Are Cultural Values Roots of Poverty?

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

NVC Exec Dean Erlinda Quimpo Fernandez-Wilson is shown explaining Lihok Akean during the Kapehan Sa Aklan on Saturday morning, October 10. With her are Katherine B. Delfin, left and Antonio J. Entrata, Jr., right.

The weekly Kapehan forum on October 10, 2009 discussed the topic "Lihok Akean", a part of the NCCA Lihok Bisaya program." Panelists were Ms. Erlinda Quimpo Fernandez Wilson, Exec. Dean, Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC), Ms. Katherine B. Delfin, College Instructor, NVC, and Mr. Antonio J. Entrata, Jr., instructor, Aklan Polytechnic College.

Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente defined "Lihok" as a response or reaction to a call. Action may be positive or negative depending on individual’s perception. However, one must accentuate the positive aim since aim is noble, clearly defined and realistic.

Dean Wilson stated that Lihok Akean is the Philippines’ commitment to the UN Millennium Development goals which primary goal is to eradicate poverty particularly among third world countries. Aklan is one of the eight (8) pilot provinces tapped in the Visayas region where the National Commission of Culture and Arts (NCCA) program serves as a member.

Rationale behind this movement is in awakening or rekindling positive traditional Filipino values in symbolic portrayal through audio visual arts like music, dance, plays, drama and painting. The lady dean revealed that the launching of the program is set on October 16, Friday, 3:00 PM at the CSQ Gym. The participants and guests in this event dubbed Kalahi Cultural Program include the NVC performing Arts Guild, Arch. Gabriel M. Reyes Memorial Foundation, Cultural Coordinators of secondary and tertiary schools, faculty and students of NVC and members of the tri-media.

Wilson underscored patriotism as rallying point to reach out to Filipinos to move forward and become united as a nation. The launching program includes flag raising ceremony, prayer, and solemn pledge of allegiance.

Entrata, as program coordinator, discussed the highlights of the program that feature messages of Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, formal launching by Juan P. Dayang, presentation of cultural history of Aklan and documentary footage of typhoon Frank. A copy of the program invitation including pictorials of the event will be sent to UNDP headquarters in Rome.

Delfin said that despite the misery and destruction of typhoon Frank, we survived. There is hope in the human spirit. She rallied for local leaders and members of the tri-media to participate in economic recovery efforts especially targeting families in the clutches of poverty.

Juan P. Dayang said that poverty alleviation funded by UNDP is a five year program that Lihok Akean spearheads through civic leaders like Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente. We need to have united stand and demonstration of our faith in creating positive changes to our way of life. The string of natural calamities and economic difficulties call us to rise above pit falls of self pity and desperation, Dayang stressed.

One intriguing issue and concern is involvement of NCCA that is traditionally known with development and promotion of audio visual arts to be concerned in poverty alleviation. The active performing groups like the Philippine Educational Theater Assn. and Bayanihan Folk Dance Troupe are the cream of Philippine artists. For them to tread on the realms of economics is unfamiliar.

Apparently, the DepEd in its mission to mould the mind of the youth for good citizenship and love of country miserably failed in its endeavor. It is in the grade school or formative years where the rudiments of culture whether history, politics, arts, science, humanities, architecture, and agriculture are enhanced. Primary education promotes oneness despite Philippine cultural diversity, and ethnicity. Consequently, children treasure them through their adulthood.

The impact of performing arts carrying the theme to parents who are mired in poverty may have little or meaningless considering their limited education, resources, and long held beliefs. Most likely people will appreciate them for what they really are, pure as entertainment as in radio – TV soap commercials.

One may sound skeptical but the government bureaucracy has a score of departments, and commissions that carry poverty alleviation thrusts like DA, DAR, DSWD, DepEd, DILG, and DOH.

Why choose NCCA as implementor of UNDP? Can the motley group deliver the goods with their scant resources to the satisfaction of the international body?

Economists say that third world countries suffer poverty and deprivation because of mismanagement of resources. Now it seems we have a different concept. Culture advocates claim that root of poverty lies with mismanagement of our cultural values. Cultural role models are Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, India, and Malaysia all found in Asia.

According to Atty. Allen S. Quimpo: "Our customs and traditions for the past 1000 years show that Filipinos prior to Spain’s colonization were very industrious, polite, respect-ful, trustworthy. They believed in deities and spirit beings. These traits dramatically changed when our colonizers introduced forced labor in building churches and public infra. They confiscated private properties and awarded same to lackeys of the Catholic church. Encomiendas were vast tracts of land planted to rice, corn, sugarcane, coffee, bananas, coconut, and other crops where tenants eked out their living as slaves.

That was the beginning of poverty, deprivation and corruption that are existing until today. Negativism is manifested in traits such as "ningas cogon, mañana" habit, "bahala na", and "pakikisama". In a nutshell, these are the roots of our present day problems based on history averred Quimpo.

A US Peace Corp Volunteer said "Filipinos simply throw their garbage left and right wherever they are and whatever they do for their forbears used leaves and trunks of banana as plates/receptacles of food, while coco and nipa palm leaves were for wraping native delicacies."

While NCCA efforts in the province of Aklan may be opportune time to sound the wake up call, the youth must be prioritized for values formation. Furthermore, DepEd curricula must be evaluated for cultural relevance to truth based on history and archaeological evidence.

Time is running out for the country in its war against the twin evils of poverty and hunger. Finally the audience is properly seated and the stage is set for appearance of performers to tickle ones senses and imagination. Welcome to the world of fun and entertainment this time with a twist to minimize poverty. /MP

Health Link

by Cecille dela Rosa de Lemos

GP Promotes Handwashing

"Garantisadong Pambata" (GP) is an institutionalized Pre-schoolers Health Campaign nationwide, conducted every 3rd week of April and October of each year. Essential package of health services and health information are delivered all year to six to seventy six (6 – 76) months children nationwide. The DOH campaign on GP (October 12 – 16) coincides with the celebration of the Global Handwashing Day (October 15.). Environmental Sanitation and Personal Hygiene are among the GP interventions.

According to the World Health Organi-zation, diarrhea kills almost two million children all over the world each year. A UNICEF report indicates that more than 5,000 children die every day from diarrhea before they reach their fifth birthday. Diarrhea is the second most common cause of death in children.

