State of the Nation Address 2012

Publishing in four parts the 3rd State of the Nation Address  of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III for the best interest of the readers.

(3RD OF FOUR PARTS)

Nangingibabaw na nga po ang liwanag sa ating bayan— liwanag na nagsiwalat sa krimeng nagaganap sa madidilim na sulok ng lipunan. Ang pinagsisikapang kitain ng Pilipino, hindi na maga-gantso. Patuloy po ang pagbaba ng crime volume sa buong bansa. Ang mahigit limandaan libong krimen na naitala noong 2009, mahigit kalahati po ang nabawas: 246,958 na lamang iyan nitong 2011. Dagdag pa rito: ang dating dalawanlibo’t dalawandaang kaso ng carnapping noong 2010, lampas kalahati rin ang ibinaba: 966 na lang po iyan pagdating ng 2011.

Ito nga po sana ang dalhin ng ating mga headline. Hindi po natin sinasabing wala nang krimeng nagaganap, pero palagay ko naman po, wala dapat magalit na nangalahati na ito. Si Raymond Dominguez na matagal nang labas-masok sa kulungan, hindi ba’t sa loob lamang ng mahigit isang taon, nasentensyahan at naipakulong na? Ang dalawa pa niyang kapatid ay sinampahan na rin natin ng kaso at kasalukuyan na ring nakabilanggo. May dalawang suspect sa bus bombing sa Makati noong nakaraang taon, ang isa patay na; yung isa, humihimas na ng rehas. Kakosa niya ang mahigit sampung libong sangkot sa ilegal na droga na inaresto ng PDEA nitong 2011.

Alam po nating hindi araw-araw ang laban ni Pacman, at hindi puwedeng iasa dito ang pagbaba ng krimen. Kaya nga po pinalalakas natin ang puwersa ng kapulisan. Di po ba, nang dumating tayo, apatnapu’t limang porsyento ng ating kapulisan ang walang baril at umaasa sa anting-anting habang tumutugis ng masasamang-loob? May nanalo na po sa bidding, tinitiyak na lamang nating de-kalidad ang kanilang mga produkto. Pagkatapos ng proseso, maipagkakaloob na ang 74,600 na baril na magagamit nila upang ipagtanggol at alagaan ang bayan, lipunan, at sarili.

Dumako naman po tayo sa usapin ng pambansang tanggulan. May mga nagsabi nga po na ang ating Air Force, all air, at no force. Imbes na alagaan ng estado, para bang sinasadyang ilagay sa alanganin ang ating mga sundalo. Hindi po tayo makakapayag na manatiling ganito.

Makalipas nga lang po ang isang taon at pitong buwan, nakapaglaan na tayo ng mahigit dalawampu’t walong bilyong piso para sa AFP Modernization Program. Aabutan na nito ang tatlumpu’t tatlong bilyong pisong pondo na ipinagkaloob sa nasabing programa sa nakalipas na labinlimang taon. Bumu-buwelo pa lang po tayo sa lagay na iyan: kapag naipasa na ang panukala nating AFP modernization bill sa Kongreso, maka-kapaglaan tayo ng pitumpu’t limang bilyong piso para sa susunod na limang taon. 

Kasado na rin po ang tatlumpung milyong dolyar na pondong kaloob ng Estados Unidos para sa Defense Capability Upgrade and Sustainment of Equipment Program ng AFP. Bukod pa po ito sa tulong nila upang pahusayin pa ang pagmanman sa ating mga baybayin sa ilalim ng itatayong Coast Watch Center ng Pilipinas.

Nagka-canvass na rin po ang Sandatahang Lakas ng mga kagamitan tulad ng mga kanyon, personnel carrier, at frigate. Hindi magtatagal, dadaong na ang karelyebo ng BRP Gregorio del Pilar sa ating pampang. Sa Enero, aangkla na po sa Pilipinas ang BRP Ramon Alcaraz, ang pangalawa nating Hamilton class cutter. Di na po bangkang papel ang ating ipapalaot; ngayon, mga hi-tech at de-kalidad na barko na ang tatanod sa 36,000 kilometers nating coastline. 

Mainam na rin po siguro kung maglinis-linis na ng mga hangar ang ating Sandatahang Lakas, dahil darating na ang mga kagamitang lalong magpapatikas sa ating tanggulan. Sa wakas, may katuwang na po ang kaisa-isa nating C-130 na tatlumpu’t anim na taon nang rumoronda sa himpapawid: dalawa pang C-130 ang magiging operational ulit. Bago matapos ang taong ito, inaasahan nating mai-dedeliver na ang binili nating dalawampu’t isang refurbished UH-1H Helicopter, apat na combat utility helicopters, mga radyo at iba’t ibang communication equipment, rifles, mortars, mobile diagnostic laboratories, kasama pa ang station bullet assembly. Pagdating naman po ng 2013, lalapag na ang sampung attack helicopters, dalawang naval helicopters, dalawang light lift aircraft, isang frigate, at mga force protection equipment.

At hindi lang po natin sa armas ipinaparamdam ang pagkalinga sa ating pulis at kasundaluhan. Nabawasan na rin po ang mga pasanin nila sa pamumuhay dahil sa mahigit dalawampu’t dalawang libong bahay ang naipatayo na sa ilalim ng AFP-PNP housing program.

Hindi po ito tungkol sa pakikipag-girian o paki-kipagmatigasan. Hindi ito tungkol sa pagsisiga-sigaan. Tungkol ito sa pagkamit ng kapayapaan. Tungkol ito sa kakayahan nating ipag- tanggol ang ating sarili— isang bagay na kaytagal nating inisip na imposible. Tungkol po ito sa buhay ng isang sundalong araw-araw sumasabak sa peligro; tungkol ito sa pamilya niyang nag-aabang na makabalik siyang ligtas, ano man ang kanyang makaharap. 

At ngayon ngang inaaruga na sila ng taumbayan, lalo namang ginaganahan ang ating kasundaluhan na makamtan ang kapayapaan. Tagumpay pong maituturing ang dalawandaan at tatlong rebeldeng sumuko at nagbabalik-loob na sa lipunan, at ang 1,772 na bandidong nawakasan na ang karahasan. Halimbawa po ang kilabot na teroristang si Doctor Abu, na hindi na makakapaghasik ng lagim. Nagpupugay rin po tayo sa panunumbalik ng katahimikan sa mga lugar na matagal nang biningi ng putukan. Ang resulta nga po ng bayanihan: 365 na barangay ang naagaw sa kamay ng kaaway, 270 na gusali’t paaralan ang naipaayos, at 74 health centers ang naipagawa.

