Aklan Flood Rehab Program

Aklan Flood Rehab Program is the main topic discussed during last Saturdays Kapehan Sa Aklan, August 16, 2008.
Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Chairman of "Bangon Akean" presented the proposed Flood Rehabilitation Program of Aklan. According to him, Bangon Aklan is composed of persons representing all members of the Aklanon community. Quimpo calls it the Multi Sectoral Body which crafted the Rehab Plan. Quimpo agreed the plan is less than perfect and called for some comments and recommendation. Anything left out will be included.
According to Quimpo, the Aklan Rehab Plan has several components which are the following:
1. Infrastructure which is the dredging of rivers, repairs of roads which needs P3 billion budget;
2. Economic Sector which calls for the inventory of fallen trees, topographic survey of Aklan river and banks stabilization by planting trees like bamboo. This needs P500,00 budget;
3. Social Sector which concerns education, health and other social services; and
4. Administrative Management – This will enhance LGU’s managerial capabilities and the provision of the necessary technical services in project administration and management.
Mr. Raul Lorilla, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Aklan was represented by Ms. Merlene Aborka and Mr. Perlito Rico. They told the Kapehan the DENR roles in the Flood Rehab.
Atty. Florencio Gonzales who claims as environment expert spoke of his analysis of the causes of destruction of Typhoon Frank of August 21. According to Gonzales, the Bakhawan growing in Brgy. Buswang and the sand bars at Sooc river blocked the flow of water which hastened its depth and length of stay thereby destroying lives and property.
After he was finished of his presentation, Atty. Gonzales begged off to leave for another appointment. The members of the media were unable to ask Atty. Gonzales any question.
Atty. Allen S. Quimpo with the assistance of Mr. Philip Sage held a power point presentation which informed the Kapehan of the status of the Aklan and Sooc rivers, the magnitude of typhoon Frank, its wind velocity, volume of rain and the condition in the highland of Libacao that brought heavy damages to property, deaths and missing persons.
Quimpo proved the Bakhawan is not the actual culprit of flooding. Hon. Rodson Mayor who visited the Sooc River and the Bakhawan with other members of the SP supported Quimpo’s opinion. /MP

Kaya Mo Ba Ang Pinakamalaki?

Ni Mario Balandra

Maraming pangya-yari ang nagaganap sa ating bayan dahil lamang sa lupa. Ang hangad na makapagmay-ari ng lupa ay madalas umaabot sa gulo at hidwaan. Mga magkaibigan o magka-pitbahay ay nag aaway ng dahil lang sa lumampas sa mohon ang bakod ng karatig at nabawasan ng kapiraso ang laki ng lupa. Mayroon namang mag-kamag anak mismo na nagpapatayan dahil sa inangkin ng isang angkan ang dapat paghahatian na lupain ng kanilang yumaong lolo at lola.
May mga maru-runong at makapang-yarihan lalo na sa pamahalaan at may mayaman na nagma "money" obra ng mga pirapirasong lupa para mailipat sa kanilang pangalan. Sa iba, ang pag-aari ng lupa ay sadyang hindi talaga pinaghi-hirapan. Ito ang halimbawa ng mata-kaw na magnanakaw ng lupa. Marami ang nangyari at kasulu-kuyang nang-yayaring hindi lamang dito sa Aklan lalo na sa Boracay kundi sa iba-iba pang dako ng mundo. Isa na namang gulo ang nagaganap sa North Cotabato at karatig probinsya nito kung saan ang mga MILF ay lumusob sa mga bayan ng Pigkwayan at Pikit. Ito ay dahil sa matagal nang hidwaan na nagmula sa lupa.
Maraming tao ang talagang hindi kuntento sa kapirasong lupa. Maya-man daw ang may lupa dahil sa paniwala na ang kayamanan ay nasa lupa. Dahil dito, gusto pa rin nila ang dagdag na ektarya-ektaryang lupa. Ang suliranin kung minsan ay sayang lang dahil hindi naman natataniman ng magsa-saka. Ayaw ipabungkal ang lupa dahil naghihintay sa tamang panahon o di kaya ipalipat ang classification from agricultural to commercial, industrial o residential. Biglang yaman ang may ari nito.
Kailangan ba talaga ang malapad na lupa? Ang sobra-sobrang yaman? Makapangyarihan ba ang yaman? Kailangan ba talaga ang kapang-yarihan? Gaano ba kalaki ang kailangan na yaman, lupain o kapangyarihan?
Noong unang panahon, sa bansang Rusya ay may isang taong hangad na magkaroon ng malawak na lupain. Isang araw, may nagyaya sa kanya na kung talagang gusto niya, magiging kanya ang lahat na kaya niyang lakarin sa isang araw. Kailangan lamang na makabalik siya at makumpleto mula sa pagsikat ng araw ang ikot sa malawak na lupa na gusto niya bago lumubog ang araw.
Kinabukasan, maaga pa siyang masayang lumakad. Malayo ang nilakad niya at mahaba ang ikot hangga’t hindi niya namalayan na malapit na lumubog ang araw. Dapat makabalik siya sa mismong pinagmulan at makumpleto ang ikot bago lumubog ang araw. Dahil sa sobrang layo, tumakbo siya nang mabilis. Buong bilis siyang tumakbo upang makabalik. Sa layo ng tinakbo niya, bigla siyang nanghina at … bumagsak sa lupa! Dahil walang tao ang lugar, wala ring tumulong sa kanya. Napagod siya. Tuluyan siyang namatay.
Nang ilibing na siya, naging palaisipan ng lahat na pagkatapos ng pagsusumikap niya upang makapagmay-ari ng lupain, isang pirasong lupa lang pala ang kailangan niya (4’x7’) at hindi ektarya ektaryang lupa. Namatay ba siyang marangal? Mayaman? Makapangyarihan?
Hangad mo rin bang magkalupa at maging mayaman? Gaano kalaki ang iyong hinahangad? Gaano kalaki ang iyong kailangan? /MP

