DAR VI Fortifies Commitment To Localize Magna Carta of Women

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Region VI affirms its commitment to localize the Magna Carta of Women as it ensures that substantive provisions of the law especially the Rights and Empowerment of the Marginalized Sectors are duly implemented by the agency.

DAR Region 6 Regional Director Alejandro Otacan in his memorandum to all Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officers dated September 16, 2013 emphasized as he reiterated Sec. 105 of DAR Administrative Order No. 7 Series of 2011 providing for the names of the beneficiaries in the issuance of titles. 

Under the Magna Carta of Women, the DAR must ensure that equal status shall be given to women and men, whether married or not, in the titling of the land. Further, the law states that the DAR shall issue Emancipation Patent (EP) and Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA), to all qualified beneficiaries regardless of sex, civil status or physical condition.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations of said law states that in order to protect the rights of legally married spouses where properties form part of the conjugal partnership of gains the names of both shall appear in the EP and CLOA preceded by the word “spouses”.  In unions where parties are not legally married, the names of both parties shall also appear in the titles with the conjunctive word “and” between their names.

The law further states that in no case shall a woman be excluded either in the titling of the land on account of sex, being married, or being in union without marriage to an agrarian reform beneficiary. Other entitlements to women agrarian reform beneficiaries are also spelled out in the law like Right to Livelihood, Credit, Capital and Technology. 

Since the enactment of the Magna Carta of Women, the DAR has consistently fulfilled its mandate in promoting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of women especially its agrarian reform beneficiaries. DAR management issued policies to ensure localization of the law and foremost of which is DAR Admin Order No. 01 Series of 2011 which is the “Guidelines Governing Gender Equality in the Implementation of Agrarian Reform Laws and Mainstreaming Gender and Development in DAR.” /MP

Phil Spent P627.397 M For 4Ps

For the last five (5) years (2008-2013), the Philippines has released and paid P627,397,000 to 26,601 beneficiaries under the Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Each beneficiary received an average of P23,582.55. Those who are enjoying this 4Ps are families which belong to the below poverty level. They are  the people who are devoid of income as they have no work. Hence, they are enrolled in 4Ps.
Each family receives P500 for health and nutrition and P300 monthly for  family with children whose ages range from zero to 14 years.  /MP

Haresco Refiles Bill To Make Aklan Into Two Legislative Districts

Aklan Congressman Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. has refiled the bill at the House of Representatives which seeks to reapportion the Province of Aklan from a lone congressional district into two legislative districts: the East and West districts.

Haresco’s bill is denominated as House Bill No. 112, “An Act Providing For The Reapportionment Of The Lone District Of The Province Of Aklan”.

Luthmyr P. Teoxon relayed the information to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan who is the Committee Secretary of the House Committee on Local Government chaired by Congressman Pedro B. Acharon, Jr.

This development in the lower house of the 16th Congress was an offshoot of Aklan SP Resolution No. 007, S., 2013 passed by the 16th SP on July 10, 2013, during its 2nd regular session, titled, “A Resolution Requesting Congressman Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr., Representative, Lone District Of Aklan In The House Of Representatives To Refile The House Bill Filed By Former Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores During The 15th Congress Seeking For The Reapportioning Of The Province Of Aklan Into Two Legislative Districts Previously Denominated As House Bill No. 3860.” 

Miraflores’ bill on Aklan splitting into two legislative districts was passed by the lower house of the 15th Congress but was stalled in the Senate committee level mainly on the opposition posed by Senator Sergs Osmeńa. 

The bill seeks to split Aklan into two legislative districts: the West comprising of the towns of Numancia, Makato, Lezo, Malinao, Tangalan, Ibajay, Nabas, Malay and Buruanga; and the East, composed of the towns of Kalibo, New Washington, Batan, Banga, Balete, Altavas, Libacao and Madalag.

Both proposed districts had already qualified in terms of population of more than 250,000 each. /MP

Chiz Fetes Pinay Miss World Megan Young

Senator Chiz Escudero commended 23-year-old Megan Young for besting candidates from 126 countries to win for the Philippines its first Miss World title, calling her accomplishment a great source of pride and inspiration amid the conflicts confronting the nation.

In Senate Resolution No. 281 he filed to honor and recognize Young, Escudero praised the Olongapo lass’ victory not only for making history for the country, but for telling the whole world about “her story” on what Filipinos can achieve in the international arena. (Megan’s mother is a native of Pandan, Antique.) 

The senator said Young exemplified the true beauty and aspiration of every Filipino when she took home the crown during Miss World pageant held over the weekend in Bali, Indonesia.

“We toast Megan and all our fellow Filipinos who illuminate our pride as a nation and raise our consciousness as a people under one flag,” Escudero said.

“Her accomplishment as a beauty queen brings not only the needed respite from the political and social ills that currently beset the country but hope as well, as we aspire to be a better people struggling to make a difference in life and for the country,” the senator said in his resolution.
Police, Soldiers In Zambo Siege

On the other hand, soldiers and policemen who gallantly battled members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) during the Zamboanga crisis are honored at the Senate through a resolution filed by Senator Chiz Escudero.

Escudero filed Philippine Senate Resolution No. 283 (PSR 283) commending the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police for squarely facing  the rogue elements who tried to siege Zamboanga City in August.
The attack resulted to a three-week-long standoff between the national security forces and the MNLF rebels. It claimed hundreds of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents. It placed the entire city into a standstill for days.

