Cardinal Sin's statue unveiled

(Cardinal Jaime Sin's body lies in state at the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral Photo taken June 22, 2005. (Photo by Gemma Bulan/UCAN)
Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre
New Washington, Aklan- Antonia Regalado, 68 a retired government employee of New Washington sat outside the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish here observing the process of the unveiling of the brass statue of the late Cardinal Sin.
Regalado was one of the thousands of Catholic devotees who came for the unveiling of bronze monument and National Historical Institute (NHI) Marker Blessing of the Monument here Friday. The unveiling was celebrated for the 79th birthday of the late Cardinal Sin which was hailed from this town.
"I never meet the Cardinal in my entire life. However, as her townmate I felt proud of what he did. I known the Cardinal to be a hero of the Edsa revolution and a fearless Cardinal. How I wish many priests would follow his footsteps that is a fearless servant of God," Regalado said.
The 22 feet brass statue was donated by Cardinal Sin's long time friend and philantrophist Ambasador Antonio Cabangon L. Chua. Of the said 22 feet, some 13.5 feet of which are sculpted his whole body with emphasis on his smile manifesting his happy and optimistic life as a Cardinal. The statue fronts the parish church at the recently named Cardinal Sin Park.
The sculpture was crafted by brothers Ronald and Jonell Castrillo, both nephews and assistants of national sculpture artist Eduardo Castrillo.
In his homily, Antipolo City Bishop Gabriel Reyes said that he will be remember Sin as the story teller his way of spreading God's word. Reyes, also Cardinal Sin's provincemate was the first secretary of the Cardinal for five years (1975-1979).
"Cardinal Sin have been known for his sense of humor which have been appreciated by Pope John Paul II, Mother Theresa of Calcutta and many others. He used his sense of humor to communicate not only with the religious leaders but also to the world leaders," Bishop Reyes said.
"One example of which is in 1980's, Cardinal Sin asked Mother Theresa to come to the Philippines to takes care of the poor but the latter have initially rejected it. However, the Cardinal replied to Mother Theresa that when he died and would be asked why he failed to takes care of the poor the Cardinal will answer that the Mother of Calcutta refused to help him in his endeavor. So the Mother Theresa came to the Philippines to help the Cardinal build the home for the homeless," Bishop Reyes said.
Majority of the event in the unveiling ceremony serves as a tribute for the Cardinal.
House speaker Jose de Venecia who came for the event said that the Congress in August 11have passed a house resolution thanking the Cardinal for what he has done serving as the Prince of Church.
"I remember Cardinal Sin's one of his many last wishes before he died to abolish the death penalty in the country. So a year after he died, we have abolish the death penaly after the Congress discernment and careful deliberation on the issue," De Venecia said.
De Venecia also said that a bill for the naming of the Aklan highway is now pending in the Congress to be named before the late Cardinal Sin.
Ambeth Ocampo, chair of the government's NHI said that normally the NHI's approval for a national marker is being deliberated for 50 years until it was fast tracked to ten years recently.
"However, upon our examination the NHI executives agreed that it is proper to immediately approved the proposed marker in remembrance of Cardinal Sin," he said.
Ocampo led hthe unveiling of the marker of the late Cardinal.
Cardinal Sin's brother, Dr. Ramon Sin thanked all those present including politicians and Chruch leaders for the tribute bestowed for the late Cardinal.
"Our family will always remember the works of the Cardinal and those whom he touched by his life," the younger brother said.

August 31 a special non-working holiday in Aklan

Kalibo, Aklan – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared August 31 as a special non-working day in the province of Aklan.

August 31 marks the birth anniversary of the late Jaime Cardinal L. Sin, a true blooded Aklanon who contributed to the nation’s political history and social transformation which left a lasting impact on the lives of the Filipino people, PGMA said in her proclamation.

The President’s issuance of the proclamation declaring the special non-working holiday in the province tomorrow has been much awaited by Aklanons here, as a major event to honor the former Archbishop of Manila will be held in his hometown in New Washington with many national figures attending.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the province of Aklan be given full opportunity to celebrate the occasion with appropriate ceremonies”, the President said in her proclamation.

Tomorrow, Cardinal Sin’s towering statue at the New Washington Park will be unveiled and blessed to mark his birthday.

Johnny Dayang of the Publishers Association of the Philippines and a prominent Aklanon confirmed in an interview over radio station DYRU here this morning that Ambeth Ocampo, chairman of the National Historical Institute will preside in the unveiling of the historical marker.

The historical marker, said Dayang, acknowledges the shared efforts of the people responsible for the putting up of the statue. The marker is the government’s official recognition of the monument as part of the country’s history.

Dayang also confirmed the arrival tomorrow of Senate President Manny Villar, House Speaker Jose de Venecia, other top officials and dignitaries of the government, Roman Catholic Church and private sectors.

Cabinet members like Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza, Presidential Management Staff Secretary Cerge Remonde, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral, and Labor Secretary Art Brion have confirmed their attendance, according to Dayang.

PGMA’s holiday proclamation of August 31 in Aklan came as a result of Aklan Congressman Florencio T.Miraflores’ and Governor Carlito Marquez’ earlier request to the President for the declaration.

Congressman Miraflores, for his part, is currently initiating moves to make the August 31 observance a regular one every year by filing a bill in Congress for the purpose. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan launch slates planting thousands of trees

Kalibo, Aklan –Some 23,280 tree seedlings are set to be planted August 30 in the municipality of Tangalan in the western part of Aklan as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here, together with the local government unit of Tangalan, the Department of Education and the community launch the expanded Green Philippines program that targets to plant some 20 million seedlings nationwide.

According to Raul Lorilla, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, the launching sites in Tangalan are at Barangay Panayakan and at the Tangalan watershed. Seven groups will take part in the tree planting, composed of schools, fishery and agriculture councils, municipal officials and employees of Tangalan, multi-purpose cooperative, barangay officials and DENR employees. Each group will plant specific tree specie – for instance, the Tangalan National High School will plant Golden Shower tree seedlings numbering 1,000; Panayakan National High School, Acacia auri, 12,132; Tangalan FARMC, Mount Agoho, 3,000; Tangalan officials and employees, Bagras; Panayakan Lanipga MPC, Mahogany; barangay officials, Narra; and DENR employees, Narra and Molave; 328 seedlings.

The GPP launching in Tangalan, according to the DENR, is aiming to plant trees in some 20 hectares of land.

For this year, however, in sustaining and fully supporting the Green Philippines program, DENR, along with its partners in the province, aims to plant a total of 111,054 seedlings in some 73.86 hectares.

To realize this, PENRO Lorilla recently released a special order assigning DENR personnel as project focal persons/coordinators for thematic protected areas, critical watersheds and open lands.

For this year, DENR has set the planting of trees at protected areas, critical watersheds and open areas in the months of July and August; Agroforestry-Community-Based Forest Management Areas in September; Urban Parks, school campus, military camps and housing subdivisions in October; and mangrove and coastal areas in November.

This month of August, Lorillla said other GPP sites with mass planting include the Aklan River Watershed Forest Reserve at Brgy. Galicia, Madalag; Panakuyan River Watershed Project at Brgy. San Jose, Ibajay; Nabaoy River Watershed/Malay Refo. Project at Brgy. Nabaoy, Malay; and Open Forest Land Areas in Brgys. Castillo and Calangcang in Makato.

The Green Philippines Project is an offshoot of the Green Philippine Highways Project (GPHP) launched a year ago to green national highways that serves the route of the PGMA Strong Republic Nautical Highway. In Aklan this covers the national highway where buses using the RORO boats traversed – from Barangay Caticlan in Malay to Barangay Cabangila in Altavas, Aklan, the boundary of Aklan and Capiz.