Kung kapayapaan na lang din po ang usapan, dumako naman tayo sa lugar na matagal naging mukha ng mga mithiing di makamtan-kamtan. Bago po magsimula ang mga reporma natin sa ARMM, may mga ghost student doon, na maglalakad sa isang ghost road, tungo sa isang ghost school, para magpaturo sa isang ghost teacher. Ang mga aparisyon pong gumulantang kay OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman: Apat na eskuwelahan na natagpuang may ghost students; iniimbestigahan na rin ang mga teacher na hindi lumilitaw ang pangalan sa talaan ng Professional Regulation Commission, gayundin ang mga tauhan ng gobyernong hindi nakalista sa plantilya. Limampu’t limang ghost entry ang tinanggal sa payroll. Ang dating paulit-ulit na pagsasaboy ng graba sa kalsada para lang pagkakitaan ng pera, bawal na. Wala nang cash advance sa mga ahensya, para maiwasan ang pagsa-samantala. Ang mga multo sa voters list, mapapatahimik na ang kaluluwa. Kaya nga po kay OIC Gov. Mujiv Hataman, ang masasabi natin: isa ka nang certified ghost buster.

Ang pumalit po: pabahay, tulay, at learning center para sa mga Badjao sa Basilan. Mga community-based hatchery, lambat, materyales para maglinang ng seaweeds, at punlang napakinabangan ng 2,588 na mangingisda. Certified seeds, punla ng gabi, casava, goma, at mga punong namumunga para sa 145,121 na magsasaka. Simula pa lang po iyan: nakalaan na ang 183 million pesos para sa mga municipal fishing port projects sa ARMM; 310.4 million pesos para sa mga istasyon ng bumbero; 515 million pesos para sa malinis na inuming tubig; 551.9 million pesos para sa mga kagamitang pangkalusugan; 691.9 million pesos para sa daycare centers; at 2.85 billion pesos para sa mga kalsada at tulay na babagtas sa rehiyon. Ilan lang po iyan sa patutunguhan ng kabuuang 8.59 billion pesos na ipinagkaloob ng pambansang gobyerno para isakatuparan ang mga reporma sa ARMM. Lilinawin ko rin po: hindi pa kasama rito ang taunang suportang natatanggap nila, na ngayong 2012 ay umabot sa 11.7 billion pesos.

Miski po ang mga dating gustong tumiwalag, nakikita na ang epekto ng reporma. Kinikilala natin bilang pahiwatig ng kanilang tiwala ang nakaraang pitong buwan, kung kailan walang nangyaring sagupaan sa pagitan ng militar at ng MILF. Sa peace process naman po: hayag at lantaran ang usapan; nagpapamalas ang magkabilang panig ng tiwala sa isa’t isa. Maaaring minsan, magiging masalimuot ang proseso; signos lang po ito na malapit na nating makamit ang nag-iisa nating mithiin: Kapayapaan.

Mapayapang pag-uusap rin po ang prinsipyong isinulong natin upang mabuo ang ating Executive Order ukol sa pagmimina. Ang kaisipan sa likod ng nabuong consensus: mapakinabangan ang ating likas na yaman upang iangat ang buhay ng Pilipino, hindi lamang ngayon kundi pati na rin sa susunod na salinlahi. Hindi natin pipitasin ang ginintuang bunga ng industriyang ito, kung ang magiging kabayaran ay ang pagkasira ng kalikasan. 

Ngunit unang hakbang lamang ito. Isipin po ninyo: Noong 2010, 145 billion pesos ang kabuuang halaga na nakuha mula sa pagmimina, subalit 13.4 billion lamang o siyam na porsyento ang napunta sa kaban ng bayan. Ang likas na yaman, pag-aari ninyo; hindi tayo papayag na balato lang ang mapupunta sa Pilipino. Umaasa po tayo sa pakikiisa ng Kongreso upang makapagpasa ng batas na sisigurong napapangalagaan ang kalikasan at matitiyak na makatarungan ang magiging pakinabang ng publiko at pribadong sektor sa mga biyayang makukuha natin mula sa industriyang ito.

Pag-usapan po natin ang situwasyon sa Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. Dati, ang gobyernong dapat tumutulong, nanghihingi rin ng tulong. Ngayon, nasa Pasipiko pa lang ang bagyo, alam na kung saan idedestino ang ayuda, at may malinaw nang plano upang maiwasan ang peligro. 

Tuwing pag-uusapan nga po ang sakuna, lagi kong naaalala ang nangyari sa Tarlac nang minsang bumagyo. Sa lakas ng ulan, bumigay ang dike. Nang nagising ang isang barangay captain, tinangay na ng baha ang kanyang pamilya at mga kagamitang pangsaka. Buti nga po’t nakaligtas ang buong mag-anak. Malas lang po ng kalabaw nilang naiwang nakatali sa puno; nabigti ito sa lakas ng ragasa.

Walang kalaban-laban din po ang marami sa tinamaan ng bagyong Ondoy, Pepeng, at Sendong. Napakarami pong nasawi sa paghagupit ng mga delubyong ito. Sa ilalim ng bagong-lunsad na Project NOAH, isinakay natin sa iisang bangka ang mga inisyatiba kontra-sakuna, at hindi na rin po idinadaan sa tsamba ang paglilikas sa mga pamilya. Gamit ang teknolohiya, nabibigyan na ng wastong babala ang Pilipino upang makapaghanda at makaiwas sa disgrasya. 

Real-time at direkta na ang pakinabang ng walumpu’t anim na automated rain gauges at dalawampu’t walong water level monitoring sensors natin sa iba’t ibang rehiyon. Bago matapos ang 2013, ang target natin: animnaraang automated rain gauges at apatnaraan at dalawampu’t dalawang water level sensors. Ipapakabit po natin ang mga ito sa labingwalong pangunahing river basins sa buong bansa.

Isa pa pong pagbabago: Dati, ang mga ahensya’y kanya-kanyang habulan ng numero, kanya-kanyang agenda, kanya-kanyang pasikatan. Ngayon, ang kultura sa gobyerno: bayanihan para sa kapakanan ng taumbayan. Convergence po ang tawag natin dito. 

Dati pa naman po naglipana ang mga programa sa tree-planting. Pero matapos magtanim, paba-bayaan na lang ang mga ito. Kapag nakita ng mga komunidad na naghahanap din ng kabuhayan, puputulin ang mga ito para gawing uling.

