The Tag-osip-El progreso ARBs MPC received the amount of P 250,000.00 through its Chairperson Amado Encinares while Eligene Tayco, Chairperson of the Aparicio ARBs MPC accepted the check worth P250,000.00 for their cooperative. Ms. Ma. Theresa Tumbali, Head of the EDD of UCPB-CIIF with National Experts from FAO-PATSARRD namely Ms. Monet Parado and Mr. Aristeo Portugal were also present during the ceremony. Hon. Benito P. Sualog , the Sangguniang Bayan chair of the committee on Cooperatives also witnessed the event. Mr. Felipe Panganiban, Jr. Buruanga’s Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer and staff from the DAR Provicincial Office facilitated the affair. /MP
Friday, February 10, 2006
UCPB EXTENDS CREDIT TO AKLAN ARBS
The ceremonial turn-over of checks from the United Coconut Planters Bank ( UCPB-CIIF Finance and Development Corporation ) to two agrarian reform cooperatives namely Tag-osip-El Progreso MPC and the Aparicio ARBs MPC was successfully conducted at the session hall of Buruanga, Aklan recently. The program is an offshoot of a microfinance project supported by the UCPB-CIIF Finance and Development Corporation in partnership with the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – Philippines-Australia Technical Support for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (FAO-PATSARRD) and the Local Government Unit of Buruanga, Aklan.
The Tag-osip-El progreso ARBs MPC received the amount of P 250,000.00 through its Chairperson Amado Encinares while Eligene Tayco, Chairperson of the Aparicio ARBs MPC accepted the check worth P250,000.00 for their cooperative. Ms. Ma. Theresa Tumbali, Head of the EDD of UCPB-CIIF with National Experts from FAO-PATSARRD namely Ms. Monet Parado and Mr. Aristeo Portugal were also present during the ceremony. Hon. Benito P. Sualog , the Sangguniang Bayan chair of the committee on Cooperatives also witnessed the event. Mr. Felipe Panganiban, Jr. Buruanga’s Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer and staff from the DAR Provicincial Office facilitated the affair. /MP
The Tag-osip-El progreso ARBs MPC received the amount of P 250,000.00 through its Chairperson Amado Encinares while Eligene Tayco, Chairperson of the Aparicio ARBs MPC accepted the check worth P250,000.00 for their cooperative. Ms. Ma. Theresa Tumbali, Head of the EDD of UCPB-CIIF with National Experts from FAO-PATSARRD namely Ms. Monet Parado and Mr. Aristeo Portugal were also present during the ceremony. Hon. Benito P. Sualog , the Sangguniang Bayan chair of the committee on Cooperatives also witnessed the event. Mr. Felipe Panganiban, Jr. Buruanga’s Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer and staff from the DAR Provicincial Office facilitated the affair. /MP
P150,000 Para Kubos Sa Kalibo
May P150,000 nga iga panupod sa 30 ka mga beneficiaries sa Barangay Bakhaw Sur sa idaeum it Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program. Kada isaea hay paga tau an it P5,000 ni Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo sa adlaw it tagipuso-on, Febrero 14, 2006 alas tres it hapon (3:00 P.M.)
Sono kay Mayor Rebaldo, rayang butang hay gina himo agud mabuligan ro mga ig,anghod nga kubos sa Kalibo, ag makatimawas man sa kapobrehan. Rayang pagpanupod hay gin hiwat sa adlaw it tagipuso–on para mataeopangdan naton ro hantop nga pag higugma eabi gid sa mga kubos. /MP
Sono kay Mayor Rebaldo, rayang butang hay gina himo agud mabuligan ro mga ig,anghod nga kubos sa Kalibo, ag makatimawas man sa kapobrehan. Rayang pagpanupod hay gin hiwat sa adlaw it tagipuso–on para mataeopangdan naton ro hantop nga pag higugma eabi gid sa mga kubos. /MP
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
KALATIAO TOASTMASTERS CLUB CONTEST WINNERS
Yeheeyy...GO GO KTMC
CONGRATULATIONS TO A JOB WELL DONE
From left to right: Lt. Gov Marketing Gina Mapua,
VP Education KTMC Megs Lunn, 1st runner up
Evaluation Contest Charter Pres. KTMC Botoy Villorente,
Division D Gov Emily Go-Villanueva, Humurous Speech Champion
VP Membership KTMC Cynthia Dela Cruz, 1st Runner Up International
Prepared Speech Contest KTMC member
Buddy Balleza, 1st Runner Up KTMC member Bing Santamaria,
1st Runner up Singing Contest KTMC member Rosela Senatin,
KTMC member Cecile Dela Cruz and Area Gov 31 Division D Boy Gequillana.
