Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Tita Linda Belayro

Historya It Isaeang Ka Plastic

Bukon ako it tawo, kundi sangka bagay. Hayra rang historya. Halin ako sa tindahan, guinbakae ako it isaeang ka babaye agod pustan it ibis. Pag-abot sa anda, pinilak ako sa liwan maeapit sa kanae. Umuean, tumaas ro tubi, inanod ako ag nagbara sa aeagyan it tubi.
Nagbaeanaw ro uto it anang baeay tongod indi eon makaagi ro tubi bangud nag-eopon ako. Nagbaeanaw man sa ibang lugar. Inanod pa guid ro ibang mga basura. Umuean it madamoe. Nagtaas pa guid ro tubi. Baha runa sa lugar. Guinsoe-ob ro saeog ko baeay ni Piling ratong nagbakae kakon. Padayon ro pag inanod ko iba-ibang gam-ok ogaling idto ako nagabara sa aeagyan it tubi. Tongod sa pag-eapaw ko tubi, nasamad ro mga igdaeapat ni Piling; TV, refrigerator, washing machine ag iba pa. Nagtiner ro baha. Mabuhay parabil maghubas. Guin basoe ni Piling ro gobiyerno munisipyo. Mahinay kuno ro paglimpyo. Mahinay man kuno ro mga tawuhan ni Mayor sa pagresponde agod mahubas ro baha.
Ham-an it nagdaeom ro tubi ag mabuhay mahubas? Sin-o ro dapat basueon? Kada isaea kinyo ro dapat basueon. Kami nga mga plastik hay abo ro among naibulig kinyo. Kon kamo antigo mag-usar kamon, mapuslan pa guid ninyo kami, ogaling owa it pataratas nga guin haboy eang kami maski siin. Busa, kami hay nangin kaaway ag nagadueot it kasamaran ay inyo manlang kami nga guina pabay-an ag guina pahamakan.
Para maka minos, hugasan kami pag-katapos it pag gamit ag dayon ibuead. Obrahan man kami nga mga dekorasyon o kundi i-recycle para sa ibang gamit.
Ipilak kami sa basurahan agod indi magkalhit. Kamo ro dapat basueon kon may baha. Kon permeng limpyo ro inyong kanae ag owa kami nagakalhit maski siin, indi magdaeum ro baha ag owa it kagamitan nga masamad. /MP

2 Months After the Flood, Kalibonhons Fear for Another

by Terence Toriano

The people of Kalibo remains fearful for the next flood to barge in to this Ati-Atihan town, two months after the destructive flood brought by typhoon Frank.
During rain showers, one readily notices quite a few people looking around trying to gauge the depth of the water especially near the storm drains. They hope that they would not need to vacate or raise their belongings to higher grounds.
Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo is still addressing the problem of jammed storm drains through de-clogging as a short-term solution to the problem. He is re-engineering the drainage system of Kalibo as the long term solution which is a part of the task of the rehabilitation task group composed of national and local government officials and key officers including civic, society and religious organizations.
"It is a daunting task and more has yet to be done. Even our temporary workers themselves were also victims, in fact everyone is, but the important thing is, we all work together and do something to contribute to the rehabilitation effort of this capital town," Mayor Rebaldo stressed.
Several streets in Kalibo town centre is already de-clogged by 135 temporarily hired personnel through the Department of Social Welfare and Develop-ment’s "Cash for Work Program". They are supervised by the Local Government of Kalibo but more drains are still to be done even with the rotating day and night work schedule. /MP

ASU Holds University Extension Program In–House Review

Participants to the ASU Extension Program In-house Review.

DR. BENNY A. PALMA

Lead by its University President, Dr. Benny A. Palma, ASU held its 2008 University Extension Program In–House Review. It was held at ASU Conference Hall, Banga on September 3–5, 2008.
The In–House Review aimed to review and determine the effectiveness of the extension programs and projects in line with ASU’s research development and extension thrusts on quality education, sustainable agriculture, enterprise development, health and social welfare. To come up with innovative extension strategies and policies to maximize the expertise of the faculty and financial resources for global competitiveness of the extension services of ASU. It was held with the theme, "Excellence in technology dissemination and utilization for sustainable countryside development."
Some 25 completed, on-going and proposed extension projects were presented after the opening program. ASU president, Dr. Benny A. Palma delivered his inspirational message. Dr. Helmar E. Aguilar, past president and president emeritus of ASU did not make it to the in–house review. His keynote speech, however, was read by Dir. Edilberto Solidum, director of Students Affairs and Alumni.
The presentation of papers was followed by clarificatory questions and suggestions from the panel composed of five (5) members who are Dr. Rose T. Mueda and Dr. Lulu L. Loyola of UP Visayas; Engr. Roger M. Esto, chief provincial development planning officer; Aklan, Dr. Alan Alimodian – Training Supt. II, Agricultural Training Institute; and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente – farmer.
The presentation over, integration of Extension and Community Service Programs and projects were made through a workshop. The workshop output was presented. The best paper and best presentor were recognized and awarded in a simple closing program. /MP

SMART 2008 Tree Planting Program Targets 150K Seedlings

Above photo shows SMART Cebu-based employee-volunteers planting seedlings at the Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve in Cebu City.

