Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Nagmatuod Nga Damgo

Sa pag pinanaw panaw sa iba ibang lugar ni Dina, may hakilaea imaw nga magueang. Rondayang magueang hay manog pakalimos. Permi nana nga nasu sub-eang ro magueang ngara kon imaw naga hatod it labada sa ba-eay ni Mrs. Andrea Lim. 

Ko isaeang agahon ngaron, samtang nagabuoe si Dina it tinapay, hakita eon man nana ro magueang. Guin taw-an nana it tinapay ro magueang. Nagpasaeamat kana ro magueang. Guin taw-an dayon si Dina it panyo nga puti ag guin bilinan nga ibutang sa idaeum it mahaea nana kada gabi-e parabil matueog. Tanan ro anang pangayo hay itao ko rondayang panyo paagi sa damgo, hambae it magueang. 

Guin tandaan ni Dina ro bilin ag guin tuman ro sugo ko magueang. Ko gabi-e ngaron, timprano pa si Dina nga nag ihapon. Pagkatapos it himos, guin taw-an nana it bueong ro anang inang masakiton. Guin tuman nana ro bilin it magueang parabil matueog. Uwa magbuhay, hadupilok si Dina. Nag damgo imaw nga idto imaw sa tunga it katamnan ag may isa-eang ka puno it kahoy nga naga sidlak ro dahon ag hamueag sa tanan nga kakahuyan. 

Guin paeapitan nana ro tanum ag nagkutoe imaw it pilang ka dahon. May habatian imaw nga limog nga naga sugo kana nga pabukaean ro dahon ag ipa inom sa anang ina. Habugtaw imaw nga may guina buytan nga dahon. Suno sa sugo kana, guin pabukaean nana ro dahon ag ipa inom sa anang ina. Uwa mabuhayi, nag mayad ro anang masakit ag nagbakod pa gid ro anang ina. Halin kato, kon may guina pangayo si Dina guina tao kana paagi sa damgo.

Pagkataliwan it pilang gabi-e, owa eon si Dina it guin pangayo ogaling ko gabi-e ngaron, nagdamgo imaw nga may naga eotos kana nga eaeaki. Paspas ro anang daeagan hasta nakaabot imaw sa pang pang it suba. May tawo nga nagdapit kana hasta imaw nakatabok sa pihak. Sa anang pagbugtaw, idto eota imaw sa pihak nga pangpang. Nagsinggit imaw nga dapiton ag may nag abot man dayon nga baroto. Guin toeok nana ro ea-eaki nga kapares ra itsura ko eaeaki sa anang damgo. Si Cesar gali ra nga-ean, mabuot nga manogdapit it baroto. Ko olihi nag asawa sanda ni Dina ag malipayon nga nagkabuhi kaibahan ko andang daywang ka onga. /MP 

TB Thrives On Ignorance & Neglect

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

The celebration of National Lung month in Aklan was done simply. A power point presentation of status report by Provincial Health Office on TB Program Implementation was done by Ms. Adelfa M. Cordova, Prov’l. TB Nurse Coordinator. It was done during the Aklan Council meeting attended by health advocates, doctors, nurses, midwives, chief of hospitals/clinics, pharmacists, LGU, and the media on August 9, 2012. 

Pulmonary TB ranked 7th among leading causes of mortality/morbidity in the Philippines a decade ago. Today, it is no longer a threat. Thanks to the education, awareness, preventive and curative cares given by 19 Rural Health Units (RHU’s), two district hospitals and four private hospitals and clinics. The symptoms of the disease are muscle pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, blood streaks in the sputum and body weakness. Those children affected are lethargic and less playful. Two-thirds of the persons belonging to the 25-54 years old bracket are affected by TB. This causes high economic burden due to loss of income and employment opportunities.

From 2007-2011, case detection rate in Aklan increased steadily from 70-95 percent with a mean cure rate of 90 percent. The highest TB incidence is in Malay town with 150 cases. Nabas – 90 and Madalag – 89 are second and third respectively. The predominant mode of transmission is personal contact since tubercle bacilli is airborne through coughing, sneezing, and forceful talk. The persistent cough of two weeks could trigger a visit to a TB-DOTS center where accurate sputum analysis is conducted. Those found positive are given free medication of three tablets taken daily for six months. Two weeks into the regimented treatment of a patient, the bacteria are considerably weakened that active transmission from a sick person to another is minimal.

Dr. Felma Dela Cruz of Aklan Medical Society said that medication costs the government P4,000 to 6,000. Hence, the need to complete the whole treatment program as prescribed in the WHO protocol. There is inherent danger of developing drug resistant strains once the patient stops without completing the treatment period. Those patients who are initially given anti-bacterial drugs in any hospital/clinic and leave for home outside coverage of the province are referred to the nearest service provider available in the area. Aklan’s current cure rate for TB is one of the highest at 90 percent, the lady physician reported. 

Notable accomplishments of the TB Council are multi-sectoral involvement, social mobilization, service delivery, local legislation enacted by 9 municipalities on “No Prescription, No Dispensing of Anti-TB Drugs and its Funding” and behavior change communication.

Program challenges/gaps are noted in eight other municipalities which have yet to adopt TB legislation. This has affected funding of critical personnel, and purchase of TB drugs and other logistics. Unless we cooperate in this health advocacy, individuals and our communities will remain susceptible to scourge of the disease. It thrives where ignorance and neglect abound concluded Ms. Cordova.

Lung month was proclaimed in memory of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon who was a prominent victim of the disease. The Aklan TB Council in coordination with stakeholders will conduct TB Case Finding in Prison in 2 cell sites – Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and Aklan Rehabilitation Center (ARC), Nalook, Kalibo on August 23, 2012. Of the 283 prison inmates at ARC, two are reported symptomatic positive induced by heavy smoking, emotional stress and overcrowded living quarters. /MP     

Aklan SP Urges LTFRB To Probe “Colorum” Vehicles

This is Roxas Avenue with vehicles some of which are colorums. 

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan has asked the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Region VI, Iloilo City to conduct surveillance or investigation over allegations on the operations and use of private owned vehicles (vans) for public transport in Aklan without franchise, hence “colorums”. (These are vehicles accepting passengers and collecting fare for ferrying them from one place to the other.)

Through Resolution No. 2012-211 sponsored by SP Member Nemesio P. Neron, the Aklan SP has requested LTFRB to conduct immediate investigation over the allegation of the Federation of Aklan Integrated Public Transport Inc. (FAIPTI).

Felix Sefres, Jr. FAIPTI President wrote the SP of Aklan through Vice Gov. Gabrielle Venus Calizo-Quimpo to complain over the operation of colorums to and from and within the routes in the province of Aklan.

Sefres furnished the provincial legislative body a listing of above 70 privately owned vehicles used as public transport without franchises. The listing bears the plate numbers and the operators of those colorum vehicles. 