May solusyon na po rito. Mayroon na pong 128,558 hectares ng kagubatang naitanim sa buong bansa; bahagi lang po iyan ng kabuuang 1.5 million na ektaryang matatamnan bago tayo bumaba sa puwesto. Nakapaloob po rito ang mga komunidad na nasa ilalim ng National Convergence Initiative. Ang proseso: pagkatanim ng puno, makikipag-ugnayan ang DSWD sa mga komunidad. Kapalit ng conditional cash transfer, aalagaan ang mga puno; mayroon ding mga magpapalago ng bagong punla sa nursery. 335,078 na po ang mga Pilipinong nakakakuha ng kabuhayan dito. (TO BE CONTINUED NEXT ISSUE)   /MP

Pacquiao Isn’t Robbed But ‘Punished’ Under Supply and Demand Law

by ALEX P. VIDAL

LOS ANGELES, California – When Manny Pacquiao was “about to fail” to produce a knockout victory after five straight fights on the night of June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, his goose was cooked.

After his failure to deck Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley, and Juan Manuel Marquez, boxing – Las Vegas boxing to be precise – was on death throes. (He fought both Clottey and Margarito in Arlington, Texas).

Four straight boring decision wins for the man who rescued professional boxing from the doldrums in the absence of exciting heavyweight bouts that used to dominate prize fighting in the 60s, 70’s, 80’s, and early 90’s was not good for business.

A fifth straight decision win for the most celebrated boxer in the planet today would be fatal for the sport that has amassed billions of revenues since Las Vegas captured worldwide audience in sports and entertainment on October 2, 1980 when Larry Holmes blasted to smithereens Muhammad Ali via 10th round TKO to annex the WBC heavyweight title.

For financiers to continue hitting pay dirt and luring rich sponsors, boxing needed a spectacular knockout show from the best boxer pound-for-pound to satisfy paying blood thirsty fans and to keep boxing’s cash registry machine ringing.

In Las Vegas – or in any part of the United States in as far as boxing is concerned – Manny Pacquiao is business; business is Manny Pacquiao. The congressman from Mindanao is boxing’s multi-billion guy and number one endorser. He is boxing’s life-support system. Each lackluster performance means a decline in pay-per-view and gate receipts in the next promotion.

RESPONSIBILITY

On Pacquiao’s shoulders rest the titanic responsibility to fill the vacuum left behind by Holmes, Ali, George Foreman, Riddick Bowe, Andrew Golota, Evander Holyfield, Ray Mercer, Vitaly Klitschko, and Mike Tyson. Boxing skidded into all-time low when explosive heavyweight duels virtually closed shop in the later part of 1990’s. Enter Pacquiao, a mighty atom who packs wallop in both fists.

Although his baptism of fire in Las Vegas occurred on June 23, 2001 when he poleaxed Lehlono Ledwaba of South Africa in the sixth round to clinch the IBF super-bantamweight crown as a relative unknown in the US market, empty seats in major venues such as Thomas & Mack Center, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, began to disappear when Pacquiao humiliated Erik “El Terible” Morales via 10th round TKO on January 21, 2006 at the Thomas & Mack Center to avenge a 12-round unanimous decision loss  to the Mexican on March 19, 2005 at the MGM Grand.

The revenge to Morales romped off Pacquiao’s love affair with Las Vegas where he obtained a perfect 10-0 win-loss (6 KO’s) juggernaut in world title showdowns. In those victories, he became one of the riches paid athletes in the world amassing nearly a whopping $60 million in purses and shares in pay-per-view, according to Forbes Magazine

VICTORY

Pacquiao’s last stoppage victory came on November 14, 2009 when he grabbed Miguel Angel Cotto’s WBO welterweight title on a brutal 11th round TKO at the MGM Grand.

Since then, he logged decision victories against Clottey (12-round WBO welterweight title), Margarito (12-round WBC light-middleweight title), Mosley (WBO welterweight title), and Marquez (WBO welterweight title).

Hounded by calls for his retirement owing to a mothballed fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and alarming decline of his knockout percentage, Pacquiao was obliged to put to sleep Timothy Ray Bradley Jr. in their 12-round battle for the WBO 174-lb jewels to preserve the chain of command prior to a possible fisticuff against Mayweather Jr. and to protect his market value as boxing’s only 8-division champion in history. Most of all, to ignite sparks in fight business in danger of being walloped by recession.

If he couldn’t put up a spectacular performance against Bradley – a knockout in his 60th professional fight – a changing of the guard was imminent.  No one has the monopoly to bankroll millions of dollars without putting up a hair-splitting show.

‘GOOD GUY’

Since Bradley’s “a good guy,” according to Top Rank boss Bob Arum during the post-fight press conference, “it’s okay” (if Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight belt changed waist).

Young and eager to prove his win against Pacquiao wasn’t a fluke, Bradley will now aim to give the sport a new lease in life by knocking all his next challengers if he hurdles Pacquiao in their November 2 rematch.

For Arum, et al, when one door closes, another door will open. Arum’s love for Bradley is not a secret. Immediately after Michael Buffer announced the split decision verdict, Arum didn’t hide his excitement as he congratulated the newly crowned champion like a father shaking the hand of a graduating son accepting awards on stage.

Pacquiao, who vowed to deny the judges the chance to decide the outcome of his rematch with Bradley, may not have realized that the judges who scored a split decision for Bradley after he failed to send the unbeaten American to dreamland, did not rob him of his WBO title. The “punishment” was necessary under law of supply and demand.   /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Sa Likod It Gae-um

Ro kabuhi it tawo hay guina putos it kahayag, guina putos man it kadueom. Owa it bisan sin-o man katon nga tawo nga makasinghan nga ro anang kabuhi hay puro eamang kahayag. Owa man it maka hambae nga tanan hay kadueom. May oras nga naga agi guid kita tanan sa rondayang kahayag. Kon amat man hay kadueom. Ogaling tanan rondaya hay omaeagi eamang.

Sa kabuhi ni Annie, ro pag tan-aw nana sa anang pagpangabuhi hay tanan kadueom ro anang palibot. Imaw ra hay guin himuslan it isaeang ka eaeaki nga owa it hakat. Owa imaw pag ulingdi ko ratong eaki bangod sa kahadlok sa anang guinikanan.

Natawo ro anang onga sa tunga it kadueom. Anang guin pangaeanan nga si Lourdes. Sa pagsikway ko ginikanan sa anang ama, sulohanon nga guin abaga ni Annie ro pagpabahoe kay Lourdes. Nagpanaw sanda sa Manila halin sa Cebu agod mag usoy it pangitan-an. May nagbaton kanda nga mag asawa. Owa it unga ro andang amo busa guin kabig si Lourdes nga andang onga. Tongod sa kapisan ni Annie, nagbahoe ro negosyo ko mag asawa. Nagpati ro amo ni Annie sa anang kahugod, matinomanon ag masaligan. Imaw ro guin tugyanan ko negosyo it mag asawa.

