“Only God Can Make A Tree”

“Only God Can Make A Tree”

Only God can make a tree, but man may cut it and climate change may kill it. The above picture shows one of the mango trees approved for cutting to give way for the construction of a fastfood business. These trees are growing on the DRSTM Hospital, corner D Maagma and A Mabini streets, Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan.

Its cutting means increase in temperature, carbon dioxide, and decreased wind break. /MP

Senate Passes Bills To Upgrade Forestry & Metallurgical Engineering Laws

Senate Passes Bills To Upgrade Forestry 

& Metallurgical Engineering Laws

The Senate last week approved two bills on third and final reading seeking to upgrade the Forestry Profession Law and the Metallurgical Engineering Law to international standards.

Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, author and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2055 or the Forestry Profession Act 2014, said the measure repeals Republic Act No. 6239 and enacts a more comprehensive law that will regulate the practice of forestry in the Philippines. Sen. Cynthia Villar co-authored the bill.

“The pressing concern of climate change has been aggravated by human-induced environmental destruction as well as by natural calamities. This necessitates a major reorientation of the Forestry profession which has remained unchanged since it was signed into law by former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1971,” Trillanes pointed out.

“The bill seeks to remove a provision in the previous law that allows the registration of forestry practitioners even “without examination” and to define the scope of work of the forestry profession,” said Trillanes.

“The measure will enhance the standards of the forestry profession and create a professional regulatory board. It also provides for a foreign reciprocity clause, continuing professional education and designation of an accredited integrated professional organization,” he said.

Trillanes noted the shortage of foresters in the Philippines, which has 30 million hectares of land. While the ideal ratio is one forester to 5,000 hectares, the Philippines  has only 8,000 foresters. He said the passage of the measure into law would encourage students to enroll in the forestry and make it their career.

“Forestry is already a dwindling profession and hardly a child would manifest the desire to become a forester someday. One of the objectives of the bill is to set the standards so that more courses in forestry would be offered in different universities across the country,” Trillanes said.

Also approved on third and final reading is Senate Bill No. 2103 or the Metallurgical Engineering Act of 2014.

Trillanes said the measure seeks to replace the existing Metallurgical Engineering Law created under Presidential Decree No. 1536 to make it more attuned to the recent developments in the technological advancements.

Like the Forestry profession, Trillanes said, SBN 2103 seeks to create a professional regulatory board which will supervise the practice of metallurgical engineering, including the conduct of examination for the prospective metallurgical engineers.

The bill also seeks to redefine the scope of practice of metallurgical engineering, providing for a clear delineation of functions against its allied professions such as mining engineering and geology.

“To mainstream metallurgical engineering practice in the country, there is a need to provide a stable and updated framework which will ensure for the country a capable and competitive stream of metallurgical engineer professionals. The country’s professionals must keep pace with the changing environment and this bill will help them do that,” Trillanes said.  (Pilar S. Macrohon) /MP

KALIBO’S DUMPING SITE IS SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT

KALIBO’S DUMPING SITE IS SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT

by Odon S. Bandiola

Unless drastic remedial measures are undertaken, the threat to the environment being posed by the dumping site of Kalibo can worsen further. It will endanger the health and lives of people living nearby, to include schools’ population operating near its vicinity. 

  

This surfaced in a committee hearing conducted by the Committee on Environmental Protection of the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Monday, September 8, 2014.

The SP committee conducted an inquiry into the matter when the Sangguniang Barangay of Old Buswang furnished the body of its resolution addressed to local officials of Kalibo seeking for the immediate closure of the said dumping site.  Kalibo’s dumping site is located at the adjoining barangay of Bakhaw Sur, along the Sooc River, an extension of the Aklan River.

Not only residents of the two barangays are affected of the persistent emission of foul odor from the dumping site but also commercial and institutional establishment operators and students near the area.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ivene D. Reyes of Aklan stressed that LGU Kalibo maybe liable for several violations in the operation of the dumping site. Since 2006, the DENR ordered the LGU to start the safe closure procedure for the dumping site. But until now, it is yet to be implemented.

The foul odor to be temporarily and immediately remedied, spraying of chemicals on the dumpsite must be done at once, but safe closure procedure must be started right away, the DENR Aklan emphasized.

Engr. Jessie Fegarido of Kalibo’s Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Department, said safe closure procedure will start next week with the construction of the perimeter fence of the said dumping site expected to be finished within one month.

Portion of the concrete enclosure of the dumping site had been damaged while holes were bored at the undamaged portions facing the Sooc River which caused emission of the waste fluids into the river.

Former Congressman Allen S. Quimpo feared that the naturally grown marine resources in the nearby 250-hectare mangrove eco-park are already affected by the pollution of the river.

Adorada Reynaldo, Solid Waste Management Officer of Kalibo explained that the safe closure procedure can never be successful until wastes segregation is strictly enforced on Kalibo’s households.

Both Fegarido and Reynaldo expressed their exasperation over their difficulty to obtain budgetary appropriations for its P20 million needed to fully implement the safe closure of the dumping site.

PENRO Reyes informed the committee that DENR has already identified a 12-hectare area in Castillo, Makato, Aklan which can be developed into a sanitary landfill site for Kalibo’s garbage and that of the neighboring towns west of Kalibo like Numancia, Makato, Lezo and Tangalan.