Studies show that washing hands with soap reduces deaths from diarrhea by almost 50 percent and deaths from acute respiratory infections by 25 percent. Handwashing with soap is the single most cost-effective health inter-vention to prevent death and disease that are related to diarrhea. It can save more lives than any single vaccine or medical intervention.

Sonia M. David, provincial GP coordinator, said "it is important that hands should be scrubbed with soap for at least 20 seconds. Hands should always be washed with soap after using the toilet, before eating, and before handling food."

According to Ms. David, part of GP’s service delivery activities will be conducted this month such as, vitamin A supplementation, dewor-ming, immunization, and oral health.

The Provincial Government of Aklan and the United States Agency for International Development support Garantisadong Pambata and Global Handwashing Day to improve child survival and have a healthier future for children and families by drawing attention to the importance of washing hands with soap and water. /MP

Sonsona Defends WBO Crown 7 Days After Vegas Fight

by ALEX P. VIDAL

LOS ANGELES, California – Of the two Filipino world champions who will fight for World Boxing Organization (WBO) titles seven days apart next month? WBO super flyweight champion Marvin "Marvelous" Sonsona is expected to easily outclass his Mexican challenger in a 12-round duel in Ontario, Canada on Nov. 21.

Manny Pacquiao, Sonsona’s townmate in General Santos City, Mindanao, Philippines, who will tackle WBO welterweight ruler Miguel Angel Cotto, is also penciled to hurdle the 28-year-old Puerto Rican speedster. However, ring experts are not ruling a possible upset win for Cotto when they learned that Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KO’s) started training only in Baguio City, Philippines this October for the 12-round world title fight in Las Vegas, Nevada on Nov. 14.

Cotto (34-1, 27 KO’s) has been reportedly training rigidly since August even before they romped off on a stamina-sapping city-to-city promotional tour in the United States in Sept. as prerequisite under the contract they signed with the Top Rank.

Pacquiao, 30, has been installed as solid pick to trounce the many-time WBO 147-lb king from Caguas, Puerto Rico. He has set his sight on Floyd Mayweather Jr. who recently repulsed a major obstacle, Juan Manuel Marquez, in his possible multi-million showdown with the Filipino best boxer in the world pound-for-pound next year.

YOUNGEST WORLD CHAMP

Sonsona, the youngest Filipino boxer in history to win a world boxing crown at 19, is unbeaten in 14 professional fights with 12 knockouts and no draw. He defended the crown he wrested from another Mexican legend Jose "Carita" Lopez on Sept. 4 on the same venue at the Casino Rama in Ontario against Alejandro "Payasito" Hernandez.

Oddsmakers did not consider the 23-year-old Hernandez (22-7, 11 KO’s) as a serious threat to Sonsona. Hernandez lost his most recent fight on points against Wilbert Vicab for the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) flyweight title in Ciudad Nezahulcoyoti, Mexico on September 11.
Despite the defeat, Hernandez was picked to take a shot at Sonsona’s crown.

While Hernandez lost his first professional outing by split decision to Jeremias Segovia on April 6, 2002 in Tabasco, Mexico, Sonsona, a southpaw like Pacquiao, beat Ricardo Donaire, cousin of IBF flyweight champion Nonito Jr., on points in a four-round scrapper in his first professional fight on July 7, 2007 at the Ynares Plaza Gymnasium in Binangonan, Rizal.

Born in Iztapalapa, Distrito Federal, Mexico, Hernandez’s shining moment came on February 16, 2007 when he captured the WBO Latino flyweight championship with a 12-round decision against Jonathan Perez.

He lost the crown on a 12-round decision to Carlos Tamara on December 7, 2007 also in Mexico.

When he challenged the 38-year-old Lopez for the WBO crown, it was Sonsona’s first trip outside the Philippines.

CEBU
CUSTOMER

Eight of his last nine fights were held in Cebu and among his notable victims were two world class Thai visitors who were badly clobbered and sent to dreamland in violent fashions: Liempech Sor Veerapol who was waylaid in four rounds for the WBO Asia Pacific Youth flyweight title on January 31, 2009 and Wandee Singwancha who was axed in two rounds for the WBO Oriental flyweight belt on May 28, 2009.

The two impressive victories notched for Sonsona an automatic berth at Lopez’s world crown through the help of matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz, international partner of local fight impresario Sammy Gelo-ani.

Sonsona, regarded as "the next Manny Pacquiao", impressively humbled the veteran Lopez, 114-111, 115-110, 116-109, after scoring a knockdown en route to snatching the WBO super flyweight throne. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Kampanero Buktot

Mabahoe nga bulig sa simbahan si Ulak bilang kampanero. Kon may gina eobong ngani, guina bunyagan, guina kasae, obra ni Ulak ro mag bagting it lingganay. Uwa pa kato it mga cellphone ag radio. Kon may sunog, o baha, o bagyo, ro obra ni Ulak hay magpatuon sa mga tawo paagi sa pagbagting it lingganay it madasig.

Ogaling maskin nano ro kahugod ni Ulak, owa guid it naila kana nga mag amigo. Owa it eabot nga maeaw-ay ro itsura hay buktot pa imaw. Nahadluk kana ro mga onga. Guina kuno-kuno pa ngani imaw nga aswang o demonyo. Guina baton eon lang nana kon ano ro hambaeon it tawo bisan masakit sa anang pagpamati ag sa dughan.

Kon gabi-i, parabil imaw magkatoeog, idto anay imaw ga tener sa ibabaw it kampanaryo. Malipayon nana nga guina tan-aw ro palibot. Sa anang pamatyag, tag-ana imaw ko bilog nga palibot ag imaw ro hari nga naga pungko sa anang trono. Kaibahan nana ro mga estatwa nga maskin owa naga hambae, kontento eon imaw nga may kaibahan sa anang pag isaeahanon.

Isaeang gabi-i, sa anang pagkatoeog, nagdamgo imaw nga may isaeang ka magueang nga nagpakita kana ag guin taw-an imaw it puting panyo. "Sarang ka nga maka pangayo it tatlong ka bagay nga may kapuslanan dikara sa panyo", hambae kuno ko magueang. Pagbugtaw nana, hapan-uhan nana una sa anang eoyo ro panyo.

