, Escudero made a manifestation to the committee to have the DOTC and the MRTC sit down together to thresh out the issues surrounding the poor operations and maintenance of MRT 3. They can’t get their acts together. Each has their own responsibilities.”

He offered to conduct Senate hearings every week if that would bring the two parties together to get to the bottom of the MRT 3 problems and bring about better public transport service.

Escudero said the proposed allocation for MRT 3 buyout under the 2015 budget may not see the light of the day. “I am not convinced that we need to shell out almost P54 billion of public funds just to take over MRT 3. DOTC and MRTC can talk seriously, analyze and agree on terms and conditions to improve the state of affairs of our mass transport system.”

Escudero has been calling for the final resolution of the MRT 3 ownership since 2010 in order to determine the status of its operational control and allow development plans to move forward.

“We don’t need to bleed out this much money; we could very well use this amount for other programs that need immediate and much needed allocations. In fact, the DOTC admitted during their budget hearing that they can very well bid the operation and maintenance of MRT 3 now without a takeover worth billions of pesos,” Escudero said. /MP

Drilon Assures Economic Measure Passage, Mulls Special Session To Pass Economic Bills

Drilon Assures Economic Measure Passage, Mulls Special Session To Pass Economic Bills

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon last week expressed readiness to recommend to the President the holding of special session in order to enact a number of economic measures which will improve business climate, boost investment and ensure the nation’s macroeconomic and fiscal sustainability.

“If we cannot make a substantial progress to our economic legislative agenda by March 2015, I am prepared to recommend to the President that we convene Congress to a special session in May and June 2015 to pursue our economic reform policies,” said Drilon.

“The 2016 elections can wait. We have work to do,” he stressed.

Drilon told the business leaders during the Management Association of the Philippines’ General Membership meeting that upon the resumption of session in October, the Senate will shift its focus on a comprehensive package of reforms that will improve the business and investment climate, apart from the enactment of the 2015 national budget and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.

This reform package includes the proposed amendment of the Build Operate Transfer Law “to create a better enabling policy environment for Public-Private Partnership.”

“To attract foreign investment, we have set our sights on cultivating a business environment that allows foreign investors to engage in a wider array of financial activities, to comply with reasonable and expedient regulatory requirements, and earn fair and equitable return of their investments,” said Drilon.

He assured business leaders that Congress is looking into the looming power shortage in the summer of 2015.  However, Drilon maintained that the request of the President to authorize him to contract additional generating power must not be done in haste and must be the “last resort”.

“Although there is a need for additional generating capacity, I believe that we must first explore other available solutions to the problem. We can implement various efficiency and conservation measures such as load curtailments, an example of which is utilization of the existing Interruptible Load Program,” underscored Drilon.

It is time “to establish a clear energy agenda and to address the growing concern over the perceived inability of the country’s power sector to keep up with the growing demand that is intricately linked to the Philippine economy’s immense economic growth.”

Congress will also pass the Fair Competition Act to promote economic efficiency in trade, industry and commerce through the prohibition of anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position, and anti-competitive mergers which distort and restrict competition.

“Having a competition law and policy in place will foster the competitive environment in our national economy. Competition spurs economic efficiency and innovation, and attracts investments, all of which lead to lower prices, higher quality of products and services, and more choices for consumers,” explained Drilon.

“Competition law and policy will ultimately bring about a dynamic, sustainable, inclusive economic growth and national progress,” he added.

After the Congress allowed the full entry of foreign banks in the country, Drilon said the Congress is seriously considering the amendment or repeal of provisions in existing laws limiting foreign equity in areas such as retail trade enterprise, contracts for the construction and repair of locally-funded public works, and rice and corn production, among others.

It also plans to amend the Cabotage law to allow foreign-registered vessels to engage in coastwise trade in the country. Drilon explained that the amendment is being proposed to open the market to competition, bring down transportation costs by sea, and enable the country to fully utilize the supply chains for products.

Also up for discussion in Congress are measures calling for a review of numerous fiscal and non-fiscal incentives and subsidies to foreign and domestic investors.  Drilon noted that there are around 186 laws which provide numerous fiscal and non-fiscal incentives and subsidies to foreign and domestic investors.

“We would reassess and harmonize these laws to avoid redundant and overlapping incentives to cut revenue loss,” he said.

Lastly, Drilon said that the Senate is also open to discussing the proposed constitutional amendment which will allow Congress to formulate economic policies by legislative process. It will also act on the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act to address smuggling and simplify customs procedures for ordinary citizens. /MP

Senate Commends Founders Of Integrity Initiative

Senate Commends Founders Of 

Integrity Initiative 

The Senate last week adopted a resolution commending the founders and participants of Integrity Initiative for their efforts to institutionalize integrity standards among all sectors of society and curb corruption in the country.

Sen.Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, who introduced Resolution 868, said the founders and participants of Integrity Initiative deserves to be recognized for its efforts to minimize if not totally eradicate corruption since it is the greatest impediment to good governance, transparency and accountability in any nation.

Guingona said the resolution also urged government to require all private firms engaged in business to sign the “Integrity Pledge,” a formal agreement to adhere to ethical business practices and to support a national campaign against corruption.

“Private sector initiatives such as this reignited hope for the nation and helps the government restore the trust and confidence of its people,” Guingona said.

“Integrity, transparency and accountability are the three main ingredients needed to finally curb the culture of corruption in our society. We are all called not only to do our jobs competently, but to live our lives with integrity,” Guingona said.

A commendation, he said, is in order for the founders, participants and supporters of the Integrity Initiative. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Pinaka Mahaygang Regalo

Daeayawon ag hueowarang pamilya sanday Felix ag Ana. Sa an-um nanda nga mga unga, ap-at rong nakatapos sa pag eskwela sa colehiyo. Nag-asawa man sanda ag idto naga estar sa Amerika. 

Daywa pa ro owa it asawa. Ogaling ro kamanghuran nga si Nicanor rong problema ko andang ginikanan tungod owa it ganang magtuon. Nangin barumbado ag permeng kaibahan sa gulo. Naga intra pa imaw sa mga sugae bangod bugana sa kwarta halin sa anang mga igmanghod sa Amerika.

Sa dag-unan nga pagpili it “Huwarang Pamilya” hay owa hapili sanday Felix ag Ana bangod eamang kay Nicanor. Guin binasoe ko anang mga igmanghod si Nicanor. 

Owa eon imaw pagpadaehi it sustento. Guin kontra man ni Nicanor ro anang mga igmanghod ag guinikanan hasta nga nag ea-as imaw. Owa eon mag-uli uli sa andang baeay si Nicanor. Umpisa man kato, amat-amat nga nageoya ag nagmasakit ro mag-asawa tungod sa sobrang pagdumdom sa problema nga dueot ko andang onga nga si Nicanor. 

Pag-abot kong Anibersaryo ko andang kasae, nag-uli tanan ro mga unga ag mga apo nanday Felix ag Ana. Si Nicanor eamang ro owa. Idto sa piresuhan imaw. Hadakpan abi imaw nga naga baligya it droga. 