May edad eon man ro andang amo. Busa owa mabuhayi, nagtaliwan ro asawa nga babaye tongod sa konsumisyon. Paeahilong abi ro anang asawa. Nagdaeaga si Lourdes nga mahugod kapares man ko anang ina. Tongod kara, palangga guid imaw ko anang guin kilaea nga ama. 

Agod magbilog it uman ro anang pamilya, guin pakaslan ko eaeaki si Annie, ro ina ni Lourdes. Nag iba eon ro batasan ko dating baeo. Nag bag-o imaw. Guin tinguha ko eaeaki nga aywan ro sugae ag inom. 

Owa man kapilahi nag escuela si Lourdes. Sa pagtapos ni Lourdes sa pagka maistra, dungan nga nagsaka sa stage ro anang ama ag ina. Malipayon guid si Annie nga puro kahayag ro anang natan-aw sa palibot. Tama guid ro anang nabasahan sa tueon-an nga sa pihak it gae-um, naga tunga man ro kahayag. /MP

Can Hope and Confidence Overcome Climate Change?

by Delano T. Tefora

Recently, a workshop was conducted on Climate Change and Adoptive Management National Workshop at the UP Marine Science Institute. The workshop emphasized the role of local government units, government agencies and private groups in climate change vulnerability assessments and adaptation initiatives. It explored the strategic activities that will further enhance the resiliency of local communities in addressing the adverse effects of a changing climate.

LGUs must looks forward to its people to the coming years and promise to continue to stand by its vision, mission and values if they have to achieve beneficial impact in the agricultural, aquatic and natural resources sectors. LGUs must focus on developing awareness on what kind and how farming to adapt crops and vegetation to plant, fertilizer to use to minimize farming losses and increase yield due to climate change.

As Charles Darwin said, “it is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change”. I agreed with the Diretor Pat Faylon of PCAARRD commending the adoption of the program and challenging the implementers to further encourage communities and LGUs to adopt the knowledge generated by the resilience program, and integrate them in their governance system and lifestyle.

Director Faylon’s in his annual Executive Report expressed that confidence and hope are the major elements of the optimistic assurance in his trust in the capabilities and potential of the PCAARRD which he would continue to lead. He would have to stand on a real appreciation of current circumstances and resources present and a clear focus of what must be achieved. Given requisites, hope and confidence must now be concretized through its Science and Technology Program Framework shares in President’s Aquino’s administration social contract with the Filipino people concretize its vision of an organized and widely-shared expansion of Philippine economy through the LGUs’ dedication to hone and mobilize the people’s skills and energies, harness our natural resources in their areas of responsibility. 

PCAARRD priority programs need the LGUs’ collaboration to PCAARRD; develop its High Impact Technology Solutions (HITS) that may contribute to DOST’s and Agricultural State Colleges and Universities’ guidance and direction for the period 2012 – 2016 as follows: 1. Healthy food for the table; 2. Support to sustainable environment; 3. Ensuring food crops biodiversity, 4. Technologies to enhance raw materials production of priority world class products; 5. Goat for livelihood and chevon production; 6. Production of export quality tropical fruits; 7. Support to coconut and livestock industries; 8. Science and Technology support to boost competitiveness of local ecotourism industry; 9. Promotes the development of test kits for the detection of residues in food; and 10. Propose gene discovery to aid breeding program for animals and plants.

President Aquino’s key result areas as mentioned in his all year message being his social contract includes: transparent, accountable, and participatory governance; poverty reduction and empowerment of the poor and vulnerable, rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth; and integrity of the environment and climate change adaptation and mitigation.  /MP       

Communication Seminar For Aklan SP & Staff

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

The Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Secretariat will be undergoing a 3-day seminar on Technical Writing, Oral and Written Communication Skills and Business Reports, and Proposals Writing. This will be held by the end of August 2012.

Professors and academicians of the main campus of the Aklan State University, Banga, Aklan who are considered experts in the field will handle the task of training the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretariat. 

At the end of the seminar, participating SP staffs are expected to fully understand the foundation of communication, enhance their communicative competencies, skills and strategies, acquire skills in correspondence, technical writing and oral presentations. 

The topic of the seminar will include foundation of business English like grammar, linguistic competence and vocabulary skills.

The topic in oral communication skills are face to face communication, talk ins and quality circles, strategies for business communication, telecommunication  skills, graphic arts, visual and technical aids and  business meetings skills, briefings, conferences and oral presentations. 

The topic on written communication skills includes format routine memo, inter-office correspondence, business letter, letter types and construction, request and response messages, goodwill letters, minutes and resolution writing.

Aklan Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo – Quimpo, the presiding officer of the SP is always emphasizing that basic skills and knowledge in communication must always be embraced by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretariat to ensure the operational efficiency and responsiveness of the SP Office. /MP

JCI On Signature Campaign To Save Boracay

The Junior Chamber International-Philippines, formerly known as the Philippine Jaycees, is an affiliate National Organization of Junior Chamber International (JCI). JCI is a membership-based, non-profit organization of over 4,000 young adults aged 18 to 40 in more than 160 chapters spread across 22 regions in the Philippines. 

 Guided by JCI principles which ultimately direct their actions towards service to humanity, they believe that part of their responsibility is to forward environmental awareness and conservation. Many might not know that while our country is developing at a rapid pace, our natural resources are taking a beating. One glaring example of this is Boracay, a globally famous beach that has been drastically changed due to heedless commercialization.

 To respond to this call to action, JCI launched a signature campaign dubbed as “Sama Ka, Let’s Save Boracay!” on August 4, 2012. That event included various activities such as a coastal clean-up and a press conference @ 10 AM detailing our efforts to save the environment in Boracay. JCI members from all over Southeast Asia also came over to support the event.

 According to Ms. Andrea Gonzales, proceeds generated will be forwarded to the Municipality of Malay to be used for the training of elementary school students in environmental conservation, tourism, and hospitality industry. This signature campaign not only seeks to develop awareness among locals and tourists about the need to save Boracay environmentally. More than that, it aims to develop the next generation of green tourism experts. By doing so, we are not only teaching the children how to save Boracay but we are also empowering them to become advocates and stewards of their very own island, making the campaign more sustainable and impactful    /MP

EDITORIAL

Aquino’s TV Patrol Tirades

by Ellen Tordesillas

Thumbs up to  President Aquino in setting aside tact and taking to task Noli de Castro’s dubious role as journalist.

