DAR-JICA-ARISP Complete P35M Projects In Aklan

Ribbon cutting of the Mataphao-Guinbaliwan Road in New Washington, Aklan with (l to r) Engr. Ernesto Anino-DAR Aklan, Mayor Edgar Peralta of New Washington, Engr. Melle Lamboon, ARISP 3, PARO Eberardo Erispe, New Washington SB member Quimpo, Ms. Sachiko Takeda, JICA Senior Representative, Mr. Yukihiro Kahawara, NIPON KOIE, Ms. Sherilyn Aoyama, JICA Program Officer and Helen Tilano, OIC MARO, DAR New Washington.

Ribbon cutting and unveiling of marker of Dumlog Communal Irrigation Project, Dumlog, Malay, Aklan. L to R are Engr. Arnold Solano, Engr. Wilson Rey, and Engr. Rizalo Concepcion of NIA; PARO Eberardo Erispe, DAR Aklan; Ms.Sachiko Takeda, JICA Senior Representative; and Malay Mayor John Yap. 

In pursuit to rural development and farmers economic upliftment, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) senior representative Sachiko Takeda and ARISP-III head consultant Yukihiro Kawahawa together with the Department of Agrarian Reform officers of the Province of Aklan, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the National Irrigation Administration turned-over completed infrastructure projects to the municipalities of New Washington and Malay on November 27, 2012. 

Turned over are five infra projects, three farm-to-market roads, one irrigation system and one post harvest facilities at a total cost of Php 34,330,368.00. These projects are now benefiting farmers of Pacto De Sangre Agrarian Reform Council (ARC) in New Washington and the Malaya ARC in Malay. These road projects were turned-over to local government units, irrigation project to CABADU Irrigators Association and post-harvest facilities to KAMMANA MPC of Napaan, Malay.

These projects are providing the farmers easy access to transportation facilities and other basic support services. After the project turn-over and acceptance, the local community will operate and maintain the said projects.

The ARISP (Agrarian Infrastructure Support Project) of DAR is the funding and implementing body of this project benefiting New Washington, Malay, and Buruanga. There are still on-going and pipeline projects for DAR-ARISP expected to be completed before April 2014. /MP

Beware: Bottle Clutchers In Boracay Beaches

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

Merrymakers, partygoers, promenaders or revelers carrying glass bottles of any liquor, spirits or beverages while strolling the beaches of the famous resort island of Boracay shall now be a thing of the past.

This, after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan has approved Municipal Ordinance No. 319, Series of 2012, titled, “An Ordinance Prohibiting  The Carrying or Clutching of Glass Bottles of Any Beverage In The Beaches of Boracay Island and Prescribing Penalties Thereof,” enacted by the Malay Sangguniang Bayan on October 2, 2012.

The Malay SB has noted that the practice of Boracay Island’s revelers, merrymakers, promenaders and partygoers to carry glass bottles of any beverage while walking or strolling in the beaches of Boracay is prevalent. The SB further noted that the practice always turns into littering of these bottles to the detriment of the environment and the injuries it may cause to visitors promenading in the beaches of the island.

Any person found violating this ordinance shall be penalized as follows: a stern warning for the first offense; One Thousand Pesos fine for the second offense; and, subsequent offenses shall be penalized with a fine of P2,500.00, or imprisonment of not less than one (1) month but not more than six months, or both, at the discretion of the Court.

Meanwhile, the SB of Malay town where Boracay is, has also banned the use of plastic bags on dry goods, regulated the utilization of plastic bags on wet goods and prohibited the use of styrofoam/styrophor within the  jurisdiction of Malay.

The prohiobiton  and regulation are embodied in Malay Municipal Ordinance No. 320, Series of 2012, enacted by the Malay SB on Ocotber 2, 2012 and subsequently approved by the Aklan SP. /MP

“Transformers” In Local Governance

Kalibo, Aklan. Swivel chair technocrats and professional lecturers in government, the academe and the corporate world had started to popularize punchlines like “local government transformation” or “responsive local governance through transformative legislation”. 

Sounds awesome and foreign. But in fact the terms came too late.

Political leaders seeking elective positions have always in their mind once elected to “spell the difference”, or “effect change for the better”, which will mean “transformation” and make themselves “transformers”, particularly those in local governance.

The provincial government of Aklan is lucky to have “transformers” during the past nine years in both the executive and the legislative departments.

GOV. CARLITO S. MARQUEZ, 

TRANSFORMER NO. 1

Without being aware of the “inside story” within the ruling local political party in Aklan why Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez was relegated to being a nominee of the KASANGGA PARTYLIST come May 2013 election. He has the prior right to seek an elective regular congressional position to represent the lone district of Aklan, Marquez deserves the praise for his humility and too accomodating to the positions of his colleagues in the party.

Whatever happens to KASANGGA during the forthcoming elections, worse, if it fails to generate the votes required for an entitlement to a representative in Congress. I am sure, the outgoing Provincial Governor will be contented exiting Aklan politics thinking of the legacies he will be leaving to the Aklanons and the “transformation” he has achieved for the Province of Aklan.