But Reyes said this will take about one year for the area to be ready to recieve the wastes of these towns. /MP

SP CONDOLES WITH FAMILIES OF THE LATE SP MEMBER AND ARMY SOLDIER

by Odon S. Bandiola

Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo (3rd from left-front) and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members (L-R-Front): Esel L. Flores, Apolinar C. Cleope, Lillian Q. Tirol, Plaridel M. Morania, Harry C. Sucgang and SP Secretary Odon S. Bandiola. (L-R-Back)Ramon S. Gelito, Stephen Z. Bolivar, Nelson D. Santamaria, Jose Enrique M. Miraflores, Emmanuel Soviet Russia Dela Cruz and Roberto M. Garcia posing with the parents (4th and 5th from left-front) of the late Private First Class Henry BantigueLumio, Jr. of Arcangel Sur, Balete, Aklan during the   Aklan SP Regular Session on August 6, 2014 at SP Session Hall.

Through separate resolutions, Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) passed recently the provincial legislative body expressed its deepest sympathy, in behalf of all Aklanons, and extended their sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Private First Class (PFC) Henry BantigueLumio Jr. of Arcangel Sur, Balete, Aklan who was killed in an ambush staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of Negros Occidental on July 17, 2014, specifically in barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City.  

In another Resolution, the SP likewise expressed condolences and the deepest sympathy of the people of Aklan to the bereaved family of the late Thelma Delos Reyes Aguirre who served the people of Caticlan, Malay as Barangay Captain, the people of the whole town of Malay as President of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), and the whole of Aklan as the representative of the ABC to the SP of Aklan from 1982 to 1994 as an Ex-Officio Member.

Aguirre died on August 19, 2014.

The expression of sympathy and condolences to the family of slain PFC Henry BantigueLumio Jr. was embodied in Resolution No. 164, S. 2014 passed during the Regular Session of the SP on August 6, 2014, while that of the family of Aguirre was embodied in Resolution No. 186, S. 2014 passed during the SP Regular Session on August 27, 2014.

PFC Lumio of Arcangel Sur, Balete, Aklan joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) via the Philippine Army (PA) during the last four (4) years and six (6) months.

Former SP Member Thelma R. Aguirre died on August 19, 2014 of lingering illness.

The 16th SP remembered Aguirre as the recognized political leader of her town Malay and for her family being known for humanitarian deeds and community involvement even in their private capacities by willingly donating real properties in Malay for public use and for her government and private sector efforts for provincial development and community building. 

The 16th SP also praised Aguirre for honesty, efficiency and responsive service to the people of Malay and the people of Aklan, a compassionate public service which spanned from the weaning years of the martial law regime until early 1990s when democracy had been restored and the reign of dictatorship had ended. The late Thelma D. Aguirre’s public service record remained untainted and free from any perceived wrongdoings or dishonesty, Aklan SP pointed out. /MP

BATAN, LIBACAO HAVE NO 2014 BUDGETS

BATAN, LIBACAO HAVE

NO 2014 BUDGETS

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

Except for the towns of Libacao and Batan, all municipalities have their annual budgets for 2014 approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan after having been reviewed by the Provincial Local Finance Committee of the Province of Aklan.

Actually, Batan and Libacao have already submitted their annual budgets but the review and approval by the Provincial Local Finance Committee and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan were held in abeyance. There are discrepancies between budgetary appropriations and the Annual Investment Plans the two (2) municipalities have submitted.  

Altavas, Buruanga, and Balete have submitted early their 2014 annual budgets for review and approval by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Altavas 2014 annual budget carries a total appropriation of P59.26 million under the general fund and another P6.029 million for its economic enterprise. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved on December 18, 2013, but declared inoperative in part through SP Res. No. 185, S., 2013.

Buruanga carries a total appropriations of P50.58 million for the general fund operations and P2.82 million for its economic enterprise.  The approval was embodied in SP Res. No. 021, S., 2014 enacted on January 22, 2014 declaring Buruanga’s 2014 annual budget operative in its entirety.

Approved on February 12, 2014 through SP Res. No. 033, S., 2014 is the annual budget of Balete carrying total appropriations of P66.765 million.

Malay’s annual budget, the highest among the 17 municipalities, carries a total appropriation in the general fund of P350 million. It is approved through SP Res. No. 047, S., 2014 on February 26, 2014.  Malay’s economic enterprise 2014 annual budget carries total appropriation of P20.6 million is approved through SP Res. No. 128, S., 2014 on June 18, 2014.  

Kalibo’s 2014 annual budget, the next highest, carries a total appropriation of P173.764 million under the general fund approved through SP Res. No. 048, S., 2014 on February 26, 2014. Kalibo’s economic enterprise 2014 annual budget is P49.339 million approved through the same resolution No. 048, S. of 2014.

Ibajay has the third (3rd) biggest annual budget approved on June 18, 2014 through SP Res. No. 129, S., 2014. It carries a total appropriation of P89.012 million for the general fund and P6.256 million for its economic enterprise.  

Other annual budgets already approved with their corresponding appropriations are the following:

1. Banga - P72.678 million (GF) - approved through SP Res. No. 100, S., 2014 on May 21, 2014 and P8.157 million (MEED) approved through SP Res. No. 113, S,. 2014 on May 28, 2014 

2. Lezo - P39.581 million - approved through SP Res. No. 163, S., 2014 on July 23, 2014 

3. Madalag - P66.742 million - approved through SP Res. No. 126, S., 2014 on June 18, 2014 

4. Makato - P61.212 million (GF) and P4.282 million (MEED) - approved through SP Res. No. 056, S., 2014 on March 5, 2014 

5. Malinao - P62.324 million - approved through SP Res. No. 102, S., 2014 on May 21, 2014 

6. Nabas  - P68.602 million - approved through SP Res. No. 194, S., 2014 on September 3, 2014 

7. New Washington - P82.527 million (GF) and P7.189 million (MEED) - approved through SP Res. No. 162, S., 2014 on July 23, 2014 

