District 3850 Holds Convention

Picture above is PP Raphy Tayco exhibiting his plaque with RC Kalibo members, all in immaculate white during the awards night.

Mr. Johnny Litton spoke on "Enhancing Rotary’s Public Image" who declared "Rotary has already a beautiful image".But he really enhanced rotary’s public image
with his inspiring and humurous speech.


Ann Gel Sodusta (center) is the latest Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club of Kalibo.
She is shown (center) in photo above receiving her certificate, pin and medallion
from DG Ramon "Toto" CUA LOCSIN and RI Pres. Representative
PDG Jason "Archie" HSU who is from Taiwan.

RC Kalibo received 10 club and individual awards. Shown in the above pictures are recepients of awards. In the lower picture is Pres. Gus Solmirano and Sec. Megs Lunn (upper photo) who are awarded Outstanding Club President and Most Outstanding Club Secretary respectively.


Pres. Gus Solmirano (right) receives the Club award from DG Ramon "Toto" CUA LOCSIN.

The Rotary Club of Kalibo walked away with several awards during the District Convention (DISCON) of Rotary International, District 3850. The Discon was held in Boracay Regency Beach Resort Hotel, Malay, Aklan on March 1 – 3, 2007.
Some 584 participants actively attended and participated in the Discon. They are members of 55 Rotary clubs from Sulu, Tawi Tawi, Basilan, Zamboanga del Norte and Del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Antique and Aklan. Rotary International President’s Representative PDG Jason "Archie" Hsu and spouse Betty from Taiwan, District 3500 and some PDGs graced the Discon 2007.
Important topics discussed during the three-day affair are "Overcoming Poverty Through Literacy Programs" which PDG Alexander Y. Huang of Rotary Club of Manila Metro discussed.
Mr. Johnny Litton, a columnist of Philippine Star talked about "Enhancing Rotary’s Public Image". His presentation was highly applauded as it was simply presented filled with humor and instances which touched the lives of Rotary family. Mr. Litton received two speaking offers from Bacolod City and Oroquita City in the course of his discussion.
PDG Daniel Yu of Rotary Club of Bagumbayan Manila discussed "Our Giving To Rotary Foundation". The former undersecretary of DTI and column writer in The Bulletin Today, PDG Militon Salazar of Rotary Club of Diliman, Quezon City talked about "Water For All". Mr. Salazar, in his talk gave all what he knows about water, benefits of water to man and his universe and the effect of its absence.
The 10th International Rotary Matched Clubs Invitational Golf Classic was held at Fairways & Bluewater Resort Golf & Country Club, Boracay Island. The major prizes of the tournament were won by members of Rotary clubs from Zamboanga City and Bacolod City.
Kalibo’s lone entry to the golf tournament, PP Nolli Sodusta, got second place in Class C.
The District Convention was highlighted with several club and individual awards. Lead by this year’s President Augusto Solmirano, the Rotary Club of Kalibo was recoganized with the awards as follows: 1. Outstanding Rotary Club President – Augusto Solmirano, 2. Most Outstanding Club Secretary – Melrose S. Lunn, 3. Outstanding Rotary Club - Rotary Club of Kalibo, 4. Plaque of Appreciation for hosting the Sectional District Rotary Academy, 5. Outstanding Avenue of Community Service Award, 6. Distinguished Service Award/Fellowship Chair) to Melrose S. Lunn, 7. Distinguished Service Award (Rotary Com. Corps Chair) and Rotary Foundation District Service Award to PP Raphy Tayco, and 8. Rotary Foundation District Service Award to PP Raphy Tayco. /MP

Erenita T. Labor, Ph.D.

Most Outstanding Principal, Elementary Level

Western Visayas, SY 2006-2007

By Franklin T. Ituriaga

Dr. Erenita "Nitz" Labor, the Most Outstanding Private Elementary School Principal of Region is shown (center) in the picture above after the awards rites held in Punta Villa Resort, Iloilo City. Others in the picture (l to r) are Franklin T. Ituriaga – principal of Madyaas Institute, Numancia, Aklan; Dr. Victorina S. Laroza – Schools Division Superintendent of Aklan; Mrs. Verginita N. Nabor – Filipino supevisor, DepEd, Aklan and Mrs. Sonia P. Igot – principal, Saint Joseph’s Academy, Malinao, Aklan.

Erenita T. Labor, Ph.D., of the Aklan Inter Faith Academy, Kalibo, Aklan, was chosen as the Most Outstanding Principal in the Elementary Level for School Year 2006-2007 in Region 6 which is composed of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.
The Private Secondary School Administrators’ Association of the Philippines – Region 6 (PRISSAAP 6) feted her as such in appropriate ceremonies during the Araw Ng Parangal held at Punta Villa Resort Hotel in Iloilo City recently. Also honored with Dr. Labor on that occasion were awardees of the region as Most Outstanding Pupils, Most Outstanding Students, Most Outstanding Teachers, and the Most Outstanding principal in the Secondary Level for SY 2006-2007.
Nitz, as and intimates fondly call her, finished her elementary school studies at Tamalagon Elementary School, Tangalan, Aklan. She then went to Madyaas Institute in Numancia, Aklan for her secondary education. She studied at Northwestern Visayan Colleges in Kalibo, Aklan where she finished Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEd), graduating as Cum Laude in 1966. In the same institution, she also finished Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) in 1972, major in English and minor in Mathematics.
For her post graduate studies, she took Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Management at Northwestern Visayan Colleges, graduating as Magna Cum Laude in 1985. She later proceeded to Aklan State University in Banga, Aklan for her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Management. She finished the degree in 2005 with a dissertation entitled "Early Childhood Education and Academic Performance in the Lower and Upper Elementary Grades."
She is currently the Administrator/Principal of the Aklan Inter Faith Academy in Kalibo, Aklan, a position she holds since 1992. She is also a Service Provider of the Pre-School Service Contracting (PSC) Program of the Department of Education, Division of Aklan since SY 1998-1999.
From 1970 to 1987, she served as School Principal at Northwestern Visayas Colleges specifically designated in the Teacher Training Department. Dr. Labor was also BEEd student Teachers Trainer at Northwestern Visayan Colleges, and at the same time Collegiate Department Dean for the Bachelor of Elementary Education Studies. She was also College Instructor there from 1970 to 2000. She assumed the principalship of Kalibo Inter Faith Academy (an American-sponsored school for street kids) from 1987 to 1992.
She was Christian Education Director of the Aklan, Capiz and Romblon group of the Assemblies of God of the Northwestern Visayas District Council (NWVDC) and was the Women’s Ministries (WM) Director of the same group from 1997 to 2002.
She was recognized as Most Outstanding Alumna of Northwestern Visayan Colleges, elected President of the Board of Trustees of Kalibo Inter Faith Academy, Inc. from 1987 to 1992. This institution is sponsored by Keys to Freedom Ministries which Rev. Paul and Shoddy Chase head. The school provided free basic education and nutrition to 130 street kids in Kalibo. Since 1992, Dr. Labor is the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the Kalibo Inter Faith Academy. She is the Secretary of the Aklan Movement for Responsible Parenthood organized in 2003, the activities of which are in coordination with the Provincial Population Office.
In youth development, Dr. Labor was awarded a Bronze Medal Merit Award by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in 2006. DepEd (Aklan Division) nominated her as Outstanding Principal to the Gintong Ilawan Educator’s Award of the Doña Teodora Alonso Foundation for SY 2005-2006.
Madyaas Institute, Numancia, Aklan will confer to Dr. Labor as Most Outstanding Alumna for SY 2006-2007 on March 30, 2007. She will return to her Alma Mater as the guest of honor and commencement speaker during its 61st Graduation Exercises.
Born in Makato, Aklan, she grew up in Tamalagon, Tangalan, Aklan. Her parents are the late Apolinario Dado Trance and Adela Bartosillo Belarmino. Though blessed with limited material endowments, the family endured hardships. She remembers until this day the deprivations and the difficulties her siblings with her had suffered in the course of their quest for a better life.
Today, she enjoys the blessings of a good life with her loving husband and children. Having relished the good feeling and experience of being helped in some way by some kind and generous souls somewhere in her fledging years, she feels good and enjoys helping others today. Her family sends some poor but deserving young people to school.
Dr. Labor is married to Rev. Roberto Mansayon – Almero who is a Minister of the Gospel by profession. She herself is an ordained Minister of the Gospel. Together, they work and live for the glory of the Creator. In the Aklan Inter Faith Academy, they exert time and efforts and work with dedication not only for the academic preparations of the children, but also train them how to live right, that they may grow up basking in the light and loving to do what is right.
Their three children are all well established. Dwain, the eldest, studied and finished nautical. He is married to Rolyn D. Bautista. They now live in Australia with their daughter Keziah Jeuel. The second child, Myrl, the only daughter, finished Education, major in PEHM. Also an ordained Minister of the Gospel, she is married to Edwin P. Radones. They live in Manila. They expect to have a daughter very soon. Ademir, the youngest Labor child, is a deft hand in Computer Science, and an ordained Minister of the Gospel. He helps both the Aklan Inter Faith Academy and the Glad Tidings Ministries. He is married to Joeve C. Bolivar, the school nurse of the Aklan Inter Faith Academy. The couple has a two-year-old son, Jether Jayce Deuel.
They firmly believe in the saying that "he who travels much knows much". The Labors have visited the United States of America, specifically the states of Washington, Florida and Georgia. The family also saw Hong Kong; Bangkok, Thailand; Brunei; Singapore; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Australia, specifically Sydney. /MP