The contest is for AREA 32 Speech Contest held last
Feb 4-5, 2006, at West Visayas Hospital Function Room,
Iloilo City.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Pictures shows second from the left Megs Lunn representing
Bacolod Square and Compass Toastmasters Club
as the Area 31, Division D Toastmasters International
Champion in the International Prepared Speeh Contest
held last January 28, 2006 at Sugarland, Bacolod City.
Others in the picture is the first runner-up Bernie of Barangay
Toastmasters Club, the one in
pink blouse is Division Gov. Emily Go Villanueva and
Area 31 Gov. Boy Guiquellana in barong.
The winning piece is entitled: SUNSHINE IN A BOTTLE
Monday, February 06, 2006
EDITORIAL- January 29-February 4, 2006
T-bone Steaks, Yellow Roses and Friendship
I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 7 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.
He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.
He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on.
Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. Standing by the meat section, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.
Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket, hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks. She saw me watching her and she smiled. "My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know."
I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. "My husband passed away eight days ago," I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. "Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you were together."
She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away. I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size of milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.
I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.
As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. "These are for you," she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. "When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for." She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision. I looked down at
the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly, the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel. Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, Lord, for life. /MP
He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.
He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on.
Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. Standing by the meat section, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.
Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket, hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks. She saw me watching her and she smiled. "My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know."
I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. "My husband passed away eight days ago," I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. "Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you were together."
She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away. I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size of milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.
I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.
As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. "These are for you," she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. "When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for." She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision. I looked down at
the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly, the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel. Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, Lord, for life. /MP
Entrepreneurial Farmer
By Ambrosio R. Villorente
Does G.S.I.S. Understand Senior Citizens?
On January 30 and 31, 2006, the GSIS personnel from Roxas City were in Kalibo to distribute pension checks to government retirees for the month of February, 2006 pension.
Their visit to Kalibo was a classic example of a government office, which is short of understanding and care to persons for whom the office was organized: to take care of the welfare and well being of government officials and employees who spent the best part of their lives for public service. A small amount of pension paid to the pensioners is just a repayment to their investment paid monthly to the G.S.I.S since they started working with the government until their retirement.
It is really hard to imagine why the G.S.I.S management would compel those former government officials to go to Kalibo to collect their respective checks. They are aged 71 years old or above, some of whom have impaired eyesight, some are limping, in a wheel chair and with quivering hands.
For two days, one fourth of the area of ABL Sports Complex looked like a home for the aged with their respective care givers who were their close relatives.
There were five (5) G.S.I.S. personnel seen on the releasing tables. Two of them distributed to and received forms from the pensioners. They also looked for the check and attached to the claim form of each claimant.
One has the microphone which sound was hardly audible. He asked the claimants to line up whose names he called up. A pensioner whose name was called was asked to fall in line according to the sequence their names were called. It took about 20 – 25 minutes before one in line was served.
While standing waiting for their checks, some had quivering knees, some lean on the shoulder of their care givers. Did the G.S.I.S. management understand the difficulties its policies are giving to the Filipino Senior Citizens?
There were two lady officials who released the checks. Once a pensioner is seated, he showed his G.S.I.S. ID. The releasing clerk searched for the payroll on thick file where the name of the pensioner appeared. The recipient signed the payroll. He received the check and Voila! Thank you very much. The pensioners received their checks after so much traveling, standing and waiting.
There were those who came to ABL Sports Complex for two to three times before they got their pensions. For two days the G.S.I.S imposed its will similar to the Japanese Imperial Army in the Philippines during World War II. The G.S.I.S imposed the extra difficulties on the people for whom the G.S.I.S was organized to serve.
The G.S.I.S should have continued mailing the pension checks to its respective recipients. If they distributed it personally, there should have been a method to avoid crowding, waiting and standing.
-o-
The Rotary Club of Kalibo headed by its President, Mr. Epifanio R. Rebuelta did a very excellent job to the environment along the sea coast of Mabilo, Kalibo on January 29, 2006. With the help of the Interact Clubs from the Regional Science High School and the Aklan School of Arts and Trades, Kalibo and the Madyaas Institute, Numancia they gathered garbage in the seacoast. After about one and one half hours gathering, some one metric tons of garbage was collected.
The garbage was transported home of Rtn. Bert Buyoc and PAG Botoy Villorente. The garbage will be decomposed for fertilizer.
About 400 meters beach front were cleaned. What a sight to behold after clearing the garbage!
-o-
On the basis of the traffic situation today, it is now time to draft and adopt an ordinance on transportation improvement program in Aklan. The ordinance will cover road improvement development project, proper road and vehicle uses, driver development courses, and improvement of allied services like vehicle repair shop and vulcanizing shop.
