Work Overload for Kalibo’s New Elected Officials

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Weekly Kapehan forum on May 29, 2010 is titled, "Kalibo Elected Officials, First 100 Days." As usual venue at Smokehauz Resto & Bar was alive with exciting personalities that would shape and guide Kalibo’s political landscape. On hand to brief the press on priority programs were Mayor elect William Lachica and his Vice Mayor Madeline Ang Regalado and Dr. Nilda Buyoc Tambong.

Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino observed that electorate of the premiere town of Aklan manifested political maturity since new elected officials have their own track record of performance and credibility. With the help of God progress and stability could be achieved if we work out our plans, the ex-Vice Gov. added.

Mayor elect William Lachica has five priority projects which are: a) determine and evaluate status of municipal employees based on civil service guidelines, b) upgrading public market at Andagao, c) street lighting installation at D. Maagma St. from Golden Salakot to Gen. F. Castillo monument and Mabini St. intersection to crossing Old Buswang, d) Relocation of dumping site from Bakhao Sur to Balete and e) implementation of Master Drainage Plan.

As former Vice Mayor of Kalibo, Engr. Lachica is familiar with personnel administration but did not elaborate on specific plans. Upgrading of public market parti-cularly native handicraft section is facilitated with P11 million loan by present Administration from Land Bank of the Philippines. Practically he is averse to bank loans but will closely monitor project implementation.

Street lighting installation has been given the nod of PAGCOR Chairman Efren Genuino who pledged P3.4 million.

Leyson property of 6.0 hectares in Balete to be used as Kalibo Municipal Dumpsite is worth P3.0 million. Sanitary landfill will accommodate all non-biodegradable, non-recyclable materials or those rejected by Material Recovery Facility (MRF) PO2 Julius Barrientos, head of Task Force MRF said that training of participants from all 16 barangays will begin next week.

Panelists were swamped with other pressing issues and concerns especially the following: "Modern" slaughterhouse at Tinigao is a misnomer and equated with misadministration. Established 28 years ago during the term of Mayor Wilihado Regalado, it has never acquired accoutrements of modernization. Source of our beefsteak and lechon kawali comes not in aseptic meat processing facility but from a rundown government outfit.

Daily average of 70 heads swine and large cattle are processed with barest essentials: single hand pump, bare rugged concrete floor as butchering ad cleaning area and five large vats for boiling water. Workers have no ventilation or back-up lighting in case of brownouts. (They use open kerosene lamps). Dumping ground for discarded body parts (horns, hooves, and hair) are piled outside and sloppy waste drain out not to catchments basins but the Aklan River!

The stink and swarm of flies are serious health problems of the community but their cries have fallen on deaf ears.

Dressed meat is transported to the public market in open tricycles where dust and more pathogens are attracted. Meat handlers do not care much about personal hygiene, approved health certificate or handling meat with rubber gloves.

Nutritionists often advised homemakers to rub a wet cloth on dressed meat or use water sparingly to avoid unnecessary loss of nutrients. The question is must this be the advised if the source of our meat supply is highly questionable? Nevertheless a large percentage of daily output of Kalibos’ abattoir goes to Boracay and neighboring towns.

The Plazoleta marker has come under fire with statements from incumbents Vice Mayor Tambong and SB member Regalado that it is an Executive proposal of Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo. Approved supplemental budget is P1 million but never deliberated upon nor supported by an SB resolution.

Dr. Tambong said that there is no need for a minipark since we have three big parks namely: Pastrana, Magsaysay, and Goding Ramos where patrons could safely play and relaxed.

Now for Datu Bangkaya reverently upholding the Sto. Niño image is preposterous. A local priest denounced the life size statue as sacrilege since the holy Child’s image must do not be touched by a known Muslim devotee. The Muslim world also condemns it as idolatrous since they do not worship graven images.

Going to historical accounts landing of ten Muslim Datus from Sabah, Malaysia occurred in early part of 12th century. Christianity as first brought by Franciscan missionaries happened in 1571 (founding of Kalibo) or late 16th century. From this data it is unlikely that Datu Bangkaya lived for 400 years and converted to Christianity.

The Aloha marker fronting Kalibo Pilot Elem. School poses serious threat to motorists and school children. Constructed in early 1970’s, Mabini St., then had a light traffic load. Toward the 1980’s however it was expanded to accommodate more vehicles especially tricycles and buses. Present alignment of the Aloha structure occupies one-third of the three lane highway thus creating an abrupt bottleneck in front of the school gate. This is even exacerbated by double parked tricycles jostling for paying commuters.

Safety consideration of these "historic" markers like the Aloha and Golden Salakot of Kalibo and Welcome Arch. Rotonda of Banga are questioned not on their merits but on whether they are presently relevant and useful. Even concrete traffic barriers in Metro Manila are trimmed down and replaced with steel fences. Conventional wisdom only dictates that traffic public safety must be paramount when designing structures along or in the middle of the highway. The Republic Nautical highway that spawned 10 wheeler trucks and big provincial buses exert a heavy strain on our defective transport system marked by narrow twists and turns and bonanza of slow moving vehicles.

Obviously the only solution is dismantling structures that have outlived their usefulness. It is high time that Kalibo install traffic lights and CCTV cameras on busy street intersections since they are operational 24/7.

Mr. Conrad Indelible of DYRU Superadyo has lamented uncontrolled volume of tricycle units as a result of Mun. Mayors’ decision to approve tricycle franchise. Despite the findings of the Municipal Tricycle and Traffic Management Board headed by Ms. Gay Quimpo that only 1500 units could be safely accommodated has ballooned to 3,000. Considering that this problem is included in the political platform of Mayor elect Lachica, this usurpation issue that originally belonged to the legislative body will be restored.

The number of children in conflict with the law remains unabated as no comprehensive government program is set in place to train and rehabilitate them. In this case we are losing our most valuable resource to uncertain future unless the Christian social outreach program opens to minor offenders and their parents or guardian.

The Ati-Atihan Management Board usually funded with P1 million annual appropriations for the two week long celebration will have one representative from the tri-media to promote transparency and accountability. Likewise the incoming Administration that will be sworn into office on June 30, 2010 promised to hold monthly presscon. Hopefully, interaction and feedback will be fruitful in effective governance.

With priority projects at hand and pressing issues and concerns, new elected officials led by Mayor elect William Lachica will surely experience work overload for the first 100 days.

On behalf of members of tri-media, warm congratulations and Godspeed! /MP

DPWH Mobilizes Personnel for School Opening

ILOILO CITY – The city government through its Local School Board is giving importance to the expansion of school projects, especially those that are situated near relocation sites.

Board secretary Nathaniel Guillergan cited among others the expansion of the Jose L. Tiongco Elementary School which is located near the city’s 16-hectare relocation site in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro.

Guillergan said there is a possibility that enrollment in schools such as the Jose L. Tiongco Elementary School will surge given the number of relocatees that are being accommodated in relocation sites.

The 2010 annual budget for the Special Education Fund (SEF) has allotted around P26 million for the construction and completion of classroom buildings and other structures both for elementary and secondary schools.

The Jose L. Tiongco Elementary School was allotted P1.5 million for the construction of its additional two-storey building.

Just recently, the board also approved Supplemental Budget No. 7 containing another P3 million for building construction at the Lapaz National High School and at Fort San Pedro High School.
　

DepEd Ready To Give Sexual Education To Students

The Department of Education (DepEd) here is ready to teach sex education (SexEd) to students in public schools this school opening.

