Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Manogdapit

Ro mga sinauna natong katigueangan hay nagapati nga kon mamatay ro isaeang ka tawo hay guinadapit imaw ag guina pasakay sa isaeang ka baroto agod daehon idto sa lugar it mga namamatay. Idto nagakilita ro mga naunang miyembro it pamilya nga mabuhay eon ag haunang nagtaliwan sa rondayang kalibutan.

Kat madali eon lang mamatay si Hagon, guin bilinan imaw ko anang mga kaibahan sa pamilya nga magbuot, mangin matinahuron sa manog-dapit. Ro manog-dapit abi hay may gahum man nga ikaw hay pabalikon kon mayad ayad ro imong katuyuan.

Pagkabugto ko anang ginhawa, nagbueag ro anang kaeag sa anang eawas. Ro kaeag hay nag adto sa may suba nga siin naga hueat kana ro baroto ag imaw man ro manogdapit. Nageohod imaw sa manogdapit nga kon mahimo, pabalikon anay imaw tongod owa pa it habilinan imaw ko anang eopog nga onga ag bulag nga asawa. Nasunog abi ro andang baeay ag owa it habilin ko andang mga igdaeapat.

Ro solo nanda nga nasalbar hay ro anang onga nga eopog ag bulag nga asawa. Namatay man si Hagon sa anang pagsalbar sa anang mag ina. Tinukob it kaeo-oy ro manogdapit ag guin tugutan nga mag balik si Hagon sa isaeang kondisyon nga maka-taliwan ro limang dag-on, paga sueangon imaw.

Nakabalik si Hagon busa hakibot ro bilog nga baryo. Ro mga pomoeoyo hay naga pati nga patay eot’a si Hagon. Nangin sueod it mga baeasahon si Hagon ag perming may mga bisita sanda para pakig-angutan imaw. Tongod sa kaeo-oy kana, guin regaluhan imaw it baeay. Guin paboeong ro anang asawa ag onga. Nag bag-o ro andang pag pangabuhi. Owa nana hapan-uhi nga limang dag-on eon gali ro tumaliwan halin nga gin pabalik imaw sa anda it manogdapit.

Guin sueang eon imaw ag masadyang nagmunot man imaw. Owa guid imaw nag pamalibad. /MP

NONO GARCIA The Longest Serving Governor of Aklan

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

Some 20 years ago on March 30, in 1992, the late Roberto “Nono” Q. Garcia, the longest serving Governor Aklan ever had, succumbed to a lingering illness, ending an era of political leadership in this province under his baton.

He served Aklan as Governor since 1972 until early 1986, shortly after the People’s Power Revolution at the EDSA which enthroned the Cory Aquino presidency.

To honor “Nono’s” memory, his children and grandchildren, relatives and close family acquaintances will gather at the St. Peter Church of Poblacion, Ibajay, Aklan on Friday, March 30, 2012 for a Memorial Mass, on the former Governor’s 20th death anniversary.

For a long 14 years, Nono presided over a provincial leadership which established the corner stones and framework of Aklan’s social, political and economic development.

Together with his then political ally, Aklan Board member and Banga Mayor Sergio “Serging” Rigodon who served as Director of the National Irrigation Administration early in the term of Nono as Governor, they transformed Aklan into a surplus rice producing province. It was during their time when massive construction of irrigation system throughout the Province’s rivers system, notably the Aklan River, and the Panakuyan River in Ibajay. Many thousands of hectares of rainfed riceland areas were irrigated for farmers to engage in two or three croppings a year.

The turnaround in rice production in Aklan was coupled with Aklan’s participation to the Masagana ’99 program of the national government.

Together with another political ally, former Assemblyman Jose “Soñing” Tumbokon, massive infrastructure projects were implemented in Aklan, notably the asphalting of the Kalibo - Nabas road, the penetration of the Nabas mountains to complete the Nabas - Caticlan road, the cement paving of the Kalibo Airport runway and tarmac.

Farm to market roads constructions were likewise massive linking remote barangays in the different parts of the province to the mainstream road networks of the province, through the Rural Roads Improvement Project (RRIP).

Together with his other political ally, the late Lawyer Ben Hur Z. Mobo, who, together with him won as Vice Governor of Aklan in the November 1971 elections, they established and fortified the Aklan provincial government as truly a local government unit operating on its own while getting its just share of the internal revenue.

Nono and Ben Hur caused the participation of Aklan to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)–NEDA funded Provincial Development Assistance Program (PDAP), enabling the provincial government to develop and train its manpower compliment, established the Provincial Engineer’s Office and its corresponding Provincial Equipment Pool, constructed and upgraded provincial roads through the Rural Roads Program (RRP), Barangay Waterworks Program (BWP) installing piped water systems in many clusters of barangays in the province, and the Panay Unified Services for Health (PUSH) which installed health facilities like sanitary toilets and water pumps in thousands of marginalized households in Aklan.

Later, Nono and Ben Hur caused the participation of Aklan to the World Bank-funded Rural Roads Improvement Project (RRIP) further beefing up the equipment in the provincial equipment pool and the engineering capability of the PEO.

USAID–NEDA funded PDAP program further added a project, the Upland Access Project (UAP) to Aklan, enabling the provincial government to construct roads linking mountain barangays to the main road network.

The late Governor Garcia could well be remembered as the “Father” of the then Science Development High School of Aklan, the forerunner of the now prestigious Regional Science Development High School of Aklan.

Nono, Ben Hur, Soñing Tumbokon, the Venuzes, Toti and Berting of New Washington, the Zaldivars of Nabas, supported by the late Godofredo P. Ramos, then Aklan Governor, Cong. and Court of Appeals Associate Justice, strengthened the Liberal Party in Aklan during the 1971 elections. Together, they reversed the political domination of the Legaspi clan of the political landscape in Aklan.

Nono Garcia, aside from being the longest serving governor, in his prime was one among the “handsome” governors of the country, always invited to social functions in Malacañang.

I served Gov. Garcia and the province of Aklan since 1977, starting as casual employee, appointed later as Information Officer, Training Officer and the latest as Senior Development Projects Analyst in the Office of the Provincial Development Staff. Nono wanted me to be appointed as Assistant Provincial Planning Development Coordinator but I declined to give way to another senior employee. /MP

Binay To NBI: Press Drive Vs Illegal Drugs Recruitment Syndicates

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay urged authorities Thursday, March 15 to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs and human trafficking.

Binay issued the call during the 20th Anniversary of the Batch 30/3 Agents and Special Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Academy.

The Vice President is chairman emeritus of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and Presidential Taskforce Against Illegal Recruitment (PTFAIR).

The Vice President also lauded the NBI’s recent rescue of 40 human trafficking victims, as well as the arrest and subsequent filing of cases against 21 suspected violators of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

“It assures the nation that the Bureau’s vigilance remains undiminished, but we need to work even harder,” he noted.

He also urged the Bureau to be more vigilant in pursuing those who defy the laws of the country, as well in making it “a tough place for criminal enterprise to flourish.”