Marquez will be contented with the thought of leaving the helm of leadership after making “transformations” in provincial governance:

1. Aklan joined the elite “billionaires” club among provinces in term of annual budget during the last three years of his 3-terms with annual income nearing a billion pesos every year;

2. Transformed the provincial government of Aklan into a first class province, although the Bureau of Local Government Finance of the Department of Finance has still to come up with the latest income Classification of LGUs;

3. Even before the 2012 ends, he has already achieved his One Million tourists arrival target in the resort island of Boracay with almost one-half (1/2) of the visitors are foreigners. This will translate into some P20 billion in tourism receipts, more a boon to the national economy rather than the provincial economy;

4. Turned the P40 million bond floration of the provincial government which financed the construction of the Caticlan Jetty Port and terminal into the books of “succes stories” of the Department of Finance. The bond had long been redeemed. Marquez further engaged the provincial government into a bond flotation worth P260 million to finance the expansion of the said port.

5. Jetty ports and terminals in Caticlan, Malay and Cagban, Boracay are the biggest earning economic units of the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD). The EEDD itself is the brainchild of Marquez.  Definitely, it was not a ploy to skirt the limitation for personal services imposed by law on local government units. But, it was a necessity as the provincial government cannot be able to adequately staff the expanded services and requirements of a truly innovative and dynamic local government unit;

6. Marquez has introduced novel innovations in the agriculture services and production like the rice hybridization program and the Lambaklad projects in the fishery sector;

7. The provincial government of Aklan has prominently placed itself under his stewardship in the regional and national evaluation for the Gawad ng Pamana ng Lahi and the Seal of Good Housekeeping;

8. He changed the face of the seat of provincial governance, the Provincial Capitol, by facelifting the facilities thereat; and

9. Aklan LGU has been agressive in its borrowings to finance its social and economic development projects as financial institutions placed premium on the credit worthiness of Aklan as the province has soundly managed its debt servicing that earned banks’ trust and confidence to grant  loans.

VICE GOV. GABRIELLE V. CALIZO-QUIMPO, TRANSFORMER NO. 2

Highly touted to banner the cause of the opposition against the ruling party of Marquez and Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores, the two-termer Vice Governor displayed a deep sense of humility and self-sacrifice. Instead of aspiring for higher position, Vice Governor Quimpo opted to run for reelection coalescing with Marquez and Miraflores. She said it is the best for Aklan and her people given the circumstances.

She is pressed to accomplish what he has not accomplished yet in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, a  decent Legislative Building that can house all the amenities and facilities of a truly legislative body such as offices for its members and a Library where to archive legislative records.

Using her experience in the corporate world and as Aklan’s representative to Congress, she transformed the provincial legislative body to an institution worthy of respect and recognition as one of the pillars in local governance.

She may not always agree with the Chief Executive as far as policy directions are concerned, yet she can work amidst the diversity in foresight and processes.

She automated the facilities of the legislative body, equipped with internet and website facilities, attempted to perfect electronic sessions and the passage of mandatory local codes such as the Children’s Code, Environment Code, Tourism Code, Investment Incentive Code, Revenue Code, Rules of Procedure in Administrative Cases and the Code of General Ordinances and the Executive Legislative Agenda.

She made sure that legislative processes are observed such as committee and public hearings, among others.

She made the present SP distinct and really different. (by ODON S. BANDIOLA)/MP

Freddie Roach’s Conqueror, ‘Macho’ Camacho May Die

by ALEX P. VIDAL

Los Angeles, California -- The boxer who once beat Manny Pacquiao’s coach, Freddie Roach, may not live again.

El Nuevo Dia reported that Hector “Macho” Camacho is brain dead. “Medically, there’s nothing to do,” said hospital doctor, Ernesto Torres. 

Former world champion Hector “Macho” Camacho was fighting for his life in a San Juan hospital as he struggled to recover from very serious bullet wounds, it was reported. 

Camacho defeated then light welterweight contender Roach by the score of 90-99,  89-99, 90-99 in 10 rounds at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California on December 18, 1985 when Pacquiao was only six years old.

Reports said Puerto Rican Camacho was rushed to the Rio Piedras Medical Center in San Juan last Tuesday night, November 20 after a gunman shot him in the face while he was in his car with a friend near a shopping mall in the town of Bayamón.

Torres, the Medical Center’s Director said on November 21 morning that Camacho’s chances of survival were slim. But explained that doctors can keep him alive with the help of a respiration machine for the next few days to see if the 50-year-old boxer eventually responds to treatment.

Torres said that a bullet aimed at Camacho’s face, was deflected by his jaw, and made it’s way to the top of the boxer’s spinal chord, which means that if Camacho survives he could have trouble walking, or may even be paralyzed.

He added that Camacho suffered a brief heart attack at around 4:15 a.m. local time. “His heart stopped working…we gave him medicines and his heart started pumping again. He has [some cerebral activity] but it’s very, low,” doctor Torres told Puerto Rican Newspaper El Nuevo Dia.

The news of Camacho’s shooting has taken over newspaper headlines and TV programs in Puerto Rico, where the retired boxer holds somewhat of a rockstar status.

Born on the island but raised in New York City, Camacho became one of the most popular fighters of the 80s and 90s, winning world titles in the Super Featherweight, Lightweight, and Light Welterweight divisions.

