SEN. GUINGONA PUSHES FOR THE CREATION OF TRUTH COMMISSION

SEN. GUINGONA PUSHES FOR THE CREATION OF TRUTH COMMISSION

Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona, Chair of the Senate Committee on Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, heard the proposed bill that seeks to create a Mamasapano Truth Commission to shed light on the incident in Mamasapano on January 25, 2015. Sen. Guingona hopes the bill would gather support, adding that nothing but the whole truth would give justice to those who died in the police raid in Mamasapano, also known as ‘Oplan Exodus.’

“Two months after the incident, emotions still is running high,” said Sen. Guingona. “The Senate hearings we’ve had regarding the incident at Mamasapano has raised more questions than answers. Until we have uncovered meticulously the intricate layers of said incident, these emotions may lead us to decide and act adversely.”

Peace-maker organizations led by the Institute for International Dialogue and the Al Qalam Institute of Ateneo de Davao met with Sen. Guingona regarding the proposed bill. They asserted their case for continuing a process in which they said, ‘they have invested almost all of their professional lives.’

The organizations include Friends of Bangsamoro, Women’s Peace Table, Lanao Peace Partners, Mindanao Peaceweavers, and the Intercultural Organizations’ Network for Solidarity and Peace. 

“There is a voice, buried within the din of voices, that must be heard; and these are the voices of those who know what war is like from the ground,” adds Sen. Guingona, who hails from Mindanao. “I would be remiss in my duties as a duly elected representative of Mindanao if I don’t give them a voice in the plenary.”

Aside from the peace-maker organizations, other groups have also called for the creation of an independent truth commission such as the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), and the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP).

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said during the Senate hearings that aside from their own investigation, they were pushing for an independent probe. Likewise, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Pio Catapang also stated that he is pushing for a higher independent body that will probe the incident, including the operational gaps, responsibility and accountability of those involved in the unfortunate tragedy.

“Let the work of uncovering the truth begin so that we can move forward towards giving justice and accountability to all those involved in this unfortunate incident. When there is  justice and accountability, only then that we can have mutual trust that leads to reconciliation. Reconciliation is a vital ingredient that would help us achieve just and lasting peace in this country,” said Sen. Guingona. /MP

15 Aklan Sample Barangays In Labor Force Survey

15 Aklan Sample Barangays 

In Labor Force Survey

Some 15 barangays in Aklan are taken as samples for the 2nd quarter of Labor Force Survey conducted by Philippine Statistics Authority-Aklan.

The Labor Force Survey (LFS) is a nationwide quarterly survey of households, which aims to gather data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population for the formulation of plans and policies affecting the labor market.

These 15 barangays are: Brgy. Paningayan, Madalag; Brgy. Dingle, Banga; Brgy Tigayon, Kalibo; Brgy. Poblacion, Altavas; Brgy. Morales, Balete; Brgy. Bay ang, Mambuquiao, Magpag-ong and Mandong, Batan; Brgy Badio and Albasan, Numancia; Brgy Afga, Tangalan; Brgy Nagustan and Magallanes, Nabas; and Brgy. Fatima, New Washington.

According to Mrs. Rodelyn R. Panadero, Statistician II/OIC of PSA-Aklan, about 243 households are taken as samples for this survey. 

LFS covers employment characteristics of the population based on a “past week” reference period.

“The data generated from LFS provide the basis for the creation and generation of gainful employment and livelihood opportunities, reduction of unemployment and underemployment, and enhancement of the welfare of the working person,” Panadero pointed out.

She appeals to all respondents to support and cooperate in this data gathering. She assured them that all information furnished to PSA will be held “strictly confidential” and cannot be used for taxation, investigation or law enforcement purposes. /MP

Bicam Approves Amendments To IP Law

Bicam Approves Amendments To IP Law

The bicameral conference committee approved recently the reconciled version of the bill amending the Intellectual Property (IP) Code.

In a meeting held at Traders Hotel, the conferees from the Senate and the House of Representatives succeeded to reconcile the disagreeing provisions on Senate Bill 2842 and House Bill 3841.

The chairman of the Committee on Trade and Commerce, said there is a need to update RA 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code to better equip the country against intellectual theft and protect copyrighted works.

Among the approved amendments is the provision exempting the blind or visually-impaired persons from securing permission for the non-commercial reproduction of copyrighted works for their use.

The committee also amended the law to include a provision that will strengthen the protection of audio-visual performances of Filipino artists.

An updated IP law is needed to boost copyright-based industries and further promote its competitive advantage especially because CBIs contribute almost 5 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. /MP

WV’s Unemployment Rate Drops To 6 Percent In January

WV’s Unemployment Rate Drops

 To 6 Percent In January

Unemployment rate in Western Visayas went down to 6.0 percent in January 2015 from 6.6 percent a year ago. Our report is based on the result of the Labor Force Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The labor force participation rate (LFPR) in the said month was estimated at 62.8 percent. It was down from the LFPR in January 2014 which was estimated at 63.4 percent. The labor force consists of the employed and the unemployed.

Meanwhile, underemployment rate in January 2015 dropped to 21.4 percent which is lower compared to 22.9 percent a year ago. Underemployment rate is the percentage of the underemployed to the total employed.

According to Mrs. Rodelyn R. Panadero, Statistician II/OIC of PSA-Aklan, the underemployed persons are those who are employed but express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job, wanted to have additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours.

As a result of the decline, employment rate in the region edges up to 94.0 percent in January 2015 from 93.4 percent in the previous year.

The Labor Force Survey (LFS) is a nationwide quarterly survey of households, It aims to gather data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population for use as basis for the formulation of plans and policies affecting the labor market. /MP

THE GOOD LIFE

PARENTING THE PARENT

by Megs S. Lunn

Megs S. Lunn

I had a great week this week as I gave myself time to read more of the books of my favorite author who did Parenting Talk around. I was moved and touched by the stories she shared from real experience. I thought it is an inspiration to share this to you so we all learn together. Whether you are a parent, a future parent or a student, perhaps there are two learning opportunities here that you can have. As author John Dewey once said, “We need to learn, unlearn and re-learn, in order to be called literate.” We are not to pretend that we know everything, for life is a learning laboratory, it is unending.

Let me share this thought from author Tita Carrie Bernardo-Reyes, “Fathering and mothering are noble tasks and a great challenge. The family, as the best setting for excellence, will fail if the best channel, the parents, are not united and are worst, if they are not available. They will surely lose their children by default. As they failed to give time, give hope, give love, and give peace. The family, best made up of a father, a mother and children of varying ages, is society’s main channel of transmitting excellence to the next generation: the values and patterns of behavior that lead to success.”

Another researcher pointed out that, “Without strong families, school is reduced to trying to load vessels that are not yet formed.”

In today’s society, it is tragic to learn children learning values easily from mass media. According to Tita Carrie, parents have to safeguard and uphold what the family stands for in the midst of today’s confusion. 

The Youth For Christ (YFC) motto: “Being and bringing Jesus to the community”, is what we need to do. Bring Christ in the center of our family and learn how to live with Christ and for Christ. It is easier said than done, but, it can be done. 

I may be bias to share that I really appreciate the Infant Jesus Academy’s Core Value: Integrity, Responsibility, Excellence and Disciplined (IRED). For this is what we really need in today’s society. As I go around, I see the reality of the world in the faces of the children that we serve, especially the handicapped kids. Let us believe in each other’s capacity to form each other and our children to do good in the world. Keep the love in you! 

“Family, hold on together, no matter what happen and you will never be defeated. Bear each other’s fault and burden and be loyal, then this nation will truly be great again!” /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Agimat o  Anting- Anting?

