Sr. Supt. Samuel Nacion Assumes Aklan PNP Command

Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) Officer in-charge Senior Supt. Samuel Nacion conducting his 1st command conference with all the Chiefs of Police of Municipal Police stations, Aklan Public Safety Company, Boracay Tourist Assistance Center, section chiefs and key personnel of APPO on Monday, Feb. 10 after the Distinguished Visitors Program held at Aklan PPO Multi-Purpose Hall. 

According to Nacion, he will continue the current programs of Aklan PPO and adopt the PROSICS System of the Police Regional Office 6. This is the system which projects the wide coverage in the deployment of PNP personnel in strategic locations, maximum police presence and an excellent crime prevention strategy as crime deterrence to preempt the occurrence of crime in a locality.

Nacion replaced OIC Senior Supt. Jomil John Trio on February 7, 2014, Wednesday after his promotion for senior superintendent on January 22, 2014.

Prior to his assumption as OIC of Aklan PPO, he was then the officer-in-charge of the APPO way back in 2011 and chief of the Boracay Special Tourist Police Office now renamed as Boracay Tourist Assistance Center, Boracay Island. 

Nacion was then also the chief of the Regional Operation and Plans Division of Police Regional Office 6 based in Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City before he assumed his present post. /MP

Amador Raz Is Guilty of Homicide

Mr. Amador Raz of Badio, Numancia, Aklan, is found guilty of the crime of homicide in connection with the death of Roland Ureta on January 3, 2001. 

According to the decision of RTC Branch 16, Cebu City Judge Sylvia Aguirre – Paderanga, Raz is meted 8-14 years in jail, to pay P50,000 for civil indemnity, P50,000 actual cost and P11.8 moral damages. 

Roland Ureta was the program host of “Agong Nightwatch”, a radio program in RMN-DYKR, Kalibo, Aklan. After he finished his broadcast at 9:00 o’clock in the evening on January 3, Ureta went to Lezo to visit his parents. However, before reaching his parents house, he was shot and killed on his way at Brgy. Bagto, Lezo.

After hearing the decision, Raz wept profusely. He said, “I could not do the crime. I will appeal the decision”. He will be transferred to Muntinglupa very soon. His stay in jail while the case was under litigation will be credited to him. /MP 

A Question of Values*

*Speech Justice Arturo S. Brion delivered on the occasion of the 50th Foundation Anniversary of the Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines held in ASU and Boracay, Malay, Aklan on January 15 – 17, 2014. 

by Justice Arturo S. Brion

(1st of three parts)

Good evening to everyone!

I am not only very happy to speak before you today; I am in fact very much honored that I shall be sharing my thoughts with one of the most important groups in the country – the members of the provincial press. The value of the press is a lesson that I learned early on from Ka Blas Ople who I had the good fortune to share as mentor with your own Johnny Dayang. Ka Blas, as you must all know, was a statesman who in his life and in his own grave proudly proclaimed to all that he was a journalist. When I was with him at the then Ministry of Labor and at the Batasang Pambansa, he always lectured us about the press, particularly on our dealings with newsmen. He was forever asking us for news and developments that we could share with newsmen. His constant reminder that – “newsmen are our allies and we must make sure that they are assured of their news to report for the day” – is one that is hard to forget. 

Now that I am with you, my thoughts unavoidably run back to him. These memories and this occasion make my day both significant and memorable. Since then, I have had my own share of government service and I now fully realize, first hand, why the West respectfully refers to you as the fourth estate. You are one of the principal catalysts of change in our country: you are not only purveyors of information and active agents in ferreting out the truth; in our society, you are also persuasive molders of public opinion and, most importantly, active participants in setting the national agenda. These multiple roles place you at a level of importance so high that the nation cannot – without risk to itself – allow you to be ineffective. 

I come with these thoughts in mind, and with the awareness that Johnny Dayang did not just happen to think of me as you planned your convention. Since this is your organization’s half-century celebration, I know that you invited me, not simply as Johnny’s friend, but because of the institution I represent. Hence, I come here as a justice of the Court and will speak to you wearing this hat. 

Speaking before the media is not difficult for a member of the Court because our tasks – those of the media and the judiciary – converge in many respects, although we may differ in methodologies. We commonly bear obligations that run parallel to each other in various ways, but essentially end up at the same objective. If our obligations differ at all, the distinctions are only in strengths and standards, some of them bearing harder on you and some on us. Lastly, we – individually and institutionally – also have many faults and weaknesses that are best brought to light rather than covered and allowed to fester; like cancer, these infirmities, unless addressed and beaten at the earliest opportunity, can ultimately impair us and our institutions to the point of ineffectiveness. As I said, this, the nation cannot afford to place the press at risk, and this objective should be one of the reasons we are all here. 

Bringing Out And Relaying The Truth

Our common overriding task is to serve the public and its interests, particularly by bringing out and relaying the “truth” to the public we serve. While you expose the truth and start the way into the redress that the truth should bring, we carry our task a little farther by acting on what is proven by evidence to be the truth. That we undertake our tasks as public officers while you act largely within the private sector, is not a very substantial difference. It may in fact be a desired characteristic, for it allows us to check on one another for our respective institutions’ ultimate effectiveness.

This arrangement, perhaps, is how things should be as we only replicate what happens in the harsher world of nature where one specie checks on another and the latter is itself checked by others, leading to a balance in a harmonious yet diversified world. Of course, this is not only true with nature. Check and balance is also the way of our government in a system where the executive, the legislature and the judiciary exist as co-equals, acting separately in their assigned tasks, and checking one another along the way so that governmental powers are ultimately exercised fittingly and without abuse. That we are as yet far from the ideal and that abuse exists in many places, are not reasons for us to lose hope in our system. Our society’s imperfections are our respective institutions’ reason for being and should give us life and energy because of the need they create. 