In a committee hearing Sefres attended at the Aklan SP Session Hall, he alleged he lodged the same kind of complaint with the LTFRB but no action has been taken so far. Sefres added that he is already disappointed over the inaction of the LTFRB on his complaint. The Land Transportation Office in Aklan however assured the body of its vigilance in running after the colorum vehicles but has not apprehended any. LTO Aklan vowed to cooperate with PAIFTI and the Philippine National Police in its campaign to wipe out colorum vehicles in Aklan.

SP Aklan passed Neron’s resolution during its 27th Regular Session on August 8, 2012. /MP

EDITORIAL

Global Travel Industry Gears Up 

For Muslim Tourists Boom

From halal spas to prayer rooms at airport terminals, the global tourism industry is gearing up for a projected boom in Muslim travel over the next decade, experts say.

Their growing number and affluence mean Muslims - especially from the oil-rich Middle East - are travelling like never before, and it is a trend that looks set to gather pace.

Spending by Muslim tourists is growing faster than the global rate and is forecast to reach $192 billion a year by 2020, up from $126 billion in 2011, according to a study by two companies specializing in the market.

The study, made available to AFP, was conducted in 47 countries by Singapore-based halal travel specialist Crescentrating, along with DinarStandard, a US-based firm that tracks the Muslim lifestyle market.

Crescentrating chief executive Fazal Bahardeen said Muslim-majority states such as Egypt, Malaysia and Indonesia are already favorite destinations, but non-Islamic countries are now “taking a serious look” at Muslim holiday makers.

Malaysia, the number-one destination according to the findings, attracts Muslim visitors even during the ongoing fasting month of Ramadan.

Mohammed Ali Alali, 23, a petroleum engineering student from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, went there on honeymoon with his bride, a 20-year-old medicine student.

“It’s not that far from Saudi Arabia and it’s less expensive to travel here rather than Europe. It’s also an Islamic country so that helps in many ways, like to find a mosque and Arabic food,” he said after breaking fast at an Arabic restaurant in the capital Kuala Lumpur.

The availability of halal food tops the list of Muslim travelers’ requirements, according to the survey.

Destinations such as Thailand and Australia, especially the Gold Coast, are already taking into account these travelers’ needs in their services and facilities, Fazal told AFP.

That includes prayer rooms at airports and hotels, halal restaurants and even spas adapted to religious requirements.

“Why not try Gold Coast for a cooler Ramadan this year?” says the tourism website of Australia’s Queensland state.

“With a long history of welcoming Middle Eastern visitors and a large resident community, facilities for Muslims in Gold Coast, Australia keep getting better every year.”

The Economist Intelligence Unit said in a March report that meeting the needs of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims is fuelling business opportunities in numerous sectors.

“From food and Islamic finance, the industry is spreading its wings into pharmaceuticals, fashion and tourism, among many other areas,” it said, noting more than half of the world’s Muslim population is aged 24 or younger, many of them well-educated.

Thailand is hungrily eyeing the Muslim travel boom.

Thailand’s tourism authority — which has an office in Dubai — is promoting halal spas for Muslim tourists, who require strict privacy for male and female clients.

It also organized a month-long festival of Thai cuisine in the United Arab Emirates from June 8 to July 7.

Crescentrating’s study ranked Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport the most Islam-friendly airport in a non-Muslim country.

And it found that tourists from the Gulf — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE — are the sector’s biggest spenders.

Gulf countries accounted for 37 percent of Muslim tourists spending in 2011 even though they represent a mere three percent of the global Muslim population.

Can the Department of Tourism cajole more Muslims to visit the Philippines? Will the Philippine government provide the necessities the Muslim visitors need while in the Philippines? 

There is a need for instance to provide a space for prayer for the Muslim while in the Philippines? They need eating places responsive to the food needs of the Muslim like halal food. /MP 

Entrepreneurial Farmer

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

Aklan SP Enacts Rules of Procedure

(Ed’s Note: EF lends this column to a guest writer Mr. Odon S. Bandiola for this issue.)

The Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan now has its own rules of procedure in dispensing administrative cases filed before the body against municipal elective officials.

Through General Ordinance No. 2012 – 003, enacted during the 24th Regular Session of the SP on July 18, 2012, the provincial legislative body is now guided by its own  rules in resolving administrative cases.

Before, this body was guided by applicable provisions of the Rules of Court and by Civil Service laws, rules and regulation in the disposition of such cases.

Since Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo – Quimpo became the presiding officer of the Aklan SP, four original and appealed cases were already filed with the Aklan SP.

The first was against Mayor Antonio Maming of Banga. The SP meted three months suspension but the SP decision was reversed by the Office of the President. 

A year ago, the Aklan SP junked the administrative appeal of Sylvano Sarabia against Barangay Captain Ethel Marte and Kagawad Lex Formaran of Barangay Old Buswang, Kalibo on technicality, the appeal having been filed beyond the prescriptive period.

There are still two (2) pending original administrative cases in the Aklan SP. 

The SP has already dismissed the case against Altavas Vice Mayor and certain Sangguniang Bayan members of the town of Altavas filed against them by Barangay Captain Joel Mayor of Poblacion, Altavas, Aklan. But Mayor promptly filed a Motion for Reconsideration which is yet to be resolved.

Another administrative case filed against the same set of Altavas public officials by Arturo Gregorio is still pending resolution.

The 35-page Rules of Procedure For Administrative Cases also defined the grounds for disciplinary action against elective officials and the imposable penalties in its annexes. 

Aklan Docs Sue Governor

For passing an ordinance mandating the 20 percent reduction from the total common fund of Philhealth reimbursement on professional fees of medical workers of the Aklan operated hospitals before being shared by them, Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan became respondents in a petition for declaratory relief filed by doctors rendering services in the provincial government hospitals.

The Special Civil Case No. 9453 is now lodged at Branch 7 of the Regional Trial Court, Aklan.

The questioned ordinance is General Ordinance No. 2012–001 enacted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan during its 17th Regular Session held on May 16, 2012.

It is titled, “An Ordinance Fixing The Distribution of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) Reimbursement on Professional Fees (PF) As Common Funds For Sharing Among Medical, Dental, Para-Medical and Non-Medical Personnel Employed And/Or Render Service At Hospitals of the Provincial Government of Aklan (PGA) After Deducting 20% From The Total Professional Fees To Be Used Solely For The Payment of Premium Contributions For Indigent Beneficiaries.

The doctor-petitioners prayed for judgment declaring General Ordinance No. 2012-001 as violative of Republic Act No. 7875 (National Health Insurance Act of 1995) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. Likewise, it has prayed that such ordinance be declared violative of Republic Act 7305 (Magna Carta For Health Workers) and its implementing rules and regulations, and further violative of the Philippine Constitution, hence, the ordinance must be declared null and void ab initio.