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Kon paea abuton ngani rong Semana Santa, ro mga guinatago nga Anting-Anting hay naga tukad sa bukid it Banahao agod mag padugang kong kusog ko andang guina buytan nga agimat.

Isaea eon si Viring nga kilaea sa andang lugar nga naga pamueong paagi sa anang anting-anting. Rondaya hay ana pa nga guin iridar sa anang  lolo parabil mamatay. Halin pa kato, guina pangayao imaw it mga may baeati-an, eabi guid rong guin kulam, guin patapunan, guina kaila-an it maeain nga espiritu ag iba pa nga mga masakit nga indi mabu-eong it mga doctor.

Ko isaeang adlaw, agahon pa, nagpahaum eon si Viring. Nagdaea imaw it pagkaon, banig ag tolda nga tueogan kon imaw maaeang-aeangan. Pag abot nana sa bukid it Banahaw hay hitsura it isaeang ka karnabal do lugar. Sari-saring mga de-kolor nga tolda rong nakatagdok. Abo ro nagabaligya it kandila ag mga pagkaon. Ro bukid hay guin obrang pamasyaran it mga kabataan. 

Sa pihak nga lugar it bukid hay may guinpatindog man nga entablado nga paga hiwatan it konsyerto.

Nageoya rong buot ni Viring. Abo eon ro pag bag-o kong lugar. Katong nagtaliwan nga mga dinag-on, malinong rong bukid. Kaabuan ko mga naga adto hay may mga masakit. Ro naga pangayao hay mga deboto eakip man ro may guina huptan nga anting-anting. Kaabuan ko mga tawo hay naga-usoy it milagro nga pisikal o materyal nga bagay.

Samtang naga tueok si Viring sa kabilugan kong bukid, hadumduman nana rong isaeang ka pelikula ni Nora Aunor hanungod sa milagro. Suno sa pelikula, owa kuno it milagro. Ro milagro hay una sa tawo. Kon imaw hay nagbag-o it guina tikangan nga daean. Kon imaw hay natawo it uman, guina eobong sa tubi ro anang eawas agod malimpyuhan ag sa anang pagtunga sa tubi, iba eon ro anang pagkatawo. Owa eon rong dati nga tinuga nga puno it kasae-anan kundi tawo nga may pagtu-o sa Diyos, royon rong pinaka mabahoe nga milagro.

Ro agimat o anting-anting hay sarang ika usar nga instrumento it dyablo agod mapata-eang rong tawo ag talikuran rong nagtuga kana. Paagi sa anting-anting guina buyo nana kita nga may gahum ro anting-anting ag sa ulihi mangin ulipon nana kita. Ro milagro it Diyos hay owa maki-ta sa guwa. Bukon it sa mga makangawa-ngawa ag tumaeagsahon nga makikita.

 Ro milagro it Diyos hay naga tuga ag naga kabuhi sa tagipusu-on it tawo. Owa naga hupot it dumot, naga handum nga mabuhi mo rong tawo sa pag obra it kamaeayran. Ag eabaw sa tanan ro pagkilaea KANA nga imaw rong aton nga manunubos ag nagtuga katon./MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Sand And Gravel At P5 Per Cubic Meter

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

For an Aklanon, to quarry sand and gravel from the river like the Aklan river, he  must apply for a permit to quarry. The process starts from the Barangay like the Barangay Clearance issue where the quarry site is located.

The application passes to the municipal LGU where the quarry site is located and then to the LGU Aklan for approval. Other necessary papers are secured from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources regarding the compliance of all laws on environment.

After all the requirements are secured, the application to quarry may be approved. The permittee begins its quarry operation. He pays the required fees to the Barangay, Municipality, province (Aklan) and the DENR. The applicant must have spent a considerable amount of money, time, and effort before his permit to quarry is approved and issued.

In order to recover his expenses in securing permit, operational expenses plus reasonable profit, he sells sand and gravel. 

The last time, about one month ago, I bought a small truck of gravel of three (3) cubic meters, I paid P1,200 or P400 per cubic meter.

With this P400 per cubic meter of  gravel from the Aklan river, I can not stop wondering why STL Panay will be charged sand and gravel from Aklan at P5.00 only per cubic meter. STL Panay will dredge 15,000,000 cubic meters from the Aklan river. Aklan will charge Singapore P5.00 only per cubic meter.

The 15,000,000 cubic meters if sold to the Aklanons at P400 per cubic meter means P6 billion. On the other hand, Singapore will only pay P75 million for the same quantity of gravel and sand. This shows Aklan pays 8,000 percent higher than what Singapore will pay. What is happening to our beloved province?

Moreover, Mr. Edgar Isada has filed the opposition of the Metro Kalibo Water District against the dredging for fear of salt water intrusion in the upland where water for domestic consumption in Kalibo, Banga, New Washington, and other towns of Aklan is being sourced.

Students Listen To FM Radio Stations

In a study conducted by Ronalyn R. Laurei, Liezlyn P. Manocan, and Erlo Z. Zonio, among the 55 AB Mass Communication students of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo, they found the following:

1. The respondents’ age ranges from 18 to 25 years old; 42 are females while 13 are males.

2. Majority of them prefers to listen to FM radio. Those who listen to AM radio tune in to Bombo radyo while those who listen to FM radio prefer Love radio.

3. The respondents had listen to many radio programs. Some listen to newscast for information, some listen to musical drama program for entertainment.

The study concluded that the listening pleasure of the respondents is influenced by entertainment values, the credibility of the radio programs, and the family influence.

Love radyo got the highest listening preference of the respondents because the whole family listens for entertainment, life style, and credibility of the program.

Respondents did not listen to educational radio program which information might have added to their knowledge. To them, most educational news program are irrelevant.

This study recommends that: 1. Radio Station should include timely and relevant educational news in radio programming, highly credible information, entertaining and will uplift their mental ability.

Hello… ED!

Hello… ED! Is this the usual greeting to a person who will nearly pass his prime? For what is ED?

In the medical world, ED means Erectile Dysfunction. This is another term for impotence; ED is the persistent inability to achieve and to maintain erection enough for satisfactory sexual activity. As high blood pressure is a “silent killer” disease, ED is a silent killer of the male esteem.

According to DR. Cesar S. Yap, Jr., “male sexual conquest measures the highest for manliness. Many ED patients suffer in silence-feeling embarrassed, fearful, and depressed.”

“ED can also endanger marital relationship; the wife feels she’s no longer attractive or desirable; she fears her husband is having an affair”, Dr. Yap added.

On the other hand, the ED man, in turn, fears that it is his big failure not to sexually satisfy his wife, hence marital break-up may happen.

ED AT 40

Is ED common? The Massachusetts Male Aging Study shows, according to Dr. Yap, that in men aged 40-70 years, 52 percent of these suffer from ED. Once they reached 40, they have 39 percent chance of having ED, and at 70 years old, 69 percent have ED.

My friend, Mr. Bell Stone from Connecticut joked:At age 20, a man can do it thrice in one setting,At 30: thrice daily,At 40: thrice weekly,At 50: thrice monthly,At 60: tries weakly,At 70: tries anything, and

At 80: tries to remember./MP

Editorial

FILIPINOS WANT PEACE FOR MINDANAO

Senator Chiz Escudero said the present form and shape of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) may seal the peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) but this would not necessarily translate to peace in the entire Mindanao region.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the government should take a hard and close look into the leadership composition of the MILF who sits in the negotiating table for the BBL following the bloodbath in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.

“The BBL will be hard pressed to get the Senate and Congress’ nod after this fatal incident which gave away the leadership or lack thereof of the MILF over the area,” the senator said.