Ultimately, we carry the same burden. To serve and to achieve our common goals, we are governed by the laws of the land and by the higher moral law that underlies everything we do on this earth. Our common overarching source of protection is the Constitution that guarantees, in your case, the freedom of speech and the press. The judiciary, for its part, has its guaranteed independence that enables us to undertake our duties under the government’s separation of powers system. 

 These same Constitution and laws also commonly limit our actions. Governmental action is limited by the Bill of Rights and its due process clause whose protection the Judiciary must guarantee to everyone. For the press, the limits are more in terms of our civil and criminal laws which seek to ensure that you do not trespass beyond limits that society allows. Underlying all these, for both those in the government and in the private sector, are the sense of fairness and the values that we should all have and observe as members of the community of men.

You will note that if only we would all observe essential fairness and the proper set of values, then laws and rules in society would largely be a surplus age. And lawyers, and even the courts, would no longer be necessary as they have very limited use in a harmonious world. In this sense, journalists are luckier than lawyers as men, even in a harmonious world, need news. But levity aside, these standards are also the same ones that can serve our respective institutions well; following them shall result in actions on a higher moral plane – a level from where both the judiciary and the media can act with immense strength. (to be continued next issue) /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Garuda

Pagtapos it limog, may nag tungang itlog sa isaeang ka eati maeapit sa baeay ni Beryong.

Isaeang adlaw samtang naga pangahoy si Beryong, haagyan nana ro itlog sa eati. Guin pueot, guin daea nana sa anda ag guintago sa kamalig. Guinhapinan pa nana it mga eamay ag eapat agod madali magboto. Maka taliwan ro pilang adlaw, nagboto eon rong itlog, isaeang ka mabahoe nga pispis. Guin pangaeanan nana nga si Garuda.

Kada adlaw guinapamasyar ni Bertyong si Garuda. Owa it nakasayod sa anang alilang pispis. Kat mabakod eon rong pakpak ni Garuda, nagsakay si Beryong kay Garuda. Nag adto sanda sa isaeang mataas nga bukid. Idto nakakita sanda it mga pispis nga tuead ni Garuda. Nakabalik si Garuda sa andang kaharian ag nalipay ro anang inang pispis tongod hakita ro nahueog nga itlog kat nag linog. Bilang pasaeamat, guintaw-an si Beryong it itom nga bato. Raya ro maga tao kana it tumaeagsahon nga kusog ag maka paeowas sa ano mang matabo. Guinhatod pa imaw ni Garuda sa andang baeay.

Halin kato, nagapangabuhi nga isa-saeanhon si Beryong. Naghugod imaw busa nag abo ro anang alilang hayop ag nag umwad ro anang katamnan.

Isaeang adlaw, nanaog halin sa kabukiran ro mga tulisan. Guinguyod nanda rong mga hayop ni Beryong. Guin pas an pa rong mga prutas nga bag-ong ipo ni Beryong. Nakipag-away si Beryong ogaling guingapos imaw ag guinpiringan pa ro anang mata. Nadum-duman nana rong batong itom.

Anang guin um-um ag tonlon ro eaway, nakabatyag imaw it anang kakusog. Naka hueagpos imaw. Maangan-angan, may nabatian imaw nga pagaspas it mga pakpak. Umabot si Garuda ag guin pang dagit ro mga tulisan. Guinpang hueog sanda sa tubi. Hakita ko mga tawo rong guin obra ni Garuda. Nagpasaeamat rong tanan. Nagdaea-eagan ro mga unga ag magkopkop kay Garuda.

Halin kato owa eon mag balik-balik ro mga tulisan. Naglinong rong lugar nanday Beryong ag guinpili imaw nga pinuno ko andang lugar. Owa man nagkalipat sa pagbisita kanda si Garuda. Kada abot nana hay may daea imaw nga prutas sa mga unga. /MP

NVC Sets ASEAN Economic Integration Forum For Global Excellence On Feb. 28

An ASEAN Economic Integration Forum (AEIF) for global excellence will be held on Feb 28. It will be held at Carmen Hotel, Kalibo, Aklan sponsored by the Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC).

The forum, the first Visayan gathering on the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be participated in by educators, students, key leaders of various sectors, including officials of lead government agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Trade and Industry. It will dwell on the “ASEAN Integration – its impact on education and economy”.

Lawyer Allen Salas Quimpo, former congressman for the lone district of Aklan , is currently NVC president. He said, the ASEAN forum is aimed to promote better understanding of ASEAN 2015 transition, raising the quality of education and to enhance competitiveness of the Filipinos.

The ASEAN economic integration conference is one of the highlights of the 66th founding anniversary celebration of the NVC, a leading educational institution in the Visayas. /MP

Gordon To Visit Aklan

On Valentines Day, February 14, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Aklan chapter will hold the signing of the Memorandum of Partnership and Agreement, Turn Over of Response Equipment and Red Cross 143 Volunteer Mass Induction. The affair will be held on Friday afternoon at Ibajay Sports Complex, Poblacion, Ibajay. 

Expected to attend this big and important event are former Sen. Richard J. Gordon – chairman, PRC, Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores and Cong. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr.

Ibajay Mayor Ma. Lourdes M. Miraflores will give her welcome message and Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, chairman, BOD, PRC Aklan chapter, his inspirational message.

Ms. Arcely Pelayo, chapter administrator, PRC Aklan will present the CBDRR project. Cong. Haresco as guest speaker, will be introduced by Hon. Bayani M. Cordova, SB member of Numancia, Aklan.