Warning To Motorcyclists

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Effective September 1, 2008, motorcyclists and their back riders found violating traffic laws, rules and regulations will be compelled to pay fine in cash, announced Mr. Baltimore Conanan, Chief, Land transportation Office, Aklan.
According to Conanan, a motorcycle driver must wear the standard helmet and other protective things like leader shoes or boots, thick jacket, goggles, and gloves. Failure to wear these protective materials while driving, the driver will be apprehended and compelled to pay P1,500.00 fine in cash.
This requirement is based upon Administrative Order (AO) No. 2008-015, Rules and Regulations In The Use of Motorcycles, Conanan stressed. This AO is mandated by Administrative Code of 1968. The Philippines is also a signatory to the Vienna Convention on International traffic. This treaty was ratified on June 6, 1976 under PD No. 207.
All motorcycles is designed and manufactured for a driver and only one back rider is allowed, Conanan further stressed. Motorcycles caught with more than two (2) riders, will also be required to pay P1,000, added Conanan. Other violations such as on signal lights, stop lights, and defective break will also be apprehended and fine.
Failure to pay the fine will earn suspension of driver’s license, and repeated violation of traffic laws, rules and regulations may also earn suspension if not cancellation of motorcycle registration. /MP

EDITORIAL

Let The Good Triumph Over Evil

Mr. Martin Roxas, 32, program director of RMN – DYVR, a radio station in Roxas City was shot and killed by two motorcycle riding men at about 1:20 in the afternoon, Thursday, August 7, 2008. Martin Roxas was the anchorman of RMN-DYVR radio program "Targetanay Sa Udto" (shooting at noon).
After his radio program, Martin Roxas lingered for a while in the radio station then decided to go home to his house at Malipayon Subdivision, Roxas City.
But upon reaching Bayot Drive, a heavily populated part of Roxas City, a two motorcycle riding men followed Martin and shot him at the back. Martin was brought to Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Roxas City where he was pronounced dead on arrival by the duty physician. Martin died of a single gun shot wound which entered Roxas’ back from 9 mm. pistol and hit his heart, according to Dr. Owen Lebaquin, medico legal officer. According to the Roxas City PNP, the gun used in the murder is not yet recovered.
PNP Regional Director Isagani Cuevas, Region VI, said the Martin Roxas murder is now solved. SPO1 Nelson Arduja of Roxas City PNP revealed, two suspects in the killing were apprehended in Ivisan, Capiz less than one hour after the murder on August 7.
Joenel Lastimoso, 27 of Brgy. Cagay, Roxas City and Christian Tan, 25, of Brgy. Quevido, Maayon, Capiz were apprehended. On that afternoon, Ivisan PNP were manning a checkpoint for vehicles running the road without plate number and motorcycle with driver without helmet. When the two, Lastimoso and Tan passed by the checkpoint, the police signaled them to stop. They did not stop but ran. The police chased and apprehended them. They were turned over to the PNP Roxs City for further investigation.
Several days before the murder, Martin Roxas discussed alleged anomaly occurring in Roxas City, particularly financial assistance from the social welfare department allegedly paid to some beneficiaries but actually has not been received. Because of his broadcast on the matter in his radio program "Targetanay Sa Udto", Roxas was warned through telephone calls to stop discussing the matter on the airlane.
To avoid any untoward incident to happen, Martin Roxas kept changing his routes in going to and from the radio station. However, on that day before the shooting, Martin Roxas, according to report received, mentioned again in passing the alleged anomaly in his radio program: Targetanay Sa Udto.
But why murder a man and cut his life if he exposed evil? Let no man kill another man.
Killing fellow human being is barbarous and highly condemnable. Whoever murdered Martin Roxas is now suffering of self torture. He has recognized the good in Martin Roxas. However, what are being penalized and are now suffering of extreme pain are the two children and their mother in the murder of Martin Roxas.
Whoever murdered Martin Roxas must be condemned.
Illegal Business In Kalibo
Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo has issued closure order and padlocked the office of Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc. for conducting illegal business for the last three years in Kalibo. According to Miss Gay Quimpo, Phil-Asia conducted business without the required business permit.
Similarly, the Securities and Exchange Commission informed Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez that Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc. has no pre-need plans available for sale, no licensed dealers, no salesmen’s permit and no authority to operate any branch.
For those Aklanons who innocently bought pre-need plans from the said Phil-Asia, it is now time for you to come out in the open and file complaints with the office concerned. Let Phil-Asia comply with the law.
Evil will continue to operate if tolerated. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Spanish Architecture In Ivisan