Putting a time frame to pass the proposed legislation is unlikely at this point after many questions cropped up as a result of bloody clashes between the elite Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police and the MILF, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups operating in Mamasapano.

“Are we talking to the right people for dealing with the entire community of the BBL area and its residents?” Escudero said. “I once said that I have doubts if the MILF can truly represent the BBL area and its residents, including the indigenous peoples, the Christians and other groups also endemic to the area.”

He added: “Now more than ever we should press for the scrutiny of the MILF’s capability to supervise and control their ranks after the Mamasapano massacre. Do they have influence over the entire MILF, the BIFF and other private armed groups?”

According to Escudero, if the BBL is passed, the MILF will be given at least P75 billion aside from the annual Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and the Bottom-up budget (BuB).

“Sa totoo lang, ang galing ng panig at panel ng MILF. Nakuha nila lahat ng pwede at gusto nilang makuha sa BBL at sa mga kasunduan. Ang tanong ko: Anong mapapala ng pamahalaan at ng nakararaming Pilipino?” the senator asked.

The fund is even larger than the P70 billion budget of the PNP and is close to the P90 billion allocation for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). According to Escudero, if taxes and other fees and charges will be added, the MILF will have a spending  package bigger than that of the country’s military.

Escudero explained that the Mamasapano clash, which resulted in the deaths of 44 SAF troopers, served as an eye-opener for lawmakers to further scrutinize the provisions of the BBL.

“I believe we should be grateful to the SAF 44 who gave up their lives for the country and pave the way for us to look into the details of the peace process because if this incident did not happen, the BBL could have been passed effortlessly and we will be bombarded with this problem one day,” Escudero pointed out.

He cited a provision in the BBL that the Shari’a High Court’s decision is final and executory, which the senator said is totally in violation of the Constitution which provides that the country’s Supreme Court (SC) has the final say and has the sole right to review all cases.

Escudero also scored a provision that says that the Judicial Bar Council created under the BBL has the authority to discipline a Shari’a judge. “The rule of judicial procedure solely lies within the power of SC, as provided by the Constitution. Not even Congress can pass a law to interfere with the Constitution.”

 However, Escudero still expressed support for the peace process while highlighting the importance of setting the bars high in crafting the provisions of the BBL and seeking justice for the slain SAF troopers – a move that is beneficial to parties involved in the peace agreement.

 “Wala namang may ayaw na matuloy ang peace process, wala namang may ayaw ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao. Wala namang may gusto ng giyera at kaguluhan sa Mindanao. Subalit ang tanong, paano natin makakamit ang kapayapaang iyan? Ano ang paraan para marating natin ang kapayapaang yan? At dapat timplahin at sabayan ng hustisya ang kapayapaang isinusulong ng gobyerno at hinahangad natin sa Mindanao. Hindi maaaring puro kapayapaan na lamang, maski papaano makamit yan at maski ano at sino masagasaan. May halaga na kailangan nating pagbayaran nito,” Escudero stressed./MP

NVC Graduates 358 Students

NVC Graduates 358 Students

Picture shows portion of the graduating students of
Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo, Aklan of 2015.

Some 18 (Cum Laude candidates for graduation in baccalaureate degrees led in the graduation ceremony of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges held this week, March 28, on Saturday afternoon. The graduation program is held at NVC CSQ Gymnasium, Capitol Site, Kalibo, Aklan.

Mr. Ramon “Ike” V. Seneres is the Commencement Speaker. Seneres is the Department Manager, Information Technology Service Department of the Philippines Charity Sweepstakes Office, Manila.

Manager Seneres spoke about the environment and climate change and ways and means to reduce its negative effects. He also talked about ASEAN Economic Integration, its benefits to the Philippines. Seneres also spoke on globalization. He gave suggestions on the ways our graduates can participate actively and gainfully on it.

The NVC graduates with College degrees this year total 358 which are as follows: MPA – 15; MAED – 22; BS Criminology – 90; BEED – 49; BSED – 58; BSCS – 40; BSBA – 40; and AB Mass Communication – 16.

There were 83 who graduated Basic Education; 28 in Grade VI; and 19 Preparatory.

Those who graduated cum laude are Sarlyn Joy Baladjay Maloloy-on - AB MassCom; Rustom Llamas Llanera, Clarisse Jayme, Geralyn Zacarias Arevalo and Abbygail Ubani Romero – BSED; Maelody Gumban Hibek – BEED; Chiqui Rose Ann Romulo Donato, Disimie Mesina Padalhin, Christine Labarosa Castillo, Rolajane Bautista Fuentes, Annabelle Salazar Dela Cruz, Pamela Bernal Malicse, and Iza Mae Ureta Alcos – BSBA. Catherine Capuno Laurente, Glendy Baylon Pesado, and John Mark Seraspi Dela Cruz – BSCS; and Angelica Obatay and Joan Rentino Alano – BSHRM.

As a tradition NVC recognized four (4) aluminae who excelled in their respective jobs. They are Mr. Micheal T. Rapiz, Chief Education Supervisor, DepEd, Aklan; Mrs. Ma. Fe A. Marasigan – Public Schools District Supervisor, DepEd, Aklan; Mrs. Arlyn L. Regalado – Public Schools District Supervisor, DepEd, Aklan; Mrs. Fidela N. Cipriano – Special Education Teacher, and P/Insp. Reenan T. Ruiz – Chief Intelligence & Investigation Officer, PNP.

Atty. Allen S. Quimpo introduced the commencement speaker, Dr. Reinalda I. Magdaluyo presented the candidates for graduation who were confirmed by Atty. Quimpo - NVC president. He also distributed diplomas to the graduates assisted by Hon. Lillian Q. Tirol and Mrs. Maida M. Macahilas - Registrar. Mrs. Melrose Q. Martelino – Chairman of the Board and Executive Dean awarded medals to the graduates with honors.

Miss Catherine C. Laurente delivered the message of thanks, while Sarlyn Joy B. Maloloy-on led in the Pledge of Loyalty. Hon. Jay E. Tejada was the master of ceremony. /MP

WAGE EARNERS TO SOON FEEL IMPACT OF TAX-EXEMPT BONUS CEILING OF P82, 000

WAGE EARNERS TO SOON FEEL IMPACT OF TAX-EXEMPT BONUS CEILING OF P82, 000

Low to middle income employees who will get to take home the full amount of their “13th month pay and bonuses” now that Bureau of Internal Revenue issued the implementing guidelines of the law raising the tax exempt ceiling to P82, 000.

The BIR issued Revenue Regulations 03-2015 last March 9, 2015.

Since the law is now in effect “Teachers, call center agents, and other wage earners will enjoy bigger bonuses as early as June this year when some companies release one half of the 13th month pay,” said Rep. Sharon S. Garin, Vice-chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means and one of the key proponents of the measure.

 President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, in February, signed Republic Act 10653 that revised Section 32 (B) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 raising the tax cap for the 13th month pay and other benefits from P30, 000 to P82, 000.

The bill was enacted despite strong resistance from the Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares who said that government will lose up to P30 billion in revenues and only six (6) percent of employees or 1.5 million workers will benefit as a result of the higher tax exemption for 13th month pay and bonuses

Henares, however, admitted in one of the senate hearings that P30, 000 in 1994 would be worth around P82, 000 today; hence, the basis of the measure raising the tax exemption cap.