Nag paino-ino imaw it madaeum kon ano ro anang pangayuon. Hadumduman na ag ra unang pinangayo: "Taw-an ako it abong manggad agod ibulig ko sa mga tawo. Pangaywa, mayad nga kaeawasan. Pangatlo, isaeang ka babaye nga batunon ag mahaeon ako maskin maeaw-ay ro akong hitsura".

Sa unang hinyo, nag abu ro anang manggad. Guin pang taw-an nana ro mga pobre. Guin paobrahan nana it baeay ro mga eskwater ag guin patindugan it eskwelahan ro mga pobreng mga onga. Naglibog ro oeo ko mga tawo kon siin maghalin ro bulig kanda. Ro mga tawo naga kaigo eon ro pagkaon busa, ro pangaywang hinyo nga mayad it eawas hay natuman man.
Ro ikatlong hinyo hay para sa anang kaugalingon. Kon matapos ro misa, naga panaog imaw ag mag panglimpyo it simbahan kon owa eon it tawo.
May hakilaea imaw nga babaye nga perming ulihi kon mag uli. Busa, kun amat hay ga hambae man sanda. Nagkilaea sanda it husto ag sa owa magbuhay, guin baton imaw ko babaye tongod sa anang kabuot. Ro pagtan-aw ta abi kana ko babaye hay ka gwapo ag tirso eon kun tumindog. Owa magbuhay, nag-pakasae si Ulak ag ro anang amiga. Malipayon imaw tongod hakita nana nga maus-wagon eon ro mga tawo.

Isaeang adlaw, nag eaong imaw sa anang asawa nga magbakasyon idto sa lugar ko anang guinikanan. Nagpanaw si Ulak agod bisitahan ro guinikanan ag mga igbata. Sa bus, hay may nakasakay imaw nga magueang. Guin pangutana kana ro panyo. Rondaya ro magueang sa anang damgo. Tongod sa anang kabuot, guin pahid sa anang oyahon ro panyo. Abo nga hangawa sa anang ka gwapo. Ro anang pag eaum hay guina toeok imaw tongod sa anang maeaw-ay nga hitsura, gali nagbalhin eot-a ro anang dagway ag naduea man ro anang buktot sa likod.

Nag uli imaw sa anda nga owa makilaea eagi ko anang asawa. Guin suguid nana ro tanan. Pagkasayod, nalipay guid it duro ro anang asawa. Hasta it makaron, owa guid it nakasayod nga imaw ro nagbulig sa mga tawo. May bag-o eon nga kampanero ro pari. Nagpangabuhi eon it normal si Ulak ag ro anang asawa. /MP

NVC Alumni Malinao Chapter Elects Lolita Rubio Retome President

Lolita Rubio Retome of Bulabud, Malinao, Aklan is elected President of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC) Alumni Malinao Chapter in an organizational meeting last month held in Bulabud Brgy. Hall, Malinao.
Retome finished her BSED degree in NVC in 1967. She is now a retired teacher.

Before the election, Elma M. Jera, Alumni Coordinator briefed the Alumni of the plan, programs, and activities on the coming Reunion on January 12-13, 2009. The following are elected officers of the NVC Alumni Malinao Chapter.

Elected with Ms. Retome are Brgy. Capt. Danio Arcenio –Vice Pres.; Hedson Recudo – Secretary; Myrna Merencilla Abelarde –Treasurer; and Mrs. Fatima Rose–P.R.O. The Board of Directors are Lolita Inisa, Lorna Villanueva; Florita Idolog; Cleotildo Rubio, and Maribel Aguil.

Retome appealed to all NVCian Alumni of Malinao to lead in the participation and to reach out to other alumni. /MP

Abandoned Vehicle

Who owns this car shown in the picture at right? This pick-up has been parked at A. Mabini St., Kalibo, in front of the DRSTMH, for several months. It seems nobody owns this vehicle. It is abandoned; it is eye sore; it is hazard. May we call the police to tow this vehicle to a safe place? /MP

The 32 Best Aklanon Poets

Mr. Melchor F. Cichon of UP Visayas, Editor of the 32 Best Aklanon Poets.

In commemoration of the 32nd Anniversary of the Archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes Memorial Foundation, Inc., (AGMRMFI), a book "The 32 Best Aklanon Poets" was launched on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 10. It was held in Museo It Akean, Poblacion, Kalibo.

Mr. Melchor F. Cichon, a famous Aklan poet was the guest of honor. Cichon is a native of Lezo, Aklan. He is holding a very responsible position at UP Visayas Cichon. He edited the book to be launched.

The AGMRMFI character started with a Holy Mass in the Kalibo Cathedral to comme-morate the 57th Death Anniversary of the late Bishop Reyes.

During the launching program, Ms. Marcela R. Tinagan welcomed the visitors and guests. Ms. Corazon G. Beluso, Aklan DepEd Social Studies Supervisor in her message underscored the importance of poetry.

Intermission numbers consisted of poetry reading STI Theater group, a dance and "Binatbatan", a folk dance performed by NVC Grade V students.
Nynn Arwena G. Tamayo introduced the poet-editor, Mr. Melchor F. Cichon. He spoke about the importance of poetry writing and reading. He urged Aklanon writers to write Aklanon poetry.

The program ended with the words of thanks by Ms. Waye Marie Dela Rosa Ibañez.

The 32 Bests Aklanon Poets strongly express their dreams and aspirations; their vicissitudes and ambition in their poetry. The book portrays the strength and weaknesses of the authors. On the whole, it is a recommended reading for lonely men and women for them to regain deep motivation for life. /MP

EDITORIAL

The State of Integrity In Akelco

"Rest assured that we, your Board of Directors and the management of Akelco, Inc. will continue to look for adequate, reliable, and affordable power supply and continue to provide quality service to the member – consumers". This is quoted from the message of Mr. Jose Carl C. Quimpo, former president, Board of Directors of Akelco published in the 2008 Akelco Annual Report.