To fulfill a need, I went to Roxas City last week. From Kalibo, I rode in a Ceres bus and descended at Talaba – crossing Sapian/Mambusao, Capiz.
It was 9:00 in the morning. I waited for a ride for Roxas City, either public utility van (PUV) or public utility jeep (PUJ). The PUJ came first which I rode. Another man Mr. Zaulda from Ogsip, Libacao, Aklan also boarded the jeep. He told me, he was going to Roxas City to visit his daughter who teaches there.
I sat by the side of the driver while Zaulda took the back seat. We were traveling smoothly until the driver stopped his vehicle to take in more passengers. While the passengers were boarding, the driver took a stick of cigarette, lighted it, smoked it and emitted smoke. I closed my eyes, covered my nose and mouth. I parried the smoke emitted from his mouth with my left hand.
The driver continued his driving. He noticed I disliked cigarette smoke. He threw the cigarette stick half consumed.
I like that driver, he understands people and can empathize. When we reached Poblacion, Ivisan, Capiz, one of the women passengers requested to stop in front of Philpost office. He did stopped. That passenger went to the Philpost office and claimed her mail while the jeepney and its passengers waited for her.
It is only in the Philippines where a public utility vehicle may stop, and allows its passengers to transact business in an office. And nobody among the jeepload of passengers complaint of the waiting and their delay.
After the completion of my business in Roxas City, I took a PUV for Kalibo. It was 12 high noon when the van left the terminal at Kilometer I, Roxas City fully loaded with passengers for Kalibo. Before we reach Ivisan, a passenger requested the driver to allow her to pass by her friend’s house in Poblacion, Ivisan as she will pick something there. "Dogangan ko ogaling ro akong bayad". (I’ll just pay additional fare.)
The driver obliged. He drove his van in the Poblacion, Ivisan. That enabled the passengers to see what are inside Poblacion, Ivisan. That trip was a bonus to passengers on leisure travel. It was agonizing for passengers in a hurry. I enjoyed the detour trip inside the Poblacion. I saw the town so tranquil and clean. I saw two ancient houses of Spanish architecture worthy of restoration and preservation.
But that detour made to please a passenger and delay the travel of others happens only in the Philippines. I recall a 10-day trip to Japan in October 1974. I was one of the 17 delegates from 14 Asian countries on a study and conference on agricultural extension. That was sponsored by the Asian Productivity Organization. (APO). In one of our guided tours, we visited an agricultural research station. The place happened to be just adjacent to a Yamaha Music Factory. A delegate from Iran requested that he be allowed to enter and see that Yamaha Music Factory. Other delegates may join if interested. Our tour guide politely replied, "I regret to disappoint you but Yamaha Music Factory is not included in our itinerary of visit. I am interested with your security and safety. Anything unpleasant that may happen outside of our approved travel itinerary, I will be held personally responsible," said our guide.
Similarly, if anything happened to passengers of the vehicle which passed places outside of its travel route, the driver will be responsible to it. However, the vehicle operator will be liable to the damage for his failure to employ driver who follows instructions religiously. /MP

Team Philippines In Beijing

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with the Team Philippines to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. During their courtesy call in Malacanang's Heroes Hall. REY S. BANIQUET/OPS/ PNS

Information Need For House Bill 1109 Approval

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

House Bill No. 1109 authored by Hon. Florencio T. Miraflores was the main topic of discussion during the weekly tri-media program "Kapehan Sa Aklan" last Saturday, August 9, 2008. The weekly program is being held at Kusina sa Kalibo from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M.
House Bill No. 1109 is already approved in the House of Representatives and is now awaiting discussion in the Senate.
House Bill No. 1109 is "An Act Declaring Certain Parcels of Land of the Public Domain Within Boracay Island, Municipality of Malay, Province of Aklan as Agricultural Lands Open to Disposition For Agricultural, Residential, Commercial, Industrial or Other Production Purposes".
Section 1 of the bill specifically delineates the 644.71 hectares to be declared open to disposition. These areas are situated in Yapak and Angol Point. It also provides that this defined parcels of land are excluded from the operation of Presidential Proclamation No. 1801, dated November 10, 1978 "Declaring Certain Islands, Coves and Peninsulas as Tourist Zones and Marine Reserves Under The Administration and Control of the Philippine Tourism Authority.
Section 2 also provides that the DENR shall alienate the agricultural lands identified in Section 1 of the bill through the issuance of a free patent over any parcel of the identified area of land to any citizen of the Philippines who for at least thirty (30) years prior to the effectivity of this Act has continuously occupied and/or cultivated either by himself or through his predecessors in-interest or who shall have paid the real estate tax for that land, and has not been occupied by any other person shall be entitled under this act to have free patent issued to him/her for such tract of land not to exceed twelve (12) hectares per applicant.
But the said bill has been the subject of protest rallies in Boracay. It is also the subject of negative commentaries in the national newspapers, television and radio. In the words of Mr. Johnny P. Dayang, Cong. Miraflores appears to be losing grounds in public relations maneuver. "Two senators have surfaced to oppose House Bill No. 1109 in the Senate", Dayang added who is from Aklan and president of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. In his conversation with Bohol Congressman Chato, he learned that said bill was never discussed in a plenary session in the House of Representatives. Dayang recommends for an open discussion of the House Bill No. 1109 for common understanding of the said bill. He proposed for the holding of the Boracay Summit with House Bill No. 1109 as the principal agenda.
Atty. Allen S. Quimpo expressed his support for House Bill No. 1109 as it will be for the best interest of every Filipino and the country. The bill if approved into law and fully implemented will hasten Boracay Island and tourism development. According to Quimpo, he has filed an identical bill during his time in the House of Representatives. But it didn’t reach first base. I experienced difficulty even with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the request for data needed to support my bill", Quimpo confided. He traced the development history of Boracay until it became what it is today.
There are only two groups which are opposed to the bill. It is DENR which is hesitant to classify and release the land as alienable for it will also lose control of the land. Another group are the big businessmen who prepare a status quo, Quimpo believes. On the other hand, the small land owners are in favor for the approval of the bill. /MP

