SP Aklan Magahiwat It Public Hearing Hanungod Sa Pagdungka It RORO Sa Caticlan

Ro mga Komitiba sa Laws, Rules and Ordinances, sa Turismo ag Environment hay magahiwat it Public Hearing sa Oktubre 10, 2007 sa SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan sa alas-9 it agahon.
Rong Public Hearing nga pagahiwatun hay may katuyu-an nga boe-on ro sentimiento it publiko sa Akean kapin pa gid ro mga stakeholders ag mga maapektuhan sa industriya it turismo nahanungod sa gina proponer nga ordinansa ni Hon. Rodson F. Mayor nga pagalimitahan ro pag-abu it barko nga naga dungka adlaw-adlaw sa Caticlan Jetty Port.
Tanan nga interesado ag may kaeabtanan sa rayang gina proponer nga hagna nga nasambit hay ginakangay it Sangguniang Panlalawigan it Akean nga mag-atender ag mag-partisipar sa nasambit nga nakataeana nga Public Hearing. /MP

SP NERON Inspires Aklan PNP

By PO1 Nida L. Gregas

The Aklan PNP officers and members were inspired of the former Aklan PPO Director PSSUPT Nemesio P Neron’s message as invited guest of honor and speaker in “Monday Distinguished Visitor’s Program” at Aklan Police Provincial Office, Camp Pastor Martelino, Kalibo, Aklan on 10 September 2007.
“I have two reasons why I appreciated so much the invitation of Aklan PPO . First, I was once the Provincial Director of Aklan PPO. I like to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to men and women of Aklan PPO during my stint as Provincial Director. Second, I was elected as Sangguniang Panlalawigan member which I garnered the highest number of votes during the May 14, 2007 elections, SP Nemesio Neron said.
Aklan Police Director Police Senior Superintendent Benigno B. Durana, Jr. said, “Poverty is not a hindrance of life success”. SP Neron is the living witness of a successful individual, PD Durana added.
The activity is conducted every first Monday of each month which aims to bring closer the PNP to the community. Aside from recognition of distinguished visitor, Aklan PNP also awards commendations to deserving PNP personnel who give high moral to the welfare of every police units or an individual. (PIO-Aklan PPO) /MP

Ilonggo Olympians Ready For Special Olympics World Summer Games

By Aex P. Vidal

The Special Olympics Philippines, Inc. chose eight (8) Ilonggo athletes as members of the 52-athlete RP delegation to the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games. The games will be held in Shanghai, China on September 28 to October 12, 2007. They are now on the final leg of their training and are in high spirits.
Ms. Elizabeth L. Orquilo, SPED-Integrated School for Exceptional Children and principal III who will accompany the “special” athletes disclosed the information.
According to Orquilo, the following athletes are Carmella Rose Villaruel, Nelson N. Magahum Tanya B. Denamarca and Julius Granada (aquatics); Nemia Yao and Joby John A. Pama (table tennis); Christine Joy R. Galura (rhythmic gymnastics); and Louies John Decolongon (powerlifting) who are all training in Iloilo City
Denamarca, 23, silver medalist (50-meter butterfly) in the 1999 World Summer Games in North Carolina, will compete in the 4X50-m freestyle relay, 50-m butterfly and 50-m breaststroke in Shanghai.
Villaruel, 17, gold medalist (50-m freestyle and 50-m breaststroke) in the 2006 National Special Olympics, will participate in the 4x50-m frees style relay; 50-m butterfly; and 50-m breaststroke.
Magahum, gold medalist (50-m breaststroke and 50-freestlye) in the 4th Singapore National Special Olympics, will compete in the same events.
Granada, 20, gold medalist (50-m backstroke) and silver medalist (50-m relay) in the 2006 National Special Olympics, will try his luck in the same events.
Decolongon, 19, bowling silver medalist in the 2006 National Special Olympics, will take part in the combination all lifts; bench press; dead lift; and squat lift.
Galura, 15, also bowling gold medalist in the 2006 National Special Olympics, will be the country’s sole entry in the gymnastics.
Yao, 24, table tennis silver medalist in the 1997 4th Singapore National Special Olympics, will compete in the singles event and mixed doubles together with Pama, 32, who was gold medalist in Singapore and North Carolina games.
Alexander P. Babst, national executive director of the Special Olympics Philippines, Inc., said the eight athletes and their coaches-Emelita T. Gepigon (gymnastics) , Edvin G. Cabrera (aquatics), Mary La Verne L. Iquiña (aquatics), Mary Gen D. Mahinay (table tennis), Gilbert D. Cang (table tennis)-will join the country’s largest ever delegation in the games to be participated by 7,000 athletes from 165 countries with a theme: “Let me win but if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Of the 52 Filipino athletes, nine will come from Cebu, eight for Iloilo and one from La Union, Babst said. They will compete in 10 of the 25 Olympic-type and demonstration sports. /MP

EDITORIAL - September 15, 2007 Issue

Good Bye! Roman A. de la Cruz

At dawn of September 3, 2007 at St. Paul’s Hospital, Iloilo City, a great Aklanon joined the caravan of mortals to the great beyond into the cradle of our ever loving God.
Mr. Roman A. de la Cruz happily celebrated his 84th birthday with his loving family on August 9. Neither he, nor the members of his family knew that was his last birthday celebrated with them.
Among the members of the Aklan media, he was popular as Tay Oming or Manong Oming.
He studied in Kalibo Elementary School, Kalibo Institute and Northwestern Visayan Colleges and completed BSE course. He was a war veteran of World War II, English Instructor, Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan member and publisher/editor of Aklan Reporter.
He married the most loving Julita Ilarina of Banga. They have seven (7) children who are Corteza, Marlon, Didecas, Sumra, Hagbong, Amihan and the late Vellyzarius.
The death of Manong Oming is a great lost to the Aklan media specifically the Aklan Press Club, Inc. where he devoted more time of his life and which members sincerely adored him.
In recognition to his valuable contribution to the development and progress of Aklan, the Aklan Sangguniang Pan-lalawigan unanimously approved Resolution No. 07-097 authored by Hon. Plaridel Morania.
The resolution stated, Roman A. de la Cruz is a great Filipino. He is a war veteran with varied intellectual capacities who left legacy for the Aklanons to treasure and emulate. He is a linguist, journalist, literary writer, publisher, editor, historian, painter and sculptor. He is a model citizen, civic and government leader, educator and above all, a loving husband.
In literature and journalism, he wrote 37 stories of World War II, stories of local color, strange and weird. He has two novels which are "Life With The Family" and "City World" which consisted of 234 and 198 pages respectively. He wrote the poem "Song of the Ati-Ati" which consisted of 618 lines and 51 other poems of varied subjects.
Roman A. de la Cruz’ "Town of a Thousand", a 246 page book which traced the history of Aklan’s capital town of Kalibo. Moreover, he authored and published 15 other articles of local historical events.
In religion, he wrote: 1. Concordance on the Triune God, 2. Is Christ God?, 3. Power of Prayer With Praise, 4. The Joy and the Wrath, and 5. Perpetual Virginity of Mary.
His "The Filipino Speaks" was written in response to an article of an American who said. "Nothing respectable has ever come from Filipino people during the entire human history."
"The Hero Who Was Not" was written in behalf of Rosalio Prado of Buruanga, Aklan who died in the hands of the Japanese at Fort Santiago by torture. However, his claim for benefits was consistently disallowed by the United States Veterans Administration for 25 years. The claim however, was finally approved.
The adventures of Umpag and Bonghayan is a 105 page text book DepEd approved for Grade III in Health and Science subject. He wrote 32 eulogies and 24 speeches delivered during community functions.
In the words of Jose Garcia Villa, he said of Manong Roman’s work, "I have chosen three of your stories in the 1940 – 41 Honor Roll for best Filipino short stories."
The late and famous NVM Gonzales said of Roman A. de la Cruz; his story "Alone Along A Lonely Road" leads a collection of 20 pieces, each one as unassuming but as deeply felt, and the book in its entirety is exhilaratingly moving. Their brevity and directness remind us of the Russian writer Isaac Babel, but Roman A. de la Cruz owes no literary debts of any kind. His uncommon realism and compassion lend Panay and its people such claim to our attention and understanding that it is no surprise the book is now on its second printing."
The late great Blas F. Ople said of Roman A. de la Cruz as "One of the most remarkable men I have met…a writer and publisher whose passion is to conserve and develop Aklan’s heritage. He has labored for years over a more than 900–page five-language dictionary linking Aklan language, Tagalog, English, Kinaray-a and Hiligaynon between two covers".
The Aklan SP went far. In its Resolution No. 05–364, series of 2006, it nominated Roman A. de la Cruz to most prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Awards in Literature and Journalism.
His writings ended with the publication and sale of his noble work, the 930 pages, five languages dictionary.
Mr. Roman A. de la Cruz, you left us but your legacy and memories worthy of emulation and respect will forever linger among us. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