Rep. Garin, a taxation lawyer and a certified public accountant, thinks that the tax drain from the tax exemption will be compensated by increases in corporate income tax, VAT and indirect taxes because consumers will spend more./MP

SMARTMATIC HEARING

SMARTMATIC HEARING

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (left), chair of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation, listens to Cavite Representative (4th District) Elpidio Barzaga as the latter asks Comelec Acting Chairman Christian Lim if the P268.8 million precinct count optical scan (PCOS) diagnostics contract with Smartmatic was signed days before Sixto Brillantes’ retirement, during the hearing on the Comelec’s preparations for the 2016 national and local elections. Pimentel is urging the Congress to study Comelec’s plan to use Internet voting for overseas Filipinos. (Joseph Vidal photo)/MP

SEN. GUINGONA PUSHES FOR THE CREATION OF TRUTH COMMISSION

SEN. GUINGONA PUSHES FOR THE CREATION OF TRUTH COMMISSION

In true Kapuso fashion, GMA Network has waived its exclusive TV airing rights for the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight happening on May 2 in Las Vegas, May 3 in the Philippines. 

“GMA Network recognizes the magnitude of this fight and we want every Filipino to be part of this momentous event and unifying experience,” announced GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon in a message delivered by the Company’s EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong during a press conference.

Meanwhile, DZBB, Barangay LS and all RGMA stations nationwide, will carry the exclusive rights on radio. 

As in previous years, GMA offers its sincerest support for its Kapuso, Manny Pacquiao, who is about to embark on what is touted to be the biggest highlight of his illustrious boxing career. 

“Sa pagsampa mo Manny, sa ring laban kay Mayweather sa darating na Mayo, kaisa mo ang GMA Network at ang sambayanang Pilipino sa isip, sa damdamin, at sa pangarap na makamit natin ang tagumpay,” expressed Gozon.

The Kapuso head honcho added that GMA will be “one with the entire nation in praying for the victory of Manny,” praising his unprecedented achievements in the boxing arena that “attest to the capability of the Filipino to excel in the global stage.”

The Pambansang Kamao has an ongoing show with GMA, MP Featuring Sport Science, and has starred in numerous programs on the Kapuso Network. His earlier fights were also broadcast on free TV exclusively by GMA. 

For his part, Mike Enriquez, GMA consultant for Radio Operations, said, “We are proud to once again be a partner of Solar [Sports] in bringing the latest Pacquiao adventure, this time against Floyd Mayweather Jr., live and real time from Las Vegas.”

The fight dubbed “Battle for Greatness” will air on May 3 via delayed telecast on GMA7, while DZBB will bring the blow-by-blow action on the same day. /MP

GMA Network CEO Felipe Gozon Wins Global Leadership Award

GMA Network CEO Felipe Gozon 

Wins Global Leadership Award

GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon bagged the prestigious Global Leadership Award for Excellence in Media Sector, reaching another milestone in his distinguished career as a broadcast executive. The awards’ ceremonies were held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 5.

Gozon made history by being the first Filipino recipient of this international award, which recognized his excellent management of the Kapuso Network and the Company’s contributions to the local broadcast industry. 

“This award is significant to me not only because I did not apply for it, but more importantly, I am told that I am the first Filipino to be given this award,” Gozon said. 

Considered as the man who turned GMA Network around to become the leading local broadcast company today, Gozon believes that the Network is headed towards a greater future. 

“My vision for GMA Network is for its programs to enrich the lives of all Filipinos everywhere in the world and for the Network to become the number one TV station in Asia,” he said.

The Global Leadership Awards cited Gozon for his “keen involvement in spearheading the corporate business and community development, and for the continued effort and contributions done towards steering [GMA] to greater heights.” 

Moreover, Gozon was honored for “the leadership values that he had consistently imparted to move forward and transform according to times and needs.” 

Described as the “[ASEAN] Region’s most impactful event,” the Global Leadership Awards is organized by The Leaders International together with the American Leadership Development Association (ALDA). It aims “to convene and showcase the highest levels of Global Leaders representing the diplomatic, business, government, philanthropic, media, celebrity, and social sectors.” /MP

ASU CONFERS DOCTOR OF HUMANITIES (HONORIS CAUSA) TO ATTY ALLEN S. QUIMPO

ASU CONFERS DOCTOR OF HUMANITIES (HONORIS CAUSA) TO ATTY ALLEN S. QUIMPO

The Aklan State University is going to bestow the Doctor of Humanities (HonorisCausa) to ALLEN S. QUIMPO, on the occasion of her 14th Commencement Exercises on March 31, 2015, at the ASU Ampi Theatre,  Banga, Aklan.

Atty. Quimpo is  currently the NVC President,, Chairman of the Kalibo Save the Mangroves Association (KASAMA), Board Member of the Protected Area Management Board, Executive Director of the Aklan Rivers Development Council, and just recently admitted as a Climate Reality Leader under the project of former US Vice President Al Gore.

Quimpo graduated his Bachelor of  Arts and Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines, and  his Master’s in Management, Public Management at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas.

He is credited as the main advocate of forest management adopting an innovative strategy of making the community feel as if it is the owner and taking responsibility for the forest sustainability and development.   The conceptual  model is the Kalibo Mangrove Forest which is  man  made, community managed, integrating both environmental as well as economic and livelihood programs.  This  project won the GalingPook Award (1998),  the UN FAO Award for Exemplary Forest Management in the whole of Asia and the Pacific (2005).

Having served as Kalibo Mayor (1990) and Congressman (1992-2001), Quimpo was co-founder of a local party, TIBYOG which emphasized service as the best work of life, through the strategy of united and responsible  leadership, counterparting of all stakehoders in project implementation,  transparency, accountability and democracy.

As an educator, Quimpo was elected Chairman of the powerful house committee on Basic Education and authored the reorganization  of the Department of Education (Basic Educ. Law 2001), with  focus on  decentralizing the operation of DepEd,  institutionalizing planning for efficient and effective management, and separated the functions of sports and culture to a specialized agency.  He also authored the creation of the Aklan State University. 

Working full time as President of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Quimpo is working for the accreditation of schools, improving quality and global competitiveness and retooling the structure to adjust to the challenges of global competitiveness and ASEAN Integration.

With his acceptance and training as a Climate Reality Leadership Corps under UN Nobel Laureate Al Gore, Quimpo believes in the saying “Think Globally, Act Locally”, committing to come up with at least 10 projects within one year that impacts on climate change. Quimpo believes the future of forest sustainability rest in the community based forest management (CBFM).  He is currently the President of the Aklan Federation of CBFMs, the President of the Regional Federation of CBFMs and the legal adviser of the National Federation of CBFMs.  Quimpo believes the Philippines, while she is the 3rd most vulnerable country in disaster risk has the best potential and opportunities by shifting into renewable energies considering that the Phlippines is in the map of solar, wind, hydro and natural gas resources. /MP

CHIZ SLAMS IMF PROPOSAL TO TAX TEXT

CHIZ SLAMS IMF PROPOSAL 

TO TAX TEXT

Senator Chiz Escudero opposed the proposal to raise tax on text messaging to boost government revenues by International Monetary Funds (IMF) Chief Christine Lagarde during her recent visit to the Philippines.

“It is not for any institutions or any foreign entities for that matter to dictate upon us what to and what not to tax. IMF and its chief has no business in even suggesting that we impose tax on text. The power to tax is inherent in Congress and any external intervention is already meddling with our sovereignty”, Escudero said.

Lagarde in a press conference in Malacanang, suggested that telecommunication services are mines for new source of taxation because of its wide base of 102 million subscriptions.

She said that passing the sin tax bill would be “great progress for the revenue collection of the country” and added that “if more is needed in the pure decision of the government of the Philippines, then telecommunication would satisfy those two criteria,” referring to text messaging and calls.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights said, Lagarde’s suggestion is skewed, if not so unfeeling, granting that it has a place in our economic affairs.