“We must work to uproot not just the local syndicates that prey on our people. We have to take the fight to foreign groups that wrongly believe that the Philippines is fertile ground for their activities,” Binay added. /MP

Knights of Columbus Inaugurates Clubhouse & Brgy. Hall

by Bienvenido P. Cortes

The Knights of Columbus Clubhouse and the Barangay Hall of Barangay 2, Ellieta cor. Christopher Columbus Sts., Roxas City, was inaugurated and blessed in simple ceremonies. Most Rev. Jose F. Advincula, D.D., Archbishop of Capiz presided. City Mayor Angel Alan B. Celino and other local officials and guests graced the said occasion.

Archbishop Advincula started the program with his invocation. The singing of the National Anthem followed. The good archbishop then blessed the reconstructed building, the ground floor occupied by the Office of Barangay 2 Council and the second floor by the Roxas City Council No. 3691 of the Knights of Columbus.The Capiz prelate have high praises on the presence of this building as this will serve to unite people in this area for community action.

On the part of the Knights of Columbus, this writer and Grand Knight of Council 3691, thanked and appreciated City Mayor Angel Alan B. Celino and the barangay council of Barangay 2 headed by Punong Barangay Luzminda de la Cruz for initiating and facilitating the reconstruction of the Knights of Columbus Clubhouse and Barangay 2 Hall. The original clubhouse constructed during the term of the late Grand Knight Cesar A. Talabucon (1991-1992), was totally destroyed by Typhoon Frank on June 18-21, 2008. Cortes thanked Mrs. Nilda A. Alovera, widow of SK Richard Alovera, Sr. whose family donated the lot where the clubhouse now stands.

Mayor Alan, who is also a member of Council 3691 planned to rehabilitate the Knights of Columbus clubhouse. With the advice of Engr. SK Ramon Ponsaran and SK Benny Loterena and in coordination with the barangay council of Barangay 2, a new building is now inaugurated.

Mayor Celino also plans to construct a chapel near the clubhouse where the residents can conduct cultural and religious activities.

SK Julius B. Abela, District Deputy V-147, of the Knights of Columbus, presented awards of appreciation to Most Rev. Jose F. Advincula, D.D., archbishop of Capiz, for blessing the building; to City Mayor Angel Alan B. Celino, for facilitating the reconstruction of the clubhouse; to Punong Barangay Luzminda de la Cruz, for coordinating with the office of the city mayor in the reconstruction of the building; and to Mrs. Nilda A. Alovera, for donating the land.

In behalf of Brgy. 2, Punong Barangay Luzminda de la Cruz conveyed her thanks to Mayor Angel Alan B. Celino for providing a permanent place to hold office and transact business with their barangay constituents. In previous years, they had been holding office in rented private houses. Now, they are happy to occupy the ground floor permanently for barangay council office. Dela Cruz also presented a Barangay Resolution of thanks to Mayor Alan and to Mrs. Nilda A. Alovera, donor of the clubhouse lot.

Capiz provincial board member Ed Magalanes, city councilors SK Julius L. Abela, Powell del Rosario, and Tawe Billones, Jr., journalists, Epi Celino, Edalyn Acta and Amy Almosa, Lendo Eusalan, Capiz Electronics Institute attended the blessing and inauguration of the clubhouse. /MP

NVC Awards Outstanding Students

The awardees are shown with Ms. Rebecca Barrios (3rd from left), Atty. Allen S. Quimpo - NVC President, and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente (second from right and extreme right) respectively.

Atty. Allen S. Quimpo and his son, Adrian Joshua L. Quimpo

The Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo, Aklan held its Awards and Recognition Night for Outstanding Student Organizations Thursday evening, March 22. It was held in the Carmen Salas Quimpo Gym in Estancia, Kalibo.

NVC President, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo with executive dean Lillian Q. Tirol awarded both cash and Plaques of Appreciation to the eight students organizations. The eight categories each received the awards are:

1. Most Outstanding In Leadership Training Project – English Club;

2. Most Outstanding Organization In Event Management – Mathematics Club;

3. Most Outstanding Organization In Ways and Means – BSEED Department;

4. Best Environment Friendly Organization – Environmental Club (High School);

5. Best Artistic Organization – NVC Artist Circle;

6. Most Outstanding In Cultural Program – NVC Theater Arts Guild;

7. Most Outstanding Student Leader – Bryan Ray Solano; and

8. Most Outstanding Student Organization – NVC Supreme Students Council.

The awardees received a P1,000.00 cash and plaque each. The prizes were distributed to the awardees by Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, NVC president, Mrs. Lilian Q. Tirol, NVC Treasurer, dean Rebecca T. Barrios of student’s affairs, and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente.

Dean Rebecca T. Barrios gave the opening message. Atty. Allen S. Quimpo delivered the inspirational message. Ms. Emelyn B. Quimpo, Principal of Basic Education Department gave the award categories. She also gave the criteria of the awards.

For entertainment, a Chinese Song “Ping Yo” was rendered by Don J Ven Cauilan.

Memory was also sang by Sofia Pasag and Kim Lucerio. A Chinese dance was performed by NVC High School students.

Mr. Bryan Ray Solano, president, NVC Supreme Student Council, in behalf of the students sincerely thanked the NVC board of directors, management, faculty, and administrative staff for recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of the students. Solano also gave the remarks to close the program.

DJ SKY of Bay Radio was the program host. /MP

Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival Highlights Aklan Day

Barong tagalog, long gowns, dresses and bags and other fashion accessories made of premium quality products of Aklan such as piña, abaca, and raffia loomwoven fabrics displayed in the Trade Hall, Capitol Grounds, Kalibo, Aklan last year.

The Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival, now on its 13th year, is a model of public and private partnership (PPP) of the Provincial Government of Aklan, Department of Trade and Industry, Fiber Industry Development Authority, Aklan Piña Manufacturers and Traders Association, Inc., Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc., and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.-Aklan Chapter.

Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival will be one of the highlights of the Aklan Day Celebration from 23-29 April 2012. The venue is The Trade Hall, Capitol Grounds, Kalibo, Aklan.

Through the years, DTI has spearheaded this showcase of Aklan’s locally developed premium quality products such as piña, abaca, and raffia loomwoven fabrics and fashion accessories; gifts, furnishings, and decorative crafts; processed meat and fish, bakery and confectionery, and engineered bamboo products.

The exhibit also includes the One-Town-One Product (OTOP) booths of all 17 municipalities of Aklan, including the display of fresh farm produce of community-based organization,, agencies, and institutions.

Moreover, there will also be a week-long nightly food festival and entertainment at the Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo, located in the Provincial Capitol Grounds.

