Aklan Remains Peaceful In Holiday Season

Aklan police provincial director Senior Supt. Epifanio Bragais, Jr. said the New Year and Christmas celebration all over Aklan province was generally peaceful. Only three related firecracker incidents with minor injuries happened compared to 13 recorded firecracker incidents and one incident for stray bullet in Brgy Manhanip, Malinao, Aklan.

"I ordered my local police to strictly monitor and regulate the use of firecrackers, to confiscate those prohibited items such as piccolo, pla-pla and unlabeled or illegal firecrackers during Christmas and New Year celebration," Bragais added.

Among the illegal firecrackers seized by APPO in 13 municipalities are whistle bomb, pla-pla and piccolo, which victimized children below 13 years old which is in violation of Republic Act No. 7183, "Regulating the Sale, Manufacture and Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices".

Apart from the enormous campaign by Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) through strict implementation of Republic Act 7183, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) was 100 percent ready to assist any firecracker related injuries referred to the hospital for immediate treatment.

Dr. Emma Cortes, Provincial Health Officer II, said the incidents marks 72 percent decrease compared to last year’s figure of 13 incidents caused by firecrackers and at least three people were admitted in the provincial hospital due to stabbing.

Cortes attributed the decrease in the number of injuries to the efforts and intensified campaign of the law enforcement officers, media, local government and health officials against illegal pyrotechnics and firecrackers in welcoming the New Year.

To prevent indiscriminate firing, the local police sealed their service firearms in compliance with the directive of Philippine National Police (PNP).

"The taping of the muzzle is done to make sure their government-issued firearms were not used indiscriminately for the New Year celebration. This is also to remind our personnel of the consequences if they engaged in indiscriminate firing," PSupt Bragais said during the Traditional Monday Flag Raising Ceremony. (by PO2 Nida L. Gregas) /MP

Reason & Concern

by Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Ring In The New!

The yearly Christmas party of Aklan’s monolith party, Tibyog Akean on December 21, 2010 categorically brought forth a message – that in the May 2013 elections, incumbent Aklan Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores shall run for Aklan provincial governor while Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez shall aspire for Aklan Congressman. The incumbent Aklan cong-ressman and governor are both serving their respective third terms.

As it stands, although it shall be two (2) years before the 2013 elections, no political opposition is on the horizon to challenge Miraflores and Marquez. An opposition has yet to have to an embryonic start. The result of the 2010 Aklan local elections consigned the opposition to a rather surprising silence.

I do not necessarily make political comments in view of the Christmas spirit. But then, an Aklan opposition is really nowhere in sight. I do not say that it is already moribund.
It is really evident in the province’s political environs.

Alfred Lord Tennyson’s In Memoriam (1850) started in 1833 and was completed in 1849. In Memoriam is actually a long elegy on the death of Hallam. Almost universally acclaimed as a masterpiece, it revealed categorically Tennyson’s personal thoughts on God. Too, Tennyson manifest in no uncertain terms his belief of Christ, of immortality and the import of loss.

From In Memoriam is the poem Ring Out, Wild Bells.

The passing of the years had not made me oblivious of this poem which is appropriate to be recited as New Year comes. Ring Out, Wild Bells by Alfred Lord Tennyson
　
"Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
"Ring out the old, right in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow;
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, right in the true.
"Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.
"Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.
"Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.
"Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
"Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be."
　 Happy New Year!

‘God Is Our Last Hope’

by ALEX P. VIDAL

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – "We are clinging for our last hope to God)," cried Ricelia Santiago, 56, mother of 27-year-old overseas contract worker (OFW) and cancer patient John Nino, now bed-ridden at the Vancouver General Hospital."

Santiago, a housekeeper from Marilao, Bulacan, arrived in Canada last December 12 on a temporary visa. Her husband, Alfredo, a driver in the Philippines, arrived here last October 28.

"We still believe in the miracle of God," remarked Santiago, her voice shaking.

Husband and wife are taking care of John Nino, whose spine tumor developed into brain cancer.

John Nino, a supervisor of Dairy Queen in Merritt, British Columbia, has been in Canada since November 8, 2008.

"It all started as a headache," narrated John Nino. "Then I had hydrocephalus or excess of fluid in my brain and I was in and out of the hospital in June (2010)."

He suffered head and back pains in June and July. In August, he had seizure.

After a series of CT scan and laboratory tests in Sept. he contracted tuberculosis and the infection spread in his spine.

The tumor spread and went to his brain. After a series of brain surgeries, doctors informed him his case was "malignant" and gave him one and a half years to live. John Nino said doctors have given up on him and refused to subject him to chemotherapy and radiation in order to prevent his condition from deteriorating fast.

　
‘I STILL WANT TO
LIVE, LORD’

"Doctors explained to me chemotherapy can only cure up to 10 percent of the disease, while radiation is 50 percent but will make me weak," John Nino said.

"When I received the bad news, I immediately went outside to eat my lunch and pray. "I appealed to the Lord to help me because I still have many plans in life; I still want to help my mother and father. I still want to live."

He said only his right leg is moving while is left leg has been paralyzed.

"Everyday, I massage his legs. I won’t give up. I want my son to live. I know he can make it," the mother wailed hysterically.

John Nino is the youngest of the three Santiago children. His older sisters Maricel Ramiscal, 34; and Grace Monghit, 32, both married, are working in Singapore.

He is single. John Nino, who also worked in Singapore before moving to Canada, split with his girlfriend, Cristina Moulic, in August this year when his ailment was getting worst.