With its expansion into GPP, the government hopes to arrest air pollution, flooding as well as water depletion and other environmental hazards. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Playing Doctor: Tonet Viray

Aklan Healthcare System & Political Nepotism
By Ben Hur P. Mobo, Jr. MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of MedicineYale University School of Medicine And Director,
Occupational Health ServiceVA Connecticut Healthcare System
The recent news about Tonet Viray hit me with both strong sadness and utter disgust: sadness for Tonet, the person and for the Aklan healthcare system; and disgust for political nepotism at its worst.Tonet is not a stranger to me.
When I learned that he had completed his medical degree and had stayed in Aklan to practice medicine, I felt glad for him.
In a way, this was my reaction to the exodus of medical practitioners to the United States and other countries to pursue higher education and hopefully better prospects in life.
I, too, left in 1995 to pursue residency in Internal Medicine, fellowship in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and Master in Public Health. After finishing in (year) 2000, I was asked to stay on as a faculty member.
But even as I moved up the academic ladder at Yale and the administrative track at the VA Connecticut Health-care System, I always kept an eye on Aklan’s healthcare system.
Thus, the news about Tonet is of interest to me—both as a practitioner of medicine and from a pubic health perspective.
In general, I have the full admiration for doctors who wittingly or by force of circumstance practice medicine in the Philippines, Aklan in particular.
What I cannot fathom, though, is the fact that Tonet had passed himself of as a fully licensed physician. There is no shame in admitting flunking the medical board exam.
I know how difficult my board exam was. And so there should be no shame in taking it again and again if need be.But to practice without medical license is "criminal", at least here in the United States.
This is especially true in the age of advocacy for patient safety, patient privacy, and patient autonomy. To practice without valid medical license is to break the very tenet of medicine to "first do not harm".
In the United States, someone who passes himself off as a duly licensed doctor is committing fraud (byimpersonating a doctor).
Any person examined by someone impersonating as a doctor, in effect, did not give consent to be touched.
The whole patient-doctor relationship does not hold. Thus, with each examination, the impostor commits battery. Any and all pelvic and breast examinations, deliveries, and circumcisions can be argued as sexual assaults. All surgeries can be made out as mutilations or attempted manslaughter.
And any death can be made out as homicide or manslaughter.
The point is: the hospital or in this case the Aklan government might have exposed itself to multitudes of criminal and civil suits by employing an unqualified individual.
On top of that, if the hospital submitted medical claims and received reimbursements for alleged services rendered by an impostor, those too can be fraudulent.
For a graduate of medical school to not re-take the medical board is a sign of either laziness or of tempting fate.
I know of friends who struggled many times over just to pass the board exams. To do so is to have the self-satisfaction of calling themselves doctors and to be able to further their medical education.
For someone to pass of himself as duly licensed and have the gall of applying for public office is to tempt fate.Or he is completely relying on the utter incompetence of the creden-tialing process that wittingly or unwittingly ignores his lack of proper credentials.
The Tonet I knew was a humble and self-deprecating young man. This could be a lapse of judgment.Is Tonet the only one party to this case?
Tonet was government-appointed personnel three times over. Is Aklan really in such dire shortage of real doctors as to appoint someone without license thrice?
Beneath it all, could Tonet truly have passed himself off as duly licensed physician and got himself two promotions solely on his own merits and actions?
Tonet’s appointments and rapid rise in the Aklan public healthcare chain must have ruffled some well-earned feathers and stepped on some well-polished toes.
Given Tonet’s very close proximity to the appointing powers, one can only speculate the significance of the issue of when politicians play favoritism or nepotism.
To me, Tonet is a case of political nepotism gone awfully wrong.In closing, just last week the Veterans Affairs secretary tendered his resignation in large partbecause of perception of inadequate health care provided to veterans and the highly publicized molds issue at the Walter Reed Medical Center.
Such is the serious ramification of chain of responsibility. I submit Tonet’s case is far worse in many levels.I call for the Aklan Medical Society to police their ranks, and for the Philippine Regulatory Commission to uphold the professional standards.
I think it is also ripe time for a comprehensive investigation to look into any anomalies involved in appointments to public health offices and to rectify the mistakes made, including civil and criminal charges where appropriate.
To paraphrase, a public health office is a public health trust. Let the best prevail. If not, at least let us appoint a qualified individual, not an impostor, to play doctor to the people of Aklan. /MP
(post as requested)

Guv stops fee collection in Bora

BORACAY – Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez ordered the Caticlan Jetty Port and the Malay municipal government to temporarily stop the P50 environment fee collection on tourists beginning September 1.
In his letter addressed to Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling, Marquez cited clamors raised by some sectors questioning the importance of the environment fee collection as reasons of the stoppage order.
Earlier, Malay councilor Dante Suguiron bared there are no clear projects yet on where to use the P16 million fund gathered out of the P50 collection that was implemented last year.
Marquez said before the Caticlan Jetty Port resumes collecting P50 environment fee, the Malay local government unit should fast-track the needed documents such as the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Aklan provincial government and the Malay municipal government relative to the proper liquidation of the gathered funds.
Based on the ordinance drafted by the Malay council that was approved by the provincial board, the province will receive a P7.50 share each from the P50 collection. The said ordinance, however, could not be implemented in the absence of the MOA.
The environment fee collected is supposed to fund related projects and operation expenses in conserving the resort island.

TOP OFFICIALS TO GRACE AKLAN RITES FOR CARDINAL SIN

Senate President Manny Villar, House Speaker Jose de Venecia, other top officials and dignitaries of the government, Roman Catholic Church and private sectors are attending the unveiling and blessing of the towering statue of Jaime L. Cardinal Sin which coincides with his birth 79th anniversary on Friday, Aug. 31 in New Washington, Aklan.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected to attend the inagural and commemorative event meant to perpetuate the memory and legacy of Cardinal Sin.

Already, cabinet members like Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza, Presidential Management Staff Secretary Cerge Remonde, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral, and Labor Secretary Art Brion have confirmed their attendance.

Also joining Senate President Manny Villar and House Speaker de Venecia are Oriental Mindoro Congressman Rodolfo G. Valencia, chairman of the committee on housing and Partylist Representative Teddy Casino, whose mother hails from Aklan.

National Historical Institute Chairman Ambeth Ocampo will preside over the unveiling of the historical marker as part of the installation rites of the late Manila Archbishop statue erected at the public plaza of his birth place while Postmaster General and CEO Hector R.R Villanueva is participating in the event to look into the possibility of expanding the commemorative stamps for Cardinal Sin.

The historical marker, which also acknowledges the shared efforts of those responsible for the erection of the statue, is the government’s official recognition of the monument as part of the country’s history.

Donated by Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, the Cardinal’s long-time friend, the towering brass monument is sculpted by the Castrillo brothers and sons and designed by One Design Consultancy Corporation, headed by Ralph Tecson and Glen Manzanares.

Cardinal Sin back where he’s endlessly remembered

(photo by: Arnold Almacen)
By Christian V. Esguerra
Inquirer
Last updated 01:24am (Mla time) 08/26/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- Finally, “Ame” is coming home.

Two years after his death, Jaime Cardinal Sin will make a much-awaited return to New Washington, a small port municipality in Aklan, where the charismatic religious leader cum freedom fighter was born and raised.

And this time, he’s staying for good.

The former Archbishop of Manila will return in the form of a 13.5-foot brass statue built by brothers Ronald and Jonell Castrillo, nephews and assistants of world acclaimed sculptor Eduardo Castrillo.

The statue, a donation of Ambassador Antonio Cabangon Chua, will be unveiled on Aug. 31—Sin’s 79th birth anniversary—at the old town plaza fronting the Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.

The plaza itself has been renamed after the late cardinal by virtue of a town council resolution last year. The resolution hailed the outspoken Sin as “a great leader, patriot and Church dignitary” who “contributed much in the restoration of democracy to the Filipino people.”

No simple addition

The statue is no simple addition to already existing structures of Sin in his hometown.

To begin with, it’s the first sculpture of the cardinal to be erected in the town, according to Ronald Castrillo. Most of his images are in Manila, the latest of which is the Napoleon Abueva-made brass statue standing at the entrance of the Cardinal Sin Village in Punta, Sta. Ana.

For the townsfolk, the Castrillo brothers’ creation is the closest they can get to a remnant of New Washington’s beloved and dearly missed son, according to Dr. Ramon Sin, the cardinal’s younger brother.

“They really miss him so much,” he told the Inquirer in an interview.

The younger Sin said townmates would have preferred that the cardinal were buried in the town. But church tradition and protocol reserved him a slot at the crypt beneath the Manila Cathedral.

The statue doesn’t show the realism of a wax figure. Instead, it beams with the majesty of brass, naturally reinforced by the stature and arresting presence of Sin when he was still alive.

Patterned after one of his famous images, the bust shows the late cardinal in full vestment. His left hand holds his bishop’s staff, his right hand raised as if blessing the church before him, a structure he had rebuilt in 1984.

Cardinal’s ‘smile’

The Castrillo brothers, builders of around 20 statues at Eternal Garden memorial parks in Laguna and Batangas, paid particular attention to the cardinal’s “smile.”

“He had quite a serious smile and it was not easy to depict,” he said.

Anybody who really knew Sin, of course, knew that the idea of a “serious smile” could not pass even as an oxymoronic reference to him. Besides his marriage of spiritual guidance and political leadership, the man was famous for his joke and hearty appetite.

This knowledge of the “personal” Sin is not lost on the people of New Washington, at least, to those who are too old to forget, according to his brother Ramon. They know him, not in book and newspaper accounts, but in personal encounters that have left deep impressions about the man.

“In our town, he’s known to many people as simply Ame,” he said, referring to his late brother’s childhood nickname.

Sorely missed

Ramon said Sin had been sorely missed since he was ordained priest in 1954, an alternately joyous and downcast event—the former in the sense that any new addition to God’s servants was most welcome to the deeply religious town of New Washington, the latter on the idea that its people would also have to part with their beloved son.