The success of this marketing activity for the past 12 years is attributable to the effective public and private partnership of the cooperating entities, Engr. Diosdado P. Cadena Jr., DTI Provincial Director of Aklan pointed out. /MP

EDITORIAL

Ombudsman Awards Albar Another Suspension

"Wherefore, this office finds substantial evidence to declare respondent, General Manager Renato T. Albar, guilty of Simple Misconduct. Accordingly the penalty of Suspension of four (4) months is hereby imposed upon respondent Renato T. Albar”. This is the decision of the Ombudsman (Visayas) on the case: OMB-V-A-08-0122-D filed by UIMIG Enterprise represented by Junalin D. Gurrea against the general manager Renato T. Albar of Metro Kalibo Water District (MKWD). Actually, all the members of the MKWD Board of Directors was included in the complaint. However, the OMBUDSMAN “finds lack of substantial evidence to declare the members of the MKWD Board of Directors guilty of the administrative charges”.

The case arouse after Albar signed two contracts with UIMIG Enterprise which are: 1. Contract No. GD 2007 – 09 – 038 for the supply and delivery of various electrical materials and appurtenance for Cupang Pump Station with a contract price of P1,298,338.49; and 2. Contract No. GD 2007 – 09 – 039 for the supply and delivery of two (2) units generator sets (50 KVA and 165 KVA) and one (1) set electro mechanical equipment with accessories for the contract price of P3,748,554.00.

The first contract was executed on Dec. 16, 2007. The goods ordered were delivered on Feb. 8, 2008. A Certificate of Provisional Acceptance was issued which recommended for actual testing and final inspection and to pay 50 percent of the cost.

On Feb. 19, 2008, a Certificate of Inspection and Acceptance was issued to UIMIG by MKWD. On March 6, 2008 UIMIG Enterprise in its letter addressed to Albar demanded for the full payment of “various electrical materials and appurtenances for Cupang Pump Station.

The second contract was executed on Jan. 4, 2008. Albar represented MKWD and UIMIG by Junalin D. Gurrea. Deliveries were made on January 23, 2008. A Certificate of Provisional Acceptance was approved by GM Renato Albar which “recommended for actual testing and final inspection prior to final acceptance” and “for 50 percent payment as stipulated in the contract”.

On Feb. 28, 2008, MKWD cetified that “the deliveries made by UIMIG Enterprise…were tested and found…in conformance with the quantity and MKWD specifications and standard”. It recommended for payment.

On March 6, 2008, UIMIG in its letter addressed to GM Albar, “sought the full payment for the supply and delivery” of machineries and materials as specified in the two contracts. According to UIMIG Enterprise, P1,554,700 was paid on January 25, 2007 for Contract No. GD 2007 – 09 – 039) and P549.338.49 for Contract No. GD2007 – 09 – 038 on February 15, 2008.

But how can MKWD pay the balance? MKWD Board of Directors issued Board Resolution No. 013, S. 2008 which stopped payment for the 50 percent unpaid balance to UIMIG Enterprise.

Again on March 15, 2008, UIMIG Enterprise in a letter addressed to GM Albar demanded the payment of P2,942,530.51 representing the unpaid balance.

In their counter affidavit, MKWD Board of Directors headed by Edgar T. Isada denied the charges that they violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

According to the BOD, Mr. Albar is “authorized to award bids for general purchases amounting to P1.5 million only but the contract agreement is for P3,748,554 clearly above the authorized amount.

The BOD blamed the UIMIG Enterprise for its failure to investigate the capacity of the person (Mr. Albar) it is dealing with if he is duly authorized or not to enter into a contract with them.

OMB-V-C-08-0139-D

In another complaint filed by UIMIG Enterprise, the OMBUDSMAN “finds PROBABLE CAUSE to warrant the indictment of respondent GM Renato T. Albar, for violation of Sec. 3 (c), R. A. 3019. It further recommended the filing of the case with proper court.

On the other hand, the OMBUDSMAN finds lack of probable cause to indict Edgar T. Isada, Father Allan Sta. Maria, Gil C. Acevedo, Rey S. Quimpo, Maria Rayda T. Cipriano and Wilfredo M. Deleo.

The consolidated resolution was recommended for approval by Pelagio S. Apostol – deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas, and approved by Conchita Carpio Morales – Ombudsman.

The suspension of GM Renato T. Albar being guilty of simple misconduct was also recommended by Pelagio S. Apostol – deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas and approved by Conchita Carpio Morales-Ombudsman.

The charge against the chairman and members of the MKWD Board of Directors was accordingly dismissed due to lack of substantial evidence.

Albar’s Suspension

Earlier, the Board of Directors, MKWD suspended Mr. Albar. In a complaint on the matter of the MKWD Provident Fund, Mr. Albar was suspended for nine (9) months. Just as his nine (9) months suspension without salary expired, another four (4) months suspension by the Ombudsman came and took effect.

What a shame! Mr. Albar did something he was not authorized. Did he usurped the job because he volunteered? Is there extra money in it?

Is Albar’s action voluntary without any personal gain but due to public service?

Albar never invoke he signed two contracts to hasten job accomplishment, to facilitate good service in his defense.

To any well meaning Aklanon, who is found guilty of an offense against the public via the public utility “water distribution and supply”, the best and graceful exit is to resign.

His job in a government owned and controlled corporation as general manager is no longer tenable. It will be best for him to allow somebody who is honest, accountable, transparent and a person of integrity to assume the functions of a General Manager in MKWD. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Human Population Increases,

Food Supply Decreases

In year 2003, each Filipino shared 28.5 kilos of fish. Not anymore today, Only 10 kilos of fish are available to each Filipino annually. In nine years, the average fish available per capita per year has decreased by 18.5 kilogams or 64 percent. This is too much, too rapid diminution.

The decrease amount of fish available to each Filipino is cause by both human population increase and the decrease in fish production.

This is unbelievable but true. The Philippines, being an archipelago composed of several thousands islands is short of fish. It is hard to imagine why the Philippines is importing fish abroad when six for every 10 Filipinos live in the coastal area.

In Aklan for instance, of the 17 towns 12 are situated in coastal areas. Only Banga, Libacao, Madalag, Malinao, and Lezo are located inland.

Aklan must be self sufficient in fish. But no, for some fishes sold and eaten in Aklan are coming from other places like Capiz, Antique, and Batangas.

Other than increase population growth that resulted to increase food consumption, fish catch and production also decreased because of some destructive fishing methods being practiced and environmental pollution.

These resulted to the importation of about 800,000 metric tons of fish from abroad last year. There is now a proposal from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to ban fishing in 13 fishing areas to give way for rehabilitation and to restore the usual quality and quantity fishermen used to harvest in those areas.

In his book, “World on the Edge” - Lester Brown wrote, “four fifths (4/5) of ocean fishers is overfished and is headed for collapse” as it is overfished.

Cited overfished in the Philippines are Sulu Sea, Tubbatuba reef, Visayan Sea, Panay Gulf, and Bohol Sea among others.

But it is admitted, more people, more food consumption. Efforts are exerted to balance the number of increase of people with the resources available and sustainable. But success seems elusive as the number of people is increasing while the resources available to maintain a normal life is diminishing.

In Aklan, statistics show, many of the Aklanons are becoming poorer everyday. The advances being gained in the twin program of LGU Aklan in agriculture and tourism is still to filter to the people province wide.