Camacho put up some dominant performances during his long career, in which he won 88 fights, and only lost six.

He knocked out Sugar Ray Leonard, and twice defeated Roberto “Mano de Piedra” Duran, but also lost highly publicized bouts with Julio Cesar Chavez, and Oscar de la Hoya, who defeated Camacho in 1997.

Outside the ring, Camacho became famous for his erratic conduct and for being in trouble with the law. He was arrested as a teenager for getting into street fights. After retirement he was arrested for burglary in Mississippi and earlier this year he was detained in Florida on child abuse charges.

Camacho’s fans however, will recall his confidence in the ring, and his wild boxing outfits printed with the colors of the Puerto Rican flag.

In the United States, Camacho also stayed in the limelight by participating in “Mira Quien Baila,” a Univision show that resembles Dancing with the Stars. Thanks to his charisma, Camacho also made several appearances on the Univision show “El Gordo y La Flaca,” where he became the show’s unofficial “Mira Quien Baila” critic.

Police in Puerto Rico are still investigating the incidents that led to the shooting of Macho Camacho.

According to Captain Reinaldo Santiago, a detective with Bayamon Police, Camacho and his friend, Alberto Mojica, were parked in front of a local store when an SUV with two gunmen pulled up next to Camacho’s Grey Mustang.

Witnesses said a gunman descended from the SUV and shot Camacho and Mojica, who died in the incident.

Police chased the SUV but were not able to detain its occupants. They said they knew little about Mojica, except that he was also a former boxer and a fan of cockfights. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Paskwa It Mga Pispis

Kada mag abot ro paskwa, guina puno ni Valerie ro tueok-an it mga pispis idto sa mata-as nga baeay-baeay nahamtang sa sanga it punong kahoy. Maila-on abi mag alila it pispis si Valerie. Parabil mag abot ro paskwa, guina limpyohan eon nana ro tanan nga baeay-baeay ag guina butangan it malimpyo man nga tubi ro ilimnan. 

Ko isaeang agahon, may isaeang ka pispis nga puti una eot-a sa ubos it baeay-baeay ni Valerie. Indi maka eopad busa sa ubos eon lang imaw tumugpa. Pagka dipara ni Valerie, dali-dali nga guin daea sa andang baeay ro pispis, guin bueong ag guin patuka. Nagmayad ro pispis pagtaliwan it pilang adlaw. Ogaling naduea it hinali pagtaliwan it pilang adlaw. 

Samtang naga tatap sa ibang pispis si Valerie, may nagpundo nga itom nga saeakyan sa atubang ko anang baeay. Nanaog ro isaeang ka gwapuhon nga eaeaki. Nagpakilaea kay Valerie nga si Prinsipe Umberto imaw. Nagpasaeamat imaw kay Valerie tongod imaw ro naka bungkag ko sumpa it bruha nga nag maldisyon kana.

Ro bruha hay naila gali sa prinsipe ogaling owa kana naila ro prinsipe. Sa pagkaakig ko bruha, guin sumpa nana nga mangin pispis ro prinsipe ag maga balik eamang sa anang dating dagway kon may mabuot ag putli nga babaye ro makabueong kana. Guin bali dayon ko bruha ro pakpak it pispis. Sa anang pag-linopad, nakaabot imaw sa lugar ni Valerie. Sa pagkaduea ko sumpa, nagbalik ro tanan nga dagway ko mga dama, gwardiya ag alalay it prinsipe nga kutob sa nagsunod kana. 

Pagtaliwan it pilang dominggo, nasaksihan ro engrandeng kasaean sa lugar nanday Valerie. Pareho it isaeang ka paraiso ro baeay ni Valerie. Guin patindugan it abong baeay-baeay it pispis ro palibot ag may fountain pa sa tunga it hardin. 

Kada magbakasyon ro pamilya ni Valerie, una naga hampang ro anang mga unga nga prinsipe ag prinsesa sa andang lugar. /MP 

Alaska State Legislators Visit Aklan

For the first time ever, a Trade and Tourism Mission to the Philippines  was conducted headed by  Hon. Catherine Nora E. Muñoz and Hon. Bob Herron, representatives of the State Legislature of Alaska, USA. They were accompanied by Honorary Consul General of the Philippines for Alaska Jenny Gomez Strickler who is also president of the Juneau - Filipino community Inc.; Ms. Vicky Roldan - In-Country Coordinator; and Deborah Gomez - Photographer. They were in Aklan for 4 days, November 15 to 19. In Aklan, they visited important business lines and tourist attractions in Kalibo, Banga, Balete, and Malay specifically in the Boracay Island Resort. /MP

Aklan Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo posing a souvenir photo with Hon. Catherine Nora E. Muñoz and party.  

 Kalibo Vice Mayor Madeline A. Regalado turning over the symbolic key to the Ati-atihan town of Kalibo to Hon. Catherine Nora E. Muñoz and Hon. Bob Herron during a welcome program held in Capt. Gil Mijares Memorial Bldg., Kalibo.  

Alaska State Legislator, Hon. Catherine Nora E. Muñoz answering questions from the media during the press conference. 

Alaska State Legislator, Hon. Bob Herron answering questions from the media during the press conference. 