Gov. Miraflores after his message will preside the Mass Induction of Red Cross 143 Volunteers and award the emergency equipment with Atty. Tolentino. The stakeholders will sign the Memoranda of Partnership and agreement. Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente BOD vice chairman, PRC Aklan will give his short closing remark. /MP

Editorial

Freedom To Express Opinion, Poke Fun At Officials,  Reminder of Successful Fight Against Martial Law

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay told youth leaders Friday evening, January 17 that the freedom to openly express opinions - even to poke fun at public officials- should be seen as a reminder of the successful struggle against martial law.

“Every opportunity to joke and laugh at our officials, for me, is an unfailing reminder of our triumphs in battling the oppressive regime, one that repressed even the right to laugh—even at the most humorous moments,” Binay said during a dinner he hosted at the Coconut Palace for the 2nd Annual Salubungan Workshop.

The Salubungan Workshop was a gathering of student leaders from across the country organized by the Edsa People Power Commission.

The Vice President said he is not bothered or offended by social media posts, especially those that make fun of his skin color.

“Hindi nila naiintindihan na para sa isang taong kagaya ko, na nabuhay sa malagim na panahon ng batas militar, ang pagtawa natin ngayon ay alaala ng isang tagumpay. Tagumpay ito ng aming pakikibaka upang makamit ang kalayaang tinatamasa ninyo ngayon. At ito ang kalayaang ilahad ang inyong mga opinyon at paniniwala sa kahit anong possible medium, mula sa Facebook at Twitter, hanggang pahayagan, radyo, at telebisyon,” he added.

Vice President Binay related a particular experience during the martial law regime where he was cited for contempt and fined for laughing during a hearing on the sedition case filed against Joe Burgos and the editors and columnists of the We Forum, a newspaper critical of the regime. Binay was one of the counsels for Burgos and his co-accused.

“I was cited by the judge for contempt because according to him I was laughing the loudest during one act of collective defiance from the courtroom audience,” he said.

Binay recalled that during one of the hearings, the military officer who was testifying against the We Forum was especially rude to then human rights lawyer Rene Saguisag and even threw a piece of paper at him while being cross-examined.

“The judge, who did not want to offend the regime by reprimanding the military officer, whispered even so meekly that he already told the officer not to repeat the misdemeanor after former Senator Soc Rodrigo (one of the defendants) asked him not to be lenient towards such disrespectful behavior,” he said.

According to Vice President Binay, the judge’s meekness was the cue for the people in the courtroom to laugh. But he was cited for contempt and fined for laughing the loudest.

While being cited for contempt, he has one of the more lenient penalties. His fellow Movement of Attorneys for Brotherhood, Integrity, and Nationalism, Inc. (MABINI) members were made to pay. They were eventually imprisoned in their continued battle against the dictatorship.

“All of you know that some who were less fortunate, but surely no less brave, had to pay for their lives. Some simply disappeared, never to be seen again by their friends and families,” he said.

“In the end, we succeeded in freeing Joe Burgos and others. In the end, we toppled the Marcos regime. A most cruel irony for my dear friend, though, is that until today his son, Jonas Burgos, who followed in his father’s heroic footsteps, is still missing. I think he has been killed,” Binay added.

Binay also said that Jonas Burgos’ disappearance should remind Filipinos that despite the many sacrifices made, a lot still needs to be done.

“Kailangan pa ring ituloy ang pagtuligsa sa pang-aapi, at lalong kailangan pa ring ipagtanggol ang ating kalayaan. Kailangang alalahanin natin na ang demokrasya ay isang work-in-progress—inaalagaan at binabantayan dahil laging may nagbabantang mga salungat na kaisipan na maaaring igupo ito,” he said.

Binay then urged the youth to do their part in protecting freedom.

“At gampanan ninyo ito sa simpleng paraan. Sa bawat kuwentong kumakalat sa Facebook o Twitter, huwag ninyong kalimutan na maging kritikal. Salain ninyo ang mga sinasabi, at kasinghalaga, basahin ninyo nang mabuti pati ang hindi sinasabi.”

“At huwag ninyong ubusin ang oras ninyo sa harap ng computer o ng inyong cell phone. Maging mapag-isip, maging malikhain sa pagbuo ng pangitain ng inyong hinaharap. At tumbasan ng gawa, kilos, at lakas ng bisig ang inyong imahenasyon o haraya,” he told the participants.

He also told the students to preserve the national memory that contributes to Filipino identity, particularly culture, history, and the indigenous Filipino values such as “kagandahang-loob, pakikipagkapwa, dangal, pagmamalasakit, pagkamatapat.” (Kaya ba natin ang mga ito?) /MP

Sto. Niño de Kalibo Festival Celebration

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

From January 10-19, 2014, Kalibo was literally swamped with guests and participants for the traditional religious-cultural celebration of the Sto. Niño de Kalibo festival. The object of adoration requires child-like worship aptly executed by frenzied body movements, chants of “Viva Kay Sr. Sto. Niño” and simple prayers. Devotees draw spiritual strength and inspiration attending holy masses, novenas and undergoing the “paeapak”.

In the beginning, the festival was a simple indigenous celebration but for the last five decades authorities saw the potential of attracting local and foreign tourists. The issue is why concentrate only on the religious aspect when we can promote our culture, and tradition, tourism and revenues. Indeed the bandwagon effect was started by the late Mayor Federico O. Icamina in the early 1960’s. It took the municipal, provincial, regional and national leaderships by storm. The Mother of all Philippine festivals is born.