City schools division superintendent, Dr. Erlinda Gencaya said that teachers in the city are equipped to teach sexual education to elementary and high school students.
Dr. Gencaya is optimistic that teaching the subject will be a breeze especially among science and social studies teachers who have been incorporating the said subject matter in their previous lesson plans.

Sexual education is already discussed as part of the reproductive system and biology classes among elementary students. This is while family planning methods including the use of contraceptives such as IUD, pills, condoms as well as ligations and sterilization is fully discussed in social studies, she said.

Teachers are up to the task of educating students on sexual education as it will definitely be included in the new curriculum of the DepEd.

Likewise, Gencaya said that unless there is a separate guideline provided by DepEd on how to teach the SexEd, they are going to teach it in the same manner that they have been teaching it for years.

TF Adams Apple Strengthens Monitor On Sex Workers

The city’s Task Force Adam’s Apple here is intensifying its monitoring of commercial sex workers as the school opening approaches.

Task force chairman Jorge Doron said that they were doubling their night roving and monitoring of sex workers in the city since they usually came in droves when classes were about to start.

Meanwhile, Doron said they were cracking down freelance sex workers who did not have permits.

He said that they would detain the illegal freelancers and send them to the city social hygiene office for smearing and health examination.

"We cannot allow these unpermitted commercial sex workers to spread infections and other sexually transmitted diseases," said Doron, adding that the policy remained stringent: no permit, no duty.

There are around 399 registered sex workers in the city. At least 189 of them are dancers in clubs, 122 guest relation officers (GRO) and 93 masseurs based on latest data of the task force.

There were about 200 freelance sex workers in the city alone, said Doron.

Doron said that the task force would also round school premises and main city streets frequented by sex workers.

The task force is reminding managers and owners of clubs that hire commercial sex workers to coordinate with their monitoring. They must regularly check their employees to avoid detentions of undocumented sex workers and penalties from the city. (PNA)/MP

In Support To Kool Earth

by CHRISTY ANN NAvARRA

The Kauswagan Youth Movement (KYM) of Brgy. Poblacion in Numancia has taken the initiative to support Kool Earth, an environmental advocates group in Aklan. Thru its active member, Ms. Megs Lunn, who also happens to be a long time adviser of the KYM supported the advocacy by initiating a community based undertaking.
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT IN THE WORLD! GATHER YOUR TRASH! WIN A PRIZE!!!

Thru this slogan title, a family can register and submit their application form thru KYM as the leading organizing committee. The following guidelines are as follows: The families must gather empty bottles (plastic/glass), cans and plastic pouches in transparent garbage bags. Put each kind in separate transparent garbage bags. Each can/bottle/pouch will be CLEANED/DRIED before submission; 2. The entries must be bona fide resident of Kauswagan Youth Movement community members; 3. Organizing committee KYM will go to each of your homes to collect the garbage bag every two weeks; 4. Each entry every two weeks will be recorded; 5. The family with the highest number of collected garbage (bottles/pouches/cans) will win a prize; 6. The prize will be awarded on December 25, 2010, during the Christmas Party Treat for children; 7. All collected garbage will go to the MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILITY of Kool Earth in Pook, Kalibo, Aklan for recycling; 8. Organizing Committee members can join the contest but how-ever are not eligible for joining the 1st three family registrants who will win a complimentary Kool Earth T-shirts as incentives being early bird registrants.

Prizes at stake are not convertible to cash. 1st Prize, 2-DAY TRIP TO BORACAY, 2nd Prize-HOME APPLIANCE , 3rd Prize - NEW YEAR NOCHE BUENA, Consolation Prizes and Gift Items.

This initiative in the KYM community is inspired to render its social responsibility to answer the long-pressing concern on the management of our waste and in support to RA 9003 - Ecological Solid Waste Management.

"I pledge myself, upon my honor, to be loyal to my God, to my church and to my country. I pledge myself to lead a clean and honest life and to fulfill all my duties as a Christian. I bind myself to promote by word and example clean and wholesome recreation. I am dedicating my efforts today to help the Mother Nature and I shall strive to promote efforts in pre-venting global warming. I shall work and pray to be in all things the best person that I can be." – Kool Earth.

The initiative is a joint venture of Megs and her daughter Clouds, who is also a member of KE and with whom Megs was inspired by her ideas on the yearly Christmas Party Treat for Children a significant one. According to Megs, "Clouds gladly and gracefully offered her birthday treat allowance last December 1, 2009 to help sponsor the 1st 3K Fun Run in Kalibo held on December 3, 2009 during the launching of Kalibo Municipal Ordinance 2009-004, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management code."

The group hopes to inspire other members of Kool Earth to implement the ideals and goals of the organization. With the support of the mouth and muscle of Kool Earth president, Ms. Chita Dela Cruz-Heap and the brain and founder of Kool Earth Vice-President, Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz, surely, this endeavor will be of great success.

"We also hope to imitate the initiative in our Purok and that Bread and Butter will also sponsor the prizes" said Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz. Ms. C. Heap also expressed her full support to this endeavor and that she vows to continue the aspirations of KE at all stake. /MP

Live Life, Love Life

by MEGS S. LUNN

Do you live life to the fullest? Do you love life because you exist with good things in life? Or do you hate life because you exist with too much problems? How do you live life and love life?

The question of distinguishing what we are and are not responsible for in this life is one of the continuing challenges of human existence. In every choice that we made, it is one that we must make thousands upon thousands of times, it is never completely resolved at all times.

For one, saying NO is one of the hardest things to do. But by saying "NO", you are setting up boundaries about yourself and about the things you should and shouldn’t do.

One of my mentors once told me that when service to community is called for, I am the kind of a person who needs to learn to say NO. Indeed, in many instances already, when I followed his advice, it was the most wonderful submission to the choice of responsibility I have ever done. In one organization that I belong with, there is this saying "we don’t accept NO for an answer" and we are talking here about service to the community. Again, it is the most wonderful feeling, because, by saying "NO" to more things you have the time, energy, and resources to get really good at the things you want to say "YES" to. Once , they branded me as the "giver", "fixer" and "doer". Now, by saying "NO", I have allowed others to step up to the plate and find their power. One of my spiritual advisers agreed, "It is the most mature thing to do."

On the other hand, discipline is the means for solving life’s problems. And all discipline according to the book, The Road Less Traveled, is a form of submission. The discipline to discern what we are or are not responsible for is most crucial, since we must go through the existential suffering of choosing when and what to submit to and what not to submit to, whether that is our own ego, love, God or even the forces of evil.

We also hear people complain about how hard life is. People, who complain about life, don’t create an empowered life, or feel like victims are often those who find it very difficult to say "NO" and define boundaries. We also learned from our mistakes and that we consider our everyday life a learning opportunity to continue to live a life of distinguishing what we are and are not responsible for in this life. Yet, we still continue to question our existence. Service to community is something that we can’t say NO to. However, those who can only afford to say YES are those who have the spirit of volunteerism, not because they can do, but because they are blessed. There is a time to reap and a time to give back. These are the people who find pleasure after a regular job in the office that they find happiness to do more beyond their call of duty. We actually call it social responsibility or corporate responsibility to those who lives in a corporate world. These and more are manifestations of our submission to responsibility and choices of life.

How many times over you asked yourself, what I am here for? In the book, Purpose Driven Life, we actually exist because we have mission in life. That mission is for you to realize that everything in life is borrowed and that we are only given the chance to work out ourselves in this world to be an asset and not a liability.