Since acquiring his vestments, Sin had been out on religious missions, becoming bishop in 1967, and then moving to the Archdiocese of Manila—the country’s premier diocese—in March 1974.

“Our townsfolk had accepted the fact that he had to be away most of the time, but they longed for his visit,” Ramon said.

Fortunately for the people he had physically left behind, Sin seemed to have the uncanny ability to be all over the place.

Despite the great distance between Manila and Aklan, the cardinal took every opportunity in his hectic schedule to drop by for a visit in his hometown, his brother recalled.

Deeply personal

Visits were never confined to formal gatherings and ceremonies akin to the atmosphere of a returning politician. They were deeply personal, often having the cardinal receive relatives, friends and ordinary folks at the two-story ancestral home near the plaza.

And people knew how to touch the cardinal’s heart—they did so through his belly.

Ramon said visitors often brought native chicken and eggs, seashells, crabs and popular catches such as “tamilok” (white worms picked from mangroves and are eaten raw) and “mangla” (white shrimps that come out usually after a rain in the town).

These encounters between Sin and his people were often obscured in the popular memory by his so-called “feats”—his role in the restoration of democracy in 1986 and his fight for freedom and character renewal from the very beginning.

Grateful people

But not to New Washington’s folks, like the many nameless priests he had sponsored and still many other ordinary people he had helped get by Aklan’s tough life, according to Ramon.

“To this day, I’m occasionally approached by people I do not know,” he said. “Out of the blue, they say they would like to thank the cardinal for the help he had extended to them.”

Many of these people came by the busloads in Manila to visit Sin at his wake at the Manila Cathedral two years ago. Many others would have loved to come, but were too old, too weak, or too poor to make the long trip.

These same people, according to Ramon, are awaiting the formal unveiling of cardinal’s towering figure at the end of the month. In a manner of speaking, their collective memory of him will breathe life into the statue of Sin.

more from the readers

1.) Which pedigreed surnames you're citing? Those olds folks are gone, inheritance divided and not so productive as it used to be - the offsprings left the place, and those who stayed can't maintain the lineage good name on the top, are getting poorer quality and out of pedigree list. The economic wheel keeps on turning, hence new ones are on the top. That's what life is all about. What's shameful about that? Which big "fishes" got away?

Aklanon Man Ra

2.) Why limit naming the highway lenght - Kalibo to Dumaguit - to Jaime L Cardinal Sin Highway? Why not name the entire lenght of National Highway from Aklan/Capiz to Aklan/Antique boundaries? Doing so, uninformed passersby, especially those that are hopping on/from Ro-Ro will learn that the Cardinal was from Aklan. Naming the Kalibo-Dumaguit strip after the Cardinal will only remind to the folks of New Washington and people living along the said highway - the very same people who know and love the Cardinal well - with or without reminder!

Aklan Man Ra

(note: are they different from each other?)

BEST FRIENDS MEET IN AKLAN

Dateline LIBACAO

By: Alex E. Dionela

Longtime best friends Rolly Estrellado, a “balikbayan” and Willie Barretto meet in Aklan recently after many years of not seeing each other when the former migrated with his family to the US. In this vacation the two stayed in Malinao, the hometown of Rolly’s wife Nellie then they toured the world-famous Paradise Island of Boracay and experienced for the first time the adventure inland trek and the “wild river” bamboo rafting in the town of Libacao, considered the next tourist destination in the country.

The two gentlemen became best friends in the ‘70s in Mindanao in the course of their work as medical sales representatives of multi-national drug companies.

Rolly is from Laguna but now permanently residing in Chicago, Illinois with his family. He is also considered a “Libacaonon” by affinity because his eldest daughter Rinah is married to Orven Rey Ortega, the second to the eldest of 4 sons of Michael and Marilou Ortega of Poblacion, Libacao, Aklan while Willie is an Ilonggo, permanently residing in Cagayan de Oro City with his family and manages his own business enterprises there.

from the anonymous readers

1.) What does the Filipino soldiers do? Yeah, right! One can't distinguish the diffrerence between the NPA, RPA-AbBB, etc. and the soldiers! They both can pick you up and silence you forever - amen. They both can suck you all you got, bone-dry. Both can be politicians'dummies. Both are licensed to kill... If you're copying the statements (which was originally written reflecting true American soldiers, make sure it applies to you - Filipino soldiers!

anonymous

2.) It's nice to honestly pay up to the last centavo of the taxes due if our leaders honestly spend every centavo of such collections for the welfare of the country...

anonymous

3.) What Garden of Eden? Boracay is now screwed-up beyond repair! Both Durano and DENR can just go back to sleep ...

anonymous

Muslims asked to prevent Mindanao violence spillover

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan – To avoid possible spillage of violence in this island with the ongoing war in Mindanao, authorities urged the Muslim community here to police its own ranks.
S/Senior Benigno Durana, Aklan provincial director, said the number of Muslim traders and their families increase in Boracay along with other immigrants from other parts of the country.
“It is hard to manage peace and order if immigrants keep on increasing. We could not deter them from coming because it is their right as Filipinos," Durana said.
Reports from the Commission on Population (Popcom) revealed that there are now 700 Muslims residing here. Many of them are traders, construction workers and hotel staff. "We have the great support from Muslim elders. I hope they will continue to police their ranks for us to deter possible terrorist attacks here," Durana added.
With the Muslim community, the Aklan PNP also continues to implement intelligence measures and strict implementation of the one-entry one-exit policy for tourists and residents coming to and from this island.
Most Muslim traders here are from conflict-stricken areas in Mindanao.

Top scientist sees Maganhup leaf as farmers’ source of income

By JESSIE REYES
LIBACAO, Aklan – Maganhup leaf can be another source of income for Libacao farmers, said a country’s top scientist.
When Dr. Emil Javier, current president of the National Academy of Science and Technology, came here in Libacao and went to Dalagsa-an town to assess its viability of abaca plantation, a farmer presented him leaves of a Maganhup tree and said that its shade “helped them produce good abaca plants.”
“The leaves must have served as fertilizers,” said Javier who admitted that the Maganhup tree is new to him.
Despite this, he was certain that the leaf contains protein, calcium and minerals. He also took a sample to examine if it has alkaloid.
“If it indeed contains alkaloid, then it can be a leaf meal. It could also be another source of revenue for local farmers,” he said.
Aklan State University was advised by Javier to study the Maganhup tree.Javier’s visit is in line with the Philippine Agriculture 2020 project that focuses on expansion of the country’s abaca production.
Libacao, which has a substantial land area for abaca free of virus and of high grade quality, is waiting for Javier’s recommendation to be the country’s pilot site for abaca production.

Tibyog grooming Igoy for vice guv?

KALIBO, Aklan – Atty. Wilbert Ariel Igoy, newly elected president of the Provincial Councilors League (PCL) – Aklan, is reportedly groomed for vice governor in the May 2010 elections by local party Tibyog.
This developed after councilors from Tibyog and the opposition Kusog it Akean supported Igoy during the PCL election at the Corazon Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center here.
Tibyog has no idea on the opposition’s choice for the position. Atty. Ronquillo Tolentino, former Aklan governor and Tibog’s first bet, said he has retired from politics. Before he was elected as PCL president, Igoy is eyed to run for mayor in the 2010.Currently, Igoy serves as legal consultant of the Hala Birada and the Explorer News Weekly here.

from the readers

Yes it is all SOLDIERS. Yes, I fear for my life when soldiers claim that they guarantee all these rights.I want to think that the post of a certain Captain Danganan is a provocation by the enemies of the people as real soldiers do not make such claims.

anonymous

from the readers

It's the SOLDIER not the reporter who has given us freedom of PRESS
It's the SOLDIER not the poet who has given us freedom of SPEECH
It's the SOLDIER not the politicians who ensures that we live freely & peacefully.
It is the SOLDIER who salutes the Flag, who serves beneath the Flag and
whose coffin is eventually draped by the Flag.

We salute our SOLDIERS! They risk their lives so that others may live.

Support and Pray for the Filipino soldier!