Thumbs down  for once again whining about media not reporting his idea of good news, as if media is an extension of  Malacañang.

This is a portion of Aquino’s speech that directly hit De Castro even if his name was not mentioned:

Noong Oktubre ng nakaraang taon, may isang reporter kayo ang nagbabalita sa NAIA 3. Ang sabi niya, sa puntong iyon, tumaas ng dalawampung porsiyento ang passenger arrivals sa paliparan. Magandang balita, at higit sa lahat, fact po iyan.  Sa kabila nito, nakuha pa pong humirit ng isang anchor n’yo at ang sabi po niya, and I quote,  “Nasa NAIA 3 ka kasi; kung nasa NAIA 1 ka, doon malala.” Sa loob-loob ko po, anong kinalaman ng ibinabalita sa NAIA 3 sa NAIA 1? May nagsabi po bang ayos na ayos na ang NAIA 1? Kung mayroon man ho, hindi kami. Nakaligtaan niya atang mahigit 30 anyos na ang istrukturang ito.

Napapaisip nga po ako: ‘yung nagkomento nito, hindi ba’t anim na taon ding tumangan sa renda ng gobyerno? Sabihin na po nating minana lang din nila ang problema; ‘di hamak mas luma naman ang ipinamana nilang problema sa amin. Anim na taon ang ipinagkaloob sa kanya para tumulong sa pagsasaayos ng mismong inirereklamo niya. Pero ngayon, tayo na nga ang may bitbit na problema, tayo na nga ang tutugon dito, pero, masakit nga ho, may gana pa tayong hiritan ng nagpamana?

Naalala ko rin po nang na-recover ng NBI ang isang banyagang bata na nakidnap. Ang ganda na po sana: Nakakuha ng tip ang awtoridad, kumilos sila, at na-recover ang bata. Masaya ang mga magulang na kapiling na muli nila ang kanilang anak; masaya ang bata na kayakap niya ang kaniyang ama’t ina; masaya ang awtoridad na maayos at matagumpay ang operasyon nila. Mukhang ang hindi lang masaya, ito nga pong anchor natin na nagawa pa uling humirit na baka raw na-set-up lang raw ang rescue operation, at binayaran lang talaga ang ransom. Kahit anong pilit ng reporter na malinaw ang operasyon; nag-surveillance ang mga taga-NBI, at talagang natiyempuhan nilang walang nakabantay sa bata, pilit pa rin po nang pilit ang anchor. Sabi nga ho ng nanonood kong kasama, “Naman.” Kami pa po mismo ang magagalak kung makakapaghain kayo ng kapirasong ebidensya ukol dito, at kung mayroon nagkamali, usigin natin ang mga nagkamali.

Noli de CastroMay naitutulong po ba ang mga walang-basehang spekulasyon, lalo na kung lumalabas ka sa telebisyon at sinusubaybayan ng sambayanan? Kung nagba-bangkaan lang tayo sa kanto, hindi problema ang mga walang-basehang patutsada. Pero kung alam mong opinion-maker ka, alam mo rin dapat na mayroon kang responsibilidad. Sana  po, sa tuwing sasabihin nating, and I quote, “magandang gabi, bayan,” ay totoong hinahangad nating maging maganda ang gabi ng bayan.

ABS-CBN lowered the bar of broadcast journalism when they returned former Vice President Noli de Castro to their  early evening  news, TV Patrol. The main reason could have been the ratings war.

As Gloria Arroyo’s vice president, he was silent on the many anomalies that riddled the Arroyo administration.  He even came to the aid of Arroyo when she was shaken by the  Hello Garci expose.

What did he say or do when all the anomalies  - fertilizer scam, NBN-ZTE deal, North Rail, etc. etc. were coming out in media?  Nothing.

It’s hypocritical of De Castro  to be commenting on other irregularities when he was silent of the many scams when he was near the center of power.

In fact it’s so awkward  everytime TV Patrol  carried a report on Delfin Lee of Globe Asiatique.  As Arroyo’s housing czar, De Castro could not have been ignorant of that huge anomaly. What did he do to stop that? If he really didn’t know anything about it, then he was guilty of incompetence and neglect of duty.

But Aquino’s   attempt to be meddle with media’s editorial judgment is a big turnoff.

He said, “Kung gabi-gabing bad news ang hapunan ni Juan dela Cruz, talaga namang manga-ngayayat ang puso’t isip niya sa kawalan ng pag-asa,” he said.  “Ilang turista kaya kada buwan ang nagka-cancel ng bakasyon dahil sa araw-araw na negatibismo? Ilan kayang kababayan ang nawawalan ng pag-kakataong magkaroon ng kabuhayan dahil sa bad news na ito?”

Reporters do not classify news as  “good” or “bad.” Their responsibility is to make sure that their reports are accurate.

As long as the report adheres to the basic rules of journalism —truthful, fair, written without any hidden agenda or conflict of interest,  didn’t put innocent people in harm’s way, the reporter is accountable for it — it is good.

What is not good is an inaccuracy. Any report that is not truthful is not good.

Tourists don’t cancel plans because of news reports. People don’t lose their job because of news reports.

Tourists don’t come because of many things — poor infrastructure, inefficiency, incompetence, etc. etc.   And  it points to one thing: leadership. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Together Again

Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo – Quimpo and Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores made known their political plan for the May 2013 election on Monday, July 30 in press conference held at Latte Café, Estancia, Kalibo. Cong. Miraflores announced: “For the good of Aklan province, I invited Vice Gov. Billie Calizo-Quimpo to partner with me for the continued development and progress of Aklan”. He added, “Billie has proven track records in the political scene as former board member and congresswoman of the province…and that her experience in tourism is most needed too,” reported Megs Lunn.

According to Vice Gov. Calizo – Quimpo, “I have many dreams for the legislative in Aklan. I…thank my friends, motivators and constituents who are encouraging me for a higher office. However, I will not be comfortable to leave the Sangguniang Panlalawigan without finishing my business and dreams for the SP”.

Mraflores aims to continue the Agriculture and Tourism program of Aklan after his stint in the House of Representatives on June 30, 2013.

On the other hand, Calizo – Quimpo does not feel comfortable to “leave SP without finishing her business and dreams for the SP”.

Miraflores  was Mayor of Ibajay, nine years Governor of Aklan, and nine years congressman of the lone district of Aklan on June 30, 2013.

The current Ibajay town Mayor is his beloved wife, Lulu Miraflores. Their son, Jo-en is also on his first term as member of the Aklan SP. 