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo tendered “A Night of Philippine Cuisine, Music and Dances” in honor of the Alaska State Legislators Hon. Catherine Nora E. Muñoz (2nd from left) with Honorary Consul General of the Philippines for Alaska, Jenny Gomez-Strickler (3rd from right) in their elegant piña attire. /MP

Responsible Sex: Best Antidote To HIV/AIDS

by Ernesto T. Solidum

From (l to r) are Dr. Cornelio Cuachon, Jr., and Mr. Allen Dizon, resource persons, and Mr. Edwin Ramos, program host. Dizon is HIV/AIDS survivor. 

December 1 is World Aids Day symbolized by wearing a red ribbon on one’s breast to express solidarity and commitment to fight HIV/AIDS. Aklan, one of the active implementers of the program for 11 years have lined up several activities both in provincial and municipal levels to increase public awareness of the global epidemic. All schools have their quiz bee competition, poster making and slogan contests. Rural Health Units will have culmination and awarding program on December 7, 2012 in Kalibo.

Dr. Cornelio Cuachon Jr. PHO I in a press conference averred that global HIV/AIDS data as of 2009 is 35.2 million. The majority is found in Sub-Saharan Africa – 29.2 million, South and Southeast Asia – 5.6 million. Negligible number is in Latin America and Eastern Europe. Deaths in 2008 reached 2.4 million.

The Philippines from 1984 to August 2010 reported 5,472 cases with annual disease incidence increasing lately to 25 percent. Between the sexes, the most prevalent are on males – 76 percent while females – 24 percent. Dr. Cuachon noted that sexually active population between the ages 20-29 years old are vulnerable mainly because of unprotected sex, lack of knowledge and low perception of risk. In any case, the disease is preventable and manageable with regular intake of retro viral drugs and rehabilitation. 

Cuachon explained that HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus while AIDS is acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Though related to each other, the nature of the disease is vastly different. One can be infected with HIV without outwards signs of infection or one can progress to full blown AIDS like breakdown of body’s immune system leading to diseases like cancer, arterioschlorosis, diabetes, and TB among others.

According to Dr. Cuachon, the mode of transmission of the virus is either during: a) blood transfusion, b) from mother to child through childbirth, breastfeeding or c) due to sexual contact like heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, oral and anal sex. It is evident that body fluids capable of transferring HIV/AIDS are through blood, breast milk, seminal and vaginal fluids.

RA 8504 or the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 strengthens the educational and information thrust of the government and private sector led by National, Regional, Provincial and Municipal Aids Councils to combat the disease. It also provides social and medical support services to treat victims and lessen the stigma and discrimination associated with the killer disease. The Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital has adequate medical personnel and laboratory equipment to analyze blood samples and to give free anti retro viral drugs.

The HIV/AIDS national data show that 98 percent of the cases are acquired through sexual contact and only two (2) percent by blood transfusion. Moreover, less than 25 percent of MSM (men having sex with men) use condom compared to 50 percent among commercial sex workers. This practice of throwing all precautions to the wind just to satisfy one’s lust is the root of this social problem. In other words, it is based on individual decision to engage in risky and questionable behavior, forgetting one’s health and family happiness.

Since there is no known cure for HIV/AIDS, educational thrust must be on being faithful to one’s wife or partner, maintain wholesome family atmosphere (no drugs and alcohol), early detection, and treatment. 

There is awareness that majority of seafarers in Western Visayas comes from Aklan and that they have contacted the disease in foreign ports. Our Boracay tourism industry could be vulnerable to any alarming incidents of the disease in the Island. Compounding the problem are the foreign and domestic tourists visiting Aklan. Their health status is not checked. Since Filipino OFWs must undergo rigid medical examination against communicable disease like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis A & B, and TB before leaving the country, foreigners and other tourists entering the Philippines must also be checked.

Undoubtedly, it is poverty and migration (OFWs) that contribute largely to this social and health dilemma, but the local tourism and aids councils still resort to ingenious ways to contain the scourge to manageable level. Sex is always associated with morality. One must use it only with the highest degree of responsibility and respect as rational beings. /MP

Editorial

by Ernesto T. Solidum

Providing Tourists Safe, 

Comfortable Pleasure Trip

On October 3, 2012 island cruise mishap occurred in Boracay that claimed three Taiwanese tourists. Commdr. Armand Balilo, Philippine Coastguard spokesman said that 30 passengers were aboard Keon 2, a wooden hull pumpboat that capsized off the coast of Manoc-manoc. Witnesses claimed the sea craft encountered a squall causing passengers to panicked, congregated to one side of the boat causing it to tilt and finally capsized. Dead on arrival at Aklan Baptist Hospital, Caticlan, Malay were two elderly women: one 72 and another 49 years old. A 2 year old child died later. All boat passengers wore life jackets.  

Island cruise is often included as package deal visiting Carabao Island, Romblon and around Boracay. Typhoon Mercer on that above date was mercilessly pounding Zambales province and parts of Central Luzon accompanied by drenching rain and thunderstorm. Southern Tagalog and the Visayas were not threatened according to PAGASA. 

Given the situation at hand, boat cruise went ahead on schedule. Local authorities said it is a freak accident but has claimed more than a hundred lives since the early 1970’s when jump off point of tourists to Boracay was Alimbo-Baybay, Nabas that took longer hours travel. Pump boats during that time were much smaller than the ones currently being used.