I believe that it is thru life’s problem that we see the worth of ourselves and that thru life’s struggle we learn a great deal of lessons. We also need problem in order to function well. The question is, are you ready to face them? (By the way, we call PROBLEM now as CONCERN, it is lighter to hear it this way.)

We hope that in the things that we face everyday, we will eventually learn to live life and love life. /MP

Host Willie’s Popularity Nosedives In Vancouver!

by ALEX P. VIDAL

VANCOUVER , British Columbia – "Wowowee" has not yet made a show here but host Willie Revillame’s "erratic" handling of his feud with a showbiz writer that led to his unceremonious exit from the popular TV program, has been the talk of the town in the Filipino community.

Most fans here, however, have no love lost for the controversial noontime show host, who was reported to be on "indefinite leave" following his much publicized altercation with tabloid columnist Jobert Sucaldito.

"He has repeatedly said that he was willing to make a sacrifice for the show," said Rolly Fortaleza, a graphic artist from Surrey . "If he will not come back, he will really have to sacrifice his income of at least one million (Philippine) pesos a month."

Fortaleza rapped Revillame saying "he had it coming" if the ABS-CBN management decided to ax him "because he did not have any iota of humility when he openly challenged the management right in his show, a move that he would regret for a long time."

Yolanda Escalante, a live-in caregiver who hails from Maasin, Leyte, said she used to admire Revillame especially his gesture of handing out money to the needy and to poor show participants, "pero maraming na akong naririnig na hindi mabuti tungkol sa kanya at napatunayan ito noong nagsalita siya ng hindi tama tungkol sa away nila ni Sucaldito." (I have heard so many ugly stories about him in the past and this was magnified by his conflict with Sucaldito.)

SHOW IN B.C.

Despite what happened to Revillame, event organizer Elena Boyd said they are still hoping to see in the future the "Wowowee" show in British Columbia.

"Even without Mr. Revillame, members of the Filipino community are still hankering to watch the show ‘live’ here. We don’t care if it is only Pokwang and the other ladies who will act as hosts," she said. "Willie Revillame belongs to the past. Wowowee will remain as Wowowee even without Mr. Revillame."

A Filipino chef of a Japanese restaurant on Burrard Street who requested anonymity said Revillame "was very wrong when he made those irresponsible statements because he and the object of his tirade belong to the same station and they have the same employer."

"Sana naman mag ingat siya sa mga pananalita niya dahil sa palagay ko ay hindi tama ang ginawa niya at marami ang nasaktan (He should be cautious with the words that come out from his mouth. He really was wrong and has offended so many personalities)," he quipped.

Wowowee is a local noontime variety show broadcasted by ABS-CBN in the Philippines . The show first premiered on February 5, 2005, and airs live weekdays and Saturdays.

The show also broadcasts worldwide through ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel.

BACKFIRE

Revillame, 49, absorbed stinging brickbats from irate TV audience in the Philippines and abroad when he dared the station management to fire Sucladito, who is hosting a separate showbiz show in the same TV station.

He accused Sucaldito of "unfairly" criticizing his program for allowing several below average grade school pupils as guests and thus exposing them to ridicule.

Revillame, a movie comedian, later explained "he was only tired" when he made those remarks. He, however, did not show any remorse.

After he issued the threat to resign if Sucaldito was not dismissed, Revillame disappeared from the show. Reports said the show’s rating went up when actor Robin Padilla substituted temporarily for several weeks.

The management was set to announce the new male host or hosts as of press time.
Sucaldito was not fired. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Tita Linda Belayro

Guinsumpa Nga Prinsipe

Nag asawa it uman ro hari it Bersalya maskin bag-o eamang mamatay ro asawang reyna. Masubo ro prinsipe sa kasae ko anang ama. Owa naila ro prinsipe sa bag-ong reyna. Agod mabueong ro anang kamingaw, nagpamasyar imaw sa kagueangan, kaibahan ko anang alalay nga si Sandro. May hakita sanda nga isaeang ka usang puti. Andang guin eagas hasta hadakpan nanda ag hapatay. Owa sanda nakasayod nga guina panag iyahan gali ro usa ko anang madrasta. Naakig it duro ro reyna ag guin sumpa nana ro prinsipe nga mangin kabayo. Hakita ni Sandro ro tanan. Kada adlaw nangin kabayo ro prinsipe ag kon gabii eamang nagiging tawo. Umpisa kato, owa guid sanda nakasayod kon sin-o ro nag sumpa.

Isaeang adlaw, samtang naga sakay si Sandro sa kabayo, may hasubeang sanda nga magueang. Guin pakaon ni Sandro ro magueang. Hakita ko magueang ro naga kabit nga kulentas sa li-og it kabayo. Anang guin buksan ro locket ag hakilaea nana nga prinsipe ratong kabayo. Guin sugo nana si Sandro nga boe-on ro bote sa kwarto it reyna nga may sueod nga berdeng likido ag ibuhos sa eawas ko kabayo. Nag uli ro daywa ag guin higot sa kwadra ro kabayo.

Batasan it reyna ro naga pasilak kon agahon sa hardin. Pagkakita ni Sandro nga idto sa hardin ro reyna, nagsueod imaw it sekreto sa kwarto it reyna ag guin bo-oe ro bote. Dali-dali nana nga guin bubo-an ro kabayo ag nagbalik sa dating dagway ro prinsipe. Ro habilin sa bote hay guin butang sa tubi nga guina imnan it reyna.

Tumaliwan ro mga inadlaw, haabutan ro reyna nga maniwang ag masakiton sa anang sekreto nga kwarto. Ro kamandag ko sueod it bote hay nag-eatum eon sa anang eawas ag owa mabuhayi imaw hay namatay. /MP

Boracay Establishments Must Be Friendly With Persons With Disability

ILOILO CITY, – The local government of Malay in Aklan has taken the lead to ensure that buildings being constructed in Boracay Island are accessible to persons with disability (PWD).

Owners and managers of establishments have been reminded by the Malay engineers office to make their establishments accessible to persons with disabilities, which is a requirement under Batas Pambansa 344 or Accessibility Law, according to Architect Alberto Saclauso of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

A report by the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs disclosed that many hotels fronting the Boracay beach lack facilities that will make their places accessible to PWDs.

Among the resorts that have been reminded of the liability are the Alice in Wonderland Hotel, Boracay Beach Chalet, La Carmela Resorts Hotel, Seares Palace and Villa de Oro Resort all in Barangay Balabag, in Boracay.

Also informed to construct a decent access for PWDs are the Calypso Diving, Casa Pilar Resorts, the Luna Rosa Refreshment, the Sports Bar and the Tourist Shopping Center in Brgy. Manoc-Manoc, Boracay.

These private buildings have been warned to comply with the accessibility law; they were given ample time to do some renovations, said Saclauso. Also found not accessible for PWDs are the Boracay Police Station and the Caticlan Jetty Port, said the report.

Saclauso reminded government infrastructures and public service offices to start renovations of their buildings so as to provide better service to PWDs.

The Malay LGU as well as the DPWH can have the permits of these resorts cancelled, warned Saclauso. (PNA) /MP

NVC “Sayaw 2010”

by CLOUDS LUNN

The NVC Summer Ballet Workshop 2010 and Stages Dance & Arts Studio (Roxas City) presenting "Sayaw 2010" held at NVC Gym Auditorium, CSQ Building Capitol Site, Kalibo, Aklan in the evening Saturday, May 29.

