MARCOS URGES COMELEC: DECIDE NOW ON MANNER OF ELECTION

MARCOS URGES COMELEC:

 DECIDE NOW ON MANNER OF ELECTION

SENATOR Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. prodded the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to make up its mind on what system to use in the 2016 national elections.

Marcos pointed out the urgency of the matter, noting that the Comelec is still studying its options even though the May polls are just 10 months away.

In a statement, Marcos reminded the poll body that a decision on the election system has to be made soon.

“What’s it gonna be? The Comelec should make up its mind because the clock is ticking away. From the looks of it, the Comelec has not yet decided 10 months before the scheduled elections. It’s already tight,” he said.

 Reports said the Comelec has abandoned the idea of the hybrid voting system or the Patas (precinct automatic tallying system) as an option after tests showed serious problems, plus the exorbitant cost it would entail.

Marcos noted that the Comelec is still weighing two more options, which are the refurbishment of the old precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines and the lease of new optical mark readers (OMR).

“If it’s PCOS or OMR, the Comelec has to pick now between the two and then proceed to the next step. I believe the Comelec knew by now the strong and weak points of the two systems, so I can’t see why it’s taking them so long to choose,” he said.

 “I can understand that the Comelec is only very careful in making the decision on what system would be implemented. But it is stuck there and has not moved further. I think it’s time now to make that judgment call so that it will have the luxury of a wider elbow room for the rest of the preparations”, Marcos suggested.

On New PNP Chief’sAppointment

On the other hand, Sen. Marcos welcomes the appointment of the Police Director Ricardo Marquez as the new PNP Chief.

Since the suspension of then PNP Chief Alan Purisima, I have been urging Malacanang to immediately appoint a permanent successor because a mere Officer-In-Charge lacks authority to initiate permanent policies that are crucial to the operation of the Philippine National Police.

The appointment of a permanent PNP Chief would finally bring clarity to the command structure of our police organization. I personally know Dir. Marquez because he once served as Regional Director for Region 1. I am confident that he has the ability and experience to lead the PNP and that he will discharge his duty to the best of his ability, he said. /MP

DA-BuB Intensify Swine Production In Northern Antique ByJames Earl E. Ogatis

DA-BuB Intensify Swine Production

 In Northern Antique

DA-BuB Swine Dispersal Project. Upgraded piglets (Durok and Hampshire) weighing not less than 20 kilograms are given to identified farmer beneficiaries as part of the P399,765.00 swine production project to Libertad and Barbaza, Antique. 

“I will take good care of this piglet and develop her into a sow for me to earn extra income in my backyard” committed Mrs. Fely J. Tenefrancia DA-BuB swine dispersal recipient from barangay Poblacion, Libertad, Antique.

Tenefrancia was one of the beneficiaries of DA-BuB swine dispersal project which granted 40 heads of upgraded swine (Duroc and Hampshire) to the municipality of Libertad and 24 heads to the municipality of Barbaza, Antique.

According to Dr. Joyce S. Wendam, DA-Regional Technical Director and BuB focal person, the municipality of Libertad has a total beneficiary of 40 livestock raisers on a ratio of one piglet for each beneficiary while Barbaza has only 12 beneficiaries because they have a ratio of  two piglets per beneficiary.

Wendam said that intensifying swine production in Northern Antique will greatly help marginalized farmers who were affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

She stressed that multivitamins, feeds, antibiotics and dewormer were also provided to the beneficiaries as part of the package of the project for the period of four months.

Ms. Elma Paulino, municipal agriculturist of Libertad, Antique said that each beneficiary claimed their weekly feed ration from the identified supplier depending on the recommended consumption based on the body weight of the piglet.

She said that close monitoring of the project is done by the assigned livestock technician to ensure efficient utilization of the specific interventions.

Repayment for this project will be channeled to the municipal office which will later identify the second batch of beneficiaries from their locality.