By Ambrosio R. Villorente

The Guilt of Former
President Estrada

Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, alias Erap was found guilty of plunder by the Sandiganbayan after more than six years of court litigation. The court acquitted Erap in the case of perjury but he was meted the penalty in the plunder case of "reclusion perpetua" (life imprisonment) or 40 years in prison and to pay the government of what he plundered: the sum of P530,000,000 representing the jueteng payola, the tobacco excise tax and the Belle deal.
The Erap case is a one big deal. Who is next? If Ms. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is insincere in cleansing her government, she might experience the same. She better look into the Joc Joc Bolante’s close to a billion peso fertilizer deal, the Nani Perez scandal and the Hello Garci controversy among others. Better still if the ZTE broadband deal is investigated if not cancelled.
The ZTE broadband deal is a grand black eye to Mrs. Arroyo’s government. It exposes the process of corruption in the Philippines which will make future deals with foreign countries more expensive. The son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia claimed he was offered US$ 10 million by Comelec Commissioner Benjamin Abalos provided he withdraws his participation from the broadband deal. It was also alleged that former NEDA Secretary Neri was offered P100 million just to recommend favorably the broadband project.
BARONG TAGALOG
In Australia, "Barong Tagalog" means peasant dress. This was revealed during the Asia Pacific Summit held in Australia just last week. Isn’t this very degrading? Among us Filipinos, we are very proud of our barong tagalog. This barong tagalog meaning given by the Australians is another humiliation to the Filipinos.
In England, the "Filipina" word as listed in their Oxford dictionary means "household help". This is another humiliation to the Filipinos, British style.
Perhaps, Filipinos are suffering of these degradation because of our own behavior.
A president of the Philippines was deposed from office because of abuses in 1986. In 2001, another president of the Philippines was removed from office because of plunder. In 2003, another president was saved from deposition because of "Hello Garci" tape. In South Korea, a member of the Philippine diplomatic corpse was alleged to have shop-lifted a not so valuable item from a shopping mall.
My dear countrymen, especially our top to bottom leaders must behave to regain the respect of our people and of the world. If we want respect, let us respect ourselves first.
The guilty verdict meted on the plunder case of former president Joseph E. Estrada serves as warning to Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. "The decision presents a haunting prospect of criminal accountability for Ms. Arroyo after her presidency ends," wrote Amando Deronila in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The decision sets a successful reckoning of accountability after a presidency.
To recall, the Supreme Court of the Philippines ruled that an ousted leader is not immune from prosecution for criminal acts committed during his/her incumbency. As of today, Ms. Arroyo is now facing a number of negative issues which include the judicial killings of political activists. For the six years of her presidency, there seems to be taking place some corruption scandals over government transactions.
Numancia Agri-Aqua Project
The amazing agri-aqua project being operated and maintained by LGU Numancia led by then Mayor Ernesto and now Mayor Elverita Templo-nuevo earned approval of DA Secretary Arthur Yap. Among probable project sites to visit, Yap selected Barangay Badio, Numancia on August 31 after the blessing and unveiling of the bigger than life statue of Jaime Cardinal L. Sin in New Washington. Secretary Yap expressed his admiration to the flowers and ornamentals of the Numancia Horticulture Society, the vegetables, the vermicasting project, the fresh fish project among others.
Yap encouraged the Numanciahanons to expand the production and take advantage of the available markets in Kalibo and Boracay./MP

NEWS PICTORIALS

Photos by Ambrosio R. Villorente

5-day Junket

Picture speaks a thousand words. These pictures below were taken during my 5-day junket to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I hope my beloved readers can give meanings to these pictures and relate it to the condition in the Philippines, particularly Aklan such as in ecology and governance.

The author and his loving wife, Rencee by the Twin Towers - Petronas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Airport arrival - we were welcomed at Changi International Airport, Singapore by our relatives who are Ferdie & Fernette Ubanos and their son-Felbert, Pepe F. Santos welcomed his mother Dolores Feliciano Santos with Bebot.

A street in Singapore, note the green trees growing by the roadsides which are maintained following the art and science of tree growing. Note the absence of policemen, no billboards, and other traffic obstructions.

It takes 5-6 hours travel between Singapore to Kuala Lumpur via the world class highway passing rolling lands. Note the soil erosion prevention method such as terracing. The stairs like structure is actually a drainage canal with steps to prevent strong current during heavy rain. This minimizes soil erosion and landslide.

Approaching Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with condominiums each one can house the number of people equivalent to the population living in C. Laserna, Kalibo.