To further streng-then its tree planting initiatives, leading wireless services provider Smart Communications Inc. (SMART) recently embarked on a tree planting activity at the Ipo Dam watershed in Norzagaray, Bulacan. The initiative is part of the three-year tree planting program of the PLDT Group together with Japan’s leading mobile communications company NTT DoCoMo.
"Together with the PLDT-Smart Foundation and the rest of the PLDT Group with support from major shareholder NTT-DoCoMo of Japan, our goal is to plant some 150,000 seedlings in various sites across the country by the end of November. Tree planting initiatives like the one in Ipo Dam watershed is part of the company’s effort to contribute to the reduction of global carbon emission," said SMART Public Affairs Community Partnerships Senior Manager Darwin Flores. "Employee-volunteers across the country are mobilized to participate in the tree planting activities. It’s time to get dirty for the planet. Smart is working with local partners in the implementation of this tree planting program."
The series of tree planting activities at the Ipo Dam watershed is done in collaboration with the Forestry Management Bureau – Region 3 of the Department of Natural Resources, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, and Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
"We are thankful that Ipo Dam was chosen as a site for the tree planting efforts," said Norzagaray Mayor Feliciano Legazpi. "It is important to protect and preserve the watershed because Ipo Dam is one of three water reservoirs that supplies water to Metro Manila."
"The trees we plant today will support life tomorrow. One of the primary resources we must safeguard is water. Next is biodiversity. Through tree planting activities, we are helping preserve the water and the life in watershed", said DENR Regional Technical Director Sofio Quintana.
In the Visayas, tree planting activities have commenced in Cebu in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress-Visayas Regional Office, and in Iloilo, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental. The tree planting sites in Cebu include Mt. Manunggal in Balam-ban, the Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve in Buhisan, Sabang in Olango Island, and Barangay Tabunan in Cebu City. In Negros Oriental and in Iloilo, the chosen sites are the National Irrigation Administration dam in Dauin and Barangay Talongadian in Sta. Barbara, respectively. Tree planting activities are also scheduled in Bohol and Camotes Island in Cebu. In Mindanao, employee-volunteers have participated in tree and mangrove planting activities in Maitum and Alabel, Sarangani Province; Punta Dumalag, Davao City and Bongao Watershed in Tawi-tawi.
Since 2004, reforestation efforts by PLDT and SMART have contributed over 130,000 seedlings in various parts of the country, including Mt. Sto. Tomas and Naguilian, Benguet; Mactan island, Cebu; Gen. Nakar, Quezon; La Mesa watershed; Mt. Banahaw; and Mt. Cabuyao. In 2007, some 75,000 seedlings were planted across the country by PLDT Group employee-volunteers./MP

Makato PNP Celebrates Crime Prevention Week

by ATBaylon

The Makato Philippine National Police (PNP), Makato Police Station headed by Senior Police Officer 4 (SPO4) Moriel B. Guzman, officer-in-charge celebrated Crime Prevention Week 2008 held in front of Makato Town Hall on September 1, 2008.
The program started with a prayer led by Ptr. Ron Misajon; Philippine National Anthem, led by PO1 Belen Ratay and the Master of Ceremony, PO1 Mary Grace D. Melgarejo.
With the theme "Kapit Bisig Kabataan Tungo sa Kapayapaan. Now Na!", it was attended by employees of LGU-Makato, Municipal officials, PNP officers and men.
Introduced by SPO4 Guzman, the guest of honor and speaker, principal of Calimbajan–Tina National High School (CTNHS), Mr. Miguel D. Dairo was invited based on CTNHS students exemplary performance for many years. They often excel in various competitions gathering numerous precious awards.
Among the valuable lessons in his message, Dairo cited RA No. 9003 about environment protection laws. Violating it is crime. Implementing the basic principles of solid waste management by converting biodegradable into compost and use it to grow food plants would be a big contribution to healthy/sound environment which is the key to a sustainable development and general well-being of our country leading to peace.
CTNHS students were kept aware of DepEd’s War on Waste (WOW) that prohibits wasting by burning garbage. They segregate and decompose biodegradable for use as organic fertilizer for their food production projects at home or school gardens. They integrate fish and azolla that make their school inside a garden (SIGA). Students/"Kabataan" busy in such activities enjoy harvesting foods (vegetables and fruits with livestocks) have no time to turn to drugs and crimes.
Guzman hopes all listeners be participants in crime prevention with strong commitment to change for a peaceful tomorrow free from calamity caused by violating laws on environment protection. "Kapit Bisig Tungo sa Kapayapaan". /MP

Roxas Urges Business Support For Mindanao

Senator Mar Roxas discusses the peace and order situation in Mindanao with military officers and local officials, during a security briefing in Iligan City, which is among the local governments included in the proposed Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) under the controversial GRP-MILF Peace Panel Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain. Roxas has called for a renegotiation of a peace agreement with Bangsamoro representatives that would include consultations with affected citizens and their elected leaders, as well as a revamp of the government peace panel. He also said that the government must quickly ensure that those responsible for recent killings and burnings in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte are brought to justice. With Roxas are (left to right) Iligan City Councilor Joe Salas, Col. Agane Adriatico of G7 Civilian Military Operations, Col. Donato Peralta of the Army 403rd Brigade Command, Iligan City Vice-Mayor Henry Dy, Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz and Liberal Party Secretary-General Jun Abaya.