In the same Annual Report, Mr. Chito R. Peralta wrote "Keeping the lights on confronts my management amidst the looming power crisis in the Visayas". Peralta further wrote, "Akelco has been preparing for this eventualities and will decisively continue to implement plans and programs for the development of Akelco to ensure houses are continuously lighted and programs of the Province of Aklan remain growing".

Very beautiful words and reassuring. But what is the score? At what energy cost? It is incomplete for Akelco Board and Management to supply adequate electricity to residential, commercial and industrial needs. Akelco is people owned. Akelco Board are trustees of the member consumers who demand the true state of Akelco.

Every member of the Board is elected by the people. Hence, every board member is the representative of the cooperative members who deserve to be informed of the doings in Akelco.

Akelco officers, and rank and file personnel who constitute management are appointed to their respective positions with the consent of the Board and concurrence of the National Electrification Administration.

But there are matters that both the Akelco Board and management had been hiding from the member – consumers. The recent one is the contract Akelco signed with Asea Power I. To assure themselves of the contract’s non-disclosure, "confidentiality clause" is included in the contract. Did Akelco Board member initiate this confidentiality clause?

What is crooked in the contract that Akelco member consumers are disallowed from reading it? Is there a provision in the contract inimical to the interest of the member consumers? Did the Akelco board members took the member – consumers for a ride in affixing their signatures in the contract?

The prevention of member consumers from looking at the Asea Power I document rendered Quimpo’s and Peralta’s message empty, meaning-less, and untrustworthy.

A document for-mulated and approved with honesty, integrity, mutuality, and reciprocity of both parties can strongly withstand all kinds of test. A clean agreement will strongly hold its own no matter how and what. Why deprive the member consumers from glancing at the provisions of the Akelco – Asea Power I contract? After all, it is the member – consumers who pay the cost. Withholding the said contract from the people’s eyes is a flagrant violation of the Philippine Constitution.

Facts

Going over the statements of operations for the last two years as printed in its 2008 Annual Report, Akelco in its 2007 operations lost P93 million. It sold energy valued at P825.2 million but it spent P898.23 million in its operations.

In 2008, Akelco also lost P126.5 million in its operations. It sold P830.9 million worth of energy, but spent P957.4 million in its operation. Akelco lost P219.5 in its two year operations in 2007 and 2008.

Why did Akelco lose? It is losing even if it has reduced its systems loose. It is losing even if its collection efficiency is 99.14 percent. Is it losing because it is categorized as class A (Mega Large)?

Why is Akelco losing? Only the Akelco Board members and management officials are competent to enlighten the member consumers the reason for being as Akelco information is in their hands.

It is only Akelco Board and Management who has the facts about the Amended Electric Power Purchase Agreement between Akelco and Global Business Power Corporation, the state of the P92 million debt, the mysterious P38 million paid when Akelco Board approved P33 million only. Akelco management is highly competent to tell the member consumers why Akelco has accumulated P659.23 million losses. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Human Breed Improvement

In the Aklan Rehabilitation Center (ARC), Nalook, Kalibo, a woman detainee was mixed in the detention cell of male inmates. And she was detained with a foreigner in the cell.

The mixing of male and female detainees in one cell is done only in Kalibo. It is really difficult to understand why it was done.

The incident in the ARC, Kalibo reminded me of a research project of the Bureau of Animal Industry aimed to upgrade the breed of local carabao.

In order to improve the breed of carabao, a native female buffalo was placed together with a foreign breed buffalo inside the fence to induce mating in the evening. The research resulted to the improvement of the size and strength of the native carabao.

ARC is operated and maintained by the provincial government of Aklan to rehabilitate misguided persons and never to upgrade human species.

Worst Flood and Mud

On June 21 last year, Aklan specifically Kalibo and Numancia experienced the worse flood and mud distraction as a consequence of typhoon Frank.

But Metro Manila and the nearby provinces like Rizal and Bulacan experienced the worst mud and flood on Sept. 26. There was continuous rain in six hours that produced water equivalent to the total quantity of rain water that fall in one month based on the historical data. The rain brought six (6) feet deep to 15 feet water. Until this writing, some parts of Metro Manila are still under water. The flood carried soil that covered the metropolis.

Urban planners attributed the catastrophe to climate change; irresponsible waste management; the use of creeks as residential, business and industrial places; unabated cutting of tress in nearby Metro Manila; and the conversion of the hillsides into residential places.

Garbage, waterways, shanties by the sides of the esteros are blocking the flow of water. Creeks in Metro Manila are covered by buildings. These all prevented the water to flow its course, hence the flood.

Moreover, the cutting of trees by the hillsides and excavating the soil disturbed ecology. Soil erosion was taking place annually that silted the rivers and lakes making it shallow every year.

When more rain came, the water holding capacity was limited. Thus, the overflow. The soil eroded from the mountain sides went with the water. When water receded, mud was deposited.

What took place in Metro Manila and nearby provinces are valuable lessons learned for the people, especially for Aklanons. Let us continue planting trees in the mountain and in all vacant spaces, manage well our garbage, allow cover crops to grow on the mountain sides, restore the lost creeks.

These are some ways to mitigate the anger of nature. Do you have your own way? Let us have it and do it to prevent flooding, mudding, and living safely and at peace. /MP

Information Confidentiality in Akelco Invites Suspicion and Betrayal

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Atty. IMMANUEL "Noli" SODUSTA - president, Board of Directors of Akelco; Atty. Romeo Inocencio of Power Aklan; and Hon. Ramon Gelito - Aklan SP member are the guests during the Oct. 3 Kapehan Sa Aklan.

The weekly Kapehan forum on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 tackled the topic "Aklan Electricity". Atty. Noli Sodusta, president, Board of Directors (BOD), Akelco, Atty. Romeo Inocencio, former SP member and crusader for good governance and SP member Andoy Gelito were the resource persons.

Atty. Sodusta gave an overall perspective of Akelco’s plan and program particularly on its highly controversial independent power producer Panay Power Corp. (PPC) a.k.a. Mirant Global Business Corp. and the impending critical transition phase. "Akelco’s contract with Napocor (now privatized) will expire on December 5, 2009. Hence, concerted efforts to seek other power sources" must be done, Sodusta urged.