For those who wish to learn the science of ornithology, Jurong Bird Park is the best place to go in Singapore. All kinds of birds like peacocks, owls, parrots, eagles, ostrich and others are available in this park. Note the trees and other necessary environment for birds are available in the park. Take note of the monorail which carries park enthusiasts who like to view the whole park in a short time without too much walking. Rencee is resting on the bench. /MP

Don’t Just Produce, Market Your Products Too

By Venus G. Villanueva

DA Secretary Arthur Yap trying the shredder machine with former Numancia Mayor Ernesto I. Templonuevo during Yap’s visit in the Numancia Agri-Aqua Techno-Demo Farm. (Photo by Jun F. Villorente)

"Don’t just produce, market your products too", Yap reminds Aklan farmers. "For Aklan farmers to earn more, they should focus on production, use post harvest and storage facilities to preserve and protect their produce, and market these themselves – for the money is in the markets."
These were Department of Agriculture Sec. Arthur Yap’s message to Aklan farmers and fishermen in a dialogue facilitated by the Agricultural Training Institute during his August 31 visit to Aklan held at Numancia Agri-Aqua Techno-Demo Farm.
Sec. Yap said the government is now focusing more on the preservation of farmers’ produce through the National Post Harvest Program so they could earn more."If your rice or corn is dried well, it is of good quality, instead of earning just P7.00 per kilo, you could sell a kilo in the market for P11.00 or P12.00 pesos", Yap admonished the farmers.
Yap also invited the farmers to market their farm products in Metro Manila where there are now 9 Bagsakan Centers open for their produce for marketing.
"If you have products in Aklan you wish to sell in Manila, tell us. We will give you a free space in our Bagsakan Centers. You bring your produce through the RORO, we will provide you food link stickers so your truck carrying your goods goes straight to the market," Yap assured the farmers.
"The way I see it however, you don’t have to market your products to Manila. Here in the Visayas alone, your produce will already be consumed. Boracay, for instance, gets its lettuce supply from Baguio. Green peppers come from other provinces. Why can’t you plant these in Aklan?" Yap challenged the farmers, urging them instead to supply the needs of their own region.
Yap also advised that since Aklan has a small area for farming, farmers should focus more on high-value crops. He pointed out that there is money in cut flowers and vegetables if the right markets are found.
"Seafoods in Aklan are also of good quality. Your prawns and crabs are bigger, and you have special shells here not found in other provinces. You can find markets for these in Bohol and Cebu," Yap told the fisherfolks present.
"Let’s do business, not just production," Yap emphasized.
Sec. Yap ended his dialogue by awarding Quick Turn-Around (QTA) seeds and drum seeder to the different farmers’ groups in Aklan, and personally handed the Certificate of Recognition Award to Nadya Patricia Sauza, an Aklanon student who made an exceptional investigatory project on the viability of producing biodiesel fuel from animal fat.
Aside from meeting Aklan farmers and fishermen, Sec. Yap visited Aklan to witness the unveiling of Cardinal Jaime L. Sin’s statue in new Washington, Aklan. Sec. Yap said Cardinal Sin was his Father Confessor during his school days at Xavier School. /MP

Libacao Town Relatively Peaceful: Aklan PNP

By PO1 Nida L. Gregas

Libacao town, 31 kilometers east of the capital town Kalibo, is relatively peaceful. In a weekly press conference with the Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps (APDPC) on September 4, Libacao police chief Insp. Renato Jaime reported the 21-strong personnel are serving the 29,949 residents of the town’s 24 barangays, mostly situated in the mountainous areas bordering the provinces of Capiz, Iloilo and Antique.
"Our police force has the strong cooperation and support of Mayor Charito Navarosa in dealing with the campaign against crimes," he pointed out during the Talakayan Sa Isyung Pulis (TSIP) at Camp Pastor Martelino, New Buswang, Kalibo.
The police station, at present, has one police officer for every 1,426 residents. It needs additional nine personnel to meet the ideal ratio of one police officer for every 1,000 residents.
"We are preparing for possible retaliatory attacks from insurgents following the arrest of Jose Maria Sison," Jaime said, despite the lack of personnel to address the situation.
He stressed however, "the Libacao police arrested four wanted persons who are Renato Rano of Brgy. Bonza for statutory rape; Pablo Zendon, of Brgy. Janlud for rape in violation of Republic Act No. 7610 and for acts of lasciviousness and Diosilo Zonio, of Brgy. Pam-pango for rape.
SPO1 Franklin Salazar, Libacao police chief of Investigation Section, said the police arrested Rosalinda Asiong of Brgy. Loctuga for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and for homicide before the Antipolo City Regional Trial Court on August 24.
She has been hiding from the law for more than 14 years, he added.

Aklan PPO Plants Trees at Mt. Maliwanay

The Aklan Police Provincial Office spearheaded by PSUPT REMUS ZACHARIAS P. CANI-ESO, Deputy Provincial Director in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources headed by Mr. Oriel Tesorero, Forester III initiated a Tree Planting activity at Mt. Maliwanay in Brgy Nabaoy, Malay, Aklan. The activity was part of the Green Philippines Program Trees for Life after a memorandum of agreement was signed last 6 August 2007 at PENRO Office, Kalibo, Aklan. The MOA is for the planting of trees on critical watersheds, protected areas, and open land.
It was participated by Pastors of Fundamental Baptist Church, Malay National High School, Brgy Council, Tanods of Brgy Nabaoy, Kaingeros, and PNP members of the different police stations.
Some 424 planters with 1,656 trees planted in 2.008 hectares land area, Ms. Delilah Maujerie, Forester II said.
"No Helmet, No Travel Policy"
The Aklan Police Provincial Office strengthens the "No Helmet, No Travel Policy" not only for civilian motorists but also for PNP personnel riding a motorcycle not wearing helmet which is a violation of Republic Act 4166 otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines.
This mandate is strictly implemented based on the observation of TDCA that some PNP personnel when riding their motorcycle are not wearing helmet.
Aklan Police Director Police Senior Superintendent Benigno B. Durana, Jr. directed the Aklan police to strictly implement the measure and should serve as models for motorists. "I require all police personnel to wear their helmets. This is to urge motorists to wear their helmets at all times," Durana said. /MP

ERAP Is Guilty

Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, alias Erap was acquitted in the case of perjury, but the Sandiganbayan found him guilty of the case of plunder. As such, the Sandigan-bayan meted Erap the penalty of "reclusion perpetua" (life imprisonment) of 40 years in prison and to pay the government P530,000,000.
The promulgation of judgment was held in a building Erap himself inaugurated during his incumbency on June 1, 1999 as President of the Philippines. The building, standing at the corner of Batasan and Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City has a marker which portrays the name of former president Estrada, dedicating the courthouse to the Filipino people in their fight against graft and corruption in the government.
It is ironic that Estrada himself is the first and the biggest among the Filipino "fishes" who is caught and meted out the maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The decision consisted of about 1000 pages, but only its dispositive portion was read by Sandiganbayan clerk of court Teresita Pabulayan.
The court specifically created to hear the case acquitted his son, Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Atty. Edward Serapio who were charged along with six others in the P4 billion plunder case.
After the promulgation of judgment, Atty. Jose Flaminiano requested the court for time in order to confer with other defense lawyers to study the options to take. Lead counsel Rene Saguisag stood up to confer with Erap. After which, Saguisag informed the court "his clients has absolutely no desire for special treatment" concerning the terms of imprisonment. "If it means he moves to Muntinlupa today, he is ready your honor," said Saguisag.
The court ordered that the former President be taken back to his detention center in Tanay, Rizal. /MP