Captain Rosmwell Danganan
Philippine Army

DoE proposes hydro-power plant in Aklan

KALIBO, Aklan — The Department of Energy (DoE) has signified its intention to put up a minihydropower plant in the hinterland areas of Libacao, Aklan.
Libacao Mayor Charito Navarossa recently received a communication from Mario Marasigan, Director of the DoE Energy Utilization Management Bureau, expressing the said intention.
In his letter, Marasigan said they found out that Bulabod River situated in Barangay Two has a firm flow of one cubic meter per second and a net head of 34.54 meters.
It has rated the firm capacities at 550 and 300 kilowatts, Marasigan added.
Navarossa, meanwhile, said that the DoE proposal is a welcome move, but their LGU will still have to consult with experts from the California Energy (CalEn).
"The CalEn has already invested millions of pesos for their plan to put up a series of hydro power dam projects in Libacao. They are planning to put up a multi-million dollar hydropower project to supply the needed demand for electricity in Panay," Navarosa said.
The mayor added that CalEn hopes to complete its feasibility study early next month. They, too, will construct a dam project that will commence before the year ends.
The national government is keen on providing an adequate supply of electricity in the Visayas to encourage more investments in the region. (PNA)

AMS, media to address climate change

KALIBO, Aklan – Aklan Medical Society (AMS) and several media organizations here are hand-in-hand addressing global warming.
Dr. Cynthia dela Cruz, AMS president, said the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) -Kalibo, the Aklan United Media Associations and the Philippine Science Journalist Incorporated (Pscijourn) -Kalibo will help in the campaign.
“We want to provide information to effectively address global warming effects with the media’s help," dela Cruz said.
AMS stepped up its campaign after the reported increase of asthma and dengue cases due to climate change in the province.
“We also urge the provincial government to help address climate change,” dela Cruz said.

APPO to establish Comstat

By JESSIE L. REYES
KALIBO, AKLAN – The Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO) will establish a Computer Driven Statistics (Comstat) in the Boracay Special Tourist Police Office (BSTPO) and the Kalibo Police Station.
With the Comstat, a database for crime incidences will be created to improve crime management.
“There is no such thing as crime incidence going down,” Police Provincial Director Benigno Durana Jr. said.
Durana added that Comstat is in line with the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Integrated Transformation Program.
“This plan is implemented to improve PNP effectiveness by promoting transparency, improving human resource development and enhancing operational capabilities,” Durana said.
Despite the peace and order in the province, Durana said there is a need to intensify crime prevention programs.
APPO attained a high efficiency degree because of its strong public relation programs and rapport with government agencies.
Recently, the province’s august body gave the APPO financial support through Resolution No. 07-037.

Special police attend HSA seminar

By BAM LUCES
BORACAY – The Boracay Special Tourist Police attended a seminar on Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007 on August 18 at the Casa Pilar Conference Hall here.
Guest speaker Christopher C. Montaño discussed the criminal, civil, and administrative liabilities of the police.
Commissioner Wilhelm D. Soriano urged the police to protect people better with the HSA.
“When you enforce the law, you must enforce it in accordance with the requirements provided,” Soriano said.
Soriano also said that anyone committing a crime that creates fear and panic to the populace and creating a universal installation of fear and panic are two qualifying circumstances in the acts of violence, which are punishable.
Terrorism covers kidnapping, serious illegal detention, murder, rebellion, and piracy among others.

The magic of fossil flowers

A profusion of colors in hand-crafted roses, rosals, daisies, sunflowers and anthuriums.
By PAUL ICAMINA
CABARROGUIS, Quirino – From the remote village of Banuar to Tokyo, Joyce V. Leal has come a long way.
And all because of "fossilized" flowers, or preserved blooms made out of ordinary leaves.
"For her dedication and commitment, (she) has contributed in institutionalizing the fossilized flower industry that created employment and increased income of women entrepreneurs" in Quirino, reads her citation from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
DOST technology has turned Leal’s world literally into a colorful business, doubling her sales and workforce, increasing production that now utilize 200 kilograms (up from 100 kilos) of indigenous plants and grasses.
Because of the DOST dyeing technology she was taught, her products are highly competitive because the flowers maintain their deep colors.
Decorative fossilized flowers are made of leaves to make petals; twigs are used for stems.
The leaves are soaked in caustic soda to get rid of the green chlorophyll color. They are then bleached in hydrogen peroxide to transform them into white that can be dyed in a variety of colors.
They are called fossilized because they now have been preserved.
Then Leal does her magic, dyeing the leaves in a profusion of colors and crafting them into roses, rosals, daisies, sunflowers and anthuriums.
It is enchanting because the fossilized flowers come from what were once considered the ordinary leaves of narra, guava, guyabano, mahogany, avocado, jackfruit and alibangbang.
Take the leaves of alibangbang, or the Formosa tree, whose leaves resemble somewhat the shape of a butterfly.
The Formosa tree has traditionally been regarded of no use other than as a shade or perhaps firewood. The fruit is not edible, the flower not decorative and the wood not even considered material for lumber.
And there lies the beauty of Leal’s craft – turning ordinary leaves considered as waste into something a lot more valuable.
"Any leaf, in fact, will do," she says. "But I use these leaves because they are available in our barangay and even in my backyard."
She says the alibangbang leaf is the most durable of the leaves she is currently using.
"We gather about 100 kilograms of fresh leaves from just six trees," Leal says, "and from my backyard alone." One tree provides 25 kilos of fresh leaves, enough raw material to make 100,000 fossilized buds or 50,000 blooms.
After two months, the trees are ready for another harvest of leaves.
Once the leaves are dyed and crafted, they are retailed for about P5 per piece. That’s a lot of money for ordinary leaves once destined to the dustbin or the fire heap.
Leal doesn’t profit alone. Her neighbors also earn by shaping the dyed leaves into fossilized flowers. They earn from P1 (small, medium) to P1.50 (large, extra large) per flower crafted.
Ten neighbors currently craft the fossilized flowers and five harvest the leaves.
Leal doesn’t keep the good fortune to her neighborhood – she has taught many others how to make fossilized flowers. Since February, nearby towns have adopted Leal’s unique handicraft.
Indeed, Leal oversees the production and marketing of fossilized flowers made by similar households and cottage industries in Cabarroguis, Maddela, Diffun and Saguday towns – all in Quirino province.
These towns have made fossilized flowers as their own "One Town, One Product" centerpiece.
As the same time, she has trained 15 members of a Cabarroguis cooperative in the art of making fossilized flowers.
And it all started from a P50,000 grant from DOST Region II for Leal to acquire a 30-kg capacity grass dryer and bleaching tanks. The processing technology came from the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) of DOST.
PTRI improved Leal’s bleaching and dyeing processes and techniques. This helped produced colorfastness and brittleness of the bleached leaves.
DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading (SET-UP) program later provided P157,349 for the acquisition of tools and equipment for the production of novelty items from barks, twigs and branches for the fossilized flowers and grasses.
As a result, sales increased by 100%. Leal’s neighbors had additional incomes too.
To top it all, Leal plans to market her flowers at trade fairs in Tokyo and Dubai this year. InterNews&Features

Tourism chief wants Boracay restored as 'Garden of Eden'

By Jerome Aning
Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines--Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Sunday to help Boracay island regain its lost "Garden of Eden" state, aside from suspending new construction on the island.
"I welcome the concern Environment Secretary Lito Atienza has shown for the environmental welfare of Boracay. Since Boracay urgently needs restorative interventions, I urge him to also invest the resources of DENR in restorative programs and technologies aside from exercising its regulatory powers on the island," said Durano in a text message to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net.
The Department of Tourism's implementing arm, the Philippine Tourism Authority, also welcomed Atienza's move.
"We have been asking the local government for a moratorium because, you know, many resorts have mushroomed left and right on the island over the past months," PTA general manager Robert Dean Barbers told the Inquirer newspaper in a phone interview.
Many resorts also defied national laws and local ordinances relating to construction, commerce, environment and health, he said.
"We had to demolish a lot of illegal structures and we have been sued before the courts because some resorts refused to let our sewage and water pipes pass through their properties," Barbers said.
In April 2006, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gave the PTA administrative control over Boracay, to be exercised in coordination with the Aklan provincial government.
The PTA, among others, is empowered to formulate zoning regulations, determine zone enterprises, maintain the island's ecology and operate facilities in tourist zones like Boracay.
The President declared Boracay a special tourism zone in 2005.
The PTA is spearheading the revision of the decades-old tourism master development plan for Boracay to strengthen the island's position as a premier tourist destination comparable to Thailand's Phuket and Indonesia's Bali.
Atienza last week put on hold new construction on Boracay island until its master development plan is completed in the next six months. Barbers, however, said the plan could be ready as early as next month.
Atienza issued the order as he called on the municipal government of Malay, which has jurisdiction over Boracay, to stop issuing construction permits for new projects.
He said the national government must step in to stop uncontrolled development on the island.
According to Barbers, the plan would cover the northern Aklan port town of Caticlan, the gateway to Boracay, and nearby Carabao Island, which also has beautiful beaches.

from the readers

Where are those who were born and raised in Aklan, with their pedigreed surnames? What a shame to let go such opportunties to be the leading taxpayers of the province. Still fighting over marbles while the big fishes got away?