The Akelco BOD president bared that PPC with intervention from National Electrification Administration (NEA) had reduced the minimum energy uptake (MEUT) to its financial condition from red ink to black. If the trend continues, the firm is qualified for Class A plus status, a prestigious title NEA conferred upon its 119 accredited organizations. The basis is efficient collection – 99.14 percent and low systems losses – 12.06 percent.

In compliance with EPIRA law, Akelco entered into a contract early this year with Asea power One Corp which would generate 12 MW using biomass. The cost is much lower than the P4.70 per kilowatt hour since power plant to be located in Banga will utilize agricultural wastes like rice hull, rice straw, coco husk and all other farm waste rather than bunker fuel.

Other prospects being eyed are coal fired power plant in Iloilo with capacity of 164 MW and the four mini hydro electric plants to be established in the hinterlands of Libacao. Quoted coal fired generation cost is P8.423/KWH for residential, P7.69/KWH– commercial, and P7.91/KWH –industrial. The recent development is tapping wind energy that could further boost Panay’s power potentials to self sufficiency in next decade.

The latest plan of Akelco to increase capital build-up or members’ equity is bound to generate P144 million through inclusions in the monthly consumer billings.

Atty. Inocencio noted that Akelco’s management since it started operating 37 years ago has been characterized by secrecy, arrogance, and indiscretion. Virtually, it has sustained huge financial losses with dramatic increase of 14 percent in customer billing for its services from years 2008 to 2009.

The former SP member Inocencio underscored that Akelco contracted Asea Power One Corp in Feb. 2009 to supply power in the coverage area. Yet it is only lately that public consultation was held.

In 2006, Akelco entered into a contract with Mirant out of consideration that a 25 percent power shortage is imminent in Aklan. Atty Inocencio is puzzled why original stipulated consumer price was abrogated without public consultation and that the presumed power crisis did not exist in the first place. For the benefit of the doubt that Mirant is able to provide a respec-table form of service, it is important to address power demand fluctuation and power outages, Inocencio suggested.

Data show that in 2008, Mirant under the MEUT provisions was able to secure payment for its 48 million KWH a year despite consumption of only 5.6 million KWH or 1.01 percent for the period. This means an overpayment of P100 million which explains the 14 percent increase, an object of ridicule from other Napocor subscribers.

The paramount issue and concern are the dominance of elite group of bureaucrats in the power firm who do not subscribe to the normal rules of accountability, and transparency. Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente emphasized that while Akelco belongs to Aklan and Northwestern Antique member consumers yet contracts are executed by management without their knowledge and consent. Not contented of hiding the power contracts from the eyes, ears, and noses of the consumer members, Akelco BOD added the provision of "confidentiality" in the latest contract signed.

Putting the cart before the horse is obviously a stupid idea. Yet Akelco signed a contract with Asea Power One Corp without the benefit of a public consultation. It appears that its officials are only obsessed with power and oblivious to the reality that real power resides in the member consumers.

Are they beyond reproach or immune to public censure? Practically member consumers are increasingly alienated and outraged by sky-rocketing billing charges and power outages while Akelco personnel enjoy high pay scale and fringe benefits. These believe the cooperative principle for management to embrace democratic principles and be service – oriented.

Ironically, Akelco is not really a cooperative since it is not registered with Cooperatives Development Authority (CDA). It is not according to Supreme Court decision, why on earth does Akelco sanction capital build-up from its member-consumers? In the process, is Akelco stretching our patience and resilience beyond the limits?

Atty. Sodusta’s reference to Mirant’s facilities in New Washington and Nabas as standby generators (12.5MW) is inherently misplaced since for practical purposes it has never served its purpose and yet P100 million needlessly shelled out by hapless poor consumers in 2008 alone.

Considering the beleaguered condition of Akelco and strategic importance of power to our socio-economic life. An oversight committee maybe formed clothed with quasi-judicial powers to review/evaluate contracts executed by Akelco Board of Directors. It may conduct comprehensive review of Akelco official acts.

Presently, it is premature to judge Akelco’s decision to source part of its power requirements from Asea Power One Corp knowing that the plant may be operational only in 2011. However, based on existing data, rice hull as main power source is generated only by small rice millers compared to big commercial millers in Iloilo. Furthermore, biomass power plants spew large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and most likely create a huge stockpile of biomass material inside its facility.

The race is on to satisfy the 29 MW present requirement of Aklan. This is bound to increase in the coming years. Indeed filling the vacuum to be left by Napocor can be challenging in terms of selecting the least power cost service provider, reliability and most eco friendly. Fortunately, this is now within our reach.

For Akelco BOD and management, disclosure of all the information that pertains to consumer members is necessary. Confidentiality of matters concerning Akelco consumer members invites suspicion and betrayal. /MP

Numancia: Most Supportive LGU OTOP Implementer

The local government of Numancia was awarded "Most Supportive LGU OTOP Implementer of Region VI. It is now a regional nominee to the National OTOP Awards scheduled in Manila sometime in November this year. The award was given on Sept. 25 during the 1st Regional OTOP Congress held in Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City.

The EI Templonuevo Earthworm Farm and the Numancia Vermicast Producers Multi-Purpose Cooperative are among the regional finalists.

The cash and certificate awards for LGU Numancia were received by a group of Numanciahanons lead by Mayor Elverita T. Templonuevo. With her are Vice Mayor Eangeline M. Ibabao, SB member Arcel S. Tabuena, Brenda G. Marte-OTOP coordinator, Alberto Edzel B. Sualog, former Mayor EI Templonuevo, Racel I. Gomez, Liberty R. Tapican, Jerome Vega, Leopoldo Sanchez, Jr. and Dr. Florencia F. Villorente. /MP

Texas FilAms Raise $5000 for Typhoon Ondoy Victims

by Erly C. Garcia

A Philippine Air Force aerial shot shows damaged houses in Marikina City, Metro Manila. Manila was blacked out and airline flights were suspended as a powerful tropical storm Ondoy battered the island of Luzon, Philippines.

The Offering of Filipinos and Friends for Emergency Relief (OFFER), a Filipino-American civic organization based in Houston, Texas, has initially donated $5,000 for typhoon Ondoy victims in Metro Manila through the "Oplan Balus-Bulig" of Philippine Tri-media Multi-purpose Cooperative (PTMC) and its media partners.

