“The Wonders of Vigan” In Let’s Fiesta

“The Wonders of Vigan” 

In Let’s Fiesta

Let’s Fiesta opens the month of February with a trip to one of today’s New Seven Wonder Cities of the World—the Heritage City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur!

Join host and comedian John Feir together with Kapuso homegrown artist Steven Silva as they discover why this small yet historical city is deserving of such accolade.

In this Sunday’s episode, John and Steven first witness the Bigueño’s festive and colorful celebration of the 12th Longganisa Festival that coincides with the feast of St. Paul the Apostle, Vigan’s patron saint.

Get transported back in time to the sights of horse drawn carriages and antique ancestral houses as John and Steven tour along the cobble stoned street of Calle Crisologo.

The duo also learns how to make the famous Ilocos empanada and at the same time gets to taste Ilocano delicacies such as bagnet, royal bibingka, chicharon, sinanglaw, and various longganisa dishes.

Catch all these and more in Let’s Fiesta’ this Sunday, February 1, airing at 7:00 am in all nine GMA regional stations in Ilocos, Bicol, Dagupan, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, GenSan, and Cagayan de Oro. /MP

P7.5M Rice Processing Center For Btac Nuevo Farmers

P7.5M Rice Processing Center 

For Btac Nuevo Farmers

DA Sec. Proceso J. Alcala will lead the turnover of the Agri Pinoy Rice Processing Center (RPC) I, worth P7, 500, 000, to the local government of Barotac Nuevo on January 30, 2015 at Brgy. Monpon.

DA 6 Regional Executive Director Larry P. Nacionales, the RPC I aims to reduce postharvest losses by giving access to efficient drying and milling facilities and to increase farmers’ income.  

The RPC I consist of one set of multi-pass rice mill with milling capacity of one ton/hr. at 98 percent purity, minimum milling recovery of 65 percent and driven by an independent electric motor, 300 sq.m. warehouse floor space, portable moisture meter for rice and corn, weighing scale with one ton capacity, and one set of six tons capacity of re-circulating dryer, equipped with biomass-fed furnace. 

Dir. Nacionales added that this structure will benefit more than 200 farmer-beneficiaries and will serve more or less 263ha rice areas. 

Compared to single-pass rice mill, RPC I can increase the milling recovery of rice from 58 percent to 65 percent and can save 10 percent milling losses.  It can mill 8 tons a day and can dry 12 tons a day at 8 hours daily operation. /MP

Reason and Concern

Time To Mourn

by Ronquillo C. Tolentino

Indeed, there is a season for  everything and a reason for every affair under the heavens as the Bible provides in the Ecclesiastes, inclusive of a time to mourn.

The death of 44 policemen belonging to the  elite Special Action Force on January 25, 2015 at Mamasapano, Maguindanao deserves national mourning even if President Aquino was not present during the arrival honors at Villamor Airbase on January 29, 2015.

I join our countrymen in mourning the death of the 44 policemen!

* * *

Oftentimes, we read and hear people in the government being complained of for  gross negligence. A better understanding of  gross negligence can be found  in the Supreme Court decision in Brucal vs. Desierto, 501 Phil. 453,465-466 (2005, thus “ we held that gross negligence refers to negligence characterized by  the want of even slight care, acting or omitting to act in a situation where there is a duty to act, not inadvertently but willfully and intentionally, with a conscious indifference to consequences in so far as persons may be affected. It  is the omission of that care which even inattentive and thoughtless men never   fail to take on their own property. In cases involving public officials, there is  gross negligence when a breach of duty is flagrant and palpable.”

It is emphasized  by the Supreme Court in Astillazo vs. Jamlid, 342 Phil. 219,237-238 (1997 the “ Pursuant to Section 23, Rule XIV of the Omnibus Rules Implementing Book V of Executive Order No.292 or the Administrative Code of 1987, gross negligence in the performance of duty is classified as a grave offense with the penalty of dismissal  imposed. Section 9 of the said Rule likewise provides that the penalty of dismissal shall carry with it the cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of leave credits, retirement benefits and disqualification from re-employment in government service.”

* * *

As election is proximate, we can also hear and read of local officials being complained of for misconduct. In GSIS vs. Mayordomo, 649 SCRA 667 citing Manuel vs. Calimag, Jr. 307 SCRA

657 that “To constitute as ground for disciplinary action, the act(s) complained of must have a “direct relation to and be connected with the performance of his official duties amounting to maladministration or wilful, intentional neglect or failure to discharge the duties of the office.” /MP

Quiet Time In School

Quiet Time In School

by Barbra N. Villareal

The frequent fightings, cursing each other, vandalism, weaponry and other juvenile troubles has been a problem persisting among schools here in the Philippines. These problems for the longest time had left many faculty members unsure of how to keep their students focused in the classroom, more importantly, how to keep their students away from trouble.

A program simply called ‘Quiet Time” was first introduced in San Francisco Visitacion Valley Middle School in 2007 and developed by George Rutherford. Hopefully, this practice can be adopted here. Four years after it was introduced into the daily regimen of the students, some remarkable results were shown, including an increase in attendance, a decrease in stress levels among both students and teacher fewer incidents of  depression in students and improve self-esteem among students. 

The program teaches the students transcendental meditation to be practiced for 15 minutes, twice daily. Transcendental meditation is the purest, simplest, and most effective form of meditation. It is a technique to avoid distracting thoughts and to promote a state of relaxed awareness. It carries away a feeling of restful alertness into the student day-to-day affairs. 

What’s happening is that the meditation quiets the sympathetic nervous system. It takes the mind away from the commotion and worries of life. The nervous system stills. The blood pressure, respiration rate and heart rate, which rise with stress, fall to a more normal level .A gong is sounded and students, some of whom who normally can’t sit still for 20 seconds, shut their eyes and repeat a mantra till the mind become silent. It makes you more conscious of your actions,” one female student explained.“It brings you down to that level of calmness and stillness,” as a male  student said.

Some schools in the Philippines have tried everything from counselling and tutoring to home visits and sports activities. But disappointingly, there has been little effect. Drop-out rates continue to rise amidst the various strategies.The practice of meditation deserves  serious attention from parents and policymakers since this strategy, if integrated into a school’s daily routine, can greatly improve the lives of the students. It emphasizes the socio-emotional factors in improving kids’ lives, not just academics.