PAL Is One Of World’s Top Airlines

Philippine Airlines cemented its place among the world’s best airlines. It placed prominently in the annual World Airline Rankings, acknowledged as the most comprehensive survey of the airline industry as compiled by the respected aviation journal Airline Business.
PAL ranked 61st in terms of revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), the industry yardstick for passenger traffic, with over 16 million RPKs flown in 2006.
That put the flag carrier in elite company, ahead of such Asian peers as Garuda Indonesia (64th place) and Vietnam Airlines (78th), European rivals Scandinavian Airlines (85th) and CSA Czech Airlines (99th), and U.S. regional carriers Hawaiian Airlines (82nd) and Continental Micronesia (134th).
PAL also flew a little over 21 million available seat kilometers (ASKs) – the industry measure for total seat capacity offered in 2006, which, taken with its 16 million RPKs flown, meant that PAL operated flights close to capacity.
Indeed, PAL’s average load factor of 76 percent last year was among the highest in the survey, matching or surpassing survey leaders British Airways (76%), Lufthansa (75%) and Japan airlines (68.5%).
In terms of revenue, PAL placed 68th in the rankings, with $1.39 billion earned last year. The result enabled PAL to again outstrip fellow legacy carriers Gulf Air (69th), Garuda Indonesia (76th), Brazil’s Varig (80th) and the UAE’s Etihad Airways (101st).
Among Asia-Pacific carriers, PAL’s revenue performance landed on 20th place in a highly competitive group that included two of the top ten airlines in the world, headed by Japan Airlines.
No other Philippine carrier figured in the World Airline Rankings, which published only the top 150 airlines in the world in 2006. All airlines from across the industry spectrum were surveyed, including legacy, low cost, regional, charter and pure-cargo carriers.
Both members and non-members of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) were equally rated./MP

HEALTH LINK

DOH-CHDWV Conducts
Reg’l Training On IYCF Counseling

By Cecille dela Rosa De Lemos

The DOH Center for Health Development – Western Visayas (CHDWV) conducted a Regional Training on Infant and Young Child Feeding (ICYF) Counseling: An Integrated Course on August 27-31, 2007 at Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City. Ms. Marilyn T. Tumilba, Nutritionist-Dietitian IV of DOH regional office headed the group of facilitators of that training.
The five-day training was attended by breastfeeding coordinators, nutritionist-dietitians, public health and hospital-based nurses, provincial and city health officers. It aimed to train the professional health workers the basic counseling skills to enable them to give mothers the support to carry out the WHO recommended practices for their infants and young children from birth to 24 months of age, and to counsel and support HIV-infected mothers to choose and carry out an appropriate method for the first two years of life.
As a global public health recommendation, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life and to provide safe and appropriate complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond.
The WHO and UNICEF developed the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding to revitalize the world attention to the impact that feeding practices have on the nutritional status, growth, development, health and survival of infants and young children. Malnutrition is responsible directly or indirectly, for 54 percent of the 10.9 million deaths annually among children under five. Over 2/3 of these deaths, which are often associated with inappropriate feeding practices, occur during the first year of life. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Spirit of the Glass

(Ouija Board)

Mahilig magham-pang it "spirit of the glass" ro magka-barkadang Mayet, Babette ag Luchi. Kon owa sanda it klase, naga kulong sanda sa andang dormetoryo ag pag-abot it alas doce it gabi-i dayon nandang iham-ead ro andang ouija board. Nalipay guid sanda kon mag sabat ro baso sa andang guina pangutana maskin makahaeadluk sa andang pamatyag.
Isaeang gabi-i, sa andang paghampang, guin pangutana nanda kon sin-ong espiritu ro andang kahampang. Nagsabat paagi sa mga letrang guina daeaganan it baso nga akig kuno rayang espiritu tongod guina tubeag sanda sa andang pag-pahuway. Sa andang kahadluk, initsa nanda ro ouija board ag dumaeagan paguwa. Natumba rong kandila ag nasunog ro ouija board nga nangin abo. Sa pagkasunog kong karton, hakita ko tatlo ro andang kaugalingon nga naga dinaeagan sa maeapad nga lugar ag owa it katamnan kundi puro kabatuhan. Pag-abot sa liku-an, may hasubeang sanda nga magueang nga naka baston, mahaba ro anang buhok nga puro puti ag naka eambong it puti.
"Siin kamo gaadto?" pangutana it magueang. "Owa ngani kami kasayod, Lolo. Ano baeang lugar raya?"
"Raya rong pihak nga kinabuhi. Ro makasueod kara hay indi eon maka balik. Ano baea ro katapusan ninyo nga guin obra parabil mag-adto iya?" pangutana it magueang.
"Naghampang manlang kami it spirit of the glass." "Kon imaw ron, kaibahan ninyo ro mga nagtaeang nga espiritu nga guin maldisyon tongod sa mga kasae-anan nga guin obra nanda tag buhi pa sanda. Sanda man ro mga pilyong espiritu nga mahilig magsabat sa mga pangutana it mga espiritista. Sayod sanda kon paano kopyahon ro limog it mga buhi pati ro inyong mga patay, bangud nakaadto sanda sa siin nga lugar nga indi makit-an it mga mortal.
Guin sug-an ninyo ro puertahan para kamo makabalik. Bumalik eagi kamo parabil magsubeak ro adlaw. Bangud kon maabutan kamo it pagsubeak ko adlaw, paga tunawon kamo ko kaiinit it adlaw ag mangin abo kamo."
Dali-dali nga bumalik ro tatlo sa andang guin halinan. Hakita nanda ro puertahan ag dali-dali nga sumueod. Tama guid nga naga pamaeo it primero ro mga manok.
Golpeng sumara ro puertahan. Ag sa andang pagmuk-eat, idto eon sanda sa andang kwarto. Hakita pa nanda ro baso ogaling abo eon lang ro habilin sa ouija board. Halin kato, guin lipatan eon nanda ro paghampang it spirit of the glass.
Kada owa it klase, idto sanda naga bisita sa mga baeay ampunan ag magdaea it pagkaon sa mga nailo./MP