Unlike other Sto. Niño festivals in Aklan such as in Ibajay and Makato where garb of revealers are made mostly of indigenous materials, faces and bodies painted with black soot, Kalibo Ati-atihan is markedly different. People wear outlandish costumes, multi-colored painted faces while dancing and prancing in the streets to the beat of drums. No wonder early Kalibo celebrations were called mardi grass after that of Rio de Janeiro festival in Brazil. 

Over the years, devotion to the Sto. Niño image has never waned despite calamitous events like typhoons Frank and Yolanda. Devotees believed the wrath of God can only be appeased with more acts of devotion and piety. 

Addressing the need for relevance in modern society, LGU Kalibo headed by Mayor William S. Lachica partnered with Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) to uplift the sagging performance of the previous Sto. Niño festivals. It’s officers and members headed by Mr. Albert A. Meñez are volunteers yet perform herculean tasks. 

Kasafi reforms are on financial transparency and accountability, adopted Balik Ati along with modern tribal groups, identified parade routes to less busy streets, holding of Mutya ag Lakan, increased prizes to winners and partnership with GMA Kapuso Network, Inc. 

Crowd drawers sponsored by famed television company was “Mutya Ag Lakan” grand coronation night by kapuso stars Alden Richards, Max Collins, Mikael Daez and Bettina Carlos on January 10. Kapuso Night stars were Dingdong Dantes, Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, Yasmin Kurdi and Mark Anthony Fernandez on January 14, Pagdayaw Kay Sr. Sto. Niño – Sinaot Sa Calle Float Parade – JC Tiuseco, Jeric Gonzales, Pancho Magno, Andrea Torres, Isabel Daza and Thea Tolentino and Kapuso Hala Bira Dance Showdown by Julian Trono on Jan. 15. The programs at the park were open to the public and broadcast nationwide and abroad thus reaching millions of televiewers.

The schedules of activities are: Parade of Aklan Festival Showdown on Jan. 13, Parade of Students and Teachers from five (5) ASU Campuses on Jan. 14, “Pagdayaw kay Sr. Sto. Niño, Parade of DepEd Students and Teachers on Jan. 15, Sadsad Pana-ad kay Sr. Sto. Niño on Jan. 17, Tribal, Balik-ati and Modern Group Contest on Jan. 18 and Mus-eon Ga Ati-ati Kita (Jan. 19).

“Kaean-an sa Plaza” at Magsaysay Park was enlivened by nightly performance of Manila Band, Acoustic Band, Trafic Jam and Car Show, Daybreak, Siakol, Smoke ‘n Coffee, Itchyworms, Fresh Band and Broadband sponsored by San Miguel, Globe, Coca-cola and Smart. 

Those interested in buying souvenir or gift items were welcomed to the Kalibo Ati-atihan Trade Fair at Pastrana Park and Ati-atihan Bazaar at Veterans Avenue. 

The celebration culminated in a religious procession where devotees, patrons, and guests united in prayer and thanksgiving to the Sto. Niño. Once more, a remarkable, unique and colorful milestone ended but the personal vow of commitment continues.

Contest Winners In The 2014 Kalibo

Ati-atihan Festival Sponsored 

By Kasafi And LGU Kalibo

Individual Category

1. Dyosanegra-P5,000

2. Styra Banks-P5,000

3. Mary Margareth Alagos-P5,000

4. Magnificent Bird-P5,000

5. Yolanda Mystica-P5,000

Balik-Ati Category

1. Tribu Mayanhon-P50,000

2.Lilo-Anong Ati Ag Ro Tatlong

Datu-P25,000

3. Malipayong Ati-P15,000

4. Apo Ni Inday-P5,000

5. Anono-o Group-P5,000

    Tribal Small 

1. Tribu Alibang-bang-P60,000

2. Tribu Responde-P40,000

3. Tribu Niñolitos-P30,000

4. Morongga Tribe-P8,000

5. Lezo Tribe-P8,000

    Modern Tribal

1. Scorpio 11-19-P50,000

2. Aeang-Aeang Group-P25,000

3. Emperor-P15,000

4. Pilgrimage-P5,000

5. Bae-ot-Bae-ot Group-P5,000

     Tribal Big Group

1. Black beauty Boys-P150,000

2. Kabog-P80,000

3. Vikings-P50,000

4. Tribu Bukid Tigayon-P10,000

5. Maharlika-P10,000

Winners In The Aklan Provincial sponsored contest. 

Higante Parade

1st LGU Malinao-P40,000

2nd LGU Balete-P35,000

3rd LGU Nabas-P30,000

4th LGU Tangalan-P25,000

5th LGU Libacao-P20,000

Ground Presentation 

1st LGU Malay-P15,000

2nd Manggan National High School, 

Banga-P10,000

3rd LGU Malinao-P7,000

Street Dancing 

1st LGU Malay-P10,000

2nd LGU Buruanga-P7,000

3rd LGU Nabas-P5,000

Love, Obsession & Betrayal In 2014 GMA Network’s First Drama Offering: “The Borrowed Wife”

This is the attention-grabbing premise of The Borrowed Wife; the first GMA drama offering for 2014 about love and obsession, and how a betrayal can change one’s life.

This highly-dramatic and intriguing soap opera is topbilled by Camille Prats and Rafael Rosell with TJ Trinidad and Pauleen Luna.

The Borrowed Wife revolves around the intertwined lives of Maricar (Camille), Rico (Rafael), Earl (TJ) and Tessa (Pauleen) and how one secret sets their destinies in a shared trajectory towards love and redemption.

In the series, Maricar is a kind-hearted and simple woman who works at the spa and wellness business owned by her best friend, Tessa. She always follows what Tessa says thus, becoming a second fiddle to her bossy best friend. However, Maricar inadvertently out values Tessa when Rico courts and eventually marries her, because Tessa covets Rico for herself.