While “Quiet Time” isn’t the final solution for a broken education system, it’s a new step for many students who otherwise might have emotional or academic issues .As the quote by the famous Dalai Lama goes..”If every 8 year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.” 

Change is inevitable and venturing to a new strategy is not wrong. That’s reason enough to make meditation a school must here in our country. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Nagbahoe Sa Bangketa

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Nagbahoe sa bangketa si Kaloy. Agud makakita it kuwarta, nagabaligya imaw it sigarilyo, tseklet ag mani. Nagapangabuhi imaw nga isaeahanon bangod mabuhay eon nga namatay ro anang ina. Kon amat, una imaw na-agahan sa bangketa, ngani guindunisan imaw nga prinsipe it bangketa. 

Abo nga kilaeang pulis si Kaloy. Sayod man imaw kon sin-o rong mga manakaw, nagabaligya it droga ag mga hold-aper. Ko olihi, guina obra imaw nga “asset” it mga pulis kon may andang guina raid nga sugaean o baeay nga naga baligya it droga. Malipayon imaw kon may madakpan nga mga criminal. 

Bangod perme imaw sa opisina it pulis agod magbaligya it sigarilyo, nangin amigo imaw kong hepe it kapulisan. Guinsampit imaw sa baeay it hepe ag naila-an imaw kong asawa it hepe. 

Guin taw-an imaw it eambong ag tsinelas ag guinpaka-on pa. Agud maka baeos sa mag-asawa, naga bulig imaw it paglimpyo sa opisina ag sa baeay. Ko olihi, guinpatun-an imaw hasta nakatapos it high school. Bu-ot guid nana nga mangin pulis pareho man kay hepe, bosa padayon ro anang pagtipon it kwarta agod makatu-on ag makatapos imaw. Bilang regalo kana ko hepe hay guinpasueod imaw sa anang grupo. Umpisa nga nagtrabaho imaw bilang pulis, abo ro andang guin raid nga mga guinabaligya-an it droga. Abo man nga nabungkag nga mga suga-ean. Kilaea man nana ro mga hari it mga manakaw ag sayod imaw kon siin guina daea ro guina karnap nga mga saeakyan. 

Guin kilaea ro anang didikasyon sa trabaho ag nangin huwaran nga pulis sa andang unit. Pagkataliwan it pilang dag-on, guin padunggan imaw bilang “Huwarang Pulis.” Ro nagkilaea kana ag nag doeot it padungog hay Opisina it Mayor ko andang banwa.

Makaron, una pa guihapon rong tawag kana nga hari it bangketa. Bukon eon it siga sa bangketa kundi imaw rong taga proteksyon it kalinong ag taga bantay kontra sa mga nagaeabag sa batas. /MP

Editorial

Updating the Kalibo Sto.

Nino Ati-atihan Festival Celebration

by Ernesto T. Solidum

Weekly Kapihan discussed, “Post Evaluation of Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival.” Held at NVC Carmen Hotel, Police Insp. Nilo Morallos – PNP; Irico Cipriano - Manager Kabog-kabog Tribal Group; PO1 Jun Jay Invina, Kalibo PNP; and Ms. Lilibeth Goboy, Head, Marketing and Promotions, KASAFI as guests.

According to Police Insp. Morallos, the one week celebration of Ati-atihan was generally peaceful and orderly despite huge presence of guests, visitors and frenzied activities. Some 400 PNP personnel augmented by Kalibo Auxillary Police and Brgy. Tanods manned strategic police outposts and directed traffic flow. No major untoward incidents were reported except brawls resulting to cuts, wounds caused by broken bottles. Inquest proceedings of crime suspects were done. A big help in solving one crime incident of mauling was resolved by a CCTV camera said the young Police Officer.

“We have not yet conducted our KASAFI evaluation. We welcome feedbacks especially suggestions to further improve festival management and performance,” declared Ms. Goboy. Indeed, we would like to thank the Committee members, PNP, Tribal groups, LGU’s, and sponsors for a job well done. Despite the decrease in donations/sponsorship, we managed to increase the top prize from P130,000 to P150,000. Ms. Goboy underscored that based on huge turnout of guests, visitors and devotees, the celebration of 2015 Ati-atihan Festival is a success.

Mr. Cipriano rectified that Kabog-kabog no longer belongs to the tribal big category since the number of performers have fallen below 60. Perhaps, the reason why we always win in the competition is due to our talent designer Mr. William Enriquez, a fine arts graduate from Manila who is an expert in making costumes and props. Once a final costume model is made, this is painstakingly duplicated by every participant. It cost P2,600 per piece or P156,000 for a big tribal group of 60 members. This year, Kabog-kabog received P60,000 concluded Cipriano.

Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan celebrated from January 11-18 this year as a tradition has two aspects to consider namely: a) religious marked by holy mass, paeapak, novena and procession. Samuel J. Yap – Member, Philippine Alliance of Ex-Seminarians said that only 27 percent of Roman Catholics are religious; and b) entertainment – merry making, street dancing and buffoonery.

In essence, this Ati-atihan concept is copied by other municipalities in Aklan like Balete (Enchanting Balete), Banga (Saguibin Festival), Lezo (Bayangan Festival), Madalag (Tinu-om ni Aewag), Malay (Fiesta de Obreros), and Nabas (Bariw Ati-atihan Sadsad).

Based on record, Ati-atihan in Aklan is celebrated by six municipalities namely: Altavas, Malinao, Batan, Makato, Kalibo, and Ibajay. This falls on different dates in the month of January. Spurred by the prospect of tourism, investment and fame, LGU officials spearhead aggressive funding on educational, cultural entertainment and sports activities.

Coincidentally, Kalibo Ati-atihan is no longer patronized and loved by non-Kalibonhons. To recall, during the time of Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, hotels and lodging houses were fully booked six months before the event. Now, a balikbayan family of 5 members can easily get hotel accommodation on the eve of the fiesta.

Mr. Reynaldo Barrientos, Dispatcher of Ceres Bus Corp. said that “during normal days we have 65 buses daily servicing passengers from Kalibo to Iloilo City and vice versa. This year, second week of January, this has increased to 100 buses which is only 35 percent. Obviously, our usual patrons, and devotees of Sto. Nino de Kalibo are going in droves to Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City which occurs every 4th week of January.