Police Doings

A certain Rey Gelito, 37 and Violeta Tablate, 50 both married of Sitio Cagban, Manoc Manoc, Boracay, Malay, Aklan were apprehended for their alleged violation of Section 5, Article II of RA No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The suspects were identified by PO2 Jose Rupe Panganonong, investigator of the Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office (BSTPO).
Gelito was nabbed on August 12 at B & B Beach Resort at Manggayad, Manoc Manoc in the act of handing a sachet containing a suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu to an informant/buyer, the police report revealed.
Gelito tried to escape from the BSTPO operatives but he was handcuffed by the responding cops.
A rolled aluminum foil, lighter, improvised aluminum foil tooter placed on the bed, two P100 bills used as marked money and one sachet suspected shabu weighing 0.04 gram were recovered from Gelito’s pocket. Gelito pointed to the police a certain Violeta Tablate alias "Bolet" of Cagban, Manoc Manoc as the supplier of the drugs.
In a separate buy-bust operation, Tablate was arrested in her house in the same day reported Panganonong. Recovered from Tablate are three sachets of suspected shabu weighing 0.06 gram, P1,200 including marked money, a lighter and three pieces of crumpled aluminum foil scattered on the floor.
Both Tablate and Gelito are now detained in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan. They are facing criminal charges under I.S. No. 07-6455 and 07-06456.
Libacao Police Arrests Wanted Person
Libacao PNP arrested a homecide suspect, Rosalinda Asiong in Brgy. Loctuga, Libacao, Aklan recently. Asiong who is accused of homecide has been hiding for the last 14 years. She is charged of homicide in Antipolo City.
According to PO2 Larren Sanarias, Libacao PNP arrested Asiong by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by RTC Judge Roy Angeles, Branch 72, Antipolo City for illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions under Criminal Case No. 92–77–00 and homicide under Criminal Case No. 92–77–01–4.
Brgy. Loctuga is about 35 kilometers east of Poblacion, Libacao where Asiong was arrested. For his provisional liberty, a P220,000 bailbond is recommended. Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa commended the Libacao PNP for the arrest of Asiong who was hiding from the arms of the law for the last 14 years.
Drugs In Kalibo
In Kalibo, the PNP arrested Joy Roque, 25 of Purok 6, C. Laserna Street for drug pushing. Roque was arrested during the buy-bust operation in Brgy. Tinigao, Kalibo held recently. The buy-bust operation netted five (5) sachet of suspected marijuana, a Nokia cellphone and P100 bills marked money. /MP

Canadians Avail Aklan VISA Host Services

By ULYSSES ESPARTERO

A group of first Canadian clients has directly engaged the services of the Aklan VISA Host Center under the program "Seamless Travel to Boracay and Beyond."
Tourism Expert Max Zurbito, Jr. said that owing to the significance of the visit of this group that opted to visit Aklan and Boracay instead of to Palawan and El Nido, the center has coordinated with the office of Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez.
The Boracay Association of Resorts, Restaurants and Independent Allies (BARRIA) Consortium launched the Aklan VISA Host Center in March 2007.
Nabas Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member and Women in Nabas Federation President Rhuna Flores-Tipgos told Madyaas Pen that VISA Host stands for Visitors and Assistance (VISA) Home of Organized and Systematic Travel (HOST).
This is a response to the growing needs by the tourists and the traveling public for a professionally managed and delivered tourism services in Boracay Island and beyond.
The first of its kind in the country, the Aklan VISA Host Center shall serve as a one-stop shop where tourists and travelers’ needs shall be available 24 hours a day.
It shall serve as the center for the unified information on the tourism and travel service components within the domestic as well as international destinations.
It is also envisioned to be the central booking office for resorts, hotels, sea, air and land transports, tours, sightseeing and excursions.
"With this scheme, the tourists shall no longer experience the hustle in haggling for a price and paying as many times as they require the same services," Zurbito added. /MP

PTA-drainage Project Construction Continues

By Boy Ryan Zabal

The Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) is constructing a drainage system to address the flooding in low lying areas spawned by illegal building constructions.
According to Boracay Tourism Office officer-in-charge Judith Icotanim, "the drainage system will solve flooding in the area and will complement the ongoing development efforts of the national government. It is evident during the rainy season that some low-lying areas in the island are flooded. It brings trouble to residents and tourists," she added.
The comprehensive drainage project, through the PTA, allocated P179, 990,487.28 to the Boracay Environmental Infrastructure Project (BEIP)-Drainage Component. The project involves the construction of storm drainage canals including drainage outfall structures, sediment traps; demolition and rehabilitation of existing drainage canals and general site improvement that involves installation of concrete pavers.
The drainage component includes the site development works, construction of three pumping station structures including piping, electrical and mechanical works, installation and commissioning of pumps and power supply.
Proclamation 1801, series of 1978 signed by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared Boracay as a tourist zone and marine reserve, placing it under the administration and control of PTA, an entity attached with the Department of Tourism. The PTA implements policies and programs pertaining to tourism development projects in the country. Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores pointed out, "the PTA-initiated storm-drainage project was designed to protect and save the environs of Boracay where low-lying areas are submerged during heavy rains."
The solon was earlier dismayed of the reports of the stalled installation of the storm-drainage system due to non-cooperation of some stakeholders in the island, noting the significance of tourism amenities to guard the island from environmental degradation.
The project, said Malay Mayor Ceciron Cawaling, "will prevent flooding and recurring environmental hazards in the island after heavy monsoon rains inundating the interior parts of Balabag. Those areas submerged in floodwaters will benefit from the full completion of the PTA-funded drainage project," Cawaling added. /MP

Mayors of 3 Major Tourist Spots Sign Accord To Create Tourism Belt

By Boy Ryan Zabal

The mayors of the country’s three major tourist destinations signed an agreement aimed at creating and promoting what they described as a tourism belt that would inter-connect the three municipalities from as far as off Pacific Ocean up to China Sea. This is a major boost to Aklan’s tourism industry, stakeholders believed.
Mayor Ciceron Cawaling of Malay, Aklan, Mayor Annaliza Gonzales Kwan of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and Mayor Mario T. Reyes of Coron, Palawan had signed a tri-town agreement on cooperation in their bid to make their respective municipalities as major contributors not only in the tourism industry but in the overall growth of the country’s economy.
Cawaling has jurisdiction over the world famous Boracay Island, Kwan’s town, on the other hand, prides itself for being called surfers’ paradise mainly because of the huge waves that its seas offer to wind surfers while Reyes’ municipality is famed for its dive sites that feature nine Japanese battle ships that were sunk by American forces during World War II, among others.
The agreement was signed after various government agencies concerned, planners and private stakeholders in the tourism industry identified the three towns as ideal locations for the development of tourism destinations.
Under the plan, local and foreign tourists can now enjoy not only the sights and beautiful sceneries that the three towns are offering but also the other attractions from areas encompassing the tourism belt.
The three municipalities will be the anchor for the development of tourism belt spanning the middle or central stretch of the Philippines from Guiuan in the Pacific passing to Malay, Aklan in the inland seas up to Coron, Palawan, off China sea.
The three parties, although separately, will pursue the development of the tourism belt in a unified manner so that all programs and projects within the context will be mutually beneficial to all.
They will also share data and information on the businesses they intend to pursue even as they will put premium concern on enhancing incendiary industries brought by tourism such as post harvest facilities for the fishing industry as well as agricultural products.
The three municipalities are in discussions with expert planners and business advisors who are exploring the possibility of harnessing their vast potentials through the initiatives of the private sector and supported by the laws governing the local government code.
The herein parties are faced with the same constraints that need to be addressed and hurdled with the help of the private sector.
The parties believed that they will realize the maximum results of their goal if they act and fully cooperate with each other./mp