WV Rice Stock Enough Despite El Niño

ILOILO CITY, – Western Visayas has enough rice stocks despite the advent of El Niño, the National Food Authority (NFA) here said.

NFA assistant regional director Vilma Zarraga said that the region has enough rice in the market despite low rice production this year.

She said that rice farmers where also able to harvest modest amount of rice in the first and second cropping. Only those farmers who planted rice in the third cropping were affected by the weather phenomenon, she added.

According to Zarraga, it seemed El Niño’s effect to local rice production was lower than expected.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said that rice production in the region did not suffer much since most crops were harvested by the time El Niño struck in Region 6.
Since NFA continued to buy rice from farmers during the El Niño, they were able to have enough stock of rice. NFA also noted that despite reports of decreased rice production, farmers were still selling their produce to the NFA.

Based on its current inventory, the region has around five million sacks of rice enough to sustain the need of its six provinces for the next 77 days. (PNA) /MP

EDITORIAL

Pinoy Workers Beat Other Canadian Immigrants

In Money Remittance

by ALEX P. VIDAL

VANCOUVER , British Columbia — Despite the global recession, the Philippines is on top of the world in terms of receiving dollars sent by its Canadian migrant workers.
Filipino immigrant workers have the highest frequency of overseas remittance compared to other nationalities working in Canada , according to Belinda Lim-Herrera, an executive of a global bank remittance that operates here.

She attributed this to the "Filipino culture" where immigrant workers remit their earnings to their extended family members—brothers and sisters, husbands, wives, parents and relatives "up to third degree in consanguinity."

In 2009, Filipino workers transmitted some $185 million to the Philippines with average of $35,000 remittance per month or $500 individually, disclosed Herrera.

She operates a global remittance bank with offices in Alberta , Ontario and Vancouver and has branches in 27 countries, including Greece and Italy.

STATISTICS
　

Citing Statistics Canada, Tracy Scott, senior manager of Payment and Card Services, RBC, said in the same interview that about 23 percent of immigrants sent remittances within six to 24 months of arrival in Canada.

Twenty nine percent did so within 25 to 48 months of arrival, it was reported.

The average amount sent within six to 24 months was $2,500. After 25-48 months in Canada , the average amount sent overseas was $2,900, Statistics Canada added.
Dilip Ratha, lead economist of World Bank Development Prospects Group, who was guest in the same interview, said "the money remitted overseas last year was three times than the money intended for development assistance."

Some $316 billion was remitted by overseas workers to India , China , Mexico , Philippines and other countries in 2009, said Ratha. The amount is expected to reach $335 billion this year with increase of 6.2 percent and $360 billion in 2011, he added.
　

TOP 10 COUNTRIES
　

The top ten remittance recipients are: 1. India , 2. China , 3. Mexico , 4. Philippines , 5. France , 6.Bangladesh, 7. Spain , 8. Germany , 9. Nigeria and 10. Belgium.

In recent years, overseas workers from Asia have been sending remittances of about $8 billion annually to their home countries. These remittances are an important source of precious foreign exchange for the major labor-exporting countries, according to a study by Charles Stahl of the University of New Castle and Fred Arnold of East-West Population Institute, East-west Center .

"The overall develop-ment impact of remittances, however, has not been well established. Remittances are spent primarily on day-to-day consumption expenditures, housing, land purchase, and debt repayment," they reported.

Although only a small proportion of remittances are directed into productive investments, this does not warrant the conclusion that the developmental value of remittances is negligible, they added.

Remittances spent on domestic goods and services in Asia reportedly provide an important stimulus to indigenous industries and to the economies of the labor supplying countries./MP

No Environmental Issue

When Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez announced that the provincial government of Aklan has already concluded talks with some well meaning investors on the construction of a world-class airport at Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan, such pronouncement was viewed as a welcome development by Aklanons themselves.

During a video presentation sometime last year, some members of the Aklan media were visibly impressed by the project which was touted as environment-friendly due to its "green" concept.

However, said project was saddled by controversies as some quarters claimed that said undertaking will result to adverse effects to the environment. A leading broadsheet even reported that at least one columnist has "revived" long dormant theories that lopping off a hill at one end of the airport’s runway would cause the erosion of he white sand on Boracay a few kilometers across from a channel that is both deep and subject to strong currents.

Said assertion is purportedly backed by the "opinion" of a DENR official about the so-called environmental impact of this move, which has become the rallying point of one particular businessman who is reportedly leading he opposition to the project.

Reports have it that this is the opening salvo of renewed offensives against the project. It was believed that the party opposed to this undertaking seems to move heaven and earth to sabotage the project because it wants to build its own airport on nearby Carabao Island on a land it had already acquired.

Skeptics who know better believe the notion that this is no longer an environmental issue. Instead, they dismissed it as land speculation. Nothing more, nothing less.

It may be recalled that said project came under fire due to environmental issues which came out in the national dailies. But the provincial officials led by Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores doused misconceptions regarding the project by writing letters to the editor clarifying the economic viability of said undertaking.

Clearly, the series of attacks aimed at undermining a project are nothing but failed attempts at discrediting a feasible undertaking.

Thus, the provincial government, together with the consortium, must not lose sight and focus on the prompt completion of said project unmindful of the attempts made by some quarters whose agendas remain unquestionable and geared towards their selfish interests. /MP

Crossing the Line

"Smiling Back at the Experience of 2010 Automated Election"

by MEGS S. LUNN

When I hesitantly said YES to Smartmatic TIM, Inc. in September of 2009, little did I know that I will be dealing with "sky rocketed" tension, notwithstanding, the many deliverables and hundreds of people who will be under your monitoring and supervision.

In the contract as Provincial Coordinator – Aklan for SMTT-TIM, Inc – it stated: 1. to deal directly with the Provincial Election Supervisor; 2. to monitor the project based of the 1st Automated Election 2010 of SMTT-TIM, Inc.

To serve as a "long-arm" extension of the Regions Management Unit is to serve as the arms, feet, eyes and mouth of SMTT-TIM, Inc, therefore, it includes monitoring activities of manpower, security, warehouse, 3rd Party Logistics (3PL), machineries deployment, among others and other stakeholders involved in the deliverables, if directed and as directed, by the Regions Management Unit of SMTT-TIM, Inc.

Though the project is huge enough to think about, I did not deal with too much worries as to my services is concerned. I was thinking of more than what I can do for our country, to ensure an honest, orderly, peaceful election (HOPE 2010) thru Automation, first time in the history of the Philippines.

The designation brought to us during the 3 days training at Bayview Park Hotel in Manila in 2009 I thought was a simple matter to me, knowing that, we are not to handle the technical aspect of Automation. Speaking of technicality, I was ready to learn, however, it was not clarified at all, nor even we were trained about it…It was ALL BLIND to me.

After so many months of planning, meeting and preparation, it was only in November of 2009 that I felt the tension and excitements as to what extent would be our limitation being Provincial Coordinator. There was people behind the scene that objected to my being part of the team for Regions Management Unit and that wanted to dare me as not worthy to be Provincial Coordinator. The reasons given was obviously, because, I am part of the tri-media and that I was told, I am a threat to them, knowing my previous connections with one political party in the 2007 election. These are reasons that I could not accept as these people who wanted me out are behaving like childish ones, so to speak. These, in fact are the people whom I never heard of and first time I met in my lifetime. I was not aware they even have to investigate my profile at the same time.