DA-BuB project has provided a total of P399,765.00 for swine production to the two municipalities aside from other projects such as native chicken and goat production and organic program intervention. (JEEOgatis photo)/MP

Business Planning Writeshop for 8 SLP In Guimaras By James Earl E. Ogatis

Business Planning

Writeshop For 8 SLP In Guimaras  

Ms. May Ann B. Grajo, (Inset) RPCO-6 I-REAP component head emphasizing the importance of the three-day writeshop as to the relevance of business planning, capacitate the proponent groups and develop a business plan for the seaweeds production and marketing in Guimaras. (RSSoqueño photo)

The Regional Project Coordinating Office (RPCO) 6 I-REAP component conducted a three-day business planning writeshop for the eight small livelihood projects (SLP) under the PRDP-Global Environmental Facility (GEF) for the province of Guimaras.

The writeshop aimed to come up with an individual business plan among the eight Proponent Groups (PGs) in the four (4) Municipalities for the seaweeds production and marketing enterprises.

According to May Ann B. Grajo, RPCO-6 I-REAP Component Head, the conduct of the writeshop is necessary to explain the relevance of business planning, capacitate the proponent groups in technical writing and develop a business plan for the priority enterprise for funding.

“We have to intensify and fast track our business plans for this GEF project amounting to Php.18.5M which will be divided equally among the eight proponent groups.” Grajo said

Ms. Jesusa Marzoña, PSO Visayas Cluster M & E specialist emphasized the importance of quality results and proper monitoring and evaluation of the sub-project while Mr. Norlito Ibañez, PSO Visayas Cluster I-REAP component head presented and discussed the SLP guidelines, business plan outline and provide technical inputs of the said activity.

Mr. Francis Anthony Cruz, PSO Visayas Cluster Safeguard Specialist said that all sub-projects business plan should conform with the social and environmental safeguard (SES) guidelines. Mr. Joseph Mario Llamas RPCO-6 procurement unit head added that all procurement related to the implementation of seaweed production will follow the procurement procedure set by the PRDP.

Llamas explained that no short-cut or alteration of the procurement system process be made by the proponent to ensure smooth implementation of the sub-project.

Mr. Ronnie Morante, provincial agriculturist of Guimaras is optimistic that after the three-day writeshop the eight business proposals will be made ready for technical review and endorsement for the approval of the Regional Project Advisory Board. /MP

The Frank Fact: Salvaging For Art

The Frank Fact: Salvaging For Art

It’s in his laid-back, subtle fashion sense (and probably the way he can pull off super tight skinny jeans) that Kapuso star Frank Magalona is drawing lots of curious attention from anyone who comes across his way. He translates his creativity in the way he carries himself and the mystery in his eyes compels you to know him a little more.

Francis Michael Magalona Jr., or simply Frank, is the eldest son of OPM legend and Master Rapper Francis Magalona. His creativity came out naturally since he grew up in a family of profound artists. Graduating from the University of the Philippines, College of Fine Arts, Frank admits that his passion was not fully developed until he was already in art school, where he discovered his own style of self-expression.

Another thing to know about Frank is that as an artist, he likes to work with paper and other planar objects. His undergraduate thesis, a collage made entirely of old newspapers, cartons, and other discarded materials—put together with the help of his family and friends, was borne out of his family’s past dependency on shopping and impulse buying. “All the pieces were authentic and actually came from our household,” shares the Kapuso actor.

As he tries to adopt a more frugal lifestyle, he now tries to use salvaged materials in his art and transforms them into functional masterpieces. “One day, I was forced to move out of the place that I used to stay in and relocated. I spotted these railroad ties at a gardening shop and turned them into a bed because I didn't have one. I didn't have a closet too so I used corrugated galvanized iron sheets to build one,” Frank recalls.