On the part of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the doctors specifically made as respondents SP members Gerick M. Templonuevo, Nemesio P. Neron, Jean O. Rodriguez, Bob Augusto F. Legaspi and Rodson F. Mayor, having voted in favor of the passage of the questioned ordinance.

Mayor, for himself and in behalf of the other SP members has already filed an answer coupled with the motion to dismiss. /MP    

Digital Technology, It’s Application To Research

by Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente

For the first time ever, a Seminar Workshop on Digital Technology: Its Application To Qualitative – Quantitative Research will be held on Sept. 6 – 7, 2012 at Casa Pilar Hotel, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.

Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo, Aklan in collaboration with Higher Education Institutions Researchers Region VI, Inc. (HEIRA R-6) will host the seminar workshop. The holding of this seminar workshop is in accordance with the pertinent provision of Republic Act (RA) 7722 or the Higher Education Act of 1994.

On the theme “Cutting Edge Trends in Research”, some 60 – 80 participants from all colleges and universities of Western Visayas are expected to attend. They are research directors, faculty members, and potential researchers. 

There are three topics to be discussed by carefully selected speakers, highly competent on the subjects. Topic 1. Quantitative Research vis-à-vis  Qualitative Research will have Dr. Constantino T. Ballena as resource speaker. Dr. Ballena will also discuss Topic 2. Transforming Research Output [Qualitative and Quantitative] to Publishable Research Journal; and Dr. Jaime T. Ballena will discuss Topic 3. Digital Technology vis-à-vis Quantitative Research.

Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, NVC president will give the welcome message to the participants, guests and visitors. Dr. Eva G. Guanzon – NVC Research Coordinator will present the Statement of Purpose. 

Dr. Geronimo L. Gregorio HEIRA – R6 chairman will introduce the resource persons. Dr. Reinalda I. Magdaluyo will preside in the workshop and Dr. Dennis I. Ibutnande – Dean, Criminal Justice, NVC will provide the recap of the seminar. Dr. Eva G. Guanzon will present the output of the two days seminar workshop. /MP

Building Consensus Through A Tourism Summit

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Shown (l to r) Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Nieven Maquirang, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo, Megs S. Lunn, Edwin Ramos and Ernesto T. Solidum.

Kapihan forum on August 4, 2012 at Carmen Hotel discussed, “Implication of Boracay As No. 1 Tourist Destination In The World”. Guests are Ms. Roselle Q. Ruiz, Provincial Tourism Office, Nieven Maquirang, Jettyport Administrator, Caticlan & Cagban, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, OIC Regional Director DOT and Vice Gov. Gabrielle C. Quimpo.

According to Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, arriving at the top is marked by highs and lows. Historically, the crown jewel of Aklan underwent debilitating crisis on environmental issues like choliform, garbage disposal and forest usurpation. Drugs, human trafficking and power outages cropped up but were solved by authorities with the help of stakeholders. It is heaven sent that negative issues are invalidated by natural beauty and attraction of the place.” 

Boracay is considered the world’s best tourist destination because of citizen’s attitude and winsome ways. According to Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, Filipinos are voted third most amiable people in the world next to Russia and Brazil in their ranking order. It is frustrating however,  that local farmers has not profited from the tourism bonanza arising from demand of agriculture and fishery products. 

Atty. Catalbas mentioned there are 50 international flights per week in Western Visayas. We also ranked No. 3 in as far as hotel rooms and levels of service are concerned. Marketing infra such as airports, seaports and road network is adequate to meet the influx of domestic and foreign tourists. We need to be prudent because majority of our stakeholders are not capacitated. At least, we don’t want our people to be just plain cooks and waiters but entrepreneurs. 

Our airline industry  lacks  an established system of regular connecting flights from international airports to domestic airports. We have expanding international  flights from Hongkong, South Korea, Taiwan and other countries but, there is no flight for tourists from Kalibo to Cebu, Palawan, and Cagayan De Oro.  There is now flight service for Kalibo–Davao–Kalibo, Catalbas pointed out.

Vice Gov. Quimpo caustions that new title carries big challenge to maintain its lofty position. She noted the gradual rise in tourist volume from 1 million in 2011 and expected to be 1.2 million in 2012. With this upgraded status, Boracay can be deluged with tourists. Hence, the need to regulate in order to mitigate environmental impact and sustain tourism benefits. The provincial government under Governor Carlito S. Marquez enacted vital legislations on Environment and Investment Code which could support high end tourist industry, Vice Gov. Quimpo stressed. 

Nieven Maquirang underscored the need to hold tourism summit to address issues and concerns of stakeholders (hotel) and restaurant operators, transport sector, businessmen, food producers, service providers) and government agencies (DOT, LGU, PNP, DOH, DENR, DOTC). It will be best for provincial and municipal tourism offices to be located in conspicuous and accessible places to provide excellent service to the visitors and provide display center for cottage industry products.

September 24 – 30 is declared as “Tourism Week” informed Ms. Roselle Quimpo – Ruiz. The activities during the celebration include motor caravan, funfare, quiz bee, familiarization tour for members of mediamen to tourist sites in Aklan and putting up of exhibit booth in Boracay. The Provincial Tourism Office is happy to announce it has complete inventory of tourist sites and their facilities. Kalibo has a package tour services reported Ms. Ruiz. 

Apparently we excel in crafting laws for the purpose of grandstanding. Our provincial ordinance on Gender, Environment and Investment are very impressive yet we forget to enforce them. Compare our case with Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam with minimal statutes but seriously implemented. The result is tremendous benefits in terms of long term socio-economic growth and investments.

A case in point is the Comprehensive Land Use Plan of LGU Malay. CENRO has reported that 150 residential and commercial establishments in Boracay have no Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) which are in violation of various laws, rules, and regulations. Persistent flooding in Balabag occurs because landowners won’t allow construction of drainage canals in their property. A number of business establishments is yet to connect their sewerage to central sewage treatment plant. At least 41 resort and hotel owners are found violating the 30 meter easement from the highest tide line. There is urgent need for strict law enforcement. The Philippines is  third  in  the list of countries vulnerable to climate change according to the UN Universities Institute for Environment and Human Living  report.

Multisectoral destinations for tourists in Aklan is a good strategy. However, visits to alternative tourism sites is hampered by accessibility, accommodation facilities and trained personnel. Corollary to tourism, there is immediate need to strengthen agri-based industries in order to meet food demands of tourists and to complement each other. Like the bow and arrow, one is useless without the other. /MP    

Codification of General Ordinances Workshop For SP Members & Staff

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

By the middle of August, all the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members of Aklan and the Secretariat Staff will undergo a 2-day workshop on the Codification of General Ordinances to be held in the Aklan SP Session Hall on August 21 – 22, 2012.