Senator Mar Roxas called on the business sector to reach out to local governments in Mindanao that are facing political and economic instability as a result of the government’s failure in dealing with the peace and order situation in the area.
"There is a need for big business reaching out and engaging small local communities, assisting the hundreds of thousands of Mindanaoans who are without homes and whose lives are in constant danger in these affected areas," Roxas told members of the Makati Business Club (MBC) and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) in a meeting last week.
He was joined by North Cotabato Vice-Governor Manny Piñol and former Muslim Affairs Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan.
"Most people in the local communities feel disconnected from whatever else is going on in Manila and nationwide. This is an opportunity for big business to have an impact on real lives, real people and real communities," Roxas said.
He noted that the MBC and MAP’s present outreach programs to the affected areas in Mindanao can be augmented and integrated into a "larger whole" where more people can come on board and participate.
The MBC and MAP have previously issued their separate statements condemning the manner in which the GRP-MILF Peace Panel Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain was drafted without consultations and with disregard for the Constitution.
Roxas also briefed the businessmen on his trip to Iligan City last weekend, where he discussed with military and local government officials, including Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz, the security situation in the area.
"The peace achieved in some areas in Mindanao, such as in Iligan City, is being threatened by an agreement that is supposedly for peace, but that is actually borne of coercion and deception on the part of the government peace panel. The damage has been done, but it is now up to the government to keep citizens safe and bring those responsible for the killings and burnings in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato to justice," he said.
"On the economic side, big business can provide the necessary resources for local communities to get back on track. I thank the MBC and the MAP for extending a hand and their willingness to discuss the matter further with me and local officials," he added./MP

Typhoon Victims: See Mun. Social Welfare Office to Avoid Inconvenience

by Terence Toriano

More than two months had passed and yet the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) continues to receive reports and requests for financial assistance from the victims of Typhoon Frank that brought the highest recorded flood of the capital town last June 21, 2008.
The victims of the typhoon continue to seek help from the MSWDO to get their lives back on track especially with financial assistance to have their homes rebuilt or repaired.
However, some reports from the field indicate that there are unscrupulous individuals claiming to represent the MSWDO. They conduct the same but threatens the victims that they will not receive help unless they become a member of their organization.
MSWD Officer Lolly Espino warns the public of this practice and calls for the victims to approach Social Workers attached to the MSWDO to ask information or call the MSWD Office at 268 1333 to avoid any inconveniences.
Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo also calls for typhoon Frank victims to visit directly the MSWD Office instead of relying on individuals or groups to bring their concerns and requests for help since this practice have long been kicked out by government bureaucracy to avoide red tape and to fast track vital services.
Just last Friday, Ms. Ma. Lourdes Geganzo, the Disbursing Officer of the Dept. of Social Welfare Dev’t. Field Office VI, brought with her a total of 590,000 Pesos worth of checks which were distributed to 13 family heads in Brgy. Briones and 46 family heads in Brgy. Bachao Norte after their homes were assessed by Brgy. health workers, brgy. nutrition scholars, MSWDO employees, DSWD Region VI and Region X Officers and classified as either partially damaged or totally damaged. /MP

EDITORIAL

Are Pilipinos Real Whipping Boys
In Sports?

As far as Summer Olympic games are concerned, the Philippines is still limbering from "El Niño". It suffered medal drought in the last three Olympic games, one in Athens, Greece and the latest was in Beijing, China.
The Pilipinos are consoled though for having won four medals in Wushu, not included in Olympic medal tally being a special event. Willy Wang got gold, Mary Jane Estimar – silver, and Benjie Rivera and Marian Mariano – bronze.
All the Pilipino athletes were eliminated, wiped out of the playing fields. In shooting, Eric Ang was 33rd in the final placing. In swimming, James Walsh was 29th among the 44 men’s 200-meter butterfly. Miguel Molina was 46th in the field of 52 in 200 meters breaststroke and 37th in the field of 54 in men’s 200 IM. Christel Simons placed 42nd in a field of 49 in 100 M freestyle and 47th among 90 swimmers in 50 m. freestyle. Ryan Arabejo was 28th among the 30 swimmers in 150 m freestyle. Ryan Roxel Fabriga placed 28th among 30 swimmers in men’s 10-meter platform.
Daniel Coakley was 40th place in a field of 97 in 50 m. freestyle. Shiela Mae Perez was 23rd in a field of 30 in the women’s 3-meter springboard.
The lone entry in weightlifting Hidelyn Diaz was 11th place in snatch clean and jerk.
In athletics, Henry Dagmil placed 34th among the 38 athletes in the men’s long jump. Likewise, Marestella Torres was 34th in a group of 41 in women’s long jump.
In Taekwondo, Tshomlee Go was eliminated in the preliminary fight; Mary Antoinette Rivero was also eliminated in the preliminary fight in women’s 67 kg.
In boxing, Harry Tañamor who was the high hope of the Pilipinos to win a medal was eliminated in a round of 32 by Mangyo Plange of Ghana in 6-2 score. Tañamor was a great disappointment.
Going over the medal tally after the conclusion of the Beijing Olympic games, the records show the Americans were badly beaten by the Chinese. While the Chinese won 51 gold medals, the Americans had only 36. China has shown the Americans the way in sports.
Among the ASEAN countries, Thailand obtained four medals, two gold and two silver. It ranks number 31 in the list of 85 countries which won medals. Indonesia got five medals: one gold, one silver, three bronze and number 42 in the list. Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam had one silver medal each. They occupy identical rank No. 71. On the whole, five ASEAN member countries won medals which are Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
In spite of the Philippines’ 89 million people, she has miserably failed in her medal quest for the last three summer Olympic games. In the national game of basketball, the Philippines was a disappointment even in the qualifying rounds. Some 20 years ago, the Philippines was the team to beat in basketball in Asia. What is the secret of Singapore which won one silver medal? Compared to the Philippines’ large population of 89 million and vast area of land, Singapore has only about four million people living on a city state smaller than the area of Aklan. What is the secret of Vietnam with smaller number of population than the Philippines? What is the secret of Malaysia? What is the difference between the Philippines which got zero medal and Thailand with two gold and two silver medals?
It is very lamentable that our leaders in sports are talking much and quarreling more while our athletes were eliminated even in the preliminary rounds.
Where will the Philippines excel? Of course in corruption where majority of the Filipinos agree the Philippines will win gold . But corruption is not sports, it is globally prohibited for it is evil.
For one thing, the Filipinos deserve to get medals in the field of overseas contract workers, in care giving. The Filipinos, observers note, are highly competitive abroad. They are law abiding people when living in other countries.
With this Olympic debacle, it is hoped our leaders not only in sports, but in governance to be honest, sincere and dedicated in their respective positions. They must follow the approved standard of conduct of real leaders both in public and private offices.
The Filipinos possess the talents, the capabilities and the potentials if they are fully motivated, assisted and developed. They must not be the whipping boys . /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Correcting Facts