The ordinance maybe geared to reduce if not stop traffic accidents, to promote easy and enjoyable driving and prevent pollution of the environment by driving vehicles in excellent operating condition. /MP
Enjoyment Along The Shore of Mabilo
Interactors from Madyaas Institute, Regional Science High School – Region VI and Aklan National High School for Arts and Trades joined hands in making Mabilo Shoreline clean and beautiful. They went home with brooms, dustpans and waste baskets for their school as their prizes for the most collected garbage during the day.
Community Project - as one of the thrusts of Rotary International, District 3850, members of the Rotary Club of Kalibo held a successful Coastal Clean-Up Drive at Mabilo Shoreline last January 29, 2006. On January 29, 2006, led by its President, Mr. Epifanio R. Rebuelta, the Rotary Club of Kalibo officers and members and their spouses went to the coastline of Mabilo, Kalibo. They went there to gather garbage from the coastline. They were accompanied by some 20 members of the Interact Clubs from Madyaas Institute, Numancia, Aklan, Regional Science High School and Aklan National High School for Arts and Trades, Kalibo.
After about one and one half hours gathering of garbage, about one metric ton were collected. Rtn. Bert Buyoc and PAG Botoy Villorente brought home the garbage for composting and fertilizer.
The activity did not only made the shoreline of about 400 meters long clean and beautiful, but the Rotarians, their spouses and the teenager Interactors were able to relax and enjoy.
Libacao Executive Thanks Governor For Abaca Fiber Development Assistance
By Boy Ryan B. Zabal
Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa thanked the provincial government for allocating P1-million for the abaca plantation to uplift the economic conditions of his constituents.
“There is a need to exploit the potentials of the abaca fiber being used as material in the printing of currencies and to maximize the industry prospects for exports of local products,” Navarosa said.
Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez earlier recognized the unlimited market for abaca fiber and pulp as he targets to plant abaca in the 200 hectares land and put up a pulp mill in Libacao, Aklan. He promised last year to allocate funds for abaca plantation.
According to Navarosa, his town, a 4th class municipality, produces 20 tons of abaca for export and gradually expands its production to 200 tons monthly.
He added that his administration is closely coordinating with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for equipments to assist the farmers in abaca production in far-flung barangays.
“The buyers normally buy the abaca fiber at P22.30 from our farmers and they sell it for P43 per kilo in Manila.
These traders are exploiting the farmers who bear the hardship to transport their raw products to the market for a higher price,” Navarosa claimed.
The town mayor stressed that he has nothing against the project of Marquez, but it is better to improve first the farm-to-market roads and the peace and order in the hinterlands.
“The abaca plantation would empower Libacao as a premier source of high grade abaca fiber and recognizes the bright prospects of the town and ultimately the poverty reduction,” Navarosa said.
He pointed out the local government has made a significant progress in its efforts to improve the services, particularly in health, security, food, tourism and education of his constituents.
“Tourism encourages more local and foreign tourists to visit his town for mountain trekking, wild river kayaking, gliding and nature tripping,” Navarosa concluded./MP
Reopening of Crisis Center for Women Underway
The Aklan Provincial government will reopen the Daeangpan it mga Kababayenhan sa Akean, a refuge center for battered women located at DRSTMH compound, Kalibo, Aklan.
Also called the Comprehensive Center for Women of Aklan, the crisis center was closed two years ago after its security guard raped two girl refugees.
Established as part of the implementation of the Gender Code of Aklan, the center provides services such as counseling, health and legal assistance to victims and temporary housing.
“We are going to reopen it to women and child victims of hostility this year. Our provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is closely working with the regional office towards the end,” Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez announced.
The center was made possible through the initiative of former Senator Teresa Aquino Oreta. It serves not only the needs of the women who are victims of violence like rape, incest and seduction in Aklan, but also those of the neighboring provinces of Iloilo, Capiz and Antique.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office in Iloilo City recommended the temporary closure of the Daeangpan it mga Kababayenhan sa Akean in 2004 after it learned of rape incidents in the center.
In the course of its investigation, DSWD found out that the center had no proper accreditation papers and was manned by non-professional social workers.
A security guard detailed at the center was charged of raping two girl refugees in October 2004.
Advocates of gender and development denounced the incident at the center and demanded a review of the policies, systems and procedures in its operation. /MP
Also called the Comprehensive Center for Women of Aklan, the crisis center was closed two years ago after its security guard raped two girl refugees.
Established as part of the implementation of the Gender Code of Aklan, the center provides services such as counseling, health and legal assistance to victims and temporary housing.
“We are going to reopen it to women and child victims of hostility this year. Our provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is closely working with the regional office towards the end,” Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez announced.