The SP Secretariat will go back to the basics of refreshing themselves in communication skills by the end of this month to be conducted by the Aklan State University professors.

The seminar workshop on codification will be conducted by the University of the Philippines – National College of Public Administration and Governance with Dr. Prospero de Vera as resource speaker. De Vera is the concurrent Vice President for Public Affairs of the UP-National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG).

The codification workshop will be conducted in close coordination with the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines of which Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo is the National Treasurer. 

The holding of the seminar workshop is the preparatory phase in the enactment of the Code of General Ordinances of the Province of Aklan. The seminar output will be the initial draft of the Code of General Ordinances.

To recall, when Vice Governor Quimpo took over as vice governor and presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in 2007, she immediately set her legislative priorities by crafting the various codes mandated to be enacted by the provincial legislative body. Under her term, the Tourism Code, Investment Incentive Code, Environment Code, Children’s Code and the Revenue Code of Aklan were enacted.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan is mandated to enact the Code of General Ordinances which is the least  to be crafted.

In the crafting and enactment of the Revenue Code of Aklan, Vice Governor Quimpo enlisted the services of the Development Academy of the Philippines to train key officials and employees of the Aklan Provincial Government in the processes and mechanism in coming out with the Revenue Code of Aklan. /MP     

6 Brgys Organize Family Planning Users Club

“Magaganda at Bagong” (MB) Family Planning Users Club is organized on Saturday, August 4, 2012.

The members come from the six (6) barangays of Kalibo, Aklan which are Bakhaw Norte, Bakhaw Sur, Pook, Andagao, New Buswang, and Old Buswang. They met at Bakhawan Eco Park, discussed their objectives and elected their officers who are: Jane I. Cavan – president, Luisa Tolentino – vice president, Avelina Algo – secretary, Jennifer Melaño – Asst. sec., Cristina Dela Cruz – treasurer, Marife Ocampo – asst. treas., Dorie Villanueva – auditor.

The PIO’s are Rose Ropa, Lilibeth Cuadrante, Nancy Beltran, Marjie Ismael, Grace Paroginog, and Gladys Apolonio. Lorilyn Tolentino and Amy Delfin are business managers.

The election over, POPCom Regional Director Vicente Molejona, Jr. inducted them to office.

The newly constructed Eco Park Hall was also inaugurated followed with Barbeque Party with the officers and members of Kalibo Save the Mangrove led by Atty. Allen S. Quimpo.  

The MB Users Club aims to improve their family economic status via responsible parenthood. /MP

State of the Nation Address 2012

Publishing in four parts the 3rd State of the Nation Address  of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III for the best interest of the readers.

(3RD OF FOUR PARTS)

Nangingibabaw na nga po ang liwanag sa ating bayan— liwanag na nagsiwalat sa krimeng nagaganap sa madidilim na sulok ng lipunan. Ang pinagsisikapang kitain ng Pilipino, hindi na maga-gantso. Patuloy po ang pagbaba ng crime volume sa buong bansa. Ang mahigit limandaan libong krimen na naitala noong 2009, mahigit kalahati po ang nabawas: 246,958 na lamang iyan nitong 2011. Dagdag pa rito: ang dating dalawanlibo’t dalawandaang kaso ng carnapping noong 2010, lampas kalahati rin ang ibinaba: 966 na lang po iyan pagdating ng 2011.

Ito nga po sana ang dalhin ng ating mga headline. Hindi po natin sinasabing wala nang krimeng nagaganap, pero palagay ko naman po, wala dapat magalit na nangalahati na ito. Si Raymond Dominguez na matagal nang labas-masok sa kulungan, hindi ba’t sa loob lamang ng mahigit isang taon, nasentensyahan at naipakulong na? Ang dalawa pa niyang kapatid ay sinampahan na rin natin ng kaso at kasalukuyan na ring nakabilanggo. May dalawang suspect sa bus bombing sa Makati noong nakaraang taon, ang isa patay na; yung isa, humihimas na ng rehas. Kakosa niya ang mahigit sampung libong sangkot sa ilegal na droga na inaresto ng PDEA nitong 2011.

Alam po nating hindi araw-araw ang laban ni Pacman, at hindi puwedeng iasa dito ang pagbaba ng krimen. Kaya nga po pinalalakas natin ang puwersa ng kapulisan. Di po ba, nang dumating tayo, apatnapu’t limang porsyento ng ating kapulisan ang walang baril at umaasa sa anting-anting habang tumutugis ng masasamang-loob? May nanalo na po sa bidding, tinitiyak na lamang nating de-kalidad ang kanilang mga produkto. Pagkatapos ng proseso, maipagkakaloob na ang 74,600 na baril na magagamit nila upang ipagtanggol at alagaan ang bayan, lipunan, at sarili.

Dumako naman po tayo sa usapin ng pambansang tanggulan. May mga nagsabi nga po na ang ating Air Force, all air, at no force. Imbes na alagaan ng estado, para bang sinasadyang ilagay sa alanganin ang ating mga sundalo. Hindi po tayo makakapayag na manatiling ganito.

Makalipas nga lang po ang isang taon at pitong buwan, nakapaglaan na tayo ng mahigit dalawampu’t walong bilyong piso para sa AFP Modernization Program. Aabutan na nito ang tatlumpu’t tatlong bilyong pisong pondo na ipinagkaloob sa nasabing programa sa nakalipas na labinlimang taon. Bumu-buwelo pa lang po tayo sa lagay na iyan: kapag naipasa na ang panukala nating AFP modernization bill sa Kongreso, maka-kapaglaan tayo ng pitumpu’t limang bilyong piso para sa susunod na limang taon. 

Kasado na rin po ang tatlumpung milyong dolyar na pondong kaloob ng Estados Unidos para sa Defense Capability Upgrade and Sustainment of Equipment Program ng AFP. Bukod pa po ito sa tulong nila upang pahusayin pa ang pagmanman sa ating mga baybayin sa ilalim ng itatayong Coast Watch Center ng Pilipinas.

Nagka-canvass na rin po ang Sandatahang Lakas ng mga kagamitan tulad ng mga kanyon, personnel carrier, at frigate. Hindi magtatagal, dadaong na ang karelyebo ng BRP Gregorio del Pilar sa ating pampang. Sa Enero, aangkla na po sa Pilipinas ang BRP Ramon Alcaraz, ang pangalawa nating Hamilton class cutter. Di na po bangkang papel ang ating ipapalaot; ngayon, mga hi-tech at de-kalidad na barko na ang tatanod sa 36,000 kilometers nating coastline. 