Maricar chose to be a full time wife to Rico and mother to their child, Joana. But everything changed when Tessa came back with a vengeance. Tessa seduced Rico and Maricar eventually found out about the betrayal of her husband and her former best friend. It was already too late when Rico realized what he did to his wife because Maricar suddenly disappeared, a void which Tessa took advantage of to endear herself to Rico.

Maricar met Earl in a secluded beach resort where an accident ensued. When she woke up after the accident, she was disoriented, confused and could not remember anything. Earl made her believe she is Sofia, his girlfriend. Little did she know, Earl, a plastic surgeon changed her face and her personality. She becomes subservient to Earl. Until one day, Earl introduced her to Rico and Tessa. This unravels a series of events that constantly intertwined Maricar/Sofia’s life with that of Rico (her own husband).

Will Maricar regain her memory? What will Earl do if he finds out that the woman he claimed as his own, is actually Rico’s wife? What will Tessa do if she finds out that Maricar is still alive and Sophia and Maricar are one and the same person? Will Rico still be able to take back his wife who he thought was dead?

Completing the cast are Yayo Aguila as Elda, Rico’s doting mother who came home from the States when her son’s life drastically changed when Maricar dispappeared; Sherilyn Reyes as Mimi, Maricar’s older sister who vowed to take care of her sister no matter what; Kevin Santos as Jorrel, Rico’s playboy best friend who is the latter’s confidante; Diego Castro as Carlo, Earl’s doctor best friend; Lou Sison as Jenny, Tessa’s lawyer and best friend; Jojit Lorenzo as Biboy, Earl’s loyal driver; Rhed Bustamante as Joanna, Rico and Maricar’s adorable daughter; Zarah Mae Deligero as Denden, Mimi’s inquisitive daughter; and Ms. Caridad Sanchez as Manang Celing, the woman whose life mission is to take care of Earl.

Directed by Gil Tejada, Jr., find out how the story of The Borrowed Wife will answer your own question, “May sapat bang dahilan para ang iyong asawa ay iyong ipahiram?”, beginning January 20 after Villa Quintana and Magkano Ba Ang Pag-ibig on GMA Afternoon Prime. /MP

Victims of the Haiyan Typhoon In The Philippines

It has already been two months since the powerful Haiyan typhoon swapped the Philippines. Yet, I was heartbroken when I saw the news on TV that the remains left from the catastrophe are still lying there. 

From that same news, I saw Korean soldiers doing a volunteer work to reconstruct schools and help the injured people. 

As soon as I heard about the typhoon that hit the Philippines, I knew that I needed to do something immediately. I gathered several enthusiastic friends and started a charity program to help the victims. Many students in our school participated willingly. Some friends save their pocket money that was originally for their snacks. One friend even gave his whole one month allowance. Soon, many teachers participated in the program as well. 

I suggested to my friends that it would be a good idea for us to send cards to wish the Philippines’ people a good luck. Even though we don’t know them personally, I strongly believed that our warm hearts will be heard and they will be able to overcome their difficulties. My friends also thought that it was a good idea and started preparing the letters. 

I was fortunate to meet Jasmine Lee, the current member of the National Assembly in Korea who is from the Philippines. She is the ‘first multicultural member of the National Assembly in Korea’ and is working very hard to organize aids to help the victims of Haiyan typhoon. Last year, Ms. Lee announced a resolution regarding commemoration to the casualties of Haiyan typhoon and reconstruction of the destructed cities. 

Even though she had a very tight schedule, Ms. Lee welcomed me warmly and suggested ways that I can do to help the Philippines’ people. She thanked many Koreans’ eagerness to help and hope that they will continue to do so.

Currently, it is estimated that there is approximately 8,700 Philippines workers in Korea. Many Philippines’ women come to Korea to get married with Korean men. Although there is still some underlying bias towards multicultural families, it is certain that they are a part of Korean society. When Korea war broke out in 1950, 7400 Philippine soldiers were sent to fight for us. The Philippines has been a friend to Korea. I believe that this friendship will continue.

Our dear friend, the Philippines, I hope to see all the students put aside nightmares from the typhoon and happily go to schools. 

Good luck, the Philippines! /MP 

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Tatlong Ka Mag Amigong Hayop

Mabuhay eon nga nag serbisyo si King Kabayo sa anang amo. Imaw ro hari it karera ag abo nga kwarta ro guin duhoe nana sa pagdinaog sa karera. Ka’t imaw hay magueang eon, guina dapat pa guihapon imaw nga mag pas-an it mga dinaea. Ka’t indi eon imaw makatakod magpas-an, guin akigan imaw ko anang amo, busa nag ea-as imaw. Nag panaw nga owa nakasayod kon siin imaw makakita it pagkaon. Sa anang pagpinanaw, may nakita imaw nga ayam nga masubo ra hitsura nga naga eoko sa kilid it karsada.

Guin paea-as man dayon ko anang amo tongod nasangagan sa pag linahay kon gabi-e. Indi hikatoeogan ro anang amo tongod sa pag linahay nana. Busa, guin tabog imaw. Naeo-oy ro kabayo sa ayam ngani anang guin sampit agod mag-usoy sanda it makaon. Nagsunod ro ayam. Sa indi kaeayuan, may naagyan man sanda nga kuring nga sige nga inukay it basura agod may makaon. Ro kuring hay nagsunggod man sa anang amo bangod umpisa nga may guin uli nga pispis sa hawla hay owa eon imaw guina inatwa. Guin hun-an pa ngani imaw nga patyon kon anang kan-on ro pispis. 