“The utmost display of dedication and commitment of the AFP and PNP to subdue the enemies of the State despite imminent danger and loss of lives cannot be overstated. They squarely fought the enemies with bravery and gallantry without any reservations. The city is now recapturing its peace and order because of these brave men in uniform,” Escudero said.

In his resolution, Escudero explained that the accomplishment of the soldiers and the policemen in reinstating and maintaining the gains of peace and order is characterized by their performance of a sworn duty and not by its mere utterance.

“Our men stood by it in an actual battle for country and people. They deserve the Senate’s commendation for their heroic performance of their sworn constitutional duty as protectors of the people and the State and as sentinels of peace and order in Zamboanga crisis,” Escudero said in the resolution. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Is Aklan’s Sand And Gravel
Quarrying Eco-Friendly?

On Tuesday, October 1, I was invited to be a reactor to the research presentation during the “Statistical Research and Utilization Forum”. The forum was one of the activities in the 24th National Statistics Month on the theme, “Statistics That Matter To Every Filipino.

The forum was jointly sponsored by the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Aklan Rivers Development Council, and the Aklan Provincial Planning and Development Office. 

Here is my reaction to the research findings on “The Aklan River System: Psycho–chemical Characteristics, Geomorphology, Hydrology, Biodiversity, and Socio-Economic and Cultural Profile”.

As an Aklanon, I can say, I’m one of the most interested persons for the development and utilization of our natural resources like the Aklan river.

I always hope our public officials will find time to transform Aklan river from being destructive into a resource friendly and productive river for the good of the people.
I often recall an incident where I attended a meeting in the Department of Agriculture in August 1963 where a question was asked: “Why does the Philippines lack rice when we have vast area of rice field?” 

There was a moment of silence which induced me to stand and say: “There is rice shortage because we have no office that takes care of irrigation”. I said, “rice is a hydrophonic plant which will not bear grain if there is lack of water.” 

With that, the bureau directors including the Dean, UP College of Agriculture present in the meeting discussed the problem of water. They found out that there was really no office for irrigation. 

The following month, September, 1963, my office, Bureau of Agricultural Extension sent me to Taiwan (Formosa) to study irrigation for one month. The USAID financed my trip. I spent the one month visiting the projects in “Shi Minh Dam” that helped make Taiwan prosperous today. Shi Minh Dam has multipurpose uses which are tourism, electricity generation, irrigation, flood control, land reclamation, and job creation among others. The excess irrigation water is processed for domestic uses. 

My travel report was one of the references used in the enactment of the law creating the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) which was approved in 1965. NIA was organized in the same year of its approval.

Every morning and afternoon crossing the Aklan river, I always feel bad for failure to convert Aklan river into a useful resource.
About eight (8) years ago, I wrote about the idea of harnessing Aklan river and make use of the water. I wrote that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan can enact an Ordinance to Develop Aklan river and utilize the resources there for progress and development. LGU Aklan with the ordinance may authorize the conduct of researches, prepare project studies so that the province has ever ready proposals to give for probable funding agencies. 

A few months after the publication of my article, I was happy to learn that the SP Aklan presided by then Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino has enacted provincial ordinance creating the Aklan Rivers Development Council.

Thank you Aklan SP and former Governor Carlito S. Marquez who signed and approved the said Ordinance. This research result about Aklan river is now under review.

I wish to congratulate the authors of this research report. They have done a good job. The findings are excellent basic information useful to planners, policy and decision makers, and funding agencies especially for micro planning.

A common saying states: “in our work, there is always room for improvement”. And my reaction here is to improve further on what you have done. After reading the research report, I admired it. It has enriched my limited knowledge. I wish we will continue doing researches on Aklan river and consider the following: 

1. Include in the future studies research team members who can ably handle and answer the statements of the problem. A rural sociologist for example maybe included to study why matured and recommended technologies are not utilized. Aklan now is short of agricultural products e.g. vegetables, flowers, chicken and eggs inspite of the presence of the national university for agriculture located in Banga, Aklan (ASU). Agricultural Training Institute is also situated in the ASU Banga campus to train agricultural technicians and farmers. The diffusion of information is quite slow and its utilization is equally limited. Aklan Province is rich with natural resources, but statistic show, one of every five Aklanons (21%) is living below the poverty level. Almost all municipalities are members of 4P’s.

2. If possible, include recommendations to solve problems found in the research. A good example is the finding on the “level of coliform”. What is the effect of high coliform level to health? What must be done to reduce the coliform level? Massive information dissemination and construction of latrines project/program for example be recommended. 

3. If possible, reduce the highly technical terms into common terms to promote proper understanding, appreciation and application of recommendations. 

4. Kindly include statistics and its analysis. October is National Statistics Month.

5. Since Geomorphology, Hydrology, Physico-chemical Characteristics are studied among others, did the team subject some specimen for laboratory analysis? Did the research team consult pertinent specialists to make data interpretation highly credible?   

6. Future studies may answer questions like: Who are becoming wealthy out of sand and gravel extracted from Aklan river? My observation is: sand and gravel dealers became rich and still becoming richer. Those who can afford have constructed houses made of stones and cement. But according to National Statistics Office, Kalibo, Aklan, for every 10 houses, seven (7) or 70 percent needed repair. These 70 percent of the houses in Aklan had average floor area ranging from 9.8 square meters to 19 square meters where an average 4.3 dwellers live. How can four people live comfortably on a space 2.5 square meters per person?

