Cerezo – Balorio Nuptial

Arnulfo and Juna

It took one and one half hours for Rev. Carlos C. Muncada to complete the wedding ceremonies in the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) style of Arnulfo and Juna. The wedding was solemnized in a Garden setting at Le Pemy Garden, Vizcarra Subdivision, Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan.
The wedding ceremonies was scheduled at 9:00 o’clock in the morning, but it was delayed to 10 o’clock due to the rains.
It could have been a real outdoor marriage ceremonies if not for the temporary shed put to prevent the gentle rain from heaven of wetting the bridal entourage and guests. Le Pemy Gardens has a swimming pool and scattered fruit trees.
At one side of the swimming pool stood an altar constructed for the wedding ceremonies. Opposite it were tables and chairs for the guests, relatives and friends. At the two opposite sides served as locations for principal and secondary sponsors. Male principal sponsors stayed at the left side of the altar while the females were in the right side.
Arnulfo, the groom is the son of Atty. Uldarico Z. Cerezo and Ms.Aurora P. Cerezo of Julita, Libacao, Aklan. The bride is the daughter of Mr. Felimon B. Balorio and Ms. Floredeliza I. Balorio. Arnulfo works with the Municipal Assessor’s Office, Libacao and Juna works as accountant in a resort in Boracay Island.
Arnulfo and Juna had 12 pairs of principal sponsors who were Ptr. Edgar R. Magdael & Mrs. Eunicy G. Magdael; Hon. Gov. Carlito S. Marquez & Ms. Ma. Anita Victoria M. Ramos; Hon. Mayor Charito I. Navarosa & Ms. Prescila Z. Rebuelta; Hon. Ananias V. Solina & Ms. Teresita N. Zausa; Mr. Rizaldy L. Jimenez & Ms. Leticia E. Torno; Mr. Ramon V. Reontoy & Mrs. Ely C. Reontoy; Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente & Ms. Carmencita S. David; Hon. Ramon C. Zante & Ptra. Jenet T. Zaldivia; Mr. Manuel P. Flogio & Ms. Rosario E. Gonzales; Mr. Delfin M. Marte & Mrs. Meracil M. Marte; Mr. Nicolas A. Javellana & Mrs. Rosalinda I. Javellana; and Mr.Nazareno I. Navaroza & Ms. Rebecca Guico Estadilla.
Mr. Glen Russ Z. Alcide – Bestman with Ms. Monaliza I. Balorio – Maid of Honor. The groomsmen were Mr. Emerico R. Cerezo, Mr. Robert Z. De Manuel, Mr. Oliver R. Palallos, Mr. Daniel R. Villanueva, and Mr. Giovanni P. Ricamonte. The bridesmaids were Ms. Karen April Lyra C. Reontoy, Ms. Lelanie I. Dela Cruz, Ms. Glacy A. Cipriano, Ms. Gerlyn P. Ruiz and Ms. Hanna A. Cipriano.
The secondary sponsors were Mr. Rodnie R. Igharas & Atty. Marissa P. Cerezo – candle; Capt. Oscar B. Regencia & Dr. Roslyn P. Cerezo – veil; Atty. Edwin P. Cerezo & Ms. Rosalia C. Zaldivia – cord.
Leowench Paul B. Tungala carried the symbol of love; Kenneth Jeil C. Reontoy carried the treasures; Gabriel Arturo Q. Ruiz carried the bible; and Kenn Samuel G. Fajel carried the veil & cord.
The flower girls Ella Mae P. Mabasa; Ninna Isabella Q. Ruiz; Allen Peniel C. Divina Gracia and Jilanne Joy G. Magdael showered the aisle with flowers. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Philippines Poverty Figures Drop

Government Critics will probably not believe it, but based on the latest SWS survey results, the proportion of households heads reporting themselves as “mahirap” went down to 49 percent in August 2005 from 57 percent in May 2005.

The Self-Rated Poor is at 52 percent in the National Capital Region, 44 percent in the Balance of Luzon, and 55 percent in the Visayas, all of which are lower than last May. Self-Rated Poverty stayed at 52 percent in Mindanao.
The median self-rated poverty threshold, or the median monthly budget in peso-terms that poor households say they need to escape poverty, stayed at P7, 000 in the Balance of Luzon, P6, 000 in the Visayas, and P5, 000 in Mindanao. In Metro Manila, it went up to P12, 000 in August 2005, from P10, 000 in May.
Such money-value thresholds were already reached as early as 5 years ago, even though the cost of living rose greatly every year. The failure of the thresholds to increase despite so much inflation is a sign that the poor are actually lowering their real living standards.
The drop could be due to the stepped up implementation of the Kapit Bisig Laban Sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS, a community-based poverty reduction project which targets depressed and poor areas and now covers some 42 provinces and 1000 barangays.

The eight (8) percent decline in poverty is consistent with 4.8 percent growth in the second quarter gross domestic product recorded. This is also supported by unemployment figures of 7.7 percent in July down from 8.3 percent figures in April of this 2005.

The figure also finds support in Tourism data that show that 1.5 million tourists visited the country in the first seven months of 2005 compared to the 1.3 million tourists for the same period last year. Likewise, a 47 percent growth in foreign direct investment has been noted due to investment promotions and the lowering of business costs. $2 billion dollar investments have also been recorded in the stock market for 2005. To top it all, the country experienced a three-month budget surplus.

Government’s plan to develop two million hectares of land for agribusiness has so far created 130,000 jobs with hectarage developed in areas like SOCSARGEN, ARMM and the Ilocos Region.