The Joeben Miraflores family is really devoted Aklanon. The three principals in the family are devoting their time, effort, and all for the service of the Aklanons. The father has spent long time as Mayor of Ibajay, nine years governor of Aklan, nine years congressman on June 30, 2013. And still he wishes to win the gubernatorial election to continue his services for Aklan for another three years (2013 – 2016). The mother is now Mayor of Ibajay while the son is SP member. 

Indeed, they have insatiable greed to serve their people.

Carabao Mango

During the 26th Regular Session For CY 2012 held on Wednesday, August 1, the Aklan SP approved the “urgent request of Governor Carlito S. Marquez for an authority to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Dept. of Agriculture Regional Field Unit VI, Iloilo City for the project Foundation Scion Grove Establishment for Carabao Mango”. Hon. Nemesio P. Neron sponsored the approval of the Governor’s request. 

The Foundation Scion Grove Establishment for Carabao Mango was not furnished the media. No members of the SP present did not asked any question on the request especially on its technical aspect. But are they aware of what is this project about?

I surmised, the project being a mango is a pomology, the science of fruit production, specifically carabao mango by asexual propagation. 

Philippines Hits Cambodia 

The Philippines summoned Cambodia’s ambassador to explain comments he made accusing it and Vietnam of playing “dirty politics” in trying to solve a maritime row with China.

The move appeared to further deepen divisions within the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), two weeks after a ministerial meeting Cambodia hosted ended in disarray over the sea dispute.

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said Cambodian ambassador Hos Sereythonh was asked Tuesday to  explain his comments, but he failed claiming he was sick.

Ambassador Sereythonh said the ‘inflexible and non-negotiable position of two countries of ASEAN is dirty politics’.” Hos accused the Philippines and Vietnam of working to “sabotage and hijack the joint communique” during the ASEAN meeting.

The Philippines and Vietnam should not blame Cambodia for ASEAN’s failure to issue an end-of-meeting statement spelling concerns in the region, a first in its 45 year history.

Tensions have escalated this year.  China became embroiled in diplomatic rows with the Philippines and Vietnam. The Philippines called on its fellow ASEAN members at the Cambodia meeting to support it against China. /MP

Fostering Agri-Tourism Program

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Photo shows (l to r) Atty. Niovady Marin, Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Dr. Danilo Abayon, Ms. Megs S. Lunn,  Ret. Gen. Fred Romero, Juan P. Dayang, and Edwin R. Ramos. For the first time, the Kapihan Sa Aklan was held at Carmen Hotel @ NVC, Kalibo, Aklan and will be the venue for the next two months. 

The Kapihan Sa Aklan, a forum welcomed the invitation of Atty. Allen S. Quimpo to hold its forum at Carmen Hotel @ NVC, Pastrana Street, Kalibo. Hence, Carmen Hotel served as the venue on July 27, 2012. Carmen Hotel @ NVC will serve as such for the next two months. 

Dr. Danilo Abayon, Pres. Aklan State University (ASU), Ret. Gen. Fred Romero, Pres. Aklan Seed Growers Assn., Atty. Niovady Marin, Mr. Juan P. Dayang, and Ms. Lilian Q. Tirol discussed the topic, “Personal View on the 2012 SONA” of Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III.

According to Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 6.4 percent, the Philippines could no longer be considered the sick man of Asia but an emerging tiger. This is a defining moment since almost all countries are suffering economic downturn.

Based on record, the Aquino administration delivered P192 million to thousands of Aklanon families under the Conditional Cash Transfer program. With P238.8 billion allotted for education in 2012, there could be remarkable delivery of basic services like  filing up vacant teaching positions, classroom and textbook shortages. For these, the former Vice Governor rated Pres. Aquino’s previous performance 80 percent.

Former RTC Judge Niovady Marin underscored that 6.4 percent could be attributed to earnings by  OFW’s. Hence, could not impact the lives of majority of poor families. It could be a different scenario if this is attributed to agri-industrial growth because it will have immediate trickledown effect. Economic roadmap that deals with mining and sin taxes (alcohol and tobacco are not yet definite). Fast tracking the issue on mining could be significant in view of our rich mineral reserves. 

ASU is among the State universities and colleges benefited by 43.61 percent budget increase. Dr. Abayon however clarified the actual increase for the institution is only 38.6 percent since it received partial increase last year. The above funding will upgrade salaries of faculty members, teaching competencies of instructors, research and establishment of National Fiber Center (Abaca, piña, raffia, coconut)

On the issue of mitigating poverty and unemployment, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) are mandated to enhance global competitiveness of youth in the labor market. Providing the best education will increase the chance of acquiring a good job and income. Presently, we are rationalizing higher education with establishment of Regional University System and equitable distribution of budget allocation based on performance, Dr. Abayon stressed.

Gen. Romero cited gains of the Aquino administration under Secretary Proceso Alcala of Department of Agriculture (DA). From huge rice importation of 1.3 million metric tons (mt) in the previous decade, this is 800,000 mt in 2011 and 500,000 mt this year. The DA current budget is P54 billion and priority is to reduce high post harvest losses. Philrice data show that as high as 16.5 percent of total palay production is lost during harvesting, threshing, drying and milling. (Although losses in storage is excluded, yet it is a significant 3.0 percent. 

Presently, the Makinasaka program will give farmers in Aklan P15 million worth of farm machines: power tillers, threshers and combine harvesters. 

While farmers in other Asian countries are better off, majority of our farmers are wallowing in poverty. To address the problem, there is a petition to the Hon. Secretary of  DA to act on the following: a) increase the buying price of palay from P17.00/kg to P20.00/kg.; b) subsidize the production input of seeds and fertilizers; c) National Food Authority (NFA) must be sole importer of rice, corn and other grains; and d) DA must re-assume the direct supervision and control over agricultural technologists in the provinces and municipalities.

Johny Dayang noted the almost all prominent hotels in Metro Manila like Rembrandt, Manila Hotel, Manila Peninsula, Sulo Hotel are holding weekly Kapihan sessions. This Kapihan Sa Aklan is very significant development and a big boost to communication and info dissemination in Aklan.

On tourism, every Aklanon should rejoice over the announcement that Boracay is the number one island tourists destination in the world. 

Tourism generates jobs. This is seen in labor statistics that three local jobs are created for every tourist visiting the country. For the Aklanons, this is good opportunity to be in the service sector but surprisingly jobs in Boracay are cornered by outsiders. Reason: local applicants are not competent, poor in communication skills and undesirable work attitude. Weighing heavily against local residents is the habit of going home every time there are family gatherings like baptism, graduation, reunion, death, fiesta, and birthday. DepEd and CHED may gradually produce graduates with desirable work ethics and desired competency.