An old acquaintance contacted me just this week. He told me about the tape recorded radio announcement of former Aklan provincial treasurer, Mr. Evan Timtiman about the condonation of penalties of real estate taxes which have stayed unpaid since 1985. He confided to this writer thus: he appreciates two things of the announcement which are 1. that the penalties of unpaid real estate taxes are condoned. This will convince real property owners to pay their tax obligations; 2. that he likes Mr. Ivan Timtiman to stay as provincial treasurer of Aklan. However, he has retired from his job as age has overtaken him.
My friend recommended that the tape recorded radio announcement be in accordance with the facts. He said, Mr. Timtiman may continue as radio talent but he must tell the radio audience he has retired as provincial treasurer of Aklan. This will give fairness to the incumbent provincial treasurer. Moreover, correct information must be given to the public especially to the school children.
Fertilizer Coupon
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is giving P500 fertilizer subsidy per hectare to the farmers. This subsidy is effective until October 2008.
In Aklan, DA Region VI has released 32,500 pieces of coupons. Each coupon is worth P250.00. A farmer with one hectare paddy field included in the master list will be entitled to two coupons worth P500 or P250 subsidy for every bag of fertilizer purchased and applied to his rice crop.
This 32,500 pieces of coupons are good for 16,250 hectares. As of Aug. 26, according to Dir. Larry Nacionales, of DA Region IV, he has received and paid P33,750 for the 135 pieces of coupons from Aklan. According to Ms. Salome David, Asst. Provincial Agriculturist of Aklan, she has also received 350 pieces of coupons as of August 28. She will forward it to DA Region VI, Iloilo City for payment to the fertilizer dealers.
The use of coupons to provide subsidy in the application of fertilizer seems slow because fertilizer cost has tremendously increased and the farmers can hardly afford to purchase it even with the P500 subsidy per hectare. The effect of fertilizer to increase production is insignificant if other production requirements are not provided such as water. Some fertilizer dealers increase fertilizer prices for farmers with coupons due to the delay in payment of P250 per bag subsidy and the additional expenses in recording farmers’ purchases, and collecting payments.
During the meeting of the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council held in DA Conference Room, Iloilo City on August 26, the fertilizer subsidy matter was discussed. In view of the regionwide problems experienced, a resolution was approved to request the secretary of the DA to hold policy review on fertilizer subsidy as soon as possible with the recommendation to make it mutually beneficial between the dealers on one hand and the farmers on the other.
New Washington Artificial Reef
On Friday, September 5, the LGU New Washington, Aklan will hold a program in connection with the "Blessing and Deployment of Artificial Reef" in Rizal St., Poblacion, New Washington. This is a joint project of the Samahan Ng Mga Mangingisda Ng Poblacion, New Washington, BFAR, LGU New Washington and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Aklan. The project will be implemented with the leadership of Mr. Edwin M. Rome, municipal agriculturist of New Washington and Mayor Edgar Peralta. /MP

Cordova Assumes MAFC Chair

MAFC Chairman Antonio Cordova (second from left standing) of Numancia is shown with (l to r) Ronilo Romulo, Gabriel Briones, Wilfredo Armenio, and Ernesto Tambong. Sitting are Ms. Brenda Marte - MAO Numancia and Dr. Ambrosio Villorente.