Jobs generation program through micro finance services has also benefited about 2.1
million households made possible through micro, small and medium enterprises. (PIA6) mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Court Upholds Validity of Kalibo Ordinance No. 2002 – 016

Stallholders File Motion For Reconsideration

By Ambrosio R. Villorente

Hon. Eustaquio O. Terencio, presiding judge of Branch 8, Regional Trial Court, Kalibo, Aklan upheld the “validity of Municipal Ordinance No. 2002 – 016 having been enacted in accordance with RA 7160.”
The above is the decision of Judge Terencio on Special Civil Action No. 6781 for declaratory relief with special restraining order. The case was filed by the stallholders at the Kalibo Shopping Center, (plaintiff) Kalibo, Aklan, represented by Mr. Nicolas R. Rebesencio against the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo, the Municipal Mayor and the Municipal Treasurer of Kalibo (defendants).
The plaintiffs questioned “the reasonableness and legality of Municipal Ordinance No. 2002-016 on the ground that the ordinance was enacted contrary to the declared national policy of RA 7160” or the Local Government Code. It alleged that Ordinance No. 2002 – 016 provides for the unjust collection of taxes, fees, or charges which is contrary to the RA 7160 which provides that “taxes, fees or charges shall not be unjust, excessive, oppressive or confiscatory.”
However, in its response, the defendants alleged that Ordinance No. 2002 – 016 is not a tax measure and it was enacted in pursuit of the proprietory rights of the town of Kalibo in accordance with the provisions of RA 7160.
During the free trial that followed, both parties entered into the following stipulations and admission of facts which are:
1. That the plaintiffs and counsel were present during the public hearing conducted on January 8, 2002 at the Session Hall of the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo, Aklan;

2. The existence of the Contract of Lease entered into by Nicolas Rebesencio, Sr. and the Himlayang Pilipino Plans, Inc. Contract of Lease of Commercial/Office Space entered into by Nicolas Rebesencio, Sr. and Pacific Plans, Inc. and Contract of Lease of a Commercial Office Space entered into by Nicolas Rebesencio, Sr. and the Trojan Security and Allied Services, Inc. are admitted;

3. That the stallholders were the ones who constructed their respective stalls in the Kalibo Shopping Center about fifteen (15) years ago and the ones who bidded for the area where their stalls are presently located and occupied by them up to the present;

4. That Market Stall(s) Lease Contract …in Plaintiffs’ Position Paper…is likewise admitted.

The parties agreed on the following issues for resolution of the Court:

1. Whether or not Ordinance No. 2002-016 is a tax measure;

2. Whether or not the imposition of charges under Chapter III, Art 2 of said ordinance is excessive and reasonable; and

3. Whether or not there was a prior public hearing conducted for that purpose.

During the hearing of the case, the plaintiffs presented Nicolas Rebesencio, Plaridel Martirez, Rogelio Badana, Olimpia Igcasenza, Wilberto Regalado and Freddie Nalada. Their testimonies dealt on the matter how they occupied their respective stalls, its development, the amount and mode of rental payments. They testified that when the Municipal Government of Kalibo enacted Ordinance No. 2002 – 016, they brought the matter to the Secretary of Justice, Manila. There was no action made by the Office of the Secretary of Justice, so they filed this action with the Regional Trial Court, Kalibo.”
On the part of the defendants, Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan Member Gregorio Malapad, Jr. SB Secretary Diana Fegarido and Aklan Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino testified.
According to their testimonies, they told the court that SB member Gregorio Malapad Jr., chair of the Ways and Means Committee conducted the public hearing on January 8, 2002. Secretary of Sangguniang Bayan Diana Fegarido was charged to send notices to all stallholders in that hearing. According to their testimonies, the LGU Kalibo “was not invoking the power of taxation but… its proprietory right as owner to fix the rentals due as owner of the stalls located in the Kalibo Shopping Center.”
Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino, presiding officer of Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan affirmed that there was no public hearing made prior to the passage of the said ordinance. However, Tolentino agreed the questioned ordinance is not a tax measure but was only the increase in lease rentals.
In the light of evidence presented and the testimonies of witnesses by both parties, the court found that Ordinance No. 2002 – 016 is not a tax measure and therefore needs no public hearing. The court also concluded that the increased rental of 450 percent from P400.00 to P1,800.00 per month “is still reasonable” and therefore no provisions of RA 7160 is violated.
The court found and held that the defendants have not violated the provision of Section 186 of RA 7160. Therefore Municipal Ordinance No. 2002 – 016 of Kalibo is valid having been enacted in accordance with RA 7160.
In an interview with Mr. Nick Rebesencio, president of the Kalibo Shopping Center Stallholders Association, he told Madyaas Pen they have filed a “Motion For Reconsideration” through their legal counsel, Atty. Sergio R. Rigodon. According to their motion for reconsideration, the honorable court failed to consider the limitations provided for under Sec. 130 and Sec. 186 of the Local Government Code which provides for the fundamental principles which govern the exercise of the taxing and other revenue raising powers of LGU’s.
The motion further stated that Sec. 186 provides that the taxes, fees or charges shall not be unjust, excessive, oppressive, confiscatory or contrary to declared national policy and shall not be enacted without any prior public hearing conducted for the purpose; and that the law does not make any distinction whether the ordinance in question is a tax measure or rentals on the stalls mentioned.
Moreover, the stallholders denied that the P400.00 rental for a 20 square meter stall was fixed 30 years ago as the Contract of Lease between the Municipality of Kalibo represented by then Mayor Allen S. Quimpo and the individual stallholders at the Kalibo Shopping Center was executed on July 5, 1991. The contract expired on July 5, 2001, barely 10 months before the enactment of Municipal Ordinance No. 2002 – 016.
For those above stated reasons, the Kalibo Shopping Center Stallholders Association requests the court to reconsider its decision upholding the validity of Ordinance No. 2002 – 016 and in lieu of it, declare the said Ordinance No. 2002 – 016 as illegal, null and void. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