It is 6–5–1

In a mach election, the top officials of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) gave it a 6 –5–1 to the Senatorial candidates for the May 14, 2007 election. Some 15 officers, members of the board of directors and regional representatives from Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon voted six (6) for Genuine Opposition (GO), five (5) for Team Unity and one (1) Independent candidate, Francisco Pangilinan.
Angara and Recto were in the first and second while Kiram is in the third spot. Roco, Villar, Legarda, Pangilinan, Singson and Arroyo are in the 4th to 9th places with identical six votes each. Escudero is 10th while Coseteng, Pimentel and Defensor with 4 votes each are competing for the 11th and 12th slots.
Here are the names of senatorial candidates with their respective number of votes. Edgardo Angara –8, Ralph Recto–8, Sultan Kiram–7, Sonia Roco–6, Manuel Villar–6, Loren Legarda–6, Francisco Pangilinan–6, Chavit Singson–6, Joker Arroyo–6,Francis Escudero–5,Nikki Coseteng–4,Kuko Pimentel–4,Panfilo Lacson–4 and Mike Defensor–4. /MP

Makato OTOP: Organic Rice Production

By Anghelda Baylon

The Department of Trade and Industry is pushing the One Town One Product (OTOP) as priority program of the government. In this connection and based on intelligent analysis and evaluation of the problems at hand by LGU-Makato headed by Mayor Ramon S. Legaspi, Jr., Makato agreed and implemented the Maunlad Supervised Organic Farming Project with organic rice as its OTOP.
However, continuous usage of chemical farm inputs for many decades not only left the soil depleted of organic matters but also almost totally eliminated the beneficial organisms that manufacture soil nutrient to keep the soil fertile. Chemicals also greatly contributed to environmental pollution causing global warming, erratic weather condition, abnormal season with no pattern resulting to ecological imbalance that oftentimes damage crops (plants, animals, fishes) the year round.
So, how can we produce organic rice from community of chemical addicts? Nature provides abundant beneficial organisms that manufacture balance soil nutrients to keep the soil fertile. Man has no use buying costly chemical inputs that kill beneficial organisms like earthworms and trillions of microorganisms that work day and night to produce balance soil nutrient for healthy crops. There are abundant biomass of rice straw and rice hulls right in the farm which rapidly decompose when applied with organic fertilizer, commercial or homemade from animal manure, chicken dung, vermicast and compost.
There are abundant herbs, fast growing plants to serve as growth hormone with balance major and trace elements for normal plant growth. Fruits of mango, banana, guava, and papaya have less market value at peak season but if processed by fermentation, dehydration and other processing methods will turn valuable inputs into organic rice for safer diet. Concoction of wild and fast growing herbs can keep crops healthy, attracting no pest as only inferior malnourished crops are attacked by pests for nature needs to eliminate unhealthy crops to keep man healthy.
Is it possible to quit using chemical farm inputs to survive? Yes!!! Progressive farmers successfully do it! They are earth friendly. They stopped using chemical farm inputs to survive for fear to go on polluting the earth until lives will perish.
But by simply adopting organic/natural farming systems technology in rice, farms cannot achieve sustainable organic rice production. For sustainable agriculture "unique skilled workers" with LGU officials are needed to produce real organic rice product. Better understanding of the situation like geography, topography, human resources and the present state of the environment are necessary. For producing organic rice does not involve only rice farmers but a competent body to coordinate and harmonize nature’s law and blend with proven technologies for every specific agro-ecologic zones.
Forest zones are strictly regulated to protect wildlife and watershed. The policies to safeguard, mitigate, conserve and prevent soil erosion and the attack of both plant pests and diseases must be implemented.
In rolling, marginal areas, the LGU Agricultural Services Force with Mayor Ramon Legaspi, Jr. must intensify the campaign to promote adoption of natural farming technologies like Integrated Farming Systems, Crop-Livestock Integration, Multi-Storey, Multi-Cropping, and others require the planting of permanent crops, agro-forest trees, fruit trees, perennial legumes as buffer to prevent soil erosion, serve as windbreak and shade to livestocks. Planting of green cover crops will provide sustainable organic materials like banana, mango and guava. It will also protect wild fast growing 15-herb bio-fertilizer/pesticide such as adgaw, lemon grass, palo china. Livestock raisers must produce forage grass and legumes like Napier, Guinea, Rensonnie, Flamingea , Ipil-ipil and Kakawate.
For lowland rainfed rice farms, farmers must practice crop rotation with mungbean after two successive rice crops to keep the soil nutrient balance, to improve organic matter content of the soil and to minimize growth of weeds./MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Tita Linda Belayro