Iloilo’s Dinagyang Foundation have a million guests and visitors this year. In Kalibo our conservative estimate of the crowd at Pastrana Park on the 17th and 18th of January is between 60,000 and 70,000 per day, the presence of new faces especially tourists are very few.

Basically, if we are to perpetuate our religious tradition using the name of Sto. Nino festival, then we must develop it to the utmost. However, if KASAFI prefers the concept of Ati-atihan we must drastically changed the nature of our celebration into purely entertainment.

Dinagyang, Masskara, and Sinulog are conceptualized on entertainment which Aklan cannot rival since ours is generally anchored on religious tradition. 

Aklan’s two biggest sponsors – San Miguel and Coca Cola which gave P2.4 million last year have reduced their financial contribution by 35 percent this year due to drop in sales and profits. If Aklan could not improve its performance and audience turnout, this amount may further shrink. Higher taxes on alcohol and retail price have dampened consumers demand.

Major debacles are on the issues of recycling of costumes and props, choreography, music and performers. For instance Black Beauty Boys is five times winner under big tribal category. It is not even gender-sensitive where Gender Advocacy for Development adopted by Aklan in 2003 shows that an equitable number of the opposite sex must be included.

The Philippine median age is 33 years old and yet our street dancers are 40-50 years old. In this state, they are no longer nimble, agile, attractive or strong to perform to the beat of the latest dance craze – Zumba. Many complained of aching legs, arms and sunburned skin as they finished one tour around Pastrana Park. Remember, endurance is rated 10 percent of total score. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

On the other hand, we can have high school students who are full of youth vigor, agile and very willing to display their talent and charm. All towns in Aklan have either private or public secondary schools where performers could be selected and trained.

Since there is strong possibility that the P2.8 million budgets for 2016 may be reduced KASAFI must lobby with Kalibo LGU for added funds during the budget hearing. Supermarkets, hotels and fast food restaurants which benefit so much from the festival must contribute their fair share.

Creativity and competitiveness must be ingrained in us if we are to emerge victorious. It must be, Dinagyang, Masskara and Sinulog have considerably evolved into Regional spectacles because of its location in cities. They have bigger sources of funds. However, Kalibo can be genuinely sincere and adaptive to our religious tradition. Entertainment is just feeding the senses and transitory while worship of God is strengthening the spirit. 

Perhaps, our creativity could start by doing merrymaking in the streets without being drunk or troublesome. Clean fun is always a virtue. Finally we must admonish that all street performers attend solemn mass as part of Panaad-Sadsad standard and practice. Yes, the Mother of all festival can turn to its origin for inspiration and direction. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Entrepreneurial Farmer

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Diminishing Bats

Have you ever seen a bat? It is a mammal even it has pair of wings. It belongs to order Chiroptera of mouselike flying mammals. It is a mammal for it has mammary gland. It is nocturnal for bat sleeps during the day and stays awake at night.

Bat loves to stay in the cave as it was in Boracay Island. But not anymore today, for caves were destroyed for man’s pleasure. Bat manure is called “guano” which is applied to plants as fertilizer. Guano is rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. It is also rich of organic matter.

Guano is considered mineral. Anyone who wishes to collect guano must apply for a mining permit with concerned officers to quarry guano.

The Province of Bohol is the home of 35 species of bats. A close look at a bat shows it has big ears, small eyes, and a monstrous nose characteristic of an insect bat. The fruit bat resembles flying rat.

Pinoys Are Avid Savers

The Filipino consumers are one among the most optimistic buyers in the world. It equals with Indonesia for the number two spot. The two are behind India, the global leader according to the latest “Nielsen Consumer Confidence Survey.” 

The market research firm reported that consumers from the Philippines exhibited a 5-point increase in the confidence index during the fourth quarter of 2014 which leveled with Indonesia consumers’ 120-point score.

This optimism is shared across Southeast Asian region with five of six ASEAN markets which showed similar levels of optimism.

The Philippines, with this index score got one of the biggest quarterly increases globally with a 5-point jump from the previous quarter. India held on to number one with 129 C+3 points. It is the biggest among the 60 countries measured.

Thailand is fifth with an index score of 111, 2-points less from the previous. Consumer confidence level in Vietnam and Singapore remained relatively strong. Malaysia has 89-points, 10-points less than the third quarter of 2014.

According to the poll, 79 percent of the Filipino respondents felt bullish about their personal finances, while 50 percent believed it was a good time for people to buy the things they wanted and needed.

The Filipino consumers continued to be among the world’s most avid savers. Some 63 percent of the Filipino respondents assured they prioritized saving their spare cash compared to consumers in the region and globally.

Agriculture Credit

One of the keys to agriculture development is accessible credit. This is the conclusion arrived at by leaders and stakeholders at a conference. These leaders are former members of the Cabinet and heads of major agri-business organizations.

According to Dr. Emil Javier, of the total loans the banks gave in 2013, only 1.9 percent went to farmers and fisher-folks. Since processing and agribusiness are less risky, less than one (1) percent of that amount went to production.

Dr. Javier is the former Secretary of Agriculture, former UP president and former Chancellor of UP at Los Banos, Laguna. He is now chair of the Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines.

Only 26 percent of the six (6) million farmers and fisher-folks got credit. From this small number, only 57 percent got credit from formal sources like banks, all the rest paid much higher interest rates from informal sources.

Recommendations

Former NEDA Secretary Cielito Habito recommended to strengthen our institutions so that services like in agricultural credit are more accessible for agricultural development to take place.

Senen Baconi, former Secretary of Agriculture identified the Landbank of the Philippines as an institution that has done commendable works. But it is hindered from fulfilling its principal mandate by constraints, by its fiduciary responsibility to its private sector depositors.

The LBP 2013 Annual Report states that only 36 percent of its P227 billion loan portfolio went to agriculture, 24 percent to agribusiness and agriculture related projects. Only 12 percent went to the targeted main sector of small farmers and fisher-folks. About 64 percent of that loan portfolio went to non-agriculture related projects such as in energy, housing, transportation, and small and medium enterprises.

If LBP is primarily for agriculture, why do these other sectors get two thirds (2/3) of the loan portfolio? Why is it that only 12 percent went to small farmers and fisher-folks?