Sa tunga it selebrasyon it Golden Wedding ni Felix ag Ana, may nag-abot nga pulis. May guin dawat nga sobre sa mag-asawa. Ro sueod ko sobre hay papel nga may naka baehag nga isaeang ka tagipusuon nga may sueat, “Nanay, Tatay, Palangga ko kamo. Patawara guid ako. Hueata ninyo ako sa akong paglaya nga isaeang ka bag-ong Nicanor. Malipayon nga anibersaryo, Nicanor.” Mingko tinub-ok sa eangit ro mag-asawa. Rondaya rong pinaka mahaygang Regalo nga andang nabaton. Bangod sa isaeang ka kaeag nga nagtaeang ag nagbalik nga puno it paghinoesoe. Nagbisita rong tanan kay Nicanor ag daea rong abo nga pagkaon. Nagselebrar rong bilog nga piresuhan sa handa kong pamilya. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Ethanol From Nipa

God has endowed more natural resources for the Philippines and the Filipinos. One natural resources is nipa. But how do we, Filipino benefit out of nipa?

In the Philippines, nipa leaves are made into nipa thatches which are also being used as roofing materials for houses. In some regions, people extract the sap or juice from the nipa fruits as wine. The surplus of which is fermented for vinegar. 

In Malaysia, they are producing ethanol from nipa. Not only ethanol, a Malaysian firm announced, nipa is also a potential solution to global warming. 

The ethanol processing plants are built in Northern Perak state where Pioneer Bio Industries Corporation has secured rights from the state government to extract ethanol from nipa trees growing wild along the coastal areas. Pioneer Bio Industries Corporation officer said, it has a five year contract worth US$66 billion with a global trading firm to supply the nipa palm based ethanol. 

Badrul Shah Muhamad Noor, chairman of Pioneer Bio has been working with the Malaysian government since 2008 on biofuel project.

By the year 2020, ethanol will represent 30 percent of global energy, it is estimated. With the existing nipa palm they have identified, Malaysia can produce enough ethanol for the requirement of the worlds, boast Badrul Shah Muhamad Noor. In Brazil and Europe, ethanol is commercially produced from sugar cane, cassava, corn and sugar beet.

The Pioneer Bio scientists studies show that nipa palm is capable to produce 15,600 liters of ethanol per hectare. This is more than twice the yield of sugar cane.

According to Badrul Shak Muhamad Noor, Pioneer Bio has invested US$12.53 billion for the construction of 15 refineries in Malaysia including the port where ethanol will pass for export.

Pioneer Bio will pay Perak State government 324 million ringgits annually for the 10,000 hectares nipa palm trees.

How about us Filipinos? What are we doing with our natural resources? We must develop it, use it, and enjoy it.

Inter-School Competition

“The biggest, the grandest, and the most prestigious inter-school competition in the elementary, secondary, and collegiate levels is on”. This is announced by ABS-CBN which will be launched in Kalibo, Aklan on Saturday, October 11, 2014. This is open to all interested college students from all year levels and courses, preferably from the College of Arts and Science or College of Mass Communication.

The newscasting competition will be done in three languages: English, Filipino, and Hiligaynon. The participating schools will conduct an elimination contest to choose its top 10 winners to compete in the 2nd ABS-CBN Inter-School News Casting Competition where the top three (3) winners will serve as contestants to the 4th ABS-CBN Regional News Casting Competition to be held in November 2014 in Iloilo City.

The contestants are requested to wear a business suits during the competition. The contestants shall read the scripts prepared by ABS-CBN 30 minutes before the program. 

Gross Misconduct In 

Office Vs Hon. Tolentino

A very new radio reporter of Energy FM radio in Kalibo, Aklan, Ms. Ma-ann B. Lachica has filed a complaint against Hon. Augusto C. tolentino, Sangguniang Bayan member, Kalibo, Aklan with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan for GROSS MISCONDUCT IN OFFICE. The complaint is referred to the committee on Laws and Good Governance chaired by Hon. Plaridel M. Morania.

The complaint, according to the information filed with the Aklan SP alleged that at about 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon of Tuesday, September 23, 2014, Lachica was at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo to cover the SB Kalibo Special Session. Hon. Tolentino was sitting inside the Session Hall. “When he noticed my presence, he suddenly said in a loud voice: Iya ro reporter ngara ni Jodel nga saea saea mag tao it balita.” Lachica just ignored what Hon Tolentino said. However, Hon. Tolentino continued talking against me and my anchorman, Mr. Jodel Rentillo. Hon. Tolentino talked about the “lechon” from a Filipino Tandog. Many people present heard him such as SB members Hon. Ariel Fernandez, Hon. Rodolfo I. Policarpio, and Mr. Rolly Hererra.

“Feeling alluded to”, Lachica approached Hon. Tolentino and asked, “Sir, ako ro reporter it Energy FM… hay ako gid man ro ing gina pabati bati an?” Hon. Tolentino replied, “Huo, ikaw saea ka magta-o it impormasyon sa imong amo. Ag ikaw indi ka kaantiguhan magcorrect sing anchor kung saea imaw magreport. Kunta ikaw mismo, correkan mo imaw hay ikaw ro head reporter.” Hon. Tolentino was angry berating me, wrote lachica.

“Hon. Tolentino only stopped maligning me when the SB Kalibo session started”, said Lachica who requested the SP Aklan to give due course to her complaint, and after due hearing, place the respondent for 60 days  preventive suspension.

Section 60 of the Local Government Code provides the grounds for disciplinary actions for elective local officials and “Misconduct in Office” is one of the grounds.

This complaint of misconduct in office against Hon. Tolentino is uncalled for. It should not happen, but it happened.

Hon. Tolentino is a retired manager of two radio stations in Aklan. He has long and great experience in the radio. On the other hand, Ms. Ma-ann Lachica is just a beginner in radio broadcasting. She has more to learn in the radio information trade. Hon. Tolentino could have shown her the best way to succeed in radio broadcasting.   /MP

Editorial by Ernesto T. Solidum

Wanted: Responsible Pet Ownership

Weekly Kapihan on September 27, 2014 discussed the topic, “World Rabies Day” held at NVC Carmen Hotel, Kalibo, Aklan. The lone guest is Dr. Ronald R. Lorenzo, Provincial Rabies Coord., Office of Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet), Kalibo, Aklan.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. All warm blooded animals are potential carriers but more particularly to dogs, wolves, cayotes, bats, foxes, skunks and ground squirrels. Disease is commonly transmitted to a person through bite of a rabid dog and when neglected, results to 100 percent mortality.

Aklan has 47,787 dog population where only 26.36 percent has been vaccinated. The only way to insure a rabies-free environment is to vaccinate dogs by licensed veterinarians. 

Target for this year’s program is 70 percent, prioritizing those towns where services of veterinarians are requested. Fortunately, Boracay is declared rabies-free because of closed collaboration among NGO’s and OPVet. Their saturation drive conducted in the 3 barangays is very commendable.

Dr. Lorenzo explained that rabies kills 250-300 Filipinos each day despite the fact that rabies is preventable and treatable. Rabies Act of 2007 or Responsible Pet Ownership stipulates the following requirements: a) yearly vaccination of dogs, b) animal registration with OPVet, c) provision of adequate food and care, d) regular consultation with OPVet or private practitioners on health problems, and e) no straying outside of residential premises.

Observance in Aklan of World Rabies Day is doggy parade, pet blessings, Oplan Kapon, Pet Care Day, Info Caravan, Dog Deworming, Rabies Vaccination and Consultation, and Dog treatment of diseases.