Engr. Jonathan Salvador, Manager Metallica Marine Consultancy Fabricators and Services, Poblacion, New Washington, Aklan said, “there is a need to develop a sea class boat capable of providing maximum safety and security to our tourists. A world class tourist destination like Boracay must abide with the international marine safety standard in order to stem the alarming deaths, injuries, and loss or damage to property. Foreign tourists are covered by accident/travel insurance in their countries of origin as they board any public conveyance like plane, car and ships. However, they are not covered by insurance policy once they board wooden pumpboats which are not sea worthy.”

As a licensed shipbuilder, Salvador recommends an all fiberglass luxury yacht trimaran model that could withstand wave distance of 45 meters and above between crests. This yacht can navigate even during typhoon signal No. 1. The volume displacement is 33 cubic meters for main hull and 4.5 cubic meters for “outriggers”. It has overall dimension of 14 meters by 7.2 meters and capable to transport 25 passengers at a trip. Other features include centralized air conditioning and three independent engines. Stability is guaranteed, unsinkable and durable. This boat is ideal for island cruising and affordable to tourist-oriented establishments which costs P7.0 million more or less. 

Those who could not afford the high acquisition cost of a yacht could opt for a taxi boat or Mandarin type that cost about P2.8 million. Overall dimension is 12 x 4.6 meters, made of fiberglass, ideal for Caticlan – Cagban Jetty ports.

For the proposed roll on, roll off Jetty Port service Pook – Boracay route, Engr. Salvador envisions a 50 x 20 meter steel hull ship capable to ferry 600 passengers and 15 medium size delivery trucks at a time. This is based on 300 tourist’s arrival per day to Boracay. With 3 to 4 trips daily, all the food and construction needs could be transported direct from Pook, Kalibo to Boracay customers. This would eliminate unnecessary expenses, time and effort like transport and handling that reduce cost. This however requires bigger investment of P80 – P120 million. 

The logic to building safer and affordable water craft is to assure tourists of safe, comfortable and fast travel in Aklan especially in Boracay.

Engr. Salvador noted that trade winds (amihan and habagat) in Aklan are more violent now than they used to be. A 30 kph wind if synchronized by on-going high tide invariably result to a .3 meter crest enough to rattle a person’s senses on board a pumpboat with flimsy bamboo outriggers. In Boracay, it is normal to have 10-20 meters distance between crests. Above this level, there is typhoon that the Philippine coastguard issues corresponding warning and stoppage of sea transport operation. 

Considering that Boracay is strategic tourists’ destination and dollar earner, proper legislation must be crafted leading to the adoption of sea worthy passenger vessels. Wooden hull pump boats made of cheap marine plywood is outdated.

Mr. Niven Maquirang, administrator of Caticlan Jetty port disclosed that the mooring facility can accommodate only five pumpboats at a time. With a trimaran boat, present capacity can be doubled, boost income and improved efficiency.

Some 50 years ago, Boracay native islanders once used “parao” or a slick wooden boat with sails to navigate island hopping trips powered by wind. Its use was limited to pleasure water craft for sports enthusiasts. It’s time now for changes to cope up with the present demand. To stand still is to lose the competitive edge to other scenic tourist spots. /MP        

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Aklan’s P1.19 Billion 2013 Budget

Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan reported that SP Aklan has completed the review of budget proposal of eight (8) provincial government departments. According to Bandiola, SP of Aklan through its committee on Appropriations, Finance and Ways and Means had completed the review of the budget proposals of the Office of the Governor, Provincial Agriculturist, Budget Office, Treasurer’s Office, Accounting Office, Human Resource Mgt. Office, Provincial Prosecutor’s Office and Public Attorney’s Office.

The Prosecutor’s Office and Public Attorney’s Office are national government offices but part of their maintenance and operating expenses is charged to the provincial government’s General Fund Budget.

In the 2013 budget, LGU Aklan has proposed P1.19 billion appropriation for General Fund and Economic Enterprise Development (EEDD). Of this proposed amount, P684.112 million will be spent for provincial government operation. The remaining amount is for EEDD.

While the provincial governor exercises full control of the budget appropriations of all executive and EEDD offices, the Office of the Provincial Governor has exclusive total appropriation of P172.301 million, Bandiola stressed.

Out of the P1.19 billion allocated for 2013, some P25.25 million will be spent for subsidy to LGUs, 3 million – subsidy for NGO/POs; P14 million – donations; P7 million – scholarships; P25.087 million – indigency program; P9 million intelligence expenses; and P2 million for sports development. 

A meager amount of P10.828 million will be spent for agriculture. This is a very cute amount considering agriculture as one of Aklan’s twin program. These may not be even enough for personal services. 

Moreover, part of the amount is envisioned to be spent for rice hybridization, Lambaklad, fruit and tree plantations, livestock farms and agri-aqua services. 

What a meager amount for a province which principal industry is agriculture and a great majority of the population are farmers. This explains why most of our farmers maintain their status as “depressed” and highly qualified to join the 4Ps.