To cut the story short, as my mentor told me, accept the challenge and show to them your worth. There were good friends who vouched for my character and integrity at work of which I was very grateful. It was quiet for many months. Never-theless, two months before the Election, these people succeeded to eventually make their way to transfer me to Capiz. I thought the decision was politically motivated, as even admitted to me by my Regions Management Unit.

I graciously took the challenge and went off to pay a courtesy call to PES-Capiz - Atty. Wil Arcenio. It was really a challenging event of my career, as being PC of Capiz, while my heart is for Aklan, even maintained my office in my residence hometown while rendering services for Capiz, back and forth at some points. I did spent time to like what I do as I need to do it. It was not that I had no choice, it was just me.

The challenge went on, more significantly at 4:00 AM when we are about to deploy the PCOS machines for Capiz on May 5, 2010, when at the same day, at 7:00 AM, my RMU called up to retrieve the same. It was all in the ANC News when Compaq Flash Cards hit the national television during an FTS in one area in Manila, of which accordingly, it did not read the local canvassing.

The experience of struggling how to get to Capiz at 4 AM dawn, off to ride with a trucking/10-wheelers truck via Iloilo, I have to brace myself and pray, I hope I would maintain my composure to be able to reach Capiz and do what we urgently need to do. To extract CF of 1,166 units of 10.6 kilos (weight) each of PCOS machines is of no joke. Given a timetable of such a rush by our two Provincial Election Supervisors (Capiz and Aklan), however, with our collective efforts in Roxas main hub, we patiently and cheerfully finished the extraction and finally reach our timetable before 2PM of May 6, 2010. The Final Testing and Sealing was supposedly scheduled May 7, however, was moved to May 8 and even May 9 for the far-flung areas.

It was more challenging actually, dealing with different personalities of stakeholders, not to mention, the Election officers of different towns of the two provinces – Capiz and Aklan. Dealing with both of this group in a back-to-back meeting with PNP, AFP and COMELEC, with my SMTT Security Consultant and Provincial Coordinator Manpower at many instances, I can only smile back at the experienced.

"Smartmatic TIM Corporation contracted the automation, COMELEC runs the Election". This guiding principle we are using in making decisions pertaining to the implementation of the Automated Election last May 10, 2010 that draws the line which separates COMELEC and Smartmatic TIM Corporation.

One SMTT member quoted to us just two weeks before the election when doubts and resistance started from both parties during the receipt of Comelec Resolution 8827, "we expected COMELEC to lead us, not to run away from their responsibility, to give us solutions and not to blame, to help us and not to give us problems, to guide us and not to make our way difficult and to encourage us and not to pull us down. It’s sad to know that they are in-charge in the process of choosing our leaders. I don’t know what will happen to our country if these people will still continue to lead the most crucial and critical turning point of this country, the election. It’s difficult to do things when some administrators you are expecting to lead are nowhere to be found or hard to find. We depend on them to give us directives and orders on what to do, how to do, when to do and where to do. They all knew that we are all new to this business and we don’t have the mandate to lead the election. CROSSING THE LINE is our last option to make things done, and WE DID."

In fairness, it was my happiest moment when three days before May 10, as directed by our RMU that I have to stay for Aklan and that my counterpart PC will stay for Capiz. It was a memorable and enjoyable ride with PES-Aklan, Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria and the rest of the provincial board of canvassers team, APPO-PD Jun Bragais and his team and the AFP, too. More importantly, thank you to our most hardworking PCM- Ms. Jindra Cipriano and her PCOST team.

I can’t also forget a funny situation when some EO’s of both provinces still seek for my advice on some certain point. Funny because, they should know better on how and what to do since they are empowered with Resolutions, etc. from their office. It was even ironic that flying voters and security need was brought to my attention. Thank you to those who are concerned and vigilant citizen of our towns.

The election fever to me was more of personalities. It wasn’t the PCOS or the CF. . It was more of INITIATIVE (diskarte) on the part of PCOST and manpower alike, who most of the time in the field, served as "punching bags" especially during the Election Day of May 10, 2010. In totality, it was more of a challenge of COMMAND RESPONSIBILITY and ACCOUNTABILITY on the part of the Comelec and SMTT-TIM, Inc.

One major lesson learned was that, "Too much protocol was killing us and NSC was not much of help."

One media friend asked me if I would do it again? Without blinking an eyelash, "YES, FOR THE LOVE OF SERVICE!"

Indeed, I enjoyed the ride and my team and I was proud to say, "WE ALL DID OUR BEST." /MP

IBAJAY’s ASU-CHARRM & Centuries-Old Mangroves

A Response to Employment Opportunities
and Ecological Protection

by Dr. Marivel S. Villorente, Dean, ASU-CHARRM

April 2010 Commencement Exercises of Aklan State University at Ibajay, officially known as the ASU-College of Hospitality and Rural Resource Management (ASU-CHARRM) brought out fresh but time’s much needed manpower in the province, the first BS in Tourism graduates. The first Tourism graduates were strictly screened with the strict adherence to the program’s admission and retention policy. They may not be at far with the city school’s graduates of the same course, particularly in Communication skills as what most Boracay establishments claimed, but these ASU-CHARRM graduates have an edge when it comes to knowledge in Eco-tourism, perseverance, dedication and particularly possessing natural beauty. They were widely-exposed to the many and rich eco-tourism attractions of the province, honed in work ethics, and widely exposed in extra-curricular activities. So great to note that the students were pleasantly overwhelmed by the support given by the management of the following establishments:

1.The Philippine Airlines (PAL)-Kalibo, 2. Aklan Provincial Tourism Office, 3.Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)-Kalibo 4. Catiklan Jetty Port and Passenger Terminal, 5.Zest Air-Catiklan, 6. Go Discover travel, 6. La Carmela De Boracay Resort Hotel 7. Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, 8.Boracay Holiday Resort Hotel, 9. Real Maris Resort and Hotel, Inc., 10.Kikkos Boracay Beach Besort, 11. Patio Pacific Resort Boracay, 12. Bamboo Beach Resort and Restaurant, 13. Discovery Shores Boracay, Villa Sunset Beach Resort.

The OJT included exposure both in the travel industry and in the hotel industry. The exposure and experience acquired by students as revealed in their OJT report had tremendously enriched their knowledge in the real hospitality and tourism activities of the province. Indeed, the presence of a Tourism curricular program at ASU-Ibajay is a very valuable contribution in the promotion of tourism industry. That is, students are made aware of all the tourism potentials in the province and what the local government and the people in general can do about it. The tourism course, likewise, is a big help to low-income families to be able for them to send their children for education especially when they have the potentials relevant to the discipline of Tourism.

The pioneer graduates of BS Tourism at ASU-Ibajay, are hoping to be absorbed by any travel agency and hotel industry in the province. It is a known fact that most of tourism or hospitality personnel in the province, particularly in Boracay, come from outside of the province. It is envisioned that with the Tourism graduates of ASU-Ibajay which is just at the gate of the island, considerations could be accorded to them for employment. Such that travel agencies, hotel and tourism industries will provide priority opportunities for employment to these local graduates. To this, a much needed support of the local government is important.