7. Is sand and gravel quarrying correctly done to prevent erosions? Are sand and gravel concessionaires following strictly their respective quarrying contracts? /MP

“My Teacher, My Hero”

“My Teacher, My Hero”, is the theme of the “World Teacher’s Month” celebration this October.

The English Club, College of Education, Northwestern Visayan Colleges sponsored the World Teacher’s Day Program, Friday afternoon, October 4 at NVC CSQ Gymnasium. 

Led by Ms. Rose T. Suarez, governor of English Club, some 71 NVC faculty members were honored as “Teachers of the Year”. They were awarded certificates and fresh beautiful flowers. 

Dr. Reinalda I. Magdaluyo with seven others were recognized and awarded “Most Outstanding Teachers” of the year.
In his inspirational message, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, NVC President expressed his admiration and high respect to the teachers. He stressed the teachers’ role in the formation of loyal, loving and productive citizens of the country.

While a student, Quimpo related the ways and methods of teaching of his professors at the University of the Philippines, College of Law, which made him a successful member of the bar and both public and private official.

On the other hand, some three (3) NVC Mass Communication students will represent Aklan to the regional broadcasting competition. This is sponsored by ABS-CBN to be held in Bacolod City sometime next month, November 2013.

These three are selected by the ABS-CBN team in a contest held on Friday morning, October 4 at the Audio Visual Room, NVC Kalibo presided a team from ABS-CBN Iloilo City.

Bryan Zaspa, a 4th year AB Mass Com student is proclaimed champion in the contest. He received cash, trophy, and plaque. Mr. Reontoy, a second year AB Mass Com student is selected 1st runner up and awarded cash and plaque. Leizel Trinidad, a 4th year AB Mass Com student is 2nd runner up and received cash and plaque. Mr. Zaspa is from Libacao, Mr. Reontoy is from Banga, and Miss Trinidad is from Kalibo.

They will compete in the regional broadcast competition with journalism students from Roxas City, Iloilo City and Bacolod City. /MP

October 28 Is Special Non-working Holiday

If you’re a registered voter, you have no excuse not to vote in the barangay elections, as Malacanang declared October 28 a special non-working holiday.

Proclamation No. 656 signed by President Benigno Aquino September 25, said the holiday has been declared to allow Filipinos to exercise their right to suffrage. October 28 is a Monday, thereby listing a new long weekend for October. 

“[I]t is important to give the people the fullest opportunity to participate in the said elections and exercise their right to vote,” Aquino said in the proclamation.

The announcement came even as the Senate and the House of Representatives have approved a bill seeking to postpone the SK polls which Pres. Benigno Aquino III just signed into law.  /MP

Chiz Challenges Colleagues: Open PDAF Use To Public Scrutiny

Senator Chiz Escudero said the disbursement and use of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) by legislators should be open to public scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability.

Escudero issued the call to his fellow lawmakers to open their books to the Filipino people amid the reported misuse and abuse of the PDAF, which was originally intended to finance the pet projects of senators and congressmen.

A recent special report by the Commission on Audit (COA) and revelations at the ongoing investigation by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee initially showed that some lawmakers have allegedly connived with bogus non-government organizations to pocket kickbacks through ghost projects. 

“Whether it’s PDAF, pork barrel or DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program) is immaterial. The important issues here are transparency and accountability. At the end of the day, as public officials entrusted with public funds, we should be able to explain to the public how these were disbursed and used,” said Escudero, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance.

According to Escudero, how each lawmaker allocated and used every single centavo earmarked for the PDAF should be made public and accessible to all stakeholders for scrutiny in the spirit of transparency and accountability.

“This is a challenge to my fellow legislators: reveal how you spent public funds. We owe it to our constituents, we owe it to our taxpayers,” he said.

Since Escudero started availing of the special budget for legislators’ pet projects in 2010, he has posted on his website (www.chizescudero.com) the detailed allocation of his PDAF to local government units (LGUs) across the country. The senator did not receive any PDAF during the Arroyo administration.

He said all the allocations he received under the PDAF had been properly accounted for and open to scrutiny by COA and the public. “All releases and disbursements to LGUs which had sought my assistance were transparent and verifiable. These can be scrutinized by COA and the public anytime.”

Escudero also sought to clarify the “confusion” surrounding the P96 million (not P99 million as earlier reported) he had requested the Department of Budget and Management to download to local LGUs to finance their requests for repairs of specialty hospitals and construction of public markets.

The whole P96 million released by the DBM through its DAP covered the project funding requests that went directly to LGUs in the cities and municipalities of Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Cavite, Rizal, Ilocos Norte and Pangasinan, among others, mostly for infrastructure projects and medical help.

Majority of the LGUs received P500,000 each for the construction and rehabilitation of their public markets.

Since the senator started using his PDAF in 2010, he had only funded infrastructure projects and medical assistance through various LGUs, as well as improvement of regional and specialty hospitals. /MP

BSP Postpones 10th National Rover Moot

In view of the Barangay election to be held on October 28, this year, the 10th National Rover Moot is postponed to Nov. 26 to December 2, 2013. This is announced by Atty. Selwyn C. Ibarreta, chairman, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Aklan Council.