Prinsipe Oso

May daywang ka magmanghod, mga daeaga nga maeopot guid sa kada isaea.
Isaeang adlaw, guinsugo sanda ko andang ina nga magbakae it dagum, hilo, ag garter idto sa Poblacion. May kaeayu-on ro andang baeay sa Poblacion, ag naga-agi pa sanda sa kabatuhan ag sapâ parabil maka-abot idto sa mga tindahan. Sa indi kaeayu-on, hakita nanda ro isaeang ka mabahoe nga pispis nga naga linibot-libot sa may katigbawan. Pagtugpa o pagkahapon kong pispis, nakabati sanda it matinis nga singgit. Pageopad it uman ko pispis, hakita nanda ro isaeang ka duwende nga guina dagit it pispis.
Sa kaeo-oy it daywa, guinhawiran nanda ro duwende hasta nahueog. Guin basoe pa sanda ko duwende ham-an guin hawiran ro anang suksok nga sae-wae ngani nagisi. Guin himos dayon ko duwende ro anang sako nga punô it alahas ag dayon imaw nga naduea sa mga mata-as nga bato.
Nagpadayon sa pagpanaw ro daywang ka daeaga paadto idto sa Poblacion agod bakeon ro bilin ko andang ina.
Pag-uli nanda, hakibot sanda pagkakita eon man nanda sa duwende nga guina bô-bô rong sako it mga alahas agod huyapon kon may kueang. Hakita man nanda ro mga maeahaeon nga alahas nga naga kinang-kinang sa silak it adlaw.
Maangan-angan, may habatian sanda nga ngoeob it oso. Pagkakita kong daywa sa oso, hinadlukan sanda, ogaling owa makahueag sa andang guina tindugan. Bu-ot kunta nga magsueod sa yungib ro duwende ogaling una sa puertahan naga-abang rong oso.
"Mahae nga oso, ayaw ako pagpatya. Haum ako nga ita-o rong tanan ko nga manggad. Kon nailaan mo, hayron rong daywang ka atribida sa akong manggad. Mas mahumok ag bata it abu ko sa kakon, samtang ako hay maganit eon ag magueang pa," pakit-luoy ko duwende.
Ogaling owa pagpamati-i ko oso ro duwende. Sinampok it sang sampok sa oeo ro duwende ag natumba nga owa makahueag. Sa kahadluk ko daywa, dumaeagan sanda agud maglikaw ogaling tinawag sanda ko oso.
Hakilaea nanda rong limog nga dating bisita nanda. Maangan-angan, nagka paeos rong mga baeahibo it oso ag tumambad rong isaeang ka gwapo nga prinsipe.
"Ako hay onga it hari, pagpakilaea it Prinsipe sa anang dogalingon. Guin sumpa ako ko duwende ag guin takaw pa ro akong mga alahas. Naglinibot-libot ako sa kagueangan bilang isaeang ka oso agod osoyon ro duwende. Makabalik eamang ako sa dati kong anyo kon mapatay ko rong duwende."
Guin kasae rong prinsipe sa kamagueangan ag imaw man rong igmanghod hay sa manghod man it prinsipe. Idto mag-estar ro andang magueang eon nga ina sa palasyo. Guin hueay man nanda ro manggad nga habawi sa duwende. /MP

Cub Scouts Hold Kawan Festival

Some 1,078 cub scout members from Aklan attended what was considered the biggest gathering of cub scouts in Aklan just recently at the Kalibo Elementary School II.
Speaking before the cub scouts delegates, Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Aklan BSP council chairman, urged the cub scouts to remember the Vision – Mission of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
Tolentino emphasized "the scouting vision to be the leading provider of progressive outdoor based on non-formal education committed to develop morally straight, disciplined, concerned, self-reliant citizens in the best tradition of World Scouting and the mission to inculcate in our Scouts and Scouters love of God, country and fellowmen, to prepare the youth for responsible leadership and to contribute to nation – building according to the ideals, principles and program of Scouting".
Scouting remains vibrant and active in Aklan. This present in bold relief the Aklanons’ firm commitment and dedication to the ideals of Scouting, Tolentino pointed out.
Rightly has it been said the Scouting Movement possesses the most well-rounded education-training among the various programs in existence today. Virtually, any subject can come under the aegis of Scouting. It cannot be gainsaid that the Scouting potential for complementing formal education cannot be exaggerated", Tolentino added. /MP

1st ICT Youth Congress Kicks Off In Aklan

STI College Kalibo in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Governor thru Honorable Governor Carlito S. Marquez, the Department of Education, TESDA Aklan, and the Rotary Club of Kalibo has initiated a pioneering work towards empowering Aklanon students. This is thru better understanding of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Dubbed as ICT Youth Congress, the 6–day activities is the first in Aklan. It is envisioned to stimulate interests of students toward technological development and utilize new learning to enhance quality of life. As leader in IT education in the country, STI adheres to its dictum of introducing innovative and responsive educational programs in Aklan. "The ICT Youth Congress is made to address the expanding impact of Information Technology around the world according to Mrs. Ezzra V. Eudela, Chief Operating Officer of STI College Kalibo.
Congress was held last week at STI College Kalibo Campus that brought together an estimated 1,000 graduating high school students from 40 selected secondary schools in Aklan. These schools comprised the league of the best and the brightest in the Province. The 6-day congress included lectures in "Basic Animation and Web Design" and "Current Trends in Information & Communications Technology".
The Grand Masters Cup (Quiz Bowl) Competition and Exhibit on March 20, 2007 will highlight this event at the ABL Sports and Cultural Complex, Capitol Site, Kalibo, Aklan. According to Mr. Edsel P. Tupas, Internal and External Affairs Coordinator of STI Kalibo, "The academic competition aims to provide competitive learning experience among graduating high school students and the exhibit will showcase the latest technologies and countless opportunities in Information and Communication Technology."
On March 20, 2007 Grand Masters Cup (Quiz Bowl) Competition and Exhibit will be held at ABL Sports and Cultural Complex, Kalibo. During the opening ceremony, VIPs from DepEd, Rotary Club of Kalibo and Governor Carlito S. Marquez will deliver their respective messages.
To accommodate the number of participants, secondary schools were divided into five clusters with twenty-five student participants each school. Sponsors like Globe Telecom, Coca Cola Bottling Company – Nestea Ice Tea, and 7 – 11 Marketing provided the prizes and trophies for the competition winners. /MP

EDITORIAL - March 4 - 10 Issue

Is the COMELEC Capable to Enforce
Election Laws?