8. Numancia - P60.782 million - approved through SP Res. No. 101, S., 2014 on May 21, 2014 

9. Tangalan - P52.805 million (GF) and P2.818 (MEED) - approved through SP Res. No. 034, S., 2014 on February 12, 2014

Some municipalities which have approved annual budgets had since then submitted Supplemental Budgets which are duly approved. These are the following municipalities with the corresponding supplemental appropriations:

Altavas-P494,253.00

Banga-P3.1 million

Buruanga-

Supplemental Budget No. 1 

P1.256 million – general fund 

P200,000.00 -MEEDO

Supplemental Budget No. 2

P415,161.78

Kalibo -P2.456 million

Numancia-P3 million. /MP

DA 6 Brings Agri-Pinoy Programs To Belison, Antique

DA 6 Brings Agri-Pinoy 

Programs To Belison, Antique

by: James Earl E. Ogatis

 The Department of Agriculture (DA) 6 brought closer the five Agri-Pinoy banner programs to farmers, livestock raisers and fisherfolks in the municipality of Belison, Antique through the conduct of agricultural information caravan and technology forum on September 3, 2014.

Dominador Marquez - Provincial Agricultural Coordinating Officer of Antique said that the conduct of the Agricultural Information caravan is one of the venues wherein agricultural stakeholders are updated of the thrusts and priorities of the five banner programs of the DA.

The DA’s five banner programs are: Agri-Pinoy rice, corn, livestock and poultry. High value crops and organic agriculture programs were extensively discussed by the respective regional focal persons.

Marquez stressed the importance of agricultural information for the farmers to be competitive and cope with the challenges of climate change and of the global community.

“A well informed farmer can surely be competitive in terms of technology adoption, increase yield and productivity and eventually hurdle the challenges of climate change and impending Asian economic integration by year 2015”, Marquez stressed.

Belison Mayor Daryll B. Dela Flor said that the forum is essential for the farmers to raise issues on irrigation, seeds, fertilizer and marketing of their respective products.

He said that economic activities depend mostly on agriculture with more than half of its land is devoted to rice. The rest are planted to corn, coconut, sugar cane and other high value commodities like vegetables and peanuts.

“Being a coastal municipality, the town’s fisherfolks harvest more fishes, shells and other marine resources throughout the year,” said Mayor Dela Flor.   

Dir. Charlito Brilleta of Philippine Crops Insurance Corporation  talked about crop insurance, livestocks and fisherfolks in the municipality. Mr. Arthuro Blancaflor of Philippine Carabao Center at West Visayas State University Campus explained the program to preserve and upgrade the native carabaos.

Engr. Randy Alipis, provincial NIA administrator answered all queries on irrigation from water scheduling, irrigation canal repair and maintenance, irrigation fees, assurance of irrigation water supply and provincial irrigation plans.

Mr. Nicolasito S. Calawag, Antique Provincial Agriculturist expressed support to all the DA programs in his province.

“Antique is self-sufficient in rice wherein farmers are planting rice three times a year,” claimed Calawag.

Antique is exporting rice to neighboring provinces such as in Iloilo and Aklan particularly to Boracay, he stressed. /MP

ENSURING CHILDREN’S SAFETY

ENSURING CHILDREN’S SAFETY:

Acting Senate Minority Leader Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III (left), vice chair of the Senate Committee on Public services, asks officials of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and motorcycle associations to submit their position papers on how to minimize motorcycle accidents in the country. “We should address this problem to ensure the safety of our people, especially our children,” Sotto said during a public hearing Tuesday, Sept.  9. Also in photo is Sen. Gregorio Honasan II (right). (Romeo Bugante photo)/MP

AVOIDING DOUBLE TAXATION

AVOIDING DOUBLE TAXATION: 

Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, chair of the Senate Subcommittee on the Philippines-Turkey Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation, discusses with Turkish diplomats led by Turkish Second Secretary Davut Ocak the disadvantages of double taxation during a hearing Tuesday, Sept. 9. Double taxation arises when a person is subjected to tax on the same income by both the country where he resides and the country where he derives the income. (Photo by Albert Calvelo/09 September 2014)/MP

Aklan Celebrates Tourism Month 2014

Aklan Celebrates Tourism Month 2014

The Aklan Tourism Officers Association (AKTOA) in partnership with the Aklan Provincial Tourism Office (APTO) shall spearhead the conduct of its annual Tourism Month 2014 celebration. Thus, is slated on September 14 – 16, 2014 with the theme “Tourism And Community Development.” It aims to showcase and promote Aklan’s various tourism attractions and create awareness and better understanding of the benefits of tourism. 

A number of activities have been lined up to highlight this year’s celebration. It will open in a Tourism Fun Run or “Takbo Para Sa Turismo with Zumba” on September 14, 5:30 AM at the Pastrana Park, Kalibo, Aklan for the Opening Program; Orientation On The Protection Of Women And Children In Travel And Tourism slated on September 15, 9:00 – 5:00 PM at Nennette’s Garden, Roxas Ave. Extension, Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan; Tourism Quiz Bee on September 16, 1:00 PM at the ABL Sports Complex; and Familiarization Tour at the municipalities of Libacao, Madalag, Ibajay and Malay on September 17-19.

This year’s Tourism Fun Run shall be participated in by the various tourism stakeholders in Aklan, the professionals and students of colleges and university which offer Tourism, and Hotel and Restaurant Management Courses, as well as those individuals who would voluntarily participate or involve for the same cause. The proceeds of this year’s Fun Run is intended for specific, significant purposes through procurement of tourism promotional materials to be put up at the Kalibo International Airport to improve the airport’s structural, aesthetic image being the province’s show window and gateway to visitors and tourists alike. 