It was announced earlier that it will be held on October 19 – 25, 2013. It will be held in the same venue in Tangalan with LGU Tangalan as host under the leadership of Mayor Gene Fuentes.   

This 10th National Rover Moot theme is, “Scouting Education For Life”. 

Rover Scouting is the final stage of youth development in the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. /MP

Reason & Concern

Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Pork Barrel Scam Scandal 

Shall Be Here To Stay

It took me some time to write as I started to observe the reactions of Filipinos to the pork barrel scam here and abroad. Indeed, at no instance of our national life had the collective anger of Filipinos exhibited on the pork barrel scam.

Notwithstanding the Zamboanga standoff, the pork barrel scam scandal appeared to have the same headline sizes and accounts in metropolitan newspapers and the rate of commentaries in radios and television networks albeit the Zamboanga problem surfaced two weeks back as I write this.

As it stands, so many names are now appearing in the tri-media to also have committed pork barrel scam scandal either small or big, And certain theories, too, of the escalating scandal. This can be a thick book starting with the history of the pork barrel scam controversy.

The Senator Jinggoy Estrada stinging commentary that the pork barrel scam scandal appeared to be centered on Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Revilla and himself could well be the big starter. But it shall not stop with the three of them.

The pork barrel scam scandal is not expected to just suddenly disappear contrary to the wishful thinking of others. But there is optimism that the Filipino people will not take the scandal to just vanish too suddenly after its too controversial expose’.

As I end my brief commentary anent the pork barrel scam scandal, I may hasten to add that the scandal had reached the broader masses of our people, the man on the streets, the religious sectors, the intellectuals, the youth and yes, even children.

* * * *
The way I look at it, certain national political figures are now being mentioned to have also been involved in pork barrel scam. The early denials are there. But the shady transactions are also being mentioned, nay, documented. It would be easy to determine if the accusations on alleged pork barrel scam commissions are politically motivated or plain propaganda. As the documents could well speak for itself. Verily, it can readily be deduced.

* * * *
Finally, President Aquino signed Republic Act 10627 otherwise known as the Anti Bullying Act of 2013.

The Department of Education shall impose sanctions on schools that do not comply with RA 10627.

In the congressional debates, it dawned on Congress that bullying can be summed up as causing physical and emotional abuse against another person.

One should just look and read the 1987 Philippine Constitution and can readily read that every child is protected by the fundamental law from unfair and adverse treatment whether it is physical or emotional. This is emphasized in the Department of Education’s Child Protection Policy guidelines for public and private school teacher “in the administration of disciplinary actions against erring students”

* * * *
By the way, October would be the National Children’s Month commemoration, “Childhood shows the man, as morning shows the day” according to John Milton. Or in the language of Jones: “The interest of childhood and youth is the interest of mankind.” /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Magic Nga Libro

Paeahampang gid si Rosie. 

Ko hapon ngaron, guina-oy it hampang sa kompyuter si Rosie. Pagka gabi-e, hamuok gid ra anang katueogon. Nagdamgo imaw nga may magueang nga nagpakita kana ag guin taw-an imaw it libro. 

Pagbugtaw nana, may anang hakitang libro nga naka tungtong sa lamesa. May panit nga hapin. Guin buksan nana ro libro. Sari-sari ro kolor ko mga retrato ag matsa buhi kon ana nga tueokon ro mga tawo sa retrato. Sa sige nana nga pagbinukad, may nakita imaw nga sadya-an nga lugar. Naengganyo imaw nga tueokon ro mga retrato it kapispisan, kabukiran ag katamnan. 

Maangan-angan, naglingin ro anang oeo ag nagtiyog ro anang pamatyag. Sa anang pag muk-eat, idto imaw sa lugar nga nakita nana sa libro. Abo nga mga pispis ag alibang-bang ro naga libot-libot kana ogaling owa it tawo imaw nga nakita. Guin daea imaw sa isaeang ka mabahoe nga poetahan. Madueom ro sueod ogaling deretso sa mahayag ag maeapad nga ganghaan. May hakita man imaw nga babayeng naga pungko sa trono nga may korona.

“Malipayon nga pagbalik, Prinsesa Almera, pag aeaw-aeaw ko reyna. Imaw gali ro naduea nga onga nga prinsesa sa anang paghinampang sa kaeati-an ag idto tumugpa sa eogta sa katamnan nanday Mang Beryong ag Aling Luisa. Tongod owa it onga ro mag asawa, guin kabig nanda nga dogalingon nga unga ro prinsesa ag guin hingaeanan kay Rosie. Halin kato, owa naduea-i it pag eaum ro reyna sa pag inusoy sa prinsesa. Sa bulig ko mga pispis ag alibang-bang, hakita si Prinsesa Almera. Paagi sa libro, rondaya ro naging yabe nga maka balik sa kahari-an si Prinsesa Almera.

Mabuhay eon nga naduea si Rosie sa lugar nanday Mang Beryong ag Aling Luisa. Ogaling owa man sanda naga pundo it pag inusoy. Nag abot ro kahidlaw kay Rosie. Nag eaong imaw sa anang inang Reyna nga maka bisita sa anang guina kabig nga guinikanan.