On May 14, 2007 the Filipinos will select the most qualified persons for the Legislative Department of the government. These are the senators and congressmen. The Filipinos will also select their governor, vice governor and members of the sangguniang panlalawigan of a province, city mayor, vice mayor and sangguniang panglunsod of a city and municipal mayor, vice mayor and members of the sangguniang bayan of a municipality.
To vote right is one of the sacred duties of a Filipino citizen to his country. And to vote right must be devoid of any external interference that may influence the result of the election. Election is the process by which the best person or persons is/are elected to do the jobs either in legislation or in the management of state affairs. But since 1946 after regaining Philippine independence, the Philippines has been holding elections at all levels, but until today, still elections were marred with irregularities. The most recent of which was in 2004 where President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is alleged to have cheated the election and the legitimacy of her presidency has been questioned.
The Commission on Election (COMELEC) is the constitutional body which is mandated to manage the electoral processes so that election will be honest, orderly and peaceful election. However, the integrity of the COMELEC officials are being doubted if not questioned. The COMELEC has not fully enforced the election laws, rules and regulations.
Propaganda materials are found everywhere such as nailed by the trunk of trees, tied at electric posts and pasted by the walls and bridges railings. The COMELEC designated poster areas are not followed. The gun ban is rampantly violated from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. The limitation as to radio television propaganda is set aside. The P3 to P5 expenses per voter is grossly disobeyed. The giving of gifts is prohibited like T-shirts, ballpens, bags, caps or cash. Mr. Chavit Singson distributed cash in Cagayan de Oro City during his sorties there. Mr. Singson apologizes, but is it enough to say "I’m sorry" after violating the law?
And to think that those candidates who are violating the laws are those people who crafted and approved those laws is revolting. At the time this editorial is being written, the Manuel Villar posters are nailed by the tree trunks and tied on electric posts along the roads in Aklan. It is quite difficult to approve a law but it seems very easy for legislators to violate what they approved themselves.
"BARANGAY SENATE"
With the present candidates for the senate from whom 12 of them will be elected in the May 14 election, it will enhance the transformation of the upper legislative chamber as Barangay Senate. The 2007–2010 senate maybe composed of father and son, brother and sisters aunt and nephew, godfather and godson. The Senate of the Philippines will become a small barangay populated by 24 senators who are close relations. Of course their nearest of kin and other persons who helped in their elections will join them as secretary, technical staff, legal council, clerks, janitors, managers, drivers and others.
Likewise, the House of Representatives will become a "Barangay Representatives" populated by congressmen and women who are also closely related with each other. This barangay will even become a big city because of bigger population and billions of money at their disposal. They have several trillion pesos to budget every year to finance the projects of the government such as agricultural modernization program which some of the money was spent for fertilizer and other scams.
This piece of work is done to remind our Filipino voters to vote right." Study carefully each candidate now. Continue studying their personalities and performance. After a decision is made, write their names with the corresponding positions they are aspiring for and write it on a piece of paper. This list will come handy on election day. Keep it safe, bring the list in the polling place where it will serve as your guide in writing the candidates’ names to corresponding positions. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

By Ambrosio R. Villorente

Prone to Fire

According to Chief Insp. Dennis Daymon of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Aklan, "Kalibo public market is fire prone". Everybody agrees with Chief Insp. Daymon but what is the BFP-Aklan doing with that problem? Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan declared its "loss of confidence" on Kalibo Fire Marshal Gweenah Besas for her non-cooperation. How can a head of office perform his/her job well if relation with LGU officials is very poor?
The main rear door facing the parking lot of Gaisano Mall, Kalibo has been closed since December 2006. Store clients whose cars are parked in the Gaisano parking lot may pass via a small door designed for handicapped people in the ground floor. The passage is narrow, people enter the mall in single file. The ceiling is quite low, so attention, for one might bump his/her head on the ceiling and have brain damage.
What does BFP Kalibo do with this situation? Can it enforce the fire code at Gaisano? Will Gaisano open that door, as it was designed for the security of its clients? Will it continue closing it until similar incident to that in Ormoc City happens? A little panic, and Gaisano Kalibo will have a "Wowowee".
BORACAY BUILDINGS
As to Boracay Island, the number one tourists destination, most of the resort hotels, restaurants and other tourists’ facilities have not complied with the Building Code of the Philippines. Most of the buildings have not been issued any Certificate of Occupancy for failure to comply with the basic and necessary requirements.
Even the prestigious high class resort hotel in Boracay Island has no fire signages in its function hall to guide the guests what to do in case of fire. BFD Boracay has not done any move as no papers are submitted to its office for action.
Is the BFD reactive? Can BFD initiate move so that those concerned will comply with the law and prevent any untoward incident?
ONE ENTRY ONE EXIT
The implementation of "one entry one exit" in Boracay is fast succeeding. It has greatly improved the transportation system in the island and most probably the island security. However, there are more things to be improved.
There are several kinds of fees like the terminal, environment and fare. These confuse the visitors especially the first timers. Window for "Roll on Roll off" must be separate from that window for tourists bound for Boracay.
Our group which went to Boracay Island on March 1 was issued Terminal Fee instead of boat fare tickets. The boarding in and disembarkation from the boat were orderly. That should be continued. However, the jeepney charged our group of 10 members P250 or P25 per passenger. When we went home Sunday, March 4, the jeepney charged us P7.50 each. How much really is the fare?
As to the tricycle, the driver charged me P20.00 when I went to Cagban Jetty Port to meet a friend. On my return from Cagban, the tricycle driver charged me P15.00 only. How much really is the authorized fare for both tricycle and jeepney? These rates must be posted in most conspicuous places in Caticlan and Cagban jetty ports to guide both the passengers and drivers.
OLD JEEP FOR BANGA
Mayor Jeremy N. Fuentes of Banga was advised via fax message by higher police headquarter that a brand new Toyota Altis was allocated for Banga PNP.
However, what arrived is an old 4 x 4 jeep that New Washington PNP used to drive. After the turn over PO1 Pelialyn Navarra of the Banga PNP drove it home to Banga. The jeep urgently needs body repair and repainting especially the badly rusted under chassis, and change the heavily damaged parts like tierod end, battery, alternator and starter as it does not start unless pushed.
WEAR HELMETS
Senior Supt. Benigno Durana, Jr. has announced police will arrest those motorcycle riding persons who do not wear helmet. The drive is succeeding in Kalibo and Numancia. But how about in 15 other towns of Aklan? Are those motorcycle riders in other towns exempted from wearing helmet? /MP

Philippines’ Most Beautiful Ladies

Shown in the picture above are Bb. Pilipinas Beauties 2007 winners at the pageant held at Araneta Coliseum, Quezon, City in the evening, March 3 that lasted in the following morning. They are (l to r) Liezel Verses - first runner up, Nadia Lee Chien Shami - Bb. Pilipinas International, Margaret Miles Wilson - Bb. Pilipinas World, Ann Theresa Licaros - Bb. Pilipinas Universe and Abigail Lesley Cruz - 2nd runner up.