Clinical symptoms of rabies in human are 2-4 days of headache, low grade fever, malaise or discomfort, loss of appetite and nausea. Sore throat precedes involvement of the nervous system. Hydrophobia sets in where sight of water causes contraction of the throat muscles. Convulsion and agitation alternate with lucid periods. Most of 10 patients die of convulsion or progressive paralysis.

Normally, incubation period is 14-20 days. However, virus may remain dormant for 5-20 years. The duration varies widely depending on site of wound from the brain and immunity of the individual. Virus movement to the brain is 3 mm per hour confides Dr. Lorenzo.

First aid treatment if one is bitten by a suspected rabid dog is to wash the infected wound thoroughly with soap and water. Benzalkonium chloride or betadine reduces infections. Injection of alcohol into the site could be helpful.

Dr. Lorenzo warns of killing the suspected rabid dog outright but to observe the animal for 3-5 days. If the dog dies, cut off the head and immediately bring the specimen to OPVet for lab analysis. Under no circumstances must the patient be treated by arbularyo or quack doctors. The 11 year old elementary pupil in Mabilo, Kalibo, victim of rabid dog died just that. He was bitten in November 2013 and passed away in February 2014.

Classifications of rabid dogs fall into two categories: a) furious-dog is highly excited, restless and vicious. He attacks and bites other dogs and even its owner. b) Dumb-partial paralysis of vocal muscles often makes the dog unable to bark. Animal dies without apparent signs of illness.

It is admirable that municipalities of Altavas, Balete, and Malinao have reached vaccination target of 70 percent. The simple reason is that these towns have licensed veterinarians. Presently, Aklan has achieved 40 percent accomplishment and while the supply of vaccine may be adequate it would be herculean job to penetrate all the 327 barangays. Obviously, dogs must be voluntarily brought by their owners to Brgy. Hall during scheduled vaccination date.

Ironically, dog lovers are also dog eaters. They flagrantly violate the law that prohibits slaughtering and eating of dog meat. Stray dogs in urban area like Kalibo must be catched and confined at Dog Impounding Center based on existing Ordinance. The problem is the facility is not rehabilitated since Yolanda struck.

Animal bite Center Services administered by DRSTMH and Saint Gabriel Hospital are most welcomed. However, considering that most patients are indigents, it is highly recommended that hospital charges be downgraded in their favor. This will discourage treatment of quack doctors and unnecessary deaths.

Dogs are man’s best friends. They serve their masters 24/7 without pay. Actually, they are most loyal and competent among animals when they are properly nourished and cared for. Under the law, pets have animal rights and common demand is responsible pet ownership. /MP

SALARY INCREASE FOR TEACHERS

SALARY INCREASE 

FOR TEACHERS

Sen. Pia Cayetano, chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, discusses with educators the possibility of salary increase for public school teachers and employees next year during a public hearing on Wednesday, October 01, 2014. 

Sen. Edgardo Angara, who filed Senate Bill 61, otherwise known as upgrading the minimum salary grade of public school teachers, said the proposed measure is designed to upgrade the salary grade level of teachers from Salary Grade 11 to 19, nearly doubling their current monthly base pay from P18,549 to P33,859. (Romeo Bugante photo) /MP

DEVELOPING FARMS AS VIABLE TOURIST SPOTS

DEVELOPING FARMS 

AS VIABLE TOURIST SPOTS

Local and foreign tourists interested in experiencing life on Philippines farms first hand can add farm visits to their travel itinerary after House Bill 3745 becomes the Farm Tourism Act.

“Milking cows, fruit-picking, harvesting vegetables, fishing, horseback riding, watching butterflies, tending bees, tasting wines or juices, and sight-seeing are just some of the exciting recreational and educational activities tourists can do in a farm tourist spots,” HB 3745 author AAMBIS-Owa Representative Sharon Garin said.

Garin said farms can be viable tourist destinations after the Farm Tourism Act is signed into law.

“The fusion of tourism and agriculture will benefit both sectors as it will boost the country’s economy by improving the income and potential economic viability of small farms and rural communities.” Garin pointed out.

The House Committee on Tourism concluded the hearing on HB 3745 with farm owners, tourism officers, agriculture experts and other stakeholders and government officials last August.

Street food vendor turned millionaire-farm owner Desiree Duran said she is living proof that farm tourism is a viable economic venture.

It was 2001 when Duran first embarked on planting off-season vegetables. Over the years, her backyard farm grew into a 3.6 hectare farm land now known as Duran Farm.

Duran farm, located in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, is a known farm tourist destination in Luzon where local and foreign visitors go to learn about best practices in vegetable production.

Her farm also serves as venue for private companies who are conducting their seminars and training for their clients.

University of South Eastern Philippines Professor Fernando Magdato, Jr believes that agri-tourism will encourage farmers to preserve their lands and prevent agri-land conversions helping promote food security in the country.

The bill seeks to create a Philippine Farm Tourism Industry Development Coordinating Council under the Department of Tourism to ensure the development and promotion of farm tourism in the Philippines.

Farm tourism is already a thriving industry in many parts of the world with each country having their unique selling points.

A good example is the sweet potato-based, tea-based, and pomelo-based farm tourism industry in Taiwan.

Malaysians have coconut-based farms for tourists. In Indonesia, orange-picking tours are well-known.

In Japan, rice-based farm tours are renowned. /MP 

Feed Additives Strengthens Immune System of Native Chickens

Feed Additives Strengthens

Immune System of Native Chickens 

By: James Earl E. Ogatis

Native Chickens are given with feed ration mixed with additives of garlic, onion and moringa at CPU-CARES Native Chicken Research Station in Leon, Iloilo. The research station serves as technology demonstration on native chicken commercialization here in Western Visayas. (CPU-CARES photo)

Iloilo City – Feed additives using garlic, onion and moringa proved to strengthen immune system of native chicken according to research conducted by Central Philippine University-College of Agriculture Resources and Environmental Sciences (CPU-CARES).

According to Dr. Jaime C. Cabarles, Jr. Dean of CPU-CARES research showed that incorporation of 2 grams/kg feed of garlic powder increased live weight gain and attributed to enhanced chicken immune system.

Cabarles said that the appearance and quality of rations with additives greatly affects the volume ingested by chickens thereby decreasing the feed consumption due to repulsive odor and taste of the diet.

He stressed that the use of virginiamycin antibiotics in feeds have higher feed conversion ratio with that of basal diet and Chickens receiving basal diet (22.88% CP) has insignificant difference with phytogenic fed-group.

He emphasized that failure in providing the chicks with optimum environmental conditions during brooding period to hardening stage may lead to poor growth performance, lower survival rate and ultimately, reduced in productivity.

It has been concluded that regardless of the breeds, chickens fed with commercial feed have significant (P< 0.05) difference on the weight gain and feed efficiency among other naturally based additives.

Synthetic feed premix has numerically comparable (P> 0.05) results with natural feed additives indicating enough nutrient supply for the requirements of the chicken and fermentation of the feeds improved its appearance and palatability; likewise, stocking density and environmental factors affects survival percentage.

Economic analysis also reveals that commercial feeds require more investment as compared to other rations wherein cheap cost of the raw materials for feed additives contributes to its lower production expense.