Mainam na rin po siguro kung maglinis-linis na ng mga hangar ang ating Sandatahang Lakas, dahil darating na ang mga kagamitang lalong magpapatikas sa ating tanggulan. Sa wakas, may katuwang na po ang kaisa-isa nating C-130 na tatlumpu’t anim na taon nang rumoronda sa himpapawid: dalawa pang C-130 ang magiging operational ulit. Bago matapos ang taong ito, inaasahan nating mai-dedeliver na ang binili nating dalawampu’t isang refurbished UH-1H Helicopter, apat na combat utility helicopters, mga radyo at iba’t ibang communication equipment, rifles, mortars, mobile diagnostic laboratories, kasama pa ang station bullet assembly. Pagdating naman po ng 2013, lalapag na ang sampung attack helicopters, dalawang naval helicopters, dalawang light lift aircraft, isang frigate, at mga force protection equipment.

At hindi lang po natin sa armas ipinaparamdam ang pagkalinga sa ating pulis at kasundaluhan. Nabawasan na rin po ang mga pasanin nila sa pamumuhay dahil sa mahigit dalawampu’t dalawang libong bahay ang naipatayo na sa ilalim ng AFP-PNP housing program.

Hindi po ito tungkol sa pakikipag-girian o paki-kipagmatigasan. Hindi ito tungkol sa pagsisiga-sigaan. Tungkol ito sa pagkamit ng kapayapaan. Tungkol ito sa kakayahan nating ipag- tanggol ang ating sarili— isang bagay na kaytagal nating inisip na imposible. Tungkol po ito sa buhay ng isang sundalong araw-araw sumasabak sa peligro; tungkol ito sa pamilya niyang nag-aabang na makabalik siyang ligtas, ano man ang kanyang makaharap. 

At ngayon ngang inaaruga na sila ng taumbayan, lalo namang ginaganahan ang ating kasundaluhan na makamtan ang kapayapaan. Tagumpay pong maituturing ang dalawandaan at tatlong rebeldeng sumuko at nagbabalik-loob na sa lipunan, at ang 1,772 na bandidong nawakasan na ang karahasan. Halimbawa po ang kilabot na teroristang si Doctor Abu, na hindi na makakapaghasik ng lagim. Nagpupugay rin po tayo sa panunumbalik ng katahimikan sa mga lugar na matagal nang biningi ng putukan. Ang resulta nga po ng bayanihan: 365 na barangay ang naagaw sa kamay ng kaaway, 270 na gusali’t paaralan ang naipaayos, at 74 health centers ang naipagawa.

Kung kapayapaan na lang din po ang usapan, dumako naman tayo sa lugar na matagal naging mukha ng mga mithiing di makamtan-kamtan. Bago po magsimula ang mga reporma natin sa ARMM, may mga ghost student doon, na maglalakad sa isang ghost road, tungo sa isang ghost school, para magpaturo sa isang ghost teacher. Ang mga aparisyon pong gumulantang kay OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman: Apat na eskuwelahan na natagpuang may ghost students; iniimbestigahan na rin ang mga teacher na hindi lumilitaw ang pangalan sa talaan ng Professional Regulation Commission, gayundin ang mga tauhan ng gobyernong hindi nakalista sa plantilya. Limampu’t limang ghost entry ang tinanggal sa payroll. Ang dating paulit-ulit na pagsasaboy ng graba sa kalsada para lang pagkakitaan ng pera, bawal na. Wala nang cash advance sa mga ahensya, para maiwasan ang pagsa-samantala. Ang mga multo sa voters list, mapapatahimik na ang kaluluwa. Kaya nga po kay OIC Gov. Mujiv Hataman, ang masasabi natin: isa ka nang certified ghost buster.

Ang pumalit po: pabahay, tulay, at learning center para sa mga Badjao sa Basilan. Mga community-based hatchery, lambat, materyales para maglinang ng seaweeds, at punlang napakinabangan ng 2,588 na mangingisda. Certified seeds, punla ng gabi, casava, goma, at mga punong namumunga para sa 145,121 na magsasaka. Simula pa lang po iyan: nakalaan na ang 183 million pesos para sa mga municipal fishing port projects sa ARMM; 310.4 million pesos para sa mga istasyon ng bumbero; 515 million pesos para sa malinis na inuming tubig; 551.9 million pesos para sa mga kagamitang pangkalusugan; 691.9 million pesos para sa daycare centers; at 2.85 billion pesos para sa mga kalsada at tulay na babagtas sa rehiyon. Ilan lang po iyan sa patutunguhan ng kabuuang 8.59 billion pesos na ipinagkaloob ng pambansang gobyerno para isakatuparan ang mga reporma sa ARMM. Lilinawin ko rin po: hindi pa kasama rito ang taunang suportang natatanggap nila, na ngayong 2012 ay umabot sa 11.7 billion pesos.

Miski po ang mga dating gustong tumiwalag, nakikita na ang epekto ng reporma. Kinikilala natin bilang pahiwatig ng kanilang tiwala ang nakaraang pitong buwan, kung kailan walang nangyaring sagupaan sa pagitan ng militar at ng MILF. Sa peace process naman po: hayag at lantaran ang usapan; nagpapamalas ang magkabilang panig ng tiwala sa isa’t isa. Maaaring minsan, magiging masalimuot ang proseso; signos lang po ito na malapit na nating makamit ang nag-iisa nating mithiin: Kapayapaan.

Mapayapang pag-uusap rin po ang prinsipyong isinulong natin upang mabuo ang ating Executive Order ukol sa pagmimina. Ang kaisipan sa likod ng nabuong consensus: mapakinabangan ang ating likas na yaman upang iangat ang buhay ng Pilipino, hindi lamang ngayon kundi pati na rin sa susunod na salinlahi. Hindi natin pipitasin ang ginintuang bunga ng industriyang ito, kung ang magiging kabayaran ay ang pagkasira ng kalikasan. 

Ngunit unang hakbang lamang ito. Isipin po ninyo: Noong 2010, 145 billion pesos ang kabuuang halaga na nakuha mula sa pagmimina, subalit 13.4 billion lamang o siyam na porsyento ang napunta sa kaban ng bayan. Ang likas na yaman, pag-aari ninyo; hindi tayo papayag na balato lang ang mapupunta sa Pilipino. Umaasa po tayo sa pakikiisa ng Kongreso upang makapagpasa ng batas na sisigurong napapangalagaan ang kalikasan at matitiyak na makatarungan ang magiging pakinabang ng publiko at pribadong sektor sa mga biyayang makukuha natin mula sa industriyang ito.

Pag-usapan po natin ang situwasyon sa Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. Dati, ang gobyernong dapat tumutulong, nanghihingi rin ng tulong. Ngayon, nasa Pasipiko pa lang ang bagyo, alam na kung saan idedestino ang ayuda, at may malinaw nang plano upang maiwasan ang peligro. 