He and Moulic, now working in Penang, Malaysia, had been sweethearts for one year. "The relationship has contributed in my headache," John Nino disclosed.

He has three wishes for Christmas: to be able to survive and recover; to be able to stay and work in Canada; and treat his parents to a dinner with crispy pata.

"My faith is strong. I won’t give up," he concluded. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Pinakamabahoe Nga Bueak

Dungan sa pag-ugsad it buean, nagbukead man ro pinakamabahoe nga bueak sa kaharian ni Reyna Petalya. Ro solo nga nakasayod ko pag buskad it rayang bueak hay ro mga duwende sa idaeum it eogta. Owa man it nakasayod nga sa pagbukead it bueak hay naga sabwag man it grasya para sa mga guin pintasan, ag guina daug-daug. Inabutan it sanggatos nga dag-on parabil mag- bukead ro bueak ngara.

Ko mga oras ngaron, abo guid ro naka gapos sa gahum it mga kapre ag higante. Sanda ro may kagamhanan. Maskin ro reyna hay sa idaeum pa ko andang gahum.

Isaeang adlaw, nagpahangin-hangin ro reyna sa anang hardin. Masubo guid imaw tongod naeo-oy imaw sa anang nasakupan. Hakita nana nga nagbuskad eon ro pinakamabahoe nga bueak. Habatyagan nanang mingko guina toeod imaw nga tan-awon kon ano ro sueod it bueak. Hakita nana ro mga bato nga maputi sa sueod.

Hadumduman nana ro suguilanon ko anang lola nga mabuhay eong nagtaliwan hanungod sa pagbukead it pinaka mabahoe nga bueak nga may kon ano nga bagay ikaw nga makita. Ro bagay ngaron hay maka bulag.

Dali-dali nana nga guin tipon ro mga bato, guin putos it panyo, guin sueod sa anang dughan agod indi makita it mga higante. Guin patawag nana ro anang hardinero ag guin sugo nga taw-an it bato ro kada preso nga soldado agod maka guwa sanda tanan sa presuhan.

Bangod indi eon sanda makita, naghimo sanda it madaeum nga kut-kot, guin butangan it mata-eawis nga sibat sa idaeum. Pagkasayod ko mga higante nga nakaguwa ro tanan nga preso, naakig sanda ag nag gueowa agod eagson ro mga bihag. Ogaling, pag abot nanda sa guwa it palasyo, owa nanda hapan-uhi ro mga kut-kot nga may mataeawis nga sibat. Guin eu-ad ro bato nga guina um-um it mga soldado. Naghugyaw ro tanan tongod nakalibre eon sanda sa gahum ko mga mapintas nga higante. /MP

Diocese of Kalibo Holds Diocesan Youth Conference

by MARK ANTHONY LEYSON

The Diocesan Commission on Youth Diocese of Kalibo held the 2nd Diocesan Youth Conference on December 29, 2010 at Aklan Catholic Collage Gym, Kalibo, Aklan. The conference centered on the theme: "Young people: Disciple of the Lord, Transforming the World".

The Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in its Plenary Assembly on July 2010 declared the year 2011 as the CBCP Year of the Youth on the occasion of the Episcopal Commission on Youth’s 25th Anniversary with the theme: "Stands firm in faith…Do all your work in love", KABATAAN TAON NATIN ‘TO!

Diocesan Youth Conference is the gathering of the youth ministers, youth leader’s coordinators and members from the different parishes of the Diocese of Kalibo. This gathering is done every year to enhance the spiritual life and growth of the young people of the Diocese. The one day event consisted of series of activities highlighted with prayers and holy masses Rev. Fr. Ulysses I. Dalida officiated, with Rev. Fr. Glenn C. Magpusao, Diocesan Youth Director, and Rev. Fr. Edwin Chio, Parochial Vicar of St. Raphael the Archangel Parish of Balete as co-celebrants.

There were simultaneous animation or dancing of praises, fellowship, open forum, and sharing of experiences as young disciples of God. Interaction among fellow young people from the different parishes of the Diocese was also done. The talk of the speaker, Rev. Fr. Glenn C. Magpusao was most important. He focused his talk on the importance of the youths in our society today, and what can young people do to develop their spiritual lives as young disciples of God.

The Diocesan Youth Conference was also the celebration of friendship, to experience oneness with all young people of the Diocese in decision making and personal commitment for the betterment of today’s society, to go forward despite discouragement to see oneself as worthwhile, valuable and unique person to get through conflicts, to comprehend reality and to grow in depth of individual consciousness and to express life to their fellow youth. /MP

DAR Executive Retires With Honors

by ULYSSES ESPARTERO

After 22 years with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Aklan, Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino is retiring as Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) II.

Martelino assumed the post in 1988. He helped many farmers uplift their poor living to self-sufficiency.

Former Aklan Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino said that Martelino deserves commendation for his exemplary leadership, distinguished career, and esteemed standing in public service.

"He could have lived in a more prestigious and financially rewarding life had he accepted other government posts but Atty. Martelino chose and served his fellow Aklanons, Kalibonhons in particular, in the best way he knows possible for which we, proud Aklanons, are truly grateful," Tolentino stressed.

Tolentino and Martelino were colleagues at the municipal council of Kalibo.

It was through Martelino’s leadership that a great number of Aklanons especially the agrarian reform beneficiaries benefited from the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) through its landmark physical infrastructure projects worth over Php100 million in Aklan.

This includes the construction of 26 farm-to-market roads spanning 76 kilometers worth Php148 million; building of seven (7) irrigation projects worth Php48.5 million watering 1,493 hectares of riceland.