Mr. Antonio Cordova assumed as chairman of the Numancia Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC) after his election as vice chairman and after the position of the chairman was vacated. Other officers elected with Cordova are the following: Nida Abello – vice chairman (private sector); - Brenda Marte – vice chairman (government); Mutya Hechanova – secretary, Theresa Mutya Buyoc – treasurer; Florencia F. Villorente – PRO; Racel Gomez – auditor; and sectoral representatives who are: Gabriel Briones – livestock, poultry and feed crops, Wilfredo Armenio – food crops, Ernesto Tambong – farm mechanization, Ronilo Romulo – fisheries and aquaculture, and Ma. Hara Escalona – rural women.
Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente and Antonio Cordova were elected chairman and vice chairman respectively. But when Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente was elected chairman of the Aklan Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council (PAFC), Cordova automatically became the Numancia MAFC chairman.
In Iloilo City, the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) held its monthly meeting, DA Conference Room on August 26, 2008. One of the highlights of the meeting is the induction of RAFC officers for the year 2008 – 2010. The election was held during the July 18, 2008 meeting.
The inducting officer was DA Reginal Executive Director Larry Nacionales. Those who took their Oath of Office are: Ricardo Provido, Jr. – chairman; Felicito R. Tidon – vice chairman; Lily Ong – treasurer; Romeo D. Villanueva – Auditor; and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente – PRO. The sectoral representatives are Dr. Rosendo Gamba – livestock, poultry and feed crops; Edna Viterbo – commercial crops; Dawn Rhoda Jamandre – agricultural mechanization; Teddy Matulac – fisheries and aquaculture; Jocelyn Palacpac – rural women; Imelda Fernandez – fruits; Hipolito Tolentino – vegetables; and Dr. Pablo Subong – grains.
The RAFC VI is composed of PAFC chairmen from Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz and Negros Occidental; chairmen of the city agriculture and fishery council of Iloilo City, Bacolod City and Roxas City. The other members come from government agencies which functions are relevant to agriculture and fishery development, production, utilization and marketing.
Another highlight of the meeting is the approval of a resolution requesting the Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap to review the policy in the provision of fertilizer subsidy. The rationale of the resolution was based upon the reports of Mr. Hipolito N. Tolentino of Antique and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente of Aklan which show the use of coupons has negative effects to the farmers.
According to Dir. Larry Nacionales of DA Region VI, Aklan was given 32,500 pieces of coupons good for 32,500 bags, but as of August 25, only 135 coupons has been presented to his office for payment of P250 per coupon.
The MAFC in the municipal level, PAFC in the provincial level and RAFC in the regional level are organized which functions are to monitor and provide feedbacks on the implementation of programs, projects and activities in the municipal, provincial and regional levels. It also provides policy recommendations, and advocates relevant matters for adaptation to hasten agriculture and fishery development, production, utilization and marketing. /MP

Unappreciated Project

Picture shows some posts of what Banga Mayor Antonio Maming called Improvement of Banga Municipal Plaza. The construction was stopped because it has no building permit. The Sangguniang Bayan of Banga is against it and some people of Banga is also against it. According to SB member Hon. Vicente Seraspi, the project has no approved appropriation.
Some Banganhons prepare that their town plaza be left open without any obstruction. If construction is pushed through, it will occupy one fourth of the entire town plaza.

PPP Photo Exhibit Opens

Text and photos by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Upper photo shows Dean Erlinda Quimpo Fernandez Wilson and Aklan SP member Nemesio P. Neron with Brad Haresh Tanodra cutting the ribbon to formally open the exhibit.

Photo shows Brad Haresh in his Mud Inner "Expression" while Mye entertains the public.

Dubbed "Frank ‘n Storm", the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) Aklan – Boracay chapter opened its photo exhibit on Saturday afternoon, August 23, 2008 at Royal Supermart, Roxas Avenue, Kalibo. This is a one-week exhibition open to the general public for free viewing until August 30.
The photos on exhibits captured the photographers eyes after Typhoon Frank destroyed lives and properties of Aklanons and the leftover mud deep water brought from the highlands to Kalibo and Numancia, Aklan.
This is the first ever photo exhibits of Aklan photo journalists which documented the pains and resiliency of the people to succeed in times of adversity.
In the opening program, Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo, through SP member Nemesio P. Neron lauded the PPP for its job well done to capture and portray the outcome, devastation, and destruction through pictures of typhoon Frank that setback the development of Aklan.
The public which witnessed the opening program at Royal Supermart lobby (standing room only) was mesmerized by "Mud Inner Expression" of Brad Haresh Tanodra, vice president of PPP, an international photographer. PPP president George Cawaling was not able to attend the opening program.
The viewers can only say "Oh! Wow! Ok!" viewing the photo exhibits. The public enjoyed listening to the ballad," Kalibo" composed and sung by Dan, Myl and Armar. Mr. Mario Balandra gave the welcome and rationale of the photo exhibit. Hon. Nemesio Neron and NVC executive dean Erlinda Quimpo Fernandez Wilson with Tanodra cut the ceremonial ribbon to formally open the exhibit. /MP