“I strongly oppose this foreign meddling and even the idea behind it. Ms. Lagarde is better off making suggestions to her fellow Europeans who can perhaps learn a thing or two from us.”

The senator said taxation should be based on the ability of taxpayers to pay. He said text messaging is so ingrained among the lower socio-economic strata with about 90 percent of mobile phone users have pre-paid lines. “Instead of providing relief for the Filipino public, this twisted idea of taxing text is an additional burden to the masses.

Escudero said he will block the proposal if and when it reaches the Senate. “If at all, why not set our sights on taxing luxury goods such as motor vehicles and jewelry instead of taxing text messages?” /MP

LET MAMASAPANO INCIDENT UNITE YOU

LET MAMASAPANO 

INCIDENT UNITE YOU

“You are not at war with each other, so shut up and stop fighting in public.”

This was the message of Senator Chiz Escudero to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the face of the debacle over the deaths of 44 members of the elite police force who were on a mission to get an international terrorist in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last week.

Instead of bickering in public, the leadership of the AFP and the PNP should take their cases to the Board of Inquiry (BOI) and other probe panels that will investigate the Mamasapano carnage, Escudero said.

“If they have so much to say, they can do so within the walls of the Board of Inquiry and before the probing panels. If they want to fight, go lock themselves in a room and do not drag the public into it,” Escudero reminded the AFP and the PNP.

The senator said the ongoing word war between the police and the military over responsibility and liability in the PNP Special Action Force operation “is not only unhealthy but unprofessional, as well. It goes to the path of using the incident to turn against each other when they are brothers in uniform.”

He added: “If they want respect, they better start by deserving it.”

According to Escudero, President Aquino should intervene as commander-in-chief to order both the AFP and the PNP to refrain from further issuing statements that would only stoke the fire.

“Our military and police forces should rally as one in support of law enforcement, justice and peace, and not be at war with each other,” Escudero said. 

CONGRESS IS LEGISLATING NOT DICTATING

Senator Chiz Escudero said Congress will not simply rubber stamp the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) without sifting through its facts to resolve contentious issues, as what the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) seems to fancy from the legislators.

“Let the MILF be reminded that we in Congress are not dictating, we are legislating,” Escudero said, in reference to a statement attributed to MILF’s Mohagher Iqbal cautioning Congress against imposing pre-conditions to clear the way for the approval of the BBL.

The senator underscored the need for a thorough review of the BBL draft since Congress has no participation in the crafting of the proposal put together by Philippine and MILF negotiators.

“Sila-sila lang ang nag-uusap nung ginagawa ang laman niyan. We were actually kept in the dark, and now they give us this take-it-or-leave-it stance. This is demanding; they are the ones demanding,” said Escudero, chair of Senate Committee on Finance.

Escudero scored government negotiators for not doing their job and has put them to task to relay to the MILF the work Congress needs to do in as far as the negotiated draft agreement is concerned. He said they should also be forthright about the limitations of their negotiating jusrisdiction.

“Nung may sulat na lumabas na ang pagkakaintindi ng MILF nung nakikipag-usap sila sa GRP panel, ang kausap nila ay buong executive, legislative at judiciary. Ito ba ang ipinaunawa sa kanila ng ating mga negotiators? Ni walang pumalag sa ating panel at sinabing hindi ganyan yan. Ngayon nakuha na lahat ng MILF ang gusto nila tungkol sa BBL kaya hindi na naming pwedeng baguhin?” Escudero pointed out.

Escudero was referring to a December 29, 2014 letter from MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim to the House of Representatives, as cited by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano in the Senate Mamasapano hearing last February.

In a letter dated Dec. 29, 2014, MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim told the House of Representatives that when they negotiated the peace agreement they had “the understanding it was negotiating with the totality of the Philippine government or the ‘whole of government’ especially since the Commander-in-Chief powers of the President allow him to bind the whole government including its different branches.”

“It’s now up for Congress to clean up the mess our government negotiators have created. Now let OPPAP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) and the GRP panel work and impress upon their counterparts that Congress reviewing the draft BBL and amending provisions is fairly part of our democratic process,” Escudero said. /MP

ROMULO, THE LAST MAN OUT OF BATAAN

ROMULO, THE LAST MAN 

OUT OF BATAAN

On April 9, 2015, the Philippines will commemorate the 73rd Anniversary of the fall of Bataan.

The battle of Bataan was the most intense phase of the Imperial Japan invasion of the Philippines during World War II. The Commander-in-chief of all Filipino-American forces in the Philippines, General Douglas MacArthur, consolidated his units all over Luzon to the Bataan Peninsula to fight the Japanese invaders. Despite an almost complete lack of supplies and material, Filipino-American forces managed to fight the Japanese army for three months and two days standstill. On April 9, 1942 Bataan fall into the hands of the Japanese. The surrender after the fall of Bataan was the largest in American and Filipino military history. Soon afterwards, Filipino and American prisoners’ of war were forced into the Bataan Death March.

The late General Carlos P. Romulo risked his life in the Battle of Bataan, which highlighted human endurance and heroism. He was the last man out of Bataan. Before he escaped, he spent four months in the fox holes of Bataan and the tunnel of Corregidor. In a book “Battle Stations”, saw the battle of the Philippines, first with General McArthur and then with Lieutenant General Wainwright, April 1942. He was sent away because the Japanese set a price on his head. His escape was due solely to ingenuity of an air crew who patched up a makeshift Navy Amphibian and flew him through Japanese bullets to safety. Romulo’s adventure in the plane begun with his frantic dash from Corregidor to Bataan airfield where he found orders from Corregidor sending him on the Cabcaben airfield.

In his history book “The Flight of the Old Duck”, Col. Carlos P. Romulo narrated his great escape from Bataan to safety. He was ordered to go to Cabcaben airfield and asked for Lieutenant Barnick to facilitate his escape. If he was still alive he would arrange a plane for Romulo’s escape. Enemy planes were droning overhead and shells and bombs were crashing down on the Cabcaben airfield when they arrived. They jounced over the field, skirting shell holes unit they saw a light gleaming in a thicket. And he saw Lt. Ronald J. Barnick, North Dakota farm boy with resourceful mind and engaging grin. For two days and nights, Lt. Barnick and his crew had been working steadily in shifts hoping, out of the salvage remains of the old Duck, J2f4 plane to make it fly so that it will be used for Col. Romulo’s safety.

They worked on the plane until night of April 8, close to midnight when he saw them in the bamboo grove. The plane can only carry four passengers but they were six on board when the plane was done.

They waited for the moon before take-off because Japanese bombs are still falling.

Barnick started the motor. The old Duck began vibrating in a way that rattled their teeth. There was a chorus of denials that anybody was doing any shaking.

The plane creaked and jerked down the bomb-pitted field. It managed to lumber into a waddle that carried a little speed. Then it was off the ground – it was over the water – it hung a few inched above Manila Bay.

Then Japanese search lights hit them. The white lines wheeled over the dark sky and finally pinned them in a cross of binding light. Japanese guns began roaring down below. A couple of bullets ripped through the sides of the plane. One of the crew members look at the window and began yelling “Our own guns are shelling us”. They recognized the shells they had using on Bataan because each third shell was followed by a tracer carrying a light. Their own soldiers down there in peninsula did not recognize their plane.

Their plane was hit, the reason they could not get any altitude. The J2f4 plane crawled along about 70 feet above the water. They throw out all extra weight even their pistol and parachutes.

The loss of their baggage seemed to give the Old Duck a new lease of life. It soared upward – 50 feet. It crawled over the bay, over the dark – blob that was Corregidor, beyond the reach of guns and the long white fingers of the search light.