Through CARP, the DAR Aklan was able to distribute 20,857 hectares of land to 22,544 farmer beneficiaries thus brought meaningful changes into their lives.

DAR Aklan was awarded as an Outstanding Agency during the term of then Governor now Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores.

Prior to his appointment to DAR, Atty. Martelino was municipal councilor of Kalibo, first Personnel Officer of Aklan province in 1977 during the time of then Governor Roberto "Nono" Garcia, Assistant Branch Attorney for 10 years of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Area Manager for Western Visayas in the then Ministry of Human Settlements, and Area Manager of the Presidential Management Staff for Region VI.

For his unquestionable integrity while in government service, Atty. Martelino was chosen as one of the 14 Outstanding Aklanons in 2008. /MP

Aklan Shifts Gear To Ati-atihan Preparations

After the successful Yuletide celebration, Aklan residents are now busy preparing for the Ati-atihan revelry this January.

Major event for the Ati-atihan is the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Festival considered the Mother of Philippine Festivals.

Another festivity is in Ibajay slated on the last week of January, considered as the original version of the Ati-atihan, even older than that of Kalibo.

Aside from these, Altavas, Makato, New Washington, Malinao and even Boracay Island are also celebrating their own version of the Ati-atihan festival.

"Right now, we are 80

percent more ready for the Kalibo Sto. Ati-atihan. We have already started decorating Kalibo with Ati-atihan signages and other decorations," said Albert Meñez, chairman of the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Foundation Incorporated (KASAFI).

On January 5, the KASAFI spearheaded the pageant and coronation night of the Mutya it Kalibo Ati-atihan held at the ABL Sports Complex, Estancia, Kalibo. There were 12 finalists who competed in the said event.

Finalist Caren Braun is one of the most favorite finalists in the search, her being the sister of former national Miss Earth runner up Michelle Martha Braun.

"We promised spectators and revelers that this year’s Ati-atihan is a unique experience for everyone joining the festivity," Meñez said proudly. (PNA)

Aklanons in Canada Holds Induction

Aklanons in Vancouver, Canada recently held their oath taking ceremonies for the officers of the Aklanon Sto. Nino Association of British Columbia. Luzviminda Saluta Mcgillivray was installed President.

Assisting her are the other elected officers for 2010-2011 who are as follows: Joel Refol–Vice President, Kirve Wendale Lamsen–Secretary, Nida Rosero–Treasurer, Luzviminda Gomez Nicar–Asst. Secretary Treasurer; Florendo Villanueva–Auditor, Glen Sucro–Public Relations Officer, Rose Villanueva, Liza Napat, and Victor Castro–Business Managers, Teodolo Inamac and Cesar Sijera–Peace and Courtesy Officers, and Anne Lao Carpio, Ethel Ricafuente and Ellen Ureta Molo–Directors.

Vancouver City Councilor Andrea Reihman who represented Mayor Gregor Robertson inducted them. The Aklanons also participated in the recent Induction Ball and Party held at the St. Patrick Church in 2881 Main Street, Vancouver.

The association has been recognized for its annual Ati-atihan celebration. The 2011 e dition will be held on January 8.

Mayor Robertson described the Ati-Atihan event in Vancouver as spectacular and culturally unique. In 2009, he issued a proclamation declaring the second Saturday of January as Ati-atihan Day in Vancouver. The proclamation recognizes the growing role and strength of the Filipino-Aklanon community in Vancouver’s multi-racial and multi-cultural fabric.

"This Mardi Gras event organized by the Aklanon Sto. Niño Association of Canada is not only an opportunity for Filipinos to come together, enjoy a festive musical evening and welcome the New Year, but also a chance to showcase and preserve Filipino culture," the mayor stressed in his proclamation.

The provincial govern-ment believes that the benevolent act of Mayor Robertson deserves to be reciprocated and be known in the province of Aklan. Hence, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan under the leadership of Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo approved a resolution thanking the Vancouver, British Columbia mayor for proclaiming January 10, 2009 as Ati-Atihan Day. /MP

Effective Campaign Against Illegal Firecrackers

The campaign against illegal firecrackers of the government agencies in Aklan was so effective. As of January 3, the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) has recorded only two victims of firecracker injuries in Aklan.

In a radio interview over a local radio station in Kalibo, Police Sr. Supt. Samuel Nacion, Deputy Provincial Director for Administration, APPO, said the two victims are both from Kalibo. They only suffered minor firecracker injuries.

Supt. Nacion said the very significant decrease in the number of firecracker victims in Aklan for this year shows that the campaign made collectively by government agencies like the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) was very effective that resulted to a very small number of firecracker victims.

For the New Year celebration, the DOH and other concerned agencies campaigned strongly against letting children light firecrackers, with the theme "Ilayo sa Disgrasya ang Kabataan, Walang Batang Mag papaputok".

Meanwhile, the PNP is now investigating the case of a minor in Manhanip, Malinao, Aklan, who was hit in the elbow by a stray bullet allegedly coming from a Caliber 45 gun.

The bullet, according to Supt. Nacion, was already sent to the PNP Crime Laboratory for examination.

The incident reportedly happened at the height of the New Year revelry. (Venus G. Villanueva)

EDITORIAL

THE PRAYER THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD

(Editor’s Note: The editorial below is a forwarded material from an avid Madyaas Pen reader, Dr. Raphy A. Tayco. Madyaas Pen editorial board found it too valuable and deserving for others to read for their consideration. Therefore, it has decided to publish it for its New Year 2011 issue. It is our fervent wish that this piece will touch our people’s lives leading to economic prosperity, national peace, and contentment in our times.)