While Aklan is an ideal fishing ground, the fishermen must be guided in scientific fishing for both inland culture and deep sea fishes. There is a massive campaign on environmental care, preservation and improvement, but effort seems not enough.

Most food like chicken meat and eggs, beef and pork are inadequate and importation from other provinces are done to provide the actual demand.

The livestock farmers must be very well guided along this line through LGU agriculture extension program.

Fruits and vegetables produced in Aklan are short, farmers must be guided to produce these food stuffs.

Aklan, a very important tourists destination and for the Aklanons to gain in tourism industry, they must have something to sell to the visitors.

If the Aklanons remain consumers and nothing to sell, they are the willing victims of the tourist industry as they will experience high prices in both goods and services. /MP

Veterans Celebrate Akeanon Veterans Week

The 1st Akeanon Veterans Week will be celebrated on the second week of April, interim president Henjie M. Del Castillo of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines – Sons and Daughters Association, Inc. (VFPSDAI) Kalibo Post announced.

The celebration is in honor of Akeanon World War II Veterans. On Tuesday, April 10, a Requiem Mass will be celebrated at Saint John de Baptist Cathedral, Kalibo at 8:00 o’clock in the morning. The holy mass over, a commemorative program will be held at the Kalibo Veterans Shrine, Pastrana Park, Kalibo, Aklan.

Wreath laying and floral offering will include tops and valley of fire in honor of both the deceased and living veterans.

To recall, the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) surrendered Bataan to the Japanese invaders on April 9, 1942 or 70 years ago today. Both the American and Filipino officers and men in Bataan were brought to the concentration camp in Capas, Tarlac where from Bataan to Capas, thousands of USAFFEE soldiers perished along the way during their walk dubbed, “Death March”.

Today, a shrine is erected in Mt. Samat, Bataan in honor of the officers and men who died in Bataan, in the death march, and in Capas.

April 9 of every year is declared a non working public holiday in the Philippines. /MP

ASU (Main) Alumni Schedules Homecoming April 28

The Aklan State University (Main)Alumni Association will hold its Alumni Homecoming on April 28, 2012. Atty. Ariel Gepty, alumni president announced this week.

The homecoming will be held in ASU Amphitheater in the morning and in Teodosio Cultural and Sports Complex in the evening of Saturday, April 28.

Atty. Gepty anticipates, during the homecoming, the reckoning of “our good old happy high school and college days with former classmates, schoolmates, mentors and friends”. It will provide chances to visit Alma Mater now the ASU beside the historic Manduyog Hill in “Banga the Beautiful”.

The lead graduates during this year’s Alumni Homecoming are the Silver Jubilarians of AAC High School class 1987 and AAC College Class 1987 and The Golden Jubilarians – BRHS Class 1962.

The important highlights of this year’s homecoming are welcome and recognition program for retired professors, elections and induction of officers for the term 2012 – 2014; Eucharistic celebration at Banga Parish Church. Immediately after the holy mass, Torch Parade, Coronation Ceremonies and awards night will follow at Teodosio Cultural and Sports Complex, Banga, Aklan.

According to Atty. Gepty, the plan for the homecoming is now finalized and preparation for the April 28 homecoming is ongoing.

For those who wish additional information on the homecoming, they may contact any of the following: Atty. Ariel B. Gepty – president; Engr. Roberto T. Teodosio – vice president; Ms. Evelyn I. Dela Cruz – secretary; Ms. Daylinda R. Rigodon – treasurer; Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente – PRO; Ms. Bliss L. Arboleda – auditor; Ms. Mary Ann Acibar – Ramos – business manager, and Irene V. Igharas, Doreen D. Lachica, Sonia M. Lao, Andrew P. Legaspi, Chito F. Nabor, Conrado D. Ricaforte, Edilberto L. Solidum, and Michelle M. Tan – BOD members. /MP

How To Be Financially Free

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Some 300 members of PTA Infant Jesus Academy (IJA) Andagao on March 10, 2012 attended a very enlightening discussion on family financial management. A young lady financial analyst and author, Ms. Sha Nacino from Metro Manila was the guest and resource person. She discussed “Five Steps To Financial Freedom” considered lofty but achievable with the right preparation and opportunity.

The five steps are: 1) Begin with the end in mind, 2) Live within your means, 3) Accumulate assets and eliminate liabilities, 4) Develop the habit of saving and 5) Expand your means of income.

Ms. Nacino defines financial freedom as the stage when one have a choice whether to stop working (for money) or not because money is no longer an issue. Monthly passive income is greater than monthly expenses. Passive income is money that one earns while on vacation or while he is doing something else. Examples of passive income are rentals, royalties, proceeds from e-sales of merchandise while on vacation and others.

People are often confronted with the concept of the American dream of starting a small enterprise, slugging it through and making it big in the end. Success stories abound in free societies where there is less government regulations and more of incentives. Yes, the Filipino can achieve financial freedom as long as he has the right motive of stewardship in mind.

It is pertinent to cite common misconception that “money is the root of all evils”. There is nothing wrong with being rich, in fact God gives wealth, possessions and honor (Eccl 6:21). The sad truth is that “the love of money is root of all evils, in other words greed. Strive to make money your slave instead of one being a slave of his money.

Live within your means is basic whether one is working in big government or corpo-ration. Thankfully, the job of keeping the purse in a Filipino family is the wife’s, unlike the Chinese. Balancing the budget is an all consuming passion because it is not how much one earns but how much he saves.

Assets are needed to boost income especially those having potential positive return on investment. Liabilities are those purchases on luxury goods like mink coat, SUV, jewelries, and others.

Developing a systematic way to save has the simple formula of income minus savings equals expenses. Ms. Niceno is very insistent on the urgent need to save for a rainy day. Depending on one’s capacity, it can range from 1 to 25 percent of total income automatically deducted before paying household expenditures like light and water, food, house rental, tuition fee, medicine, and others. The old maxim is a penny save is a penny earn.

Expanding means of income is to create other sources of passive revenue. This entails financial savy as to where to invest one’s hard earned cash. In all cases, passive money gains proportionately to the amount of money invested and financial strength of the institution.

Ms. Nacino attributes her present life and positive outlook to painstaking dedication of her parents to age-old wisdom of being honest, hard working and God fearing. She says the family is blessed with abundant food supply coming from the backyard. They raise and market poultry and swine, fruits, and vegetables boosting family health, bonding and income.

Warren Buffet, 82 the world’s third richest man with $45 billion is willing to share 99 percent of his fortune as part of his advocacy to mitigate what he calls culture of selfishness and loss of opportunities in society. Specifically, he is for imposing higher taxes for the rich who often pay extremely low rates on income by moving money around.

King Solomon mentioned that wealth and fame are fleeting hence vanity. His admonition is “Fear God and Keep His Commandments for this is man’s all. (Eccl. 12:13) St. Josemarie Escriva says, “If riches abound set not your hearts upon them. Strive rather to use them generously and if necessarily. Be poor of spirit”.