The minutes and the hours passed, and they were still flying. They were all awake and trying to peer down through the clouds to see what lay below. Below lay harbor – Cebu. There were long white ribbons of search lights groped up through the clouds, searching out their wretched little plane. It came from the decks of enemy cruisers and destroyers. Their enemies were there ahead of them. Lt. Barnick called his attention that their plane was about out of gas. Col. Romulo reached into his dispatched case that he refused to throw overboard and dragged out a map that few people had ever seen except General Wainright and  General MacArthur. It was a map of the secret airfields of the Philippines.

A little later, they were circling over a secret landing field on an island that must not be named.

Lights flashed on two hundred feet below. Wearily, the Old Duck lurched down to the ground. Its tank was almost dry.

An hour later they came down in at dawn on another airfield in Iloilo. It seemed there was no thought of war in Iloilo. Peanuts were on their way to rice fields. Carabao carts and carromatas dwindled over the quiet roads. Flowers were everywhere. It was April – springtime in Iloilo.

There was a little restaurant near the airport where they stumbled into it and had breakfast. Then after they finished breakfast, they found themselves standing on the airfield listening to a radio. It came from the Voice of Freedom, from the tunnel on Corregidor. He knew that the voice was Third Lieutenant Norman Reyes, one of his assistants speaking “Bataan has fallen but the spirit that makes it stands – a beacon to all the liberty-loving people of the world – cannot fall . . . .

According to Conrado O. Benitez, Colonel Carlos P. Romulo survived the Second World War. General Douglas MacArthur promoted him to Brigadier General after successfully returning to the Philippines. For his heroism during the war, he received six military decorations. One of them is the Philippine congressional Medal of Honour. He was with General MacArthur and President Sergio Osmeña when the American liberation forces landed at Palo, Leyte on October 20. 1944.

After the war, he worked for the Philippine government for more than 50 years. Among the positions he held are Philippine Ambassador or Chief of Mission to the United Nations, President of the University of the Philippines, Secretary of Education, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He showed his best as a diplomat and was internationally admired.

This great man had made us, Filipinos, proud of our heritage. /MP

THE GOOD LIFE

INTENSE WITH COMPASSION

by Megs S. Lunn

Compassion is the desire that moves individual to love the unlovable, help the helpless and conform to kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. They say, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion and if you want to be happy, practice compassion.”  Dalai Lama once said, “However, one must be compassionate to oneself before external compassion.”

A compassionate person tends to be intense sometimes. Being compassionate doesn’t mean you are not entitled to be angry or to experience and express emotional energy. Our life has so much to offer, and when a person is too intense to do something different, that person becomes so emotional, at times so excited when people do not do the way that person wishes them to do it. “Being compassionate doesn’t mean one doesn’t get emotional and angry, since being intense doesn’t mean being angry.”

When one is angry,  count from 1 to 10  always, the best move. Then when you do, notice the things and emotions that are ‘unmet’ - they say 10 seconds are not enough, we may need more than 10 seconds, like an hour, a day or two. But it helps to say less things that later we regret. 

A person has to examine himself with the belief and needs, his thoughts and feelings  before he could be reactive. Once he learns the cause, the need, the feelings and get connected to it, then he will be pro-active, less judgmental and less blaming.

Being compassion with too much intensity is actually both a challenge and opportunity. It is a challenge to be compassionate while a person is angry or in a blaming mood. It becomes an opportunity when that blaming mood will create connection in his unmet feelings and need. On the other hand, it is also a challenge when one is intensely compassionate. While others are not, a person doesn’t actually have a hold on other’s feelings. It will be an opportunity to keep going and just doing well. Later it may help develop one into a person whose compassionate heart is really the true meaning of intense compassion to make a difference. Never mind others who are not doing the same because ‘patience is a virtue.’ God was patient with. We have all the opportunity to be patient, too, and this is where intense compassion is tested in us. Until when and to what extent are we able to be compassionate with others while others are not? Besides, humanity can’t survive without love and compassion. 

As God ordered, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10 /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ro Ambisyosong Leon

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Leon ro guinakilaea nga hari it kagueangan. Naila guid imaw kon dayawon eabi guid ko mga babayeng Leon ag iba pang mga hayop. Nagdugang pa ro anang pagka bugaeon bangod guina pasundan – sundan eang imaw it mga hayop. Isaea eon rong bukaw nga guina kabig nga pinaka-maaeam sa tanan. Guina sugo nana ro Leon nga mag asawa eon agod may reyna man rong kagueangan. Naghandum imaw nga makapangasawa it eabaw sa asawa it iba pang mga hayop. Nagdisider imaw nga asawahon nana rong babaye nga nagaestar sa liwan it kagueangan. Kon mapahinuhod nana rong daeaga hay pagadayawon guid imaw it tanan nga hayop.

Ko isaeang agahon ngaron, nag adto imaw sa baeay it daeaga, may daea imaw nga mga bueak halin pa sa kagueangan. Guin baton imaw ogaling idto eamang imaw sa bintana guin gawa it daeaga ag ama. Maskin nagakurog sa kahadlok ro ama, matawhay nana nga guin hambae ro Leon.

“Haring Leon, bulahan ro akong unga nga mapangasawa kong hari it kagueangan, ogaling may pagka kilibuton ro akon nga unga ag nahadlok imaw sa mataeawis nga ngipon ag kamaeos. Ha-um imaw nga magpakasae kimo kon boe-on mo ro imong ngipon ag utdon rong imong kamaeos.”

Nagpasugot ro Leon. Insigida nag-adto sa dentista agod ipagabot tanan ro anang mga ngipon ag kamaeos. Nagbalik imaw sa baeay it daeaga ogaling ha-um eon rong wasay ko tatay. Insigida guin patay nana rong Leon. Owa nadayon rong ambisyon it Leon nga mapangasawa rong daeaga. /MP

Editorial

Stray Dogs  - Potential Threat to Motorists

by Ernesto T. Solidum

The recent Weekly Kapihan discussed the topic, “Summer Diseases and Animal Bites” at NVC Carmen Hotel. Guests are Dr. Cornelio V. Cuachon Jr. - Provincial Health Officer I (PHO)  and Dr.  Rumulo Lorenzo, Office of the Provincial Veterenarian, Aklan.

Summer is synonymous with outdoor fun and relaxation for people taking their vacation from mundane tasks. However, we need to watch out for summer diseases that often kill victims, warned Dr. Cuachon. He listed important diseases all beginning with letter “S” for easy recall: a) Sunburn, b) Sipon, c) Sore eyes, d) Stomach ailment, e) Skin diseases, and f) Sakmal aso.

Sunburn is intense heat burning outer layers of the skin turning into reddish brown. Sun’s rays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM can be lethal to unprotected bodies. Hence, have protective cover, wear long sleeves/long pants instead of skimpy outfit when doing things in open. Sipon is running nose accompanied by sneezing. Sore eyes results when dust or dirt penetrates and infects the tissues. Here, eyeballs appear reddish and patient suffers blurred vision especially with direct sunlight. 

Stomach ailments can be the result of eating foods that are stale invasioned by intestinal parasites. Skin diseases are often the result of allergies and acute deficiency of vitamins. Sakmal ng aso, animal bite usually by a dog, potential carrier of rabies virus. Other animal species are cats, squirrels, skunks, beavers and rats.