DSWD Region VI Release Shelter Money

"Hulog ng Langit", this is how Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez described the financial assistance he received from Director Teresita S. Rosales, DSWD, Region VI.
Director Rosales came to Aklan to sign Memorandum of Agreement with Governor Marquez, Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, Numancia Mayor Elverita T. Templonuevo represented by Mr. Josue Maravilla and Tangalan Mayor Gene Fuentes.
Director Rosales turned over the checks of individual recipients for emergency shelter assistance to Gov. Marquez who immediately turned over it to Mayor Rebaldo. The money is for 30 families in Tinigaw, Kalibo. Also, Gov. Marquez received the checks for 191 families for Numancia and immediately turned over to Mr. Josue Maravilla who represented Mayor Templonuevo.
Director Rosales also handed over the check amounting to P150,000 for livelihood assistance for the victims of the previous typhoon "Señang" to Mayor Gene Fuentes of Tangalan. That is a loan to invest in livelihood projects by the 30 typhoon victims at P5,000 each.
The money for emergency shelter assistance and site relocation released on August 5 at the Guest House, Capitol Site is just initial amount. Some more is coming, assured Dir. Rosales. The releases are the first in Panay for typhoon Frank victims. DND Sec. Gilbert Teodoro who chairs the National Disaster Coordinating Council has requested Malacañang for P50 million shelter assistance for Aklan.
The MOA signing and releasing of checks were attended by Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Vice Governor Billie V. Calizo, DSWD regional and provincial officials, and members of the tri-media of Aklan. /MP

SEC Warns Business Transactions With Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning the public, especially Aklanons, "to take the necessary precautions before entering into transactions with Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc."
According to the SEC, the Court of Appeals (CA) is "directing Phil-Asia, its officers, directors, representatives, salesmen, agents and all persons acting on their behalf to cease and desist from further engaging in activities of selling, offering for sale pre-need plans and to refrain from further collecting amortization. This SEC warning is issued on September 25, 2003 which is still enforced to the present.
According to the SEC, Phil-Asia Cares Plan, Inc. "has no pre-need plans available for sale…, no licensed dealers; no salesmen’s permit; and no authority to operate a branch. The company failed to comply with all the SEC requirements for a pre-need company and…is not authorized to sell new pre-need plans."
Director Hubert B. Guevara of the Compliance and Enforcement Department, SEC in his letter to Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, informed about Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc. owned by Vicente R. Afulugencia, Sr. because of several queries SEC is receiving regarding the said company.
"The subject corporation has pending criminal cases filed with the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court…for violation of…Securities Regulation Code."
Madyaas Pen tried to contact the officers of Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc. to get its side of this cease and desist order, but failed to contact them.
Based upon the report of PO1 George L. Quimpo, Municipal Ordinance officer of Kalibo, Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc. is presently located at Waldolf Bldg., Osmeña Ave., Kalibo, Aklan. Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc. is headed by Mr. Melchor Constantino, Jr., Area Manager and Ms. Jade Illo, branch manager.
Quimpo reported further that Phil-Asia has Business Permit to operate in Kalibo in 2005. But, it has no Business Permit for the last three years: 2006, 2007 and 2008.
According to Ms. Mary Gay V. Quimpo of the Office of the Mayor of Kalibo, a closure order was prepared and served on August 11, 2008 Phil-Asia Care Plans, Inc. /MP

Actor’s Son Plans To Turn Pro Boxing Mngr. Approves

by ALEX P. VIDAL

A 16-year-old Filipino-Canadian part time actor will soon fulfill his dream of becoming a professional fighter after getting the nod of his father who is a former licensed boxing manager in the Philippines.
Jeus "Bookie" Bala-ong has started buying boxing equipment since August 2 "using my own money" after his father Carlos, 58, a former labor employment office chief of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Western Visayas, Philippines, approved his plans.
"Papa has been very supportive of my plan to become a boxer," said Jeus, who finished his elementary at the West Bridge School for Boys in Iloilo City, Philippines. "Both my father and mother (Jeana) are avid boxing fans and so I don’t have any problem convincing them (for me to join boxing).
Jeus, who is a third year high school student at the Sir Charles Tupper High School, Vancouver Canada is currently doing a film entitled "Scooby Doo", will train in any of the three boxing facilities in Richmond, a city some seven kilometers away from Vancouver, said Carlos.
Jeus said he will divide his time to study and practice in the gym if he has no shooting schedules. "At first, I wanted to learn boxing for self-defense. But after watching the fights of (World Boxing Council lightweight champion) Manny Pacquiao, I realized I also need to fight as a professional," Jeus stressed.
Jeus and his elder sister Krista, 22, a nursing graduate at St. Paul’s University in Iloilo city, Philippines, had been recruited to do a film by talent scout Nella Castigiano early this year.
Carlos held a license from the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) as boxing manager before he and his family migrated to Canada. The younger sister of his wife Jeana, a registered nurse here since 2003, is the wife of former world flyweight title challenger Jonathan Penalosa (15-4, 7 KOs).
He had been trying to link with former amateur medalist Rey Fortaleza, brother Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) secretary general Roger, who is now a newspaper publisher in Vancouver.
Carlos also said he and Fortaleza, who covered Pacquiao’s fight against David Diaz in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 28, are willing to help Team Pacquiao in case he will fight here next year as reported in several boxing websites.
Carlos said he plans to formalize his tie-up with Fortaleza when the publisher arrives from Australia.
"Unlike other fathers, I am allowing my son to join boxing because among all the contact sports that he had studied and evaluated, he found boxing as the hardest in full contact," said Carlos, who works as shift supervisor at the children and women hospital on Oak St., Vancouver. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Onga it Birhen