The tourism graduates of CHARRM come from all over Aklan and from the neighbor, northwest municipalities of Antique. They were well-exposed to natural eco-parks in Aklan particularly to the newly-developed but very significant and magical mangroves of Ibajay, known as Ibajay Mangrove Eco-Park or locally known as Katunggan It Ibajay, (KII). KII takes pride of its 44 hectares of mangroves and the only mangrove community in the country with a total of 28 species or 80 percent of the total of 35 Philippine species. These were acknowledged by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD) and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). These two organizations have identified the site as ideal for various scientific researches on mangroves and aquaculture development.

Likewise, the ASU-CHARRM has identified the site as a significant area for practicum on the application of skills in BS in Tourism, BS in Agriculture and BS in Environmental Science. The ASU-CHARRM has greatly contributed to the promotion of the place through its big number of students who come from the different municipalities of Aklan and Antique, particularly the BS in Tourism and BS in Environmental Science. Together with the students and the faculty members who also come from the different municipalities of Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo, the eco-park, will not take long to become one of the busiest tourism destinations in Aklan. With the presence of this eco-park, the students are realistically made aware of the value of the right management of the eco-system. Moreover, they are able to see the difference between mass tourism and eco-tourism and from the ever popular tourism attraction of the Boracay island.

ASU-CHARRM has also done its part in conducting the Basic Tour guiding training to the identified potential local tour guides, which was zealously organized by the ZSL and supported by the LGU-Ibajay. Soon, the school will also build Tree Houses to add attraction to the place.

It is worth knowing, the good fortune of Ibajay to have ZSL in the forefront in the development of the KII and the valuable support of the ASU-CHARRM in the continuous development of the local folks’ knowledge on eco-tourism and other relevant pro-active trainings that ASU-CHARRM has planned for them. However, equally lucky are the inhabitants with the wholehearted support of the LGU-Ibajay. Blessing is also with ASU for having such a wonderful interplay of cooperation by these organizations and the welcoming attitudes of the people’s organizations, such as the Naisud Mangrove and Aquatic Organization (NAMAO) and the Bugtongbato Fisherfolks Association (BFA). These are the two organizations that act as steward of this natural wealth. Hence, for a minimal entrance fee of Twenty Pesos (P20.00), one can enjoy the healthy walk, with the assistance of the knowledgeable and well-trained local tour guides. The amount goes to the maintenance of the park and a small percentage goes to the effort and valuable time of the tour guide.

Also, guests are enjoined to try the boat ride at a very minimal fee. The boat ride is most exciting for it will bring you to the beautiful scenery of the mangroves and its beautiful stand from roots to tip, from the river down to the sea. It is a very beautiful experience to have a boat ride under the canopy of the mangrove trees, under a concrete bridge out to the delta, where the river and the sea meets. A valuable insight to see the spectacular interplay of the ecosystem during a boat ride, where one could experience the little wrestle with the river current to get out of it and to follow the route and discover the beautiful scenery towards the sea. This can be experienced during a boat ride when high tide is at its flow.

The Katunggan It Ibajay has a 800-m stretch of footbridge and the walk in it will bring you to its pride jewel, the centuries-old mangrove trees, Avicennia rumphiana, locally known as api-api or bungalon. This ecological treasure hidden in Ibajay which had existed in centuries and only made known significantly through mangrove scientist, Dr. Jurgen H. Primavera, a prolific writer on Mangrove and a staunch advocate of its protection. It is through the scientist’s study which highlighted the great value of the area with the identified presence of a big number of centuries-old mangrove trees. Today, the long slumber of this beautiful ecological treasure has ended through the invaluable efforts and dedication of the ZSL staff, the commitment of LGU-Ibajay and the extension services of ASU-CHARRM through educational and other skills training. The interplay of these organization is hope to bring not only economy in the area but also to arouse the consciousness of the community on the immeasurable worth of the mangroves in the ecological preservation. The fellowship of LGU-Ibajay, the ZSL and the people’s organizations, NAMAO and BFA is hoped to bring goodwill to the economy and nature’s preservation. /MP

Poverty and Unemployment, Challenge To SP Leadership

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Weekly Kapehan form at Smokehauz Resto & Bar on May 22, 2010 is titled, "Legislative Agenda, SP Punctual guest was incoming SP member Hon. Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo. Other SP member Phoebe Clarisse "Ning" L. Cabagnot sent a letter of excuse because of earlier personal commitments.

Mayor Rebaldo is lone survivor of the opposition (Nacionalista) Eastern side and very optimistic about his role in the provincial legislature. He expressed thanks to those who have supported him both in good and bad times. I think those who hate me for what I am must be man enough to accost me and not prey or vandalize my campaign posters and tarpaulins. Voter’s confidence in my leadership by example was effective even in far flung towns as Libacao and Madalag though I haven’t gone thee personally, the Engineer stressed.

His priority agenda is resolution of the pathetic state of patients at charity ward of Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital. Frequent cases are insolvency of hospital patients to settle medical bills. A case in point is young unwed mother who chose to abandon her baby in the nursery ward. All because she could not produce the amount of P15,000. Another one is an injured man in a homicide case who without his knowledge and consent was confined to a private ward. After a few days hospital billing showed P45,000. Unable to pay he simply banished without a trace.

Economic Enterprise Department guidelines provide leeway for indigent families to leave hospital for home provided a promissory note is signed. Good but in the absence of a willing guarantor everything falls into pieces. Out of pity some employees manage to fill in the void ut does a person need to lose one’s self respect? Fortunately, there is a pending bill sponsored by Sen. Pia Cayetano to condone unpaid hospital accounts of patients confined in charity wards.

Mayor Rebaldo promised to look into unsavory mess and solve the recurring crisis of high cost of hospitalization and medical drugs. Once uncovered, he may be confronted of the proverbial Pandora box of all forms of evil.

Regarding the P90 million standby loan of Land Bank of the Philippines to Kalibo LGU, a total of 39 million has been obligated for following projects which are Talipapa, Oyo Torong - P11 million, Kalibo Public Market Rehabilitation (Native Products section) – P11 million and Heavy Construction Equipments – P17 million. The balance of P51 million is available should the incoming Administration of Mayor-elect William Lachica chooses to take advantage. Probable use could be funding relocation of municipal dumpsite to Balete and Kalibo’s Master Drainage Plan. Considering cash strap finances of barangays we approved resolution of allocating P100,000 each to our 16 barangays as counterpart fund for farm to market roads concreting. Now with new construction equipment like the motorized road grader, backhoe and dump trucks, road length could be well beyond 33 meters. Despite administrative problems and corruption charges spawned by the election campaign the Mayor said that we have sizeable funds left in the coffers for the next administration.

Decision of Central Bank branch in Kalibo to transfer to Roxas City based on relative business volume and cash transactions is indeed lamentable. However bank officials could not be faulted since the reality is that Capiz province is quite strong with leading commodities like sugar, rice, corn, meat and fish. Aklan surprisingly has degenerated into a basket case with regular transshipments of food supplies. In a recent Kapehan forum, Hon. Ning Cabagnot says, she no longer buys crustaceans from her hometown of Makato but instead but it right there in Metro Manila where it is cheaper.

How about copra? Well, Aklan no longer produce them but turns out hundreds of tons of coco lumber per year. It is also possible that people in the near future will turn to commercial bottled vinegar. Even tuba guzzlers are struggling to find the cheap drink from their favorite watering holes. This is bad omen for the entire country since coconut is considered the tree of life.

Engineered bamboo as shown by product acceptability test will soon replace wood as construction material, furniture and decorative pieces. DTI Kalibo is now in the midst of preparation for full scale technical info dissemination citing business and industrial potentials under the Micro, Small and Medium Industries.