Other activities shall put emphasis on upholding gender responsiveness amidst the increase of tourist traffic in Aklan which shall be tackled during the one-day Orientation seminar to be participated in by the resorts or hotel managers and front liners of the various accommodation establishments in Kalibo and nearby municipalities. Furthermore, participating tourism students shall be provided a learning venue to hone and improve their knowledge and ability in the aspect of tourism during the quiz bee and tour-guiding contests. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Bisita Sa Ibang Planeta

Kon gabi-i nga libong dueom, bangod owa it buean, dagaya nga mga maeagko nga bito-on ro atong nakikita. Guina tawag naton ra nga mga planeta. Naga libot libot sanda sa adlaw. Nagahueam sanda it kahayag sa adlaw. Isaea eon rong atong planetang eogta. Kon amat hay nagapangutana kita sa atong kaugalingon kon baea may kabuhi idto sa rondayang planeta?

May mga planeta nga may satellite. Rondaya hay nagalibot sa planeta. Isaea eon karon rong buean nga nagalinibot libot sa atong planeta. Haadtunan eon rong buean it mga tawo. May kabuhi idto sa buean apang malisod sa mga tawo nga magtener tungod iba ro andang init, eain ko sa atong planeta.

Kon kita hay nagapangutana ag naga dis kobre it ibang planeta, may una man nga mga tinuga nga bu-ot man makadiskobre ko ibang planeta. Sanda ra hay kapares man naton nga may isip, naga kabuhi, naga obra, ogaling mataas rong antas ko andang kaaeam. Sa pilang beses nga pag inusoy ko andang igdaeapat, nadiskobre nanda ro atong kalibutan nga eogta. Pilang paghana ro andang guinhimo nga magtugpa sa atong planeta. Indi nanda matakuran rong kasangag nga halin sa atong planeta. Nagbalik sanda agod estudyohan pagid kon paalin makatugpa. Rondaya ro mga balita hanungod sa UFO nga hakikita ko atong igdaeapat sa laboratoryo.

Sa pelikulang ET nga guinbaton ko atong mga kabataan, nagtao katon it leksyon nga indi tanan nga taga ibang planeta hay ma eain. Halin sa pagkilaea ag pag-uli sa andang planeta, indi matapos tapos rong pagpasaeamt ko ratong tinuga nga nag estar it mabuhay sa isaeang ka pamilya. Sa anang pag-uli, guin daea nana rong handumanan it isaeang ka pamilya nga nagtao kana it kalipay.

Sa pelikulang “Alien Invasion”, nagpakita man nga bo-ot kitang sakupon ko taga-ibang planeta. Nag-abot sa punto nga pati ro atong paino-ino hay anda pa nga sakupon. Sanda ra hay owa nagakilaea it Diyos kundi nagapati sa andang ka aeam eabaw sa tanan. Saeamat ay may pagto-o kita sa Diyos. Saeamat man ay sobra ro atong pagsalig Kana. Saeamat ay may mga guinikanan kita nga nagtanum sa atong isipan nga rong kaaeam it Diyos hay eabaw sa ka aeam it tawo. 

Agod maga daog kita kontra puwersa it kadueom, hay pangamuyo eamang rong sabat. Kat sa oras eon nga sakupon kita ag pati ro atong painu-ino, indi sanda makatigayon nga makasueod. May kon anong kusog nga indi nanda masukean. Pati ro andang mga igdaeapat hay indi mag andar. Sa kabuhayon nanda nga pag eksperimento, napaslawan sanda ag nagbalik eon langsanda sa andang planeta.

Halin kato, owa eon kita it nabatian nga mga UFO. Pabay-an naton rong taga ibang planeta. Tun-an naton rong paguswag ko atong kaugalingon nga planeta, tatapon, ipreserba, ag indi pagsamaron tungod sambilog man lang rong planetang eogta nga guin tao katon it Diyos. /MP

Senate Praises Bravery Of Filipino Peacekeepers

Senate Praises Bravery Of 

Filipino Peacekeepers

 The Senate last week commended the Filipino peacekeepers stationed at the Golan Heights for exhibiting bravery and resolve during a tense standoff against Syrian rebels.

The Senate in Resolutions 876, taking in consideration Senate Resolutions 877, 881 and 899, introduced by Senators Manuel “Lito” Lapid, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Teofisto “TG” Guingona III and Antonio “Sonny Trillanes IV lauded the “extraordinary valor” shown by the Filipino peacekeepers.”

The resolutions state the Filipino peacekeepers, together with the United Nations peacekeeping force are stationed in Golan Heights since 1974 to monitor a ceasefire between Israel and Syria.

Of the 331-strong Filipino contingent serving as part of the United Nations Disengagement Force in the Golan Heights, 75 were encamped at the region’s Positions 68 and 69.    

On August 28, 2014, Syrian rebels surrounded the two encampments and demanded that the Filipino peacekeepers surrender their firearms. Filipino peacekeepers refused, resulting in a standoff.

On August 30, 2014, 40 Filipino soldiers valiantly held their ground as around 100 rebels attacked Position 68 while 35 Filipino peacekeepers from Position 69 managed to leave their encampment with Irish peacekeepers securing their escape route. At midnight of the same day, the 40 Filipino soldiers from Position 68 also managed to flee, walking 2.3 kilometers to safety, as the rebels slept.

“Our Filipino peacekeepers exhibited extraordinary valor above and beyond their call of duty, demonstrating once again that Filipinos are among the bravest peacekeepers in the world,” Guingona said.

“Our soldiers’ brave front only proves that Filipinos will not back down from any challenge that we face,” said Senator Bam Aquino, who dubbed the Filipino peacekeepers as the new “action heroes of the world” for their bravery and resolve during a standoff with Syrian rebels in Golan Heights./MP

Over-Worked Aklan Teachers*

Over-Worked Aklan Teachers*

*Privilege Speech of the Honorable Plaridel M. Morania during the 31st Regular Session held on September 10, 2014.