The possibility of attaining rice self-sufficiency by 2013 is welcome development. Imagine importing 1.3 million mts annually! This is subsidizing foreign farmers. 

Crooks come with illegal importation flooding the market with cheap rice. NFA compounds the misery of farmers by selling under-valued rice to maintain artificial low price  of  rice. This is  disservice and disincentive to Filipino farmers to increase production. It’s no wonder that Filipino farmers are still practicing antiquated farming method. 

Actually, the 6.4 percent GDP covers only the first quarter of 2012. Financing institutions like the Asian Development Bank, Standard Chartered Bank project a conservative estimate of less than 5 percent for 2012 considering recession abroad. 

The 6.4 percent is much less than the projected growth of 7-8 percent to lift five million Filipino households out of poverty. The phenomenal growth realized at start of 2012 was  the  result of massive investments in infra in the last three months of 2011. During the first nine months of P-noy’s administration, big ticket infra projects were stopped for critical evaluation and modification. 

Our technical scientific manpower is adversely threatened by the yearly exodus of intellectuals called brain drain. Bureau of Labor and Employment statistics show that science and technology graduates who went abroad rose from 9,877 in 1998 to 24,502 in 2009. This is 250 percent increase in a span of 12 years. Indeed, it is nonsense investing P1 million for one college graduate only for export. But equally nonsense to remain in this country waiting for jobs. Better invest one million pesos per graduate who will become an entrepreneur and job creator.

A rational program on economic development for the country could be a returned to basics: strengthen agriculture, eco-tourism, and small and medium industries. Improve Aklan’s twin program in Agriculture and Tourism designed to benefit more Aklanons. /MP

Philippines Offers China Oil Gas Prospects

The Philippines will offer three oil and gas exploration contracts in the disputed South China Sea later on Tuesday, including two in areas claimed by China, an official said.

All three blocs off the coast of the western Philippine island of Palawan are parts of Philippine territory, energy Usec. Jose Layug said, dismissing China’s territorial claims.

Tensions between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea have been running high due to disputes over the Reed Bank and the Spratly islands to the south of the prospects, and Scarborough Shoal to the north.

But Layug dismissed suggestions the latest quarrel, over the shoal, would dampen interest in the bid.

“Historically, the Philippines has always attracted bids from medium sized exploration companies. They do seismic surveys, and if they have (good) results, that’s when the big boys come in,” Layug told AFP.

The two disputed areas for exploration are beside the Philippines’ existing natural gas fields, while the third lies closer to the Palawan coast.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea even up to the coast of its neighbours.

Four foreign firms — Australia’s Nido Petroleum, Spain’s Repsol, GDF Suez of France and Italy’s Eni — are among 40 companies that met official requirements to submit bids.

But Layug said he did not know if any of them would make offers for the contracts, which are expected to be awarded within six months, with each of the projects to involve spending hundreds of millions of dollars over up to seven years.

Philex Petroleum, one of the pre-qualified bidders have held talks earlier this year with representatives of state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC)

While CNOOC is not taking part Tuesday, Layug said it would be welcome to enter into a partnership with any of the winning bidders.

“They are always welcome to take part in any of our service contracts for as long as they recognize Philippine law,” he said.

The Philippines and China entered into a tense stand-off over the Scarborough Shoal in April when Chinese patrol vessels blocked the Philippine Navy from arresting Chinese fishermen.

Last year, the Philippines accused China of harassing an oil exploration ship at the potentially oil-rich Reed Bank. /MP

Philippines Offers China Oil Gas Prospects

The Philippines will offer three oil and gas exploration contracts in the disputed South China Sea later on Tuesday, including two in areas claimed by China, an official said.

All three blocs off the coast of the western Philippine island of Palawan are parts of Philippine territory, energy Usec. Jose Layug said, dismissing China’s territorial claims.

Tensions between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea have been running high due to disputes over the Reed Bank and the Spratly islands to the south of the prospects, and Scarborough Shoal to the north.

But Layug dismissed suggestions the latest quarrel, over the shoal, would dampen interest in the bid.

“Historically, the Philippines has always attracted bids from medium sized exploration companies. They do seismic surveys, and if they have (good) results, that’s when the big boys come in,” Layug told AFP.

The two disputed areas for exploration are beside the Philippines’ existing natural gas fields, while the third lies closer to the Palawan coast.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea even up to the coast of its neighbours.

Four foreign firms — Australia’s Nido Petroleum, Spain’s Repsol, GDF Suez of France and Italy’s Eni — are among 40 companies that met official requirements to submit bids.

But Layug said he did not know if any of them would make offers for the contracts, which are expected to be awarded within six months, with each of the projects to involve spending hundreds of millions of dollars over up to seven years.

Philex Petroleum, one of the pre-qualified bidders have held talks earlier this year with representatives of state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC)

While CNOOC is not taking part Tuesday, Layug said it would be welcome to enter into a partnership with any of the winning bidders.

“They are always welcome to take part in any of our service contracts for as long as they recognize Philippine law,” he said.

The Philippines and China entered into a tense stand-off over the Scarborough Shoal in April when Chinese patrol vessels blocked the Philippine Navy from arresting Chinese fishermen.

Last year, the Philippines accused China of harassing an oil exploration ship at the potentially oil-rich Reed Bank. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Babaye Sa Kwadro

Mabuhay eon nga ilo si Nardo sa ama ag ina. Tongod karon, maisot pa imaw hay idto eon mag istar sa anang tiya. Mapintas ro anang tiya ag makasamit eang imaw it manami nga pagkaon kon maka bus-ak it kahoy ag maka sag-ob it tubi. Tanan ro anang pagkaon ag igdaeapat hay baylo ko mabug-at nga mga obra nga guina sugo kana. 

Ko isaeang hapon, samtang naga pahuway-huway imaw sa puno ni Santoe, may umagi nga trak nga may eo-ean nga basura. Tongod madasig ro daeagan ko trak, may nahueog nga kwadro halin sa trak, inapok kana. Guin pueot nana ro nahueog nga kwadro. Guin basa ni Nardo kon ano ro sa kwadro. May nakapintura nga itsura it babaye nga matsa kondesa. Guin limpyohan ni Nardo ro kwadro, guindaea nana sa andang baeay. Ana eon man nga guin trapuhan pag abot sa andang baeay. Guin butang nana sa anang kwarto ratong kwadro.

Ko gabi-i ngaron, ham-an it mataas ta ro anang eagnat? Naga kurog imaw ag guina eamig. Sa anang pag deliryo, habatyagan nana nga guin trapuhan imaw ko isaeang ka babaye, pagkatapos, guin habuean hasta nakatueog imaw. Pagkaaga, naduea ro anang eagnat ag naka obra eon man imaw. Mayad ayad ro anang pamatyag sa anang eawas.