EDITORIAL - September 8, 2007 Issue

Centennial of Labor Migration
A Poser On RP Progress

By Jeremiah M. Opiniano

In the run-up to the centennial next year of overseas labor migration, a former International Labor Organization (ILO) official wondered why the Philippines still remain underdeveloped.
Manolo Abella, a former top-ranking official of ILO in Geneva, Switzerland, expressed this insight when asked to react on former Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas’s view that labor migration is an "explicit" development strategy of the government.
"Why have we not stimulated more investments in producing goods on which remittance incomes were spent?" Abella asked.
He wonders that in all these years that Filipinos migrate overseas and remit annually billions of dollars, "why have we still failed to build a stronger economy?"
Next year, the country will mark a hundred years when the first Filipinos arrived in California as apple pickers, described in melancholic detail by migrant worker and writer Carlos Bulosan in his book "America In The Heart."
From just a handful of Bulosan’s compatriots, overseas Filipino are now estimated at eight million – temporarily living and working legally and sans official government papers in 191 countries.
Their money has led their families in the Philippines to enjoy benefits while most of them work in dirty, difficult, dangerous, and sometimes dehumanizing jobs. Likewise, with an estimated US$12.6 billion entering the Philippines banking system this year, their money has kept their home country’s economy afloat.
Labor migration has become reputable "especially after the World Bank has recognized that remittances are more important than development aid as a source of development finance, and are more stable than flows of foreign capital", Abella said.
Indeed, the former head of ILO’s migration branch said multilateral group’s recent recognition of remittances for development has made labor migration a more respectable feature of Philippine development policy.
Absentee Progress
However, World Bank economists have cautioned that migration "should not be viewed as a substitute for economic development in the origin country – development ultimately depends on sound domestic policies".
This was so despite president Paul Wolfowitz saying in the Bank’s 2006 Global Economic Report that emigration flows are "critical for development".
Indeed, Wolfowitz has cited that "migration is not always beneficial".
The bank’s statement appears to be in reaction to Sto. Tomas’s statements citing that the Philippines explicitly exports labor as part of the country’s strategy for national development, even noting that Filipinos abroad are sources of the country’s pride.
"[The government] has already admitted that overseas migration has been part of national life, and we have nothing to apologize for," Sto. Tomas said in a forum.
Since remittances account for a tenth of the county’s gross national product (GNP), Sto. Tomas said, the country "has come full circle in recognizing that overseas employment plays a vital role in sustaining our economy".
According to a paper by Mary Lou Alcid of the University of the Philippines’ Social Work Program, the Philippine government has not admitted for a long time that labor export is a policy of national development.
In a paper for an ASEAN regional conference on labor migration by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Alcid wrote that the Philippine government "insists overseas employment is not a policy, and the official position is that people move to where the jobs are."
Abella said it took a government official like Sto. Tomas to backtract on this statement since overseas migration "has always been considered an admission of failure in development."
Black Blocks
According to Abella, Sto. Tomas’s admission matters less "since these [perspective] may change."
What matters most, he said, is "whether policies remain stable" on how the government manages labor migration.
This scholar on international migration disagrees with the assumption that Filipinos are finding employment abroad "because of Philippine policy".
Larger developments elsewhere, such as the oil price boom and export-led industrialization in neighboring countries, are "beyond the control of the Philippine government" and have "created opportunities for our people to earn higher incomes in foreign countries," Abella said.
It was rational for individual Filipinos, he adds, that they were able to exploit these ahead of other nationalities because of their advantage of education and the English language.
Likewise, Abella echoed most analysts’ sentiments that the political noise generated this year hasn’t helped the economy grow to its real level.
"I think our underdevelopment has much to do with poor governance, rather than just misguided policies," he added.
The WB’s report indeed, noted that since remittances are more than twice as the size of international aid flows, these have become an important source of income for developing countries.
Government, Abella said, recognized that "it made economic sense" to support labor migration even if government intervention "was belated response to processes already underway."
Abella wished that Filipino remittances may be "an important source of development finance, and government should find the means to induce more savings rather than consumption."
However, he thinks the country should "worry about her capacity to supply foreign labor market demand for critical skills, and her "low quality" of university education. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

SK/Barangay Elections
Must Be Held

Atty. Diomedes Resurreccion asked me what is my view on the proposal to postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. "If my decision is followed, the elections must be held." And he agreed with me.
However, the opinion of Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores seems to tend to postpone the barangay elections from October 2007 to October 2009. I hope Cong. Miraflores will request the consensus of his constituents in Aklan before he votes on the bill of Cong. Teodoro Locsin, Jr.
Atty. Resurreccion asked why the Barangay election must be held as scheduled? Well, first: That is the law the government must implement and the people to comply; second: those occupying the positions both barangay chairmen, kagawad and SK chairmen have expired terms, therefore no mandate from the people; third SK officials have long past their "kabataan" stage and they must give chance to those who will follow them; fourth, money must not impede the holding of barangay elections as it can be held at the least expense; fifth, holding the elections in October 2009 will induce more and heavy political interference as the 2010 presidential election will follow in seven (7) months hence; and sixth, postponing the election to another date is another indication that the present administration cannot be trusted in law implementation.
"Hugod Numancia"
Hugod Numancia is asking the community people to cooperate toward the fulfillment of the people of Numancia’s vision and mission. LGU Numancia has issued a warning "for individuals, homes and establishments owners" to "be aware of citizen’s arrest and deputized eco-enforcers". For those, LGU Numancia asks the people to obey the following ordinances.
1. An ordinance prohibiting the throwing, littering and disposal of garbage or waste matter in public places and other areas not duly designated as disposal site. Penalty: first offense – P200; second – P300; Third – P500. Penalty for institutional, industrial and commercial entities ranges from P500 – P2,000.
2. An ordinance requiring all vendors, merchants, industrial, service and similar establishments, hospitals, medical clinics, schools, offices, parks and plazas and public utility vehicles to provide and maintain trash receptacles for convenient sanitary garbage disposal and strictly segregating from non-biodegradable garbage.
Penalties for individuals range from P200 to P500 and P500 – P2,000 for commercial and industrial entities.
3. Ordinance establishing curfew on minors within the municipality of Numancia. Penalty to minors and parents: first offense – reprimand and lecture; second – one hour community service for minor and P200 fine for parent.
Reprimand to P1,000 fine to operators and drivers of motor vehicles.
4. An Ordinance establishing a municipal pound, imposing penalty to owners of stray animals. Penalty ranges from P55 – P220.
Abandon Post
Akleco members of the Board of Directors including its chairman may have a wise decision if by their own volition refrain from attending any Akelco board meeting. They must abandon post.
The purposes for which the Akelco member – consumers have elected them to the Akelco Board are no longer tenable. Their actions for the last three years had been adverse to the interest of Akelco member–consumers.
Anyway, most of those who act as Akelco board members are just appointed, some have expired but extended terms. If they are sympathetic to the Aklanons, they must allow the present Akelco Board to disintegrate by refraining from attending any meetings of Akelco.
Let the Akelco management manage the cooperative. For any policy matters required, let the NEA decide and be accountable to the Aklanons.
What is the reason for these men for continuing their membership at Akelco Board? To decide against the interest of the member-consumers? Their honoraria and others? /MP

New Washington Adopts Ambassador Cabangon Chua

By Boy Ryan Zabal

Picture above shows the very important persons who graced the unveiling and blessing of the 13.5 feet tall bronze statue of Jaime Cardinal L. Sin in New Washington, Aklan. They are Senate Pres. Manuel Villar, House Speaker Jose De Venecia, Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Mnsgr. Adolfo Depra, Ambassador Antonio Cabangon Chua, Mr. Tito Garcia, Mr. Ambet Ocampo, Sec. Esperanza Cabral, Roxas City Mayor Vicente Bermejo, Sec. Cerge Remonde among others.