Who is the leader, responsible and accountable official for agricultural credit? Almost all points to the Secretary of Agriculture. But it would be unfair to place the entire burden on him. The Secretary of Finance influences financial institutions and the Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas provides the lending environment for agricultural credit to take off.

Bacani recommended that LBP must become purely government bank without fiduciary responsibility to its private depositors and take the necessary risks to service small farmers and fisher-folks. Increase LBP staff members to help farmers prepare their loan proposals and minimize bank loan requirements. /MP

DOH Grants DRSTMH P50 Million For Hospital Facilities And Equipment

DOH Grants DRSTMH P50 Million 

For Hospital Facilities And Equipment

by Odon Bandiola

Front view of DRSTMH hospital.

The Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan presided by Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo has authorized Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Health which will govern the disposition of the P50 million grant intended for facilities and equipment in the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in Kalibo, Aklan.

The provincial legislative body granted the authority during its 3rd Special session on December 27, 2014 held at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, Kalibo, Aklan through Resolution No. 284, series of 2014.

The P50 million grant under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) of the Department of Health shall be used for the construction, expansion, repair/renovation of facilities and purchase of equipment by hospitals operated by the local government units.

The provincial government of Aklan operates the DRSTMH, a tertiary hospital, one district hospital each in Altavas and Ibajay, and one municipal hospital each in Madalag, Libacao, Buruanga, Boracay and Malay.

Under the HFEP, the district and municipal hospitals operated by the provincial government of Aklan was the recipients of funds worth several millions of pesos from the DOH for their respective facilities and equipment.

During the deliberation of Miraflores’ request for authority, it was learned from Vice Governor Quimpo that the Governor intends to use the amount to add another floor to the new existing three-storey hospital building constructed nine years ago with a funding from the LogoFind of the Department of Finance. 

Very recently, the Ciriaco Tirol Hospital in Boracay has also availed several millions of pesos from the DOH’s HFEP for its expansion and upgrading. /MP

Aklan Operates On P1.527 Billion Budget This 2015

Aklan Operates On P1.527 

Billion Budget This 2015

by Odon S. Bandiola

Front view of the new Aklan capitol building where the provincial government operates.

The provincial government of Aklan under Governor Florencio “Joeben” T. Miraflores will operate this year with the total annual budget of P1,527,370,719.00, the highest so far in the history of the Province.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan presided by Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo approved the general fund budget for 2015 with total appropriation of P908,565,719.00 and the economic enterprise development department budget with total appropriation of P618,805,000.00.

The approval of Aklan’s General Fund and EEDD budgets came during the 2nd special session on December 23, 2014 of the provincial legislative body.

The General Fund Budget approval for 2015 was through Appropriation Ordinance No. 005, Series of 2014, while the EEDD budget’s approval was through Appropriation Ordinance No.006, Series of 2014. Programs and/or projects funded under the 20 percent IRA Development Fund which carries total appropriation of P151,873,143.80 was approved through Appropriation Ordinance No.007.

Out of the total P 908,565,719.00 for the 2015 annual general fund budget, 6 percent or P53,339,266.63 goes to debt services, 13 percent or P121,485,079.38 goes to Social services, 29 percent or P262,678,653.93 goes to Economic Services, 5 percent or P45,428,285.95 is reserve for a calamity and 47 percent or P425,634,433.11 goes to general public service.

By revenue sources, the provincial government of Aklan is expected to receive P759,365,719.00 as share from the Internal Revenue Allotment from the national government. This is about 54 percent of the total annual 2015 budget.

The great bulk of the local revenue sources is expected to come from the operations of the Jetty Ports and terminals in Caticlan, Malay and Cagban, Manoc-manoc which is projected to hit P363,851,400.00.

The Province of Aklan tops all provinces in the country as far as local revenue generation is concerned as recognized by the Department of Finance. /MP

Alcala Meets 2,000 WV Farmers, Turns Over Agri Projects

Alcala Meets 2,000 WV 

Farmers, Turns Over Agri Projects 

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala will be in Iloilo on January 30 for the Regional Farmers’ Forum to be held at the Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC), Hamungaya, Jaro, Iloilo City. 

Around 2,000 participants composed of farmers, livestock raisers, local government representatives, farm service providers, and beneficiaries of Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda program from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental will be gathered for the activity. 

Prior to the forum, the DA 6 will conduct a field demo of mechanical rice transplanter and combine harvester in order to raise awareness among the farmers on the effectiveness of these rice mechanization tools in increasing agricultural productivity. 

There will be a launching of the P9 million worth of Regional Organic Soils Laboratory constructed in WESVIARC which is in support to DA’s Organic Agriculture Program. 

Funded last year, the two-story laboratory building costs P2 million and its lab equipment like the atomic absorption spectroscopy, analytical and top loading balance cost P7 million. 

DA 6 Regional Executive Director Larry P. Nacionales said that this laboratory is put up in response to the need for specific analysis in certifying and licensing of organic agricultural products and inputs.

Also, Sec. Alcala will turn over P75, 298, 024.50 worth of farm machineries and implements to the farmers including heavy duty four-wheel drive tractor with implements, mini four-wheel drive tractor with implements, combine harvester, reaper, thresher, corn sheller, hammer mill, cassava granulator, cassava grater, hand tractor with tiller cultivator, baby tank artificial insemination (AI) equipment, mother tank AI equipment, shredder machine, and pumps and engines. 

Rice Processing Center 

To Barotac Nuevo

Secretary Proceso J. Alcala will also spearhead the turnover of the Agri Pinoy Rice Processing Center (RPC) I, worth P7,500,000, to the Barotac Nuevo Multi-purpose Cooperative (BNDC) at Brgy. Monpon.

According to Department of Agriculture 6 Regional Executive Director Larry P. Nacionales, this RPC I aims to reduce postharvest losses by giving access to efficient drying and milling facilities and to increase farmers’ income.

The RPC I consists of one set of multi-pass rice mill with milling capacity of one ton/hr at 98 percent purity, minimum milling recovery of 65 percent and driven by an independent electric motor, 300 sq.m. warehouse floor space, portable moisture meter for rice and corn, weighing scale with one ton capacity, and one set of re-circulating dryer with six tons capacity equipped with biomass-fed furnace.

Dir. Nacionales added that this structure, to be managed by BNDC, will benefit more than 200 farmer-beneficiaries and will serve more or less 263 ha. rice areas.