Guin sugtan si Rosie sa anang pag panaw. Abo ro anang daea, mga prutas ag bueak. Nalipay ro mag asawa sa anang pagbalik. Guin saysay nana ro tanan. Masubo nga malipay ro mag asawa. Kada tatlong buean hay nagabalik si Rosie kanda. Ko olihi, tongod magueang eon ro daywang mag asawa hay nagmunot sanda sa Prinsesa agod idto. Owa eon sanda it problema sa pagkaon tongod bugana idto sa kahari-an ni Prinsesa Almera.  /MP

Republic of Pork Barrel

by Alex P. Vidal

“Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike.” J. K.  Rowling

We are not surprised to learn that the man who hauled Senate President Frank Drilon to the Ombudsman for alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or “pork barrel” allocation in the “improvement/completion of the E. Trenas Boulevard Along Iloilo River” or Iloilo Esplanade was no less than his own former consultant, Manuel “Boy M” Mejorada.

It did not also surprise us that nobody from among his political acolytes in Iloilo came forward to belie the graft charges and defend Drilon to death in public forum (Drilon’s co-respondents in the Department of Public Works and Highways or DPWH denied there was anomaly in the project).
As a former campaign manager of the Liberal Party (LP), some partymates in Western Visayas credited Drilon for their victories in the recent elections, but they are mum over the issue (except for Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who was understandably upset that the imbroglio’s epicenter is in the much-ballyhooed Iloilo Esplanade). 

As veteran journalist and former Iloilo Press Club president Teddy Sumaray once said, “he who eats alone, fights alone.”
 

NOT ALONE

In the criminal and administrative cases filed by Mejorada last September 10, Drilon won’t be fighting alone. Mejorada also filed cases for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Republic Act No. 9184 or Government Procurement Reform Act, against DPWH-6 Regional Director Edilberto Tayo, Assistant Regional Director Lea Delfanado, Marilou Zamora, Jose Al Fruto, Marilyn Celiz, Luzviminda Narciso, and Danelo Penoy. Their names are included in the DPWH procurement and implementation of the multi million-peso contract. 

In terms of pelf and privileges he had garnered as a prominent national figure since becoming cabinet official under Pres. Cory Aquino in 1986, Drilon has been “eating alone” figuratively.  Except from the multi-million infrastructure projects (including the mammoth Hall of Justice buildings in various cities) he has poured in the region, little can be said about the number of Ilonggos he had helped appoint in key national positions.

BACOLODNONS

Far cry from the number of Bacolodnons former Congressman and now Bacolod City Mayor Monico Punetevella had helped for prestigious appointments in the national and regional offices when Puentevella was one of President and now Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s favorite nino bonitos.

When former Iloilo Gov. Niel D. Tupas Sr., Drilon’s No. 1 ally in Western Visayas aside from Secretary Mar Roxas, was terrorized in a violent but foiled attempt to oust Tupas from capitol by Pres. Arroyo’s interior and local government Secretary Ronaldo Puno on January 17, 2007, Drilon was nowhere to be found. It was then Senator and now President Noynoy Aquino and Senator Chiz Escudero who were in constant communication with members of the Tupas family before, during, and after the capitol seige  (police raided the capitol to unseat Tupas but were stopped by a Temporary Restraining Order from the Court of Appeals) to give them moral support.

SAVE

Drilon also failed to save the ass of City Chief Prosecutor Efrain Baldago, his most loyal factotum in the region, when Baldago, who had a cold war with then Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr., was sacked during the time of Mrs. Arroyo.

Now that he was back in power together with Pres. Noynoy, the most he could give to reward a local talent was help former City Councilor Benjie Gengos become commissioner of the fading Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCCG).  Drilon may be instrumental, in one way or the other, in the appointment of several Ilonggos in the judiciary but the jurists made it as municipal or regional trial court judges based on their own merits and qualifications as assessed by the Judicial Bar Council (JBC), not because Drilon wanted them to be there.

If Drilon did not mention it, many Ilonggos were not privy to the reported failure of the Senate President to help appoint Mejorada, who was Iloilo provincial administrator under Gov. Tupas, as regional director of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

HIRE

Ilonggos also had no inkling Drilon hired Mejorada to maintain his Twitter account, among other tasks, for a monthly salary of P30,000 from September 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011. That shows that Mejorada was more than just a consultant to Drilon; no one would entrust a personal account in social media to just any Tom, Dick, and Harry. If Mejorada knows the password of Drilon’s Facebook account, that is no longer news.

If Drilon was saying the truth that his relationship with his former Twitter account handler-turned-tormentor Mejorada went sour after the foiled TESDA appointment, either Mejorada filed the Ombudsman complaints as a quid pro quo or Drilon was really a crook; and it took someone “who knows where the bodies are buried” to spill the beans, a sidekick who was left with the crumbs while the rest of the Liberal Party boys are happy and gay in the Republic of Pork Barrel.  /MP 

“Gifts of the Spirit” Painting Exhibit By Deaf & Mute Students

by AMBROSIO R. VILLORENTE

Painting Exhibit by deaf and mute students of NVC was open on Monday afternoon September 30 at NVC Hotel Carmen. Picture right shows Hon. Soviet Russia Dela Cruz, Aklan SP member and Dr. Jesse M. Gomez, Aklan Schools Division Superintendent cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Photo below shows a member of the class welcoming the guest and visitors to the exhibit with Hon. Jay Tejada.