Sa isaeang ka maeayo nga kaharian, may naga estar nga mag asawa sa tunga it kagueangan. May andang solong babayeng onga. Bangud sa kapobrehon, kueang ro pagpakaon sa andang onga. Perming guina-gutom rayang onga. Nagaminasakit ngani busa naghambae ro asawang eaeaki; " Hay kon may una konta nga magaampon ko atong onga."
Maangan angan, may nagpakita nga isaeang ka babayeng nagabeste it azul ag may koronang mga bitoon. Naghambae imaw: "Habatian ko ro imo nga kagustuhan. Kung bu-ot ninyo, akon lang nga ampunon ro inyong onga. Ako si Birhen Maria, ag daehon ko idto sa eangit ro inyong onga." Nagpasugot ro mag-asawa. Guindaea ro onga idto sa eangit ag idto imaw kaibahan ko mga angheles naga hinampang. Mayad-ayad ro anang kahimtangan.
Isaeang adlaw, guintawag ko Inang Birhen rondayang onga. "Mapanaw ako sa maeayo. Aywan ko kimo rayang 12 ka yabe. Ro 13 ka sueod hay pwede mo abrehan ogaling ro ika-13 nga sueod nga may maisot nga yabe hay ayaw guid pag buksi. Kon imong buksan, may kapaha-makan kimo nga matabo. Guindawat ko daeaga ro 13 ka yabe. Dayon nga nagpanaw ro Inang Birhen. Kada adlaw, guinabuksan ko daeaga ro 12 ka sueod paagi sa 12 ka yabe. Hakita nana nga may sambilog nga apostoles nga naga pungko sa tunga it kahayag. Naubos eon nana it abre ro 12 ka kwarto. Ro ika 13 hay bu-ot nana nga linglingon ogaling guin bawaean imaw ko mga kahampang nga anghel. Basi kon mapahamak kuno imaw ag kabilin-bilinan ko Birhen nga indi guid pagbuksan ro pwertahan.
Ka’t nagbaealik sa andang mga sueod ro mga anghel, guin buksan nana ag linglingon ro pwertahan. Golpe nga nag uean it kahayag ro sueod ag ro kahayag hay nagdukot sa anang alima. Golpe nanang guinsara ro pwertahan ag naga kurog nga nagdaeagan sa gripo agod hugasan ro anang alima ogaling indi maduea ro matsa bueawan nga kahayag. Guin tago nana ro anang alima sa mga anghel. Hadumduman nana nga idto sa sueod hay naga pungko ro Sagrado nga Trinidad sa tunga it owa it tupong nga kahayag. Hadumduman nana ro bilin it Inang Birhen ag kon paalin nana akuon ro anang guin obra.
Hasta nag-abot eon ro Inang Birhen, guin bo-oe kana ro 13 ka yabe. Guin pangutana imaw kon guin abrehan nana ro ika-13 ka pwertahan. Nagpamalibad imaw. Pagkakita ko anang guina putos nga to-ong alima, guinpangutana eon man imaw kon guin abrehan nana ro ika-13 ka sueod ag nagpamalibad guihapon imaw. Nasubo guid ro Birhen. Guin pahalin imaw sa eangit. Natumba imaw nga owa it pangalibutan. Sa anang pagmuk-eat, una imaw sa tunga it kagueangan nga puro siit ag mga baeagon. Halin kato, una imaw nag-estar. Naga ipo imaw it mga prutas para pagkaon ag nagasaka sa ibabaw it kahoy kon gabii agod indi pagkan-on it mga hayop.
Ko isaeang agahon, guinpukaw imaw it mga eahay it ayam. Ro hari ko royong kaharian hay naga pangayam. Nahum-gan imaw it mga ayam, ngani guin libutan ro puno it mga ayam nga bu-ot imaw angkiton.
Guinpasaka ko hari ro anang mga soldado agod ipanaog kon sin-o ro guina linahay it ayam. Hakita nanda ro isaeang ka babayeng guinaputos it mahaba nga buhok ag gula-gulanit nga eambong. Guindaea imaw sa palasyo ag guinpa paligsan. Tumunga ro anang ka gwapa. Naila kana ro hari, busa guin pakaslan.
Pagtaliwan it sang dag-on, nag onga ro Reyna it gwapahon nga babaye. Nagpakita kana ro Inang Birhen ko gabi-i ngaron. Guin pangutana imaw kon guin buksan nana ro ika-13 nga sueod. Owa guid imaw mag-ako. Ngani guin bo-oe ko Birhen ro anang onga ag daehon idto sa eangit. Sa pagkaduea ko onga, guin pabangdan imaw nga aswang ag imaw nagkaon ko anang onga. Guin sugo it konseho ro hari nga sunugon ro Reyna sa tunga it plaza. Ka’t una imaw naka gapos, nag hinoesoe imaw ko anang pagka purilon.
Sa anang pagtangis ag paghinoe-soe, golpeng nagdueom ag umuean. Napaeong ro kaeayo. Pagkapaea it aso, nagtunga ro Birhen nga guina buytan ro onga nga prinsesa.
"Habatian ko ro imong pag-ako ag paghinoe-soe. Bulahan ro tawo nga nagahinoe-soe ko anang kasae-anan ay imaw paga patawaron." Imaw ro hambae kana it Birhen. Guin hubad ro anang gapos ag anang guinhakos ro anang onga. Nag-hakos man kana ro hari ag malipayon nga nagbalik sanda sa palasyo. /MP