Frank is happy to note that he found his own identity as an artist, and his family has always been supportive of his journey. Being co-managed by his mother, Pia Magalona, he has the motivation to explore different avenues for his expression. Since he entered show business, he has been part of several Kapuso teleseryes including Blusang Itim, Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit, Spooky Valentine, My Beloved, Hindi Ka Na Mag-Iisa, Mundo Mo’y Akin, Rhodora X, Yagit, and Once Upon A Kiss. After years of honing his talent and developing his craft, Frank has recently added ‘brand ambassador’ to his resume.

His upcoming project as a brand ambassador is a pop-up bar that will reveal his creativity as an artist. For a short time this month, he will be introducing The Mind Fact, a hang-out place where one can enjoy creating his own drink.

“I like experimenting whether in art or in my daily life so my pop-up [bar] is inspired by a chemistry lab. Every night is also an experiment for the bar-goer who likes drinking. In my pop-up, you have the option to mix my delicious black drink called "Kolor Proof" using test tubes and beakers filled with high quality alcohol and other fresh ingredients. I also like music, and in my bar, you can produce your own beats using actual deodorant spray cans. It's the kind of place to have interesting conversations. This man likes to think, and on that night, he invites you to step inside his world,” he explains.

True enough, something within him keeps others intrigued as his cool, languid gaze can breathe life to the common phrase, ‘the eyes are the windows to one’s soul’.

Visit the Kapuso actor’s pop-up bar and have the chance to experience his art on July 22 at the Mind Museum. /MP

After the adjournment of the Aklan Investment Forum, a Press Conference was held at Cafe Latte in the afternoon of the same day which was attended by members of the Aklan media. Picture at left shows Cong. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr., Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores, and Vice Gov. Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo. They briefed the members of the local media of the positive results in the Forum.

News Pictorial

2015 Aklan Investment Forum

On the theme: “Sustaining Aklan’s Economic Growth Momentum”, the province of Aklan, the Aklan congressional district office and the National Economic and Development Authority, with the cooperation of other government agencies and private sector, held the first Aklan Investment Forum on Friday, July 17, 2015 at Royale Grande Restaurant, Kalibo, Aklan. The forum was attended by chief executive officers, portpolio managers, financial officers, LGU policy makers , heads of government  organizations, ODA partners, and Industry Experts among other. 

Photo above shows Cong. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. of the Lone District of Aklan delivering his welcome remarks to the guests, resource speakers, and participants to the Forum. Others in the presidential table (l - r) are Aklan Vice Gov.Billie V. Calizo-Quimpo, Mr. Peter Wallace of the Wallace Business Forum, Hon. Margarito “Gary” Teves - Former Secretary of Finance and Aklan Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores.

At the podium is Mr. Peter Wallace delivering his opening statements.

At the podium is former secretary of finance Margarito “Gary” Teves delivering his inspirational message.

At the podium is Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente - entrepreneurial farmer presenting his position paper  “Investing in Aklan Agriculture”. He represented the farmers’ group in the Forum.

Photo at left shows the participants to the Forum. Among them are Ibajay Mayor Lulu Miraflores, Mr. Juan P. Dayang , Mrs. Vicky Ramos Antonino and former  Cong. Allen Salas Quimpo  of the Lone District of Aklan. Due to limited space inside the room,  some participants stayed outside (ARV photos)

ABCC CAMPAIGNS FOR BLOOD SUPPLY

ABCC CAMPAIGNS

FOR BLOOD SUPPLY

The Aklan Blood Coordinating Council (ABCC) in the recent Kapihan sa Aklan, hosted by Mr. Joselito Edwin Ramos of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) last July 11, 2015 at Carmen Hotel, Kalibo, Aklan pushes for more quality blood supply in Aklan.

From the report of the Phil. Red Cross – Aklan Chapter, there is a total collection of 4,650 units in 2014. At present, the record shows that from January to June 2015, it now reaches 2,466 units out of the target collection of 5,500 units for 2015.  Dr. Cynthia C. Dela Cruz, a board member of ABCC and Committee Chair of Blood Services of PRC – Aklan said, “We need the cooperation of the LGU’s and the community.”