Fugitive Sex Offender Returns To U.S.A From Philippines

by Alex P. Vidal

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security in Washington D.C. has announced the arrest and return to the United States of a fugitive sex offender from Ohio who fled to the Philippines last year.
Robert Downen of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security Affairs released the report just recently that late last July 24, a U.S. State Department special agent coor-dinated the return from the Philippines of Timothy Leonard Lantz, an Ohio resident with three outstanding warrants (of arrest) for child pornography and other related charges.
The Ohio fugitive had taken refuge in the Philippines after fleeing the United States last year, Downen said.
Registered sex offender Lantz is reportedly wanted on multiple child porno-graphy charges by the FBI in Cincinnati, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in Columbus, and the United States Marshals Service. Two of the charges Lantz faces are transportation of child pornography and advertising visual depictions.
Report said a search warrant of Lantz’s apartment in Columbus in January 2007 uncovered multiple computers, hard drives, and other media containing child pornography. He fled the country soon afterward, traveling first to Amsterdam and Spain before arriving in the Philippines.
A U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agent stationed at the American Embassy in Manila worked with officials from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Philippine immigration and law enforcement agencies to facilitate Lantz’s capture and arranged for his return to the United States to face justice, Downen reported.
Lantz was arrested on June 20 at a residence in Kolambogan, Lanao Del Norte, Philippines, by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and the Philippine National Police. He was escorted back to the United States by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Gregory B. Starr, director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), stated, "It’s this type of worldwide law enforcement cooperation that gives Diplomatic Security unparalleled ability to return fugitives like Lantz. His return highlights the critical role DSS plays in bringing suspects and fugitives to justice, regardless of where they may hide."
Because the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the most widely represented law enforcement organization in the world, DS’s capability to track and capture fugitives who have fled U.S. jurisdiction to avoid prosecution is unmatched. In 2007, DSS assisted in the resolution of 113 international fugitive cases from over 30 different countries, it was reported.
The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the U.S. Department of State’s law enforcement and security arm. The special agents, engineers, and security professionals of the Bureau are responsible for the security of 285 U.S. diplomatic missions around the world. In the United States, Diplomatic Security personnel protect the U.S. Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign digni-taries and officials visiting the United States, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations. /MP

Siringan: It Is Not Bakhawan

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Executive Director, Aklan Rivers Systems Development Council presenting background information to the causes and effects of flood and mud on June 21. Others (l to r) in the picture are Dr. Fernando Siringan, Dr. Jugene Primavera, and Mr. Raul Lorilla.

"No, it is not Bakhawan", declared Dr. Fernando Siringan that caused heavy flood in Kalibo, Aklan on June 21. Dr. Siringan is a noted Pilipino geological scientist. Dr. Siringan revealed his findings during a luncheon briefing followed by presscon held on August 28 at Bakhawan Eco Park, Buswang Old, Kalibo.
Through a multi media presentation, Dr. Siringan explained what were the causes of deep flood and mud in Kalibo and Numancia, Aklan. He showed that the flood and mud were caused by too much rainwater of 354 mm. on June 21. That quantity of water was more than 50 percent of the average rainfall of every month of June since 1998. That quantity of water has loosened the soil in the mountain which enhanced trees to collapse and landslides, hence soil erosion.
Another cause are the sand bars which impeded the flow of water in Aklan and Sooc rivers. According to Siringan, Aklan river is a braided river which has more than one water passages. These water passages change as soil, sand and silt are deposited as sandbars every time there is rain.
Moreover, the high tide of 1.8 meters on June 21 blocked the flow of water, hence deep flood as Kalibo is only two meters above sea level.
Dr. Siringan concluded, "Bakhawan mangrove in Kalibo has nothing to do with the mud and flood in Kalibo of June 21."
Dr. Siringan recommended for the dredging of Aklan river for flood control. He also suggested to conduct another geological survey to determine the elevation of Aklan for the future proper flood management. /MP

SMART Engineers Train Mindanao Teachers In Cagayan De Oro

After a 10-day immersion program with engineers from the telco industry, Lory Liza Bulay-og is all set to further upgrade her classes at Xavier University’s College of Engineering.
"Now, I can better explain and even draw the setup of a cellular system," says Bulay-og, who teaches communication systems analysis and design in the Cagayan De Oro-based university.
The exposure has given her more confidence. "When my students ask about practical examples like why a mobile phone call doesn’t get through, I can answer with authority and explain if it’s a fault of the system or of the cell phone itself."
Last summer, 37 teachers were deployed as temporary engineers in facilities of Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) across the country. Bulay-og and two other teachers made up the very first group to be trained at the Switching Center in Cagayan de Oro City.
The faculty immersion program is a component of Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP). SWEEP is a first-of-its-kind industry-academe partnership that seeks to improve the level of technology and engineering education in the country, particularly in the field of Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE).
Fully sponsored by SMART, the faculty immersion program has been running since 2006. The teachers, who receive an allowance that covers living expenses including transportation, participate in office-based activities and fieldwork. Each group of teachers is managed by an engineer-in-charge who familiarizes them with equipment and procedures through lectures and hands-on activities.
"Our objectives include helping them learn the details of GSM implementation so that they can better explain this in the classroom," says Alvin Tio of SMART’s Network Services Division.
Unlike Bulay-og who is based in Cagayan, Constantino Tadea, Jr. and Enrique Uniana had to travel from Zamboanga. Tadea teaches in Ateneo De Zamboanga University while Uniana comes from Universidad de Zamboanga.
"We spent seven days in Cagayan where SMART has the complete network," relates Tadea. Then, they traveled back to Zamboanga and spent the last three days in a local facility.
"We learned a lot under Engineer Tio, who familiarized us with the hardware including the core elements of the mobile switching center, which controls text messages and voice calls," Tadea shares. " We learned about the different call scenarios for prepaid and post-paid accounts. We also found out how the system checks the balance of a prepaid number before it allows a text message or call to get through."
Their activities included performing test call procedures. "This is how the engineers check if the lines are still working. It took us newcomers about three hours to do it." Tadea says they also learned about cross-mapping connections. "Say a cell site in one place can’t send the calls, the engineers can cross-connect to a different site so that the calls can still go through."
Tio adds that aside from the regular 8:30 am to 5:30 pm schedule, his trainees also experienced the 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm shift. "They experienced the realities of the job, including corrective maintenance during a critical situation."
After returning to Zamboanga, Tadea relates they were exposed to the transmission medium and the physical components of the cell sites. "We also went to the downtown area to check out ultra sites along the roads, some of which are attached to electric posts. Ultra sites facilitate the calls made from areas that may be too low for cell sites, which are located at a high point."
Tadea says he really values the exposure. "It’s a worthwhile experience. Going through the day-to-day tasks of the SMART engineers was a lot of help. Sometimes, when we felt we were in danger of information overload, we’d ask for a coffee break. But even breaks were opportunities to explain the concepts better. Even when we were in the hotel, we’d exchange ideas and share our experiences in school." /MP