Honorable Chair, Ladies and Gentlemen of this chamber, as Chairman of this body’s Committee on Education, Culture, Science and Technology, my attention was called by one of the radio stations in Aklan to an anonymous open letter coming from the concerned teachers of Aklan, complaining against the Schools Division Superintendent of making them worked overtime on Saturdays and Sundays, most often, to attend to school related and non-related activities such as scouting encampments, sports meets, seminars and workshop on the dates supposed to be their rest periods in company with their families. 

The open letter alleging that the division head over-worked them was never signed for fear of reprisal from their higher authorities. Almost all radio stations in Aklan have recognized the validity and legitimacy of the issues raised by the concerned teachers that anchormen of almost all radio stations have tackled the issue over the airwaves. Soon after, these radio stations were deluged by text messages and calls confirming and affirming the truth of the issues raised in the open letter, mostly messages and calls from teachers.

I would therefore, propose that this chamber takes cognizance of the issue and refers this to the Committee on Education, Culture, Science and Technology so that this body will be enlightened of all the happenings in our public school system. 

May I propose to direct the secretariat to invite Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Jesse M. Gomez, Mrs. Mary Ann Lopez-Division Sports Coordinator, Mrs. Edna Ayon-Planning Officer of the Division, Boy Scout of the Philippines Executive Officer Alex Pamatian to the next scheduled committee hearing on Monday, (September 15) and advise them to bring with them documents showing the legal basis of all these scouting and sporting events and other activities they are implementing in the Province of Aklan.

Perhaps, after our interaction with them and it has been proven that these school events and activities have legal mandates from the highest DepEd hierarchy, this chamber may take position of passing a resolution to the DepEd Secretary requesting that office to immediately unburden the workloads of our over-worked, lowly paid, and pathetic teachers in Aklan.

I so move, Honorable Chair that this matter be referred to my committee and that the secretariat be directed to invite those persons I have mentioned.

Open Letter

September 5, 2014

SA MGA IGMANGHOD NAMON SA MEDYA:

KAMING MGA KAEUOY NGA MGA MAESTRA AG MAESTRO IYA SA DIVISION OF AKLAN HAY NAGAHINYO AG NAGAPAAPIN SA AMONG MGA GINASALIGAN NGA MGA IGMANGHOD SA MEDYA NGA KABULIGAN KAMI SA PAGPAABOT SA AMONG DIVISION SUPERINTENDENT AG SA ANANG MGA ALIPURIS SA DIVISION NGA PUNDUHON EON RO ANDANG POLISIYA NGA AMAT-AMAT NGA NAGAPATAY KAMONG MGA MANUGTURO.

DAPAT PONDOHON EON KO DIVISION RO PAGHIWAT IT MGA HILIKUTON IT MGA ESKWELAHAN NGA KAPARTE MAN IT KURIKULUM SA SABADO AG DOMINGO NGA KAPAREHO IT MGA NAGASUNOD:

1. SPORTS MEET (Unit Meet, District Meet, Provincial Meet)

2. SCOUT ENCAMPMENTS AG JAMBORETTE

3. DISTRICT MEETINGS IT MGA MANUGTURO

4. SEMINAR AG IBA PA

OWA EON KAMI IT PAHUWAY NGA MGA MANUGTURO HAY BISAN MGA ADLAW IT SABADO AG DOMINGO NGA DAPAT IPAHUWAY NAMON KAIBAHAN AMONG PAMILY, SA TRABAHO GIHAPON KAMI. PAG-ABOT IT MGA ADLAW IT KLASE, INDI EON KAMI MAKATURO IT MAYAD HAY GAOY EON KAMI NGA MAYAD. KO MGA DINAG-ON NGA NAGTALIWAN, KULELAT RONG AKEAN SA NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT TEST RESULTS SA BILOG NGA WESTERN VISAYAS BANGOD KO RAYANG POLISIYA.

KO NAGTALIWAN NGA SABADO (August 29-30), DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET, MAKARONG BIYERNES, SABADO AG DOMINGO (September 5-7) SCOUT LEADER ENCAMPMENT SA CABUGAO, ALTAVAS PARA SA DISTRITO IT BALETE, BATAN AG ALTAVAS. SA MASUNOD NGA SABADO AG DOMINGO KAB SCOUT ENCAMPMENT EOMAN SA BATAN.

POR DIYOS, POR SANTO. GINOO. PATYON T’A KAMI NGA MGA MANUGTURO. DAPAT RAYANG MGA HILIWATON HAY IBUTANG SA WEEKDAYS HAY KAPARTE MAN KO KURIKULUM.

MAEUOY MAN KAMO KAMON. RAYA HAY NAPAABOT NAMON SA DUMAEAHAN IT DIBISYON PAAGI SA AMONG MGA KAAPIN SA MEDYA.

OWA KAMI GAPIRMA KARA NGA OPEN LETTER HAY SAYOD KAMI NGA MGA MAESTRA AG MAESTRO KUN MAUNO MAGPANGISOG AG MAGPAKAHUYA IT ANANG MGA SUBORDINADO RO AMONG SUPERINTENDENTE

BULIGI KAMI MGA IGMANGHOD SA MEDYA. PANGUSISAA EANG NINYO HAY RAYA RO MATUOD.

CONCERNED TEACHERS

OF AKLAN. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Lamentable Agriculture 

System Management

Aklan has a twin development program: Agriculture and Tourism Development. But Tourism has multi-million pesos budget, unlike Agriculture which the Aklan provincial government has allotted a mere P10.8 million this year. The LGUs budget for agriculture is not spelled out.