Nagpanaw ro kuring sa kahadlok sa anang amo. Makaron hay naga inukay imaw it basura. Sang adlaw eon abi nga owa imaw maka kaon. Nagmunot imaw sa daywa. Nag abot ro kahapunanon. Pareho guid sanda nga gutom. Sa unahan, may nakita sanda nga baeay nga mahayag ag masadyahon nga naga kinanta ro mga tawo sa sueod. Bu-ot nanda nga masayuran kon may ano nga kasadyahan sa baeay ngaron. Tongod mata-as ro baeay, tumongtong ro ayam sa kabayo, tumongtong man dayon ro kuring sa ayam. Nakita ko kuring nga mga manakaw gali ro naga ilinom ag naga kinanta sa isaeang ka lamesa nga puno it pagkaon.

Nagplano ro tatlo kon ano ro obrahon agod maka kaon. Nag porma sanda it isaeang ka banda. Dueongan sanda nga magsinggit samtang naga pundag ro kabayo. Ro ayam hay nagpatik sa dingding ag ro kuring naga kaeos sa haligi. Nakibot ag hinadlukan ro mga mananakaw. Gumuwa ro sambilog sa pwertahan ogaling inangkit imaw ko ayam nga naga bantay. Ro sambilog hay umagi sa bintana pero sinipa imaw it kabayo. Ro sambilog man hay kinoeba-an ag idto nanago sa may dapog. 

Bu-ot nana nga magsigarilyo ogaling halipatan nana ro anang lighter sa lamesa. May nakita imaw nga baga sa dapog. Sa anang pagsindi, bukon gali it baga ro naga siga kundi mata it kuring nga nagsiga sa madueom. Kinaeos imaw sa mata ag nagtiyabaw nga dumaeagan sa likod it baeay. Sumueod ro tatlo ag magpaayaw-ayaw sa pagkaon. Dayon sanda nga nagkatoeog tongod sa kaga-oy. Halin kato, sanda eon ro nangin tag-ana it baeay. /MP

FPA 6 Stops Move Sale & Use of Submerged Fertilizer

The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) 6 will issue stop move, stop sell and stop use to damaged fertilizer on board the ill-fated MV Sportivo lines on the Iloilo - Guimaras Strait last January 19, 2014 once it is recovered. 

Dir. Rone Sangatanan FPA 6 said that fertilizer on board will not be totally diluted on sea water because it was tightly sealed with thick plastic liner. 

“We cannot deny that some bags were damaged through improper handling and these are the ones which are vulnerable for contamination and eventually, dissolved on sea,” said Sangatanan.

He added that the recovered fertilizers will be subjected to laboratory analysis to determine its actual nutrients and price value. 

Sangatanan stressed that the recovered fertilizer will not be sold for commercial purposes but can only be sold directly to end-users who will use it immediately in their farms. 

Likewise, it can also be sold to fertilizer processing company capable of reprocessing it again to cope with the standards for commercial fertilizers. 

MV Sportivo from Iloilo City bound for Puerto Princesa City carried on board a total of 28,000 kg of fertilizer of which 12,000 kg. Urea, 12,000 kg. 15-15-15, 1,000 kg. ammonium sulphate, 2,000 kg. 16-20-0 and 1,000 kg. potash. (by James Earl E. Ogatis) /MP

Bombo Radyo Ang Boses At Puso Ng Pilipino

DR. ROGELIO M. FLORETE

Coming out of a disaster filled 2013, Bombo Radyo Philippines, the Number One Radio Network in the country schedules a week long strategic planning sessions from January 6 to 10, 2014 in Iloilo City for its yearly Top Level Management Conference 2014 to reinforce its status as the top choice of radio listeners all over the country.

This year’s conference theme BOMBO RADYO…BOSES AT PUSO NG PILIPINO places squarely the responsibility and commitment of the Network as it continues to impact the lives of the Filipino.

The week long Top Level Management Conference 2014 identified the Network’s best practices obtained through years of interaction with listeners as well as various creative innovations that will map out and ensure further enhancement of the services the Network is bringing to its listeners.

Lead by media mogul and multi-business leader Dr. Rogelio M. Florete, Bombo Radyo Philippines has continued to dominate ratings, remains as the radio of choice for Filipinos from all walks of life here and abroad thus making it the top of mind choice for advertisers and politicians alike who aspire to bring their product and their advocacies into the consciousness of people whom they want to reach out to.

Dr. Florete continues to enhance the stature of the Network with his hands on brand of leadership that he is passing on to his children, Executive Vice President Rogelio C. Florete, Jr. and Senior Vice President Margaret Ruth C. Florete and in turn to the Network’s officers and rank and file. 

Moreover, his infectious commitment to better the quality of life of the Filipino (as clearly shown in his various business ventures meant to uplift and better the lives of the common man) has clearly made the difference in these times when media is challenged to better bring to the consciousness of our countrymen the effects of climate change and to harness responses to disaster, be they natural or man-made.  

BOMBO RADYO PHILIPPINES…BOSES AT PUSO NG PILIPINO a simple statement of truth that the Network has remained anchored in its mission to speak for the Filipino, to bring their concerns to those who are in authority and make sure they are responded to. 

It is also an assertion of the fact that for every Pinoy, wherever he might be, Bombo Radyo Philippines remains his grounding to what is happening in his country. With Bombo Radyo Philippines, the heartbeat of the Pinoy pulsates, and will remain so as the innovations of the Network that makes world class products worthy of the numerous awards it has been cited for, will ensure that he will be in the loop of what is happening in this country and in the world 24/7. 