Ambassador Antonio Cabangon Chua was officially declared an adopted son of New Washington, Aklan just recently. Cabangon Chua financed the construction of the 13.5-feet bronze statue of the late Jaime Cardinal L. Sin which was unveiled and blessed in a grand and fitting ceremonies on August 31, 2007.
Vice Mayor Jean Velarde said, Chua remains an approachable and down-to-earth business leader and a true friend of the Catholic Church.
Chua is a close friend of the late Roman Catholic prince who was a key figure in the 1986 and 2001 people power revolts.
August 31 was declared by Malacañang a special non-working holiday in Aklan in Executive Order No. 1370. Former Kalibo mayor Johnny Dayang said Chua showed his great love for Aklan for his unconquerable spirit in bestowing a larger-than-life symbol of Cardinal Sin’s greatness and holiness in New Washington, the hometown of the influential Roman Catholic leader.
Chua graduated from Sta. Ana Elementary School in 1950. He completed his secondary education from the University of the East (UE) in 1953 where he also finished a degree in Business Administration in 1956. He cross-enrolled at Feati University for his engineering, and at the Guzman Institute of Technology, where he completed Automotive and Diesel Mechanic courses.
He gave birth to an expanding business conglomerate - the Philippine Graphic Publishing Inc., Aliw Broadcasting Corporation, Fortune Insurance Group of Companies, Citystate Savings Bank, Citystate Group of Companies, Eternal Group of Companies, Isuzu Gencars, Inc., Citystate Properties and Management Corporation and ALC Industrial and Development Corporation.
CARDINAL SIN’S BIRTHDAY
Presidential Proclamation No. 1370 duly signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on August 29, 2007 lauded Cardinal Sin as a true-blooded Aklanon that contributed to the nation’s political history and social transformation which left a lasting impact on the lives of the Filipino people.
"It is fitting and proper that the people of the Province of Aklan be given full opportunity to celebrate the occasion with appropriate ceremonies," Ermita wrote.
It was on August 10, 2007 when Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez and Aklan Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores requested the President to declare every August 31 a non-working holiday in observance of the birth anniversary of the Cardinal.
"As a prime mover of the first EDSA Revolution and a highly respected religious leader whose ideals can be a continuing inspiration to our youth," they urged the President to declare August 31 a non-working holiday in their letter.
The National Historical Institute (NHI) also unveiled a marker as part of the installation rites in New Washington, after the blessing of Cardinal Sin’s statue in the public plaza in front of the Roman Catholic Church.
Congress Lauds Cardinal Sin
In the House of Representatives, its members commended the most influential Roman Catholic leader Jaime Cardinal L. Sin for his lifetime dedication and spiritual guidance to the Catholic Church. They approved House Resolution No. 149 authored by Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores and Iloilo Rep. Arthur Defensor expressing their admiration to Cardinal Sin’s salutary spiritual guidance to the Filipino people.
Speaker Jose de Venecia, presented the resolution to Dr. Ramon L. Sin, brother of Cardinal Sin during the ceremonies on August 31. "Cardinal Sin is not only of New Washington, not of Aklan, not of the Philippines, but he is of the World," De Venecia pointed out.
Miraflores said, "Cardinal Sin is an Outstanding Prince of the Church who from the time he was ordained to priesthood rendered unparalleled service to the Filipino people, dispensing extensive social services to the poor and needy parishioners. Sin served as Archbishop of Manila for 25 years after which His Holiness, Pope Pius IV, named him Cardinal, which paramount mission he served with distinction until his retirement."
"It is fitting and proper that the 14th Congress provides an eloquent contribution to honor Cardinal Sin by commending and giving due recognition to him for his exemplary spiritual services to the Filipino people and his patriotic contributions to the good governance of the country," Miraflores added.
Cardinal Sin, the solon added, "was not only a leader of the Church but also of democratic institutions, with patriotic fervor served at the forefront of people’s struggle to preserve human rights and promote representative democracy as our way of life."
Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., Agriculture secretary Arthur Yap, Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, Presidential Management Staff Director General Cerge Remonde, League of Municipalities of the Philippines national president Dr. Ramon Guico, Jr., Ambassador to Italy Henrietta de Villa, Roxas City mayor Vicente Bermejo, Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo, New Washington mayor Edgar Peralta, Antipolo Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, Kalibo Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo who concelebrated the holy mass, Social Welfare secretary Esperanza Cabral and Manila City mayor Alfredo Lim graced the blessing of the larger-than-life Cardinal Sin monument. /MP

My Tour In Fast Developing Vietnam

By JUDITH TINDOG

WELCOME TO VIETNAM! Picture shows from (l to r) Cabanatuan City Administrative Officer III, William V. Balbin, Nguyen Huu Tam of Vietnam, Judith T. Tindog, Information Officer II, Aklan, Grizelda A. Arcenio, Information Officer II, Bacolod, Sarah P. Galindo Sr. Grains Operation officer (Quality Assurance), Siquijor and Dr. Rafael V. Marasigan at Iio ChiMinh City Airport.

LOADPORT TEAM AT SAIGON PORT: SGOO (Quality Assurance Officer) Sarah Galindo (front) getting rice sample while the rest of the team take note of other loading observations and Information