20th Century Fox To Shut Down Film Research Library After 85 Years

by ALEX P. VIDAL

Bad news to film researchers and histo-rians. There has been an angry uproar from Hollywood, California since it was reported that 20th Century Fox is "very quietly" shutting its film research after 85 years, reported Nikki Finke of Deadline Hollywood.
Finke said it is the second-to-last such facility at a Hollywood studio that makes available books, drawing, photo-graphs, scrapbooks, samples and other non-of-a-kind materials.
"Most of the other studio libraries have been closed or sold off, except for the Samuel Goldwyn Research Library, owned and managed by Lilian Michelson and housed on the DreamWorks Animation lot, and Warner’s Library Studio," Finke explained.
Quoting an insider, Finke added: "This film history used and recycled every day, and also Los Angeles history. Once it goes, it’s gone."
Finke said she was "especially surprised by this decision because Fox Filmed Entertain-ment chairman Tom Rothman considers himself a film historian (he’s known for those wooden historical monologues on the show Fox Legacy, which airs on the Fox Movie Channel)."
Finke added "the result is a lot of angry library users calling the studio bigwigs ‘soul-less cretins’ and faithless slime".
She said Fox issued a "whiney" statement to her on July 2 saying "Contrary to implications, we are passionate about film history and about our Fox history in particular. That’s why we maintain one of the best and mostly costly photo archive departments in the business and keep comprehensive prop, art and film-item archives from our films. That, however, is not what the research library is.
"Rather, it contains a number of general reference, broad-interest books and periodicals, like a public library. That collection will be donated to a proper, curated library at a university or a guild, etc, where the public will have even greater access than they do now.
"The material will be taken care of in a first-class manner. As to the nostalgia that people feel for the days when studios were in many such non-movie-specific businesses, we share it, too, and wish the world is still that way, but it’s a muddling of points to lump this change into laments about lost film history, as it’s not what it is."
Meanwhile, it reportedly costs between $75,000 and $1 million a year to keep the library open. But what the film community loses is priceless access to archive material by art directors, costume designers and others, lamented Finke.
"I cannot tell you how serious this is to the below-the-line people and creative around town," said a source on the Fox who uses the library. "I guess Fox has to tighten its belt or is it a noose?"
Finke said: "So let’s get creative. Rothman’s show Fox Legacy could embrace the library, and maybe even shoot the show there to help underwrite it." She calls it a "win-win" situation. /MP

Monthly Remittance Data Shows Downward Spikes

by JEREMAIAH M. OPINIANO

MANILA–MONTH-ON-MONTH remittance data reflecting downward spikes may reveal the impact of world oil and commodities prices adjustment to economies like the Philippines that are dependent on cash flow from abroad, economist Alvin Ang said.
"While it is too early to see the effect, we should be on guard of the monthly growth rates of remittance inflows and understand the ‘Philippine cycle’ of these flows," the University of Santo Tomas economics professor said.
The OFW Journalism Consortium spoke to Ang before the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) revealed on August 15 a record high remittance in June of $1.5 billion.
Ang admitted that total cash remittance volumes increased, both on a year-on-year level and on a cumulative cash remittance growth rate.
However, these growth rates should take into account the start of the US credit crunch, the surge in world oil and food prices, and domestic inflation, Ang pointed out.
Monitoring cash remittance growth rates in this context is important to determine the level of migrant workers’ propensity to remit back home, Ang added.
He explained month-on-month cumulative remittance data could also help identify the intensity of the impact of world price changes on overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) money flow.
For example, the BSP cash remittance data between January 2004 to May 2008 that January, February, April, July, September, and November are low-growth months for cash remittance inflows.
Cash remittances’ growth rates usually rebound during the months of March (for graduation), May, August, October (due to tuition and other fees payments by students of OFWs), and December (for Christmas).
But when the food crisis peaked in March, remittances growth rate was pegged at 13.44 percent, the lowest March figure over a five-year period.
And when Philippine inflation reached 9.5 percent last May, that month’s remittance growth rate was 1.39 percent.
Ang added, the Philippine monetary officials should worry if there will be more negative month-on-month cash remittances growth rates this year despite continued increases of total remittance volumes.
The Philippines had seven months of negative month-on-month cash remittance growth rates for both 2006 and 2007, compared to six months of negative growth rates in the years 2005 and 2004.
Three of the first five months of the year saw negative month-on-month growth rates for remittances.
Last year, groups of OFWs circulated electronic mails citing that a strong peso has prompted many of their colleagues to send additional money to maintain the purchasing power of their families in the Philippines.
Money from an estimated 8.7 million Filipinos working or living temporarily or permanently in 193 countries have been credited as keeping consumer spending high or, at best, constant.
However, Ang said that a high-inflation environment and weak dollar cast doubts on the "physical sus-tainability" of OFWs to send money to the Philippines. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Kapre