anonymous

Aklan coastal road to be named after Cardinal Sin

NEW WASHINGTON, Aklan – The House of Representatives headed by Speaker Jose de Venecia will soon take up the proposed naming of a long, coastal road in Aklan into the Jaime L. Cardinal Sin Highway.
To be sponsored by Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, a bill will be filed shortly in Congress seeking to name the highway after Cardinal Sin who was born here in New Washington, a coastal town with 26 barangays.
Cardinal Sin helped pave the way for concreting of the coastal highway, a 20-km stretch spanning from Kalibo, Aklan’s provincial capital to Dumaguit port, New Washington.
The concrete road now provides a smooth traffic in the flow of trade and commerce in Aklan.
Although assigned by the Vatican as Archbishop in Manila for almost 30 years, Cardinal Sin always had in mind the welfare and well-being of his province mates in Aklan, Congressman Miraflores said.
"Cardinal Sin was so loved by his fellow Aklanons that he went out of his way to serve them as a great patriot and a leader," the lawmaker said.
Aklan’s provincial officials strongly backed the naming of the highway after Cardinal Sin, saying it will be a monumental tribute to him for his legacy of compassion in the province.
Those who supported the move are Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Governor Billie V. Calizo, New Washington Mayor Edgar R. Peralta and Vice Mayor Jean T. Velarde, and Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo, president of the Aklan Mayors League, and other local officials.
Dr. Ambrosio Villorente of the Aklan Press Club, Inc. (APCI) and director of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) also committed his full support to the move of Congressman Miraflores.
"Aklanons are united in professing their love, respect, and honor for Cardinal Sin," Dr. Villorente said.
Congressman Miraflores’ move coincides with preparations for the unveiling and blessing of the towering statue of Cardinal Sin on Aug. 31 at a public park in New Washington as part of the commemorative activities of the birth anniversary of the late prelate, and unveiling of the historical marker, to be presided by Ambeth Ocampo, chairman of the National Historical Institute (NHI).
This will be preceded by a concelebrated mass to be officiated by Aklan Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo at the Roman Catholic Church in front of New Washington’s public park.
The Cardinal Sin Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will provide the honor guards, according to its leader, Dr. Primitivo Chua. "Cardinal Sin deserves the highest honors we can accord him," he said.
Congressman Miraflores and Governor Marquez earlier wrote a joint letter requesting President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to declare Aug. 31 a non-working holiday in Aklan to enable the Aklanons to celebrate Cardinal Sin’s birth anniversary.
Donated by Ambassador Antonio Cabangon L. Chua to honor his long-time friend Cardinal Sin, the monument was sculpted by the Castrillo brothers and sons studio.
Ambassador Cabangon Chua, founder of the conglomerate Fortune Group of Companies, chairs the Jaime L. Cardinal Sin Monument Project. Manila Archbishop Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales serves as honorary chairman. (Juan Dayang)

BIR awards top Aklan taxpayers

Kalibo, Aklan –For topping the list of the highest taxpayers in the province, nine taxpayers in Aklan were cited recently by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. The awarding of the top taxpayers of Aklan was one of the highlights of the bureau’s 103rd anniversary, observance of which was held recently at the regional office of the BIR in Iloilo City.

According to BIR-Aklan Revenue District Officer Lilivic Gatdula, Aklan’s top taxpayers were divided into three categories – corporation, individual and government.

In the corporation category, awarded top taxpayers were the Hennan Hotel Management Inc. which emerged no. 1; Seraph Management Group, 2nd, and Le Soleil de Boracay Resort, 3rd.

Top taxpayers in the individual category include Wilfredo M. Gelito, 1st; Orlando Sacay, 2nd, and Christopher Jude S. Lee, 3rd.

For government category, the Department of Education is the number 1 taxpayer in Aklan followed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH, 2nd) and 3rd, Provincial Government of Aklan.

In the corporation and individual categories, all taxpayers operate in Boracay Island. According to the BIR here, Hennan Hotel Management operates Boracay Regency, while Gelito operates Willy’s Place; Sacay, Waling-Waling Resort; and Lee operates the Hey Jude establishment.

In recent interviews, Gatdula revealed that Boracay tax collections contribute much to BIR-Aklan’s revenue collections. During the celebration of BIR’s 103rd anniversary, BIR-Aklan RDO was cited for being the lone revenue district office in Western Visayas to exceed its collection goal for the 1st semester of this year.

Gatdula revealed that BIR-Aklan was able to collect a total of P226,234,189.46 from January to June of this year, while in 2006 for the same period, the collection was P205,116,741.45 - or an excess of P61,117,448.01.

According to the BIR here, other provinces in Western Visayas had also their sets of top taxpayers, who were also awarded during the bureau’s anniversary celebration.

Here in Aklan, BIR is also pushing for public support of its Premyo Sa Resibo promo. Under the Premyo Sa Resibo promo, everybody gets a chance to win one million pesos by just texting to the BIR his official receipts.

Gatdula said the PREMYO Sa Resibo aims to encourage people to demand receipts when purchasing items, in order for establishments to be able to report their correct income.

Gatdula said anybody can join the Premyo Sa Resibo promo.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has created task forces on revenue enhancement and anti-smuggling as she committed that the government would bounce back from its collection in the first half of the year.

The government has repeatedly assured that it will be sticking to its P63-billion budget deficit target for the year. The BIR’s target is to raise P370 billion while the BoC was given a P228 billion target this year to enable the government to achieve its P1.1 trillion revenue target. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

from the reader

Hello,We would like to thank Anwang Aklan for posting an article of Paul Icamina. You should have a regular article from him. He is a very good and trusted writer.More power to Anwang Aklan and Paul Icamina.

Regards,
Elmar M. Gomez
elmarmgomez2003@yahoo.com

Bulusan cools local climate

By P. JULIAN

IT was yet another spectacular show from Mt. Bulusan, with columns of ash, gas and smoke rising thickly 5 kilometers up the Bicol skyline before drifting west-southwest and northwest.
Close the doors, cover your face against possible ashfalls and watch those rivers for lahar, but Bulusan Volcano does not pose an immediate danger, the Philippine Institute of Volcanoly and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.
Four craters dot Bulusan’s rim with Blackbird Lake on top the largest at 20 meters wide and 15 m deep. Part of the Bicol Volcanic Chain, Bulusan has erupted 16 times, the latest in March-June 2006.
Several towns surround the 15-km base of the 1.559-kilometer high volcano in Sorsogon province in Bicol, 70 km southeast of Mayon Volcano and about 250 km from Manila.
The low sulphur content of gas coming out of Bulusan Volcano indicates it is not a magmatic eruption, said PHIVOLCS chief Rene Solidum. A magmatic eruption can expel large debris and large amounts of lava.
“It appears from the low sulphur content coming out that magma is not anywhere the crater,” he said. “In that sense, Bulusan does not pose an immediate danger because we base our alert levels on magma movement underneath the volcano.”
According to PHIVOLCS, Bulusan Volcano continues to be in a state of unrest as evidenced by swarms of small to moderate sized earthquakes and the ash explosion last July 31.
The current Alert Level 1 for Bulusan means “No eruption is imminent.”
Alert Level 1 remains in effect over the volcano and the public is prohibited from entering the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone because the area is at risk from sudden steam and ash explosions.
Residents near rivers and streams around the volcano should also be on alert against life-threatening lahars during heavy rains that might remobilize ash and loose deposits from the upper slopes.
The latest ash explosion occurred last July 31, PHIVOLCS reported. The explosion was accompanied by rumbling sounds that lasted for about 20 minutes. The eruption column reached a maximum height of 5 km.
Initial field reports indicated that light ashfalls fell in Cogon, Gulang-gulang, Puting Sapa, Bolos, Monbon and Gabao in Irosin and Sangkayon and Buraburan in Juban.
The explosion of ash somehow cooled the local climate, bringing rains, Solidum said, noting it was a small help to the surrounding fields that are reeling from the dry climate that now bedevils Luzon.
“The cold temperature and the high heat of the ash that nucleated into raindrops brought rainfall,” Solidum pointed out.
The ashfall event was not dangerous per se, he said, but warned nearby residents to close doors and cover their faces against ash falls that when inhaled could be detrimental to health.
They should also clean and wash down surroundings heavily draped by ashfall as it may damage farms and vegetation.
Lahar could possibly flow downslope as has happened last year in Bulusan but currently the small volume is confined to river channels. “Local governments should monitor surrounding rivers,” Solidum warned.
Lahar is composed of volcanic ash and debris deposited around the volcano after the materials has cooled and has become water logged.
Observations of past Bulusan eruptions show that volcanic hazards usually consist of hot blasts and hot avalanche as well as lava flows. A 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone and a 4-10 km. buffer area (Probable Danger Zone) had been established around the summit.
The PHIVOLCS observation post is located in Cabid-an, Sorsogon City. It monitors ground movements and deformation, hotspring temprature as well as steaming activity and other visually observed phenomena.
Commonly observed signs that a volcano is about to erupt include an increase in the frequency of volcanic quakes with rumbling sounds and occurrence of volcanic tremors. Due to increased ash content, steam coming out of the craters increase and change in color from white to gray.
A crater glow may indicate the presence of magma at or near the crater. The ground swells and tilts and may fissure due to magma intrusion.
Landslides and rockfalls may occur. Vegetation around the volcano's upper slopes may dry up. The temperature of hot springs may increase, with noticeable variation in their chemical content. Springs and well around the volcano may dry up as well.
Hotsprings around Bulusan are found in San Benon, Mapaso, San Vicente and Masacrot.
The Philippines has 22 active volcanoes, from Mt. Babuyan in Cagayan up north to Taal volcano near Metro Manila to Mt. But Dajo in Sulu. Some 27 volcanoes – from Mt. Apo in Davao City to Tumatangas in Jolo – are listed as potentially active. InterNews&Features

A new twist in vinegar making

A husband-and-wife business, with a little help from Tatang.