Compared to single-pass rice mill, RPC I can increase the milling recovery of rice from 58 percent to 65 percent and can save 10 percent milling losses. It can mill 8 tons a day and can dry 12 tons a day at 8 hours daily operation.

Marlyn Baylosis, the municipal agriculturist and also a board of director said that the BNDC is providing quality support to more than 260 farmer-members. The coop allots P6 million loan to them at P25,000 loan per hectare. With 1,083 members at present, the coop is composed of LGU employees, barangay officials, vendors and farmers.  /MP

Hegante Parade Winners

Hegante Parade Winners

The Hegante Parade which was held on January 15, 2015 was sponsored by the provincial government of Aklan. It was one of the highlights of the Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-atihan Festival 2015. 

The winners with the corresponding prizes are as follows:

Festival Parade 

1st prize: LGU Malay (Fiesta de Obrero) - P10,000.00.

2nd prize: LGU Buruanga (Panagat Festival) - P7,000.00.

3rd prize: Manggan National High School (Saguibin Festival, Tribu Magdadait) - P5,000.00.

Consulation Prize which received P2,500.00 each are: LGU Balete, LGU Lezo, LGU Ibajay, LGU Nabas, LGU Madalag, LGU Numancia, and LGU Tangalan.

Ground Presentation

1st prize: LGU Malay - P15,000.00.

2nd prize:  LGU Lezo (Bayangan Festival) - P10,000.00.

3rd prize: LGU Buruanga - P7,000.00.

Consulation Prize which received P2,500.00 each are: LGU Balete, LGU Ibajay, LGU Nabas, LGU Numancia, Manggan H.S. (Banga), LGU Madalag, and LGU Tangalan.

Higante Winner

1st prize: LGU Balete (Manoghaboe) - P40,000.00.

2nd prize: LGU Tangalan (Ati it Tangalan) - P35,000.00.

3rd prize: LGU Numancia (Ibo  - Datagnong Ati) - P30,000.00.

4th prize: LGU Malinao (Mahugod nga Mangongoma) - P25,000.00.

5th prize: LGU Madalag (Baeasa ni Maniwangtiwang) - P20,000.00.

Consolation prize which received P10,000.00 each are: LGU Ibajay, LGU Kalibo, and LGU Nabas. /MP

Senate Limits Reappointment Of JBC Members To 2 Terms

Senate Limits Reappointment

Of JBC Members To 2 Terms

The Senate last week approved a bill on third and final reading which seeks to limit the re-appointment of a regular member of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) for more than two full terms.

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, author and sponsor of Senate Bill 2419, said the ban would ensure that no regular JBC member would indefinitely sit in the council and serve the appointing authority’s bidding.

The measure was co-authored by Senators Chiz Escudero, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Jinggoy Estrada and Cynthia Villar.

Under the existing laws, Pimentel said, regular members of the JBC may be reappointed without limitation and under different capacities.

He said the practice of perpetual indebtedness diminished and compromised the member’s impartiality, especially in screening applicants who may have close connections or association with the appointing authority.

“The concept of perpetual re-appointment of a regular member may open the possibility of the appointee incurring political indebtedness to the appointing authority such that the more a regular member seeks his or her re-appointment, the deeper the political indebtedness becomes,” Pimentel explained in his sponsorship speech.

“The enactment of the measure into law would prevent political interference in the affairs of the JBC, which is tasked to recommend appointees to the Judiciary,” he added.

Pimentel said the bill would not limit the power of the President to appoint appointees but that would limit the qualification of persons who would sit as regular members of the JBC.

“The bill is neither an undue limitation on the prerogative of the President to make appointments nor does it impose an additional qualification which is not found in the Constitution,” he said.

The essence of the measure, Pimentel stressed, is that no regular member of the JBC would be appointed for more than two full terms and that new blood are introduced in the council.   

The Judicial and Bar Council of the Philippines is a constitutionally-created body that recommends appointees for vacancies that may arise in the composition of the Supreme Court and other lower courts.

The JBC is composed of the Supreme Court Chief Justice as ex officio chairperson; the Secretary of Justice, the chairperson of the Committee on Justice of the House of Representatives and the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights as ex officio members; a representative of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, a professor of law, a retired member of the Supreme Court, and a representative of the private sector as regular members.

The council is the only government body that has members from all three branches of the government, excluding ad hoc and advisory bodies.  /MP

Vigan Is Chosen One Of The World’s 7 New Wonder Cities

Vigan Is Chosen One Of The 

World’s 7 New Wonder Cities

The Senate this week adopted a resolution congratulating Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, for being chosen as one of the 7 New Wonder Cities of the World by the New7Wonders Foundation last December 8.

Sen.Lito Lapid introduced Senate Resolution No. 1053. Other senators who introduced similar resolutions are Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara (Resolution 1057), Sen. Pia Cayetano (Resolution 1085), and Sen. Loren Legarda (Resolution 1130).

“Vigan City is declared as one of the New7Wonders Cities along with Beirut in Lebanon, Doha in Qatar, Durban in South Africa, Havana in Cuba, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and La Paz in Bolivia,” according to the resolution.

Out of the 1,200 cities nominated, Vigan is chosen by the New7Wonders Foundation as one of the cities to represent global diversity of human society.

Vigan City is also recognized as one of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Heritage sites.

“The New7Wonders Foundation is a Swiss non-profit foundation that conducts global competitions among countries featuring their respective tourist destinations in order to preserve the world’s manmade and natural heritage sites,” the resolution added.

All nominated cities underwent a voting process which began last 2012 until the 7 Wonder Cities were announced last December 8, 2014. /MP

Alcala Turns Over Farm 

Machineries/Implements Worth P75.3M 

by James Earl E. Ogatis

Part of the 25 units 4-wheel drive tractor with implements to be turned-over by Secretary Proceso J. Alcala on January 30, 2015, at Western Visayas Integrated Agricultral Research Center, (WESVIARC), Jaro, Iloilo City. (James Earl E. Ogatis photo)

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala will lead the turn-over of P75,298,024.50 worth of farm machineries and implements to various farmers organization and local government units on January 30, 2015, at Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC), Jaro, Iloilo City.