The center was made possible through the initiative of former Senator Teresa Aquino Oreta. It serves not only the needs of the women who are victims of violence like rape, incest and seduction in Aklan, but also those of the neighboring provinces of Iloilo, Capiz and Antique.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office in Iloilo City recommended the temporary closure of the Daeangpan it mga Kababayenhan sa Akean in 2004 after it learned of rape incidents in the center.
In the course of its investigation, DSWD found out that the center had no proper accreditation papers and was manned by non-professional social workers.
A security guard detailed at the center was charged of raping two girl refugees in October 2004.
Advocates of gender and development denounced the incident at the center and demanded a review of the policies, systems and procedures in its operation. /MP
PRISAAP 6 Forms Youth Organization
By Franklin T. Ituriaga
The Private Secondary School Administrators Association of the Philippines – Region 6 (PRISSAAP 6) formed the PRISSAAP 6 Regional Youth organization during its First Regional Youth Congress in Bacolod City recently.
The association Intended to plan, coordinate, and lead in the implementation of the different programs and activities of the youth of the different schools in the PRISSAAP 6 fold. The elected officers of the newly formed youth organization are the following:
Jade Rojas (President), St. Joseph School, Iloilo; six Vice Presidents, one for each province in the region; and seven other officers. Elected Vice Presidents are Ma. Danvic Sarabia, Ibajay Academy, Ibajay, Aklan; Mark Gil Gatila, St. Michael’s High School, Antique; Drexy Jhoy San Antonio; Filamer Christian College, Capiz; Era Jane Ganuhay, St. Joseph School-Hijas de Jesus, Guimaras; Afran Omar Al-Abdalla, Colegio de Las Hijas de Jesus, Iloilo; and Ma. Celerina Marmel Caldera, Silay Institute, Negros Occidental.
Also elected were Cindy Salcedo (Secretary), Immaculate Conception Academy, Negros Occidental; Samantha Queen Yu (Assistant Secretary), La Consolacion College – La Carlota, Negros Occidental; Jocphimirth Bermudo (Treasurer), St. James Catholic High School, Iloilo; Randell Aranza (Assistant Treasurer), Negros Mission Academy, Negros Occidental; Leo Karlo Balidiong (Business Manager), Mater Carmeli High School, Iloilo; Stephanie Acey Colomer (Auditor), St. Anthony’s High School, Antique; and Riza May Dela Cruz (P.I.O.), Aklan Central Institute, Makato, Aklan.
Also elected were six members of the Board of Directors: Ervie Pearl Venus, Melchor Memorial School, Aklan; Sonyfer Baladhay, Western Aklan Academy, Aklan; Jamaica Alisen, Shilon Christian School, Negros Occidental; Mary Monajan, St. Catherine Academy, Capiz; Joana Obasan, Dao Catholic High School, Antique; and Grazele Joy de Ocampo, Our Lady of Grace Academy, Capiz.
PRISSAAP 6 is composed of private secondary school administrators from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental. /MP
Strengthening The Shoe Industry
The government has made the shoe sector one of the priority areas under the National Technical Education Skills Development Plan (NTESDP) of the National Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
This would include the development and upgrading of skilled shoe craftsmen, alongside efforts to modernize and reinforce the global competitiveness of the country's footwear industry.
Among the skills needed for the Philippines to compete with other countries according to the Labor Market Intelligence Report (LMIR) of the TESDA are 622 skiving operators, 1,324 upper makers, and also 662 involved in sewing and closing, lasting, assembly bottoming, finishing and pattern making or a total of 5,958 workers to enable it to achieve a growth rate of five percent from 2005 to 2007.
To overcome the stiff competition in both the local and overseas footwear markets, the Philippines' shoe manufacturing industry is turning to niche marketing by concentrating production for the mid-range to high-end markets.
Likewise, the government is encouraging the industry to modernize, step up human resources development and reinvigorate the globally renowned Filipino shoe craftsmanship.
The Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has also been tapped to address the need for production-related training and assistance according to the LMIR.
The report reiterated the need to link up with local government units on the training of workers, setting up of appropriate standards for the proper certification of shoe craftsmen, and ensuring work-values formation and productivity to sustain the growth of the country's footwear industry.
This would include the development and upgrading of skilled shoe craftsmen, alongside efforts to modernize and reinforce the global competitiveness of the country's footwear industry.
Among the skills needed for the Philippines to compete with other countries according to the Labor Market Intelligence Report (LMIR) of the TESDA are 622 skiving operators, 1,324 upper makers, and also 662 involved in sewing and closing, lasting, assembly bottoming, finishing and pattern making or a total of 5,958 workers to enable it to achieve a growth rate of five percent from 2005 to 2007.