The way I vision it, the present agricultural programs both national and provincial will not graduate the Aklanon farmers to food sufficiency, empowered and be among scientific producers of swine and dairy cattle without becoming congressman. They may not be political leaders; suffice that they have resources to sustain their requirements to live a decent life.

Kalibo Ati-atihan Preparation

According to Mr. Meñez, chairman of KASAFI, LGU Kalibo is now 80 percent prepared for the holding of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival 2013. Meñez reported the funding sources, the sponsors, the promotions made to entice visitors to come and join the Ati-atihan 2013 festival in Kalibo.

One weakness Meñez pointed out is the inadequate fund to promote the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan. A suggestion made is for KASAFI to request business firms to include the Ati-atihan Festival in their spot announcement in radio/TV programs of international coverage such as in CNN and BBC. 

PNP Provincial Director Escarilla briefly discussed security and safety measure to follow in the maintenance of peace, order, and security during the Ati-atihan festival.

Some details of the Aklan Products Exhibits to be made in March 1-31, 2013 was also discussed in the recent meeting of the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council. This event will be done at the Intercon Hotel, Makati City. Indigenous Aklanon foods, fiber products from abaca, piña, buri, bariw will be featured among others. This project will be jointly handled by the Aklanon businessmen and LGU Aklan. /MP 

Gelito Urges SP: Establish Brgy. Plant Nurseries

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

In a resolution, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan has urged barangay government officials to establish and operate tree and plant nurseries in their respective jurisdiction aimed to mitigate the disastrous effects of the prevailing phenomena brought about by the global climate change.

SP member Edina T. Gelito, the Provincial Federation President of the Liga ng mga Barangay sponsored the said resolution. All members of the Aklan SP are co-authors. Resolution No. 2012-312 encourages barangay officials to set up and to operate plant nurseries and institute measures and mechanisms for its continued maintenance in their barangays.

According to Gelito, “each individual has a responsibility to save Mother Earth and must act to mitigate the ill-effects of the global phenomenon.”

Further, she said, “all Sangguniang Barangays in each municipality shall see to it that such plant nurseries are properly maintained and supplied with adequate saplings of any variety through establishing mechanism and system of operations.”

She suggested that applicants for a clearance to cut trees shall be required to contribute at least five (5) saplings of any kind for every tree he intends to cut. Non-compliance of it shall mean rejection to issue a clearance.

Gelito emphasized that the Sangguniang Barangays shall promote, conserve and protect the environment and regulate the cutting, gathering and/or utilization of timber and other forest resources as embodied in the Environment Code of Aklan and existing national laws. /MP

Pedestrian Safety Is DPWH Concern

by Ernesto T. Solidum

A resident of Kalibo or any first class municipality or city who decides to take a morning or afternoon stroll in one of the streets will inadvertently and force to use the car lane. The sidewalks are continuously used by businessmen’s commercial activities or usurped by shadowy characters.

Normal stroll even without a bag of groceries could be difficult with the maze of distractions on the sidewalk. These are illegally parked cars, motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles, not to mention those who do vulcanizing and repair of motor vehicles that easily snag a lady’s blouse or pants. 

Businesses spilling over the roadside are in the fruit stand and flower shops, motorcycle display and ukay-ukay or garments in Kalibo. These scenarios are evident  also in Boracay where tourists are “deluged” by merchandise, peddlers and people. My God! our country is one big China town! 

Road easements are established by law to provide space to walk and protect pedestrians from accidents and to allow quick access. How can a person enjoy the view as a visitor to Kalibo if his eyes are focused on obstructed gutters, posts and pavement that are grotesquely uneven, dented and slippery? A visitor in Kalibo smells manure by the roadside where toilets are built. Dear God, please demolish it like the one along Veterans Avenue.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson is determined to implement a policy that the nation’s sidewalks be cleared of illegal constructions. This is prompted by DOH study that road accidents is No. 4 top cause of mortality in the Philippines. Of this data, more than half of road accidents victims were pedestrians and not motorists. The reported road fatalities in 2009 totaled 34,483.

Priorities for the 2013 implementation are the dismantling of buildings and houses, squatter shanties, stores, shops and other commercial establishments, billboards and signages, fences and walls, basketball courts, garbage receptacles, plant boxes, parked vehicles, junks and construction materials on sidewalks. Most of the junks along the road are engineering equipment.  

Since all illegal construction is involved, humps that are unnecessary, lacks permit and ill maintained be demolished. Humps are road hazards especially at night where they are not of standard size and shape, and unpainted. Actually, they must be sparingly used as in school proximity, hospital or military establishments. Humps must not arbitrarily used for selfish end.

Secretary Singson must insure successful implementation of this program by enlisting the support and cooperation of LGU’s and civic organizations. Local ordinance against illegal construction on sidewalks have been enacted but not implemented in the face of rampant violations. Those people who are violating those ordinances are urged to self-demolish, desist or pay corresponding fines. The DOT jingle of “it’s more fun in the Philippines” may boomerang if pedestrians and tourists are made to walk literally in harm’s way or in the path of speeding vehicles. The Secretary must be lauded, encouraged and supported for his campaign for pedestrian safety considered urgent priority of road infra development. /MP   

Aklan’s Outstanding Debts as of 2013 Is P394.46-M

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

From the original principal amount of P579.294 million loans Aklan Provincial Government contracted starting in 2004, only P394.46 million remains unpaid. The Provincial Government of Aklan will service the balance starting 2013.