DAR Trains Staff on Gender And Development

The 3rd batch of Gender-based Effectiveness Skills Training (G-BEST) for selected DAR and LGU implementers together with leaders from four Agrarian Reform Communities of Aklan were trained last September at Grand Hotel, Iloilo City. Participants were chosen from the ARCP areas of Aklan like Madalag, Makato, Ibajay and Malinao. The five-day training was under the DAR-ADB-ARCP programs to jumpstart the process of mainstreaming gender in the ARCs. It is also expected that the ARCs will formulate and implement Gender-based rural enterprise in their communities. Other participants in said training were from the ARCs of the province of Antique.
Meanwhile, in GAD-related development, eleven members of Aklan’s GAD focal point also attended a one day orientation for the members of the DAR-Aklan’s women’s desk officers. The orientation discussed Gender and Development thrusts and programs of DAR through DAR Ladies Association – Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Agrikultura (DARLA-SAKA) Chair, Director Lilia Nicolas, another talk on Gender and Sexuality from Prof. Florenda Española of the Ugsad Resource Center at UP in the Visayas and the explanation of RA 9262 or the Anti Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 presented by Capt. Cecilia Detablan of PNP-Region VI.
Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino, PARO II of Aklan welcomes these activities to enhance and provide support to the designated women’s desk officers in DAR-Aklan. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

ConCom Cannot Change Process of Amending Constitution

The Constitutional Commission (ConCom) can in no way amend or change the process of amending the Constitution. This was the emphatic statement of Commissioner Lito Lorenzana, Secretary General of the Constitutional Commission, when he clarified what the commission could do or not do.
Lorenzana said that nowhere is there in Executive Order No. 453, which created the ConCom even a presumption that it is empowered to amend the 1987 Constitution. Only the Philippine Congress can do so under Article XVII of the Constitution. There is also no assumption in EO 453 that the Presidency has arrogated upon itself the prerogatives of Congress in creating the ConCom.
Lorenzana clarified that the ConCom is also not writing a draft of a complete constitution. They are only charged to propose revisions and amendments to the constitution, which will be presented to the President at the end of their three-month term.
Contrary to what some people might think, the ConCom members are government employees and receive no salaries said Lorenzana. In effect, the 49 Commissioners are merely volunteers, who headed the call of the President to do a specific task for a three-month period. For her part, Commissioner Romela Bengzon said they were not appointed but were invited to serve which they accepted.
As to whether they report to Congress, Lorenzana said that the ConCom does not report to congress directly or indirectly. The proposals that they have gathered from the consultations will be presented to the President. The President will then send to Congress the proposals for considerations. The ConCom however have been exchanging information with the leadership of the Congress on the sense of the ConCom on the shift from Presidential to Parliamentary government.
The ConCom is basically a consultative body tasked to conduct nationwide consultation that would ensure wide public participation in the formulation of the proposed amendments and revisions to the 1987 Constitution. (PIA 6) mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Calizo Inaugurates Kabuhian

Kabuhian is a Filipino, particularly the Calizo Family of Balete, inspired livelihood and skills training center showcases Aklan’s arts and culture.


This is a contemporary livelihood center which rose in Balete, Aklan. It was inaugurated and formally opened in Brgy. Aranas on October 21, 2005.
The center showcases the finest products of the Province of Aklan as this paves the way in the overall promotion of its agri-tourism and rich culture.
The inauguration was graced by Honorable Senator Manny B. Villar, his wife, Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia A. Villar, Balete Mayor Teodoro V. Calizo Jr., and Former Aklan Rep. Gabrielle V. Calizo, who also led the ribbon cutting ceremony. The activity was highlighted by a live demo on the hand weaving of piña leaf to fabric, hand painting and embroidery.
Part of the event was a salon fashion show dubbed Viva Aklan! That featured the art and beauty of Aklan’s traditional costumes.
Situated on the landscaped Hilltop Garden, the Center features the genuine crafts of Aklan from horticulture, agriculture, industrial, to culinary technology while providing an initial employment to Aklanons.
“This center will further enhance the renowned creativity, exquisite skills and fine craftsmanship of Aklanons while enriching our province’s modern heritage”, said former Aklan Rep. Gabrielle V. Calizo.
The Kabuhi-an Livelihhod, Skills Training and Exhibition Center will serve as a training ground for the manufacturing and development of fiber, handicrafts, furniture aquaculture, flowers and ornamental plants, among others.
“Aside from being an exhibition and training area, it will serve as a sales outlet for our finest products as it aims to impress the local and international markets through our people’s generous services,” said Calizo.
The Filipino-inspired center will serve as a multi-function area for various trainings and other activities. The rooms, for instance will be set up respectively as living, dining, office, lobby and an exhibition area for food technology training.
The Kabuhi-an Livelihood, Skills Training and Exhibition Center is a landmark project of Former Congresswoman Gabrielle V. Calizo with the support of the municipal government of Balete, Aklan. Its main objective is to promote and enhance the genuine talents of Aklanons in arts and local crafts while helping to ease the plight of Aklan’s marginalized residents. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

BSP Aklan Council Honors Officials

The Aklan Council Boy Scouts of the Philippines shall celebrate its 50th Anniversary coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of the separation of Aklan as a district province on April 25, 2006.
The Aklan BSP Council shall however honor its past and present presidents-chairmen on November 2006 on the occasion of the provincial jamborette to be held at Altavas, Aklan.
The past and present presidents-chairmen of the Aklan Council, Boy Scouts of the Philippines are:
1956 (Capiz Separation) Atty. Jose Raz Meñez; 1957-Atty. Manuel Laurente; 1958-1959 – Atty. Getulio Z. Guevarra; 1960-1962 – Dr. Federico R. Meñez; 1963-1969 – Dr. Federico O. Icamina; 1970-1974 – Atty. Ben Hur Z. Mobo; 1975-1976 – Atty. Tomas S. Raz; 1977-1978 – Dr. Eriberto I. Venus; 1979-1981 – Atty. Tomas S. Raz;; 1982-1983 – Atty. Librado D. Regalado; 1984-1985 – Atty. Sergio S. Rigodon; 1986-1989 – Atty. Librado D. Regalado; 1990-1992 – Dr. Eriberto I. Venus; 1993-1999 – Atty. Sergio R. Rigodon and 2000 to present – Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