To overcome the stiff competition in both the local and overseas footwear markets, the Philippines' shoe manufacturing industry is turning to niche marketing by concentrating production for the mid-range to high-end markets.
Likewise, the government is encouraging the industry to modernize, step up human resources development and reinvigorate the globally renowned Filipino shoe craftsmanship.
The Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has also been tapped to address the need for production-related training and assistance according to the LMIR.
The report reiterated the need to link up with local government units on the training of workers, setting up of appropriate standards for the proper certification of shoe craftsmen, and ensuring work-values formation and productivity to sustain the growth of the country's footwear industry.
FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF VAT IS ON
The Department of Finance has said that the conditions needed to for the government to increase the VAT rate can be met. It is optimistic it will be able to meet the required deficit-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio for implementing the increase in the value-added tax (VAT) to twelve percent up from ten percent starting February 1.
According to Secretary of Finance Margarito Teves, only one of two conditions need to be met for the government to increase the VAT rate. Teves anticipates that the ratio required would exceed the minimum allowed under the law.
Under the New VAT Law, the President is allowed to increase the sales tax rate if the deficit exceeded 1.5 percent of GDP and when VAT collections exceed 2.8 percent of the total economic output.
Per figures released by NEDA, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose by 5.1 percent in 2005, reaching the high-end of the NEDA forecast of 4.87 to 5.1 percent growth. Government was able to contain its full year fiscal deficit to P 146.5 billion better than the expected target of P 189 billion. In 2006, the deficit is expected to fall to P124.9 billion or 2.21 percent of GDP.
The full implementation of the VAT is expected to generate for government some P77 billion to P82 billion in 2006, which are intended primarily for social services and infrastructure projects according to Secretary Teves. (PIA6) / MP
According to Secretary of Finance Margarito Teves, only one of two conditions need to be met for the government to increase the VAT rate. Teves anticipates that the ratio required would exceed the minimum allowed under the law.
Under the New VAT Law, the President is allowed to increase the sales tax rate if the deficit exceeded 1.5 percent of GDP and when VAT collections exceed 2.8 percent of the total economic output.
Per figures released by NEDA, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose by 5.1 percent in 2005, reaching the high-end of the NEDA forecast of 4.87 to 5.1 percent growth. Government was able to contain its full year fiscal deficit to P 146.5 billion better than the expected target of P 189 billion. In 2006, the deficit is expected to fall to P124.9 billion or 2.21 percent of GDP.
The full implementation of the VAT is expected to generate for government some P77 billion to P82 billion in 2006, which are intended primarily for social services and infrastructure projects according to Secretary Teves. (PIA6) / MP
One Million Tourists In 2010
(Ed’s Note: State of the Province Address of Gov. Marquez delivered on January 25, 2006 at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan.)
The comparatively better economic state of the Province of Aklan can be further gauged in the phenomenal increase in the collection of our BIR, Revenue District Office No. 71 in 2005, our BIR collected P367,135,350.18 compared to P226,096,000 in 2004 or an improvement of P141.039 million or 73.85 percent. With this collection improvement by the national agency, we expect an increase of IRA allocation for our province in 2007 national budget.
I would like also to report to you that the province has received the following funds in 2005 for the execution of various infra projects:
A. From DPWH………………………………..P4,970.315.77
B. Logofind Project For Loan
And Grant Component …………………P50,198,609.9
C. PDAF From Sen. Drilon,
Pimentel and Cong. Joeben……………P16,800,000.00
TOTAL…………P71,968,925.75
In our effort to strengthen the internal control of the province, we have institutionalized the creation of an internal audit team, to insure that all collections and expenditures are properly accounted for. At ang lahay ng biyaya na papasok sa ating bayan, si Juan Dela Cruz na mahirap, ay siyang unang dapat makinabang.
Aklan’s Tourism Is Now About A P4-Billion Peso Industry
Tourism continues to be an anchor industry of our province. By the end of last year, we nearly hit the half-a-million mark in terms of number of domestic and foreign visitors.
Total tourist arrivals for the year was 499,452. Some 155,739 of whom were foreign visitors and the remaining, some 343,714, were local tourists. Translated into tourism receipts, money which circulated into Aklan’s mainstream economy was estimated at P3.8 billion.
We have to prepare the province, particularly the resort island of Boracay for our projection of one million tourists by year 2010 and therefore all the needed infrastructure support facilities must be in place by then.
We have committed P1 million for the purchase of land ferry service (multicabs) for Boracay which maybe leased out to a transport cooperative in Malay to cater to the needs for transportation facilities of Boracay residents and workers at comparatively lower fare rate.