This was revealed during the 2013 Annual General Fund and EEDD Budgets briefing the Provincial Local Finance Committee (PLFC) conducted for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members on Nov. 20, 2012 at the SP Session Hall.

The briefing was a prelude to the budget hearing proper scheduled starting Nov. 22 up to the mid December when budget proposals of every department of the provincial government shall have been deliberated.

The biggest principal loan incurred by the Province was with the Philippine National Bank, as an agent bank of the Province in floating bonds worth P260 million which financed the renovation/rehabilitation of the Caticlan passenger terminal building, jetty port enhancement and the recovery of the Caticlan coastline.

The loan was incurred on April 30, 2012 but the reclamation component of the project was temporarily shelved after the Supreme Court issued a Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO) on petition of a group of stakeholders. As of this date, the balance of the principal of this particular loan is P187.777 million.

The loans the Aklan Provincial Government contracted to finance some projects with outstanding balances as of Nov. 26, 2012 are as follows: 1) DRSTMH EXPANSION - P 51,765,402.17; 2) Prov’l. Capitol Main Bldg. Improvement - P53,625,000.00; 3) School of Nursing Building - P15,156,928.62; 4) DRSTMH EHMIS - P10,693.233.03; 5) Calancang Sports Complex - P39,214,592.96; 6) Unified Ticketing System, Jetty Port - P13,727,797.83; 7) Repair, Damaged Revetment Wall, Caticlan Jetty Port - P22,500,000.00; and 8) Repair, Damaged Ramp Caticlan Jetty Port - P9,000,000.00.

Except for MDFO-LOGOFIND as source of fund, all loans were contracted from Land Bank of the Philippines Kalibo Branch. 

For Budget Year 2013, a total of P114.089 million is required to service these debts, P77.45 million as amortization for the principal and P36.624 million for interest.

The Audit Report of the Commission on Audit for 2011 cited the aggressive borrowings of the Aklan Provincial Government to fund provincial, social, economic and infrastructure projects.

Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez has prepared and submitted the 2013 budget amounting to P1.19 billion for discussion and approval of the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan. /MP

Obama Blinks None On Miriam’s VFA Brouhaha

by ALEX P. VIDAL

Los Angeles, California – Was it a case of bad timing?

Several days after Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago filed a joint resolution seeking the termination of the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the Philippine government has not received any official reaction from the White House.

The lady senator had threatened to file the resolution while newly reelected President Barack Obama was about to embark on a three-nation tour of Asia where he dodged the Philippines recently.

Apparently, Obama was unfazed by Defensor-Santiago’s threat even as observers viewed his recalcitrance as a sign that his administration is willing to let go of that vital joint military project.

Or the timing of Defensor-Santiago’s resolution could have been bad as experts consider the long-raging rivalry between China and five neighbors for control of strategic and resource-rich waters in the Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea to be more urgent than the VFA fiasco.

Obama made it clear during the campaign period he was hell-bent in slashing the military budget as part of his administration’s “peacniks” policy. 

During his first term, President Obama disclosed a “new military strategy” that would cut the Pentagon budget by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade.

BILLION CUTS

The new military strategy includes $487 billion in cuts over the next decade. An additional $500 billion in cuts could be coming if Congress follows through on plans for deeper reductions. The announcement came weeks after the U.S. officially ended the Iraq War and after a decade of increased defense spending in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, reported the USA Today.

Obama said that the military will indeed be leaner, but the U.S. will maintain a budget that is roughly larger than the next 10 countries’ military budgets combined.

“I just want to say that this effort reflects the guidance I gave throughout this process,” Obama said. “Yes, the tide of war is receding. But the question that this strategy answers is what kind of military will we need after the long wars of the last decade are over. And today, we’re moving forward, from a position of strength.”

Obama added: “Some will no doubt say the spending reductions are too big; others will say they’re too small,” Obama said. “It will be easy to take issue with a particular change. But I would encourage all of us to remember what President Eisenhower once said — that ‘each proposal must be weighed in the light of a broader consideration: the need to maintain balance in and among national programs.”

Obama has vowed to “strengthen our presence in the Asia Pacific, and budget reductions will not come at the expense of this critical region.”

SECOND

Defensor-Santiago’s Joint Resolution, her second attempt since 2010, accused the US of non-compliance and violation of Philippine law and international norms and customs on the protection and preservation of the environment.

The resolution came in the heels of the controversy involving a US Navy contractor that allegedly dumped hazardous wastes in Subic Bay. A number of senators have called for an investigation on the allegation. It was also in prime news in the Philippines while President Obama’s tour in Asia was in progress and when he recently attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and leaders of Southeast Asia at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The senate resolution also sought to direct the secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs to give notice of termination to the United States. “If adopted, the joint resolution, although victimized by the President’s veto power, will become a historic compulsive force that can still gather together the broken pieces of national sovereignty shattered by the infirmity of the political leadership,” Santiago said in the measure.