Basic Mandarin Language Course Opens At Kalibo International Airport

by Mario D. Balandra

Service personnel of the Kalibo International Airport are now attending a one-month Basic Mandarin Language course which opened Monday, August 4, 2008.
This foreign language course is aimed to complement the tourism program of the provincial government of Aklan especially in the municipality of Kalibo. The airport has been accommodating international flights of Mandarin Airlines direct from the Taipei Airport in Taiwan. The course is given free of any charge to those now attending classes.
Students from Kainan University (Taiwan) are handling the training who are April Joy de Juan, Rodelyn Lachica, and Ma. Lourdes Victoriano. They are former MassCom students of Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC). After their second year at NVC, they qualified for a four-year scholarship grant in Taiwan under Kainan University’s International Honors Program.
While these Kainan scholars are presently in the province (Aklan) to spend their academic break, they volunteered to share their skill in basic Mandarin language by teaching the service personnel of Kalibo International Airport.
This Basic Mandarin Language course is a joint project of NVC Center for International Human Resource Development (CIHRD), Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Congressman Florencio Miraflores, and Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo in cooperation with Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and Kalibo International Airport Manager, Engineer Percy Malonesio. /MP

Victoria’s ‘Secrets’

by Alex P. Vidal

While visiting the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada, national historic site of Canada, we were privileged to contact Dr. Dan Buie, chairman of the Victoria Boxing Commission, an organization under the umbrella of the Federation Canadienne du Boxe Professionnelle, who invited this writer to meet him for interview at the Starbucks Coffee in downtown area afternoon on August 4.
Before arriving in Vancouver on August 2, Dr. Buie had sent us an email to contact him and meet him here, the capital city of British Columbia located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is a major tourist destination seeing more than 3.65 million visitors a year who inject more than one billion dollars into the local economy.
We informed Dr. Buie that there have been plans to bring the fight of World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao here next year probably after his duel with Oscar Dela Hoya and that several newspapers in Vancouver have reported that Pacquiao is scheduled to hold a concert arranged by composer Lito Camo.
Among this metropolitan’s biggest "secrets" is that it is a cruise ship port where cruise liners stop at Ogden Point terminal. The city also receives economic benefits from its close proximity to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, the Canadian military’s main Pacific naval base.
Downtown Victoria also serves as Greater Victoria’s regional downtown, where many night clubs, theatres, restaurants and pubs are clustered, and where much larger regional public events occur. In particular, Canada Day fireworks display and Symphony Splash concerts draw tens of thousands of Greater Victorians and visitors to the downtown core.
Incidentally, this island is home to the country’s great sports personalities such as David Anderson, former Olympic and Pan American Games medal winning rower and former Canadian federal government cabinet minister; Don Barber, former NHL player; Len Barrie, former NHL player and now part owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning and is a real estate developer of the Bear Mountain resort and surrounding lands in Langford; Geoff and Russ Courtnall, brothers and former NHL stars, are from the Victoria area.
Gary and Paul Gait, twin brothers and Lacrosse players, were born and raised here; Rich Harden, MLB pitcher, grew up here; Silken Laumann, former Olympic medal winning rower; Steve Nash, two-time NBA MVP, although born in South Africa, grew up here; Rick O’Dell, former NASCAR driver; Lynn and Muzz Patrick, brothers and former NHL players.
Lynn was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Matt Pettinger, NHL player, was raised here. Duncan Regehr, former Olympic boxing contender and figure skater, was born in Lethbridge, Alberta and raised in Victoria. He’s also a stage, television, and movie actor; Bruce Twamley, former professional Association football player; Deb Whitten, former field hockey international player, was born here.
The city has hosted sports events including the 2005 Ford World Men’s Curling Championship tournament, the 1994 Commonwealth Games, and 2006 Skate Canada. Victoria co-hosted the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup at Royal Athletic Park, and is the venue for the Bastion Square Grand Prix Criterium road cycling race.
The city is also a destination for conven-tions, meetings, and conferences, including a 2007 North Atlantic Treaty Organization military chief of staff meeting. Every year, the Swiftsure International Yacht Race brings boaters from around the world to participate in the boat race in the waters off of Vancouver Island. The Tall Ships Festival brings sailing ships to Victoria for the public to see and feel the sailing way of life in the past and present. /MP