 

Ms. Melanie Rogan Rojo, the Chapter Service Representative-Blood Services of PRC Aklan informed the public that blood itself is free but it has processing costs. In view of this, there is an increased in the processing fee of blood unit effective June 2015. She said the increase will be as follows: P300 increase from P1,500 to P1,800, whole blood processing fee; packed red blood cells, from P1,100 to P1,500; and from P700 to P1,000 for platelets and other components. She added that the increase is made to cover the high cost of reagent they use in testing blood samples and other operational expenses.

The Provincial Blood Coordinator, Mr. Roger Debuque likewise informed that there will be a province wide bloodletting activity on July 20, 2015 at the ABL Sports complex, Kalibo, Aklan. The event is in support to the celebration of World Donor’s Month this July. There will be a motorcade from 7:30 AM from Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTTMH) to ABL Sports complex. The theme of this year’s Blood Donor’s Month is, “Thank you for Saving my Life.”

The LGU’s who conducted Mobile Blood Donation program for 2015 are: Once for Kalibo, Altavas, Numancia, Makato, Ibajay and New Washington, while twice for Banga, Batan, Balete, Malinao and Tangalan. Malay MDRRMO initiated once their own MBD, too. Other LGUs which are yet to conduct MBD’s are Nabas, Lezo, Buruanga, Madalag and Libacao.

The ABCC was re-organized in 2010 in response to the call for sufficient and stable blood supply in Aklan. The need to organize the Aklan Blood Coordinating Council is pursuant to Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2010-0002 dated January 7, 2010 requiring every region, province and highly urbanized cities to establish and operate a Local Blood Council (LBC) to Support the Implementation of the National Voluntary Blood Service Program (NVBSP) for Blood Safety and Adequacy, Quality Care and Patient Safety.             

The ABCC was established to support the implementation of the National Voluntary Blood Services Program for Blood Safety and Adequacy, Quality Care and Patient Safety, of which its policy shall apply to all community based organizations which are established and operated to promote voluntary donation. This Voluntary Blood Donation program is encouraged in districts, municipalities and barangays.

The structural organization of the organization shall be based on a membership of various community sectors such as Local Government Units (LGU), hospitals, PRC, Health Professional Associations, schools, military and police establishments, civic/religious organizations, and mass media. It is organized as a non-profit, non-government, multi-sectoral group with members coming from the government and private sectors of the local community committed to support the blood program by planning and implementing a local blood donation program (LBDP) in accordance with the Department of Health policies and guidelines.

The current ABCC President, Ms. Melrose “Megs” S. Lunn pushes for more vigilant donor volunteers of quality blood supply by sharing its campaign slogan – “DUGO MO, BUHAY KO.” She encourages everyone to volunteer to donate blood and help save lives.  She said, “There are many ways to donate for humanitarian purpose. If you are not able to donate blood, you can also apply for membership to the Philippine Red Cross for a minimum registration fee while covered with insurance worldwide.”

ABCC will also ensure adequate supply of blood through promotion of voluntary blood donation, mobilize human sources/facilities/financial support for local public education, donor recruitment program, organize mobile/mass blood donation (MBD) activities in coordination with authorized Blood Collection Unit (BCU) within Aklan, and assist the local blood services network in public education. /MP

GOV’T MUST MAKE PH MORE TOURIST-FRIENDLY

GOV’T MUST MAKE PH

MORE TOURIST-FRIENDLY

The Philippine government should spearhead efforts for tourist industry players and stakeholders to get their acts together and entice more tourists to visit the country, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. said.

Marcos said this on Tuesday July 14 when asked on what he would do to further improve the tourism industry if elected President in 2016.