So be it news, information and entertainment, Bombo Radyo leads the way, crystallizing public opinion, furthering the democratic process and helping in nation building. Bombo Radyo Philippines’ brand of corporate social responsibility in Bombo Medico, Dugong Bombo and Oplan Kabalaka that reach out to the poorest of the poor has also enabled the Filipino wherever he might be helped to his needy “kababayan” and marshalling resources from even foreign groups to help. 

The Networks numerous promos has not just created many millionaires or launched unknown products to the consciousness of the consumers but also enabled even the most ordinary listeners get a glimmer of hope to improve and better their lives. 

Indeed the Philippines’ radio listeners can be assured that with the sound of the drum, Bombo Radyo Philippines remains to be their voice and continue to beat in their hearts … Basta Radyo…Bombo!

Bombo Radyo is under the Florete Group which has investments in media, banking, water, property development, real estate, agri-business, pawnshops and jewelry. /MP

FPPCP Awards Lawyer-Journalist

A lawyer-journalist, Ronquillo C. Tolentino,  was awarded the Golden Horse Exemplary Service Award on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Federation of Provincial Press Club of the Philippines (FPPCP).

Tolentino, a former director of the FPPCP director and president of the Aklan Press Club, Inc. was given the service award in recognition of his pioneering initiatives and effort to consolidate and strengthen the countryside media, serving eminently as lawyer, journalist and public servant thereby in those capacities defended the welfare of his fellow media members, and continued to work for the development and promotion of an enlightened Filipino citizenry and a stronger Filipino Nation.

The award was given at Boracay Island on January 17,2014. /MP

Pacquiao Challenges Mayweather To Fight For Charity

To prove he doesn’t want a fight against Floyd Mayweather for the money, Manny Pacquiao has offered a fight with proceeds going to charity. In an interview with Aquiles Zonio of inquirer.net, Pacquiao opened up about the verbal jabs being thrown his way.

“I’m not desperate to fight him just for the sake of money or material things. I’m not the one seeking this fight; rather it’s the boxing fans all over the world,” Pacquiao said in the interview.

“I am ready to submit myself to any kind of stringent drug testing. Above all, I challenge him to include in our fight contract that both of us will not receive anything out of this fight,” Pacquiao challenged. “We will donate all the proceeds from the fight—guaranteed prize, should there be any, gate receipts, pay-per-view and endorsements—to charities around the world.”

Pacquiao added that he is not desperate for a fight as what Mayweather is suggesting. He said he is comfortable about how his career holds up in boxing history. “There’s no reason why I should be desperate to fight him. But since boxing fans worldwide are seeking and demanding a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, I don’t want to disappoint them,” he added.

“As to my tax problem, my lawyers are fixing it already,” Pacquiao told Zonio. “I’m paying my taxes religiously. It is just a matter of reconciling our records with the tax agencies both here and abroad. Should there be any discrepancy, rest assured, I will settle it. I’m a lawmaker and I’m a law-abiding citizen.”

Reacting to Mayweather’s announcement that he will be retiring from boxing in September next year, Pacquiao shot back at Mayweather. “The public clamor for a Pacquiao-Mayweather bout is getting stronger. The only way he can avoid facing me in the ring is to retire from boxing,” Pacquiao said.

“Floyd, if you’re a real man, fight me,” Pacquiao closed. “Let’s do it for the love of boxing and for the fans. Let’s do it not for the sake of money. Let’s make the boxing fans happy.”/MP 

Drilon: Decrease Smoking Deaths, OK Anti-smoking Bill

SENATOR FRANKLIN DRILON WITH SEN. RALPH RECTO

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon renewed his call for an intensified campaign to reduce smoking incidence in the country. He appealed to his colleagues for a speedy passage of the bill that requires tobacco companies to display graphic labels on their products depicting the health consequences of smoking.

Various bills including Senate Bill No. 499, or the “Picture-Based Health Warning Act of 2013”, authored by Drilon, were filed in the Senate in 2013 aiming at “increasing the awareness of the cigarette consumers on the harmful effects of smoking.

Under the bill, tobacco products have to display picture-based health warnings with accompanying text warnings that will be printed on at least 60 percent of the principal display surfaces for any tobacco package.

The proposed act “is necessary in order to strengthen the government’s efforts to discourage smoking,” said Drilon, who is a resolute anti-smoking advocate.

“I therefore assure the respective committee that is hearing the proposed measure and the public of our support for the immediate passage of this bill in order to advance our effort to discourage the millions of youth from trying to smoke,” he stressed.

Drilon has been active in furthering anti-smoking policies in the country, foremost among which is the passage of the Sin Tax Reform Act in 2012.

Despite such advances, Drilon has reiterated the bill’s importance after voicing alarm over the fact that the Philippines still registers as having one of the highest smoking incidence in the Western Pacific Region.

Drilon stated that the bill’s urgent approval will be a welcome and effective step in making the public aware of the real effects of smoking to one’s health.    

“It has been proven that a graphic-based warning is more effective than a text-based warning. By strategically placing meaningful graphic images along with text warnings to cigarette cartons and other tobacco products, we hope to effectively deter smoking in the same way that other countries where this system have been set in place are able to reduce the incidence of smoking in their respective jurisdictions,” explained Drilon. /MP

Aklan SP Hosts Research Studies Utilization Fora

by Odon S. Bandiola

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan, joined in the observance of the National Statistics Month in October. It hosted the presentation of Research Studies and Utilization Fora held at the SP Session Hall on October 1 and 8, 2013.

The forum was mainly organized by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) under Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Roger M. Esto and the Aklan Rivers System Development Council under Executive Director Allen S. Quimpo.