What has our nation become?
This Pastor has guts!

When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas　State Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask for your forgiveness and to seek for your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, "Woe to those who call evil good, but that is exactly what we have done."

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot anti-abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.

We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!"

The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest.

In six (6) short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively.

The church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India, Africa and Korea.

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, "The Rest of the Story," and received a larger response to this program than any others he has ever aired.

With the Lord’s help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and whole-heartedly become our desire so that we again can be called: "one nation under God."

If possible, please pass this prayer on to your friends. "If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for everything."

Think about this: If you wish, you may share　this prayer to your Friends and Love Ones and to everyone so　it would be heard by the world. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

War Zone

A reader of Madyaas Pen just drop by the office while I was preparing this column. He just came from Lezo, Aklan specifically at Akelco office.

He said, "I was scared as I entered the premises of Akelco to pay my latest electric bill". Why? There were about four (4) guards by the main gate in full uniform with long fire arms each. Moreover, there are also some scattered in the office. Akelco Lezo appears like a war zone".

My friend showed me his official receipt for his latest electric consumption. He said," I aid close to P1,500 but the amount paid and other figures printed in the official receipt are hardly readable. Maybe, Akelco computer printer lacks toner".

For all the strength and weaknesses at Akelco, credit it to management and National Electrification Administration (NEA). According to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Oriental Mindoro, electric cooperative Board of Directors are puppets of NEA.

P14 M Budget For Dinagyang

The organizer of the 2011 Iloilo Dinagyang Festival has appropriated P14 million to finance its staging on January 21 – 23, 2011.

How much is the budget of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival scheduled on Januaryy 10 – 16, 2011? P2 million?

That is only 14.28 percent of Iloilo’s P14 million.

Aklan claims and it is so, that the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival is the mother of all festivals in the Philippines. How long can we sustain it?

Iloilo claims Dinagyang is the Philippines premiere world class festival.

Of the P14 million budget, 6 million will come from Iloilo City fund. The remaining P8 million will come from the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI). Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Ramon Cua Locsin, IDFI president assured they will deliver the fund.

How much will the Ati-Atihan town of Kalibo and KASAFI spend for the January 10 – 16 Ati-Atihan Festival?

Mayor Mabilog hopes the festival will continue to produce results, continue serving as a model festival in the Philippines and best practices for others to follow.

KASAFI and LGU Kalibo are yet to conceptualize what must the Aklanons expect in the staging of the annual Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival.

On the religious aspect, Father Secio emphasized "that the festival has become a useful part of our life, being a fully alive people with faith". He expressed hope that "the IDFI will continue to promote camaraderie and the country as the people of God and as an independent body with faith."

Mayor Mabilog plans to extend P500,000 to finance a selected project to the winning barangay or school in the Ati-Atihan contest.

Going Green

While the Dinagyang is also celebrated to inculcate values among the Ilonggos, it will also "go green" in the January 23-24 celebration.

Iloilo City Tourism officer Ben Jimena is working doubly hard to focus on pro environment activities and help save the earth initiatives to raise the participants’ level of awareness, the public and visitors. Jimena aims Dinagyang to be known also as the "Green Festival" in the Philippines to promote environmental awareness.

The Dinagyang Festival is officially kicked off on Monday, December 20 highlighted with the "Pamukaw". Cong. Gerry P. Treñas, Iloilo City’s Lone District graced the "Pamukaw". He did the first bang of the drum that marked the start of the annual merriment honoring Sr/ Sto. Niño. Dinagyang for the last 8 years has brought honors for Iloilo City, Treñas stressed. /MP

Kool Earth Sponsors Non-Biodegradable Gown Contest

by CHRISTY ANN NAVARRA

Kool Earth contestants in their non-biodegradable gown.

If rain shower is God’s way to bless our environment and His people, then the Kauswagan Christmas Party Treat for Children 2010 has no excuse. Amidst the pouring rain, it turned out to be a complete success.

In connection with the Earth Day celebration and in support to the Kool Earth Aklan Environmental Advocacy Group for a Cleaner and Greener Environment, a contest for Non-biodegradable gown is a special feature which highlighted the annual celebration of the Christmas Street Party by the Kauswagan Youth Movement (KYM), Poblacion, Numancia, Aklan.

Ms. Megs Lunn of Kool Earth, cited with great pride and enthusiasm the relevance of beauty, ingenuity and competitiveness in promoting cleaner and greener environment.

There are four contestants who competed for the non-biodegradable gown contest. They are Dan Reb Regalado, Kint Yrll Regalado, Harvey Macahilas, and Felmari Tapican. Kint Yrll Regalado was unanimously conferred the title: the Best In Non-biodegradable Gown by the panel of judges who are Megs Lunn, Atty. Rea Divina Fajardo, Jenette Suco, Cecile Regalado, and Andrew Tarantan.

The KYM of Brgy. Poblacion, Numancia is supporting Kool Earth on environmental advocacies in Aklan. Thru its active members, Megs Lunn who is a long-time adviser of the KYM supports the advocacy by initiating a community based under-taking. "Be The Change You Want In The World, Gather Your Trash and Win A Prize."

Glenita Regalado Family won the 1st Prize - 2-day trip to Boracay, 2nd Prize - Home Appliance went to Alexis Regalado Family, and 3rd Prize - New Year Noche Buena to Nick Navarra Family. This initiative in the KYM and Kool Earth Numancia Chapter community is inspired to render social responsibility to answer the long-pressing concern on the management of our waste in support to the Ecological Waste Management System. /MP

MP’s Selected 12 News Stories In 2010

December – Flash floods forced government offices, banks and other private firms in Kalibo to close down on Friday, December 10 due to floods!