MKWD Inaugurates, Blesses Its New Home

The Board of Directors, management and staff and employees of the Metro Kalibo Water District (MKWD) had officially transferred from its office at C. Laserna Street to its new, sprawling and elegant 4-storey building at Barangay Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The Chairman, Local Water Utilities Administration, lawyer Rene C. Villa, Congressman Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. of the Lone District of Aklan, Vice Govenor Gabrielle V. Calizo – Quimpo and Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Plaridel M. Morania, Harry C. Sucgang and Lillian Q. Tirol, together with MKWD Chairman of the Board, lawyer Edmund M. Peralta and MKWD General Manager Edgar Isada, staff and employees were present during the blessing and inauguration of the new MKWD building.

The lot costs Php7 million pesos, while the new building costs Php40 million pesos. The edifice construction was completed after 15 months using the fund from MKWD’s accumulated savings from its operation.

Today, MKWD is classified by LWUA as a Category B water district.     It serves the municipalities of Kalibo, Banga, New Washington, and Balete and some barangays in Batan. It has a total of 20,968 concessionaires. 

Peralta dedicated the new edifice to its officials, employees, staff members and to its concessionaires.

Villa and Haresco lauded MKWD board and management for the phenomenal growth and stability of the water district. They assured their continued support to the water utility firm.

Vice Gov. Quimpo believes that the Oct. 28 weekend is providential to Aklan and the Aklanons. According to her, over the weekend, the Aklan Credit Surety Fund was formally launched by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to benefit Aklan’s micro, small and medium entrepreneurs. It was followed by the formal launching of a housing project in Lezo, Aklan by the Camella Homes, and then the blessing and inauguration of the MKWD building. (story and photo by Odon S. Bandiola) /MP

Tigerair Inaugurates Kalibo Ticket Office

Tigerair Philippines, the country’s fastest growing low-cost carrier, will bring people to Kalibo to experience the best beaches, to savor local delicacies, and walk through its cultural heritage. Starting with this single step, Tigerair will be able to connect people together and contribute to the task of boosting local tourism.

Kalibo, renowned for its tourist attractions and world-class offerings, is witness to Tigerair as the airline spearheads another breakthrough with the launching of the Kalibo Ticket Office on Wednesday, October 2, 2013. It commenced at the Tigerair Ticket Office, Toting Reyes St., Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan. The program started with an invocation and blessing ceremony led by Ms. Malou Pangilinan, Tigerair Director for Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service. The ribbon cutting followed, after which lunch was served. 

The invited guests, prominent people from the business sector and LGU Kalibo government officials and personnel, and Aklan journalists graced the momentous launching ceremonies.

Tigerair flies twice to Kalibo–Manila daily, via Terminal 4 to Manila–Cebu; Manila–Bacolod; Manila–Iloilo; Manila–Puerto Princesa; Manila–Tacloban. Its international flights include Clark–Hong Kong; Clark–Bangkok; Kalibo–Singapore; and Manila–Phuket, Thailand. /MP

Which Is Lousy? KIA? NAIA Terminal 4?

 Picture above shows the Kalibo International Airport departure area loaded with several commercial advertisements which render the airport lousy, dirty and disorderly. The picture was taken at 10:30 on Friday morning, September 20. Why does CAAP allow advertisements in the KIA? But allow no advertisement in the NAIA? (ARV photo)

 

 

 

 

 Photo above is NAIA Terminal 4 departure area. Notice there is no advertisement, very clean, comfortable and orderly compared to the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) which has much to sell and disorderly. The picture was taken at 5:00 o’clock on Saturday morning, September 21, 2013.  (ARV photo)

EDITORIAL

Highly Productive Public Hearings On SP Proposals

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

The two-day marathon public hearing of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) held at its Session Hall on September 19-20, 2013 tackled five pieces of proposed ordinances intended to upgrade business, health and environmental climate of Aklan. Three of which are: a) Ordinance to regulate the installation, posting, hanging and display of billboards, streamers, posters, banners and other similar forms of signages of commercial products, b) Ordinance to regulate the utilization and disposal of plastic products as packaging materials of goods, and c) Ordinance to regulate the operation of junkshops in the Province of Aklan and imposing penalties for its violation. These are all sponsored by Vice Gov. Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo.

The proposed prohibitory regulations are: a) Ordinance prohibiting any person from uttering, insulting and humiliating words against senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and b) Ordinance prohibiting the burning of any material on or near the poles/towers and facilities of public utilities. The former is sponsored jointly by Hon. Plaridel M. Morania and Hon. Lilian Q. Tirol, while the latter is by Hon. Plaridel M. Morania.

An impressive number of stakeholders, resource persons, public officials from all 17 municipalities, NGO’s and multi-media personnel attended unfazed by heavy rains. Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo mentioned that the drafts handed to the attendees are the results of at least three previous committee hearings with stakeholders. Hon. Plaridel M. Morania, Chairman Committee on Laws, Rules and Ordinances concedes that even if the drafts have been refined to such an extent, an expanded public hearing is required to consider more creative ideas to produce quality legislation. 

The rationale of the ordinance on installation, posting and display of billboards and streamers is in full accord with the eco-tourism thrust as one of engines of economic growth in Aklan. 