Meanwhile, Mr. Homer Deloso, research presenter said that quality meat of chicken was developed base on what they eat. 

Deloso said that the study aimed to determine the growth performance of hardened chicks of different genetic groups of native chicken in Western Visayas in terms of live weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency, survival rate and cost of production.

The research entitled “Growth Performance of Different Native Chicken Genetic Group Fed with Phytogenic Additive Enriched Supplemental Feeds” vested 47 agriculture related researches during the 3rd regional research symposium for students.  /MP

SEN. GUINGONA TO FAST-TRACK GOVT HEALTH INFRA PROGRAM

SEN. GUINGONA TO FAST-TRACK

GOVT HEALTH INFRA PROGRAM

Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III pushes for the swift implementation of the government’s health infrastructure program funded by the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2014 to service the majority of Filipinos.

Sen. Guingona, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, asked Health Secretary Enrique Ona during Monday’s senate hearing of the 2015 Department of Health (DOH) budget, to explain the slow implementation of its Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) for 2014, and identify the bottlenecks in the completion of the projects.

During the hearing, Sen. Guingona requested Sec. Ona to identify and document the causes of the delay in HFEP implementation. He also revealed plans to undertake regional public consultations on the issue of HFEP.

Since 2010, the government has been investing in the provision of health infrastructure nationwide through the HFEP. As Chair of the Committee on Health and Demography in the senate, Sen. Guingona approved the largest increase in HFEP, from P8.1 billion in 2013 to P13.54 billion in 2014.

As of September 15, 2014, of the 991 Barangay Health Stations (BHS), only 2 percent were completed. Records from DOH revealed that as of August 30, 2014, only 56 percent of the 2,917 health facilities approved for funding in the 2014 GAA has moved. For Rural Health Stations (RHU), only 45 percent of the allocated amount of P1.76 billion was utilized. For hospitals, only 22 percent of the allocated amount of P2.34 billion was utilized. 

Sen. Guingona stressed that the health facilities are expected to provide simple medical and emergency care within the community, including maternal and child health services, the construction/improvement and equipping of BHS are vital for delivery of front line health services as well as for de-clogging tertiary health care facilities which are saddled with patients needing even simple medical services.

The Aquino administration is bent in providing Filipinos access to sufficient healthcare. It can only be achieved if the infrastructure and equipment needed for healthcare programs are delivered on time, said Guingona.

“The infusion of P37 billion for the payment of Philhealth premiums of the indigent in the 2015 proposed budget should be complemented by the improvement of public health facilities to achieve the goal of enhanced service delivery, and better quality of health for the Filipinos, especially of the poor.

For the 2015 proposed budget, the DOH is asking for P13.08 billion for its HFEP program. It seeks to provide for the construction, upgrading, expansion, repair and rehabilitation and purchase of hospital equipment of DOH retained hospitals and other health care facilities, like the Rural Health Units, district/provincial hospitals and barangay health stations. /MP

CCC Requests Agencies To Support Web-based Forum On Climate Issues

CCC Requests Agencies To

Support Web-based Forum On Climate Issues

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) which is under the Office of the President presented the Knowledge Management (KM) Communication Strategies and Community of Practice among technical personnel of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Agricultural Training Institute and the Municipal Agriculture Offices of Dumangas, Janiuay, Mina and Pototan, Iloilo at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, September 24.

Spearheading the Component 1 of the Philippine Climate Change Adaptation Project (PhilCCAP), the CCC conducted the said workshop in order to equip the project beneficiaries and partner agencies on how to use an online-based community for interactive exchange of information on climate issues. PhilCCAP, a World Bank-assisted program, seeks to improve the country’s food security by capacitating the different sectors to protect environment and agriculture from climate change and its effects.

CCC Asec. Joyceline Goco said “Agriculture is the highly vulnerable sector. Thus, it is important for the farmers to understand climate change and its effects. It’s high time for the local government units and our partner agencies to mainstream climate change.”

The CCC aims to capacitate the local stakeholders in identifying and implementing potential adaptation steps suited in their communities. Thus, the electronic-based KM system is developed to increase the public’s knowledge on how to avert the climate change effects to human security, agriculture, and environment. 

“We hope that DA and DENR would regularly upload and share technical information in our website in order to help policy-makers decide on what climate change mitigation strategies to adapt,” Asec. Goco added. 

PCIC Regional Manager Charlito Brilleta told stakeholders that in response to the damages brought about by climate to agricultural crops, the agency has P99 million funds for premium subsidies of farmers in Western Visayas who are listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture. /MP

Senate Approves Creation Of QCDA

Senate Approves Creation Of QCDA

The Senate last week approved on third and final reading a bill creating the Quezon City Development Authority (QCDA) which will be mandated to promote investments and generate employment opportunities in the city.

Senate Bill No. 2161, introduced by Deputy Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and sponsored by Sen. Joseph “JV” Ejercito, would address Quezon City’s housing and urban development concerns through the creation of the QCDA, a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC). Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph G. Recto co-sponsored the measure. 

According to Sotto, one of the tasks of QCDA will be “to provide adequate and affordable housing to marginalized and low-income families of Quezon City.”

To encourage the participation of the private sector, QCDA will promote and develop vacant, blighted and under-utilized lands owned by the local government of Quezon City; develop resettlement sites, and enter into joint ventures and partnerships to pursue QCDA’s primary objective of urban renewal.

“We must always look for ways to uplift the way of life of the people. The QCDA gives the local government the chance to provide projects aimed at improving the quality of life of the people of Quezon City, such as providing them affordable transportation, energy, access to telecommunications and information,” Sotto said.

The measure provides the QCDA an authorized capital stock of P2 billion. It also provides QCDA all the powers and functions in accordance with established urban development and housing plans of the QC government.

With the creation of the QCDA, the QC Housing and Urban Renewal Authority, a corporation owned by the city government mandated to provide low-cost dwelling units for the city’s informal settlers and low-income government employees will be dissolved, Sotto said. /MP

Kapuso Stars Shine At The 6th PMPC Star Awards

Kapuso Stars Shine 

At The 6th PMPC Star Awards

Kapuso stars triumphed at the 6th PMPC (Philippine Movie Press Club) Star Awards for Music, as they bagged major awards at the prestigious event, held last September 14 at the Solaire Resort and Casino.

R&B Prince Kris Lawrence reigned supreme as he earned two incredible feats. The Sunday All Starscrooner was recognized as the R&B Artist of the Year while his album Spread the Love, under GMA Records, was named as the R&B Album of the Year. One of the songs in the album, Ikaw Pala, was used as the theme song of Kapuso Network’s Koreanovela Padam Padam.

One of GMA’s powerful belters Jonalyn Viray took the spotlight as her song Help Me Get Over was crowned Song of the Year. The song gained more popularity when it was used as one of the theme songs of the hit series My Husband’s Lover.

EB Dabarkads members Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, and Ryzza Mae Dizon were also hailed as winners. Their catchy song Cha Cha Dabarkads did not only give birth to a dance craze, but was recognized as the Novelty Song of the Year.