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Editorial

The Filipinos’ Well-Being

The Philippines’ richest provinces are compared to Africa’s progressive countries like Jamaica and Turkmenistan. The last 10 poorest provinces are “comparable to the world’s poorest countries in Africa such as Niger, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Mali and Chad.”
That is the finding of the United Nations sponsored study which gave the analogy. The study ranked the “top and Bottom 10” provinces in terms of their Human Development Index (HDI). HDI is a measure of well-being based on life expectancy, literacy enrollment ratio and per capita income.
Life expectancy is just the average span of life of the people living in a community, province, region or country. Literacy is the number of years the people studied in school and its functionality. Enrollment ratio is the number of people of school age attending schools in proportion to those out of schools. While the per capita income is the average annual income of each Filipino.
And here are the top 10 provinces as to well-being from the highest to the lowest: are Benguet, Laguna, Batanes, Rizal, Cavite, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan and Ilocos Norte.
The last top 10 of the list in its descending order are Lanao del Norte, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Sarangani, Zamboanga del Norte, Masbate, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Sulu.
The Philippines Human Development Report (PHDR) is a 150 page report Human Development Network prepared. This is a non-profit organization the United Nations Development Programme and the New Zealand Agency for International Development supported in the preparation of the PHDR.
The HDI ranking included the 77 provinces in the Philippines Since Metro Manila is a group of adjacent cities, Metro Manila is not included in the ranking. Moreover, Metro Manila is the city of the Philippines’ political and economic powers.
This is the fifth PHDR the Human Development Network has undertaken since 1994. And the latest findings are consistent with the previous findings. The Philippines’ poorest provinces were at the same time the “most conflict-ridden” in Mindanao.
According to the United Nations, human development is the “process of enabling people to have wider choices”. So that highly literate individuals or individuals with fairly high income get several alternative choices on matters concerning them.
According to Toby Monsod, HDN Coordinator, “HDI measures an areas living standard not by its visible urbanity, growth of factories or commercial centers…but by how much the people enjoy public goods like health and education.”
A good example is Benguet – a mountainous province with mining and agricultural based economy which enjoys a high “well-being”. Benguet outscored provinces like, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite and Pampanga which have sprawling urban centers, industrial parks and factories. “A province may have a high income level, but may still have low HDI if the money is not translated into investments in health or education,” Monsod pointed out.
The UN – adopted measure of HDI ranges from zero (0) to one (1). Any province closer to 1, has a better well-being. Areas that score between 0 and .49 are categorized as having “low human development”. Those between .50 and .79 belong to “medium” and those having .8 to 1 are in the “high” bracket.
“Using the range, the poorest province, Sulu, got .30 and the best performing Benguet scored 0.74”. Where does Aklan belong? It is neither a province with “high” well-being nor it belongs to a poorest province.
But our best performing province, Benguet matches the not so well-off country in Africa, Jamaica. The Philippines and the Filipinos can do more than that and greatly improve their well –being. Maybe Filipinos has chosen to be poor even if they can be riched.
The Philippines is endowed with much natural resources. Her oceans, lakes and rivers are so productive of fishes, shells and other marine lives. Yet, what are we doing with it? Exterminate them by illegal fishing with explosives, pesticides. Our mountains are rich with mineral resources, of sauna and fauna, trees. Yet we are destroying them. Our agricultural lands are fertile with favorable weather and climatic conditions. But Filipinos are developing these to their advantage? Water are unutilized, draining to the sea.
Yes, Filipinos are rich, yet they have chosen to be poor.
Are we complacent? So that our resources are going to waste? What do we do with the Philippine coconuts? Water in our rivers systems? Trees? Yes, we Filipinos can be rich, have wide choices, high well-being. But we are viewed by foreigners as a “happy-go-lucky” people, easily pleased (napaka babaw ang kaligayahan). Are you? We are just happy as a people. We even smile in the face of adversity. We are surviving.
Really, Filipinos can be GREAT. If we can only take good care of resources, both natural and personal, we can be a people of high WELL-BEING. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

USDA INCREASES RP SUGAR EXPORT QUOTA

Sugar Planters have more reasons to smile these days after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) increased its sugar export quota allocation for the Philippines from the previous crop year’s 137,353 MT to 151,667 MT beginning Oct. 1, 2005. This represents a 10 percent increase from last year’s quota that the Philippines was able to fill up according to the Department of Agriculture.
The Philippines is the third largest export quota holder of sugar in the United States and gets a 13.5 percent of its total quota allocation. The DA said the Philippines has been exporting sugar to the United States under a program in which it buys the sweetener from developing countries at a price much higher than those in the world market.
The DA said, “the increase in the US quota prompted the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to increase the sugar allocation for “A” US export sugar from last crop year’s 4 percent to 7 percent for CY 2005-2006. This is expected to benefit all sugar producers, particularly the small planters as the “A” sugar commands a premium price over the other sugar classifications.”
The SRA expects that this year’s crop will be around 2,018,000 MT and sees a balance of supply with domestic demand, and with no surplus to dispose, farm gate prices should be at level which would be profitable to farmers. By 2007, the SRA expects the next production upswing and any production excess should be available for ethanol, a co-product of sugarcane. This, SRA said should ensure the stability and sustainability of the industry.
It will be recalled that a consultative committee on the ethanol program was formed by the sugar industry to look into the production and utilization of ethanol from sugarcane as an alternative fuel headed by SRA administrator James Ledesma. A technical working group is studying the possibility of sourcing ethanol from sugarcane to be used as fuel blend to protect the environment against pollution in compliance with the Clean Air Act mandating reduction of green house gas emissions in the country. This will also help attain energy security and displace imported petroleum to save on foreign exchange. (PIA6) mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Philippines Poverty Figures Drop

Government Critics will probably not believe it, but based on the latest SWS survey results, the proportion of households heads reporting themselves as “mahirap” went down to 49 percent in August 2005 from 57 percent in May 2005.