Three (3) most beautiful ladies of 2007 were selected among the 30 candidates in an international beauty pageant that started in the evening of March 3 and ended at dawn, the following day. Three beautiful ladies were selected to represent the Philippines to three international beauty contests.
Margaret Miles Wilson, 17 was crowned Bb. Pilipinas World. She will represent the Philippines in this 2007 Miss World Pageant to be held in Poland.
Margaret is a part-time model, actress and music TV video jockey. In addition to her crown, Margaret also won as Miss Photogenic, Miss Ever Bilena, and Watson’s Style Icon. She stands 5 feet, 9 inches tall with 34-24-35 vital statistics. "My family", she answered when asked, "What is one thing, you cannot live without?"
Anna Theresa Licaros will represent the Philippines to the Miss Universe Pageant to be held in Mexico this year. She was crowned Bb. Pilipinas–Universe. Anna Theresa, 22, is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of broadcast communication from the University of the Philippines, Quezon City.
She is now a student of law in the College of Law, UP.
Anna Theresa chose the "Crown" when asked to choose between crown and love life. She
stands 5 feet, 9 inches tall with 33-25-34 vital statistics. According to her, "Crown is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to touch more people’s lives."
Anna Theresa also got special awards such as Miss Bacchus Energy Drink, Miss Watson’s Woman Award, Miss Philippines Airlines, Miss Natasha and Miss Placenta Awards.
Nadia Lee Chien Shami, 18 was crowned Bb. Pilipinas–International. She is a student, part time model and radio broadcaster. She is the Philippines’ best bet to the Miss International Beauty Pageant to be held in Japan also this year.
Shami is 5 feet 91/2 inches tall and measures 35-25-36. She wanted to study Arabic. According to her, her parents are separated. Her knowledge of Arabic will enable her to communicate with her father in Jordan and ask him why he separated.
Other awardees are Miss Liezel Verses – first runner up and Miss Abigail Lesley Cruz – second runner up. She was also adjudged Best in Swimsuit, while Liezel Verses was best in Long Gown. /MP

RORO Reduces Transport Costs, Says Mendoza

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Leandro Mendoza has reported that the roll-on roll-off (RORO) transport system has reduced travel costs by 40 percent for passengers and 30 percent for cargo.
In his report, to the people, Secretary Mendoza said that travel time from Mindanao through Visayas to Luzon was also reduced by 10 hours. Efforts to further improve the system and reduce costs are ongoing, he said.
The reduction in both costs and travel time was due to the establishment of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH), connecting islands through a systemic linkage of land and water means of transportation.
In a special report to the Office of the President, Mendoza said that the DoTC has been pursuing vigorously its mandate to establish an integrated and strategic transportation and communications system that will facilitate the movement of goods, services and people within, as well as to and from the Philippines.
"Our islands have to be interconnected by good transport and communications networks that will open up new economic opportunities, reduce transportation and transaction costs of business and increase access to social services," Mendoza said.
According to Mendoza, to improve further the SRNH, the DoTC is engaged in fully implementing executive Order No. 170, issued by President Arroyo on January 22, 2003, promoting private sector investment in the Road RORO Terminal System (RRTS).
The RRTS aims to: 1. reduce transportation costs, specifically the costs of inter-island transportation, through the establishment of a safe, efficient and cost-effective seamless transport network through Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, 2. enhance tourism, transportation and commerce throughout the country, 3. facilitate the government’s agro-fisheries modernization and food security programs, 4. promote private sector participation in the establishment, construction and operation of RRTS facilities, and 5. establish a new policy to promote the development of RRTS. /MP

Koreans Flock To RP In January

Foreign Tourist Arrivals Up By 1.4

Foreign tourists lining to board their pumpboat in Caticlan for Boracay Island, most of them are Koreans.

A total of 70,733 Koreans visited the country in January this year which made them the biggest group of foreign tourists who came to the Philippines that month, said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.
In his report of visitor arrivals to the Philippines, Durano
noted that the total foreign tourist arrivals increased by 1.4 percent from 268,818 in January 2006 to 272,525 in January 2007.
A total of 12,441 or 17 percent more overseas Filipinos, or Philippine passport holders who permanently reside abroad excluding overseas Filipino workers, visited their home country, compared to only 10,629 in January last year, Durano reported.
After Korea, tourists from the following countries made up the next top 11 sources of visitors to the Philippines: the United States of America, which had 55,632 tourists; Japan, 34,947; China, 9,917; Canada, 9,812; Australia, 9,414; Taiwan, 8,419; Hong Kong, 6.709; Singapore, 6,691; United Kingdom, 6,175; Germany, 4,978; and Malaysia, 4,723.
The yearend report of the Department of Tourism (DOT) said that despite the natural calamities that affected the country in 2006 and with various travel advisories issued by the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom discouraging travel to the Philippines, international visitors grew by 8.4 percent, breaking through a new record of 2.84 million.
The Philippines seeks to post a steady 10 percent increase in tourist arrivals every year. The DOT reported that over the past three years from 2004 to 2006, visitor arrivals to the Philippines grew at an average of 14 percent per year which is more than the growth rates registered by ASEAN countries and surpassing the projected seven (7) percent increase of tourist traffic in the Asia-Pacific region by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. (By Veronica Uy) /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Maaeam Nga Asawa

May isaeang ka hari sa isaeang ka kaharian. Parabil imaw mag-asawa, nag usoy anay imaw it babaye nga maski pobre basta maaeam.
Owa magbuhay, nakakita imaw it isaeang ka babaye halin pa sa pobre nga pamilya.Para mapamatud-an ro anang kaaeam, guin kangay ro babaye sa palasyo agud tugmahon nana ro isaeang ka patugmahanon kong hari.
Hayra rong patugmahanon: "Umadto ka kakon nga hubeas ogaling may eambong, owa nakasakay, owa man nagabaktas, bukon it sa karsada, bukon man it sa liwan it karsada ga agi. Kon maobra mo ra mapakasae ako kimo."
Umuli rong babaye, nagbo-oe it eambat, guin putos nana ro anang eawas, ngani bukon imaw it hubeas. Pagkatapos, naghueam imaw it kabayo, ana guin higot rong eambat sa ikog it hayop, ngani napilitan imaw nga guyuron it kabayo. Napamatud-an nga owa imaw gasakay o nagabaktas. Guina guyod imaw sa mga agi it kariton, busa bihira nga nagatabing ro anang siki sa eogta. Napapati nana rong hari. Nagpakasae sanda.
Nagpadayon rong malipayon nga pagpangabuhi kong hari ag ko anang ma-aeam nga asawa.
Ko ulihi, may hadakpan nga tawo nga paga utdan it oeo tongod nagkasaea. Parabil utdan imaw it oeo, may patugmahanon rong hari. Kon masabat ko tawo nga paga utdan it oeo, malibre imaw sa silot kana. Hakibot rong hari nga natugma rong patugmahanon. Sa anang pagpangusisa, nasayran nana nga rong Reyna ro nagbulig tongod sa anang kaeo-oy sa royong tawo.
Naakig it duro ro hari, ag sa kahuya it hari, guin pahalin ro Reyna sa palasyo. Parabil magpanaw ro Reyna, guin kangay nana ro hari nga mag-inoman sanda bilang pagpaalam. Nahilong ro hari ag sa gahum it pang patueog nga guin butang sa ilimnon, naha katoeogan rong hari. Guin sugo kong Reyna ro sangka guwardiya nga puston it puting haboe ro hari, isakay sa karwahe agod daehon sa baeay it Reyna.
Pagbugtaw kong hari, hakibot imaw nga idto eot-a imaw sa baeay ko Reyna. Nangutana imaw kon ham-an. Nagsabat rong Reyna. "Mahae kong asawa, mangin akon ikaw, ag ako mangin imo." Nag uli rong Reyna sa palasyo. Nagpakasae sanda it oman ag nagkabuhi sanda it malipayon. Hasta it makaron malipayon pa sandang daywa. /MP