Moreover, Aklan has accumulated some P38 million savings out of its previous years’ budget, 80 percent or about P30 million should have been spent for agriculture

Poor Management Of Agriculture Development System

This Twin Agriculture Tourism Program should have strengthen the links between agriculture and tourism. But this did not happen and it will not happen should the poor management of Agriculture System will continue.

In a study done by an Australian volunteer with the Department of Agriculture Reform, she found out that: seven (7) percent of the fruits consumed in Boracay were produced in Aklan, five (5) percent of vegetables and 39 percent of the meat were produced in Aklan. What a lamentable statistic as far as Aklanons are concerned.

Last year, 1.3 million tourists went to Aklan, specifically in Boracay. They spent billions of pesos in Aklan, 31 percent of which was spent for food. But how much is the share of Aklanon farmers in the food market?

This Twin Agriculture Tourism Program of Aklan must be reviewed and adjusted with the end in view to allow increase income to Aklanon farmers. If not, then they are the victims and never a beneficiary of the booming Tourist industry. An Aklanon who sells goods or services is beneficiary of the Tourist industry. Aklanon who does not sell anything is victims of the negative effect the tourists bring in Aklan.

Those who have nothing to sell suffer the traffic hazard, noise pollution, increase prices of commodities, among others.

Yet, farmers of Aklan can be the leading beneficiaries if only the Agriculture System is properly managed. There are six factors of production of any products which are manpower, money, time, machineries, materials, and management itself.

The Aklan LGU has agriculture development staff under the leadership of the provincial agriculturist. This manpower resource is a formidable force if they are properly motivated to work by providing adequate facilities. The 17 municipal LGUs have their respective agricultural technologists who can be deployed in the barangays to help farmers in the use of recommended technologies to increase production and income. But they are around to standby in the municipal offices. Can plants and animals be produced in municipal offices?

The money for agriculture has not been fully spent for the benefits of the farmers as evidence by the huge savings in agriculture fund.

The facilities are not made operational such as the multi-million pesos field level grain center in Ibajay, the P3 million bagsakan center in Banga and the rice mill in Guinbaliwan, New Washington.

Due to the location of agriculture offices in the Poblacions of Agriculture Technologists, their time is being spent with nill accomplishment. The materials, like seeds and fertilizer doled out to farmers are not scientifically used and maybe wasted. The solution to poultry and have farms thats smell bad is the application of scientific farming, not closure.

To promote food production and empower farmers to participate in the tourist industry, Aklan’s agriculture system management must be improved in terms of manpower utilization, Agriculture Technicians must be barangay based with their office surroundings as show-windows of scientific agriculture, as plants and animals projects. The present facilities must be made operational, make use of the time and support agriculture projects with ample budget. Organize an effective marketing system for farm products.

Mango Tree

Two (2) mango trees which had been growing for last eight (8) decades will be cut off anytime this year. These trees are growing at the DRSTM Hospital ground, corner E Mabini St. and D Maagma St.

  The cutting is approved by the Aklan SP  upon the request of the Provincial Governor. This will pave a way for the establishment of a fastfood in that hospital ground. It will also contribute in making the town of Kalibo cement jungle. It will also deprive the ordinary people from gaining profit selling native food products in front of the hospital. /MP 

Editorial by Ernesto T. Solidum

Promoting Tech Voc Education

Celebrating its 20th founding anniversary, Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) proudly waves its banner of success and well being in its mission to empower youth with technical skills. However, despite phenomenal 7.2 percent GDP growth in 2013, the Aquino Administration is haunted by non-inclusive growth where unemployment is 7.0 percent or 2.9 million of the labor force. The Social Weather Station (SWS) survey on June 27-30, 2014 shows it is 25.9 percent or 11.8 million.

In Kapihan Forum on August 30, 2014 held at NVC Carmen Hotel, the invited guests gave positive outlook on impact of technical vocational (Tech Voc) education to increase family income, financial security and progress. Data show that for the last 20 years, TESDA has produced 6.0 million graduates, 65 percent of whom is fully employed in their various fields of expertise.

Of this total, more than 50 percent underwent competency assessment where 3,289,179 received their national certificates. Employer satisfaction survey had 86 percent of 5,451 public and private firms answered satisfactory work and skills. Employment status was 91.4 percent for graduates of electronics and semi-conductors while 70.9 percent for info technology and business process management.

Mr. Joel Villanueva, Director General stated that “we have unloaded the potential of tech voc education, greatly reduced the social bias against it and made its impact felt in tackling unemployment.”

Mr. Ely G. Arensol, Sr. TESDA Specialist said that legal basis of TESDA is RA 7796 actually reorganized from the former National Manpower and Youth Council. It aims to provide educational skills and avoid the pervasive mismatch between jobs on one hand and education and training on the other. Roughly two-thirds (2/3) of college graduates land in jobs that are different from their training such as teachers working as clerks or hotel receptionists.

There is a Provincial Training Center at Laguinbanwa East, Numancia that offers courses on automotive servicing, plumbing, carpentry, refrigeration/airconditioning and welding that may be completed within 2 years. Competency assessment test is administered to ensure that graduates possess the desired aptitude and skills.

TESDA maximizes its resources by offering scholarships in coordination with accredited institutions also known as Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools on other courses such as housekeeping (hotel services), cell-phone repair and special ones as may be requested by LGU’s and approved byTESDA. For instance project proposal from Altavas and Tangalan are massage therapy, masonry, welding and carpentry, while Nabas is training of security guards.

The current enrolment program is released to accommodate as many students who are: a) high school graduates or college undergraduates, b) 18 years of age, c) indigent, and d) completed application paper. This privilege is extended to PWD’s, IP’s and OFWs, Arsensal disclosed.