By PAUL ICAMINA

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Here’s a new twist to vinegar – made of mango, pineapple and banana extracts fermented with coconut water.
And 100% natural that ages to perfection virtually for as long as one stores it on the shelf.
The ratio is one part mango to one part pineapple to one part banana, mixed with a base of coconut water.
It all started with grandfather Tatang who, in turn, was taught by his father how to make vinegar. Today, LLM Food Products markets its first-rate vinegar in modern packaging complete with coconut fiber woven around the container.
Tatang is Rodolgo G. Laygo, 79, who encouraged his daughter to shift from ready-to-wear manufacture to food products “that are used by all households every day.” He wanted it to be a legacy to his grandchildren.
“At first it was a hit-or-miss operation,” recalls Luningning L. Malabanan, the better half of the husband-and-wife business. “Until the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) came into the picture.”
“DOST was very accommodating,” says Luningning. “Wala kaming hindi itinanong. Makulit kami at gusto naming lumaki. Kami mismo ang lumapit sa kanila at nakita naman ng DOST ang enthusiasm namin.”
At first, the project was conceptualized to only support the chicharon business of the Malabanans. With the high prospects in vinegar production, they decided to go full time, hence, they asked assistance from DOST.
They never regretted the move they made in 2002, turning LLM Food Products from a backyard cottage industry to a medium-scale enterprise that produces an average of 100 120-milliliter bottle of vinegar to 300 bottles today.
Not much, by any standard, but enough for the couple’s current market which has expanded from the town of Solano to just about the whole of the Cagayan Valley. Plant personnel has increased, from six to about 15 today, and its outlet from their home to four major supermarkets and four family-owned outlets in Nueva Vizcaya.
More important, the Malabanans – through DOST – were able to transform erratic traditional processing that improved shelf life from six months to one year or longer. This led to increased sales from P60,000 to P130,000 a month.
All because of DOST and the P300,000 SET-UP assistance for the purchase of production equipment. The fermentation process was shortened from one month to two weeks.
This December, the technology acquisition assistance (with a monthly amortization of P8,333) will be fully paid. “Wala kaming palya sa pagbabayad,” says Luningning, “impressed din ang DOST.”
In between, the DOST provided – for free – technology training in fruit processing, vinegar production, good manufacturing processes and strict quality control. Technical assistance included the lay-out of the processing plant, installation of an acetator, label design and product analysis.
Processing became scientific, from precise measurement of the sugar content of the fruit vinegar to strict quality control of fermentation and pasteurization. “With the scientific interventions of DOST, standardized na ang lahat, the taste is consistent,” says Luningning.
“Malaki ang tulong ng DOST,” Angel stresses. “We didn’t even expect the P300,000 SET-UP assistance. Equipment upgrading really contributed a lot in increasing our production”.
In fact, he adds, it is DOST that tested products to be 100% natural.
“It’s not easy. When we first joined a trade fair in 2003 at the Festival Mall in Alabang, Metro Manila, only three out of 500 bottles that we brought were sold,” says Luningning. “The next year, we were invited again, this time to a technology fair through the encouragement of Dr. Jaye A. Tejada, regional director of DOST.
“It was then that our vinegar was sold out. The 10 gallons we brought for free taste were gone in just one week and we had to rush extra orders from Bayombong.”
The 120-ml bottle (bilog) sells for P12 and the 750-ml version (cuatro canto) for P22. The premium versions are more expensive (P60-P100, respectively) because they are fermented for not less than three years (traditional vinegar is usually fermented for just one year, max).
“The fruit vinegar tastes different. It has a delicious aftertaste. With the natural fruit vinegar, the asim that comes right after ingestion is gone after a while, hindi gumuguhit, sarap na lang ang natitira.
“Ang aroma iba, lalo sa pagluto kagaya ng adobo at kahit anong ulam. Ito na break namin with the natural vinegar, up to the last higop,” says Angel. “Ang lasa nasa taste bud hindi sa dila which is what you get with common, chemical-based vinegar.”
“Malaking tulong namin sa mga farmers when they cannot sell their produce. Pag malaki na kami, kami na rin ang market nila,” Angel points out. “We wanted a product that uses local raw materials. This way, we help our own people.”
This commitment continues, with their dream of expanding to pickled santol, rattan and mango. All because of the ready availability of their own vinegar line. The development process started late last year – again with the help of the DOST – but it is still too early to market them.
“We will continue to improve and upgrade our technology,” Luningning points out. “Eventually, we plan to produce fruit-based ketchup. Our largest market would be the masa, the ordinary household.
“Marami pa kaming gustong matutunan,” Angel adds. “We hope DOST will always be on our side.” InterNews&Features

AKLAN LEADERS PUSH NAMING OF HIGHWAY AFTER CARDINAL SIN

By Johnny Dayang
NEW WASHINGTON, Aklan – The House of Representatives headed by Speaker Jose de Venecia will soon take up the proposed naming of a long, coastal road in Aklan into the Jaime L. Cardinal Sin Highway.
To be sponsored by Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, a bill will shortly be filed in Congress seeking to name the highway after Cardinal Sin who was born here in New Washington, a coastal town with 26 barangays.
Cardinal Sin helped pave the way for concreting of the coastal highway, a 20-km stretch spanning from Kalibo, Aklan’s provincial capital, to Dumaguit port, New Washington.
The concrete road now provides a smooth traffic in the flow of trade and commerce in Aklan.
Although assigned by the Vatican as Archbishop in Manila for almost 30 years, Cardinal Sin always had in mind the welfare and well-being of his province mates in Aklan, Congressman Miraflores said.
“Cardinal Sin was so well-loved by his fellow Aklanons that he went out of his way to serve them as a great patriot and a leader,” the lawmaker said.
Aklan’s provincial officials strongly backed the naming of the highway after Cardinal Sin, saying it will be a monumental tribute to him for his legacy of compassion in the province.
Those who supported the move are Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Governor Billie V. Calizo, New Washington Mayor Edgar R. Peralta and Vice Mayor Jean T. Velarde and Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo, president of the Aklan Mayors League, and other local officials. Dr. Ambrosio Villorente, of the Aklan Press Club, Inc. (APCI) and director of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc., (PAPI) also committed his full support to the move of Congressman Miraflores.
“Aklanons are united in professing their love, respect and honor for Cardinal Sin,” Dr. Villorente said. Congressman Miraflores’ move coincides with preparations for the unveiling and blessing of the towering statue of Cardinal Sin on Aug. 31 at a public park in New Washington as part of the commemorative activities of the birth anniversary of the late prelate, and unveiling of the historical marker, to be presided by Ambeth Ocampo, chairman of the National Historical Institute (NHI).
This will be preceded by a concelebrated mass to be officiated by Aklan Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo at the Roman Catholic Church in front of New Washington’s public park.
The Cardinal Sin Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will provide the honor guards, according to its leader, Dr. Primitivo Chua.
“Cardinal Sin deserves the highest honors we can accord him,” he said.
Congressman Miraflores and Governor Marquez earlier wrote a joint letter requesting President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to declare Aug. 31 a non-working holiday in Aklan to enable the Aklanons to celebrate Cardinal Sin’s birth anniversary.
Donated by Ambassador Antonio Cabangon L. Chua to honor his long-time friend Cardinal Sin, the monument’s sculpture was sculpted by the Castrillo brothers and sons studio. Ambassador Cabangon Chua, founder of the conglomerate Fortune Group of Companies, chairs the Jaime L. Cardinal Sin Monument Project. Manila Archbishop Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales serves as honorary chairman.

Coconut beetle attacks beach palms

BORACAY – On August 10, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) - Plant Quarantine Service (PQS) team collected a specimen of larva and mature brontispa longissima attacking palms in the island of Boracay.

To prevent the coconut hispine beetle on infesting more palms, an immediate treatment process within 0.5 kilometer radius from Stations 2 and 3 was done.