NEWS PICTORIALS

GSE Team In Aklan

Text and Photos by Ambrosio R. Villorente

One of the projects to foster world peace and understanding is the Group Study Exchange (GSE) of Rotary International. It is a cultural and vocational exchanges of business and professional men and women in the early parts of their careers between two countries. The GSE team is composed of five (5) led by a team leader who is an active member of a Rotary Club while the members are currently engaged in a business or profession of their choice, between 20 to 40 years old. They are not in anyway descendants or spouses of Rotarians. To finance the travel of a GSE team, Rotary International District may request the Rotary Foundation for a World Fund Award to cover the travel cost. The hosting district is responsible for expenses for board and lodging and other basic needs of the GSE team members. Since GSE is a people program of Rotary International, the team members are provided with hosts who provide them with all the amenities and other needs geared to realize the objects of visit and hasten fulfillment of people to people understanding. On February 27, - March 1, 2007, the Rotary Clubs of Kalibo and Metro Kalibo were hosts to the GSE Team from RI District 5420, California, USA. The team was composed of Janet Napier, 62 – team leader. The members are Sita Aeillo, 34, Beth Pitton August, 40, April Rosser, 25 and Lindsay Loft, 25. The five (5) have varied interests ranging from social works, graduate education, fundraiser for relief organization and laboratory analysis. Before going to Aklan, the GSE team visited Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Capiz. They attended the District Convention of RI District 3850 held in Boracay, Malay, Aklan on March 1 – 3 and left for the United States on March 4. /MP

Rotary Club of Kalibo District 3850 welcomes the Rotarians, Delegates and Guests,

At the Kalibo Airport.

Courtesy call with Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, in polo barong. The GSE Team is composed of from (l to r) Lindsay Loft, April Rosser, Bita Aeillo, and Beth Pitton-August, and Janet Napier, team leader.

Courtesy call with Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo (center). They are accompanied by Gel Sodusta, Rose Rutsch, Gus Solmirano, Nolli Sodusta, and Raphy Tayco.

Light moments with Governor Marquez (extreme left) and (l to r) Sitta Aeillo, Nolli Sodusta, Rose Rustch, Gel Sodusta and Botoy Villorente.

Exchange of flaglets (above) with GSE Team and Pres. Gus Solmirano of RC Kalibo.
Picture below shows Janet Napier, team leader of the GSE Team presenting the members of her team during the RI District 3850 Convention held in Boracay Island Resort on March 1-3, 2007.

PP Botoy and Rencee Villorente were the host of Sita Aeillo (center in the picture below) during her stay in Kalibo on February 27 - March 1.Picture below (bottom) is Sita Aeillo in front of Villorente’s house.

Garcia College of Technology

Aklan’s Best

By DR. MALYN I. VILLANUEVA

The GARCIA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY (GCT) is a private college located along Osmeña Avenue, Kalibo, Aklan. It was founded in 1968 by the late spouses, Don Florencio M. Garcia and Doña Enrica Reyes Garcia, who served as the chairperson of the Board of Directors until 1983.
Their sons Eric, Levy, and Edwin were members of the Board of Directors, and successors as the Chairman of the Board in 1984 and 1985, with the latter holding that position up to the present.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
GCT, the first ever engineering school in Aklan, was established in response to a call for advancement in the technological fields and educational needs of the youth of Aklan,Antique, Romblon, Capiz, and other neighboring provinces in Western Visayas. In 1968, the College applied for and later got its permit to operate curricular offerings in Bachelors of Science in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering; Commerce majors in Business Management and Accounting; Industrial Education; Bachelor of Arts majors in English and Mathematics; Associate in Geodetic Engineering; Diploma in Secretarial Science; and vocational courses.
Edwin Reyes Garcia served as its first president, Engr. Ariston Huliganga as the first dean and Emiliano Fernandez as registrar. The members of the faculty of instruction were made up of young and pioneering but determined instructors. They all proved to all and sundry that excellence is also reserved for small institutions.
The Garcia College of Technology started with some 398 enrollees – 107 for Engineering courses; 11 for Commerce; 55 for the Bachelor of Arts; 25 for Industrial Education; 72 for Diploma in Secretarial Science and 128 for vocational courses.Government recognition for vocational and secretarial courses was granted to the college in 1969.
In the same year, Engr. Peter Ureta joined the college as executive vice president and dean. But when he went on study leave in 1973, Juanita Dela Cruz was appointed as Administrative Officer and Dean of the college until 1987. She was succeeded by Edwin Garcia and Violeta Distor, who, until today, is the president/dean and administrative officer of the college, respectively.
In 1972, government recognition for engineering courses, the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Industrial Education was granted.
Additional programs were offered: B.S. in Accountancy (1990), ladderized programs for B.S. in Office Administration (1990), Associate in Secretarial Computer Education (1990), B.S. in Computer Science (2003), Associate in Computer Science (2003), B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management (2005) and Associate in HRM (2005); B.S. in Information Technology and Information Management (2005).
At the time of its founding, the college campus was located along Archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes St., Kalibo, Aklan. In 1996, it transferred to its new building named the GCT Building I along Osmeña Avenue.
Due to the increasing population of the college, the GCT Building II in Estancia, Kalibo was constructed on a half-hectare area. It has a laboratory for HRM, a "hometel" with four fully-air-conditioned rooms and air-conditioned function hall fully equipped with modern facilities where classes for HRM and engineering laboratory subjects are conducted.
PRESENT TIMES
The Garcia College of Technology is committed to provide quality education to students and to develop the full potentials and capabilities of the individual.
GCT’s educational programs provide solid grounds in all core disciplines with emphasis on the ethical environment of the business and industry. It envisions to help men and women achieve their dreams so that they can contribute to the development of society.
GCT provides effective administration to provide an environment conducive to holistic learning of the faculty, staff and students.
GCT’s highly qualified faculty members render efficient, effective and quality instructions to the students. The College has pooled out its resources to upgrade its facilities. It continues to plan strategies in the implementation and development of program improvement, curriculum and instruction, personnel, planning and evaluation.
Since the College aims to develop the potentials and capabilities of its accountancy graduates, the Accounting Incubation and Review Program, with Sonny Parman, CPA, as the mentor, was formed in 1997. This answers the GCT Ac counting graduates needs who are potential CPA Board passers but are hindered because of financial problem.
This program designs complete and comprehensive self-review program for reviewees who have entrusted their CPA Board preparation to this program; prepares and facilitates systematic review program leading to high probability of passers; closely monitors and evaluates progress of students under the program; designs individualized day-to-day program of some reviewees while undergoing review at the review center; conducts continuous research and study in relation to the intricacy of CPA Board Exam; and offers carefully designed self-review program for the incoming second, third and fourth years Accountancy students of the college.
The effort of the faculty members who support these endeavors do not end in vain for in academic years 1997-2002, GCT was awarded a certificate of recognition for outstanding performance in the pursuit of quality education as exemplified by ranking 6th in the licensure examination for Certified Public Accountants in Western Visayas.
The Engineering Pre-Review course of the College was put up in 2005 aimed to obtain high percentage of passing and to produce board topnotchers in the licensure examinations for Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering administered by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).
The pre-review course includes subjects in Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Sciences and allied subjects, and major subjects in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Engrs. Flor Dexter Padaboc, Darryl Quindor, Boysie Tejada, Leslie Cabanez, and Dr. Arnulfo Distor, Sr. serve as review staff; and Engr. Jolenie Hing as program director.
Moreover, this pre-review class helps students monitor and analyze their weaknesses in solving possible problems in the board examinations. Students will be evaluated if their stored knowledge and ability are sufficient enough for formal review after their graduation.
The performance of its graduates in both Engineering and CPA Board Examinations (with some of them in the top), the competition in the global arena of professional certifications, the success of its graduates, and the interpersonal effectiveness of the organization give the college a special identity among the different dimensions in the marketplace.
In November 2006, Valfre Clarito, CPA, magna cum laude (2003), competed in the global arena of professional certification and passed the Global Qualifying Test for Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) as released by the Institute of Internal Auditors, Philippines.
He was one of the 174 new Filipino passers from 4,000 passers worldwide. Placers in the licensure examination are Cristy Cezar (7th place, CPA Licensure, 2006), Engr. Mark Derven Rico (13th place, Registered Electrical Engineer, 2005), Engr. Hegie Rembulat (2nd place, Civil Engineer, 1993), Engr. Teresa Intano (3rd place, Registered Electrical Engineer, 1995); Engr. Noe Arca (9th place Registered Electrical Engineer, 1995), Engr. Leovigildo Lumio (9th place, Professional Electrical Engineer, 1998), Engr. Gina De Leon (7th place, Geodetic Engineer, 1994), and Felinor Suco (1st place, Registered Master Electrician, 1997).
Moreover, GCT is the only college in Aklan that has produced CPA and Engineering Board placers in the top 20. Other graduates excelled in their chosen fields of endeavor.
The College has a number of student organizations that cover a variety of interests: the GCT Supreme Student Council, Associate of Civil Engineering Students, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Association of Mechanical Engineering Students, Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers; Society of Electrical Engineering Students, Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers, Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants, Students In Free Enterprise, and P.E. Club.
Aside from this, there is also an active GCT Alumni Association. GCT has a student-run magazine, The Garcian, a semestral publication of GCT students. It has been in print since 1969 and remains devoted to news on campus and issues of national concern.
After its 38th year of existence and with a student population of 1,700, the Garcia College of Technology has withstood the trials for years. Its successful graduates are living testimonials of its success. Its ever-increasing student population every year is an inspiration for the GCT community to do more until the apex of success is reached. Indeed, the Garcia College of Technology is an institution committed to affordable and accessible quality education. /MP