The inter-tropical convergence zone forced all schools in Kalibo to suspend classes on December 8 – 10.

November – The victory of Manny Pacquiao over Antonio Margarito of Mexico on Sunday, November 14 held in Cowboy Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA. Pacquiao won in a wide margin after 12 rounds of boxing at a score of 120-108; 119-109; and 118 – 110 of the three judges. It was a unanimous decision inspite of Margarito’s size and height. Margarito had 17 pounds advantage over Pacquiao, 4.5 inches in height, and 6.5 inches in reach.

October – The departure of Rencee. Dr. Florencia F. Villorente (April 15, 1935 – October 11, 2010) died after her five (5) months fight against cancer on Monday evening, October 11. Her death was reported in radio stations, Kalibo the following day, Tuesday, October 12.

Her dead body was cremated on October 14 and the ashes was brought to Kalibo where it arrived at midnight. Although her body was transformed from its original form to "ash", several relatives and friends welcomed her at the Kalibo International Airport.

Her friends and relatives fondly called her Rencee. She was a high school Math teacher and guidance counselor. After 20 years in the public schools, she resigned and became college professor at Manuel L. Quezon University, United Medical Doctors, and G. Araneta University Foundation.

In 1986, she forgot teaching, went home to Numancia, Aklan and took over the management of the family fish farm.

September – PCL Aklan Elects Morales – Torres President is a news item in the front page of Madyaas Pen, September 12 – 18 issue.

It is about the election of officers for the Philippines Councilors League (PCL) Aklan chapter where four candidates vied for the presidency. They are Hon. Emmanuel Soviet Russia Dela Cruz of Kalibo, Hon. Basilides Tabernilla of Makato, Hon. Vincent Navarosa of Libacao, and Hon. Jonna Morales-Torres of Banga.

Ms. Morales-Torres prevailed over Hon. Navarosa with a one (1) vote margin.

It was a hot election for the following reasons:

a. A candidate offered ripe Lanzones the persons present in the Kapehan and a joke was invented: "Lanzones Politics";

b. A candidate paid the registration of some of the delegates to the election;

c. There was more money spent to win in the election, and

d. A Mayor volunteered to go naked if a candidate won over his candidate. For humanitarian reason, the bare show did not happen.

August – Aklan’s First Dengue Death Case – The Provincial Health Office Kalibo confirmed the death of a suspected Dengue case. The patient from Malay, Aklan who was confined at the pedia ward of the DRSTMH, Kalibo died.

This death has alarmed the Aklanons, especially the health authorities of Dengue as health menace.

It was revealed that July 2010 registered the highest number of Dengue patients as follows: Kalibo – 37 patients; Numancia – 28; New Washington – 19; Batan – 8; Makato – 7; Lezo – 5; Banga – 4; Malay and Altavas – 4 each; Malinao – 3; and Balete – 2.

July – The murder of Hon. Fernando Baldomero on July 5 disturbed peace in Aklan. The late Baldomero was a Sangguniang Bayan member of Lezo who was gun down in front of his rented apartment at about 7:00 o’clock in the morning.

He was one of the most feared guerilla commanders of the New People’s Army. But he came back to the folds of the law.

Police Sr. Supt. Epifanio Bragais, Jr. Aklan Police Provincial Director, identified the suspect as a certain Dindo Lovon Ancero of Brgy. Malinguin, Bogo, Cebu. Ancero is also wanted for several criminal cases like murder, bank robbery, and drug trafficking.
June – Oath Taking of the 2010 – 2013 elected officials. Tibyog officials elected and re-elected in the May 10 election took their oath of office before executive Judge Marietta J. Homena Valencia, Executive Judge, Regional Trial Court, Kalibo, Aklan on June 30 at the ABL Sports complex.

May – That was election month. Newspapers, radio and television were full of political propaganda all aimed to win more votes.

April – Aklan province played host to the Regional Pambansang Palaro after 15 years since Aklan last hosted the annual event. It was held at the New Calangcang Sports Complex, Makato.

Aklan in that sports fests, placed third after Negros Occidental and Iloilo in the weeklong competitions.

Secondary level Arnis team took the overall champion, and athletics team girls elementary were also champion.

March – Kalibo celebrated the 113th Martyrdom of the XIX Martyrs with Congress-woman Cynthia Villar as the guest of honor and speaker.

February – Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez claimed Aklan is a billionaire province. In his state of the province address, Marquez announced "Aklan is now a first class province with an annual income close to P1 billion.

January – That was the noisiest month of the year, being the month of Sr. Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan celebration.

There was a claim agriculture is neglected despite Aklan’s twin: Agriculture and tourism program. /MP

2010 Gawad CES Winner Denis F. Villorente*

by David C. Desamito

* Reprinted from: The PUBLIC MANAGER, Official Magazine of the Career Executive Service.

It is an unfortunate reality that we Filipinos have all come to accept – the mass departure of our educated and skilled countrymen who finding no further opportunities here, seek for the proverbial greener pasture overseas.

This phenomenon is called ‘brain drain’ and its depleting our nation with the needed intellectual and technical capital to achieve a more progressive status. What is even more sad (and troubling) is the fact that a number of these bright and talented professionals are Iskos and Iskas – scholars who benefited from government support, received the best education the country could offer and whose schooling has been funded by the Filipino taxpayer.