Dr. Lorenzo disclosed that RA 9482 or Responsible Pet Ownership Act enjoins all concerned individuals to submit their pets to regular check-up and anti-rabies vaccination. One needs only to go to the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian with his pet where their services are free. Present LGU Ordinance on cases of animal bites where dog is not vaccinated could be slapped a hefty fine of P25,000. Vets on the case usually observe the dog for 5-10 days while the victim gets immediate anti rabies injection. Second dose is on the 7th day and finally on the 28th day. Louis Pasteur, Father of Microbiology in 1885 saved the life of a boy bitten by a dog by injecting him with weakened rabies virus.

It is warmly appreciated that Gov. Florencio Miraflores has released the P500,000 fund for the Animal Bite Center at DRSTMH. Before this, victims and their families have to pay considerable sum just to ensure the timely and proper medical treatment. The tertiary hospital has 2,500 anti rabies vaccines available for free.

“Our program calls for 70 percent of all dogs vaccinated within Aklan. Thus, the March 24 opening salvo on education information, treatment, and prevention of diseases at the Provincial Capital”. Dr. Lorenzo underscored that animal pets are part of the family and need to be loved and protected so their services could be optimized.

The province of Aklan has 3,600 reported cases of dog bites out of 47,789 dog population in 2014. However, only 26.36 per cent of our dogs are vaccinated. It is known that 14 year old Debbie Villaflor of Estancia, Kalibo was one of the victims who died last year.

It should be fair and just, dogs which figure in motorcycle or bicycle crashes in the national or provincial highway that lead to serious physical injuries or death of the motorist and his back rider must be accounted for by the animal owner. Penalty must be P25,000 or the same case as when the victim is bitten. This should serve as stern warning to irresponsible, worthless owners.

Almost all towns and cities have existing Ordinances against stray dogs and cats, organizing Animal Catching Crew and building Impounding Center. In Kalibo, the law is technically inoperative since its facility at Kalibo Slaugtherhouse compound has not been rehabilitated since Typhoon Frank struck it down.

Fortunately, a private facility called Aklan Rehabilitation and Rescue Center (ARRC) was opened at Paraiso Road, Linabuan Sur. It can accommodate 100 dogs at a time. A Swiss, married to a Filipina manages the physical rehabilitation and medical needs of unwanted dogs or those given up for adoption. Since their budget is very limited, neighboring towns may place their animals at ARCC but required to shoulder the food component. 

The Philippines has 20 million youngsters infested with intestinal parasites such as roundworms, pinworms, hookworms and tapeworms. Signs are abdominal pain and weight loss. Its effects are lack of physical activity, poor mental health and stunted growth. Dr. Cuachon said they have a pre –school deworming program for kids 1-6 years old held every October of each year. Personal hygiene like hand washing before meals, daily bath and acces to sanitary toilet are must. The 2013 Annual Poverty Indicator Survey by Philippines Statistics Authority shows that 83 percent of families in Region VI have access to safe drinking water, 83 percent have sanitary toilets and 89 per cent with electricity. With these data, high incidence of intestinal parasite despite available household facilities could be traced to inadequate info drive by PHO and DepEd.

Yes, summer must be enjoyed by old and young alike. Whether going on outing or staying indoors, one must be pro-active like drinking lots of water, eating fruits, wearing loose and light clothing, wide brim hat, get into a car and go straight to the beach. It is great to behold our alluring beaches, crystal clear blue water and wind whispering in our ears. 

However,  drive carefully for dogs may block your way. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Rice Fields Are Still Burning

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Until this day, some 10 years after the Aklan Provincial Ordinance prohibiting the burning of rice straw was approved, the rice fields all over Aklan  are still burning. Nobody pays attention to follow the said ordinance.

Even the barangay captains burn their rice straw immediately after harvest. Just go out to the rice fields and see the steaming piles of ashes. Our farmers had not known that burning farm waste will make the soil barren, useful insects are killed, organic matter is destroyed and plant nutrients evaporate.

In simple terms, our agricultural extension officials failed in their responsibilities to convince our farmers to follow recommended farm technologies to increase productivity and income.

How can a farm family follow recommended technologies when the local government units pay token attention only to farming? The dissemination of recommended practices to raise productivity is the function of the LGU, but agriculture is the least of their priority.

Proposed Aklan PPP Code

In a public hearing on the proposed “Ordinance Enacting the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Province of Aklan”, all those present wholeheartedly supported the proposal. There are however, weak points pointed out which need to be deleted, strengthened, or improved.  

One modality for instance “Joint Venture” is recommended for deletion to prevent LGU Aklan from contributing money to any Joint Venture but to enable Aklan to devote its resources to its provincial projects.

Another proposal is to create a regular committee to review proposals submitted, conduct evaluation and analyses, and give recommendations. The approval of the PPP will be the function of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Governor.

A Rural Sociologist is recommended to be a member of the Committee which function is to conduct research studies on the behavior of the Aklanons towards a certain project and stimulus.

The NVC Institute of Public Policy Studies supports the approval of the PPP. It recommends however, that “the Province should not as a matter of policy extend direct Provincial guarantee, subsidy”.

Mr. Ernesto T. Solidum commented that “Enacting the PPP Code of the Province of Aklan could be one of the most comprehensive and compelling statutes. It is forceful and consistent to be performance-driven. The following are his comments:

a) Under Section 11-b, it states the list of projects to be implemented by the Province under any of the BOT variants shall be submitted for confirmation to the Provincial Development Council… It is assumed that this is the appropriate Regulatory authority.

Under the basic guidelines of PPP, the government invites private investors to put their money in infra and other socio-economic projects in order to address a pressing or critical public need. It rationalizes that PPP’s infrastructure reform policy by introducing competition in and for the market.

The subject of private investments in a public undertaking like a road infra is evidently the administrative realm of Provincial Board of Investments (BOI). Aklan has enacted the Provincial Investment Code several years ago, organized the BOI and its duties and function must be those cited in Section 4 – Rational for PPP’s. Specifically, BOI is the appropriate authority to determine reasonable rate of return, equity, subsidy/guarantees and assess status of competing bidders.

b) Under Section 5 – Definition of terms. The Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) the Private Sector Proponent (PSP) transfers to the Province at the end of the fixed term which shall not exceed 50 years must be reduced to a minimum of 10 years. Otherwise if the PSP opts for 50 years lease, then it automatically turns into Build-Own-Operate (BOO) variant.

c) Section 9 – List of Priority Projects. The Province shall identify specific priority development projects that must be undertaken under any of the PPP modalities.

This is injcomplete and generally stated. Hence, add the following statements:

List of priority projects must necessarily include project description, location, estimated cost, target beneficiaries and preferred modality to be posted in the official website of Aklan for wider publicity/info and awareness of prospective bidders.

Please allow me to recommend priority projects to be funded under PPP to wit:

a.) Disaster Risk Reduction – construction of covered courts/gymnasium;

b.) Hydropower projects in Libacao, Madalag , and Ibajay.

c.) Road Opening/Improvement from Poblacion, Libacao to its furthest barangay Alfonso XII.

d.) Triple AAA Abattoir for Kalibo. /MP

ASU Banga Schedules Graduation

ASU Banga Schedules Graduation

Some 627 candidates for graduation from various degrees in Aklan State University (ASU), Banga Main Campus, will receive their diplomas from Dr.  Danilo E. Abayon, ASU president during the graduation ceremonies to be held on Tuesday afternoon, March 31, 2015, at the ASU Amphi Theater, Banga, Aklan.

According to Miss Michelle M. Tan – ASU Board Secretary, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo will be conferred the degree Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) during the graduation program.

Atty. Quimpo is an educator and environmentalist. He is the president of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges in Kalibo, Aklan. He will also serve as the guest and commencement speaker during the graduation program. He will be introduced by Dr. Danilo E. Abayon – ASU President.