BFP: Kalibo Public Market Is Fire Prone

By Boy Ryan B. Zabal

Chief Insp. Dennis Daymon of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Aklan said they would be more stricter in the inspection of establishments in the fire-prone Kalibo Public Market before allowing them to operate. "Kalibo public market is fire prone", Daymon stressed.
BFP-Aklan has launched a massive information drive and activities under the theme, "Pambansang Pagkakaisa Laban sa Sunog" on the occasion of Fire Prevention Month – March, he added."It was observed that some stall owners violated the existing municipal ordinance prohibiting them from cooking inside the public market. There is a need to intensify our fire suppression and prevention effort in the area and to be always on alert to respond to fire incidents," Daymon stressed.According to the provincial fire marshal, the stall owners should be extra careful to avoid possible violations of fire safety and they should support the call for fire awareness campaign of BFP to prevent fire incidents.
"Despite the lack of firetrucks in Aklan, we are determined to conduct fire awareness and consciousness campaign to the public to prevent the occurrence of fire and save lives and properties," Daymon said.
Last week, BFP Aklan under the Department of Interior and Local Government paraded their firetrucks and other fire-fighting equipment to kick-off the month long activities. Aklan province has 37 personnel and seven fire stations which are in Kalibo, Numancia, Altavas, Ibajay, New Washington, Balete, and the island of Boracay.
Meanwhile, the Gaisano mall in Kalibo has padlocked its rear door since in the late 2006. This closure compels Gaisano clients to pass through the door designed for physically handicapped person in single line as the passage is only good for one person at a time to pass through. This situation is so dangerous in case of fire. Until today, BFP has failed to open that rear door facing the parking lot. /MP

EDITORIAL - February 24 - March 3, 2007 Issue

Pensioners To GSIS: Pay Us In Checks

The "No e-Card, No Pension" policy of the GSIS is giving more pain rather than enjoyment to the remaining parts of the pensioners’ lives and therefore it must be scraped immediately.
The GSIS management headed by its chairman and president, Mr. Winston Garcia may not know it, but the "No e-Card, No Pension" policy is an anti old age (senior citizens) who are now suffering instead of enjoying their pensions though very inadequate for the ever increasing cost of living. And to think that those who are affected are persons who spent the best years of their lives in the government, here is a very small amount for the old age welfare Mr. Garcia is making it hard for them to obtain every month. Monthly pension to government retirees are government’s legal obligations to its retired state employees to secure their welfare.
Electronics banking is a state of the arts but it really does not fit for people whose ages are beyond 65 years old.
Consider these points. First, Mr. Garcia of the GSIS has deposited the pension fund with Union bank with very limited branches. In Panay Island and Guimaras, Union Bank has only one (1) branch located in Iloilo City. Pensioners who are living in far away provinces, towns and barangays must go to Iloilo City to get their e-Cards. This will require a very rigorous travel, time and efforts of the pensioners to secure e-Card. This is one way Mr. Garcia inflicts pains to the pensioners.
Second, pensioners who have e-Cards may withdraw their money from any ATM booth of any bank. But any transaction with other banks, pensioners will be charged fees for every transaction. This is a diminution of the already small amount of pension.
Third, since the pensioners are already in the twilight of their lives, most if not all of them have impaired senses. Their senses of hearing, seeing, touching, and remembering are adversely affected. Electronics business transactions will be highly difficult to them. For an e-Card holder, he must remember his PIN number. This will be a problem. His card maybe captured. There is the difficulty of touch. A pensioner may touch the wrong number and he will be in trouble.
Once the cash to be withdrawn comes out of the machine, it must be removed within five (5) seconds, if not it will be captured. And this is happening as the reflexes of the old people are comparatively slow.
Third, old persons may not be able to tolerate the tiredness to fall in line to withdraw their money in the ATM booth. They may collapse falling in line to get their money earned long ago.
Moreover, since they have a slower reflexes, the pensioners may take more time to withdraw money. They may become the subjects of ridicule of younger people waiting in the line. Mr. Garcia maybe entertained with this scenario, senior citizens being the subject of laughter.
Fourth, since there is no Union Bank in Aklan, pensioners’ questions cannot be answered. Mr. Garcia has forgotten perhaps that GSIS was organized to safeguard the welfare of government employees and government retirees, his e-Card program is punishing the pensioners.
His e-Card program to the pensioners rather than promotes welfare is enhancing hardships. To continue paying the pensioners via the e-Card will hasten the end of the lives of the pensioners. Does the GSIS wish to shorten the lives of the pensioners so that it will also end its legal obligation to pay monthly pensions?
The GSIS must resume paying the pensioners with their monthly pensions in checks sent via the Philpost. This way, the GSIS will provide more comfort and not pain to the state pensioners. This will allow pensioners to enjoy the remaining part of their lives.
The postal employees will deliver the checks to the recipients either at home, or the postal employees can send advice to them to claim their respective checks in the post office.
The pensioners hope the GSIS will understand the flight of the pensioners and pay them their monthly pensions in bank checks. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