“The tourism industry should be a more important and larger part of our economy,” Marcos said at the Bulong Pulungan media forum at Hotel Sofitel. He noted that an average of 4.5 million international tourists arrive in the country annually, a far cry from the Department of Tourism’s target of 10 million arrivals in 2016.

While he acknowledged that DOT is doing a good job of generating publicity abroad for the Philippines, Marcos said a lot more has to be done to make the country a more attractive destination for international tourists.

“We have to do our part. We have to make the tourism sites more accessible, we have to make the systems better: the peace and order, the safety and security of the tourists, and the facilities, like more hotels, airports---all of these things that need to be done,” Marcos said.

Marcos recalled that a few years ago, an Italian friend said he would prefer to travel to Thailand than to the Philippines because the former is much cheaper for tourists to visit.

“I said how can it be expensive? In the Philippines, tourism goods are cheaper. He said, in Thailand I pay 1000 dollars, all in, hotel, tour, food, everything, I don’t have to think about it anymore.”

In contrast, Marcos said his Italian friend complained that when he goes to the Philippines, he had to find a hotel on his own, find a driver, get a tour guide, and even make his own research for the best places to go.

“We don’t make it easy for them. They are on a holiday, they don’t want to be thinking about those things,” Marcos said.

He recalled that during his stint as Ilocos Norte Governor, the local government realized that they had to create choirs, bands, and dance troupes to provide entertainment for tourists who visited the province.

“Something as simple as that still needs to be attended to, even things like food. Tourists, depending on where they come from, like to try the local stuff.  Eventually, they want to have their own food as well. These are the little things that need to be attended to that we seem to have ignored,” he said.

If the Philippines learns from Thailand’s tourism industry, it can easily hit its target of 10 million foreign tourist arrivals annually, according to Marcos. “The Thais have done a great job. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel; we just follow their example and try to pick up the good lessons from them,” he added.

“It’s just a question of putting the systems in to make it easy for tourists to come. That means we have to organize our travel agents better, we have to organize the actual services that are being provided,” he said.

Marcos said increased foreign tourist arrivals would spur tourism-related business and generate more jobs. A report of the World Travel and Tourism Council said that the Philippine travel and tourism sector contributed a total of P1.4 trillion to the local economy in 2014. /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Ro Pilyong Ueang

Kada tinuga hay may kaugalingon nga pamatasan. May una nga mayad-ayad nga ginapakita ag may una man nga mahugod mag-hangae sa may unang kapintasan. Guina hambae nga uwa it perpekto nga tinuga sa ibabaw it kalibutan. Kon amat mas napan-uhan rong deperensiya it iba ko sa sadya-an nga makita sa isaeang ka tinuga.

Sa idaeom it tubi, may isaeang ka ueang nga mahugod mag hangae sa anang kaibahang ueang. Naanaran eon nana ro paghangae ag indi eon nana mabag-o. Bangod abo rong naapektuhan sa anang paghinagae, abong mga ueang ro nagalikaw kay Peng Ueang.

Isaeang adlaw, samtang naga eangoy-eangoy si Peng Ueang nasipatan nana si Chit Pusit. Umandar eon man ro anang kapilyuhan. Gin sampit nana si Chit Pusit nga mag hampang it taguan.

Owa nakasayod si Chit nga idto sanda nagahampang sa mga korales. Bangod madueom rong mata ni Chit, owa nana napan-uhi nga nakasang-it ro anang mga galamay sa mga korales.  Mabuhay imaw maka hueagpos. Mayad ngani ay may mga isda nga nakatabang kana.  Guin buligan imaw it paeos sa mga korales. Halin kato, owa eon imaw makipag hampang kay Peng Ueang.

Mabuhay man nga owa nakahampang si Peng. Sige ro anang linibot busa hasubeang nana si Bokya nga naga eotaw-eotaw sa tubi.