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid won the Album Cover of the Year award for her studio album Hulog Ka ng Langit. Aside from promoting her album, the Asia ’s Songbird is also busy appearing on Sunday All Stars and hosting Sarap Diva. She is also poised to host the upcoming reality talent searchBet ng Bayan alongside Alden Richards. /MP

PRC Aklan And Aklan Provincial Health Award Blood Donors

PRC Aklan And Aklan Provincial Health Award Blood Donors

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Aklan Chapter and the Aklan Provincial Health Office will hold the 2014 Aklan Blood Donors Awarding Ceremony on Thursday, October 9, 2014. It will be held at Nenette Castillo’s Cake and Catering Services, Roxas Avenue Ext., Kalibo, Aklan, as announced by Ms. Arceli Pelayo, PRC Administrator.

The awarding ceremony is in honor of the late Dr. Elepoldo P. Magpusao. This year’s blood donors awarding ceremony has its theme “Safe Blood for Saving Mothers”.

The National Awardees will recieve Certificate of Appreciation which are as follows: 1. Church of God International, 2. DYSM 100.1 Love Radio Kalibo/Kalibo Cable Television Network, Inc., and 3. 839th Naval Rescue Officers Training Corps Unit-Aklan Polytechnic College.

Those who will recieve Diploma of Service are: 1. 1 GANAP/Gaurdians Inc., 2. LGU Kalibo, and 3. ASU-College of Fisheries & Marine Sciences.

Scroll of Honor will be awarded to Northwestern Visayan Colleges-College of Criminal Justice Education, and LGU Lezo, Aklan.

The Blood Galloners are Larrence C. Cadunggan, Hermy Feliciano, Loriane Redecio, Hannah Galido, Jeffrey Inventado, Melvin Reyes, and Marlon Tumbokon.

Bronze Medal will be awarded to Mamerto Toledo Jr. and Rudy Rimano. /MP

Gov’t Spends P14.8-M for President Aquino’s US Visit

Gov’t Spends P14.8-M for President

Aquino’s US Visit

The government spent P14.8 million for President Benigno S. Aquino III’s visit to the US, where he addressed a global summit on climate change organized by the United Nations and sat down with business leaders to discuss the investment and tourism potential of the Philippines, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said last week.

President Aquino departed Berlin, Germany, the last stop in his eight-day working visit to Europe for Boston for a four-day visit that begun on September 20. He was in New York on September 22.

President Aquino was joined in his US by members of his official family, namely, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Presidential Assistant on Climate Change Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Press Secretary Herminio Coloma, Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Andrea Abad, Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria, Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III and Undersecretary Rochelle Ahorro. /MP

VP BINAY FLIES TO CAGAYAN & ISABELA CHECKS TYPHOON VICTIMS NEEDS

VP BINAY FLIES TO CAGAYAN & 

ISABELA CHECKS TYPHOON VICTIMS NEEDS

 Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, the Vice Presidential spokesperson for political concerns, said that Vice President Jejomar C. Binay has decided to postponed his live address on issues raised in recent Senate hearings. He instead visited the victims of typhoon Luis in Cagayan and Isabela.

“There will be an appropriate time to address the issues raised during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing. The Vice President believes the needs of the typhoon victims are immediate and should be attended to,” Remulla said.

“Work continues for the Vice President amidst accusations against him and his family. Right now, his priority is the welfare of the people of Cagayan and Isabela who are suffering from the onslaught of typhoon Luis,” he added.

The Vice President was in Cagayan to personally assess the damage caused by the typhoon. He visited Peñablanca, Iguig, Amulong, and Alcala.

Binay extended help to typhoon survivors in Isabela, his home province. /MP 

CHIZ INCLUDES FUNDING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS’ PHILHEALTH COVERAGE IN 2015 BUDGET

CHIZ INCLUDES FUNDING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS’ PHILHEALTH COVERAGE IN 2015 BUDGET

Senator Chiz Escudero allocates specific fund for the mandatory PhilHealth coverage of all senior citizens under the 2015 spending package, after the Senate passed a bill seeking automatic health insurance coverage of elderly persons.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate finance committee, voted last week in favor of Senate Bill No. 712 which provides for the mandatory PhilHealth coverage to all senior citizens. Whether the House of Representatives approves the bill or not, Escudero would include funding for this in next year’s budget.

“Without prejudice to our counterparts in Congress, PhilHealth’s 2015 budget will feature an amount to cover the premiums of all senior citizens. We will not wait for the approval of the counterpart measure of this bill in the House; it could take a longer while before this gets funded so we might as well appropriate funds now,” Escudero explained.

SBN 712’s author Sen. Ralph Recto said PhilHealth has some P116 billion in reserves and has fiscal room to absorb the coverage of senior citizens’ health insurance.

According to Escudero, the same has been done for all barangay officials in the country for 2015 to include them under the National Health Insurance Program through PhilHealth benefits.

Escudero puts a special provision in the PhilHealth budget to include an amount intended to cover the premium of barangay officials who are not yet enrolled in the government health insurance program. /MP

PNP LIFESTYLE CHECK SHOULD FOCUS ON POOR COPS TO IMPROVE THEIR PLIGHT

PNP LIFESTYLE CHECK SHOULD FOCUS 

ON POOR COPS TO IMPROVE THEIR PLIGHT

Senator Chiz Escudero has put to task the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to look into the prevalence of poverty among the rank-and-file of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to improve their plight, and not just the lifestyle of police officers suspected of amassing unexplained wealth.

At the DILG budget hearing, Escudero, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, told officials of the DILG to take a closer look into the lifestyle of the lowest members of the police force so they can take steps on how to improve the lives of the unheralded majority who are genuinely committed to their duties.

“Another important lifestyle check is the one which will not discover unexplained affluence but indescribable poverty among our policemen,” Escudero said. “Kung merong lifestyle check sa mga pulis if they are able to make ends meet, I am sure that many of them will flunk it.”

Escudero cited a 2004 study showing that six in 10 policemen did not own the houses they were living in.

“If we are shocked by reports about policemen owning prime properties, then all the more should we be angered by the fact many police officers rent rooms no bigger than a pig pen,” Escudero said. “Sa bawat isang pulis na maraming bank accounts, meron sigurong isang libong pulis naman na baon sa utang,” he added. 



According to Escudero, his committee might be able to find a fiscal space in order to allocate more budget for the police force.

To help the “homeless police,” Escudero said PNP members should be given access to affordable housing loans or be outright beneficiaries of housing projects.

He also recommended a raise in the subsistence allowance of those in actual precinct or patrol duty. 

An entry level policemen receives a basic pay of P18,549 a month minus taxes and other mandatory deductions.



This year, the PNP has an actual strength of 148,458 uniformed personnel out of the total authorized ceiling of 164,410.



The Senate finance panel has approved the DILG’s proposed 2015 budget amounting to P104.571 billion for the plenary pending submission of other documents.

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Tatlong Ka Prinsepe

May tatlong ka unga nga puro eaeaki si Haring Ramir. Sanday Prinsepe Val pinakamaaeam, si Prinsepe Janus, pinakagwapo, ag si Prinsepe Remus, mahugod ag pares ko anang amang mabuot ag maeapit sa mga pobre. Bangod magueang eon rong hari, bu-ot nana nga isaea sa anang mga unga rong mangin hari. Busa guintawag nana ro anang ministro agod maghimo it paindis-indis para sa tatlong prinsepe.

Ro plano it hari hay maghueog imaw it perlas nga itom sa tunga it dagat ag kada isaeang ka prinsepe hay mag-usoy. Kon sin-o kanda ro makakita hay itao sa hari parabil matunod rong adlaw. Guin explikar sa tatlong ka prinsepe ro plano.