Rufino "Pinoy" Gonzales II, chairman of PTMC and OFFER volunteer, made the confirmation last week after he received the email communication from Norma Benzon, OFFER Executive Director, stating the initial donation.
Gonzales contacted Benzon and her group in a live broadcast over Z100-FM last week where the plan to give donation to the typhoon victims was made.

Since its launching on September 29, 2009 "Oplan Balus-Bulig" already received P50,000 in cash and in kind.

"Oplan Balus-Bulig" seeks donations of used clothings, non-perishable foods, bottled waters and cash for the flood victims in Manila.

The donations may be coursed through Z100-FM located at No. 83 Delgado Street, Iloilo City; The News Today located at Lopez Jaena Street, Baluarte, Molo, Iloilo City; and News Express located at Lopez Arcade, E. Lopez St., Jaro, Iloilo City. Cable television talk shows Talking Point and Tatak Ilonggo also support the project.

Cash donations could be made at the bank account of the Philippine Tri-media Multi-purpose Cooperative at BPI Iloilo-Jaro Branch with Account No. 1330-0044-59.

Updates on the progress of the donations are being made public every morning over the radio program "Kalingawan, Balita kag Lapdusanay sang mga Impormasyon kag Isyu" at Z100-FM from 6:00-8:00. Tonette Toledo, president of PTMC, said the donations gathered by "Oplan Balus-Bulig" will be brought by cooperative officers this weekend to its target recipient which is the City of Marikina, and other areas hardest hit by the flood caused by typhoon Ondoy.

Toledo said the group chose Marikina City to be the recipient of the "Oplan Balus-Bulig" because of their help to the people of Iloilo City in the aftermath of typhoon Frank last year.

Toledo, whose house in Jaro was one of those swept by typhoon Frank, said that it is just proper to return the favor to Marikina City which "went out of its way just to help us Ilonggos during our time of need." /MP

Aklan’s United Leadership Coalition Reigns Supreme in New Washington

by Recto I. Vidal

The United Leader-ship Coalition (ULC), a political entity recently made possible after the province’s dominant political group Tibyog It Akean and opposition group Kusog It Akean joined forces for Aklan’s progress and develop-ment, asserted its political supremacy after all sixteen barangay officials and municipal officials pledged their commit-ment to support the ULC in next year’s May 2010 local elections.

In a mass oath-taking held at the posh residence of Mayor Edgar Peralta of this vote-rich municipality of New Washington last week, barangay officials including three municipal councilors formerly aligned with the opposition, came in full force to take their oath as new members of said political coalition with no less than Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez assisting them.

To cap the historic event, Marquez also inducted provincial board members Rodson Mayor, Nemesio Neron and Daisy Briones as new party members of the coalition.

In his message, Peralta proudly recalled that during his term, the United Leadership in Aklan led by its founder former Aklan Rep. Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, he was able to muster at least 80 percent of the elected local officials in New Washington leaving only twenty percent to the opposition.
"Now with this mass oath-taking that took place tonight, I can proudly say that the ULC has managed to ensure the full commitment and support of these officials 100 percent," Peralta enthused.

He added that, "I’m confident that next year’s election is merely a formality. We can now focus our energies in the development projects of our municipality," after noting the absence of any opposition that will challenge his administration.

In a news conference that followed, Peralta credited the political phenomenon to the solid track record of the United Leadership Coalition as far as good governance is concerned.

For his part, Aklan Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores was happy to note that the Aklanons has finally reached a certain level of maturity after realizing that a united leadership can bring the province’s political leaders into a common goal and set aside political differences for Aklan’s progress and development.

MOVE: VAWC Cases Against Aklan Kids,

Women Alarming

"Alarming and glaring." This is the description given by Franklin Quimpo, provincial head of the Men Oppose to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) in describing the rampant cases of violence against women and children in Aklan.

"From the month of January 2009 to Sept. 10 this year, MOVE Aklan documented a total of 545 Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) cases wherein at least 61 women and children are victimized every month or a total of two (2) victims each day," Quimpo pointed out.

In a meeting last Friday held at the women center "Daeangpan it mga Kababayenhan", the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) reported that at least 160 cases were reported in Kalibo followed by Boracay with 93 cases.
The sudden rise in the number of VAW cases was attributed to the heightened awareness of the victims and their respective families, thus they resolved to report to proper authorities the incidence of abuses against them.

Other reasons cited are due to poverty, absence of separated rooms prompting the kids to sleep on the same room with their parents, drunkenness, ignorance, poor parental guidance, absence of mother due to work, prohibited drugs, peer groups, lust, pornographic materials, and text messages from cellphones.

The APPO also reported that there is an increase in the number of suspects who are at large. Reasons cited are the late reporting of said incidence, incident happened in remote areas, and undecided complainants.

A case of human trafficking, a non bailable offense, resulted to the closure of Scorpio videoke bar in Kalibo after it was found out that minors were forcibly detained and made to work as guest relations officers by the manage-ment. An APPO office admitted that lack of political will hampered their campaign against human trafficking.

To further strengthen its campaign against VAWC, MOVE advocate Grace Quimpo suggested the strengthening of the referral system of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development.

She also underscored the problem of the data base that should be addressed in order for MOVE to have a more accurate picture of the VAWC cases in Aklan. /MP

Do A Mayweather: ‘Bloat And Outweigh’ Pacquiao

by ALEX P. VIDAL

LOS ANGELES, California – Buoyed by the recent lopsided victory of Goliath over David, backers of World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight champion Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) have egged the 28-year-old native of Caguas, Puerto Rico to adopt the strategy employed by Team Mayweather Jr. when he squares off against boxing’s best boxer pound-for-pound Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) on November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Cotto will stake his belt when he collides with the 30-year-old Filipino reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) light welterweight king in a "catch" weight: 144 pounds.

Since he appears to be slightly physically superior being a natural 142-pounder, some of Cotto’s backers thought he could overwhelm Pacquiao by using his size to buttress his force and ring prowess.

Analysts believed Floyd Mayweather Jr. was "too heavy" for hitherto lightweight campaigner Juan Manuel Marquez to handle, not to mention Mayweather’s natural talent and skills perfectly tailored for the welterweight class.