Processing of engineered bamboo is quite simple and inexpensive. Selected pre-cut bamboo is passed through a pre-sizing and cleaning machine. Epoxy resin is generously applied as in plywood and the three slats compressed by a mechanical gadget to bind them permanently. Quality check by competent personnel complete standard of craftsmanship.

The DepEd has issued memo circular to all heads of schools requiring them to have 20 percent of their desks, chairs, and tables replaced with engineered bamboo products. Conducted at village level, minimal labor, funding and matured technology this could be the dawn of industrial age in Aklan.

Homeowners in advanced countries like the US, UK and Japan have the privilege to have pre-selected home design structure that include construction materials from nails to pre-cut lumber. Simple instructions are provided to construct one’s house since everything is prefabricated. Now with engineered bamboo, comparative price advantage and market promotion, stage is set for Philippine products to hit the international market.

Based on BAS data, bamboo plantation are extensively grown in Altavas, Libacao, Madalag, Malinao and Ibajay. Impact of this novel project could be easement of poverty and employment generation. Of course emerging but "dormant" business projects could be pottery and brick making in Lezo, and Colong-Colong, Ibajay that directly needs financial and technical assistance from Cong. Joeben T. Miraflores.

Incoming new SP members who belong to the opposition like Hon. Raymar A. Rebaldo, Ning L. Cabagnot and Victor M. Garcia face daunting challenge to be appointed to choice committee chairmanship. Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, SP Secretary revealed that all have been reserved for the United Leadership party.

Mr. Bandiola dropped a bombshell that the six year administration of Gov. Marquez has gone wild on deficit spending of closed to P1 billion. It should be noted that the annual budget of the province is also P1 billion. In essence culprit is big government and invariably there is also big spending. With the exception of Jetty Port, everything like Provincial Hospital and School of Nursing are operating in the red. This is compounded by the fact that the provincial leadership has not enacted proper legislation to increase taxes said the SP Secretary.

It appears that Independent Power Producers find Aklan’s investment climate hostile and unfavorable. First to give up was California Energy and now we have Asea One Power Corp.

Election fever has subsided and it’s time to roll up our sleeves. Indeed, we have serious problems at hand but let us not be deterred by unnecessary distractions to our cherished goal. Confucious once said that a thousand mile journey begins with a single step. /MP

DPWH To Present To Public Proposed Flood Control Project In Aklan

KALIBO, Aklan, - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will present to the public the proposed Aklan River Flood Control and Drainage Project here.

DPWH District Engineer Roberto Cabigas said that the project will be presented on May 25 before provincial government officials, fisherfolks, farmers and indigenous people from the affected towns of Banga, Kalibo, Lezo, Libacao, Madalag and Malinao.

"From what I know the feasibility study might take around five years to be completed. The funding will be sourced out from a Japanese firm," Cabigas said. Cabigas said that when implemented, the flood control project will be a permanent solution of flood control concerns in the province.

Residents got much worried of possible flooding after Typhoon Frank devastated this town and neighboring municipallities in 2008.

While the flood control project is still in the offing, the DPWH is currently focused on maintaining the national highways to reduce flood risks during rainy season.

"We are trying to do our best so that the incidents of flood in the province would be reduced if not eliminated during heavy rains," Cabigas said. /MP

POST OLYMPICS REPORT

We Are Back On Track, Mayor Tells Ethnic Media

by ALEX P. VIDAL

VANCOUVER , British Columbia – This coastal city in British Columbia ’s lower mainland is establishing itself as a hub for cutting-edge firms in creative industries, disclosed Mayor Gregor Robertson, who met recently with top echelons of ethnic media.

The positive signs that Vancouver is "back on track and fulfilling its potential" began after Robertson said he took a proactive role on economic development.

"During the Olympics, my top priority was to use the exposure and draw of the Winter Games to promote local businesses and attract new investment," said Robertson, who assumed office on December 8, 2008. "Our economic program, Metro Vancouver Commerce, strategically targeted international businesses that were considering investing or moving here."

The 45-year-old Robertson said city hall has exceeded the target for November 2011 — $60 million in direct new investment in the region because of Metro Vancouver Commerce.
　

NEW CONNECTIONS
　

"The work is paying off after just eight weeks," he enthused. "That’s new jobs, new international connections and new partnerships for our local economy."

Over the weekend, the mayor revealed Pixar has chosen Gastown as its new Canadian office and they have signed a memorandum of understanding with Plug and Play, a Silicon Valley company that specializes in supporting startup businesses with connections to venture capital.

They will reportedly set up their first Canadian tech center here. 　

"These are major wins for our city’s—and region’s – local economy," he stressed. "It’s no wonder that the Conference Board of Canada predicts that Vancouver will have the strongest growing economy of any city in Canada this year."

Robertson added: "We’ve made headway on some of our toughest social problems. When we took office, there was a full-blown homelessness crisis in Vancouver. Since then, the city has partnered with the province to get real, visible results on homelessness.

"We opened several new emergency centers, providing people with an immediate way to get off the street."

The mayor said "the downtown core has seen significant drops in pan handling and open drug use since they opened."

"Over 400 people who were sleeping in doorways, on the street, or in parks are now sleeping inside in a safe place," added Robertson.
　

END OF HOMELESSNESS
　

Robertson said his goal "is to end street homelessness by 2015 – to make sure that everyone who is homeless has a warm, safe place to sleep at night. We’ve still got a lot of work to do but we’re making progress."

Robertson also pointed out the following positive developments in Vancouver :

1. Bringing in significant new policies to improve the city’s environ-mental performance as the city council implemented a curb-side compost pickup program, at no extra cost to taxpayers.

2. Approving new rezoning requirements, meaning that Vancouver now has the greenest building code in North America .

The Council also recently made the biggest two-year investment in bike infrastructure in Vancouver ’s history, reported the mayor. "We’ve introduced protected bike lanes and made our cycling network safer for everyone," said Robertson, who rides in bicycle when he reports in city hall.
　

TRANSFORMATION
　

Robertson said the city has gone through "an incredible transformation."

"We’re more confident, more assured, more ambitious. It seems like an eternity ago when the previous city council was bogged down in labor disputes, Project Civil City and secret $100-million loans," he said.

"We’re now at place where city hall has a steady, business-like approach to governing our thriving city. Real results have been delivered in the first 18 months, with more to come. Vancouver is stronger, more compassionate and is fulfilling its potential to be a model city for the world," he concluded. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Bueawan Nga Mga Trapo

Trapo ro pagtratar kanday Azon tongod owa it eabot nga ilo pa sa ina ag inaywan ko andang ama, guina alila pa ag guina pintasan ko anang tiya. Idto sanda nag estar sa kwadra kaibahan ko mga kanding ag baka pagkatapos it limpyo sa sueod it baeay hay nagapilak pa sanda it basura nga maeayo sa andang baeay. Nangin barkada nanda ro mga onga nga parang mga ati tongod sa kahigko ko andang eawas sa pag inukay it basura. Naeo-oy si Azon sa mga onga ag anang guina obrahan it mga payag-payag himo sa plastic. Idto naga katoeog ro mga onga ag anang guina daehan it pagkaon.

Isaeang adlaw, may mga pulis nga nag-abot agod gub-on ro mga payag-payag. Guin dipensahan sanda ni Azon. Nakipag away imaw sa mga pulis ogaling guindaea man guihapon sanda sa presento.