Road to financial freedom involves critical decisions in life like being passionate, goal oriented and trusting God, virtues that the majority of social welfare recipients of today have no desire to do. /MP

Reason and Concern

By Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Prosecution Centers On Betrayal

of Public Trust

The Supreme Court in Francisco, Jr. vs. Nagmamalasakit na mga Manananggol ng mga Manggagawang Pilipino, Inc. (G.R. No. 160261, November 10,2003) amplified the concept of betrayal of public trust as a non-justiciable political question which is beyond the scope of its judicial power under the Constitution. It did not prescribed which branch of the government has the power to define it, but implies that Congress which handles impeachment cases has the power to do so.

True that the pro-secution in the impeach-ment case against Chief Justice Renato Corona waived the presentation of evidence in Articles of Impeachment 1, 4, 5, 6 and 8. But a perusal of Articles 2, 3 and 7 would show the impeachable offense of betrayal of public trust.

In an article written by lawyer Reynaldo Geronimo, the Trust Guru. titled “ Betrayal of Public Trust - the framers’ intent”, he traced that at the Constitutional Commission during the July l986 floor deliberation, Commissioner Rustico delos Reyes,Jr. introduced at the Committee level the inclusion of “betrayal of public trust” but it was Commissioner Ricardo Romulo who explained what it meant during the period of debate in answer to Commissioner Florenz Regalado’s query, Geronimo recounted that Romulo said that “betrayal of public trust was a catchall phrase…[ that] refers to his oath of office, in the end that the idea of a public trust is connected with the oath of office of the officer, and if he violates that oath of office, then he has betrayed that trust”.

Further, Commissioner Romulo also emphasized that the term as a catchall phrase includes all acts which are not punishable by statutes as penal offenses but, nonetheless, render the officer unfit to continue in office. It includes betrayal of public interest, inexcusable negligence of duty, tyrannical abuse of power, breach of official duty by malfeasance or misfeasance, cronyism, favoritism, and others to the prejudice of public interest and which tend to bring the office into disrepute…”

As Geronimo stated in the conclusion of his article: “Clearly then, the intent of the framers of the current constitution is to make the impeachable officers answer for any act, criminal or otherwise, that violates their oath of office. That is the final question that the Senators would have to determine sooner or later with respect to Chief Justice Renato Corona.”

The prosecution may have had considered that among the impeachable offenses enumerated in Sec, 2, Art. XI of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust would be easy to prove for the removal of the respondent chief justice.

Aklan political observers surmise that three months reckoned from April 2012, probable candidates for the gubernatorial and congressional positions to oppose the Miraflores-Marquez team shall eventually be known albeit Banga Mayor Antonio Mameng had announced his 110 percent intention to run as congressman for Aklan’s lone district.

Prosecution Rests Case Too Early

The Prosecution in the Impeachment Trial against Chief Justice Renato Corona feeling that they have enough evidence to pin down the respondent Chief Justice after presenting evidence in Articles of Impeachment 2, 3 and 7, rested their case. Thus, the Prosecution waived and abandoned presenting evidence for Articles 1, 4, 5, 6 and 8.

The Articles of Impeachment relied upon by the Prosecution for the presumption of guilt,or if you may, conviction of Chief Justice Renato Corona, are hereunder reproduced verbatim, as follows :

ARTICLE II

RESPONDENT COMMITTED CULPABLE VIOLATION OF THE CONSTITUTION AND/OR BETRAYED THE PUBLIC TRUST WHEN HE FAILED TO DISCLOSE TO THE PUBLIC HIS STATE-MENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES, AND NET WORTH AS REQUIRED UNDER SEC. 17, ART. XI OF THE 1987 CONSTITUTION.

ARTICLE III

RESPONDENT COMMITTED CULPABLE VIOLATIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION AND/OR BETRAYED THE PUBLIC TRUST BY FAILING TO MEET AND OBSERVE THE STRINGENT STANDARDS UNDER ART. VIII, SECTION 7 (3) OF THE CONSTI-TUTION WHICH PROVIDES THAT “[A] MEMBER OF THE JUDICIARY MUST BE A PERSON OF PROVEN COMPETENCE, INTEGRITY, PROBITY, AND INDEPENDENCE” IN ALLOWING THE SUPREME COURT TO ACT ON MERE LETTERS FILED BY A COUNSEL WHICH CAUSED THE ISSUANCE OF FLIP-FLOPPING DECISIONS IN FINAL AND EXE-CUTORY CASES; IN CREATING AN EXCES-SIVE ENTANGLEMENT WITH MRS. ARROYO THROUGH HER APPOINTMENT OF HIS WIFE TO OFFICE; AND IN DISCUSSING WITH LITI-GANTS REGARDING CASES PENDING BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT.

ARTICLE VII

RESPONDENT BETRAYED THE PUBLIC TRUST THROUGH HIS PARTIALITY IN GRAN-TING A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER (TRO) IN FAVOR OF FORMER PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO AND HER HUSBAND JOSE MIGUEL ARROYO IN ORDER TO GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO ESCAPE PROSECUTION AND TO FRUSTRATE THE ENDS OF JUSTICE, AND IN DISTORTING THE SUPREME COURT DECISION ON THE EFFECTIVITY OF THE TRO IN VIEW OF A CLEAR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS OF THE SUPREME COURT’S OWN TRO.

The withdrawal of the five Articles of Impeachment prompted Senator Francisco Escudero to make the observation that the prosecution’s withdrawal is equivalent to amending the complaint. The withdrawal spurred Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago to lecture lengthily to the prosecution on the Rules of Court. Too, the Iloilo lady senator commented on the alleged trial by publicity resorted to by the prosecution and her observation on the rather vainglorious declaration of the prosecution that they are already victorious making a travesty of the Senate as Impeachment Court who have as yet to weigh all evidence presented coupled with their judgment.

Lawyer Vitaliano Aguirre was held in contempt by the Impeachment Court for showing disrespect to Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago when he placed his hands on both ears playing deaf to what the lady senator from Iloilo was manifesting.

It is fundamental for lawyers to observe and maintain the respect due to the courts and judicial officers and should insists on similar conduct by others. That is mandated in Canon II, Code of Professional Responsibility. This canon should constantly remind lawyers that second only to the duty of maintaining allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines and to support the Constitution and obey the laws of the land is the duty of all attorneys to observe and maintain the respect due to the courts of justice and judicial officers. The faithful performance of this duty is necessary for the stability of democratic institutions. (Zaldivar v. Gonzales, 166 SCRA 316 (1988). /MP

Lorna Tolentino’s Sister Fails To Get Visa; Calls Off Cremation

by ALEX P. VIDAL

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The cremation of cancer patient Lorna Tolentino has been held in abeyance after the Canadian Embassy in Manila denied the visa of the dead’s sister who was supposed to arrive last January 7 here to decide on the matter.

Tolentino, 39, a caregiver in Burnaby, passed away last New Year, according to Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS) president Tomas Avendano. She died of ovarian cancer, said doctors in the Burnaby General Hospital.