Two (2) research outputs were presented during the forum on October 1 and two researches on October 8. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 6’s “Stakeholders participation in Water Development Program” and that of the Aklan State University’s “The Aklan River System: Physico-chemical characteristics, Geomorphology, Hydrology, Biodiversity, and Socio-Economic and Cultural Profile” where presented.

DENR’s study leader Conrado B. Marquez took the cudgels in presenting the agency’s study on stakeholders’ participation watershed management using the Tigum-Aganan, Maasin, Iloilo Watershed Forest Reserve as model. He proposed it to be replicated in the Nabaoy River Watershed Management in Malay, Aklan.

The Tigum-Aganan Watershed supplies the potable water supply requirements of the greater portion of Iloilo Province while the Nabaoy River provides the potable water supply of Boracay Island.
Professors of the Aklan State University also presented its profiling of the Aklan River System which emanates from its headwaters in Libacao town at the South and drains to the Sibuyan Sea at the north in Kalibo and Numancia.

The ASU researchers profiled the river by its physico-chemical characteristics, geomorphology, hydrology, biodiversity, and socio-economic and cultural profile.

Aklan Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo – Quimpo and Aklan Rivers Development Council Executive Director Allen S. Quimpo both emphasized the indispensability of statistics in the social, political and economic life of every Filipino and anybody else in the world.

The statistical forum held on Tuesday, October 8 at the SP Session Hall presented the study of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies on “Conditional Cash Transfer Program in the Philippines: Is it reaching the Extremely Poor?”. /MP

Bizmen UrgeTo Support I-O Survey

The National Statistics Office-Aklan urges owners/managers of business establishments to support the 2012 Input-Output Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (IOSPBI) to be conducted starting September 19, 2013.

The 2012 IOSPBI is a nationwide survey which aims to collect detailed data on revenue, cost and inventories in business and industries belonging to the formal sector of the economy for the year 2012. These data are needed to build an input structure and to construct a distribution of output for the 2012 I-O Table.

According to Provincial Statistics Officer Blas M. Solidum, the I-O Table is used to analyze quantitatively the structure and correlation of producing and consuming sectors in the economy. It provides detailed information on the flow of goods and services, forecasting, sensitivity testing, impact analysis and price-cost analysis.

“For example, if the minimum wage increases by 50 percent there will be a significant price change in public education by 46.31 percent, public health by 36.54 percent, postal and courier activities by 30.30 percent. Likewise, CPI and Producers Price Index will also increase by 15.45 and 13.55 percent, respectively,” Mr. Solidum explained.

That is why, according to Solidum, it is important to gather a detailed data on cost and revenue of the business to formulate a framework for analysis of the inter-industry use of goods and services, its intermediate uses and the flow of goods and services up to the final demand.

“In this way, policy makers can compare alternative courses of action in terms of setting prices increase for critical commodities and wage adjustments,” Solidum stressed.

The Province of Aklan has a total of 36 identified sample establishments in this survey that complement the estimated total samples of 12,000 establishments nationwide.

Mr. Solidum assured the respondents that all information furnished to NSO will be held “strictly confidential” and cannot be used for taxation, investigation or for other law enforcement purposes.  /MP

Press Clubs Federation Celebrates 50th Anniversary On Dec. 5-7

The Federation of Provincial Press Clubs of the Phil, Inc. (FPPCP), a confederation of provincial media organizations, will celebrate its 50th founding anniversary in Aklan, a province in the Western Visayas, famous for its Ati-atihan and Boracay Island from December 5-7, 2013.

The Ati-atihan, acclaimed as the mother of all Philippine festivals for its uniqueness and significance, and Boracay, the world–famous resort for its white-sand beaches, will be among the attractions to some 200 press clubs presidents, officers, broadcasters, publishers, editors, columnists, commentators, tourism writers, book authors, including campus writers, advisers, social media communicators and digital media practitioners who will attend.

Strengthening the provincial press and the strategic role of community journalism will be the central theme of the golden year observance while constituting itself as the First Countryside Press Congress (FCPC) to dwell on various raging issues confronting the nation.

Aklan State University (ASU) and Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) are the main institutional partners of the three day event.

On Dec. 5 and 6, Aklan State University (ASU) will be the venue of the golden anniversary. The delegates will later (Dec. 7-8) converge in Boracay Island.

The Aklan Press Club (APC) and Boracay Global Press Corps, Inc. (BGPCI) will be the principal media partners of the FPPCP’s 50th commemorative celebration.

Conferment of Recognition and Service Awards will be among the highlights of the 3-day affair.

The Journalism Department of the Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC), headed by Atty. Allen Salas Quimpo, will serve as the secretariat during the convention, with the support of the NVC Journalism students.

To recall, sometime in 1963, a group of Philippine press fraternity leaders, spearheaded by Teodoro F. Valencia, Macario T. Vicencio, Jose D. Aspiras, Ernesto O. Granada, Nereo C. Andalong, all former presidents of the National Press Clubs (NPC) and other NPC stalwarts like Blas F. Ople, Mao Chanco, Pacifico de Guzman, Vic Tagle, Dejaresco, Jr. initiated the formation of FPPCP as an adjunct of the NPC. Juan P. Dayang of the Philippine News Service (PNS), being the youngest elected NPC director and board secretary, and chairman of the NPC provincial affairs committee, was commissioned to set up the FPPCP. Since then, FPPCP has existed as the main fraternity of the provincial press.

Those interested to participate in this historic event are invited to register now. Working secretariat can be contacted at Suite 511, Marbella Building 2, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Telephone no. (02) 313-5302. Mobile Nos. 0949-1294777/Joseph-0908306026 /MP