Fortunately for us, however, there are those who choose to buck this trend. There are those who still embrace idealism over pragmatic concerns and find the challenge of nation-building to be more than worth making the sacrifice of less financially rewarding career.

Fortunately for us, there are still Filipinos like Engineer Denis F. Vilorente: A Pisay graduate, a UP Isko, an Engineering Board Exam topnotcher, a CESO and now a 2010 GAWAD CES awardee.

An Accomplished Public Manager

Since 2005, Engineer Villorente has been at the helm of the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) where he has served in various capacities starting as Science Research Specialist in 1989. ASTI is one of the 21 agencies attached to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the one mandated to conduct R & D in the advanced fields of studies including communications engineering, microelectronics and information technology.

Holding a Director IV position at the Institute, he leads and guides the agency in the efficient and proper implementation of research and development programs and projects consistent with overall national development goals. He plans, programs, directs and controls the operational and administrative activities of the Institute and promotes and maintains close coordination between government and private sector organizations engaged in research and development activities.

As one of the 2010 GAWAD CES awardees, he is being cited for three of his most successful accomplishments. One, for leading the continued growth and promotion of research networking in the country through the Philippine Research, Education and Govern-ment Information Network or PREGINET. Two, for being an enabler of the Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) technology and awareness in the country. And three, for leading the technical team involved in the certification of the automated election system.

PREGINET

PREGINET is the country’s national research and education network, linking institutions that conduct research and development work. A pioneering endeavor, PREGINET was Engineer Villorente’s brainchild. He was the one who proposed the project and eventually became its leader and champion.

PREGINET has provided a faster and more reliable way of academic collaboration among researchers and scientists. Instead of using the commercial internet, researchers could now test and experiment their ideas, concepts and theories using the network. It has connected various Philippine research institutions that span the entire country and allowed them to collaborate over the internet. Thus, through PREGINET, they were able to conduct several multi-sectoral and multi-regional projects and researches.

PREGINET likewise provided internet connectivity to govern-ment agencies enabling them to comply with the Government Information System Plan. (GISP) thereby providing a platform for them to be connected and have internet presence through the establishment of government websites.

IPv6

The uninitiated in ICT can better grasp this accomplishment if one recalls the Y2K scare or millennium bug in 1999 when everybody raced to make their computers Y2K compliant. This time, the concern is on the inevitable exhaustion of IPv4 addresses. IPv4 addresses are the numbers assigned to a computer which enable it to communicate in the world wide web. IPv4 addresses are expected to be exhausted by 2011, thus, the country should be ready to make the transition to a higher network. Engineer Villorente advocated hard for the adoption of this next generation internet technology leading to an awareness for the country’s eventual transition to IPv6 among government and telecommunications providers.

In the process of gaining IPv6 capability, ASTI drew up the Philippine Open IX, the only facility in the Philippine internet industry, operated by a neutral institution (ASTI), that allows internet traffic in a free market environment. Thus, when the IPv4 addresses are exhausted, government agencies will not have to pay for or hire IPv6 consultants because ASTI is ready and can be tapped to advise agencies on low cost alternatives.

The 2010 Automated National Elections

The Amended Automation Law provided for the creation of a Technical Evaluation Committee, which Engineer Villorente headed, allowing him to play a pivotal role in the most difficult task of certifying that the winning system worked.

As Chairman of the Committee, Engineer Villorente foresaw the eventuality that a certain percentage of the compact disks (CDs) would not properly function. If such a situation is not quickly addressed, then COMELEC’s credibility would be put on the line. He, therefore, led the ASTI in providing back-up and on-call advices even on election day.

Despite birth pains, the automated elections pushed through principally because of Engineer Villorente’s contributions. Automated technology may have been long around but he helped bring the technology to make the elections clean and honest.

CESO Brand of Leadership

Engineer Villorente is a patriotic and dedicated public servant. There were people at the Institute who had apprehensions about being involved in the automation of the elections, fearful of the controversies and criticisms which may hound them. Their fears were not unfounded as various sectors raised questions and doubted the system but Engineer Villorente rose above those fears. He patiently explained the systems involved, confident that technology would address many problems of the electoral process such as the lengthy tabulation period which makes it prone to cheating. More importantly, he saw the automation of elections as an opportunity to share his technical expertise into something very important at that particular juncture of the country’s history – having clean, credible, orderly elections.

Engineer Villorente is likewise admired by colleagues and sub-ordinates alike for the simple lifestyle that he leads. Moreover, he has made his ethical stance explicit to his staff – that one must not use one’s post to gain favor or unduly wield authority. A favorite anecdote about him relates to one incident when a high-ranking official of the COMELEC and some officials of SMARTMATIC invited him to dinner. It was late in the evening and Engineer Villorente has not had dinner yet, but he declined out of delicadeza.

Now that is one of the scholars who is indeed worthy of his investment and an official every CESO could be proud of.

Engr. Villorente is the fourth child of Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente and the late Dr. Florencia F. Villorente of Badio, Numancia, Aklan. Denis is married to Maribeth Macapil. They have two children: Andrew 5, and Cara 2. /MP

Dapitan Stages 5th Handuraw Festival

DAPITAN CITY – This historic Shrine City in Southern Philippines staged its 5th Handuraw Festival on December 27-29 to usher in the celebration of 　the martyrdom of the Philippines national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal on December 30.

Rizal was exiled to Dapitan by the Spanish colonial authorities in the Philippines on July 17, 1892 as a punishment for his advocacy of equal rights and respects for Filipinos whom the Spanish colonists considered and derided as lowly "indios" then. He left Dapitan for Manila on July 31, 1896 after he volunteered to serve as a doctor in Cuba, then also a Spanish colony.