Ginsampit nana si Bokya nga maghampang. Nagpasugot si Bokya. Sa owa magbuhay, nasum-oe eon kuno imaw it hampang sa tubi. Ngani iba eon man ro andang hampangon. Gin sampit nana si Peng nga magsakay sa lambat. Sadya-an nga mag duyan-duyan sanda sa ibabaw it tubi. Nagsueod sandang daywa. Maangan-angan, nag ea-ong si Bokya nga may boe-on imaw sa idaeom it tubi.

Nabilin si Peng nga sige rong duyan-duyan sa eambat. Ogaling owa eo-ta nakabalik si Bokya. Nabatyagan ni Peng nga naga inalsa rong lambat. Abo nga mga isda rong kaibahan sa sueod it lambat. Hinadlukan imaw. Kat gin bo-bo eon sanda sa banyera, nabati-an nana ro hambae it sangka tawo nga ibalik imaw sa dagat bangod maisot pa kuno imaw ag indi man mapuslan. Duro gid ro kaila ni Peng kat gin haboy imaw sa dagat.

Pag-uli nana sa andang lugar nangayo imaw it patawad sa mga gin hangaean nana eabi gid kay Chit Pusit. Nangayo man it patawad kana si Bokya tongod gin aywan imaw sa lambat.

Nagbalik rong pag aeamigohan kong tanan. Nakatu-on sanda it leksyon nga “Kon uwa ka naila ubrahon kimu hay indi mo pag ubrahon sa iba.” /MP

Food Summits May Hold Answers to Low Farm Productivity By Ernesto T. Solidum

Food Summits May Hold

Answers to Low Farm Productivity

In a press conference at Café Latte, Andagao, Kalibo on July 17, 2015 Cong. Ted Haresco Jr. wass overwhelmed by runaway success of the just concluded First Aklan Investment Forum. The total commitment and pledges from private and foreign investors stands at P20 billion. NEDA has documented the proceedings of the whole day session that dealt on power, commerce and industry, banking and finance, infra, agriculture and tourism.

Gov. Joeben T. Miraflores said that investment climate in Aklan is conducive due to excellent peace and order, stability both in politics and governance and tourism infra. During the 1980’s we started with construction of Jetty Ports in Caticlan and Cagban, Malay; expansions and modernizations of Kalibo International Airport and Caticlan International Airport (under PPP); Kalibo circumferential road and 4 lane Kalibo to Caticlan Philippine Nautical Highway. We have a number of high end hotels and resorts in Boracay and significant tourism investment in Buruanga, mainland Malay, Nabas and Tangalan. Actually the SP legislation on Private Public Partnership (PPP) enacted on April 15, 2015 will usher in strong motivation to invest because of cost sharing, credit enhancement, guarantees, subsidies and equities favorable to would be investors.

The best is yet to come, a positive appraisal of Vice Gov. Billie Calizo-Quimpo after hearing the report of initial pledges. This is a new dawn for Aklan to improve its socio-economic standing and preparedness in the Asean Integration.

However, there is a snag in the overall rosy picture. Our agri-fisheries sector is left out in the cold. With the average GDP growth of 1.78 per cent since 2010, two-thirds of the farming population are deeply mired in poverty. Aklan’s share in upscale Boracay market is minimal: 7 per cent in fruits and vegetables and 37 per cent in poultry and livestock. Aklanons have comparative advantage to supply the demand of hotels and resorts but sadly the opportunity has remained open.

What indeed is the root cause? Is the reason economics?, financial?, technical?, attitudinal? or all of the above?

This can only be fully evaluated if a food summit is organized by the Provincial Government in cooperation with non-government organizations like the Farmers’ Cooperative, Irrigators’ Association, Fisherfolks Organization, and ARC’s. Consultants and reactors would be representatives from LBP, DBP, OPA, NFA, DAR, DA-ATI, BFAR, BAI and ASU.