Tuwing pag-uusapan nga po ang sakuna, lagi kong naaalala ang nangyari sa Tarlac nang minsang bumagyo. Sa lakas ng ulan, bumigay ang dike. Nang nagising ang isang barangay captain, tinangay na ng baha ang kanyang pamilya at mga kagamitang pangsaka. Buti nga po’t nakaligtas ang buong mag-anak. Malas lang po ng kalabaw nilang naiwang nakatali sa puno; nabigti ito sa lakas ng ragasa.

Walang kalaban-laban din po ang marami sa tinamaan ng bagyong Ondoy, Pepeng, at Sendong. Napakarami pong nasawi sa paghagupit ng mga delubyong ito. Sa ilalim ng bagong-lunsad na Project NOAH, isinakay natin sa iisang bangka ang mga inisyatiba kontra-sakuna, at hindi na rin po idinadaan sa tsamba ang paglilikas sa mga pamilya. Gamit ang teknolohiya, nabibigyan na ng wastong babala ang Pilipino upang makapaghanda at makaiwas sa disgrasya. 

Real-time at direkta na ang pakinabang ng walumpu’t anim na automated rain gauges at dalawampu’t walong water level monitoring sensors natin sa iba’t ibang rehiyon. Bago matapos ang 2013, ang target natin: animnaraang automated rain gauges at apatnaraan at dalawampu’t dalawang water level sensors. Ipapakabit po natin ang mga ito sa labingwalong pangunahing river basins sa buong bansa.

Isa pa pong pagbabago: Dati, ang mga ahensya’y kanya-kanyang habulan ng numero, kanya-kanyang agenda, kanya-kanyang pasikatan. Ngayon, ang kultura sa gobyerno: bayanihan para sa kapakanan ng taumbayan. Convergence po ang tawag natin dito. 

Dati pa naman po naglipana ang mga programa sa tree-planting. Pero matapos magtanim, paba-bayaan na lang ang mga ito. Kapag nakita ng mga komunidad na naghahanap din ng kabuhayan, puputulin ang mga ito para gawing uling.

May solusyon na po rito. Mayroon na pong 128,558 hectares ng kagubatang naitanim sa buong bansa; bahagi lang po iyan ng kabuuang 1.5 million na ektaryang matatamnan bago tayo bumaba sa puwesto. Nakapaloob po rito ang mga komunidad na nasa ilalim ng National Convergence Initiative. Ang proseso: pagkatanim ng puno, makikipag-ugnayan ang DSWD sa mga komunidad. Kapalit ng conditional cash transfer, aalagaan ang mga puno; mayroon ding mga magpapalago ng bagong punla sa nursery. 335,078 na po ang mga Pilipinong nakakakuha ng kabuhayan dito. (TO BE CONTINUED NEXT ISSUE)   /MP

Pacquiao Isn’t Robbed But ‘Punished’ Under Supply and Demand Law

by ALEX P. VIDAL

LOS ANGELES, California – When Manny Pacquiao was “about to fail” to produce a knockout victory after five straight fights on the night of June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, his goose was cooked.

After his failure to deck Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley, and Juan Manuel Marquez, boxing – Las Vegas boxing to be precise – was on death throes. (He fought both Clottey and Margarito in Arlington, Texas).

Four straight boring decision wins for the man who rescued professional boxing from the doldrums in the absence of exciting heavyweight bouts that used to dominate prize fighting in the 60s, 70’s, 80’s, and early 90’s was not good for business.

A fifth straight decision win for the most celebrated boxer in the planet today would be fatal for the sport that has amassed billions of revenues since Las Vegas captured worldwide audience in sports and entertainment on October 2, 1980 when Larry Holmes blasted to smithereens Muhammad Ali via 10th round TKO to annex the WBC heavyweight title.

For financiers to continue hitting pay dirt and luring rich sponsors, boxing needed a spectacular knockout show from the best boxer pound-for-pound to satisfy paying blood thirsty fans and to keep boxing’s cash registry machine ringing.

In Las Vegas – or in any part of the United States in as far as boxing is concerned – Manny Pacquiao is business; business is Manny Pacquiao. The congressman from Mindanao is boxing’s multi-billion guy and number one endorser. He is boxing’s life-support system. Each lackluster performance means a decline in pay-per-view and gate receipts in the next promotion.

RESPONSIBILITY

On Pacquiao’s shoulders rest the titanic responsibility to fill the vacuum left behind by Holmes, Ali, George Foreman, Riddick Bowe, Andrew Golota, Evander Holyfield, Ray Mercer, Vitaly Klitschko, and Mike Tyson. Boxing skidded into all-time low when explosive heavyweight duels virtually closed shop in the later part of 1990’s. Enter Pacquiao, a mighty atom who packs wallop in both fists.

Although his baptism of fire in Las Vegas occurred on June 23, 2001 when he poleaxed Lehlono Ledwaba of South Africa in the sixth round to clinch the IBF super-bantamweight crown as a relative unknown in the US market, empty seats in major venues such as Thomas & Mack Center, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, began to disappear when Pacquiao humiliated Erik “El Terible” Morales via 10th round TKO on January 21, 2006 at the Thomas & Mack Center to avenge a 12-round unanimous decision loss  to the Mexican on March 19, 2005 at the MGM Grand.

The revenge to Morales romped off Pacquiao’s love affair with Las Vegas where he obtained a perfect 10-0 win-loss (6 KO’s) juggernaut in world title showdowns. In those victories, he became one of the riches paid athletes in the world amassing nearly a whopping $60 million in purses and shares in pay-per-view, according to Forbes Magazine

VICTORY

Pacquiao’s last stoppage victory came on November 14, 2009 when he grabbed Miguel Angel Cotto’s WBO welterweight title on a brutal 11th round TKO at the MGM Grand.

Since then, he logged decision victories against Clottey (12-round WBO welterweight title), Margarito (12-round WBC light-middleweight title), Mosley (WBO welterweight title), and Marquez (WBO welterweight title).

Hounded by calls for his retirement owing to a mothballed fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and alarming decline of his knockout percentage, Pacquiao was obliged to put to sleep Timothy Ray Bradley Jr. in their 12-round battle for the WBO 174-lb jewels to preserve the chain of command prior to a possible fisticuff against Mayweather Jr. and to protect his market value as boxing’s only 8-division champion in history. Most of all, to ignite sparks in fight business in danger of being walloped by recession.

If he couldn’t put up a spectacular performance against Bradley – a knockout in his 60th professional fight – a changing of the guard was imminent.  No one has the monopoly to bankroll millions of dollars without putting up a hair-splitting show.

‘GOOD GUY’

Since Bradley’s “a good guy,” according to Top Rank boss Bob Arum during the post-fight press conference, “it’s okay” (if Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight belt changed waist).

Young and eager to prove his win against Pacquiao wasn’t a fluke, Bradley will now aim to give the sport a new lease in life by knocking all his next challengers if he hurdles Pacquiao in their November 2 rematch.