The Self-Rated Poor is at 52 percent in the National Capital Region, 44 percent in the Balance of Luzon, and 55 percent in the Visayas, all of which are lower than last May. Self-Rated Poverty stayed at 52 percent in Mindanao.
The median self-rated poverty threshold, or the median monthly budget in peso-terms that poor households say they need to escape poverty, stayed at P7, 000 in the Balance of Luzon, P6, 000 in the Visayas, and P5, 000 in Mindanao. In Metro Manila, it went up to P12, 000 in August 2005, from P10, 000 in May.
Such money-value thresholds were already reached as early as 5 years ago, even though the cost of living rose greatly every year. The failure of the thresholds to increase despite so much inflation is a sign that the poor are actually lowering their real living standards.
The drop could be due to the stepped up implementation of the Kapit Bisig Laban Sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS, a community-based poverty reduction project which targets depressed and poor areas and now covers some 42 provinces and 1000 barangays.

The eight (8) percent decline in poverty is consistent with 4.8 percent growth in the second quarter gross domestic product recorded. This is also supported by unemployment figures of 7.7 percent in July down from 8.3 percent figures in April of this year.

The figure also finds support in Tourism data that show that 1.5 million tourists visited the country in the first seven months of 2005 compared to the 1.3 million tourists for the same period last year. Likewise, a 47 percent growth in foreign direct investment has been noted due to investment promotions and the lowering of business costs. $2 billion dollar investments have also been recorded in the stock market for 2005. To top it all, the country experienced a three-month budget surplus.

Government’s plan to develop two million hectares of land for agribusiness has so far created 130,000 jobs with hectarage developed in areas like SOCSARGEN, ARMM and the Ilocos Region.

Jobs generation program through micro finance services has also benefited about 2.1
million households and was also made possible through micro, small and medium enterprises. (PIA6) mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Mirant Global Welcomes DAR Raps On Illegal Land Conversion

By Recto I. Vidal

Mirant Global expressed its willingness to face charges filed by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provincial office here after the latter last week filed a joint complaint affidavit against the former for its "premature conversion of a 2.8 hectare orchard farm as a site for their diesel-fed 5 megawatt power plant in Barangay Mabilo, New Washington, Aklan. "We're willing to abide with the processes so that the issues confronting Mirant Global will be threshed out in the proper forum," said Greggy Romualdez, Mirant public affairs manager, during a recent phone interview. Romualdez said that Mirant has already secured all the necessary approval from the municipal, provincial and national levels for the construction of said plant. "This project, aimed at averting the power shortage in Aklan, by providing reliable and cost efficient power in the province to boost its tourism industry, was properly endorsed by the municipal government of New Washington through a board resolution," he disclosed. Romualdez added that the land use plan of New Washington even classified the area as industrial in a certification it issued last year. The DAR in Aklan through the provincial taskforce on illegal conversion indorsed its recommendation to Chief Provincial Prosecutor Lourdes Mayor said complaint against respondents Edgardo Bautista, CEO and former president of Mirant Philippines as landowner and Danilo Narceda, vice-president of the Avon River Power Holdings Corporation, project company of Mirant Global for its projects in Aklan. In a six-page complaint dated October 17, 2005, the taskforce found that the respondents clearly violated RA 6657 on the "premature conversion" of agricultural lands into industrial estates which under the law is prohibited. Earlier, Gilberto Mationg, chairperson of the agrarian reform committee in Barangay Mabilo, New Washington, Aklan filed a letter of complaint dated May 5, 2004. It alleged Mirant failed to file an application for conversion with the DAR office in Kalibo, Aklan since it constructed its power generating plant despite a previous notice of cease and desist order from DAR since June, 2004. On December 14, 2004, the DAR legal assistance division submitted its investigation report to lawyer Daniel Y. Martelino, provincial agrarian reform officer II on the premature conversion activities conducted on said area. Initial investigation conducted by the task force revealed that the respondents developed the said area from agricultural to industrial use as site of its 5-megawatt diesel fired power plant. It later recommended the issuance of a cease and desist order to the respondents to stop any development activities in the area. Despite the order, the respondents continued their development activities and to date, all structures appear to have been completed. Among the violations DAR found last year during its investigation was a land transfer transaction between its former owner Chelma Reyes and the Toledo Holdings Corporation, a subsidiary of Mirant Global Corporation. "We found said transfer of property questionable since it has been registered with the Registry of Deeds even without a clearance from DAR as mandated by the DAR Administrative Order No.1 Series of 1989. This is an administrative offense. In other words, it has not gone through the usual process," said lawyer Carol Morales, chief legal division of DAR-Aklan. Documents show that Reyes issued a special power of attorney in favor of lawyer Simonette Peralta who executed a Deed of Absolute Sale to Toledo Holdings. The lawyer is the daughter of Mayor Edmund Peralta of New Washington. In an interview, Morales told Madyaas Pen that said land transfer was registered at the Registry of Deeds, Kalibo on April 5, 2005 and was approved by Provincial Prosecutor Lourdes Quimpo Mayor under TCT No. 3431 wherein a new land title was issued to Toledo Holdings on the same day. The second violation found by the DAR was the "illegal construction" of the power plant without the certificate of conversion order from the DAR and the failure of the respondents to apply for said conversion. The Madyaas Pen learned that as early as May 5, 2004, the DAR in New Washington requested the respondent to cease and desist from developing the area since it has not obtain any clearance from the DAR but the latter ignored said request. Instead, it continued to bring in heavy equipments like backhoe into the project site and pave the area. Morales said that "premature conversion" was done without an investigation report from the municipal agrarian reform officer (MARO) and endorsements from the provincial agrarian reform officer (PARO). On June 14, 2004, Harvey Reloj, municipal agrarian reform technologist in New Washington, also reported to the local police regarding a land paving operation on said area undertaken by a group identified with the Mirant. "I asked the developers if they have the necessary permits to undertake said project and they said that their project has the blessings from Malacanang," he said. In an interview, he claimed that certain influential local officials in said town tried to expedite said transaction in their bid to facilitate the establishment of the power plant. In a public forum sponsored by the Aklan clergy last year, Reloj described said premature conversion as a "violation of the rule of law" and urged Mirant officials to immediately file an application for conversion before the DAR office. Later, Reloj claimed that his call remained unheeded by Mirant. The land use plan of New Washington even classified the area as industrial in a certification issued last year," Romuadez said during a phone interview. However, the DAR contended that despite an ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of New Washington" reclassifying said area from agricultural to industrial, the same however is not yet been approved by the Aklan provincial board due to lack of comprehensive land use plan. With said complaint filed by the taskforce, Martelino expressed hope that this development will call the attention of would be developers to observe the rules and laws pertaining to land conversion and to educate all concerned that there are processes and guidelines involved in all land transactions and conversion of agricultural lands. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