The City of Dapitan hosted the recently concluded three-day 15th National Press Congress organized and spearheaded by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) as mandated by Presidential Proclamation 1187. It was held at the Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dapitan City.

Handuraw is a Cebuano term which means flashback or recommitment to memory. Dapitan held its first Handuraw Festival on December 28-30, 2006 as part of the 110th death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal. Since then it was held annually not only to commemorate the national hero’s death but also to promote Dapitan and its nascent tourism industry.

The Handuraw Festival merges historical, cultural, social and economic elements related to Rizal’s life in Dapitan. The festival activities generally include a holy mass, parades, seminar-workshops on Rizal’s teachings, agro-trade fair exhibits, choral and rondalla competitions, painting exhibits and street dancing, among others.

Dapitanons consider Rizal’s exile in their community as a bridge to the limelight of prominence in Philippine history, which can also help open their city to the glamour and wealth of the tourism industry.

Rizal’s four-year exile in Dapitan actually set the course of the community’s destiny. The hero introduced modern engineering, agriculture, medicine, education and the concept of generous community service to Dapitanons who in turn have accepted Rizal’s cultural legacy as their own to cherish. (by Johnny Nuñez) /MP

Palmones Laments Fading Radio Drama Industry

Former DZMM radio station manager and now Congressman Angelo Palmones of the Alyansa ng mga Grupo ng Agham at Teknolohiya (AGHAM) partylist laments the fading of the radio drama industry in the Philippines.

"This means that the golden era of the radio drama industry in the early 1900’s have been replaced by soap operas and telenovelas on television. Indeed, television nowadays plays a large influential role to the public," Palmones said.

The radio drama industry started to dominate the public as a form of entertainment among the residents in the 1940’s. Among the favorite topics it featured are love, horror stories, legends, conflict, and adventure, among others.

Right now, some radio drama can still be heard in radio networks such as Bombo Radio Philippines and other radio networks. Observers, however, noted that radio drama is now being used as filler for the radio programs.

Despite the large influence of television and newspapers to the public nowadays, radio is still influential to the people in the hinterland.

Sources from the radio industry, however, said that many radio networks are upgrading their stations from AM to FM band because of technology and its operation is cheaper.

The radio turning into the FM bands is concentrating on musical and public affairs program, neglecting to further enhance the drama industry.

Ambrosio Villorente, dean of the mass communications department of the Northwestern Visayas College, Kalibo said that the fading radio drama industry in the country should challenge radio drama scriptwriters to do more to revive the radio drama industry.

The NVC mass communications department has recently garnered two major awards of the 1st Annual Don Henry Canoy Radio Script Drama Writing competitions in Western Visayas. NVC mass communication graduating students Mechelle Repedro won the first prize while Sheryl Santillan won the second prize. A student of Filamer Christian University, Roxas City was third place.

The radio drama competition was initiated by the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN). Canoy, a businessman, founded the RMN and is currently one of the largest radio stations in the country.

The three winners in the secondary level are from Guimbal, Iloilo and Bacolod City. (PNA) /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Eaging Baeahugan

Si Beryong hay mahugod magkorte it mga bagay halin sa kahoy. Naka obra imaw it mga pispis, isda ag mga titires. Abo guid nga naga bakae ko anang obra sa tindahan maskin owa pa it pintura. Sa anang pandayan, may habilin pa nga kahoy nga owa pa haubra si Beryong. Hapaino-inohan nana nga obrahon nga baeahugan it mga hayopan. Pagka human, anang guin daea raya sa tindahan, ogaling owa guid it nagbakae. Ana eon lang nga guin oli ag guintago sa anang kamalig.

Ko gabi-i ngaron, may daywang ka mag asawa nga halin pa sa ibang lugar. Sige ro andang inusoy it baeay nga madayunan tongod manog onga ro babaye. Ogaling owa guid kanda it nagbaton nga tag-baeay. Nakaabot eon sanda sa isaeang ka kamalig. Nag desisyon nga una sanda magpataliwan it gabi-i.

Owa pa maagahi, nag onga ro babaye, ag kinahangean nga may maeogban ro eapsag tongod maeoya pa ro babaye. Hakita nanda ro naga sandig nga baeahugan. Guin butangan ko tatay it mga dagami it paeay ag mga dahon ratong baeahugan, ag guin hapinan it hamo. Raya ro nangin kuna it eapsag.

Manami ro katoeogon ni Beryong hasta inuhaw imaw. Inabot it kauhaw si Beryong samtang naga katoeog. Bumangon imaw agod mag inom it tubi. Hakita nana nga mahayag ro baeahugan. Nagling-ling imaw ag hakita nana ro hitsura ko eapsag nga imaw si Niño Hesus. Ag ro eaeaki ag babaye hay si Maria ag Jose man. Nag eohod imaw ag nagpasaeamat tongod hakita nana ro pagkatawo ko atong manunubos. Pagkaaga, owa eon ro Sagrada Pamilya. Habilin eon lang ro eaging baeahugan.

Mas bulahan ro eaging baeahugan tongod maskin owa imaw guin inato it mga tawo, mabahoe ro anang papel ko mga oras ngaron. Imaw ro guin eogban ko atong manunubos. Bulahan man ro mga kubos tongod sanda hay guin bayaw sa mata it Diyos. /MP

Aklan PNP Prohibits Indiscriminate Firing of Guns

Aklan Police Provincial Director Senior Supt Epifanio A Bragais, Jr reminded his men to observe ‘no firing of guns’ for the Christmas and New Year holidays last Monday.
Bragais said, "muzzle taping of issued firearm aims to prevent PNP personnel from indis-criminate firing during New Year celebration and in response to policy directive issued by the CPNP."