Avendano, who coordinates with the Philippine Consulate, said Jocelyn Tolentino-Lorenzo was denied of visitor’s visa in Manila and failed to make the trip as scheduled.

APPEAL

“We are on process of making an appeal (with the Canadian Embassy in Makati) baka mali ang papers that she presented during the interview,” Avendano said in an exclusive interview. “As of now, we can’t decide on what to do with the body. We need to wait for the sister’s arrival.”

In the event that Lorenzo can’t make it again in her second try for application of visa, Avendano said they will let the hospital decide on what to do with Tolentino’s body which is now in the morgue.

Tolentino had been confined in the hospital since September 2011 and did not have any relative in Canada.

POSSIBILITY

Avendano has ruled the possibility of Tolentino’s body to be brought back to her province in Batangas, Philippines “because we don’t have enough money to facilitate the trip.”

Cremation is the best option, Avendano said, because it will cost only about Canadian $5,000 while bringing the body to the Philippines will cost about Canadian $15,000.

Avendano confirmed Tolentino did not have any insurance since she was not yet immigrant. “Her story is like that of a caregiver whose dreams for a better life in Canada did not come true,” Avendano stressed.

CRISIS FUND

All that the MHHS could give is Canadian $200 to be taken from the crisis fund of live-in caregivers, he added.

The money will be given to Lorenzo once she arrives, Avendano said.

Lorenzo’s round-trip ticket was secured by the St. Mary’s Parish Church and Migrante B.C., it was learned.

“Our efforts to solicit financial help for Lorna Tolentino are ongoing,” Avendano revealed.

CARE

Live-in caregivers are individuals who are qualified to provide care for children, elderly persons or persons with disabilities in private homes without supervision.

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, live-in caregivers must live in the private home where they work in Canada.

Filipinos comprise 93 percent of all live-in caregivers in Canada since the government introduced the Live-In Caregiver Program which gives workers the chance to become permanent residents after completing a certain period of service. /MP

Lorna Tolentino’s Sister Fails To Get Visa; Calls Off Cremation

by ALEX P. VIDAL

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The cremation of cancer patient Lorna Tolentino has been held in abeyance after the Canadian Embassy in Manila denied the visa of the dead’s sister who was supposed to arrive last January 7 here to decide on the matter.

Tolentino, 39, a caregiver in Burnaby, passed away last New Year, according to Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS) president Tomas Avendano. She died of ovarian cancer, said doctors in the Burnaby General Hospital.

Avendano, who coordinates with the Philippine Consulate, said Jocelyn Tolentino-Lorenzo was denied of visitor’s visa in Manila and failed to make the trip as scheduled.

APPEAL

“We are on process of making an appeal (with the Canadian Embassy in Makati) baka mali ang papers that she presented during the interview,” Avendano said in an exclusive interview. “As of now, we can’t decide on what to do with the body. We need to wait for the sister’s arrival.”

In the event that Lorenzo can’t make it again in her second try for application of visa, Avendano said they will let the hospital decide on what to do with Tolentino’s body which is now in the morgue.

Tolentino had been confined in the hospital since September 2011 and did not have any relative in Canada.

POSSIBILITY

Avendano has ruled the possibility of Tolentino’s body to be brought back to her province in Batangas, Philippines “because we don’t have enough money to facilitate the trip.”

Cremation is the best option, Avendano said, because it will cost only about Canadian $5,000 while bringing the body to the Philippines will cost about Canadian $15,000.

Avendano confirmed Tolentino did not have any insurance since she was not yet immigrant. “Her story is like that of a caregiver whose dreams for a better life in Canada did not come true,” Avendano stressed.

CRISIS FUND

All that the MHHS could give is Canadian $200 to be taken from the crisis fund of live-in caregivers, he added.

The money will be given to Lorenzo once she arrives, Avendano said.

Lorenzo’s round-trip ticket was secured by the St. Mary’s Parish Church and Migrante B.C., it was learned.

“Our efforts to solicit financial help for Lorna Tolentino are ongoing,” Avendano revealed.

CARE

Live-in caregivers are individuals who are qualified to provide care for children, elderly persons or persons with disabilities in private homes without supervision.

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, live-in caregivers must live in the private home where they work in Canada.

Filipinos comprise 93 percent of all live-in caregivers in Canada since the government introduced the Live-In Caregiver Program which gives workers the chance to become permanent residents after completing a certain period of service. /MP

The Value of Success Among Children

by Johann C. Cawaling

Everyone wishes to succeed. Give the young boys and girls some chance, after proper effort they may be happily confident of their abilities. They are expected to succeed in schools. When a child is discouraged through failure, give him a simple task, and for his encouragement, the tonic of praise.

One will find him tackling the next piece of work with better spirit, though it be more difficult. For the children in school who find learning difficult, seek the field in which they can take pride of their accomplishment. When they are unable to excel in any of the studies, praise them where they succeeded, for their orderliness or the way they helped with some task about the room.

If a child is backward, the belief that he is hopelessly dull will have the effect of a ball and chain tied to the foot of a runner. The skilled teacher of the feeble-minded knows that it is of utmost importance to be lavish in praise of successes in little things. This will give the child more confidence and use the ability that is his. We may well learn that there are just as many children whose continual failures lead to indolence as there are children in whom the latter characteristics lead to failure.

Since the giving of prizes for the best works often causes indifference among the mediocre pupils, as well as hesitancy to put forth any effort whatsoever, the practice is not to be commended. It is better to reward all who reach a certain standard or who make an earnest effort. Make the children happily confident of their ability to succeed. Refrain from assigning too difficult task which may not be accomplished at the very beginning. Satisfactory accomplishment of the first lesson will spur the pupil to further endeavors, and future tasks.

Though increasingly difficult, the work will be met with will to comply if in the past a reasonable degree of success has been realized. /MP

Escudero Expects 700T Graduates To Enter Labor Market

With more than 700,000 graduates expected to enter the labor market on top of some 564,000 other college graduates who are still looking for jobs, the government must start focusing on the development of firm-specific skills to improve employability and arrest the increasing unemployment, Senator Chiz Escudero suggested.

“These figures confirm the notion that more and more educated Filipinos find it difficult to find local employment. Of course, the conventional recourse is to look for jobs abroad even if the opportunities there are thinning,” Escudero pointed out.

He also said the task of addressing unemployment has become more urgent since overseas Filipinos may have begun to lose their jobs in the face of the instability in the Middle East and the continuing economic problems confronting the United States and Europe.

“Add to these is the number of discouraged workers or those who stopped looking for work believing that there is no more available vacancy as well as unpaid family workers, and the number becomes bigger. Government must implement a spending program to stimulate employment in response to this,” he added.

Escudero reiterated his proposal for the government to roll out projects, including skills development that can be funded by the national budget, and impose job-benchmarking for every peso spent for taxes. /MP

THE GOOD LIFE

by Megs S. Lunn

B.A.G.E.T.S

Last March 4, 2012, I attended an open Lenten Recollection at the Immaculate Adoration Convent, Polo, New Washington, Aklan. We were so blessed to have Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD and Ms. Fatima Soriano to be our very special inspirational speakers. The topic was about “Peace in our hearts.”