LGU-Makato Holds Farmers Field Day

By Angelda T. Baylon

The Makato LGU headed by its energetic Mayor Hon. Ramon S. Legaspi, Jr., implementing Maunlad Supervised Organic Farming Project (MSOFP) on Hybrid Rice Production held Farmers Field Day at Brgy. Cabatanga, Makato recently.
Viewing/observation/evaluation of hybrid rice at the farm of farmer-cooperator Efren Melaño was guided by Agricultural Technologists Ronnie I. Santos and Municipal Agriculturist Joel Tagala. The guests were welcomed by very hospitable Brgy. Capt. Danilo R. Torre of Cabatanga.
Part II of the activity was a program held at the Cabatanga Multi-purpose stage. Mayor Legaspi welcomed the farmers and guests. He expressed sincere gratitude to supportive constituents and agencies involved in MSOFP.
Among the guests who graced the occasion are: Regional Executive Director Jindra Linda L. Demeterio, DA RFU VI. Her message on organic farming as a way to restore and conserve our soil for the benefit of our present as well as future generation inspired the farmers present. NFA Provincial Manager Pablito Gemarino assured the farmers among the aims of NFA to establish food security by providing hi-tech storage facilities; Dept. Manager Vivian M. Cañonero, LBP-Iloilo, Vice Pres. Eduard John Reyes, LBP VI and Branch Manager Portia Bravo, LBP Kalibo, delivered their respective messages assuring financial support. Mr. Theodore Rowan, of ASU; Sagana 100 Phil Rep. Engr. Clarence Salido, in their messages kept farmers secured of the availability of organic farming inputs and technology.
The mini-exhibit of Sagana 100 Phil, Inc. on organic farm products highlighted the occasion which most farmers/homemakers around desire to acquire. SuperKalan using organic fuel was one among the exhibits for farmers to learn lesson on organic farming which “Burns nothing from the farm, except in the stove”.
Relative to MSOFP, it is worthy to mention that the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) organized and implemented Project on Natural Farming System (NFS) for Integrated Community Development (ICD) for Aklan in cooperation with Aklan State University LGU-Aklan, LGU-Banga, Malay and Makato.
NFS is characterized by low inputs usage and higher outputs. It is also known to improve degraded farm lands brought about by abuses of agricultural chemical like inorganic fertilizer and pesticides usage. It emphasizes the use of natural inputs like indigenous friendly micro-organism and careful growth management.
The LGU under Mayor Legaspi strongly desires to produce 7 MT/ha. Of organic hybrid rice, solicited the full support of Sagana 100 Phil., Inc. as alternative to NFS Technology, based on testimony of environment friendly farmers practicing nature’s law on agriculture. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

DAR Trains Staff on Gender And Development

The 3rd batch of Gender-based Effectiveness Skills Training (G-BEST) for selected DAR and LGU implementers together with leaders from four Agrarian Reform Communities of Aklan were trained last September at Grand Hotel, Iloilo City. Participants were chosen from the ARCP areas of Aklan like Madalag, Makato, Ibajay and Malinao. The five-day training was under the DAR-ADB-ARCP programs to jumpstart the process of mainstreaming gender in the ARCs. It is also expected that the ARCs will formulate and implement Gender-based rural enterprise in their communities. Other participants in said training were from the ARCs of the province of Antique.
Meanwhile, in GAD-related development, eleven members of Aklan’s GAD focal point also attended a one day orientation for the members of the DAR-Aklan’s women’s desk officers. The orientation discussed Gender and Development thrusts and programs of DAR through DAR Ladies Association – Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Agrikultura (DARLA-SAKA) Chair, Director Lilia Nicolas, another talk on Gender and Sexuality from Prof. Florenda Española of the Ugsad Resource Center at UP in the Visayas and the explanation of RA 9262 or the Anti Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 presented by Capt. Cecilia Detablan of PNP-Region VI.
Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino, PARO II of Aklan welcomes these activities to enhance and provide support to the designated women’s desk officers in DAR-Aklan. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Quimpo Heads Aklan Rivers Development Council

Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez in his desire to make sure that the plans, program and projects aimed to rehabilitate and preserve the Aklan rivers system will be properly implemented, designated the man who himself is the brain that conceptualize the very novel idea.

Former 3-termer Congressman Allen S. Quimpo of the Lone District of Aklan is now designated the Executive Director of Aklan’s Rivers Development Council which the incumbent governor himself chairs.

Through the Provincial Ordinance No. 05-206, the Aklan Rivers Development Council was established and through this enactment the council’s powers, functions and sources of funds were specifically defined.

The establishment of the Aklan Rivers Development Council should have been a national law, courtesy of Congressman Quimpo who introduced it in the House of Representatives when he was yet a member of the lower chamber of Congress. His bill was already in the third and final reading in the Senate when Congress adjourned after the termination of its term in 2001.

The ordinance vests the council with extensive and comprehensive power aimed at synchronizing plans, programs and projects for the rehabilitation of the Aklan rivers.

By rivers system of Aklan means the rivers that run from the upland areas of Libacao and Madalag, down to Balete, Altavas Malinao, Banga, Lezo, Numancia, Batan, New Washington, Makato, Tangalan, Ibajay, Nabas, Buruanga, Malay, and Kalibo until the Sibuyan Sea where the river tributaries drain.