Mr. Joselito Motus, a Kalibo businessman bewailed the utter disregard of telecommunication and cable TV companies which service lines are endangering public safety. Tangled lines or spaghetti connections are strung on poles barely 25 feet above the ground and oftentimes snag 20 footer container vans while plying the Republic Nautical Highway. The majority of their poles is deteriorating or about to collapse and appear eye sores. 

This is corroborated by Vice Governor Calizo-Quimpo that time and time again, this subject crops up. Fuming between her teeth, “Probably our patience is running out for service providers to comply with international standard practice”. Increasing height of their fiber optics cable to 40 feet above the ground especially inside the Poblacion or population centers may ease traffic burden of motorists and commuters.

Plastics and Styrofoam trash is considered culprit for the clogging of drainage canals during moonson season and or flooding. They are classified as persistent organic pollutants. Its proliferation is due to the improper use and disposal of plastic residues. Not one municipality in Aklan has a sanitary landfill hence, more plastic wastes go to sewage canals and rivers. 

Based on the stated coverage and exemption clause, the ordinance on regulating the use of plastic will achieve an estimated volume decrease of 50 percent because the only one affected is the secondary packing or wrapping materials that can be replaced with eco-friendly wrappers like paper, banana leaves, cloth bags, and buri bags (bayong, tampipi).
On the other hand, Mr. Crispin Lao, Pres. of Philippine Plastic Industry Assn. strongly warns legislators and implementers in the abrupt phase out of plastic. He said that replacement of plastic by paper bags could pose a serious threat to the environment since it will involve cutting down of thousands of forest trees. It takes seven (7) times more energy consumption to manufacture paper bags and 5 times the energy to recycle them. Moreover, paper bags take four (4) times its weight to carry the same load as against a plastic bag. 

But, paper comes from fast growing paper trees (Abizza falcatta) widely grown as commercial plantation in Mindanao. Newspapers can serve as wrapping materials. 

The junkshop ordinance is crafted to regulate the industry and promote higher quality service to achieve competitive edge. Substantive measure is to instill orderliness and professionalism among stakeholders to deal with regulated and monitored junk materials that are bought, sorted and transported from households by ambulant buyers to junkshop owners. 

Unfortunately, only three (3) percent of junkshop operators in Aklan are capable to comply with the stringent requirements of the proposed ordinance. Mr. Roger Sabino may be the exception since he has installed in his facility a CCTV camera. Forthwith, the PNP is recommending that other operators must follow suit to discourage theft especially telephone wires and water meters by minors. 

The Committee has acceded to a 100 meter junkyard area favoring small operators. The problem could be exacerbated since the small entrepreneurs could operate right at their homes or at doorstep which is dangerous. Junkshops must be located inside industrial zones owing to its hazardous nature. The most probable solution is to form into a cooperative so they could accumulate enough capital to invest in semi-permanent buildings, stocks, transport vehicle, locate in a minimum 300 sq. m. lot, construct firewall and hire ambulant junk buyers/pickers.

Since junkshops have the potential to pollute underground water, it is advisable that Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) must be secured before junkshop operation is approved. Operators have difficulty in disposing their toxic waste or residuals. This is serious problem in Numancia and Ibajay as there is no dumpsite. 

The anti-scorching ordinance is noble in its objective in as much as service providers of power, telecommunication and cable TV are safeguarded from destructive acts of lawless elements. However, it has limited scope since the poles/towers are more often destroyed not by fire but by cutting down the transmission poles or towers by hand saw or hack saw. They are also vulnerable to mortar fire coming from RPG or M-16 grenade launcher. 

The anti sneering ordinance leveled on senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) is amply covered by libel law. It also carries a heavy penalty for offenders. The sponsor cites Article III, Section 2 which directs the Provincial Prosecutor to exercise due discretion. “Upon appreciation of evidence and seriousness of the case, the Provincial Prosecutor may apply the penal provisions of the Senior Citizen’s Act or RA 74321”. 

The proposal suffers inherent defect since senior citizens with a hearing infirmity can be immune against verbal abuse. It would be best if the framers include crimes against persons such as bodily harm, theft or robbery. Furthermore, benefits passed by Congress to senior citizens and PWD’s particularly the P500 allowance per month to indigents, 20 percent discount on transport, medicine and 5 percent discount on basic consumer goods and utilities like water and electricity be automatic and strictly enforced. But implementation is still to be improved. It appears that our enacted laws have no teeth against powerful businessmen and industry leaders. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Abolishing SK

Congress of the Philippines has approved a bill that proposes to postponed the election of officers this year of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). The proposed law is now on the table of President Benigno C. Aquino III ready for his signature.

After the President has signed it into law, it will be effective after publication in the Official Gazette or in the newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

The law will postponed the election of officers of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) this coming October 2013 to October 2014. It provides that the COMELEC may select the date and schedule the SK election between October 2014 and February 2015.

Moreover, the new law provides that the term of office of the incumbent SK officials will end in November 2013. Hence, no SK in year 2014.

There is suggestion coming from the various sectors of Philippines society to just abolish the SK for various justifications. 

Asked to comment on the proposal to abolish the SK, some 18 college students studying in Kalibo are unanimous in their responses to abolish the SK. 

According to them, members of the SK are getting earlier exposures to dirty political activities. Some SK members are led by corrupt leaders which tricks are emulated by the youth at their age of maturity.

They say, “the youth leaders are used as political instrument, trained to buy votes, learned the art and science of graft and corruption at early age brought about when they mature.