Ms. Leonore O. Medina, ATSA Vice Pres. revealed that in Aklan there are 21 TESDA accredited private schools that offer tech voc courses. Based on TESDA monitoring and evaluation, 70 to 80 percent of the graduates are now working abroad where wages of blue collar workers are competitive with that of white collar employees.

Ms. Rhodora S. Brillantes of New Lucena Polytechnic College, Iloilo is in Aklan to conduct Trainers’ Methodology to teachers of TVET courses. The first batch of 30 participants will graduate on September 8. The second batch will start on September 15. The duration of training is 17 days held at Northwestern Visayan Colleges. The course module covers agri-fisheries, horticulture, computer hardware, plumbing, sheet metal arc welding, housekeeping and refrigeration/air-conditioning. This is excellent arrangement since Aklanon teachers are spared of hassles and bussles of going to Iloilo and spend a fortune, said Ms. Brillantes.

It is hard to believe that with an obscure and improbable agency as TESDA can produce sterling accomplishments despite minimal support services and short time period are beyond question. Its annual budget is austere and easily pails behind that of DepEd yet 65 percent of its graduates are gainfully employed while DepEd-Ched has a pitiful score of 20 percent. It takes 4 to 5 years to obtain a college degree after high school while only 2 years is spent in tech voc education. With bigger expenses foregone on the part of parents, there is need to evaluate basic DepEd school curriculum in as much as availability of jobs are ephemeral and dependent on local and international markets demand. Better option could be orienting youth on entrepreneurial skills so they could not be affected by a fickle job opportunity. 

Specialized skills need to be developed on courses as tour guide, front desk, and health care, among others in order to bolster our tourism industry in Aklan. The challenge is to be globally competitive in view of Asean Economic Integration in January next year.

We extend our heartfelt congratulation and best wishes to TESDA on its founding anniversary. /MP

Senate Approves Open High School System Act

Senate Approves Open High School System Act

The Senate last week approved on third and final reading a bill which seeks to make education more accessible to the out-of–school youth and adults by providing them with an alternative secondary education program.

Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Ralph Recto and Vicente “Tito” Sotto III authored the Senate Bill No. 2277, or the Open High School System Act.

Senator Pia Cayetano, chair of the Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2277, or the Open High School System Act, said the bill aims to utilize multimedia learning and teaching technologies that would allow high school learners to study on their own pace without the need of attending classes in the conventional classroom.

She said the use of print, radio, television, computer-based communications and other multi-media will be utilized to deliver educational services to high school students.

Under the proposed measure, the Bureau of Secondary Education of the Department of Education (DepEd) will create a separate unit to handle the alternative education program.

The Open High School System shall be open to qualified students, 18 years of age and below, who have finished their elementary education, and to those who had passed the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT). Students above 18 years of age who wish to complete their high school education shall be referred to the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the DepEd.

According to the bill, every school division of the DepEd shall establish learning centers in the authorized mother high school located in their jurisdiction. LGUs may also provide assistance for the establishment of learning centers under the authority of a recognized mother high school.

“Alternative education systems are practicable ways by which we can widen access to education and empower not only individual citizens but the nation as well,” Cayetano stressed. /MP

AKLAN SP APPROVES CCTV KALIBO ORDINANCE

AKLAN SP APPROVES CCTV 

KALIBO ORDINANCE 

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

It took two (2) major revisions for Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan finally approved the capital town’s ordinance on the installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) system in business establishments.

The approval was embodied in SP Res. No. 151, S., 2014, the provincial legislative body enacted during its 23rd Regular Session on July 9, 2014.

The approved CCTV Ordinance is specifically titled, “An Ordinance Requiring High Risk Establishments And Other Business Establishments In The Municipality Of Kalibo, Aklan To Install Closed Circuit Television System (CCTV) And Prescribing Penalties For Violation Thereof.”

The Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan defined high risk establishments which cater to a populous array of clients and which have voluminous monetary transactions and highly vulnerable to crime.

The ordinance further requires high risk establishments that video surveillance system shall be maintained in proper working order at all times, and shall be in operation at least during office hours, and shall meet the minimum technological standards set by the ordinance.

The establishments covered by the ordinance are specifically banks, malls, gasoline stations, supermarkets, pawnshops, money changer, 24-hour convenience stores, schools, fast food restaurants/Quick Service Restaurants and car dealerships.

The ordinance further qualifies vulnerable establishments which operate, transact and deal with any of the following whichever will apply: 

i. Handle extensive monetary transactions as a regular course of business amounting to the exchange of goods and/or services for a daily average amount of more than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) or

ii. Transactions on an average daily basis with more than 200 clients.

The first edition of the said ordinance was submitted on October 14, 2013 but it was withdrawn by the proponent, Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan on October 23, 2013 for further refinement.

The revised edition was submitted on January 29, 2014 but was disapproved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on March 5, 2014 after finding there were lapses in legislative procedures. Specifically, the revised edition did not pass the plenary of the Kalibo SB when there were major revisions in the original version of the ordinance. /MP

Davao Media To Visit WV Organic Farms

Davao Media To Visit 

WV Organic Farms

Regarded as the birthplace of organic agriculture in the Philippines, the members of the media from Southern Mindanao will visit Western Visayas on October 25 to 27, 2014.

Journalists from Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, DXRP, Business World, RGMA, Mindanao Daily Mirror, Sun Star Davao, Bombo Radyo, Mindanao Times, Edge Davao, ABS-CBN, GMA, Sunshine Radio and information officers of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office (RFO) XI will visit organic farms in Negros Occidental.

This media tour, according to DA RFO VI Regional Director Larry P. Nacionales, seeks to foster awareness among the members of Davao media on the best organic farming practices and the marketing strategies adopted by the farmers and organic advocates.