The beetle feeds on young palm leaves, which then appear burned or scorched. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the pest may cause damage to mature coconut and ornamental palms, even the death of young ones.

“All efforts must be done to prevent movement of coconut and ornamental palms from Boracay to the mainland of Aklan,” said PCA Regional Manager Jose S. Cruz.

“In any event of infestation, insecticide Actara EC can be sprayed on young seedlings while for tall palms, injection or bore method is most appropriate,” Cruz said.

The larva and adult are destructive. Though the adult is not capable of long flights, it can live from 75 to 90 days.

On the other hand, the larva feeds throughout its growing period that lasts for 36 days. Both stay between unopened leaflets of young coconut spears and feed on the soft tissues but spare the hardier veins and mid-ribs.

A re-echo seminar on the identification of signs and prevention of brontispa longissima has been directed. Coordination activities with BPI-PQS officers for action planning will also be conducted. The activities will be carried out by PCA agriculturists Gabriel Robles, Dionelo Ongga, Mhylene Relojo and Rocela Lascuña.

“All agriculturists are also directly ordered to conduct field monitoring and inspection, and representation to all coconut and palm nursery operators on brontispa longissima prevention and control,” Cruz added.

The coconut hispine beetle is one of the most damaging pests of coconut and other palm species. The beetle is endemic in Sulawesi, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It spread in the late 1990s to Southeast Asia and Maldives.

Based on the information sent by the Brontispa Action Team to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), the pest was introduced to the country in early 2004 through the importation of ornamental palms.

Boracay island administrator, anyone?

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Western Visayas is pushing for the appointment of an administrator for Boracay Island as part of efforts to save the island-resort from unregulated development.

DOT regional director Edwin Trompeta has recommended to Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano, who also chairs the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), that the PTA appoint an administrator who shall hold office in Boracay to oversee the day to day implementation of the rules and regulations concerning development projects on the island. The administrator will also coordinate the projects and programs of local government units and other agencies, according to Trompeta.

The recommendation comes amid renewed calls to regulate development projects on the island which is already facing problems of overpopulation and unhampered construction of buildings.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources last week called for a six-month moratorium on the construction of new buildings on the island until the PTA comes up with a new development master plan for the island which would ensure the protection and sustainable utilization of its resources. The DENR is also planning to come up with an environmental protection master plan for the island within the period.

Trompeta said the appointment of an island administrator would help ensure order and direction to projects on the island while safeguarding the sustainability of its resources.

"Nobody seems to be in-charge now," Trompeta said in a telephone interview.

He said the PTA and Boracay Eminent Persons Groups (EPG) should also exercise a more active tole to exercise their mandate.

The PTA is tasked to implement DOT programs pertaining to the development, promotion and supervision of tourism projects. It develops identified priority areas and operates facilities in these areas.

The EPG, created by President Macapagal-Arroyo on October 2004, is tasked to oversee the sustainable development of Boracay Tourism.

It is is empowered to formulate plans for sustainable development of tourism in Boracay and to recommend rules and regulations related to these plans to the PTA.

It also advocates policies promoting sustainable development in the island and ensure the prioritization of major projects. The EPG will help determine the proper land use projects and ensure the preservation of the island's natural and cultural heritage.

While these two agencies have jurisdiction to the island, Boracay is under the political jurisdiction of the municipality of Malay and the province of Aklan.

Conflicts between the local government units, stakeholders and other agencies over policies concerning' Boracay have repeatedly erupted.

Trompeta said the continued confusion and problems on managing the island is hampering the sustainable development of the island.

"This is unfortunate because of the popularity earned by the island," said Trompeta.

He cited in a letter to Durano that Boracay was included in the 10 Best Beaches in the World in the Conde Nast Magazine and in the July 2007 issue of Island Magazine as one of the 30 Best Beaches in the world for 2007.

Trompeta also recommended that the PTA and EPG put in place a unified working arrangement that will address the various development concerns of Boracay.

He also pushed for the DOT, PTA, EPG LGUs and other government agencies to draft working guidelines or implementing rules and regulations that will govern the development of the island and pinpoint specific responsibility for its implementation.

"I believe hat the palsy-walsy style management of Boracay by many disparate interests is in fact hastening the demise of Boracay," said Trompeta in his letter to Durano.(thenewstoday)

Libacao hopes to pilot Philippine Agriculture 2020

By JESSIE REYES

LIBACAO, Aklan – With the visit of Dr. Emil Javier, president of National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) to this town, it is possible that Libacao will pilot the Philippine Agriculture 2020 in abaca production.

On August 10, Javier came to Libacao and visited the towns of Uyang, Manika and Dalagsa-an where he inspected the viability of abaca production.

“The demand for abaca in the international market is increasing but our production is always slowed down by viruses and typhoons,” Dr. Javier said.

Abaca plantations, particularly in Eastern Visayas and Bicol, were infected with viruses and damaged by typhoons.

After finding out that Libacao’s abaca is of high grade quality and are virus-free, Javier advised Mayor Charito Navarosa to maintain the status of the abaca.

“With his connections and recommendations, we can expand our abaca production,” said Navarosa who aims to make Libacao the pilot site for abaca plantation of the Philippine Agriculture 2020 program.

To speed up the country’s abaca production, Javier said there is a need to expand labor productivity, the use of fertilizer and of machines as abaca production is still being done through hand-stripping.

Hand-stripping only yields one percent fiber whereas with the use of machine stripper, two percent is yielded.

Aklan Police to be Wi-Fi ready soon

Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre
Kalibo, Aklan- The Camp Pastor Martelino provincial police headquarters will be a wi-fi technology ready soon according to Sr. Supt. Benigno Durana, provincial police director.

Wi-fi is a wireless technology brand owned by the Wi-Fi Alliance intended to improved the interoperability of wireless local area network products based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. Common applications for Wi-Fi include Internet and VOIP phone access, gaming and network connectivity for consumer electronics such as televisions, DVD players, and digital cameras.

"The plan is part of the provincial police transformation pilot program and modernization of the police," Durana said.

Aside from the Wi-Fi connectivity, part of the police' transformation program is the construction of the new building for provincial headquarters worth P10 million.

Aklan province is considered one of the eight provinces in the country as pilot side for the transformation program of the police.

"We want our policemen gain the respect of the community through our transformation efforts. We want to introduce a business to consumer approach where police is the business provider and the consumers are the civilians," he said.

In Aklan, the Kalibo police and the Boracay police stations are considered the two pilot site for transformation in the province.

PAG-IBIG urges Aklanons to avail of low-interest housing loans

Kalibo, Aklan – The Pag-IBIG office here is urging Aklanons to avail of low-interest housing loans after lowering further its interest rates on varied housing programs.

Maribel Tolentino, Officer-in-Charge of the Pag-IBIG Service Center here said in an interview over radio station DYRU here that members can now avail of low-interest housing loans through the Abot-Kamay Pabahay Housing and the Magaang Pabahay, Disenteng Buhay loan programs.

Tolentino said teachers and even security guards can now avail of housing programs, as interests have been lowered from 6, 7 and 10.5% depending on the amount of loans. For instance, she cited that if an employee avails of a P275,000 housing loan, under the lowered interest, he will only pay a monthly amortization for this loan of P1,500 for 25 years under the Abot-Kabay Pabahay Housing loan program.

Housing is one of the major programs now prioritized by the government in its legacy phase commitment to make Filipinos enjoy the benefits of of economic reforms.

For the Magaan Pabahay Disenteng Buhay Loan program, targeted are the foreclosed properties which are sold to the public and even non-Pag-IBIG members but prioritizes those who are the owners themselves.

Tolentino said the payment interests were lowered in consideration of government employees who have low net pays. The lowered interests in housing loans were already made effective June 25 of this year. Pag-IBIG stipulates that a member availing of the housing loan must have P3,000 net pay left after deductions of his loan amortization.

Pag-IBIG is also rewarding housing loan borrowers who pay on time. According to Tolentino, borrowers who pay on time are entitled to a maximum discount of two percent on the interest.

Tolentino said there are already many Pag-IBIG members in Aklan but she is urging those who are not yet members especially from the private sector to apply for membership. The additional members will make the Aklan office here an Extension office and not just a service center, Tolentino said. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Scientist finds new hope for Abaca

Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre

Libacao, Aklan- Country’s top ranking agricultural scientist has found new hope to increase the abaca production in the country after he accidentally stumbled on relatively new legume specie that is only endemic in this municipality.

Dr. Emil Javier, current president of the National Academy of Science and Technology of the Department of Science and Technology said that he believed there is no known scientific literature yet on the indigenous tree locally called as ‘Maganhup' locally known as Kupang (parkia timoriana) and family name mimosoideae.