Agriculture provides one third of the total labor force. It contributes 11 per cent to GDP. With population growth of 1.9 per cent, DA targets 4.3 to 5.3 percent per year increase. However budget for agriculture corresponds only to 2.5 percent where the optimum recommendation of Food and Agriculture Organization is 7 percent. This skewed allocation of public funds directly affects 30 million Philippine farmers.

Taking advantage of recurrent food deficit smugglers have a heyday. According to UN Trade Statistics the government lost P37 billion in tariff in 2014 at the Bureau of Customs. This consists of 721, 018 MTs of sack worth P21.6 billion, chicken-P1.9 billion, Buffalo meat-P1.05 billion, onions-P113.5 million and garlic-P3.99 billion.

Vice Governor Quimpo is aware of DA’s distribution of agricultural machineries in Aklan such as irrigation pumps-28 units in February 2015 for battling El Nino, hand tractors, threshers in the wake of super typhoon Yolanda. During Gobyerno sa Barangay sorties in different towns the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist has distributed thousands of packs of vegetable seeds and planting materials such as mango, and jackfruit. Marine fish sanctuaries are established and maintained by LGU’s in Buruanga, Malay, Nabas, Ibajay, Tangalan and Batan. But we really don’t know the result of this economic amelioration program. At any rate, we expect to have the answers during the Food Summit straight from the horses’ mouth so to speak.

Inclusive growth must be the prime consideration for present and future investments. This is because at the heart of success is the full development of man himself. /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer by Ambrosio R. Villorente

INVESTING IN AKLAN AGRICULTURE 

ISSUES/CONCERNS/GAPS

*A paper presented to the participants to the Aklan Investment Forum held on Friday, July 17, 2015 at Royale Grande Restaurant Kalibo, Aklan jointly sponsored by the Aklan Congressional District lead by Cong. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr.; Provincial Government of Aklan lead by Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores, and the National Economic and Development Authority lead by Regional Director Ro-Ann A. Bacal of Region VI.

For the first six (6) months of 2015, Aklan got 22 billion pesos from its tourism industry. This money went to persons and business establishments engaging in tourism related businesses such as transportation, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and souvenir items. Part of the money went to the government in the form of taxes and fees.

Who runs the air, land and water transportations? Maybe, some Aklanons own and operate water, and land transportation businesses. Who runs hotels, resorts and restaurants businesses? A small percent is owned and operated by Aklanons, the majority is of foreigners and other businessmen. Even souvenir items are made outside of Aklan.

Employment is one big opportunity for local people of Aklan. However, businessmen bring their respective employees. Aklanons are limited to food services, housekeeping jobs and other minor positions.

Even tourist guides are non Aklanons. Do they know the culture, tradition, and history of Aklan?

The supply of food is one good opportunity to earn good amount of money from tourism. However, food is more often inadequate even for the family, no surplus for sale.

Farmers’ average age is 59 years. They could hardly withstand weather condition and implement recommended production method.

Farmer should be a know all person such as in Mathematics, Biology, Engineering and Animal Science among others. But he is a person who spent the shortest time in school. He can hardly implement recommended agricultural technology in either plant or animal production. He has limited resources and cannot invest in farming.

Hence, farm producers grow poor, farm traders grow rich. The gap is increasing annually.

In 2013, the 1.4 million visitors in Aklan ate the following: vegetables-4 percent of Aklan production, 96 percent was imported; fruits - 7 percent produced in Aklan, 93 percent was imported; fish - 38 percent Aklan catched - 62 percent imported. (Australian volunteer)

Effect:

1.For those who produce goods and services for sale, they are beneficiaries of tourism; and for those who has nothing to sell, they are victims of tourism.

2.The present condition in Aklan as affected by the tourist industry are: the cost of food and housing is increasing; traffic condition is worsening and pollution is going worse.

Aklan’s actual daily demand for chicken is 6,000 heads. It demands 5,000 kilograms a day of milk fish regardless of the quantity of available deep sea fish. Aklan does not produce chicken egg and milk. There is no commercial flowers project.