Honor Graduates

Of the 627 graduating students, 27 will graduate “Cum Laude”. Some 49 will graduate high school from ASU High School Laboratory. Rizzagin Ana Margarit Gadiano will graduate as Valedictorian and Nikko G. Igcasenza – Salutatorian.

Among the college graduates, four (4) will be conferred the degree Doctor of Education, two (2) Master of Science, five (5) Master of Arts in Educational Management, and four (4) Master of Public Administration. Some 20 will graduate BS in Nursing and 15 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.  /MP

CA Confirms 37 Military Officers

CA Confirms 37 Military Officers

CONFIRMED: Senate President and Commission on Appointments (CA) Chairman Franklin M. Drilon (center) with CA Vice Chairman and Western Samar 1st District Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento (2nd from right) are joined by a set of Philippine Army officers led by Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad (5th from right) in a photo taken after the CA plenary session on March 18, Wednesday. The Army officials were part of 37 officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) whose appointments were confirmed by the commission during the day. (Cesar Tomambo photo) /MP

OPARR First Resettlement Project For Typhoon Victims

OPARR First Resettlement Project

For Typhoon Victims

The Office of Presidential Assistance for Recovery and Resettlement (OPARR) Aklan Coordinator Clarence V. Guinto officiated the Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Altavas Resettlement Project at Brgy. Talon, Altavas, Aklan on March 17, 2015.

Guinto was accompanied by Wayne T. Malilay, Atty. Benny T. Salazar, and Ms. Melrose S. Lunn. Cong. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. and Gov. Joeven T. Miraflores gave their respective messages in support to the project. Altavas Mayor Denny D. Refol thanked the Aklan OPARR team, Governor Miraflores and Cong. Haresco. Also present were Brgy. Officials of Talon, DepEd Altavas, Engr. Romeo Aneciete, Engr. Cesar Estimoso, Mr. Emmanuel T. Tolentino, Kalahi CIDSS and DSWD representatives.

Altavas Resettlement Project costs Php 141 million for the construction of 393 housing units for typhoon Yolanda victims. It is located on a 3 hectare titled property at Brgy. Talon, three kilometers from the National highway and about 200 meters away from Talon Elementary School.

Altavas is the first to have started among the 11 coastal municipalities with this resettlement project. The 10 other municipalities are in the process of Documentation. Aklan is allotted Php 5.8 billion for the construction of 15,948 housing units.

It is projected that the Resettlement Summit in April 2015 for Aklan and Antique will speed up the documentation, processing and construction of the housing unitt. /MP

P50B FUND FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL FEEDING AND MEDICAL CHECK UP PROGRAM

P50B FUND FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL 

FEEDING AND MEDICAL CHECK UP PROGRAM

More than 13 million students enrolled in public schools and day care centers will no longer experience hunger or malnutrition during school days with the passage of House Bill 5584 filed by AAMBIS-Owa Partylist Rep. Sharon Garin, Marikina 2nd District Rep. Miro Quimbo, and Biliran Rep. Rogelio Espina.

House Bill 5584 or the proposed “Malusog na Estudyanteng Pilipino Act of 2015” aims to set aside 50 billion pesos to fund a free meal and regular check up program for students enrolled in all public schools including day care centers, kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools in the Philippines. 

Data from the United Nations World Food Programme indicate that six million Filipino children suffer from severe malnutrition. This is consistent with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) study in 2011 which found out that three (3) out of 10 Filipino children aged 6-10 years old are underweight.

“The number of Filipino children going to school with an empty stomach is alarming. This obviously compromises the learning of children in classrooms. This proposed measure aims to arrest this issue,” Rep. Garin said.

Garin insisted that it is the primary responsibility of the state to ensure proper education and health care among its citizens especially the children.

If the bill would be enacted into law, the government will feed Filipino children in day care centers and public schools with nutritious and balanced meals for free during school days from Mondays to Fridays.

Aside from meals, the students will also be given regular medical check-ups, vaccination, and vitamins supplements under this measure.

National Nutrition Council (NCC) Executive Director Maria Bernadette Flores supports the measure. “This (bill) will encourage poor parents to keep their children in school. School feeding programs will definitely enhance enrollment to our public schools and reduce absenteeism among Filipino students.” 

If the bill becomes a law, the NCC will be the lead implementing agency of the program with the aid of the following agencies: Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA) and FNRI.

DepEd will establish standard lunch program in the public school system while the DSWD will do the same for day care centers among different barangays nationwide.

The DOH and FNRI shall identify the fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods which are appropriate for the feeding programs in the specified locality while the DA shall take over in encouraging school gardening in all public schools.

Non-governmental Organizations and private companies that wish to help the government in the feeding project will be given incentives in the form of income tax exemptions or business permit fee discounts under the proposed measure.

Rep. Espina said that though the government takes a primary role in feeding and nourishing our public school children, the parents whom the children are with during after school hours and non-school days must also be tapped to help.

HB 5584 also provides for the orientation and training for the parents in order to provide practical and user-friendly nutrition information for them to complement the efforts of the government. 

The program shall follow a 5-year full implementation phase. In its first three years, the program shall be implemented in the public schools of the top 10 provinces where the poverty rates are the highest.

On the fourth year onwards after the enactment of the law, the program shall be implemented in all daycare centers and public schools nationwide. /MP

BOTCH MAMASAPANO MISSION NOT PNOY’S FAULT

BOTCH MAMASAPANO MISSION

NOT PNOY’S FAULT

Senator Chiz Escudero said President Benigno Aquino III has been forthright about the Mamasapano operation and could not be held liable for the bloody incident last January.

Citing a provision in the Constitution, Escudero told the weekly Kapihan sa Senado that the President did not violate any law and that calls for the Chief Executive’s resignation following the deadly clash between the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front  (MILF) and other armed groups in Maguindanao were unfounded.

“The President, under the Constitution, is immune from suit and can only be held liable, if at all, for what he did or did not do in the Mamasapano operation in an impeachment proceeding,” said Escudero, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Finance.

“Para sa akin, ang pagkakamaling nagawa lamang ng Pangulo ay kung bakit binigyan pa ng lugar at puwang si General (Alan) Purisima na gumanap sa anumang kapasidad o papel kaugnay sa operasyong ito. But then again, we have the benefit of hindsight,” Escudero explained.

He said Purisima played a key role in botching the operation and for feeding wrong information to the Commander-In-Chief.

“Ang laki talaga ng ginawa niyang bagay doon. Hindi lamang sa impormasyong ipinasa sa Pangulo, hindi lamang sa maling pagkakaunawa ng mensaheng mula kay Gen. Guerrero, pero pati na rin yung pagbibigay ng abiso na huwag pagsabihan si General Leonardo Espina at Secretary Roxas,” the senator added.

In one of the Senate hearings, SAF Commander Director Getulio Napeňas Jr. admitted that Gen. Purisima told him not to tell Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and PNP OIC General Espina of the special mission to arrest two wanted international terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Escudero also scored Napeňas for listening to Purisima despite the latter’s suspension. “Maliwanag dapat sa kaisipan ni General Napeňas na suspendidong opisyal ito at hindi pwede magbigay ng kaukulang order.”

He said that if the former SAF commander was ambivalent and scared of Purisima, Napeňas should have been more scared of what his men were about to face in the field.

“Dapat mas natakot siya para sa kapakanan ng kanyang mga tauhang nalagay sa balag ng alanganin dahil sa kakulangan ng koordinasyon at dahil sa sinunod niya iyong simpleng payo lang naman pala ni Gen. Purisima sa kaniya,” Escudero said. /MP