Cotto, however, will not be the first fighter to have breached the 140-pound level that Pacquiao will face.

In December last year, the four-time world titlist in four different weight divisions, brought down the biggest Goliath in fight business–Oscar De La Hoya– with a smashing 10th round technical knockout (TKO) win in Las Vegas.

On May 2, this year, Pacquiao silenced the cynics when he tore to shreds in two brutal rounds another Goliath, Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton of Great Britain also in Las Vegas.

The three – De La Hoya, Hatton, and Cotto – sat comfortably for years carrying world boxing jewels in their heads above the 135-pound weight bracket where Pacquiao reigned with unmatched supremacy and ferocity at the same time as World Boxing Council (WBC) franchise holder.

PENALTY

Mayweather Jr. had reported to the weighing scale "over bloated" but was prepared to pay the $600,000 penalty imposed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) in his 12-round September 19 conquest of Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mayweather has denied it was his "over" weight that tore to ribbons Marquez face even as he nearly made the gutsy "Mexicutioner" wipe the canvas with his face for good in the second stanza with a searing signature left hook.
Having survived what could have been an embarrassing trip to dreamland and stretched Mayweather to the limit, Marquez offered no excuses except to grumble that he was fighting a Goliath who outweighed him by as much as 20 pounds a day before the fight.

Marquez thought an upset win over Mayweather could bring him closer to a record third showdown against Pacquiao, the man he has been passionately chasing all the way from superfeatherweight to lightweight until his gallant effort was put to a screeching halt by the Mayweather Express.

Mayweather claimed there was no way for any visitor in his division to derail his comeback bid even after a 21-month layoff. He even refused to speculate on his next fight saying he is the one who is undefeated and, therefore, shouldn’t be the one to chase any marquee name.

Mayweather was referring to endorsements from matchmakers for him to next face Pacquiao, the successor of his "best boxer in the world pound-for-pound" honor.

If Pacquiao will successfully dismantle Cotto on Nov. 14, Mayweather cannot any-more avoid mentioning the Filipino’s name as his possible next opponent. After all, the Pacquiao-Cotto tussle had to be reset as originally scheduled after Mayweather’s camp sought for postponement of his fight against Marquez from July 17 to September 19.

The grapevine said both Mayweather and Pacquiao need tune-up fights against dangerous foes before the rich deal will be officially packaged in a multimillion duel in 2010. /MP

Health Link

by Cecille dela Rosa de Lemos

Regionwide 2nd Dose Measles Vaccination
for Western Visayas Children

The Department of Health Center for Health Development Western Visayas conducted an emergency meeting with the provincial health officers, city health officers, EPI coordinators, GP coordinators, health promotion education officers, and cold chain managers regarding the Regionwide Implementation of the 2nd Dose Measles Vaccination (MV2) Among Children in Western Visayas on Sept. 30, 2009 at Sarabia Manor Hotel, Iloilo City.

The PHO-Aklan staff who attended the meeting are Bella R. Villaruel, nurse III/EPI coordinator; Sonia David, nutritionist – dietitian II/GP coordinator; and Celia R. de Lemos, supervising midwife/cold chain manager.

Dr. Ma. Sophia S. Pulmones, OIC CHD local health system division, delivered the welcome message. Assistant Regional Director Marlyn Convocar gave her message. Dr. Renilyn Reyes, regional EPI coordinator, presented the EPI Accomplishment Report and discussed topics on Measles Mass Campaigns, the Guidelines on Administration on 2nd Dose of Measles Vaccination, the Logistics Requirements, and the Social Mobilization. Dr. Glen L. Alonsable, regional epidemiologist, presented the EPI Surveillance Report.

The second dose measles vaccination, a special immunization strategy to stop measles virus circulation is currently ongoing in the province of Iloilo and Negros Occidental. In 2008, there was a measles outbreak in one of the municipalities of Negros Occidental. Thus, the issuance of DOH memo 2009-0108 entitled Administration of 2nd Dose Measles Vaccination which only included all the municipalities and cities of Negros as well as Bacolod City. In 2009, majority of laboratory measles cases (7 cases) in Western Visayas were from Iloilo Province. Thus, a similar activity was conducted in Iloilo Province and Iloilo City.

At present, there are 16 laboratory confirmed cases in Western Visayas particularly in the provinces of Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental. With the increasing measles cases in this region, the DOH recommended to conduct the 2nd dose measles vaccination for 13-23 months old children to all other provinces including Antique and Aklan. Measles vaccination may be given as early as six months old but a repeat measles vaccination should be given at nine months old. This measles vaccination at nine months old is considered as the primary vaccination (MV1).

All suspect measles cases should be collected with serum specimen for laboratory confirmation at RITM to be facilitated by PESU. For municipalities with laboratory confirmed cases, 2nd dose measles vaccination may be given to children ages 15-23 months old. Availability of logistics must be ensured prior to the conduct of this activity. Vitamin A will be given to all six months – 71 months old children. /MP

NVC Alumni Lezo Chapter Elects Mendoza President

The NVC Alumni Lezo Chapter elected Mrs. Nemia P. Mendoza President. The election was held last month at Lezo Institute, Lezo, Aklan.

Mrs. Mendoza finished her Bachelor of Arts degree in Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC) in 1973. She was a former principal of NVC, HS Department. She is currently teaching in Catalino M. Prado National High School, Lezo, Aklan.

Mrs. Elma M. Jera, Alumni Coordinator briefed the Alumni of the coming Reunion on January 12-13, 2009 and the planned activities and programs.
Mrs. Mendoza appealed to all NVCian Alumni of Lezo to lead in the participation and to reach out to other alumni. /MP

Kalibo Donates Php 200,000 to Marikina City

by TERENCE T. TORIANO

Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo presided a joint executive and legislative meeting of the Local Government of Kalibo last month. The meeting agreed to donate a financial assistance of Php 200,000 to the hardest hit of all cities in Metro Manila by Typhoon Ondoy, Marikina City.

The financial assis-tance will be taken from the 20 percent Calamity Fund approved in a Sangguniang Bayan Resolution proposed by SB member Mark Vega Quimpo. The resolution was unanimously approved by the august body.