In the acronym BAGETS of Fr. Jerry, I have learned so much. I am now very willing to share it with you in this column. While, Fatima Soriano, was born blind, she also survived an end-stage kidney failure. With all her courage and strength to survive an ordeal of sacrifice, she managed to sing to us many of her composed songs that inspired all the more the two thousand witnesses to the goodness of the Lord.

What struck me is the song, “Journey Back To The Heart” which she composed in spite of her blindness. It tells the people to be good to continue to care, to love more and to share. As Fr. Jerry Orbos said, “it is only through humility and joy that we will have peace in our hearts.”

B–alik Panginoon. We go back to Christ through sacramental confession, at least once a month, so that we can be able to be at peace with God.

A-lis galit. Learn to forgive. To forgive is to ‘give-for’ the Lord whatever burden one has in his heart. When one learns to forgive, he will release the prisoner in him. For it is not the person who did wrong to one that is in ‘prison’, but himself. When one learns to forgive – one will have deep joy from peace.

G-awa mabuti. Do good and avoid evil. Do not be envious of those who gained their wealth by doing evil. Learn to love in concrete – feed the hungry, clothe the naked, serve water to the thirsty and provide shelter to homeless. The only legacy that one can leave behind is good education and a good name. Fr. Jerry reminded us that doing good, is the only universal moral law.

E-xpress your love. Let God make you stronger in your life. Make Him your strength. We have 168 hours in one week and all that He ever asks is an hour of you to hear a mass every Sunday. Do not postpone the expression of your love. Invest for eternity. Learn how to appreciate and say ‘thank you’. Also, express your love to people. The only dosage to love is to love more.

T-anggal bisyo. Keep away from troubling your body. For our body is made to be the ‘temple of God.’ “What does a man gain if he profits the whole world and losses his soul?”

S-acrifice. Sacrifice….but with a smile and in silence. The only way to heaven is sacrifice.

These are practical lessons and are easy to understand. I don’t need to be proud and egoistic to be able to digest it. Life is a do-it-yourself project. It is the only life one will ever build. If one lives it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. Remember, our life tomorrow is the result of our attitude and the choices we make today.

To be a good Christian, is to be a loser. We need to be willing to ‘die-a-little’ for people will not spare from persecution. It’s a sacrifice to be good, but do good anyway.

So, are you BAGETS? I am young and feeling ‘bagets.’ Today, do not hesitate to forgive and live in peace because “life is beautiful and life is good.” /MP

Perseverance Is Strength*

* Speech of executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. delivered on March 11, 2012 during the Commemoration Ceremony of the Great East Japan 2011 Earthquake held at Quezon Hall, UP Academic Oval, Diliman, Quezon City

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe; my former boss, Speaker Sonny Belmonte; our host today, UP President Alfredo Pascual; a pleasant morning to you all.

As we commemorate the first anniversary of the March 11, 2011 earthquake that rocked our close neighbor and ally, we reiterate our sincere condolences over the loss of lives and property due to the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and the effects of the Fukushima nuclear plant emergency.

In following Japan’s response to the tragedy that befell that nation last year, one cannot help but recall a Japanese proverb that captures how Japan has bounced back after this crisis: keizoku wa chikara nari.

Literally translated, this phrase means “perseverance is strength;” and this tragedy has taught us and those in international community that the Japanese are a strong people whose capacity to persevere and triumph over adversity serves as an inspiration to us Filipinos who, like our Japanese friends, live in areas that are particularly prone to devastation from severe weather events and geological hazards.

One can only admire the dignity in which the Japanese people conducted themselves in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake, and marvel at the selflessness of Japanese citizens who were willing to sacrifice their own lives to contribute to efforts to restore control over Fukushima Daiichi, as well as efforts to contain radiation releases in areas badly hit by the earthquake.

On behalf of the President, I wish Japan success as it undertakes the reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected areas. We continue to be in solidarity with Japan as it undertakes relief, reconstruction, and rebuilding. I likewise reiterate President Aquino’s pledge of our readiness to extend assistance to Japan, a pledge made by the President during his official visit to Japan, where it is hoped that the funds he donated on behalf of our government to Ishinomaki City contributed in helping the local government recons-truct government and public facilities in that area.

The March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and Typhoon Sendong in our country underscore the particular vulnerability of our two countries, and stress the importance of disaster readiness and response programs to address such vulnerabilities.

We thank the Japanese Government, the top overseas development assistance (ODA) provider of our country, for extending ODA projects to improve our disaster prevention and response capabilities, such as improved Doppler radar systems, flood warning systems, emergency shelters, and river channel improvement projects. Next month, in fact, we will be inaugurating a new radar station in Virac, Catanduanes that was built from funding provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The DOST believes that the completion of this radar station will substantially improve the accuracy of weather forecasts, thus resulting in more timely warnings for our people and helping minimize human casualties and property damage as a result of the severe weather disturbances that constantly batter the country.

We are also hopeful that aside from these generous contributions from Japan that our cooperation at the regional level will be sustained. We commend Japan for its support for the establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management and of an ASEAN-wide information-sharing network regarding Disaster Management. It is hoped that collaborations such as these will help countries such as ourselves replicate the level of disaster response readiness that Japan showed last year.

As agreed by our leaders in their 2011 Joint Statement, we hope that our bilateral cooperation in disaster prevention and management will continue to be strengthened based on the sharing of experiences and lessons accumulated by our two countries. It is commendable that in the wake of the tragic March 11 earthquake, the Government of Japan has indicated that it will hold an international high-level conference on natural disaster in 2012 and will host the Third World Conference on Disaster Reduction in 2015.

In leading the way to find means to mitigate the effects of the natural disasters that will inevitably plague us, Japan has shown us the best strategy in dealing with natural calamities—and that is to work amongst ourselves to implement programs and projects that will help ensure that natural disasters do not become greater tragedies by needlessly claiming more lives. Thank you very much, and a good day to you all. /MP

EDITORIAL

Why Loneliness Can Be Deadly

by Katherine Gammon

Loneliness can send a person down a path toward bad health, and even more intense loneliness, studies have shown. But while some have assumed the culprit was a dearth of others to remind a person to take care of himself or herself, new research suggests there’s a direct biological link between being lonely and ill health.

Loneliness can set into a motion a barrage of negative impacts inside the human body — but with additional social contact, some of the ill effects can be stopped.

John Cacioppo, a University of Chicago social psychologist who studies the biological effects of loneliness, presented some of his latest research at the Social Psychology and Perception meeting in San Diego, California last February.

He has found, for instance, loneliness is tied to hardening of the arteries (which leads to high blood pressure), inflammation in the body, and even problems with learning and memory. Even fruit flies that are isolated have worse health and die sooner than those that interact with others, showing that social engagement may be hard-wired, Cacioppo said.