Ko agahon ngaron, agahon pa nga nagbugtaw ro tatlong ka prinsepe. Kada isaea kanda hay haum eon. Samtang nagapadueong sanda sa pagasakyan nga baroto, may isaeang ka baeo nga nagpangayo it bulig nga daehon ro anang unga sa manug bueong bangod sa owa sanda it kwarta. 

Guin balibaran ko daywang ka prinsepe rong baeo. Nagpasugot sa hinyo nga magbulig si Prinsepe Remus. Matapos nga maihatod nana ro pasyente sa klinika, may nagtuhaw eon man nga sunog sa isaeang ka minuro. Nagbulig eon man it tapna sa sunog si Prinsepe Remus.

Owa si Prinsepe Remus, busa guindaea eon rong daywang ka prinsepe sa tunga it dagat sakay sa baroto. Makataliwan ro pilang oras, nagtunga si Prinsepe Val daea rong perlas. Masunod nag eutaw man si Prinsepe Janus nga may perlas man nga itom. 

Naga hangos nga umabot si Prinsepe Remus. Deretso imaw sa tunga it dagat agod mag-usoy it perlas. Ogaling owa imaw it guinhaboy nga perlas. Bukon it matuod rong perlas nga nakita it daywang ka prinsepe kundi anda ratong kaugalingon. 

Guin hayag man it hari nga ratong guin buligan ni Prinsepe Remus rong matuod nga paindis-indis nga kasapakat it hari. Ro guin pili nga mangin hari hay owa it iba kundi si Prinsepe Remus. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Working Slowly

For those Aklanons who love to see model project whereby it demonstrate how to work slowly, they may visit Marianos Bridge widening construction along the Kalibo-Numancia road  at Barangay Marianos, Numancia, Aklan. Some of the times the workers work, but most of the times they rest. They are not provided with adequate and proper tools. A billboard in the vicinity states: 1. cost of project- P13.4 million; 2. Project completion-100 calendar Days; 3. Start of the Project-June 23, 2014.

Assuming that the project started on June 23, 2014, it should have been completed on October 10, 2014, yet it is only about 25 percent completed. A knowledgeable construction engineer may prove me right. 

Another construction project is the Widening of Bulwang Bridge, Bulwang, Numancia, Aklan. It is also serving as showcase of working slowly. Construction started on June 23, 2014 for 90 calendar days to construct. Today, it is only about 30 percent completed. 

Meanwhile, these construction projects are serving as road hazards. Hon. Roberto M. Garcia, Jr. is one of the victims of these road construction projects. This prompted the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan to approve a Resolution requesting the Office of the District Engineer, DPWH, Kalibo, Aklan to install signages to caution drivers on road portions where road constructions are ongoing. The DPWH Kalibo responded “We have already notified the contractors to provide and install signages” as requested. What a very disgusting response! This is passing the buck, its responsibility. 

With the way engineers manage our infrastructure construction projects, the “Todo Asenso” battle cry can never be realized. 

City Mall in Kalibo

Last week, a press conference was held at Ninos Ihaw-Ihaw, Ati- Atihan County Inn, Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan. The Press Conference was jointly presided by Kalibo Mayor William S. Lachica and Mr. Ryan Ang. It discussed the P300 million City Mall development project of the Double Dragon Properties Corporation. It will be located on a 11,000 square meters piece of land situated between Toting Reyes and A. Mabini Streets, some 300 workers will be needed in its construction, 90 percent of whom will be  Aklanons with Kalibonhons as priority. When completed all important products in Aklan will be accommodated for sale in the City Mall. According  to Mayor Lachica, road will be constructed to connect  Toting Reyes St. with A. Mabini Street. A transport terminal will be constructed as park area of shoppers of the 11,000 square meters lot. Only 6,000 square meters will be utilized for the one level City Mall. When this City Mall project is completed it will be an everlasting legacy of Mayor Lachica. It will add shopping options of consumers, provides more income, employment to Aklanons and also more income to LGU Aklan. Since it will compete with other shopping centers, the quality of the goods sold will be improved at reduced prices. Service to buyers will also improve. 

There is no denying, more City Malls are needed in Kalibo. But it must be situated in a right location. To insist constructing the City Mall on the site selected between A. Mabini and Toting Reyes Streets will make Poblacion, Kalibo more crowded, hot, more dusty, and dangerous. Today, the area is green, after the City Mall construction, it will be brown. It will be dusty and hot outside. It will induce flooding. Traffic will be worst. 

The trend of Mall construction is locating it away from crowded area, usually outside of, but accessible and near population centers. To locate City Mall in one of the Barangays of Kalibo like Pook or Estancia will help LGU Kalibo dispersed vehicles. It will help in the quest to balance the ecology as the plants now growing in the target area will be maintained. It will help minimize garbage production in Poblacion, Kalibo. Furthermore, the City Mall will provide additional attraction where it is located.

LGU Kalibo Business Relation with City Mall

I was delighted to see Mayor Lachica jointly presiding the press conference with Mr. Ryan Ang. It showed Mayor Lachica’s interest in the project. I can understand his presence. However, due to my curiosity, I asked him: What is the LGU Kalibo’s business relation with the Double Dragon Properties Corp? His answer is: “There were three families which donated real estate properties to LGU Kalibo and that City Mall will construct transport terminal.” To me, the answer is inadequate, but I did not ask any follow up question. 

Nevertheless, why did the three families donated their real properties?  What is the purpose of the donation? Are those real properties donated for the construction of the City Mall? /MP  

Editorial by Ernesto T. Solidum

Visit, Understood, Appreciate, 

Enjoy Aklan

In line with the celebration of tourism month, the Aklan Tourism Officers Association (AKTOA) and Aklan Provincial Tourism Office sponsored tourism officers, tour operators and members of Tri-media to a familiarization tour on September 17-19, 2014. The tour group visited Sitio Liktinon, Brgy. Maria Cristina, Madalag. On the second day we visited Zaulda Fishfarm in Brgy. Julita, Mangayaw Falls in Brgy. Guadalupe and Libacao National Forestry Vocational High School Forest Park all in Poblacion, Libacao. The third day was spent in Katunggan it Ibajay in Bugtongbato, Nito Handicraft Demo in Brgy. Mabusao. We viewed Nabaoy river and Living Museum in Brgy. Motag, Malay. A total of 30 participants left Kalibo aboard Southwest bus. Latter, some 20 local tour guides, rescue team and security personnel joined. Ms. Judith V. Malapit, member Kalibo Tourism Council was the senior of the group. The highlights are as follows:

Liktinon Boulders and Rock Formation

Cold crystal clear water swirls past huge white granite boulders and rocks creating frothy wake and rustling sound. Moisture laden air hangs above mating bird calls and cicadas while butterflies flirt from flower to flower. The scenery extends to some 200 meters upstream shielded by huge hardwood trees and verdant hills. The base of tangled rocks is home to ulang or freshwater shrimps, kagang or small crabs, eels or sili, snails or bangsud, native catfish and carp. Formidable headwater is Mt. Madyaas located approximately 10 kilometers away or deep into the forested South bordering, Culasi, Antique.