Study To Work In Australia

The Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC) Center for International Human Resource Development (CIHRD), is the venue for a one-year course offering that may enable graduates to migrate to Australia and acquire a high-paying job in the hospitality industry.
The NVC CIHRD has entered into an Educational Cooperation Agreement with the TAFE new South Wales Southwestern Sydney Institute for the "Certificate III Hospitality – Commercial Cookery" course to be offered in Kalibo, Aklan and Boracay, Aklan in November 2008. Dean Ma. Erlinda Quimpo F. Wilson, NVC CIHRD Director, met with Mr. Barry Peddle, Australian TAFE SWSI Institute Director in March 2008 for the initial planning. Australian TAFE SWSI representative Ms. Christine Williamson arrived last May 22, 2008 and met with the NVC President, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo for the kick-off of the program.
Upon completion of the course, students will earn Australian qualification and certification that will provide them with opportunities for migration and work in Australia. This global certification will also give the graduate access to high-paying jobs in hotels and restaurants in any part of the world.
The Australian certification is equivalent to 60 points when the graduates apply for migration or permanent residency in Australia.
The certification will also qualify the graduates for jobs in Australian restaurants since commercial cooks are in demand in that country, as commercial cookery has been listed under the skilled occupation list of Australia’s migration laws since September 2007.
Moreover, NVC will work actively with Atty. Imelda Argel, a successful immigration lawyer based in Australia, to discuss migration issues with aspiring graduates and their families.
The NVC offering will be administered by an Australian teacher, who is fully accredited by the Australian administrator’s stay in Kalibo. NVC HRM teachers will be trained with the latest technology and practices in the hospitality business.
Based entirely on the Australian educational system, the course runs for 20 months, with half of it devoted to on-the-job training in restaurants and hotels including immersions in resorts in Boracay.
Graduates who opt to work in the Philippines can fetch higher salaries because of their dual certifications from NVC CIHRD and the South Western Institute. Interested parties may call (036) 262-3439 or Dean Lynne Q. F. Wilson (036) 268-7334, 09283125652. The course is also offered at Australian schools at 27,000 Australian dollars, or almost a million pesos. /MP

Nutrition Studies At BES

"A malnourished pupil is weak and sickly resulting to frequent absences and lack of interest in the class". This is one of the conclusions Dr. Dobie P. Parohinog made on his study to help "School Managers Improve the Academic Performance of Pupils In Class".
Dr. Parohinog is presently the principal of Bulwang Elementary School (BES), Bulwang, Numancia. He conducted the study in Bulwang Elementary School during the school year 2007 – 2008.
According to Parohinog, his study revealed that a malnourish child is weak and sickly, scores low in class evaluation and slow learner and deviant child.
As a result of the various nutritional activities done in June 2007 to January 2008 in Bulwang Elementary School, nutrition level among pupils increased. The improved nutritional level also improves pupil academic performance. According to Parohinog, 30.52 percent of BES pupils were malnourish. Due to activities on nutrition, malnourish children decreased to only 10.36 percent on January 2008 in BES.
Parohinog recommends to school administrators to familiarize themselves with the nutrition status of their pupils in the first month of classes so that relevant information gathered can be the basis of the nutritional activities of the school.(By Dr. DOBIE PAROHINOG)/MP

ASU Receives P5M CHED SAFE Scholarship Grant

The Aklan State University, Banga, Aklan through its President, Dr. Benny A. Palma received a scholarship grant worth P5 million from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the Student Fund for Education for Scholarship (SAFE Scholarship).
The P3 million Scholarship Grant shall cater to poor but deserving 1st year tertiary education students this Academic Year 2008-2009 while the P2 million loan component will cater to financially needy students who are in their 3rd, 4th, 5th or graduating year of study.
This CHED scholarship program, aims to provide assistance to the financially needy but deserving college students, raise the number of grantees in CHED Priority Courses, raise and improve graduation rate at the tertiary level, thus, contributing to the stock of high-level manpower of the country.
As stated in Memorandum Order No. 07-213, s. 2008 issued by the University President, the loan/scholarship grant which is under the management of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) of the University will be awarded to poor but deserving students on a pro rata basis based on enrolment in CHED priority courses and in accordance with the implementing guidelines as embodied in CHED Order Nos. 25 and 26, Series of 2008 (Guidelines for the Implementation of the Student Assistance Fund for Education (SAFE) for Scholarship and Loan) as well as CHED Memorandum Order No. 4, Series of 2004.
Moreover, it is stipulated in CHED Order Nos. 25 and 26 Series of 2008 that scholarship grant may be used for tuition and other school fees, books and course projects, thesis writing, board and lodging, graduation fees, and other valid related educational expenses. (SRVillasis, ASU-ECS /MP

ASU Holds Orientation For New Students

Aklan State University (ASU) held its orientation program for new students of the graduate studies. It was held at the amphitheater, Banga, Aklan in the morning of Saturday last week. It was attended by all graduate schools students of all ASU campuses in New Washington, Kalibo, Ibajay, Makato and Banga.
Dr. Ersyl T. Biray, vice president for academic affairs gave the rationale of the orientation program. The faculty and students from each ASU campuses were presented by the respective deans. Dr. Biray also discussed graduate school policies with Dr. Cecile O. Legaspi, dean of the school of management sciences.
Dr. Roberto L. Saladar vice president for research & extension explained what is ASU "Research Direction". He specifically discussed the Research and Development Extension and Information & Communications Technology (RDETICT) Framework.
As part of the orientation, a holy mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Jude Isidro A. Rebaldo. He belongs to Master of Public Administration Class 2004 of ASU. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Rebaldo strongly stressed the importance of education in the daily life of every person. According to him, information is dynamic which changes every minute. Hence, "education is life. Education is continuing." /MP