Mayad maghambae si Azon, tongod sa mga libro nga anang guina binasa sa baeay ko anang tiyo nga abogado. Napabilib ni Azon maskin ro hepe it pulisya. Nag abot ro tiyo nga abogado ni Azon. Hakita nana kon paano guin dipensahan ni Azon ro andang deretso bilang tawo. May naka-tambong nga isaeang ka negosyante ag humanga imaw kay Azon. Guin kangay nana ro grupo ni Azon ag guin paestar sa anang baeay nga paupahan.

Guin patun-an nana it abogasya si Azon. Naktapos ro daeaga ag makaron, naga serbisyo bilang abogado ko mga babaye ag onga nga guina abuso ag owa nakaagum it hustisya. /MP

Groundbreaking of P18.8M DAR-Aklan Project Set

The Department of Agrarian Reform in Aklan will spearhead the ground-breaking of the three projects which are part of the P51.9M infrastructure projects identified for Malaya Agrarian Reform Community in Malay, Aklan under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Program III on May 21, 2010.

The three projects are the construction of Nabaoy – Sitio Embaroto farm-to-market road spanning 0.80 Kilometers worth P4.2M the construction of the Napaan-Sitio Kipot farm-to market-road with 1.6 km length costing P7.9M and the Dumlog Communal Irrigation Project servicing 27 hectares of farmlands worth P6.7M.

The Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Program III was launched in Aklan last year to assist three agrarian reform communities the Malaya ARC in Malay, BENTCH ARC in Buruanga, and Pacto de Sangre in New Washington, Aklan. The scope of the ARISP III projects in Malay alone covers the improvement of Argao-Napaan Road with bridge worth, P24.8M; Construction of Dumlog Sitio Aganaga Road worth P6.7M; Post harvest facility costing P1.5M and the Dumlog CIP which will be launched on May 21 at Barangay Cabulihan, Malay, Aklan.

DAR Regional Director Alexis M. Arsenal and other DAR officials lead by Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino will spearhead the event together with the local government officials’ of Malay, Hon. Ceciron Cawaling, outgoing mayor and Hon. John Yap, the Mayor-elect. /MP

EDITORIAL

Developing Localities

One decade seems too short for the changes made in Metro Manila. Ten years is 120 months, or 3,650 days.

Compared to the year 2010, Metro Manila today has further developed into a cement jungle. There are more high rise buildings that are giving spaces for people coming from the provinces and those born in Metro Manila. Their presence makes Metro Manila crowded.

The demand for transportation is increasing. There is traffic congestion and more road accidents occurring daily. Millions of vehicles in daily circulation pollute the air, hasten global warming and increase human diseases attacks.

Since the best educational institutions are located in Metro Manila, students are attracted to study there. Medical institutions are in Metro Manila, patients go there for treatment. People from the provinces visit Metro Manila for shopping and for other business. Others go there for government transactions, others to seek employment.

This situation doubles the 15 million residents of Metro Manila to 30 million during the day by the people from the provinces to shop, study, hospital treatment, transact business with government offices. These make life worse, so congested.

Hospitals, like St. Lukes Medical Center, Quezon City is crowded, Quezon City hall is crowded, malls are crowded, and schools are crowded.

Commonwealth Avenue from Quezon Memorial Circle to Novaliches and other roads are heavy traffic.

This over population of Metro Manila has made sanitation worse. Criminality is increasing. The area is becoming smaller to move about. The demands for food, water, electricity, and shelter are increasing everyday.

The widening of roads has driven squatters to converge in another area to create other squatter colonies.

This condition in Metro Manila is happening because the government is centralizing governance in Metro Manila that impedes progress and development in the rural areas. Instead of empowering LGU’s, Malacanang decentralized the functions on health, agriculture, and natural resources, but it is retaining the purse. It directs the LGU to manage health, food production, and natural resources but does not provide the funds to finance the implementation. Worst for it intervenes in the implementation of programs to favor a few.

Second is the failure of government to develop provinces and municipalities by providing the necessary infrastructures. Who will continue living in a place without hospitals, schools? Who will continue living in a place with bad roads, no potable water, and poor electric services?

The only way to disperse the people of Metro Manila is by promoting progress and development in the provinces and municipalities of the Philippines. Concentrate more programs, projects, and activities in the provinces and chartered cities. Amenities available in Metro Manila must be installed in the rural areas. This will lead rural people to stay in the provinces. It will also attract people in Metro Manila to go back to the provinces and towns. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

No Fraud, No Discrepancies
In 2010 Elections

There were dis-crepancies but no fraud noted. The is the conclusion made by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) at the end of its counts of votes on May 19 for the 2010 automated elections.

The PPCRV ruled that even if "there were discrepancies in the election returns (ER) that it tallied, no systematic fraud occurred." It further said that the "just concluded automated elections were good since only 0.07 percent of the 43,035 ERs from clustered precincts showed signs of discrepancy.

Former ambassador and now PPCRV chair Henrietta de Villa characterized the automated 2010 polls generally clean.

However, there is a certain "Robin" with covered face with straw hat who came out to claim "there was large scale poll fraud". But he refused to identify himself for extreme danger to his life and those of his family.

There were also claims from other provincial candidates that PCOS machines were not accurate in the counting of votes. One of them is Vice Gov. Manny Piñol of North Cotabato.

Finding some very unsatisfactory responses to the questions and allegations, Cong. Teodoro Locsin, Jr. was not able to hold his anger. He shouted at the top of his voice at Smartmatic representatives.

Oath Before Service Justice

Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III will probably take his oath as the next president of the Philippines before a senior justice of the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals. This is revealed by former Senator Victor Ziga and one of the cabinet members of the late President Corazon C. Aquino. "Noynoy would follow what his mother did" added Ziga.

In 1986, Cory Aquino took her oath as President of the Philippines before Claudio Teehankee, the most senior justice of the Supreme Court at that time. The oath taking took place in Club Filipino, San Juan.

On the other hand, the late Ferdinand E. Marcos and Arturo Tolentino took their oath as President and Vice President respectively before Chief Justice Ramon Aquino in Malacañang Palace.

Sen. Noynoy Aquino earlier announced he will take his oath of office before a Barangay Captain in his home province, Tarlac. He said, he does not recognize Renato Corona who was appointed by Ms. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to succeed Reynato Puno who retired on May 17.

Aquino describes Corona’s appointment as inappropriate because "there is no vacancy to be filled up since Puno was yet to retire." Aquino warned Corona’s appointment would be subject to an inquiry in the future.

Moreover, Corona’s appointment came under fire from critics. Arroyo was strongly urged to defer appointing the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to allow the incoming president to make the appointment.

Hottest Day

May 19 was the hottest day. It was 37.5 degree celsius in Metro Manila while it was 39 degree celsius in Cagayan Valley, PAGASA reported. This kind of weather will last until the first part of June.

In Metro Manila, most people spend most of their time inside the malls and other air-conditioned places to escape extreme heat in their houses.

Speaking of last month, April 2010 was the hottest month ever recorded with average temperature of 14.5 degrees celsius which is 0.76 degrees celsius higher compared to the 20th century average of 13.7 degrees celsius, reported the United Nations Weather Agency.

The temperature is warmer than normal conditions most felt in Canada, Alaska, Australia, Eastern USA, South Asia, Northern Russia, and Northern Africa.

This rise in temperature further confirms global warming is here and badly felt. Man must do something to halt the heat. /MP