Aside from the financial assistance, the people of Kalibo began donating used clothes and cash through Mayor Rebaldo’s Office and the LGU Kalibo’s own radio station, CBIS DyYM 98.5 Ka-Tribu Radyo. More-over, a private firm and a forwarding company pledged to take care of the delivery of relief goods to Marikina City.

The Kalibonhons have developed an affinity to the people of Marikina through Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando and, his wife, Mayor Marides Fernando who sent MMDA heavy machineries and personnel to the capital town of Aklan after it was devastated by Typhoon Frank on June 21, 2008.

"We neither have the technical equipment nor we are a rich municipality. But we do what we can to our brothers and sisters in Manila especially the people of Marikina even in a simple way that we can return the favor and help them in their time of need," said Rebaldo during an interview with Ka-Tribu Radyo. /MP

Winning The War Against Insurgency

The 12th IB, 3rd Infantry Division PA under the supervision of LTC HENRY C DAR INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer 12IB and 3CMOU, CMOG, PA under the leadership of MAJ JENIE M HEYASA conducted series of Information Campaign to the different schools in the Province of Aklan. The information campaign aims to keep the people aware on the evils of communism and the deceiving principles of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

As mandated by the Higher Headquarters, Philippine Army, it is the army’s social responsibility to enlighten and educate the people about the threats to National Security. This is an awareness program designed to establish a close relationship between the Army, government agencies, private sector, and civilian populace to prevent the CPP/NPA/NDF from recruiting new members.

The Internal Security Awareness Symposium (ISAS is an Army-initiated effort supported by different Schools, Barangay Councils, and other government agencies to stop the senseless ideology of the communist. Considering that insurgency is a social problem , this cannot be solved by military solution alone. Insurgency needs the full cooperation and involvement of Government Agencies, NGO’s, religious sector, private institutions, and the masses.

To date, the 12th IB, 3ID, PA and 3CMO, CMOG, PA has completed the Internal Security Awareness Symposium in various parts of Banga, Madalag and Malinao headed by the newly designated Civil Military Operation Officer 1LT RICARDO C VILLARUEL III (INF) PA. A documentary film entitled "The Cathlyn Santos Story I was shown. This film is a true story and revelation of a former NPA member on how the CPP/NPA/NDF brutally murdered her friend, the late Cathlyn Santos, a young student of Veterinary Medicine in Luzon. Cathlyn Santos, prior to her involvement in NPA, was one among those recruited and deceived by the League of Filipino Students.

On the other hand, Mr Ronito I Inolino, School head of Ciriaco I. Icamina National High School and Hon Danilo Arsenio, Barangay Chairman of Barangay Bulabod, Malinao, Aklan in an interview by Sgt Glenn I Zolina (Inf) PA denounced the atrocious act of the Communist Terrorist particularly to the minors which is a violation of human rights.

As people gets fully aware, insurgency will soon be brought to an end and the 3rd Infantry (SPEARHEAD) Division under the Command of MAJ GEN VICENTE M PORTO AFP Comman-der 3ID, PA will once again prove that "Winning the war without fighting is the true acme of skill". /MP

WHAT A BIG SHAME !! A Slap To Filipinos

Last week, an embarrasing scene was played on tv when a flip general was carried on someone else shoulder so he wouldn’t get wet when he stepped on a (banca) boat. The American officer (following him as the picture at right shows) is wading on the water and stepped on the banca wet and without any help. See the symbolism on why the Philippines have problems?

This military officer is Brig. Gen. Marciano Ilagan. Somebody suggested he should be fired from the service.

How can the Philippines win the war against Abbu Sayaff and MILF if our military generals are sick of hydrophobia.

It is a shame!

Some Filipino military generals are afraid of water. /MP

EDITORIAL

Government Retirees of Libacao
Ambassadors At Large *

by Atty. Saykeme E. Molino – Martelino

Greetings!

We have gathered here this morning to honor the officers and one hundred strong members of Government Retirees Organization of Libacao, Inc., who retired at different times from various government positions and offices. These persons contributed significantly to the success not only of Libacao but our province (of Aklan), as well. We thank you for this contribution. I am glad to note that all of you retired with clean records and I commend you for that.

I know that since you have retired from the service, you all have been asked, what are you going to do now? I say, do a lot of things and do not conform to the notion of retirement as time of waiting for the inevitable end. Helen Keller, puts it this way: ‘People who refuse to rest honorably on their laurels when they reach "retirement" age seem very admirable to me.’ Travel to places you’ve always wanted to go to and haven’t been. Read all the books that have been waiting on your ‘must read’ list for years. Do gardening, learn new skills, play with your grandchildren, visit art galleries, enjoy being around with friends . . . in short, plan to LIVE.

Retiring from the service does not mean the end of one’s productivity and contribution to nation building. It simply means changing roles from being employed to self employment. In other words, it means working in a different capacity in a different field. During your retirement, you will learn that there is a lot you can do to earn a living and achieve your dreams. In fact, you will discover that you may have not realized your full potential while working for the government. A career choice as self-employed should be compatible with an individual’s life priorities.

I urge you to discover your potential and exploit it to the maximum. Have goals and aim at achieving them. Whatever amount of resources you have, invest them wisely in appropriate income generating activities. Avoid investing in a business you do not know or whose success is not feasible in the foreseeable future. If you have a problem in deciding the right business, seek professional advice. By wisely investing (your savings), you will have secured your future and hence become financially independent.

As you enjoy your retirement from public service, remember that you are now role models in the society. You are Libacao’s ambassadors at large and we will, therefore, expect you to play a key role in enhancing the develop-ment of Libacao.

Among us this morning are the spouses and/or family members of those we have come to honor. I would like to recognize their presence and thank them for their contribution towards your success at your respective workplaces.

Finally, I thank you all for joining us here today. And to the retirees, I say thank you once again for the many years you have dedicated to government service and more importantly, for your contribution to the success which Libacao and the Province of Aklan enjoy today. I wish you success in all your endeavors.

* Speech delivered during the Induction Program of the officers of the GROLI on Sept. 27, 2009, Libacao, Aklan. /MP