Recommendations:

I.Planting and production of:1.Fruits: mango, latondan and saba banana, and pakwan.

 2.Vegetables: cabbage, pechay, asparagus (Libacao), squash, ginger and beans.

 3.Chicken meat and eggs 

4.Milk from cattle and goat 

5.Production of ethanol from nipa 

6.Flowers: roses and orchids. 

7. Abaca for handicraft

II.1.Intensify training on agri-business for those to engage in agri-projects.

2. LGUs to assign agricultural technologists in all the barangays at one technologist per two to three (2-3) barangays with their official stations in the barangays; 

3. Liberalize the granting of agricultural loans to finance agri-business; 

4.DA to put up soils laboratory in Kalibo, Aklan; farmers continuously apply fertilizer to their farms without any soil analysis. 

5.Crop insurance to insure priority crops in Aklan. 

6. Increase irrigated land area by NIA.

III.1.Aklan LGU to organize a team composed of public/private sector representatives to review, adjust, and improve the present provincial agricultural program responsive to the present and future needs. 2. Organize farmers’ corporation to handle agricultural production inputs and outputs business. 3.Aklan LGU to provide scholarship to sons and daughters of farmers pursuing agricultural courses in college.

IV.       To formulate a short term and long term Aklan agricultural development program geard to develop majority of Aklanons to participate and enjoy tourism and agriculture progress in Aklan. /MP

Editorial

COMPETENT TEACHERS AND QUALITY EDUCATION MATERIALS WILL IMPROVE QUALITY OF EDUCATION

SENATOR Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., said the K to 12 program, which will add two years of schooling, is not an effective way to improve the quality of education in the Philippines.

Instead, Marcos said that raising the competency of teachers and upgrading of educational materials are the keys to raising the quality of education of Filipino students.

The K-12 program, created under Republic Act 10533, or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, adds two more years to the high school program.

“I’m not sure that just putting two extra years will improve the educational attainment of our students. What we should do is strengthen the educational system that we have,” he told some one thousand students who attended the youth forum held last Wednesday, July 15 in Concepcion Holy Cross College in Concepcion, Tarlac.

Asked by a student if K-12 will improve the quality of education in the country, he replied: “Marami pang questions and I think we have to rethink through the problems of K-12.”

Instead of the K-12, as it is conceived, Marcos batted for upgrading the economic condition of teachers by increasing their salaries and providing them with trainings and seminars in order to enhance their competencies.

He said the government should likewise invest in procuring modern and high standard books as well as construct adequate school buildings, classrooms and other educational facilities.

“The teachers need support so that they do not have to find other ways to earn a living thus allowing them to concentrate on teaching. We do not have enough school buildings. Our materials, school supplies that we provide our students in public schools, are below standard. These are the first things that we should attend to,” he said.

“Mahirap ang buhay ng teacher, maliit lang ang sahod pero lahat ng trabaho ng gobyerno at kapag may nangyayari sa lugar natin, sino ang pupuntahan natin kundi teacher. Pagdating ng eleksyon, sino ang gagawa ng trabaho kundi teacher?” Marcos asked.

Marcos is the author of Senate Bill 109 which seeks to increase the minimum salary of public elementary and high school teachers. It is pending approval in the Senate.

The K-12 mandates kindergarten, six years of elementary, four years of junior high school, and two years of senior high school.

The Department of Education has started implementing universal kindergarten in school year 2011-2012, and the new curriculum for Grade 7 in school year 2012-2013.

The Grade 11 curriculum will start nationwide in school year 2016-2017 while the Grade 12 curriculum will kick off in school year 2017-2018. 

Marcos said full implementation of the K to 12 program, as scheduled, will be problematic because there will be a shortage of classrooms and teachers.

“Sa palagay ko baka hindi kakayanin ng 2016. We can have quality education without the additional two years,” he said.  /MP