Boracay Power Interruption In August–September 2008

Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) wishes to inform all its member-consumers in the whole Boracay Island and Sitio Tabon, Caticlan, Malay that there will be a series of Scheduled Power Interruption for the next two months, August and September.
According to Mr. Chito R. Peralta, Akelco general manager, this power interruption is due to the line conversion of double and triple circuit lines on the said areas where AKELCO is currently rehabilitating the lines for the construction of 30 MVA substation. The power interruption started on August 7, 2008 from 8:00 am to 5:00 am daily excluding Sundays until the construction is completed.
The project will construct a new 30 MVA substation for the replacement of the overloaded 10 MVA substation located at Caticlan, Malay, Aklan. It is being constructed at Sitio Tambisaan, Brgy. Manoc-Manoc, Boracay.
According to AGM for Operations, Engr. Rogen Delos Reyes, the 10 MVA substation which supplies electricity needs for the island and the municipalities of Buruanga and Malay is now overloaded resulting to frequent power interruptions on the said areas including the resort island Boracay.
The current consumption in Boracay alone has already reached 9.55 mega watts, Engr. Delos Reyes pointed out.
The installation of 30 MVA substation when completed, will address the power shortage being experienced by stakeholders and residents of this resort island. It will also minimize the low voltage and numerous brown-outs in the island and nearby municipalities. It could also immediately supply the needed electricity power requirements of the resort and the member-consumers when the 30 MVA is operational and more importantly, provide sustainable power in Boracay Island, the premiere tourist destination in the country.
The Akelco management expresses its apology for any inconvenience. It also requests for our usual cooperation and understanding. /MP

DAR-Aklan Leads Operation Tabang For CARP Farmers

The first batch of five hundred (500) agrarian reform beneficiaries will receive relief-assistance generated by the Department of Agrarian Reform in Aklan from various donor organizations such as the Provincial Government of Aklan, the Congressional District Office, Office of Vice Governor, NGO partners such as Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Soroptimist International of Kalibo, the Archbishop Gabriel M Reyes Memorial Foundation, Boracay Development Foundation, Sto. Nino Filipino –Chinese Catholic Ladies Association on August 8, 2008 at Bacyang, Madalag, Aklan.
Aklan DAR personnel contributed cash and provided clothing for the farmers as a way of giving back to the clients of CARP. On August 8, the country is observing the 45th anniversary when Pres. Diosdado Macapagal signed RA 3844, the Land Reform Code of the Philippines.
Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer initiated the "Operation Tabang" in response to the plight of the agrarian reform beneficiaries who directly suffered from the destruction brought by Typhoon Frank last June 21. DAR records show that of the 12 agrarian reform communities, 6,066 beneficiaries were affected, 2,084 houses of farmers totally destroyed while 2,912 homes were partially damaged.
Simultaneous with the relief distribution will be a Medical Mission sponsored by the Soroptimist International of Kalibo through its in-coming president, Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo and outgoing president. Dr Lyn D. Salido.
Governor Carlito S. Marquez, chair of the Aklan Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council facilitated the release of 50 sacks of rice to be distributed among the CARP beneficiaries in Aklan. He also lamented the state of some major CARP infrastructure projects that were damaged due to the typhoon such as the Timbaban Bridge that joins the town of Madalag to Malinao. Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores donated ten boxes of sardines for this relief mission.
The next batch of relief distribution will be for the farmer-beneficiaries of Libacao, Aklan. /MP

PPP Extends Photo Exhibit On Typhoon Frank

by Nestor P. Burgos Jr.

Ilonggos have flocked to a photo exhibit by photo-journalists and reporters on the impact of typhoon "Frank" which ravaged Panay Island last June.
The exhibit which started on July 26 at the lower ground floor of SM City Iloilo in Mandurriao District has been extended to August 8 to accommodate thousands of people who drop by the exhibit from the opening of the mall until closing time.
"This is one of most successful photo exhibits held in the mall because the throngs of people have not receded," said Troy Camarista, public relations officer of SM City Iloilo, in a telephone interview.
Camarista said they decided to extend the exhibit because of the warm response. "Our shoppers can really connect with the photographs."
The exhibit was organized by the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP)-Iloilo chapter with the help of the Photo Artists League of Iloilo, Inc. and SM City Iloilo.
It included around 90 photographs both published and unpublished taken by Iloilo photojournalists and reporters, said Chris Fernandez, president of PPP-Iloilo.
The photographs are of houses, churches and streets submerged in water, residents in waist high waters, evacuees and other scenes of the tragedy in Iloilo and Aklan.
The two (provinces) were the hardest hit areas when the typhoon struck on June 21.
The Office of Civil Defense reported that at least 342 persons died during the typhoon in Western Visayas region alone. Around 290 are still missing and 886 were injured.
The flooding affected around 2,545 villages and 417,399 families or 2,094,105 persons. At least 50,571 houses were destroyed and another 101,080 others damaged.
"We now can share this photographs as we start to recover and move on," said Fernandez. "There were so many faces, feelings and scenes captured by our cameras that moved all of us."
The photographs which showed the onslaught of storm and flooding and after the waters had subsided "captured the Ilonggo spirit of resilience amid the most difficult time," said Fernandez.
He said these also showed the compassion in helping the victims. Some of the photojournalists and reporters who took the pictures themselves suffered from the calamity and were covering the typhoon when it struck their communities and homes.
"We wanted to capture and share the scenes that move us especially the struggle to survive and to overcome this unprecedented disaster," said Fernandez. /MP