By Ambrosio R. Villorente

Progress In Roxas, Oriental Mindoro

Roxas Oriental Mindoro is now a very progressive municipality brought about by the implementation of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway. The construction of the pier in Barangay Dangay triggered its rapid development.
Several years ago, Roxas town was a stunted town, just similar to any Philippines typical town. There was only one main road that transversed the Poblacion and linked the municipalities of Bongabon in the northeast and the town of Mansalay in the southwest. In fact, Roxas used to be a barangay and part of Mansalay called Paclasan.
Today, Roxas students population enjoy the services of four (4) colleges, all private and several elementary and secondary schools. The business sector is being served by five (5) banks.
Roxas voting population is 22,500 much bigger than that of Ibajay’s 22,100 voters. Since, Roxas is becoming a strategic point in the Strong Republic Nautical Highway, travel service facilities had blossomed. Hotels, restaurants and amusements have been put up and still they are improving. Roxas now is a place for relaxation. Find resorts and videoke bars by the beach and in the middle of the fish farms.
Pacquiao’s Second Thought
Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao is having second thought of his political ambition. A great number of Pacquiao fans have expressed disapproval of his plan to join politics specifically to become a candidate for congressman of his province. Many wished Pacquiao will not push through his political ambition.
UNTENABLE AKELCO BOARD MEMBERS FUNCTIONS
It will be a very good idea for the members and chair of the Akelco Board to forego the usual holding of Board of Directors meeting. Better still if they voluntarily resigned from the Akelco board.
Majority of the Akelco consumer-members feel, the present members have forsaken them. They feel the Akelco directors have abandoned the people who elected them to the board. Instead, the Akelco board have advanced the interest of a private power producer.
It is very clear to the consumer members that the Akelco board members worked with Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the approval to increase the cost of electric power in Aklan and part of Antique. It petitioned ERC to approve the rate increase. When the consumer-members complained against price increase, the Akelco Board did nothing but pointed them to petition the ERC to reduce the price as the power rate increase was approved by ERC.
To imagine that Akelco board petitioned ERC to increase power rate in Aklan and pointed to ERC to reduce power distribution cost is sickening. What a betrayal!
For one thing, Akelco board members cannot even safeguard the money of the Akelco. What is the use of staying there any longer? No Akelco board member can answer satisfactorily the three million pesos questions (P3M). According to Mr. Nemesio Neron, it was used as lobby money. He should have understood better as lobbying is not allowed in the Philippines.
Until today, the state of the P3 million is unknown; who spent the money and for what?
A decent man in his right mind with a negative public perception should have quitted as Akelco board member long time ago. Some of them were appointed to the board and some have expired terms. Anyway, they parried some questions to the management and staff who usually invoke the right to remain silent on some matters because, "I was not involved in the negotiation" or "the deal was done before I came."
The continued presence of the present members of the Akelco board to serve the consumer members is no longer tenable. For the time being, let the Akelco management run the day to day affairs of Akelco.
PRIVATIZING AKELCO
The best economic term of the government is "privatization". Akelco is best converted into a corporation rather than into cooperative. But why is National Electric Administration oppose to its conversion?
Akelco as a corporation will be well managed, provide better services to the clients and extraneous intervention will be minimized, if not stopped. If we can only agree, Aklanons can do it and raise enough money for operation and maintenance. All the factors of production are present in Akelco. It has the personnel, the land, the machineries, the capital and the technology. Corporate management will function according to expectation because there will be no outside interference and personal interest of some people disastrous to Akelco.
Akelco has existed for several years in Aklan. Until today, it has never given any dividend to its consumer-members. Instead, it is always buried in deep debt. When can it fully pay its debt?
Almost all electric cooperatives had sank in debt and paid nothing to its members. But look at private electric corporations such as the Meralco, it pays annual dividends to its stockholders. Let us convert Akelco into a stock corporation and experience a professionally managed electric corporation providing high quality services to clients. /MP

PANAWAGAN

Ginapahisayud ni Gov. Carlito S. Marquez sa mga Akeanon nga may medical mission kita paagi kay Dr. Lutgarda Ibabao-Taluyo nga nag-imbitar it mga doctor sa U.S. ag Cardinal Santos Memorial Hospital sa Manila.
Rayang misyon hay naga-tratar it mga catarata ag pteridium (abnormal nga nagatubo ag gatabon sa mata.)
Ro operasyon pagahiwaton sa Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital March 19-22, 2007.
Ro screening it mga taga-Numanciang pasyente hay paga-ubrahon ni Dr. Lutgarda Ibabao-Taluyo sa Rural Health Clinic it Numancia umpisa sa Pebrero 28, 2007. Ro ibang mga pasyente hay makapa-screening kay Dr. Jerry Reyes sa Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital . Usuyon eang si Dr. Emma Cortes, si Dr. Paul Macahilas, o si Dr. Rogelio Rivera.
Libre ro bueong ag operasyon.

(Sgd.) RAQUEL D. YERRO

Asian Spirit Schedules Korea – Kalibo Flight

The First In West Visayas

By Boy Ryan Zabal

Bigger airplane than the plane shown above of the Asian Spirit will service the Itchon, South Korea - Kalibo - Itchon, South Korea route.

Asian Spirit will have its maiden flight between Itchon, South Korea and Kalibo this March 2007. This inaugural flight will be written in history that Kalibo, Aklan is th

e first province in Western Visayas to receive an international flight and its travelers.
According to Congressman Joeben T. Miraflores, Asian Spirit is already prepared for this event with its landing rights already approved. Its request to the offices of the Bureaus of Immigration and Customs are already in place.
"Having the first international flight from Korea to Kalibo is like opening Aklan to the world. When we open Kalibo to international flights we will see the progress of business and the economic advantages in Kalibo and the entire province of Aklan. There will be a bigger employment generation, the tourism industry and the services sectors will accelerate fast. Other allied tourism services will be needed,"" Miraflores pointed out.
Miraflores also expressed happiness over the approval of the 2007 national budget, saying, "this will mean an additional P50 million budget for the Kalibo Airport terminal improvement specifically for its international section." According to him, temporary arrangements had been identified by Customs, Immigration and Quarantine officials for the initial flights of three times a week.
The Asian Spirit is now readying its aircrafts for the direct flights which are, the MD 82 plane that has 167-passenger capacity, a medium range aircraft.
"Once we proved that medium-range aircrafts can be accommodated in Kalibo airport then we can ask the national government to go for long-range aircrafts as we have enough land in Kalibo. Our advantage is the available big room for expansion that will not affect big buildings that will entail big expenses."
"These opening flights will open the eyes of the national government that the market for international tourists is here with us. The concerned authorities will grant this," Miraflores said. The direct flights from South Korea to Kalibo and vice versa is also seen to open the window of opportunities for Aklanon businessmen in Aklan.
"Not only will Aklan be opened to tourists, but the Korean market for Aklan’s products. Our world-class products can be brought direct to South Korea. This is one opportunity that the whole Western Visayas and the neighboring provinces could benefit. Capiz, for instance, could also bring their sea food products direct to South Korea via Kalibo Airport," Miraflores emphasized. /MP