According to DA 6 Regional Executive Director Larry P. Nacionales, among the farm machineries to be turned over are 25 units Heavy duty 4-wheel drive tractor with implements worth P52,450,000.00; four units rice combine harvester – P6,624,000.00; six units Mini 4-wheel drive tractor with implements – P5,369,328.00 and 50 units pump and engine – P3,090,000.00.

Also seven units of hand tractor with tiller cultivator – P1,476,076.00; eight units of thresher – P1,440,000.00; eight units of reaper – P1,200,000.00; four units of hammer mill – P1,000,000.00; five units of corn sheller – P600,000.00; three units cassava granulator – P600,000.00; three units cassava grater – P450,000.00; and two units shredder machine – P300,000.00.

Nacionales also said that 33 baby tanks and ten mother tanks for artificial insemination worth P698,620.50 will also be given by Secretary Alcala to the livestock sector.

Nacionales stressed that the farm machineries and implements will address farm labor scarcity problem and postharvest losses. This will also enhance production and increase yield among rice and corn farmers in the region.

The release of 50 units pump and engine to identified rice farmers organization is timely for use by our farmers this dry season. He added.

Alcala will also turn over and inaugurate rice processing complex at barangay Monpon, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo and Barotac Nuevo Slaughterhouse to the Barotac Nuevo Development Cooperative and local government unit respectively and the Regional Soils Organic Laboratory at WESVIARC. /MP

Alcala Launches P9M WV Organic Soils Lab

Alcala Launches P9M WV 

Organic Soils Lab

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala will lead the launching of the Regional Organic Soils Laboratory worth P9 million at the Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC), Jaro, Iloilo City on January 30.

This two-story laboratory the Department of Agriculture (DA) 6 Organic Agriculture Program funded is put up in order to serve the demand for modernized soil analysis and to respond to the need for specific analysis in the certification and licensing of organic agricultural products and inputs. 

Currently, Western Visayas ranks number two after Region 2 in organic agriculture production. Hence, the DA 6 Organic Agriculture Program seeks to increase the number of practitioners through the provision of organic farming facilities like this laboratory. 

DA 6 Regional Executive Director Larry P. Nacionales said the laboratory has state-of-the-art equipment to analyze organic and inorganic fertilizer samples, soil conditioners, liming materials, plant tissues and pesticide residues of agricultural products. 

The laboratory building costs P2 million and its equipment such as atomic absorption spectroscopy with heavy metal attachment, analytical and top loading balance, and nitrogen distillation cost P7 million. /MP 

Ang Kahalagahan Ng Kasaysayan

Ang Kahalagahan Ng Kasaysayan

by Johann C. Cawaling

Ang kasaysayan ay isang disiplinang agham-panlipunan na itinuturo sa lahat ng antas ng pag-aaral. Ayon sa mga mananalaysay, ang kasaysayan ay isang pagtatala o ulat ng mga nakaraang pangyayari o kaganapan na maayos na pagkakasunodsunod na paglalarawan at pagbibigay kahulugan sa mga pangyayaring nagdaan.

Ito ay nagbibigay ng malawakang pang-unawa ng kaisipan sa mga kabataan upang mamulat sila sa lumipas na katotohanan na nag-uugnay sa makabagong kabihasnan.

Ang pag-aaral ng kasaysayan ng ating bansa ay naglalayon ito upang mapa-usbong ang puso ng mga mag-aaral tungo sa masusing pagsusuri upang matugunan ang kasagutan sa mga yugto ng pangyayari. Hinihikayat nito ang mag-aaral na bigyang pansin ang pag-aaral ng kasaysayan lalo na kung saan tayo nagmula, at kung anong lahi ang ating pinagmulan. Liban sa pagkaki-lanlan bilang Pilipino. Makikita rin sa ating kasaysayan ang mayamang kultura natin, at lahi na ating ipagmalaki.

Sa mga katibayang nakuha at naitala, inilalahad dito kung paano namuhay ang sinaunang Pilipino, ang kanilang kabihasnan, mga kaugalian at paniniwala; batas na kanilang pinairal at sinunod, ang kanilang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga dayuhan at karatig-pook at pakikibaka sa kanilang buhay. Inilalarawan din sa ating kasaysayan ang mapagmahal sa kalikasan ng ating mga ninuno. Sa paglipas ng panahon, unti-unting nagkakaroon ng pagbabago dahil sa epekto ng modernisasyon. Mga makabagong tuklas ng pagbabago ang tumutubo kaya ang ating kasaysayan ay unti-unti ring nakalimutan.

Dapat itong pagtuunan ng matinding pansin nang sa gayon ang kasaysayan ay hindi mabura sa makabagong henerasyon. Kailangan ipadama ang bawat hibla ng kaalaman upang makatulong ito at upang mapabago ang damdamin ng mga mag-aaral sa pag-aaral ng kasaysayan. Ang ating kagawaran ay naglunsad ng mga gawain tulad ng patim-palak sa mga mag-aaral tungkol sa kasaysayan. 

Hinihikayat din nito na ang mga guro ay magkaroon ng ma-unlad na kaalaman at kasanayan sa pagtuturo ng kasaysayan sa pamamagitan ng mga kasanayan sa pagpupulong at “seminar-workshop” at pagsasanay sa mga guro ng iba’t ibang pamamaraan at estratihiya na magbubukas sa panibagong antas ng kaalaman. /MP

Hobnobing With Mask-Donning Fans As They Break World Record

Hobnobing With Mask-Donning Fans As They Break World Record

by Alex P. Vidal

Arriving in California from Las Vegas, Nevada together with fellow journalists Eddie Alinea and Robbie Pangilinan May 9 evening last year, I immediately hied off to the Orange County from Baldwin Park, California the following day as baseball fans at the Angel Stadium, Anaheim, California set a new Guinness World Record in the “largest gathering of people wearing costume mask” by donning the masks for 10 consecutive minutes.

Almost everybody in the crowd of 40,128 that cheered for the Angel’s 6-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox had been given glittery, red, Lucha Libre-inspired wrestling masks bearing a white haloed “A” logo to have a chance to join in smackdown history.

As the countdown clock reached its final 10 seconds, thousands of fans raised and participated in “ten, nine…” Just as the clock striked “0:00” and masked fans cheered, they cheered wildly, doubly because the Angels’ Howie Kendrick drilled a double into left field scoring Hunter for the host team’s 6-1 lead.