For Arum, et al, when one door closes, another door will open. Arum’s love for Bradley is not a secret. Immediately after Michael Buffer announced the split decision verdict, Arum didn’t hide his excitement as he congratulated the newly crowned champion like a father shaking the hand of a graduating son accepting awards on stage.

Pacquiao, who vowed to deny the judges the chance to decide the outcome of his rematch with Bradley, may not have realized that the judges who scored a split decision for Bradley after he failed to send the unbeaten American to dreamland, did not rob him of his WBO title. The “punishment” was necessary under law of supply and demand.   /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Sa Likod It Gae-um

Ro kabuhi it tawo hay guina putos it kahayag, guina putos man it kadueom. Owa it bisan sin-o man katon nga tawo nga makasinghan nga ro anang kabuhi hay puro eamang kahayag. Owa man it maka hambae nga tanan hay kadueom. May oras nga naga agi guid kita tanan sa rondayang kahayag. Kon amat man hay kadueom. Ogaling tanan rondaya hay omaeagi eamang.

Sa kabuhi ni Annie, ro pag tan-aw nana sa anang pagpangabuhi hay tanan kadueom ro anang palibot. Imaw ra hay guin himuslan it isaeang ka eaeaki nga owa it hakat. Owa imaw pag ulingdi ko ratong eaki bangod sa kahadlok sa anang guinikanan.

Natawo ro anang onga sa tunga it kadueom. Anang guin pangaeanan nga si Lourdes. Sa pagsikway ko ginikanan sa anang ama, sulohanon nga guin abaga ni Annie ro pagpabahoe kay Lourdes. Nagpanaw sanda sa Manila halin sa Cebu agod mag usoy it pangitan-an. May nagbaton kanda nga mag asawa. Owa it unga ro andang amo busa guin kabig si Lourdes nga andang onga. Tongod sa kapisan ni Annie, nagbahoe ro negosyo ko mag asawa. Nagpati ro amo ni Annie sa anang kahugod, matinomanon ag masaligan. Imaw ro guin tugyanan ko negosyo it mag asawa.

May edad eon man ro andang amo. Busa owa mabuhayi, nagtaliwan ro asawa nga babaye tongod sa konsumisyon. Paeahilong abi ro anang asawa. Nagdaeaga si Lourdes nga mahugod kapares man ko anang ina. Tongod kara, palangga guid imaw ko anang guin kilaea nga ama. 

Agod magbilog it uman ro anang pamilya, guin pakaslan ko eaeaki si Annie, ro ina ni Lourdes. Nag iba eon ro batasan ko dating baeo. Nag bag-o imaw. Guin tinguha ko eaeaki nga aywan ro sugae ag inom. 

Owa man kapilahi nag escuela si Lourdes. Sa pagtapos ni Lourdes sa pagka maistra, dungan nga nagsaka sa stage ro anang ama ag ina. Malipayon guid si Annie nga puro kahayag ro anang natan-aw sa palibot. Tama guid ro anang nabasahan sa tueon-an nga sa pihak it gae-um, naga tunga man ro kahayag. /MP

Can Hope and Confidence Overcome Climate Change?

by Delano T. Tefora

Recently, a workshop was conducted on Climate Change and Adoptive Management National Workshop at the UP Marine Science Institute. The workshop emphasized the role of local government units, government agencies and private groups in climate change vulnerability assessments and adaptation initiatives. It explored the strategic activities that will further enhance the resiliency of local communities in addressing the adverse effects of a changing climate.

LGUs must looks forward to its people to the coming years and promise to continue to stand by its vision, mission and values if they have to achieve beneficial impact in the agricultural, aquatic and natural resources sectors. LGUs must focus on developing awareness on what kind and how farming to adapt crops and vegetation to plant, fertilizer to use to minimize farming losses and increase yield due to climate change.

As Charles Darwin said, “it is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change”. I agreed with the Diretor Pat Faylon of PCAARRD commending the adoption of the program and challenging the implementers to further encourage communities and LGUs to adopt the knowledge generated by the resilience program, and integrate them in their governance system and lifestyle.

Director Faylon’s in his annual Executive Report expressed that confidence and hope are the major elements of the optimistic assurance in his trust in the capabilities and potential of the PCAARRD which he would continue to lead. He would have to stand on a real appreciation of current circumstances and resources present and a clear focus of what must be achieved. Given requisites, hope and confidence must now be concretized through its Science and Technology Program Framework shares in President’s Aquino’s administration social contract with the Filipino people concretize its vision of an organized and widely-shared expansion of Philippine economy through the LGUs’ dedication to hone and mobilize the people’s skills and energies, harness our natural resources in their areas of responsibility. 

PCAARRD priority programs need the LGUs’ collaboration to PCAARRD; develop its High Impact Technology Solutions (HITS) that may contribute to DOST’s and Agricultural State Colleges and Universities’ guidance and direction for the period 2012 – 2016 as follows: 1. Healthy food for the table; 2. Support to sustainable environment; 3. Ensuring food crops biodiversity, 4. Technologies to enhance raw materials production of priority world class products; 5. Goat for livelihood and chevon production; 6. Production of export quality tropical fruits; 7. Support to coconut and livestock industries; 8. Science and Technology support to boost competitiveness of local ecotourism industry; 9. Promotes the development of test kits for the detection of residues in food; and 10. Propose gene discovery to aid breeding program for animals and plants.

President Aquino’s key result areas as mentioned in his all year message being his social contract includes: transparent, accountable, and participatory governance; poverty reduction and empowerment of the poor and vulnerable, rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth; and integrity of the environment and climate change adaptation and mitigation.  /MP       

Communication Seminar For Aklan SP & Staff

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

The Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Secretariat will be undergoing a 3-day seminar on Technical Writing, Oral and Written Communication Skills and Business Reports, and Proposals Writing. This will be held by the end of August 2012.

Professors and academicians of the main campus of the Aklan State University, Banga, Aklan who are considered experts in the field will handle the task of training the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretariat. 

At the end of the seminar, participating SP staffs are expected to fully understand the foundation of communication, enhance their communicative competencies, skills and strategies, acquire skills in correspondence, technical writing and oral presentations. 

The topic of the seminar will include foundation of business English like grammar, linguistic competence and vocabulary skills.

The topic in oral communication skills are face to face communication, talk ins and quality circles, strategies for business communication, telecommunication  skills, graphic arts, visual and technical aids and  business meetings skills, briefings, conferences and oral presentations. 

The topic on written communication skills includes format routine memo, inter-office correspondence, business letter, letter types and construction, request and response messages, goodwill letters, minutes and resolution writing.

Aklan Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo – Quimpo, the presiding officer of the SP is always emphasizing that basic skills and knowledge in communication must always be embraced by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretariat to ensure the operational efficiency and responsiveness of the SP Office. /MP

JCI On Signature Campaign To Save Boracay

The Junior Chamber International-Philippines, formerly known as the Philippine Jaycees, is an affiliate National Organization of Junior Chamber International (JCI). JCI is a membership-based, non-profit organization of over 4,000 young adults aged 18 to 40 in more than 160 chapters spread across 22 regions in the Philippines. 