Once the one entry-one exit policy is enforced. We likewise appropriated P1 million to promote and market alternative tourist destinations of the province like the Manggad It Kalibo in the Mangrove Eco Park, the Bugna It Tangaean (Jawili Falls) and the Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs of the town of Nabas. We are also starting to market other town’s unique physical and natural tourism assets like Libacao, Madalag, New Washington, and up to Buruanga.
Total tourist arrivals for the year was 499,452. Some 155,739 of whom were foreign visitors and the remaining, some 343,714, were local tourists. Translated into tourism receipts, money which circulated into Aklan’s mainstream economy was estimated at P3.8 billion.
We have to prepare the province, particularly the resort island of Boracay for our projection of one million tourists by year 2010 and therefore all the needed infrastructure support facilities must be in place by then.
We have committed P1 million for the purchase of land ferry service (multicabs) for Boracay which maybe leased out to a transport cooperative in Malay to cater to the needs for transportation facilities of Boracay residents and workers at comparatively lower fare rate.
Once the one entry-one exit policy is enforced. We likewise appropriated P1 million to promote and market alternative tourist destinations of the province like the Manggad It Kalibo in the Mangrove Eco Park, the Bugna It Tangaean (Jawili Falls) and the Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs of the town of Nabas. We are also starting to market other town’s unique physical and natural tourism assets like Libacao, Madalag, New Washington, and up to Buruanga.
Rice/Corn Hybridation Program
As always emphasized, agriculture will remain to be the main lifeline of our economy, this sector being the number one employer and generator of income for our people. Thus, we have to innovate in our production programs in crops, fisheries and livestocks.
We must be proud to be known in Western Visayas as the hybrid rice seed capital. Our 39 farmers who are hybrid rice seed growers produced a total of 1746 bags of FI variety seeds, part of which were used for the use of our own farmers and the greater bulk were delivered to the provinces of Negros Occidental, Capiz, Antique, and Iloilo in support to the Hybrid Rice
We must be proud to be known in Western Visayas as the hybrid rice seed capital. Our 39 farmers who are hybrid rice seed growers produced a total of 1746 bags of FI variety seeds, part of which were used for the use of our own farmers and the greater bulk were delivered to the provinces of Negros Occidental, Capiz, Antique, and Iloilo in support to the Hybrid Rice
Commercialization program of the Department of Agriculture.
As of the end of last year, the total rice production of the province was up to 124,735 metric tons, higher than the 2004 output of 100,300 metric tons, or an increase of 24.36 percent.
I have instructed our office of the provincial agriculturist to also prioritize the planting of hybrid corn. We would like to be competitive in the manufacture of our own commercial feeds which is the major cost factor in the development of our livestock industry. We are aiming to put up a feed mill in the province to serve the feed requirements of poultry, piggery, cattle fattening and even the aquaculture industry. These are vital sources of protein for our constituents and could be one of the major agri-industrial activities for the province.
We continue to provide material and financial assistance to organized fish farmers in the province to improve fish catch by planting mangroves and the loading of concrete artificial reefs in New Washington and Numancia. We also continue to disperse tilapia and catfish fingerlings to upland freshwater fishfarmers. Farmers in the towns of Nabas, Ibajay, Malay, and Buruanga were provided with grafted mango planting materials for free but worth some P250,000 good to plant for 25 hectares. We project to plant mangoes in 400 hectares of upland area this year. The Aklan State University supplies at cost the planting materials. It is our dream to share in the export market of mangoes someday.
Having recognized the limitless market for abaca fiber and pulp, we appropriated P1 million for an initial abaca plantation in Libacao. The target is to plant abaca in 200 hectares and put up a pulp mill to add three times more value to the abaca which we traditionally produce. Abaca fiber is the strongest fiber known to man which finds its use not only for abaca rope, slippers, bags, wall décor but it is also an excellent material used in paper currency worldwide.
A breakthrough was found in our artificial insemination program in the project’s pilot towns in Batan, Banga, Malinao, Makato and Libacao where there are available cattle and carabao population. A total of 517 animals were artificially inseminated, 296 cattles and 221 carabaos.
Our veterinary program also puts emphasis on animal product quality assurance, animal health and veterinary quarantine and regulatory services, reason why we remain free from foot and mouth disease affecting livestocks. With the passage of an ordinance creating the provincial council on the prevention of the spread of Avian Influenza. We have heightened vigilance against such threat on animals to include humans. Considering the high cost of vaccines against rabies, our veterinary office is focusing on information and prevention campaigns, an anti-rabies ordinance having been in place in this province. We contributed some P200,000, in cooperation with the Aklan State University to purchase a fluorescent microscope, a vital instrument in the establishment of a diagnostic laboratory at ASU veterinary college campus. /MP (to be continued next issue)
As of the end of last year, the total rice production of the province was up to 124,735 metric tons, higher than the 2004 output of 100,300 metric tons, or an increase of 24.36 percent.