The biggest of the rivers system are the Aklan, the Timbahan and the Dumalaylay rivers.

As executive director, Quimpo will run the day-to-day affairs of the council as well as craft comprehensive plans and programs for\ implementation designed to preserve nature in the rivers system.

Among the broad powers of the conservation secretariat headed by the former Congressman is to formulate a comprehensive annual, 3-year, medium and long term development plan for the conservation and rehabilitation of the province’s river system.

Since this council failed to be passed as a law, Marquez and Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino deemed it to adopt as a provincial ordinance which was swiftly and unanimously passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan. MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

BSP Aklan Council Honors Officials

The Aklan Council Boy Scouts of the Philippines shall celebrate its 50th Anniversary coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of the separation of Aklan as a separate and district province on April 25, 2006.
The Aklan BSP Council shall however honor its past and present presidents-chairmen on November 2006 on the occasion of the provincial jamborette to be held at Altavas, Aklan.
The past and present presidents-chairmen of the Aklan Council, Boy Scouts of the Philippines are:
1956 (Capiz Separation) Atty. Jose Raz Meñez; 1957-Atty. Manuel Laurente; 1958-1959 – Atty. Getulio Z. Guevarra; 1960-1962 – Dr. Federico R. Meñez; 1963-1969 – Dr. Federico O. Icamina; 1970-1974 – Atty. Ben Hur Z. Mobo; 1975-1976 – Atty. Tomas S. Raz; 1977-1978 – Dr. Eriberto I. Venus; 1979-1981 – Atty. Tomas S. Raz;; 1982-1983 – Atty. Librado D. Regalado; 1984-1985 – Atty. Sergio S. Rigodon; 1986-1989 – Atty. Librado D. Regalado; 1990-1992 – Dr. Eriberto I. Venus; 1993-1999 – Atty. Sergio R. Rigodon and 2000 to present – Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Municipyo It Kalibo Maga-Selebrar

It Foundation Day Sa Nobyembre 3


Iga-selebrar ko Gobyerno Lokal it Kalibo sa kauna-unahan nga kahigayunan rong Foundation Day it nasambit nga banwa. Rayang kahiwatan hay nasandig sa Municipal Ordinance No. 049-2005 kun siin gin-rekognisar rong petsa nga Nobyembre 3, 1571 bilang Foundation Day it Kalibo.
Raya hay ginbase sa sangka historical research nga gin patigayon ni U.P Professor John E. Barrios it Kalibo Council for Culture and the Arts sa idaeum man ko Gobyerno Lokal it Kalibo. Sa nasambit nga pag-estudyo ha-diskubrehan nga ko Nobyembre 3, 1571, o kwatro cientos trienta y kwatro años eon ro nagtaliwan, hay gin paidaeum sa sistema it pag gobyerno ko mga Español rong Kalibo paagi sa sangka incomeinda kun siin nag-umpisa rong sibil nga pag gobyerno.
Raya rong nangin basehan sa pag-sukot it “tribute” o buhis sa mga lokal nga pumueoyo it Kalibo ko ratung tiempo. Rikatu man nag-umpisa rong pag dispensa it hustisya sa nasakupan it nasambit nga encomienda.
Angot kara, gintukud ni Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo rong sangka kumitiba para sa pag plano sa paeaabuton ngara nga November 3 para sa pag-selebrar it Kalibo Day sa kauna-unahan nga tiempo.
Suno sa kumitiba it Foundation Day, ipa alinton nanda sa publiko ro mga naga ka eain- eain nga bueohatun sa rayang celebration pag katapos nga ha um eon ro tanan. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurial Farmer