The delegates will visit various techno-demo farms, organic markets, research outreach stations, and outstanding organic farms. The press will feature the successes of organic growers as well as their commitment towards Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.

Testimonies of organic farmers and best practices in Negros Occidental will be shared to the farmers in Davao region through the quad media releases. /MP

SP Forwards Request To Guv To Defer General Revision Implementation

SP Forwards Request To Guv To 

Defer General Revision Implementation

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

The Aklan SP Committee on Appropriations, Budget, Finance and Ways and Means chaired by SP Member Jose Enrique M. Miraflores (center, left photo) with SP Members Plaridel Morania and Nelson D. Santamaria conducting committee hearing on the request of Kalibo and New Washington LGUs to defer implementation of the 2015 General Revision of Real Properties base market values. 

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan forwarded the request of local government units to defer the implementation of Provincial Tax Ordinance No. 001, S., 2014. The request includes the general revision of base market values of real properties in Aklan supposed to be effective starting 2015. 

The request is embodied in Kalibo Resolution No. 2014-173 and New Washington Resolution No. 2014-96. This includes barangay resolutions of the Liga ng mga Barangay of New Washington and Barangay New Buswang of Kalibo. 

All resolutions describe Provincial Tax Ordinance No. 001, S., 2014 as unconscionable, oppressive and confiscatory. Those resolutions requested Aklan SP to defer implementation or amend said ordinance so that it will not be burdensome to taxpayers who were recently hit by Super typhoon Yolanda.

Provincial Assessor Kokoy Soguilon and his staff repeatedly explained that the 2015 proposed general revision is just and reasonable considering that Aklan has not implemented any general revision of base market values of real properties since 2006. 

Soguilon further emphasized that midway in the process of enacting the tax ordinance and after a series of public hearings, the assessment level in the said tax measure had been reduced considerably to 14 percent, much lower than the 20 percent assessment level in 2006.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan in plenary during its 29th Regular Session on August 27, 2014 maintained that the issue on deferment of implementation or amendment to the tax ordinance is no longer in the hands of the provincial legislative body. The chamber has to seek position of the executive on the said matter before the body can further act on the approved tax ordinance.

Thus, the chamber referred all resolutions of the oppositions, being led by New Washington Mayor Edgar R. Peralta, to Governor Florencio T. Miraflores so that through his Provincial Local Finance Committee, the request will be evaluated and the position of the executive department will be determined.

The SP emphasized that it has complied with all the procedural requirements prescribed by law in the passage of Provincial Tax Ordinance No.  001. It was filed by the executive in November 2013 and underwent a lengthy series of both committee and public hearings before its enactment on June 18, 2014, a good seven months of thorough study by the chamber. /MP

Kids Start Receiving Measles, Polio, Rubella Shots

Kids Start Receiving 

Measles, Polio, Rubella Shots

President Benigno Aquino III leads on Monday in the launching of a nationwide immunization campaign. It seeks to prevent the outbreak of measles, rubella and polio among Filipino children.

The Department of Health (DOH) has allotted the whole month of September to give roughly 11 million children aged 9 months to 6 years protection to prevent measles and rubella.

Some estimated 13 million children up to 5 years old will be given the oral polio vaccine.

Health officials urged parents across the country to bring their children to health centers for the immunization. 

In Aklan, Dr. Cornelio Cuachon is urging parents to bring their children for vaccination to the health center nearest their homes on September 1 to 30. 

The campaign is a follow-up of the 2011 immunization drive to halt the transmission of highly infectious diseases in the Philippines as indicated by the measles outbreak that started last year.

According to the DOH, the most effective campaign against measles was in 2004 with vaccination coverage which reached 95 percent of the target. From 2005 to 2009, the incidence of measles was only between 0.1 and 16 per million population.

However in 2011, the incidence rose to 68.8 per million population with vaccination coverage at 84 percent.

The oral polio vaccine was added to the campaign to prevent the spread of the polio virus in the Philippines through importation from polio endemic countries.

The DOH said that all children regardless of previous immunization status, either by vaccination or active natural immunity (previously infected with measles), should be given the measles-rubella vaccine. /MP

VP BINAY GIVES CASH TO KIN OF SOLDIERS KILLED IN ACTION

VP BINAY GIVES CASH TO KIN

OF SOLDIERS KILLED IN ACTION

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay last week awarded cash benefits to 20 family-beneficiaries of soldiers killed in combat in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City. 

Binay, co-chairman of the Alay Sa Kawal Foundation (ASK), extended P30,000 financial assistance to the families of soldiers mostly belonging to the Philippine Army 4th Infantry Division based in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan De Oro City.

“Alam mo bilang pagkilala sa sakripisyong ginawa nila, ‘yung pamilya ‘nung namatay para sa bayan [ay tinutulungan]. Pangalawa, para malaman naman nila na meron ding mga grupo na nag-aalala doon sa pagkamatay nila. So, ngayong araw na ito nagbigay kami ng P30,000 na tseke sa bawat pamilya,” Binay said.

ASK is the oldest non-government organization devoted to the welfare of enlisted personnel in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It was established in 1986.

Binay, a reservist officer of the Marines, also said that he was aware of the sacrifices made by our soldiers. The gave assurances that the government in partnership with ASK will continue to look after the welfare of the armed forces.

“Sila ay nagsasakripisyo upang magkaroon ng kapayapaan at katiwasayan sa ating mga pamayanan. Hindi na po kailangang idiin pa na ang kapayapaang ating tinatamasa ngayon ay hindi makakamtan kung wala sila,” he said.

Since 1986, the ASK has helped the families of 5,098 soldiers who were either killed or wounded in action. /MP