I have instructed our office of the provincial agriculturist to also prioritize the planting of hybrid corn. We would like to be competitive in the manufacture of our own commercial feeds which is the major cost factor in the development of our livestock industry. We are aiming to put up a feed mill in the province to serve the feed requirements of poultry, piggery, cattle fattening and even the aquaculture industry. These are vital sources of protein for our constituents and could be one of the major agri-industrial activities for the province.
We continue to provide material and financial assistance to organized fish farmers in the province to improve fish catch by planting mangroves and the loading of concrete artificial reefs in New Washington and Numancia. We also continue to disperse tilapia and catfish fingerlings to upland freshwater fishfarmers. Farmers in the towns of Nabas, Ibajay, Malay, and Buruanga were provided with grafted mango planting materials for free but worth some P250,000 good to plant for 25 hectares. We project to plant mangoes in 400 hectares of upland area this year. The Aklan State University supplies at cost the planting materials. It is our dream to share in the export market of mangoes someday.
Having recognized the limitless market for abaca fiber and pulp, we appropriated P1 million for an initial abaca plantation in Libacao. The target is to plant abaca in 200 hectares and put up a pulp mill to add three times more value to the abaca which we traditionally produce. Abaca fiber is the strongest fiber known to man which finds its use not only for abaca rope, slippers, bags, wall décor but it is also an excellent material used in paper currency worldwide.
A breakthrough was found in our artificial insemination program in the project’s pilot towns in Batan, Banga, Malinao, Makato and Libacao where there are available cattle and carabao population. A total of 517 animals were artificially inseminated, 296 cattles and 221 carabaos.
Our veterinary program also puts emphasis on animal product quality assurance, animal health and veterinary quarantine and regulatory services, reason why we remain free from foot and mouth disease affecting livestocks. With the passage of an ordinance creating the provincial council on the prevention of the spread of Avian Influenza. We have heightened vigilance against such threat on animals to include humans. Considering the high cost of vaccines against rabies, our veterinary office is focusing on information and prevention campaigns, an anti-rabies ordinance having been in place in this province. We contributed some P200,000, in cooperation with the Aklan State University to purchase a fluorescent microscope, a vital instrument in the establishment of a diagnostic laboratory at ASU veterinary college campus. /MP (to be continued next issue)
SOMA Pagahiwatun Man Sa Kalibo
Nagpasa eon it mga nahuman nga obra (accomplishment report) ro Municipal Social Welfare and Development para sa Enero – Desyembre 2005 kay Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo.
Sono sa report, naga panguna ro Self Employment Assistance Program (SEA-K Kaunlaran) nga naka tau it pangabuhian sa 85 ka tawo sa total nga P365,000. Naka serbi man sa 100 nga 0 – 6 years old moderate and severely malnourished nga mga onga nga may valiong P74,400.
Nakabulig man sa 239 ka mga tawo nga hataw an it ayodang P268,188. Nakabulig man sa 981 nga mga tawo sa PhilHealth Insurance sa kantidad man nga P412,020, ag sa Disaster Contingency Preparedness sa 262 nga beneficiaries sa bulig nga P146,986.
Gina pa alinton ni Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo nga ro opisina it Municipal Social Welfare Development it Kalibo hay bukas sa Kalibonhon sa pagtatap ni Ms. Lolly Espino – Municipal Social Welfare officer.
Sono sa report, naga panguna ro Self Employment Assistance Program (SEA-K Kaunlaran) nga naka tau it pangabuhian sa 85 ka tawo sa total nga P365,000. Naka serbi man sa 100 nga 0 – 6 years old moderate and severely malnourished nga mga onga nga may valiong P74,400.
Nakabulig man sa 239 ka mga tawo nga hataw an it ayodang P268,188. Nakabulig man sa 981 nga mga tawo sa PhilHealth Insurance sa kantidad man nga P412,020, ag sa Disaster Contingency Preparedness sa 262 nga beneficiaries sa bulig nga P146,986.
Gina pa alinton ni Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo nga ro opisina it Municipal Social Welfare Development it Kalibo hay bukas sa Kalibonhon sa pagtatap ni Ms. Lolly Espino – Municipal Social Welfare officer.
State of the Municipal Address
Gina pahisayud man ni Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo nga mabakas makaron ro pag pahaum ko anang State of the Municipal Address (SOMA) para sa nakataliwang dag on. Aporado makaron ro pagpahaum ag pagtau it report ko naga kaeain eaing opisina ko hanongod sa andang nahuman ko nagtaliwang dag on para sa ikamayad it pomoeoyo.