"The schedule of sealing of firearm will be disseminated to PNP personnel after announcement and proper guidance from higher headquarters, said Bragais.

"The taping of the muzzle is done to make sure their government-issued firearms are not used indiscriminately for the New Year celebrations. This is also to remind our personnel of the consequences if they engaged in indiscriminate firing," Bragais said during the Traditional Monday Flag Raising Ceremony.

"Those violating or firing guns in welcoming the New Year will be investigated and faced possible criminal and administrative charges for illegal discharge of weapons", Bragais stressed.

The sealing of firearms is an annual campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the revelries to refrain the policemen from using their guns, unless for justifiable reasons.

Moreover, Aklan Police Provincial Director Epifanio Bragais, Jr. reminded the Aklanons to be vigilant while celebrating the yuletide season. The families must always provide a person to attend to their residences to prevent possible robbery. They must not leave their homes unattended.

The holiday season is the best chance for thieves to commit crimes especially robbery.

According to Bragais, the PNP is working doubly hard, day and night to curb criminality. However, community support is necessary to win the battle against criminality.

Dir. Bragais has underscored the Aklan Provincial Police Office’s implementation plan for police visibility and deployment of personnel and patrols at all times. especially this Christmas season. /MP

Malay SB Members Question Boracay’s Exclusion From New Peso Bills

The Malay Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members which has jurisdiction over Boracay resort island is questioning the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) why it did not include the world-famous Boracay in the design of the new peso bills.

The BSP has been receiving flak from various sectors for its alleged errors in the design of the new bills.

The new bills’ designs are said to have added security features to prevent counter-feiting.
The new bills which were presented to the public last week are expected to be released next year.

The SB members discussed the new bills in its regular session Tuesday and the members decided to come up with a resolution to formalize their sentiments. All the SB members have unanimously voted in favor of issuing the resolution.

"The BSP should have included Boracay in its new design, the resort island being the premier tourism destination in the country," said Councilor Ezel Flores.

The SB members believed that the Boracay tourism industry would be further strengthened if the BSP decided to include it in the design of the new peso bills.

The SB members maintained that Boracay Island has the right to be included in the Philippine peso bills because of the billion of pesos it contributes to the coffers of the government.

Once the resolution is drafted and finally approved, this will be submitted to the BSP Central Office. (PNA)　/MP

Iloilo City PESO Is Best In W. Visayas

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recognized Iloilo City’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) as one of the "best performing PESOs" in Western Visayas.

DOLE provincial director Filomeno Sonza recognized PESO in a letter to Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog.

He said the award was announced during the Regional PESO Capability Building Performance Assessment at Aklan State University, Banga recently. Evaluation period was from January to September 2010.

"Iloilo City PESO has met all the necessary requirements in all indicators such as submission of reports, registration, referral and placement of all applicants, and other employment related services," Sonza said.

Consequently, Mabilog gave a Mayor’s Citation to City PESO manager Alan Zaldivar for his dynamic leadership.

"Such accomplishment is an excellent testament to the city government’s incessant commitment and dedication to provide continuing avenue where job generation and work opportunities for our people are consistently provided for," the citation reads.

"This outstanding recognition truly inspires our government to seriously address the unemployment condition which continues to plague our people as one of the chronic social ills which require decisive action from the state and its functionaries," it added.
Last year, Zaldivar also received recognition from the federation of PESO officers, with an award of best in placement category and best in attendance.

　
DOLE Inspects Establishments

DOLE in Western Visayas has completed inspection of 51 percent of business establishments scattered throughout the region.

DOLE Assistant Regional Director Crispin Dannug said 69 percent of 1,233 establishments examined passed the Labor Enforcement Action Program requisites, while 31 percent were found violating labor laws.

The DOLE executive said the provinces already visited are Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Aklan, and parts of Negros Occidental. Usual labor infractions include underpayment of minimum wage, non-payment of overtime and other service incentives, Dannug said.

However, Dannug expressed satisfaction over the firms’ quick response to the labor-related deficiencies as many have already complied with government-set rules and regulations.

The routine DOLE inspection of business firms is now on its third month, and the next stop will be Negros Occidental.

Western Visayas, Best In Statistics

Western Visayas is the country’s best region in terms of statistical programs and projects, including the works of its partner agencies and government offices.

The recognition was given during the 11th National Convention on Statistics (NCS) held at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, Mandaluyong City, recently

The citation was earned after the region’s successful implementation of the government’s program through the use of statistics.

The National Statistics and Coordinating Board (NSCB) secretary general Dr. Romulo A. Virola and Peter Paul Rueben Galvez, chief of research and specialist studies divisions of Department of National Defense and chairman of last year’s National Statistics Month (NSM) awards committee presented the award.

NSCB 6 Regional Head Presentacion Penpillo said the award shows that various government agencies, local government units (LGUs) and attached agencies are keen in using statistical data in making programs and implementing the projects of the government.

The region celebrated the 21st NSM celebration spearheaded by NSCB.

This year’s statistics theme is "Towards a Philippine Statistical System Responsive to Emerging National and Global Challenges."

The month-long celebration highlights the works of the country’s statisticians and professionals in the government, academe and private sector.

It also discussed the challenges in the Philippine Statistical System. (PNA)