 Guided by JCI principles which ultimately direct their actions towards service to humanity, they believe that part of their responsibility is to forward environmental awareness and conservation. Many might not know that while our country is developing at a rapid pace, our natural resources are taking a beating. One glaring example of this is Boracay, a globally famous beach that has been drastically changed due to heedless commercialization.

 To respond to this call to action, JCI launched a signature campaign dubbed as “Sama Ka, Let’s Save Boracay!” on August 4, 2012. That event included various activities such as a coastal clean-up and a press conference @ 10 AM detailing our efforts to save the environment in Boracay. JCI members from all over Southeast Asia also came over to support the event.

 According to Ms. Andrea Gonzales, proceeds generated will be forwarded to the Municipality of Malay to be used for the training of elementary school students in environmental conservation, tourism, and hospitality industry. This signature campaign not only seeks to develop awareness among locals and tourists about the need to save Boracay environmentally. More than that, it aims to develop the next generation of green tourism experts. By doing so, we are not only teaching the children how to save Boracay but we are also empowering them to become advocates and stewards of their very own island, making the campaign more sustainable and impactful    /MP

EDITORIAL

Aquino’s TV Patrol Tirades

by Ellen Tordesillas

Thumbs up to  President Aquino in setting aside tact and taking to task Noli de Castro’s dubious role as journalist.

Thumbs down  for once again whining about media not reporting his idea of good news, as if media is an extension of  Malacañang.

This is a portion of Aquino’s speech that directly hit De Castro even if his name was not mentioned:

Noong Oktubre ng nakaraang taon, may isang reporter kayo ang nagbabalita sa NAIA 3. Ang sabi niya, sa puntong iyon, tumaas ng dalawampung porsiyento ang passenger arrivals sa paliparan. Magandang balita, at higit sa lahat, fact po iyan.  Sa kabila nito, nakuha pa pong humirit ng isang anchor n’yo at ang sabi po niya, and I quote,  “Nasa NAIA 3 ka kasi; kung nasa NAIA 1 ka, doon malala.” Sa loob-loob ko po, anong kinalaman ng ibinabalita sa NAIA 3 sa NAIA 1? May nagsabi po bang ayos na ayos na ang NAIA 1? Kung mayroon man ho, hindi kami. Nakaligtaan niya atang mahigit 30 anyos na ang istrukturang ito.

Napapaisip nga po ako: ‘yung nagkomento nito, hindi ba’t anim na taon ding tumangan sa renda ng gobyerno? Sabihin na po nating minana lang din nila ang problema; ‘di hamak mas luma naman ang ipinamana nilang problema sa amin. Anim na taon ang ipinagkaloob sa kanya para tumulong sa pagsasaayos ng mismong inirereklamo niya. Pero ngayon, tayo na nga ang may bitbit na problema, tayo na nga ang tutugon dito, pero, masakit nga ho, may gana pa tayong hiritan ng nagpamana?

Naalala ko rin po nang na-recover ng NBI ang isang banyagang bata na nakidnap. Ang ganda na po sana: Nakakuha ng tip ang awtoridad, kumilos sila, at na-recover ang bata. Masaya ang mga magulang na kapiling na muli nila ang kanilang anak; masaya ang bata na kayakap niya ang kaniyang ama’t ina; masaya ang awtoridad na maayos at matagumpay ang operasyon nila. Mukhang ang hindi lang masaya, ito nga pong anchor natin na nagawa pa uling humirit na baka raw na-set-up lang raw ang rescue operation, at binayaran lang talaga ang ransom. Kahit anong pilit ng reporter na malinaw ang operasyon; nag-surveillance ang mga taga-NBI, at talagang natiyempuhan nilang walang nakabantay sa bata, pilit pa rin po nang pilit ang anchor. Sabi nga ho ng nanonood kong kasama, “Naman.” Kami pa po mismo ang magagalak kung makakapaghain kayo ng kapirasong ebidensya ukol dito, at kung mayroon nagkamali, usigin natin ang mga nagkamali.

Noli de CastroMay naitutulong po ba ang mga walang-basehang spekulasyon, lalo na kung lumalabas ka sa telebisyon at sinusubaybayan ng sambayanan? Kung nagba-bangkaan lang tayo sa kanto, hindi problema ang mga walang-basehang patutsada. Pero kung alam mong opinion-maker ka, alam mo rin dapat na mayroon kang responsibilidad. Sana  po, sa tuwing sasabihin nating, and I quote, “magandang gabi, bayan,” ay totoong hinahangad nating maging maganda ang gabi ng bayan.

ABS-CBN lowered the bar of broadcast journalism when they returned former Vice President Noli de Castro to their  early evening  news, TV Patrol. The main reason could have been the ratings war.

As Gloria Arroyo’s vice president, he was silent on the many anomalies that riddled the Arroyo administration.  He even came to the aid of Arroyo when she was shaken by the  Hello Garci expose.

What did he say or do when all the anomalies  - fertilizer scam, NBN-ZTE deal, North Rail, etc. etc. were coming out in media?  Nothing.

It’s hypocritical of De Castro  to be commenting on other irregularities when he was silent of the many scams when he was near the center of power.

In fact it’s so awkward  everytime TV Patrol  carried a report on Delfin Lee of Globe Asiatique.  As Arroyo’s housing czar, De Castro could not have been ignorant of that huge anomaly. What did he do to stop that? If he really didn’t know anything about it, then he was guilty of incompetence and neglect of duty.

But Aquino’s   attempt to be meddle with media’s editorial judgment is a big turnoff.

He said, “Kung gabi-gabing bad news ang hapunan ni Juan dela Cruz, talaga namang manga-ngayayat ang puso’t isip niya sa kawalan ng pag-asa,” he said.  “Ilang turista kaya kada buwan ang nagka-cancel ng bakasyon dahil sa araw-araw na negatibismo? Ilan kayang kababayan ang nawawalan ng pag-kakataong magkaroon ng kabuhayan dahil sa bad news na ito?”

Reporters do not classify news as  “good” or “bad.” Their responsibility is to make sure that their reports are accurate.

As long as the report adheres to the basic rules of journalism —truthful, fair, written without any hidden agenda or conflict of interest,  didn’t put innocent people in harm’s way, the reporter is accountable for it — it is good.

What is not good is an inaccuracy. Any report that is not truthful is not good.

Tourists don’t cancel plans because of news reports. People don’t lose their job because of news reports.

Tourists don’t come because of many things — poor infrastructure, inefficiency, incompetence, etc. etc.   And  it points to one thing: leadership. /MP