The Angels established the world record in the top of the fifth inning by rallying fans to become part of the record-breaking avalanche witnessed by Guinness World Record adjudicator Amanda Mochan, who had been flown in by the Angels from New York.

Mochan made the record official and gave a plaque to masked Angels chairman Dennis Kuhl in a quick ceremony in the Diamond Club. “This was one of the more entertaining records, and yes, I did laugh,” remarked Mochan.

Fellow journalist Marcia Smith, who also donned a mask, said it took about 10 seconds for most fans to tear open the plastic bag stamped “Made in China” and removed the giveaway mask.

“I couldn’t resist trying mine on and going under cover,” she said. “After a brief contact high and chemically loaded whiff of the synthetic fabric, I pulled and tugged the one-size-fits-all mask into place.

“I felt ready to pull off a bank heist – or challenge Lesley Ross, the psychiatrist sitting next to me, to a table match. But I feared being put in a straitjacket. On their count.”

According to Smith, “most of the crowd that had resisted putting on the mask threw on the throw-down apparel when the giant video board over right field featured a clip from ‘Nacho Libre’ and instructions, ‘Put on your masks!”

The crowd roared and it wore, added Smith. Corners of the board devoted to ads and extra statistics became home to the Guinness World Record 10-minute countdown clock. Ushers moved through their sections counting the few fans who abstained from looking like an extra from “Nacho Libre.” /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Haring Rahab – Maakop Nga Hari

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Kilaea sa bilog nga kaharian ro pagkamaakop ni Haring Rahab. Ro tanan nga kutob mailaan ko anang mata hay bo-ot nana nga angkunon. Busa guina tago ko mga tawo ro mga mahayga nga bagay ag igdaeapat ay basi makursunadahan kong hari. Maskin may asawa eon ro babaye ag magustuhan nana hay owa it makabalibad. Nagapangamuyo eon lang ro mga tawo nga basi kon may makapabag-o kana sa anang batasan.

Isaeang adlaw, samtang naga tindog si Haring Rahab sa balkon, may nakita imaw nga daeaga nga nagatikang sa karsada. Mahaba ro anang buhok ag maputi rong pamanit.

Pagkakita kana it hari hay nabighani imaw. Guinpatawag nana ro anang ministro agod ipaatubang kana rong daeaga. Bo-ot ko hari nga obrahon nga isaea sa anang asawa. 

Ko agahon ngaron, plano ko daeaga nga taw-an it leksyon rong hari. Haum man imaw kon nano ro matabo kana kon indi nana mapasugot sa anang kundisyon ro hari. Guin hinyo nana sa mga tawo nga mag pu-asa sa kadaeag-an ko anang plano.

Nagpasugot ro daeaga nga mag-atubang sa hari. Nagpasaeamat imaw nga maka atubang sa hari. Guin tao nana ro anang tatlong ka kondisyon parabil magtener sa palasyo. 

Una nga kondisyon: Sa adlaw imaw maga katoeog ag sa gabi-e maga obra.

Pangaywa: Maga-ilis imaw it eambong kon mag-uean.

Pangatlo: Kon magkaon hay sa madueom ag bukon it mahayag.

Bangod sa kaila it hari kana, nagpasugot rong hari ag guinpermahan pa rong kasugtanan ko anang dogalingong dugo. Nag estar sa palasyo rong daeaga. Nangin amiga nana rong tanan nga asawa it hari. Amigo man nana ro mga tawohan sa palasyo. Sa unang adlaw, sige rong trabaho sa gabi-I ag naga katoeog sa adlaw samtang naga katoeog man rong hari sa gabi-i. Sa pangaywa nga adlaw, idto imaw guina daehi it pagkaon sa madueom. Guintipon nana ro mga sari-saring pagkaon ag guin tao sa mga tawo sa liwan it palasyo. Bo-ot imaw nga maka-iba kong hari, ugaling mahigko pa imaw bangod owa pa naga uean nga anang inog paligos. Ogaling kon gabi-i naga paligos imaw ag ana man nga isuksuk ro anang eagi nga eambong agod makita it hari nga owa pa imaw makapaligos.

Indi man mapilit ko hari rong daeaga bangod may pinirmahan imaw nga kasugtanan. Bangod sa daeaga, amat-amat nga nag iba rong pagkasueok it hari. Nangin maeapit imaw sa daeaga nga nagatatap it mayad sa hari. Sa kabuhayon eon nana nga pagtener sa palasyo, nangin maeapit kana ro mga tawo eabi guid ro mga unga it hari. Guin tipon nana ro mga asawa ag guin tun-an it pagtrabaho. Guinpatindugan man nana it eskwelahan ro mga unga it hari. Tungod sa kahugod ag abilidad ko daeaga, napapati nana ro hari ag guin sentro ro anang atensyon sa kamaeayran ko mga pumueuyo. 

Ko ulihi, namatay rong hari ag ro daeaga rong guinpili ko mga tawo nga mangin reyna. Rong dating maakop nga hari hay nangin mabuot sa mga tawo ag sa anang pagtaliwan, nakalibre ro mga tawo sa pagkamaakop kong hari. 

Makaron, isaeang ka mauswagon nga kaharian rong guina dumaeahan it isaeang ka maisog ag mahugod nga reyna. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer by Ambrosio R. Villorente

Local Revenue Code Of Kalibo And You

“An ordinance Enacting Local Revenue Code of Kalibo, Aklan” is an ordinance approved by the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalibo and Mayor William S. Lachica. This is now under review by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan.

The Code is of 150 pages computerized on long bond paper, double space. According to the members of the SB Kalibo who approved the Code, the said Code shall govern the levy, assessment, and collection of taxes, fees, charges, and other impositions within the jurisdiction of Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines.

Did the SB Kalibo follow the process in the enactment of the said Code like the prior publication of it as mandated by the Local Government Code and its Implementing Rules and regulations? If not, then the said Code maybe invalidated. I did not read any publication of the said Code before its approval as an ordinance.

Is the said Code voted by necessary and required number of votes? If the answer to this question is negative, the said Code maybe declared null and void by proper and concerned authorities.

Going over the provisions of the said Code, I found the tax impositions, fees and charges are highly excessive, and confiscatory. The Code has also several riders.