I thought I could never get the chance to visit Vietnam. At age 55 and working in the National food Authority (NFA) provincial office, this dream came true. But blessings are open for all. Ask and you shall receive. This is a promise to all His believers. Everything is in His will and supported by proper authorities. The patience of waiting paid off in not so long time.
On my part, to go out of the country for a mission and tour officially meant a giant leap of joy, inspiration, personal gratefulness. I consider it as another highlight of my 32 years service with the NFA. Everything turned out favorably in the right time from July 22 to 28, 2007 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
We were loadport representatives in connection with the 2007 NFA rice importation for food security and buffer stock purposes. Dr. Rafael V. Marasigan from Extension Department, Central Office, Manila headed the team with Sarah P. Galindo, Sr. Grains Operation Officer (Standard Quality Assurance officer) from Siquijor Office; Grizelda A. Arceño, Information Officer II from Bacolod City; Juddith T. Tindog, Information Officer II from Aklan; and William V. Balbin, Administrative Officer III from Cabanatuan City as members. Our mission visited the loading sites and production areas, warehouses inspection and observation in the conduct of analysis at the surveyors laboratories.
The team attended the one-day pre-departure briefing by the Technology Resource Development Department, the Technical Services Department and Marketing Operations Department for familiarization, awareness and guidance.
We arrived safely in Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon of July 22. Thanks to all the prayers from well-wishers especially to the NFA family. It was a two hour flight. The Philippine time is exactly one hour ahead of Vietnam. Engr. Ta Minh Man and Mr. Nguyen Huu Tam welcomed us warmly. The weather was sunny, as we set our first step on the Vietnam ground. We noticed the big signage nearby: CHAO MUNG QUI KHACH DEN VIET NAM meaning: WELCOME TO VIETNAM. "Thanks be to God. We’re here in Vietnam!". After a short exchange of pleasantries, the two official guides took us to Minh Tam Hotel where we enjoyed staying the whole week.
Our task started with a dialogue and briefing with Ngo Van Duy, the Marketing and Trading Specialist of Vietnam Southern Food Corporation. We discussed our travel itineraries for the week and the status of loading operations.
We paid courtesy call to the Philippines Consulate officials at the Consulate Office, Ho Chi Minh City. Ms. Dao Thi Thu Huong, translator/interpreter in behalf of Consul General Gerry Paglinawan welcomed us over a cup of tea.
In Saigon Port, we witnessed the loading operation of M/V Song Ngan. The group sailed on a motorboat going to the barge, an exciting experience. Mr. Doan Trong Thai of the Overseas Merchandise Inspection Company. Ltd. (OMIC) assisted the group in rice sampling in the barge. Observations at FCC Control and Fumigation Laboratory were made with the assistance of Mr. Adama Soleh AP, manager of FCC and Mr. Kenji Tanaka, chief representative of OMIC.
A day trip at Long An Province was conducted. It is 75 kms. south of Ho Chi Minh City. The team with Engr. Man went for a warehouse and ricemill inspection at Long An Food company Warehouse. We saw the actual milling, packing and loading of rice stocks from the warehouse to the barge intended for Malaysia.
Our trip to Cu Chi, 70 kms., northwest of Ho Chi Minh City to visit and see the Historic Relic and the Cu Chi Tunnel Complex was a day of painful war recollection. Cu Chi Tunnel was the strong base of the Military Zone Party Committee, Saigon-Gia Dinh Command Port, Cu Chi District Party Committee and all People of Cu Chi District.
Visitors gathered in a room for a lecture about the long, arduous struggle of Vietnam. The lecture aimed to explain the profound and true aspirations for peace, independence, and living forever in prosperity and happiness. The lecture over, the assigned guide to the area led us to the different historical sites. We went under the level one tunnel on duck-walk but never tried levels two and three. These tunnels were the hide-outs of the Vietnamese fighters during the war.
We took pictures of the rice fields and rubber plantations. What we noticed and seemed ordinary sight in the rice fields are tombs right in the area. Mr. Tam informed us that rice fields in Vietnam are being used as resting places of the deceased farm owners.
Aside from the historic Cu Chi, the team also visited the Remnants of War Museum and Re-Unification Palace in the Ho Chi Minh City. Both are memorable places preserved for the freedom loving people of Vietnam. We visited the Notre Dame Cathedral built in 1880. The grand structure speaks of its centuries old construction. Our official guides were Buddhist but kind enough to usher us to the Cathedral knowing our eagerness to visit the place of worship. Catholic Vietnamese have two names; a Vietnamese name and a Christian name. Example is Ngo Van Duy whose Christian name is Vincent. Another is Nguyen Minh Tung was baptized Joseph.
Other places of interest we visited were the Vietnam Botanical garden, the Zoo, the Buddhist Temple, the Art Collection and Museum, the Damsen Park. Birds and other wildlife move freely in the man-made forest. Big and tall old trees are abundantly growing. The orchids are in bloom, bonsai of different plant varieties are everywhere, the dragon and other animals made of ceramics are great work of arts, the total landscaping in the park is breathtaking to see. The pretty lotus flowers that float so freely in the park, in the open field or in the business center is unforgettable. The elephant ride is an experience to cherish.
Our last day of our trip was a celebration to remember. Mr. Do Can, Vice-Director of LAVICO, Mr. Nguyen Minh Tung and Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy of ISC tendered a dinner reception held in a place near Minh Tam Hotel. It was a cozy restaurant with live music, with mostly female singers who rendered Vietnamese songs. Although we did not understand the lyrics, we enjoyed the entertainment and music. A male singer sang in English, with songs familiar to us, so inducing to participate with the singing. We got a surprise, a red rose in a vase delivered to our table. The dinner was served with rice as our hosts understand that Filipinos are rice eating race.
Our trip was aimed to observe rice consumption in Vietnam. Well, Vietnamese culture reveals they eat rice noodles during breakfast and dinner. Steamed rice is served at lunch in moderate quantity. This culture in food intake contributes much to the high marketable surplus rice of Vietnam. Perhaps, Filipinos may find ways to reduce rice intakes. This is not a big deal as there are noodles and other rice substitutes. Besides, the habit of not having rice for breakfast promotes body slenderness and fast moving. They use mechanical conveyors from the rice mill to the barge in milling operation.
Our host representatives, Engr. Man of OMIC and Mr. Tam of ISC were highly professionals in all their dealings with us.
People we met in Vietnam were friendly and approachable. During our breakfast in Minh Tam Hotel, we converse with Ms. Bui Thi Canh from Hanoi. She works in the Ministry of Agriculture. Talking with her as she speaks English well was enjoyable.
People in the Ben Thanh market and other business establishments appeared fair in their business deals. They know how to adjust with their customers and get along nicely. We also talked about our beautiful Philippines. They are interested to see the Philippines.
How would I remember Vietnam or Ho Chi Minh City in particular?
Of all the countries and people in Southeast Asia, none has suffered and endured deeper wounds than Vietnam which has a turbulent history of leadership and government. It was only in 1976 that South and North were reunited as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam with Hanoi, her capital. Hanoi stands on the Red River in northern Vietnam. Saigon is the largest city of South Vietnam which stands on Saigon River, about 80 kms. from the South China Sea.
The war over, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the man who had been North Vietnam’s leader. Ho Chi Minh City occupies 2,090 square kilometers with a population of over seven millions. It has soared from the pains and destruction of wars to a booming country in Southeast Asia. It is fast developing as the center of agriculture and commerce as well as tourism, and education.
Vietnamese history, her culture, churches, temples, vast rice fields, scenic view, gunless police, thousands of motorbikes and bicycles on the road, growing business, busy market, rural and urban zones in abundance, giant rivers of Mekong and Saigon, French villas, tall trees in the wide avenues, ‘halo-halo’ of fresh fruits like Dragon Fruit, strawberry, the warm people, the fun with other loadport representatives who tagged me as "Ginang Milyonarya" which was unusual title expired for a week, the generosity of our sponsor and most of all, the Saigon Port fully occupied by ships loading rice for exports to other countries are living memories all anchored in my heart that will constantly remind me of Vietnam.
The fulfillment of my travel to Vietnam is due to NFA Provincial, Regional and Central Office managements, the Office of the DA Secretary, the need of the Filipinos to eat rice contributed to my travel abroad as one of the loadport representatives. This opportunity has widened my exposure to NFA operations as well as my cultural and historical knowledge about Vietnam. It is a lifetime experience I will always treasure. /MP