They believed SK officers and members are usually the sons and daughters of both traditional and modern politicians in the perpetuation of political dynasty in their respective community”. They believed some SK officials don’t perform but they are elected because of popularity and they just serve themselves”. 

Moreover, “SK has no independence because they are in the hands of greedy barangays, municipals and other officials who tutor them to commit fraud.
Celebrating Statistics Month

The month of October is the 24th National Statistic Month. It is being celebrated in the Philippines with the theme: “Statistics That Matter To Every Filipino”. 

In Aklan, the first activity in the whole month celebration is the conduct of the “Statistical Research and Utilization Forum on Tuesday afternoon, October 1 to be held at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan. This forum is sponsored by LGU Aklan “to promote the sharing of accomplishments of the program and project among the different government agencies, academe and stakeholders.

The one half day affair will discuss the “Aklan River System: Physico-chemical Characteristics, Geomorphology, Hydrology, Biodiversity and Socio-Economic and Cultural Profile”. 

The paper will be presented by Prof. Ma. Rema B. Lauron of Aklan State University. Another paper, “Stakeholders’ Participation In Water Resources Protection and Development Program” to be presented by Mr. Conrado B. Marquez of DENR, Region VI.

Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Executive Director, Aklan River Development Council will welcome the Forum Participants and guests. Aklan Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo – Quimpo will also give her message. Engr. Roger M. Esto of LGU Aklan will acknowledge the guests and participants, and present the overview of the forum. He will also serve as moderator in the Open Forum. /MP  

NVC Conducts Mr. & Ms. Palaro 2013

 

Northwestern Visayan Colleges Supreme Students Council, NVC (SSC) led by Ms. Liezel S. Trinidad, SSC president conducted Mr. and Ms. Palaro 2013 as a part of the annual celebration of NVC Palaro with the theme, “Youth Dynamism and Empowerment through Sports and Culture” on September 7 at NVC CSQ-Gymnasium. 

The event started with the invocation followed by the Philippine National Anthem sang by the Special Students of the NVC followed by the Singing of Aklan Hymn and NVC Hymn by the NVC Chordal Voices. 

The Mr. & Ms. Palaro contest is a showcase of beauty and talents of true NVCian”. Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, SSC adviser said on his welcome remarks. 

The categories for the said search are as follows; Production Number portraying the Rio de Janiero attire, School Uniform, Sports Wear, Recycled Attire and Question and Answer portion.

Out of 7 stunning ladies, Rosemarie Vengado Iligan of educator’s team was crowned Ms. Palaro 2013 of NVC. The exotic feature of Vener John T. Tayco of Criminology Team is greatly appreciated. He was chosen Mr. Palaro 2013.

 

Wynna T. Tadia, of Criminology and Joecel Cuenca of Artes Liberales team won as the 1st runner up. Irene Fe Saren of High School Dept. and Melgie D. Tabiolo of Educators team won as 2nd runner up.

 

Mr. Marlon I. Cipriano, Mr. Benjie Tolentino and Ms. Sharon Reyes served as the event organizer.

The effort and supports of NVC administration to SSC Councils made the event successful.

Mr. Edmar Reynaldo and Ms. Carla Suñer served as Master and Lady Dean of Ceremonies. /MP

Legarda Launches Cultural Exhibits In National Museum

Senator Loren Legarda on Friday, Sept. 20 launched the Baybayin Gallery and the expanded permanent textile gallery at the Museum of the Filipino People in Manila.
Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, said that the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino: The Artistry of Philippine Textiles, the country’s first permanent textile gallery has been expanded to include more traditional garments made from indigenous fiber and weaving looms from several weaving communities.

“The National Museum has a vast collection of indigenous textiles and we want these items to be on display for Filipinos, and even foreign tourists, to appreciate. This expanded exhibition reveals more about our rich weaving culture. Traditional garments and looms from my personal collection, as well as those from various local government units, are also included in the exhibit,” said Legarda.

 

Beside the Textile Gallery is the Baybayin Gallery, also a permanent exhibition at the National Museum that features pieces from the museum’s collection of artifacts bearing scripts, such as the Laguna Copperplate, the Calatagan Pot, the Intramuros Potsherd and the Monreal Stones.

“The Baybayin Gallery showcases the ancient and traditional scripts, such as the Laguna Copperplate, the Calatagan Pot, the Intramuros Potsherd and the Monreal Stones.

“The Baybayin Gallery showcases the ancient and traditional scripts of the Philippines. It also features and promotes awareness of the writing systems used by ancient Filipinos. It also highlights the continuing tradition of script writing among a few remaining indigenous communities in Mindoro and Palawan, particularly among the Hanunoo, Buhid and Tagbanua people,” Legarda explained. 

Coinciding with the launch of the two galleries is the formal turnover of Mother Tongue-Based materials to the National Museum. The event highlighted the relationship between the promotion of mother tongue languages and the preservation of indigenous practices. 

According to the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), there are 181 known languages in the Philippines, 177 of which are currently spoken while four are already extinct.

“These projects are among the ways through which we can bring our culture closer to Filipinos. Cultural and heritage galleries, such as the Textile Gallery and the Baybayin Gallery, tell stories of our ancestors and our nation indifferent periods of time. These galleries can ignite the interest of our citizens to know beyond what we have shown them”, Legarda concluded. /MP