Business Taxes

Business Taxes are imposed on gross sales on manufacturers, assemblers, repackers, processors, brewers, distillers of liquors, producers of rice and corn among others. This provision will discourage businessmen to conduct business in Kalibo. The farmers will be discouraged to grow and produce food crops due to the excessive taxes. The Code will impose taxes on the investment as it will levy taxes on gross income. It should be for the best of the business, the community and the people if taxes are only levied on net income.

Late Payment

Oh why? For failure of the tax payer to pay the prescribed amount of tax, a surcharge of 25 percent of the original amount of tax due will be collected. Wow! LGU Kalibo seems to have lent a sum of money to a tax payer, failure to pay the amortization on time, it will collect 25 percent surcharge on the original amount or on the remaining balance of the collectible tax. This is too huge than the penalty the banks and even pawnshops ask their borrowers to pay for overdue loans.

For unpaid taxes, LGU Kalibo will impose two (2) percent interest per month or 24 percent per annum. This interest is too high and unreasonable.

These surcharges and penalties the Revenue Code of Kalibo imposes on tax payers will discourage businessmen to continue conducting business in Kalibo. They might be motivated to transfer their businesses to adjacent municipalities.

A good example of this are the States of New Jersey and New York. New York collects sales taxes while New Jersey does not. Since New Jersey is just across the river or separated by a river, many people from New York go to New Jersey to do their shopping. 

As a result, New Jersey increased its sales tax collections while New York sales tax collection is diminishing. 

As to the operation of motorized tricycles in Kalibo, the franchise owner will pay P1,075 for franchise fee. This is renewable every three (3) years. Moreover, the operator will also pay P500 for mayor’s permit annually.

SB Kalibo has identified and listed 94 possible violations with its corresponding penalties motorized tricycle operators and drivers may possibly commit.

These are violations regarding motor vehicle registration, franchise and permit; violations concerning license; concerning plates and stickers; relative to motor vehicle parts, accessories and markings; relative to for hire motor vehicle parts, accessories; fraud and falsities; parking violations and others. The penalties for its violation range from P200 to P2,500.

Who will implement traffic laws and ordinance so that travel in Kalibo is highly safe, pleasant and enjoyable? These are highly beneficial to both pedestrians, and drivers. But who will implement these traffic rules and regulations and collect penalties from operators and drivers found and proven to have violated this revenue code? (Additional analysis on the provisions on this Revenue Code of Kalibo, Aklan will be continued in the future issues.) /MP

Editorial by Barbra N. Villareal

Standards Based Lessons: 

A First Step In Good Teaching

Change is difficult, be it on a personal or professional level. But change is not always negative. In an age where information spreads faster than ever before, it’s important to keep up to date with the latest trends. There are uncertain times when people must be willing to try new things, to be more open, curious and experimental. 

This is especially true in education, as we are preparing our students to become a part of a global world. Although there are great new models of learning and schooling, there are also exceptions, and the progressive movement has not gain much momentum. This challenges us, as educators, to keep pace with new curriculum and teaching concepts. Part of the foundation of quality education is a comprehensive lesson, based on standard and assessment using rigorous criteria.

Standard based lessons are the first step in good teaching. As a teacher it is essential to know your standard. Knowing your standard means that you know what knowledge your students should be coming with each year, the scope of the curriculum you yourself is tasked with teaching and recognizing how the curriculum spirals. It helps to become familiar with not only the standard for your class, but previous classes. 

Students are expected to come to your class with knowledge that at least meets the standard from the previous year. Obviously, this only happens in an ideal world. Students will come to you with a wide variety of knowledge. Some students will be above grade level; some students will be below grade level, and some students will be very far below grade level. 

But that’s ok. Is it intimidating? Of course. Does it make your job more difficult? Absolutely. But knowing where your students should be and where they actually are academically essential. Knowing the curriculum for the grade you teach will ensure that your students are learning the same information as their peers. Knowing your standard also helps you recognize the spiraling effect of curriculum. Students are tasked with learning certain skills at certain age so that the next year’s curriculum can build on them. Understanding what your students need to know and why is essential.

Once you became familiar with your standard, it is much easier to create an appropriate lesson objective. Objectives are defined as “statements describing what learners will be able to do upon completion of a unit of study” (Acito, pg.1). Objectives should be short, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bounded (SMART). Students should be overloaded with an objective; one task at a time is the best way to go. Objectives need to be measurable. The teacher must have an objective way of assessing whether or not a student achieved the objective. Attainable and realistic objectives mean that tasks are age and grade appropriate. Time bound objectives are ones that can be met within a specific, given time frame. Let’s look at two different objectives:

Objective 1:  Students will learn 20 new vocabulary words.

Objective 2: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to spell the following five words with 80 percent accuracy: photography, digital, lens, shutter, camera.

Let’s start by discussing the problems with Objective 1. Objective 1 is not a short task. This may take  several days or weeks, depending on the learners. This objective also does not tell the students how their learning will be measured. Objective 1 may well be attainable, but it is neither easily attainable, nor realistic. Some 20 vocabulary words are too many for one lesson. 

It is not very realistic to assume that students will be able to learn 20 new vocabulary words as part of a lesson. Further, “Learn” is a vague verb. What exactly will the students learn with the vocabulary words? It could be spelling, vocabulary, usage, and others.  Objective 1 also does not specify when students will be able to meet this standard. Will the students be able to complete this task in one day? One week? 

Objective 2 is a much better example of a good objective. This objective is short. It gives the students one task, spell the five vocabulary words. This objective is also measurable. It clearly states that students will be able to spell the words with 80 percent accuracy. During this step remember that you are reaching for an average here. If you require 100 percent success, many students will fail. If your standard is too low, you will have grade inflation to deal with. Eighty percent accuracy means that this is an attainable and realistic goal for most students. Finally, objective 2 is time related. Students will be able to complete the given task at the end of the lesson, be that one or more days.

The final key to an effective lesson is a reliable assessment. To create a successful assessment you need to refer back to your objective. When you assess you must ensure that you are truly assessing what was taught. If your objective specifies that students will be able to spell vocabulary words and the assessment is a fill in the blank quiz, the objective and assessment do not align. Essentially, you are not assessing what the students had been taught. A better assessment would be an exit slip where students need to correctly spell the vocabulary words. 

‘Editor’s Note: Ms. Barbra N. Villareal is Teacher III, Aguinaldo T. Rapiedad Sr. Integrated School, Banga, Aklan.’ /MP