In one study, Cacioppo and Steve Cole of UCLA examined how the immune system changed over time in people who were socially isolated. They observed a change in the kinds of genes that lonely people’s immune systems were expressing. Genes overexpressed in the loneliest individuals included many involved in immune system activation and inflammation. In addition, several key gene sets were underexpressed, including those involved in antiviral responses and antibody production. The result is that a lonely person’s body has let its defenses down to viral and other invaders. [7 Personality Traits That Are Bad For You]

“What we see is a consistent pattern where it looks like human immune cells are programmed with a defensive strategy that gets activated in lonely people,” Cole told LiveScience.

Here’s why: The immune system has to make a decision between fighting viral threats and protecting against bacterial invasions because it has a fixed fighting capability. In lonely people who see the world as a threatening place, their immune systems choose to focus on bacteria rather than viral threats. Without the antiviral protection and the body’s antibodies produced against various ills, the result means a person has less ability to fight cancers and other illnesses. Those who are socially isolated suffer from higher all-cause mortality, and higher rates of cancer, infection and heart disease.

In addition, loneliness raises levels of the circulating stress hormone cortisol and blood pressure, with one study showing that social isolation can push blood pressure up into the danger zone for heart attacks and strokes. It undermines regulation of the circulatory system so that the heart muscle works harder and the blood vessels are subject to damage by blood flow turbulence. Loneliness can destroy the quality of sleep, so that a person’s sleep is less restorative, both physically and psychologically. Socially isolated people wake up more at night and spend less time in bed actually sleeping, according to Cole and Cacioppo’s research.

The cycle created by loneliness can be a downward spiral. Studies by Cacioppo and others before him have found that lonely people tend to rate their own social interactions more negatively and form worse impressions of people they meet.

“Much like the threat of physical pain, loneliness protects your social body. It lets you know when social connections start to fray, and causes the brain to go on alert for social threats,” Cacioppo told LiveScience. “Being lonely can produce hyper-reactivity to negative behaviors in other people, so lonely people see those maltreatments as heavier. That makes it possible to fall more deeply into loneliness.”

The reasons trace back to humanity’s evolutionary history, when people needed each other to stay alive. Loneliness doesn’t just make people feel unhappy, it actually makes them feel unsafe — mentally and physically. This powerful evolutionary force bound prehistoric people to those they relied on for food, shelter and protection, to help them raise their young and carry on their genetic legacy. Cacioppo surmises that the distress people feel when they drift toward the edges of a group serves as a warning — like physical pain — that they need to reengage or face danger.

Everyone feels left out for some period of time, be it moving to a new city or starting college. Typically the feelings subside by themselves within six months. But when it comes to treating chronically isolated people, some interventions work better than others. In a large meta-analysis done last year, Cacioppo and colleagues found that two of the best ways to treat loneliness are to train people for the social skills they need to view the world in a more positive light, and to bring people together to share good times. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Dreaming Costs None

Is the municipality of Banga, Aklan bent to engage in a construction business? The Banga Sangguninang Bayan has approved Municipal Ordinance No. 2011-014 which authorizes the town Mayor of Banga to borrow fifty million pesos (P50,000,000) to finance the purchase of various heavy equipment.

These heavy equipment with its estimated corresponding cost as of Dec. 13, 2011 are as follows:

1. Brand New 6-wheeler Left Hand Drive Heavy Duty Dump Truck – US$113,400.00;

2. Brand New Shantui Bulldozer – US$213,600,00;

3. Brand New Lanking Motor Grader-US$244,400.00;

The list of equipment included seven (7), however, only three had quoted prices. The other four (4) are wheel loader, crawler, excavator, garbage compactor, and wheeler dump truck.

Purposes

According to the said Ordinance, the equipment will be used “for road opening, rehabilitation, construction, expansion of municipal roads, barangay farm to market roads, access roads, feeder roads, circumferential road, dredging of Aklan river shoreline, solid waste management program, clean and green program” and others.

The way I see it, Banga LGU is building a capability to engage in a municipal wide real estate and housing project. I picture the town of Banga in five years after the approval of the P50 million loan to be a huge first class subdivision in the province of Aklan. Really?

Let the Banga Mayor dream, for dreaming does not cost a centavo. On the other hand, never use the P50 million, if ever the loan is granted and released, in the course of the mayor’s dream.

Banga Municipal Ordinance No. 2011 – 014 was enacted and approved on Dec. 13, 2011 with five (5) affirmative votes, two (2) dissented; one (1) abstained and one (1) out on official business.

Ms. Joly B. Bolivar, secretary certified for its correctness; Vice Mayor Joseph Pierre R. Teodosio attested and certified to be duly enacted, and Mayor Antonio T. Maming approved.

Those who cast affirmative votes are Honorables Manuel R. Masangya, Rosemarie S. Piolo, Joselito B. Fernandez, Margarito R. Andrade, and Pabs Abre L. Arboleda. Hon. Rodolfo R. Sta. Maria and Hon. Stabnley Leigh G. Macahilig dissented, Hon. Noel L. Redison abstained, and Hon. Jonna Morales – Torres was on official business.

The said Ordinance was forwarded to the Office of the Sang-guniang Panlalawigan (SP), Kalibo, Aklan for review. It was assigned to the appropriate committees of the SP. The Committee on Laws, Rules and Ordinance and Committee on Appro-priation, Budget and Finance, and Ways and Means scheduled a joint committee hearing aimed to review Banga Municipal Ordinance No. 2011 – 014 on January 9, 2012. The members of Banga SB were invited to attend the hearing for interaction. They were also requested to submit Financial Statement of Banga. They did not comply. The ordinance was returned “without action”.

Did Banga SB members attend the hearing and submitted its financial statement?

Going over the said ordinance, it will allow the town mayor to borrow P50 million for the purchase of seven units of heavy equipment to be used for infrastructure construction. The loan is payable in eight years with no grace period. The interest rate is floating for the first year plus 3.625 percent minimum spread. The interest is payable monthly with the principal payable in equal monthly amortization.

To secure the loan, the 20 percent Internal Revenue Allotment and other locally sourced income are used as collateral. The heavy equipment acquired using the loan proceeds will be under chattel mortgage.

Mayor Antonio Maming must review and reconsider this P50 milion loan proposal. In the first place, his term as Mayor of Banga will end on June 30, 2013. He has only 15 months as Mayor of Banga. If he runs for congressman, win or lose he will not implement the P50 million loan.

He will leave the Banganhons swimming in neck deep debt for eight years. He mortgaged Banganhons’ future.

The SB Banga has already identified the probable supplier of the equipment complete with specification and respective prices. This is a “no no” in government procurement. Are the SB members committed to this supplier?

Mayor, do you have enough money for the operation and maintenance to sustain equipments’ excellent operating condition?

Is there in the Banga plantilla of positions sufficient number of capable personnel to operate and maintain those equipment in case Banga through Mayor Maming acquires those machineries?

I suggest further studies and review of the P50 million proposal to avoid disruptions of essential services for the people of Banga. /MP