Javier, the former president of the University of the Philippines-Diliman came here for a four-day exploration trip to Barangay Dalagsaan, Libacao upon the invitation of aklanon Rica Cortez Rentzing, director for project development of Rentex-Euro Asia Ltd.

“Javier original plan is to visit the planting of the indigenous people known as ‘Aklanon Bukidnon’ for Abaca to make Libacao as a pilot site for the proposed program on Philippine Agriculture 2020. However, in his visit he took curiosity on the Maganhop plant,” Rentzing also serves as the chair of the Libacao Tourism Development Authority.

Javier said, the indigents told him that their century-old abaca plantation have grown virus resistant with the help of the said legume which believes that it serves as a tree shades for abaca plant.

“But in my initial observation, I know that the Maganhup leaves has the needed nutrients to serve as fertilizer for abaca possibly makes the abaca in Libacao grows virus-resistant and high-grade plant specie,” Javier said.

Because of Javier’s discovery, the agriculture scientist said that the draft for the Abaca 2020 project will have some changes now to include Maganhup tree as one of the best source of fertilizer for Abaca plantation.

Immediately after the discovery, Javier turned-over his initial findings to the Aklan State University (formerly Aklan State College for Agriculture) to conduct needed experiments and scientific tests to document the usage of the Maganhup tree.

“The ASU findings could recommend the propagation of Maganhup tree possibly as a feed meal or green manure not only for Abaca but also to several other plants. If my observations are true, the Maganhup tree would provide a new kind of industry for the farmers and for Aklan,” Javier said.

Under the Abaca 2020 program Javier is creating, it hopes to retain the Philippines a capital producer of Abaca in the country.

Javier said, currently the Philippines provides 84 percent of the needed Abaca in the world market and the demand is increasing 3-4 percent every year.

“Currently, the problem on Abaca production largely depends on labor issues but we hope that through the Maganhup the abaca planters will be motivated to plant more Abaca to feel the needed demand of the world market,” he said.

The country’s Abaca productions have slide down for several months already because major Abaca producers such as Eastern Visayas and Bicol were infested with virus. The abaca plantations in Libacao are so far virus-free.

For his part, Benjamin Gomo, acting regional director of the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) said that they will wait for the possible recommendations to be made by the experts from the ASU before they could recommend the official findings to the FIDA national office.

Town mayor Charito Navarosa said because of Javier’s discovery, he is already planning to establish a center for Maganhup plantation to prepare farmers for a new industry that will help improve their economic lives.

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Why Use 'Generic' Drugs?

Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre

Kalibo, Aklan- For several years, there has been constant debate for the use of generic drugs among patients and indigents but as the prices of basic commodities soars high the public has no choice but to be vigilant for their health needs.

According to Dr. Emett Custudio, former regional chair of the Philippine Medical Society for Western Visayas most doctors does not prefer recommending generic drugs because of its questionability of the effectiveness of the competitor's version of a certain medicine.

Generic drugs have been defined as drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.

But Custudio said, although several doctors does not recommend to patients using generic drugs as a cheaper alternative this could sometimes lead to possible abuses.

Currently, although there is a law mandating the use of generic drugs there is no such laws for a price regulations of medicines being sold in all pharmaceutical firms. As a result, multinational companies could charged high cost of medicines without prescription fron the government.

Sources who requested anonymity said that even government doctors in the province are taking advantage of the abused of not recommending the use of generic drugs because they take 'commissions' not only from the multinational firms who sell certain kind of medicines but also from several pharmaceutical firm.

"There's this on-going practice among public hospitals in Aklan where government doctors prescribed a specific brand of medicines to a patient mandating them to buy such kind of medicines to only a mentioned pharmacy. The family of the patients will then have no choice to buy that medicines since in the first place he is not being oriented to use generic drugs," the source said.

"In fairness, there is a pharmaceutical firms who sell exclusive drugs who has no generic names. But this kind of medicines that does not have generics are often specialized kind of drugs,' the source added.

Larry Barbasa, a pharmacist and the president of the Kalibo Ati-atihan Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that when a patient buys a medicines on their drug store he always encouraged the family to try generic drugs.

"One of my friend, Jun Tansinco a businessman and a contractor have complained to me that he has a toothache one day but he complained of a high cost of medicines worth P70 each. I asked him to try a generic drugs worth P2 and he has proven it effective," Barbasa said.

"For most doctors, they believed on the questionability of effective medicines for branded compared to generics. We in the pharmaceutical world believed that a certain kinds of generic medicines is effective since in the first place it have been approved for release and consumptions by the Bureau of Food and Drugs and the Department of Health," Barbasa added.

Dr. Leonardo Leonidas, a pediatrician based in Bangor, Maine whose wife is an Aklanon told Panay News in an e-mail interview that the patients should be vigilant enough for their doctors and not just obey whatever they recommend.

"We must understand that doctors are human too. They get tired when they have lot of patients specially on government hospitals so often they are not effective doctors anymore specially in the afternoon. This is the result that many medical errors are reported in the United States and even i know many Filipino patients who wanted to seek second opinion when they are not sattisfied with their physician's findings," Leonidas said also a university assistant clinical professor at Tufts University in Bangor, Maine USA

Because of this, Leonidas recommends the patients to be vigilant in taking their medicines and as much as possible seek the doctor's advice in the morning.

"Morning is still the best time to seek doctor's consultation because this is the moment where physician's are most effective in providing healthy prescriptions," Leonidas said.

ASU grad ranks 2nd in the Vet-Med Exam

Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre
Kalibo, Aklan- An Aklanon veterinarian-medicine graduate of the Aklan State University ranks 2nd in the nationwide vet-med exam as announced by the Professional Regulatory Commission.

Melanie Masangkay-Pelayo, 31 goy an average grade of 83.75 besting all the other 635 examinees and only 225 of them passed. The exam was held last August 1-3, 2007.

Ret. Department of Public Works and Highways provincial engineer Delano Pelayo said her daughter's inspiration in passing the exam with flying colors are her dean Cecille Reyes, Dr. Mary Eden Teruel and professor Dr. Modesto Mapeso.

Before the exam held in Manuel L. Quezon University in Metro Manila, Pelayo met the top-notch examinee Dennis Villasenor-Umali from the University of the Philippines-Los Banos.

"She sais she knew that Umali is hard to beat in the exam. Nevertheless, she still grabbed the top second post," Engr. Pelayo said.

Melanie's lucky charm is their pet dog Mojo which she considered as her household friend. "Everytime that she is in the house, she always talk to Mojo and several dogs in the house as if they were humans," the retired engineer added.

As of this writing, the veterinary department of ASU-Banga is happy with the exemplary achievement of their colleague.

Records revealed that Pelayo have achieved several citations in the university among those are: the PGMA Strong Nautical Highway Loyalty Award, exemplary performance commendation as president of the Vet-Med Student Organization of the School of Veterinary Medicine and a consistent Dean's Lister among others.

The oath-taking ceremony of the examinees will be held before the Board on Friday, September 7, 1 p.m. at the Kalayaan Hall, Club Filipino Eisenhower Street, Greenhills San Juan City.

Aklan solon urges Boracay stakeholders to heed DENR moratorium on new dev’t

Kalibo, Aklan –Stakeholders in Boracay should fully cooperate with new DENR Secretary Lito Atienza’s imposed six-month moratorium on new construction in the world-famous island in the midst of concerns on overcrowding, flooding and other environmental problems, according to Aklan Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores.

Two days ago, Secretary Atienza ordered the moratorium in a meeting with resort owners in the island at the sidelines of the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Senior Officials on Environment (ASOEN). In the same occasion, he also told officials of the DENR to prepare an environment master plan in response to complaints of resort owners about the uncontrolled development of the island and migration.

Rep. Miraflores said in an interview over a radio station here that the moratorium is not a move against investors, rather, it would be advantageous to new players.

“This is to show that the government is sincere in fixing Boracay Island by giving the needed support to investors like infrastructure. They will be at the losing end if sewerage and drainage problems in the island could not be contained anymore. We ask the stakeholders to support Secretary Atienza’s recommendation. Anyway, it will be only for six months,” Miraflores said.

Rep. Miraflores also said it is about time to fix Boracay’s zoning. Guidelines, he said, should be fastracked to identify where to build villas and resorts in the island, noting that some residential houses are already built at no-build zones like cliffs and steep inclines.

The Aklanon solon appealed to the local government of Malay, where Boracay belongs, to respond positively to the call of Secretary Atienza by passing a council resolution for the moratorium.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in her recent SONA, called Boracay Island as the leading overall tourist destination and had provided improvements in the Kalibo Airport, the gateway to the island, by providing the fund for the Instrument Landing System which is already installed. She also said that P80 million will be provided for the development of a new terminal building in the airport.

In May of this year, the Kalibo Airport started receiving direct international flights from Incheon, South Korea. (PIA/Venus g. Villanueva)