The site is accessible from Brgy. Mercedes up to sitio Igas, Galicia, Madalag. Trekking time is 3.5 hours including rest and pleasant bamboo raft rides. Brgy Maria Cristina is an Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS). Liktinon as a tourism site is an undeveloped and inaccessible. Hence the Municipal Tourism Council of Madalag must prioritize its development. The journey back to sitio Igas was exciting. Experience riding wooden banca/bamboo raft on the rapids of Maria Cristina/Timbaban river. Mr. Francisco Intela, Mun. Tourism Officer cited Mamipa Falls, 1.5 kilometers away from the Provincial road in Paningayan. Again, the problem is underdevelopment and inaccessibility.

Zaulda Fish Farm

Freshwater fish farm stocked with tilapia and hito is 3,500 square meters owned and managed by Mr. Zaulda. ilapia fingerlings are being bought and sold in Iloilo. Commercial feed is used to achieve the fish until its marketable size after 4 months.

Visitors from other places are accommodated in their spacious dining area and kitchen. Individual fishing is allowed. The fish catched is weighed in and paid at P100.00 per kilogram. The original fish farm is actually 7 hectares, but reduced to half because of super typhoon Yolanda. The source of water supply is a mountain spring connected to the fishpond by a plastic hose. Local visitors pay P20.00 to enter while foreigners are charged P100.00. Accessibility is rated good.

Mangayaw Falls

Mangayaw literally means to visit is two kilometers away from Guadalupe National High School or 7 kilometers from the Poblacion, Libacao. Cold crystal water plunges through 5 basins at a height of 80 meters. Base has been developed into swimming pool where bathers may enjoy and relaxe under makeshift huts. A bamboo raft allows diving in selected spots of the 400 square meters pool. Rushing waters divide, tumble and roll among craggy rocks and crevices. Façade of falls has a width of 7 meters but tapers off at the top.

Brgy. Kagawad Rolando Nacabuan, owner of the lot adjoining the Falls is now amenable to fully develop the area to attract more visitors. Presently, the Brgy. Council of Guadalupe does not charge entrance fee for the meantime that lodging quarters, car park and landscaping are not yet in place. Additional trees, access trail to the top and full time service personnel will soon be provided.

Katunggan it Ibajay

Katunggan it Ibajay is managed jointly by two Peoples’ Organizations which are Fisherfolks Association of Bugtongbato headed by Mr. Renante Castillo and Naisud Mangrove and Aquatic Organization headed by Mr. Carlito Alag. 

Mangrove reservation is 44 hectares that boosts of century old bakhawan trees. Thriving are 28 of the worlds 35 species of mangroves and favorite stopover of migratory birds like: zebra dove (Geopelia striata), Brahminy kite (Halistim Indus) and Pied triller (Jalage nigra). The most common tree species are: piagao (Zylocarpus molucunsis), gapas-gapas (campostemon philippinensis) and bungalon/api-api (Avicennia rumphiana). Boating on serene river affords one to see fiedler crubs, mudskipper and occasional monitor lizards.

A crab fattening project (32 sq. m.) is managed by the above-named PO’s that uses trash fish. Mature stock are sold at P150.00/kgm after fattening for 15-20 days. The average selling price fetches at P350.00/kgm.

Funding of impressive multi-functional hall is from Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). Grant of P9 million was spent for building and 600 meters boardwalk construction. Another funding of P1.9 million is for 400 meters boardwalk to reach the 300 year old api-api or bungalon trees, considered the oldest in Panay Island if not in the whole Philippines. The tree has a circumferential width of 8 meters and 20 meters high.

The modern building serves as venue during birthday, wedding, baptismal, parties, and seminars. The Bakhawan Park collects P20.00 entrance fee per head. Students are given 10 percent discount. 

Nitto Handicraft in Mabusao

Nito products are serving trays, placemats (varied sizes), coconut shell containers for jewelries and accessories, basket and trinkets. Chiefly made from nitto, its cottage industry projects can hardly meet purchase orders. The supply of nitto comes from other places like Tangalan, Nabas, and Makato. A placemat of 1.3 feet in diameter can be finished in one day sold at P250.00 each. There were six women weavers at Mabusao Day Care Center during the time of our visit.

Living Museum in Brgy. Motag

A 500 square meters brainchild project of Brgy. Capt. Nenette Aguirre Graf, showcases the native culture and life of Malaynons before tourists came to Boracay. Some 30 villagers perform respective routine tasks like threshing rice panicles by foot on a suspended bamboo platform; pounding rice with mortar and pestle; cooking rice using earthen pots placed over coals of fire held up by 3 large stones; mat and basket weaving using nitto and bamboo as raw materials. Some guests can take turns in plowing or harrowing field using carabao as beast of burden.

Native rice variety known as camoros is transplanted on a well prepared rice field. No spraying of pesticides is allowed while organic fertilizer is judiciously applied. Harvesting of rice is done by pangayog or half moon-shaped hand cutter targeting the panicle one by one.

Traditional way of fetching water from a well is observed. A timba attached to a long bamboo pole is used to draw water and promptly poured into a sag-ob, a 1.5 meter long, large bamboo container. Kitchen utensils are coconut ladles, coconut cups or bagoe and bamboo tubes as liquid containers. Use of monosodium glutamate (vetsin) and other appetizing ingredients like soy sauce are taboo.

We were served native dishes like inubarang manok and ginataang ulang. Desserts include ibos (glutinous rice cooked in coco milk and sugar wrapped in coco leaves), puto or rice cakes and biko (glutinous rice cooked in coco milk and sugar until it turns brownish). Drinks include buko and ginger tea.

Comfort rooms with running water are provided but lodging accommodation is not yet feasible what with a limited area. However, expansion plans include lodging houses and bigger farm area.

While the project started barely 18 months ago, and domestic and foreign tourists are coming just because it is educational, inter-active and unique. It is one in the whole Philippines. Consultant is Ms. Louis Henwood, a museum enthusiast from the United Kingdom. Entrance fee is P700.00/person, P250.00/child and P1,200 for the whole family. A memorable experience is watching Tinikling dance where two dancers demonstrate the steps and then urge visitors to join them apparently in a test skills.

The food and snacks including muddy immersion in plowing using the carabao, weeding, transplanting and harvesting rice are involved in the entrance fee. This place is five kilometers away from Caticlan Jetty Port, adjacent to Nabaoy National High School.

Comments:

Our Municipal Tourism Officers namely: Francisco Intela of Madalag, Reitte Teodosio of Libacao, Lyn Ilinon of Ibajay, and Felix Gregorio of Malay are cited for their invaluable roles in the promotion of our rich cultural heritage and eco-tourism spots. Tourism month has been very productive because of the familiarization tour provided the Tri-media, tour operators and other stakeholders. Our warm congratulations to Ms. Roselle Q. Ruiz, Head Aklan Provincial Tourism Office, Ms. Concepcion P. Labindao, Supervising Tourism Officer and Ms. Rhea Rose E. Meren, Tourism Operations Officer I and incumbent Pres. of AKTOA. /MP

Senate Commends Journalists, Graduates, Provincial Government & Design Team

Senate Commends Journalists, Graduates, Provincial Government & Design Team

The Senate last week approved four resolutions commending journalists, graduates, provincial government and a design team for their respective contributions to the country.