RATIFY

The VFA was signed in February 1998 and was ratified by the Philippine Senate in May 1999. It is not a mutual security agreement but a support deal to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

In August 2010, Santiago also filed a joint resolution calling for the termination of the VFA.  It was never passed and remained pending in the committee. In her first resolution, Santiago said the US does not recognize the VFA as a treaty because its Congress never ratified the agreement, which the Philippine Senate did in 1999.

Defensor-Santiago was supported by Senator Joker Arroyo and Teofisto Guingona III who argued that the country had supposedly not benefited from the agreement. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Hacienda Durano

Si Selmo hay tawong may edad eon. Pirmeng makita nga naga winarang sa karsada. Naga empa-empa eon ngani kon magtikang. May pagka buktot ag bulag ro sambilog nana nga mata. Owa mat-a imaw naga pakalimos. Naga balibad ngani kon taw-an it maskin anong pagkaon. Naga pamueot imaw it basura nga anang guina baligya sa junk shop. Ro kabak-eanan, imaw ro anang guina bakae it pagkaon. 

Idto naga estar si Selmo sa idaeom it tulay. Kaibahan nana ro mga eskwater nga owa it dogalingon nga baeay. Maatag si Selmo. Naga ta-o imaw it pagkaon sa ibang onga nga naga estar man sa idaeom it tulay.

Isaeang adlaw, may nag sungbil kana it pagkaon. Anang guin balibaran. Hakibot ro eaeaking nag sungbil kana it pagkaon. Busa guin sundan nana kon siin naga estar si Selmo. Pag abot ni Selmo sa baeay, abo nga naga hueat kana nga mga onga. Ro iba masakiton ag ro iba man hay may diperensyang pisikal. 

Nagsueod ro eaeaki. Hakita ro kwarto ni Selmo nga mahipid ro mga igdaeapat. May hakita man imaw nga retrato sa kwadro nga may tawong naga baton it diploma. May una man nga kwadro nga naga baton it kadungganan halin sa isaeang ka prehisteryoso nga organisasyon. Sangka kwadro man nga may lisensya it pagka piloto sa pangaean ni Anselmo Durano. 

Guin usisa ko eaeaki ro eskwelahan nga guin tapusan ni Selmo. Idto imaw nakasayod nga isaeang ka piloto gali si Selmo. Ro anang eroplano hay nabag-bag sa kabukiran it Sierra Madre, patay ro tanan nga pasahero ogaling ro piloto hay owa makita ra eawas. Nabuhi si Selmo ag guin sapupo it isaeang ka mangangahoy. Nagtenir imaw sa lugar ngaron ag nagpananum hasta nangin asawa nana ro onga it mangangahoy.

Ogaling sa pagbu-ot it Diyos, namatay sa pag unga ro anang asawa, pati pa man ro eapsag. Nagpanaw lang imaw sa siyudad nga owa it nakakilaea kana tongod sa anang hitsura nga abo nga mga pali it sunog. Sa siyudad, guin pabangdan imaw nga aswang o mangkukulam. May naduea nga unga ag guin sugid-sugid nga imaw ro nagkaon. Ko olihi nasayuran nga nag ea-as gali ro onga ag hakita it mga pulis sa lugar it mga eskwater. 

May guin hold-up man sa lugar ngaron ag si Selmo man guihapon ro guin pabangdan. Ko olihi, hadakpan it mga pulis ro minatu-od nga hold-upper busa guin paguwa sa presohan si Selmo. 

Abo ro habuligan ni Selmo nga mga eskwater. Nangin idolo imaw sa royon nga lugar. Abo nga napa bag-o nana nga mga adik sa alcohol ag mapait nga bueong. Ro mga estambay hay guina taw-an nana it pangabuhi-an. Abo nga guinikanan ro nagpasaeamat ay naglinong ro andang lugar ag nangin malimpyo. Nakaabot sa media ro tanan nga natabo. Guin interbyu si Selmo sa radyo ag telebisyon. 

Hakita imaw ko anang mga igbata sa telebisyon. Insigida nag adto sa siyudad ro anang pamilya ag imaw man ko tawo nga nagsapupo kana sa kabukiran. Nagkilita ro tanan sa estasyon it radyo. Ro anang eogta nga guin hawanan hay may nagbakae agod obrahon nga ranchohan. Ogaling owa nana igbaligya. Guin daea nana tanan idto ro mga eskwater agod idto mag estar. Makaron, ro lugar hay nangin Hacienda Durano sa Mindanao. /MP

Guadalupe Bridge

At right is a bridge constructed under the Presidential Bridge Program in Madalag, Aklan. The construction began in 2011 but it is difficult to tell if it is already completed, though inaugurated and named Guadalupe Bridge just recently.

This picture was taken at about 4:30 in the afternoon, Saturday, November 24 facing toward east or Brgy. Daguitan, Banga. It’s about 200 meters long made of fabricated steel.

Is the bridge completely finished? Picture at right was taken at the end of the steel bridge facing west or Poblacion, Madalag, Aklan. The river bank seems to be 200 meters still in the Poblacion, Madalag side. 

During good weather, people can go to Poblacion, Madalag from Daguitan or Daguitan to Madalag using the bridge. 

However, during rainy season, it will be difficult to cross the bridge as this portion will be submerged in water. (ARV photo) /MP