By: Ambrosio R. Villorente

The Most Turbulent Presidency

The presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is the most turbulent compared with other presidencies since 1946 or for the last 59 years. The turbulence during the Marcos and Aquino presidencies were not comparable to the present day chaotic state.
It is only in the Arroyo presidency where 10 members of the cabinet simultaneously resigned their positions and strongly demanded that President Arroyo steps out of the Presidency. Senate President Franklin Drilon joined the call for President Arroyo to step out of the presidency. Almost all the cause oriented groups joined the demand that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo must step down of the Presidency. The call for President Arroyo to resign was led by former lady President Corazon Aquino.
It is only in the Presidency of Arroyo when the CPR or Calibrated Pre-emptive Response is employed to quell rallies and to suppress the right to peacefully assemble for the redress of grievances. CPR was employed to disperse a relatively peaceful procession at the corner of Claro M. Recto and Legarda Streets. Some of those in the procession took a bath of water from water canon aimed at them. Senator Jamby Madrigal, former Vice President Teofesto Guingona, Rev. Father Reyes among others were hurt and became wet of water from the firemen. These happened only in the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo presidency.
It is only in the Arroyo presidency when a member of her cabinet Norberto Gonzales, National Security Adviser was cited for contempt for refusing to answer questions of the members Senate Blue Ribbon Committee regarding the Venable Contract. Gonzales, in the course of the investigation suffered of low blood sugar and heart problem. After this, PGMA issued 464 ordering all the members of the cabinet to attend Congressional hearings with her permission only.
It is in the Gloria Arroyo presidency when some 300 officers and men in the AFP held Oakwood mutiny. Some generals in the AFP are alleged to be corrupt. There are also military officers who are Court Marshaled for telling the truth, vis a viz, election cheating. An election commissioner alleged to be instrumental in election cheating is nowhere to be found. Mr. Virgilio Garcillano is believed the man to give light on the “Hello Garci” tape. But where is his safe house?
Inspite of these problems, Malacañang retorted: President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is too busy implementing her 10 points agenda – creating more jobs, attracting investors to the Philippines, making sure Filipino households will have enough foods on their dining tables.
But bread alone is not enough. There must be decency, morality and legitimacy. President Arroyo is alleged to have cheated her way to the presidency in the May 2004 elections, her critics pointed out.
And therefore, her stay in Malacañang is illegitimate. According to her critics, the disappearance of Mr. Garcillano is Malacañang advised so that the substance hidden in the “hello Garci” tapes will remain a mystery. The tactics written in the books were all earnestly employed by Malacañang to stop the Impeachment of President Arroyo.
The Filipino people are seeking the truth from the president. Short of it, protests, rallies are sure to go on unabated. Filipinos need the truth. Return Garcillano to the Philippines to reveal the truth. This is morality. This is honesty. The Filipinos strongly want an honest President. They want other officials and employees in the bureaucracy to be honest, the protesters demand.
Filipinos do not demand things Ms. Arroyo cannot afford to give. She has already accepted and felt sorry for her “lapse in judgment”. Ms. Arroyo must not wait to end her term in 2010 for her to step down. She must do it now to assure peace in the streets, in public places, in government, and in the households. The Filipinos have been cheated since the 15th century by foreigners. They are feeling worst to be cheated by a Filipino now.
The Black and White Movement has proposed for a transition government with Vice President Noli De Castro to be installed President. This is one way for a graceful exit of Ms. Arroyo for the sake of the Philippines and her people. But De Castro declined. What will be done next?
-o-
A news release from the PIA said “Philippines peso is now the strongest currency in the Asian region against the US dollar. It has been most stable during PGMA’s administration, since her father’s term. It strongly depreciated.
Yes, this is true. In 1961 when President Diosdado Macapagal became president, the US $ peso rate was $1 to P3.00. President Macapagal adopted the “floating rate”, or let the peso sakes its own level. At the end of his term in 1965, the peso US $ exchange rate was P18 per one dollar. Cost of gasoline was six centavos (0.06) per liter in 1961 and went up to P0.18 in 1965.
When PGMA was sworn President in 2001, the peso – dollar rate fluctuated between P48 – P50 per dollar. Today it is P55.50 per dollar. It went to as high as P56.80 per dollar. On the other hand, premium gasoline today is almost P40 per liter in Aklan. It was P30 per liter in 2001 when she became president of the Philippines. The increase is insignificant 25 percent only in a five year period. Is that not strong increase? Do not believe this.
But look at Thailand in 1965, the Bhat rate to US Dollar was 40 bhats per dollar. Today, it is 37 bhats to a dollar. Thailand currency appreciated, Philippines peso depreciated.
So PGMA is demanding a “little sacrifice in a short run but lasting rewards in the form of more jobs and livelihood facilities, better social services, more infrastructure and less debts.” Filipinos have tightened their belts. It has almost severed their bodies from the hips.
Yes, little sacrifice as 52 percent of all the Filipinos are now in poverty. This was 47 percent before she reached Malacañang palace. PGMA and company want some more of the upper 48 percent of the population to sacrifice, just pay the E-Vat. That is all.
PGMA promises more budget to education, housing, public health, micro financing, land reform and other poverty alleviation measures.
Actually, E-Vat proceeds may go to pay the US $56 billions foreign debt and the P3 trillions domestic debt.
PGMA also assured the people she will place corrupt officials in jail. Maybe she will include the P25 million MKWD deal. But the LWUA has not even released to the consumers the result of its investigation /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Editorial

The Oil Consumers’ Force

In the case of petroleum, people focus too much on the supply side of the law. They forget the power of the demand side. Why? Let consumers reclaim their power back as consumers. This is a great idea without hurting the consumers and even the economy.
This is neither boycott campaign nor rallies against gas companies.
The oil companies are too iron hearted that every week, they increase prices of various oil products. They are hurting and even killing consumers gently and surely.
The oil companies laugh and keep quiet to consumers our protest.
They know consumers could not continue to hurt themselves and refuse to buy gas. It is more of inconvenience to the consumers than it is a problem for oil firms.
Here is a proposal to soften this oil companies. You may please consider it.
Currently, the unleaded gasoline is over P36.00 per liter and it is increasing every week unnoticed together with other gasoline products. Despite the decrease of US $62 per barrel of oil from US $70, the price still went up instead of downward trend.
What is worst is the giant oil companies like Caltex, Shell and Petron still claim they are losing money. Do they have insatiable greed? This is now the time consumers can take aggressive action to teach them that buyers control the market place, not sellers.
The proposal is simple. Consumers can hit back by just purchasing gas requirements from just one oil company. This will not hurt the consumers anyway but the two oil companies which the consumers will not patronize.
Here is how. For the remaining part of the year 2005, consumers just purchase gas from one oil company: Petron. Never buy from Caltex and Shell. If there is small oil company present in your community, like SeaOil and Total, purchase from them.
After a few days if Caltex and Shell are not selling their gasoline, they will be forced to reduce their prices. But do not go back to Shell or Caltex yet. Continue buying from Petron, SeaOil or Total until a significant price reduction in Shell and Caltex is announced.
If this proposal makes sense to you, you send it to your friends and relatives. If consumers can just unite, purchase at Petron only. The two: Shell and Caltex will be forced to reduce their prices. What shall they do with their gas? Sell to Petron? If they did this, they will lose business. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

BSP Holds Statistics Forum

The Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (BSP) conducted the “2005 Users’ Forum on BSP-Produced Statistics” last week. It was a one half day forum held at Sampaguita Gardens, New Washington, Aklan. Prominent users of statistics like representatives from the banks, colleges, the media and government officials attended the forum.
The forum was held in celebration of the 16th National Statistics Month which theme is: Modernizing Agriculture and Fishery Through Quality Statistics.
The forum discussed three topics. Ms. Loida D. Cruz, Acting Deputy Director, BSP discussed the Balance of Payment, Ms. Marriel M. Remulla, Bank Officer V, BSP presented the Financial Indicators; and Ms. Ludivinia D. Gador Acting Deputy Director, BSP presented the Business Expectations Survey/Consumers Expectations Survey.
Ms. Leonora S. Templonuevo, Head, BSP Kalibo Branch welcomed the guests and participants to the forum. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com