Senator Loren Legarda sponsored Senate Resolution No. 644, honoring and commending Angelo Castro, Jr. and Harry Gasser, veteran Filipino broadcast journalists, who have contributed in “elevating the standards of Philippine broadcast media.”

Castro and Gasser, who had both passed away, were known as news anchors of The World Tonight and RPN 9’s NewsWatch respectively.

“Throughout the lives of Angelo Castro, Jr. and Harry Gasser, they both stood for sincerity, impeccable work ethics, perseverance, balance and truth in broadcast media,” Legarda said.

She also sponsored a resolution congratulating and commending the graduates of Escuela Taller de Intramuros for showcasing their skills in projects reviving the historic quarters of Intramuros, restoration of colonial churches and bridges and other heritage restoration projects.

Escuela Taller de Intramuros was founded in 2009 through the collaboration of the Spanish Embassy in Manila, Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarrollo, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Intramuros Administration, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the City of Manila to offer free training to indigent young men and women on 18th century and 19th century construction techniques. 

“The graduates of Escuela Taller de Intramuros who have risen above poverty, domestic abuse, and a seemingly hopeless future became skilled individuals who not only restore and create items of value but are actually guardians of Philippine heritage,” Legarda said.

Another resolution sponsored by Legarda commended the provincial government of Davao Oriental, Protected Area Management Board and the local community in their collaborative efforts conserving Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary for being included in the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee’s World Heritage Sites list.

Located along the southeastern part of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary showcases terrestrial and aquatic habitats which include the Philippine Eagle and Philippine Cockatoo. Specifically, it hosts five endangered species, 27 rare species, 44 endemic species and 59 economically important species. 

“The high level of endemicity of its habitat is significant for putting the Philippines in 7th place among the 17 biologically rich countries in the world. The Philippines commits to the international community her strong support for the conservation of her rich flora and fauna. This recognition highlights the need to safeguard the biodiversity and natural heritage of the wildlife sanctuary and its surrounding watershed areas and forests,” Legarda said.

Meanwhile, Senator Teofisto Guingona III sponsored Senate Resolution No. 879 commending the Butterfly House Project Team composed of businessman and inventor Rogelio Santos, Jr., designer Budji Layug and architect Royal Pineda for initiating a design-led approach to providing “affordable, habitable, durable and convenient emergency shelters for displaced families, in lieu of the traditional tents and bunk houses.”

Santos, Layug and Pineda teamed up to design a solution to the loss of homes caused by man-made and natural calamities such as Typhoon Yolanda through the Butterfly House which is an “innovative, steel-framed housing structure that can be folded for compact shipping and storage, and unfolded into an immediately livable structure.”

In the resolution, Guingona commended the team for “designing ultimately for social innovation, and proving once again the innate ingenuity and resourcefulness of Filipinos in addressing socio-economic problems.”

“The government, through a national design policy, should support good designs such as this Butterfly House Project, by creating an environment that values and utilizes design as a problem-solving mechanism and by considering Butterfly House as a better alternative to tents or bunk houses,” Guingona said. /MP

SEN. GUINGONA FILES BILL EXTENDING BARANGAY OFFICIALS’ TERM

SEN. GUINGONA FILES BILL EXTENDING BARANGAY OFFICIALS’ TERM

Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III is pushing for the passage of the bill that aims to extend the term of barangay officials from the current three years to six years. He cites the need to improve local stability, and maximize disaster management program.

Senate Bill No. 2390, otherwise known as “An Act Extending The Term of Barangay Officials to Six Years,” if approved into law will help barangay officials implement and sustain the projects they have for their respective barangays.

Citing the power of Congress under Article X, Section 8 of the 1987 Constitution, Sen. Guingona urges his fellow lawmakers to seriously explore the possibility of extending the term of office for barangay officials. 

The proposed measure is intended to improve the local stability and maximize training programs given to barangay officials, particularly on the disaster risk reduction and management.

“Our local barangay officials are closest to the people and they deliver the most basic services to their specific neighborhoods. The proposed measure will allow barangay officials to focus on their long-term service goals. The government can also save the money that is being spent on barangay elections every three years and funnel it to other important projects,” Sen. Guingona said.

Under the bill, no barangay official shall serve for more than two consecutive terms in the same position if the six-year term becomes a law.

“Let us lay the groundwork for empowering our local officials to focus on long-term programs and projects that would benefit the people directly. Our barangay officials are called to serve and to lead. Like all government officials, we all should not only do our job competently but with integrity,” Guingona said. /MP

Agricl. Dept. Schedules WFD Mosaic Making Contest

Agricl. Dept. Schedules WFD 

Mosaic Making Contest

By DA 6 Information

In support to this year’s World Food Day (WFD) celebration on October 16, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office 6, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization and Department of Education, will conduct the on-the-spot Mosaic Making Contest on October 1 at DA Conference Room, Operations Building, Doña Pepita Aquino Ave., Iloilo City. 

This competition is open to all grades IV to VI pupils from both public and private elementary schools in Western Visayas. 

In consonance to the United Nation’s declaration of 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming, this year’s theme is“Family Farming: Feeding the World, Caring for the Earth.” This is to highlight the significance of family farming to improve global food security and to reduce poverty incidence. 

All creations shall be made original on the contest date and shall depict the said theme. The criteria for judging will include: originality-20 percent, visual impact-20 percent, creative use of agriculture and fishery products-30 percent and relevance to the theme-30 percent. 

The DA RFO 6 will award P3,000 cash to the top winner who will represent the region with his/her coach to the national level on October 10 at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Diliman, Quezon City. 

Interested participants may contact the DA RFO 6 at (033) 337-9092 or email da_rafid6@yahoo.com on or before September 29. /MP 

DA Empowers Upland Farmers, Launches Capiz Bio Control Lab

DA Empowers Upland Farmers,

Launches Capiz Bio Control Lab

Launching of Bio-control Laboratory at Brgy. Malapad Cogon, Sigma, Capiz

 Aiming to promote sustainable production even in hilly and upland areas, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office 6 through the Capiz Research Outreach Station (ROS) gathered farmers and local government units of Capiz in the 2nd Farmers Field Day and launched the bio-control laboratory at Brgy. Malapad Cogon, Sigma, Capiz, September 25. 

With the support on the provincial and municipal governments, the DA seeks to enable upland farmers improve their production volume without causing harm to the environment.

“We are here to share research technologies to farmers which are appropriate to upland areas. We campaign for soil conservation practices so that we could preserve its fertility and increase our crop production,” said Lilia Peñaranda, Capiz ROS Center Chief.

Capiz Provincial Agriculturist Sylvia Dela Cruz affirms, “Our production practices should be coupled with environment-friendly technologies. We also have to give value to government subsidies such as farm inputs and postharvest facilities.”

As support to that, the DA Regional Crop Protection Center has established a biological control laboratory at Capiz ROS in order to control insect pests of priority crops. Also, the bio-control lab is put up to have a ready supply of biological agents in the ROS to be used by farmers within the area of coverage and to train personnel on mass-production and utilization of these biological agents. 

Manuela Alviar of the RCPC explained, “this laboratory is expected to address the problem on pesticides’ hazards to environment and to human health as it will be a production venue for Trichogramma, an insect used by farmers to protect crops from pest infestations.”

The bio-control building with rearing cages, shelves, tables and refrigerators cost P900,000. /MP