Ro SOMA hay pagahiwaton sa rayang buean it Febrero, sono kay Mr. Terence T. Toriano, Information Officer it Munisipyo it Kalibo. Sa rayang SOMA, iga pahayag ni Mayor Rebaldo ro mga projects nga nahuman nana sa Kalibo. Ana mang igasugid ro mga programa ag projects nga anang paga buhaton agud mapa umwad pa gid ro Kalibo ag ro mga Kalibonhon. /MP
Ro SOMA hay pagahiwaton sa rayang buean it Febrero, sono kay Mr. Terence T. Toriano, Information Officer it Munisipyo it Kalibo. Sa rayang SOMA, iga pahayag ni Mayor Rebaldo ro mga projects nga nahuman nana sa Kalibo. Ana mang igasugid ro mga programa ag projects nga anang paga buhaton agud mapa umwad pa gid ro Kalibo ag ro mga Kalibonhon. /MP
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
SNAPSHOTS AROUND KALIBO
Rotary Club of Kalibo launched the AnnualCoastla Clean-Up Drive at Mabilo Shoreline last
January 29, 2006.
The RC Kalibo was joined by Interactors from Aklan National High School for Arts and Trades,
Madyaas Institute and Regional Science High School-Region VI.
The group took home at least 1 TON of dried seeweeds
for composting.
Monday, January 30, 2006
SNAPSHOTS AROUND KALIBO
Past Asst. District Gov and Past Pres. of Rotary Club of Kalibo, Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente {Editor in chief of MP} with
his lovely spouse, Dr. Florencia "Rencee" Villorente during
the Christmas and Family Month Celebration
of Rotary Club of Kalibo last December 20, 005.
Pres. Panski Rebuelta and Rtn. Megs Lunn during the turn over of books to Ms. Evelyn Leyson, Principal
of Uldarico P. Custodio Elementary School in Carugdug , Lezo, Aklan.
Some delighted teachers of UP Custodio Elem. School
and Rotarians during the book donations last
January 24, 2006. {Literacy/Numeracy Project
of the Rotary Club of Kalibo.
Editorial- January 22-28, 2006
WANTED: President Who Won In An Honest Election
Manny Pacquiao’s superb victory over a Mexican boxer is a Filipino triumph that unified the Filipino people. Pacquiao displayed his mastery of the ring during his bout with Erik “El Terrible” Morales in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, January 22, 2006. It took him less than 10 rounds to put away Morales via a technical knock out.
Pacquiao’s victory is a big revenge on the proud Aztec warrior in a boxing ring at the Thomas and Mack Center. Because of that victory, Pacquiao will go home with a heroe’s welcome waiting for him on Friday, January 27. Indeed Pacquiao earned his popularity, love and admiration by boxing his way. It has also made millions of Filipinos forget that they were hungry and poor.
The Pacquiao victory is like a dose of drugs that made Filipinos ecstatic. During the fight day in barangays, the streets were clear of vehicles and even people. The radio reported no crimes as police blotters were clean.
The NAIA is now prepared for Manny’s arrival. Streamers are ready and the red carpet is unrolled for his arrival on Friday. There will be ticker tape parade from the airport. Some politicians will join the Pacquiao bandwagon with the hope to enhance their political aspirations. From the airport, the grand parade with Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and movie personalities will pass by major routes of Metro Manila and stop in Rizal Park for a grand party celebration.
The Filipino nation is jubilant over Manny’s devastating demolition of Erik Morales, the Mexican boxing legend. Everyone is basking in the limelight of Manny’s triumph, the political elite mostly. But all the honors belong to Pacquiao.
He worked for it assisted by his trainer, manager and members of his team. After his questionable defeat in the hands of Morales last year, he went back to work and worked hard. Pacquiao studied Morales’ moves inside the ring, adopted a fight strategy, trained hard with dedication and sincerity. He left his family foregone Christmas, New Year and birthday celebrations.
Pacquiao, the world champion and a boxing hero is an epitome of hard work, dedication, sincerity and honesty. He won the fight clean and clear because of rigid training and preparation. Pacquiao won a very honest fight. Morales himself gallantly accepted the defeat. The Filipinos rejoiced with the triumph which earned the respect of the world.
Will Gloria do the same? Win in a clean and honest election?
Pacquiao has unified his family and the Filipinos through a very clean and honest fight. The victory of Pacquiao is a striking contrast as the Council of State meeting on January 24 was a photograph of national disunity and elite disharmony.
Hundred of charter changes and “no elections” will not stabilize the government, improve the economy and peace. What is needed is a legitimate president whose election is clean and honest like Pacquiao’s victory over Morales. /MP
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