Abo nga mga tinuga iya sa ibabaw it kalibutan nga indi matungkad it syensya. Sa pagtuga it kalibutan, may una man nga mga tinuga nga eain katon ag sanda ra rong mga espiritu nga owa mag apin sa Dios kundi natipeang nga mag-sunod sa engganyo ni Lucifer. Sa makaron, kon my una pa kita nga habatian o nasayuran, mabudlay eon mapa-tihan it tawo bangud naga tiner eon kita sa moderno nga kalibutan.
Ogaling, idto sa mga lugar nga owa pa masakop it moder-nisasyon, nagatuhaw pa guid guihapon ro mga pagpati it mga tawo nga may unang nagatuhaw nga makangawa–ngawa nga indi mapatihan.
Sangka pumueoyo si Pekto, may asawa, isaeang ka mananggete. Parabil mag-oli sa andang baeay, naga inom-inom anay sanda it tuba, beer o lambanog kaibahan ro mga amigo. Ro lambanog hay sangka aeak halin sa niyog nga guina ubrang aeak idto sa Laguna ag Batangas. Sa anang pag-oli ko gabi-i ngato, nag-agi imaw sa mabahoe nga kahoy nga mangga. Tag naga pahilangop imaw sa kahoy, hakita nana sa maeayo ro isaeang ka kaeayo sa ibabaw it kahoy. Pag-eapit nana, hakita pa guid nana ro isaeang ka kapre nga naga abano.
Maskin naga pirot-pirot eon ro anang mata, hakita pa guid nana ro madamoe nga baeahibo ag mahaba nga buhok it kapri. Ro kapre hay naga sandig sa sanga it mangga nga naga abano. Golpe nga guin tunton ko kapre ro anang daywang ka siki, busa kinahangean guid nga mag-agi si Pekto sa tunga ko anang daywang ka siki. Naga kurog nga owa maka hueag si Pekto. Hadumduman nana ro suguilanon ko anang lolo hanungod sa kapre. Indi ka magbalikid. Indi ka magpakita it kahadluk. Ro handumanan nga sugo ko anang lolo. Piniyong nana ro anang mata ag dumiretso. Pag-eampas nana, binalikid nana ro kapri. Owa eon ro kaeayo. Owa eon man ro kapre.
Kon amat, ro atong kahadluk ro aton man nga kaaway. Napierde ni Pekto ro kapri bangud sa anang kaisog. Dumaeagan imaw ag umuli sa andang baeay. Pag-abot sa anda, naduea-an imaw it pangalibutan. /MP

Biggest MP Card In West Coast 4 Pinoy Pugs To See Action

Four Filipino boxers will be featured in the biggest promotion of the MP Promotion in the West Coast on September 27 this year, revealed fight manager and agent Michael Koncz.
Koncz identified them as Bernabe Concepion, Dennis Laurente, Aaron Melgarejo, and Michael Farenas.
Koncz said, Con-cepcion will be the main event while the rest will fill up the undercards.
"Everything, in as far as their opponents are concerned, is still under negotiation but Melgarejo arrived on Tuesday (July 29)," Koncz revealed.
A protégé of Rex "Wakee" Salud, Melgarejo (11-3, 6 KOs), a super featherweight who lost to Manuel Perez in his debut in the United States at the Orleans Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas on June 26, must win this time so he can fight again in the United States, said Koncz, who has collaborated with WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao in signing up Filipino boxers in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Laurente (29-3, 15 KOs), of Johnny Elorde Stable, Paranaque City, Philippines, stopped Steve Quinones in his first US debut in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao versus David Diaz WBC lightweight rumble on June 26 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
A victory in San Diego will bring Laurente nearer to world title crack, as promised by Pacquiao to Elorde.
Farenas (21-2, 18 KOs), managed by World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight king Gerry Penalosa and Kosuke Washio, was booked to face in a non-title fight Boonmee Sithsrivinitwitthayakom in Pinamungajan, Cebu on July 30 and against Hussein Pazzi for interim WBO interim Oriental featherweight title in Mindanao Civic Center, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines on Sept. 20.
Concepcion, on the other hand, will top bill the card to be held in a casino hotel in San Diego, California where a large Filipino community is expected to attend.
Koncz said they planned to hold the promotion in San Francisco earlier but decided to transfer it to San Diego. Also seeing action is Japanese-American lightweight Chika Nakamura, one of the women boxers trained by Hall of Famer coach Freddie Roach.
Koncz said Fiipino fighters given the chance to display their talents in the American ring must show that they are deserving of the opportunity given them by the promoter "otherwise, they can’t fight here again." (Alex P. Vidal) /MP

New NEDA Chairman

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administering the oath taking of the newly appointed NEDA Chairman Ralph Recto at the Malacañang Palace Guest House, Manila. Also in the picture is Governor Vilma Santos, Ryann Recto, Luis Manzano. (CHARLIE OLILA /PCPO/ PNS)