Halin kato kada agahon, parabil magpanaw imaw sa obra, anang guina haru-an ro babaye sa kwadro. Guina kabig nana nga anang ina ro babaye, busa naduea ro anang kahidlaw sa matuod nanang ina. Tumaliwan ro pilang dominggo, ko gabi-e ngaron, haabutan nana nga owa ro kwadro sa anang guin butangan. Anang guin usisa. May hakita imaw nga papel sa lamesa nga may nakasueat nga numero it baeay ag direksyon. 

Pagka agahon, anang guin adtunan ro baeay. Isaeang ka mansyon gali ro anang hakita. Sa uwa man it tawo, nagsueod imaw. Sa anang pagsueod, hakita nana ro mabahoe nga kwadro nga may imahen it babaye nga kapareho man ko babaye ngato sa kwadro nga anang hapueot. Isaea gali ka kondesa ro babaye nga mabuhay eon nga namatay. Sakay gali ratong babaye sa eroplanong nabag-bag ag nasunog. 

Halin ro kondesa sa Pransya nga nagbakasyon sa lugar ko anang asawang konde. Parabil mamatay ro konde, may anang guin suead nga sangka testamento nga mawra: kon sin-o man ro taw-an ko it rayang direksyon, imaw ro mangin tag-ana ko baeay ngara. Rato nga papel nga may sueat ko anang testamento hay anang guin sukbit sa kwadro nga may imahen ko anang asawa.  

Tongod si Nardo ro naka pueot ko testament, si Nardo ro nangin tag ana ko mansion it konde. Abo guid ro pagpasaeamat ni Nardo sa babaye sa kwadro nga guina kabig nana nga ina. /MP  

Ph Captures Top Al-Qaeda Linked Militant

Philippine authorities have arrested a founding member of the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group blamed for some of the worst terror attacks in the region, security officials said on Sunday.

Ustadz Ahmadsali Asmad Badron, also known as Ammad or Hamad Ustadz Idris, was arrested on Saturday in the remote Tawi-Tawi islands in the southern Philippines.

Police criminal investigation regional chief Edgar Danao said Badron was one of the original members of Abu Sayyaf, which was founded in the 1990s using seed money from Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

“Badron was among the trusted members of (Abu Sayyaf) who made millions of pesos in ransom money collected from their operations,” Danao said.

Along with one of his cousins, Badron worked alongside Galib Andang, a notorious Abu Sayyaf leader well known as “Commander Robot”.

The group carried out a daring cross-border raid on a Malaysian resort in April 2000 and kidnapped dozens of foreign tourists.

It gained Abu Sayyaf international notoriety even as the hostages were freed in batches after millions were paid following ransom negotiations brokered by Libya, officials said.

The group has also been blamed for the worst extremist attacks in Philippine history including a ferry bombing in Manila in 2004 that killed more than 100 people.

Subsequent US-backed operations against Abu Sayyaf led to the killing of key leaders, while many others including Andang were arrested, but he was later killed in a botched attempt to escape in 2005.

While on the run, Badron allegedly helped foreign militants from another regional terror group, the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), to hide in the southern Philippines.

The JI is blamed for a spate of deadly attacks in Indonesia, including the 2002 bombings on the Indonesian resort island of Bali that killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists.

Badron’s arrest came as troops were hunting down another Abu Sayyaf unit on the nearby Basilan island following clashes that left at least 10 soldiers dead last week.

While the government has repeatedly branded the Abu Sayyaf a spent force. Experts say the group remains an enduring security threat with hundreds of fighters still active. /MP

Pag-Ibig Cuts Calamity Loans Interest Rate

Pag-IBIG Fund has reduced the interest rate of its calamity loans to help families affected by typhoons and other disasters, said Vice Pres. and Pag-IBIG Board chair Jejomar C. Binay.

“Pag-IBIG’s calamity loan now carries a yearly interest rate of 5.95 percent, compared to the previous 10.75 percent,” Binay said.

"We intend to help ease the burdens of our kababayans living in typhoon-prone areas and those hit by other natural calamities,” he added.

The housing czar said that Pag-IBIG aims to offer the lowest interest rate of calamity loans in the market without compromising the sustainability of the Fund. Members may borrow the equivalent of 80 percent of their total savings.

Pag-IBIG also offers a 3-month moratorium on housing loan payments to affected members. Members may also apply for insurance through Pag IBIG, where they could get the value of the extent of damage.

Meanwhile, the Fund also encourages members working in strife stricken areas abroad to avail of its Special Assistance Program.

Under the program, members may withdraw their total savings without having to wait for 20 years for their membership to mature. They may also avail of a 6-month moratorium on their housing and short-term loan payments. 

“These are the Fund’s

way of showing continuing concern for its local and overseas members, and its way of helping out its members during their times of need,” Atty. Darlene Berberabe, Pag-IBIG president and CEO pointed out.

Meanwhile, Vice Pres. Jejomar C. Binay urges the Department of Budget to reconsider its decision to cut the budget for the 2013 mid-term elections. 

Binay said, “a return to manual polling will resurrect fears of chaos, fraud,and  cheating. It will be a step backward for our democracy”. 

This is his reaction after the DBM announced the P13 billion poll budget of the Comelec reduced to P8 billion. /MP

FPA 6 Intensifies Watch On Pesticide Peddlers

by James Earl E. Ogatis

FPA 6 Chief, Ronnie Sangatanan (left) supervises the bagging of fertilizer at a fertilizer depot at Lobuc, Bro. Obrero, Lapuz, Iloilo City (Photo by RAFID 6)

Iloilo City – The Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority (FPA) 6 intensifies its campaign among farmers not to patronize/buy pesticides from peddlers who visit their farms to sell pesticides and fertilizers.

According to Ronnie Sangatanan, FPA chief, buying pesticides among peddlers exposes farmers to adulterated and ineffective pesticides solutions which may have little/no effects among pests and diseases when applied to farms.

Sangatanan advised farmers to buy their needed pesticides and fertilizers to FPA accredited stores/outlets to ensure quality and effectiveness of the product.

FPA conducts regular monitoring among fertilizer depots in the region to ensure proper bagging, purity and right weight per sack of fertilizer. 

“We are very vigilant in Region VI to conduct spot inspection among fertilizer depots because there are reports from Mindanao that their fertilizers are mixed with salt”, stressed Sangatanan. He added that the mixtures are very dangerous for this can cause wilting and death of plants when applied. /MP