Ex-Porters cries injustice

Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre, Mary Mae Bautista, Winston Carillo

New Washington, Aklan- Thirteen former porters under the Eagle Ports Incorporated based in Barangay Dumaguit, New Washington Aklan have decried injustice and asked the Philippine Ports Authority to act for their behalf.

In an exclusive interview, Orly D. Candelario, 67, the former chief porter and one of the complainants said that David R. Simon, manager of the Legal Services Department of the Philippine Ports Authority in Manila have asked the management of the Eagle Ports Incorporated represented by its president and respondent Nole Marie Diestro Salazar for the prompt payment of wages, overtime and benefits of the complainants.

In their position paper, complainants aver that they had been working with the company when itsbusiness name was still Diestro Stevedoring Porterage Services. It was incorporated in 1994 and most of its workers were absorbed by EPI.

“Atty. Christine Candelario dela Cruz (counsel for the complainants) has furnished us your guidance and appropriate consideration consistent with PPA Administrative Order No. 10-81, particularly Section 7.05 thereof on the promptpayment of wages, overtime, benefits, etc. In favor of labor which subsists as one of the terms and conditions of your continued authority to operate the cargo handling services in the port of Dumaguit,” said Simon.

On January 20, 2004 the National Labor Relations Commission issued a decision and final order on behalf of the 13 former porters asking the Eagle Ports Incorporated represented by Nole Marie D. Salazar, guilty of illegal dismissal.

Rene Eñano, Labor Arbiter ordered Salazar to pay the complainants the sum of P1, 916, 456.76 as compensation for the former porters who were illegally dismissed from the service.

Rommel B. Elejorde, 42 one of the former porters in Dumaguit Port said that they were illegally dismissed from the service by Salazar after they served as witnesses for the shooting to death of company President Raymund Rodriguez.

It could be recalled that Rodriguez was shot to death by the suspect Atty. Benito Salazar in Dumaguit Port. Because of the incident, Salazar was filed a homicide case and is now under bail.

“On January 20, 2004, the NLRC serves its notice of decision/final order and for two years and a half we are still waiting to be paid by the management of the Eagle Ports Incorporated and we hope that the PPA will now do something about this. In the matter of fact, two of our co-complainants were already dead and most of us are jobless and suffering from heavy burdens in our daily lives,” Elejorde and Candelario said.

The complainants said they wanted the PPA to compel the Eagle Ports Management to finally pay the former of their dues because indirectly the stevedoring and porterage services are being supervised by the Philippine Ports Authority

P100T reward up for wanted ex-mayor

Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre
Kalibo, Aklan- The Philippine National Police Task Force Usig had officially issued a P100 thousand reward for the information that will lead to the arrest of former Lezo Mayor Fred Arcenio.

During the weekly police conference here Tuesday, Aklan PNP Sr. Supt Benigno Durana said that the police have intensified its campaign to arrest Arcenio suspect in the killing of Bombo radio station manager Herson Hinolan in November 2004.

“The Task Force Usig is studying all means to arrest Arcenio with intelligence reports that some of his friends both in the military and the PNP might harbor him. The task force is also bent on studying possible leakage of information that will hamper Arcenio’s arrest,” Durana said.

Arcenio before he was elected as mayor of Lezo town in 2004, he is known to be a member of the Military Intelligence Group of the Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Batallion. The Kalibo Regional Trial Court against the former mayor has issued a warrant of arrest for murder case.

To reinforce the PNP national office, Durana bared that he is also organizing a local PNP task force to oversee local situations and how it could help the national PNP in speeding up the resolution of the media killings.

Meanwhile, Durana bared that they are also doing their best to also resolve the killings of broadcaster Roland Ureta, a program manager of RMN—dyKR who was killed in Lezo, Aklan in January 2001.

Aklan dengue cases down; gastroenteritis threat up

Kalibo, Aklan – Cases of dengue in Aklan are slowing down, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO) here.

Dr. Maria J. Magpusao, Chief of the Technical Services Division here revealed that this month, cases of dengue as recorded by the PHO appear to be decreasing.

Based on their records, the first week of July recorded a total of 25 cases, 2^nd week, 15 cases; and third week, 4 cases. However, Aklan health officials are now alarmed with the increasing number of patients brought to the hospital suffering from gastroenteritis.

Magpusao said patients come from all parts of the province, with ages ranging from below a year-old to 52 years old.

Magpusao revealed that just within the first week of July, 48 gastroenteritis cases were listed by the PHO. She suspects the changing weather condition, the eating habits of young children, and the presence of intestinal worms in young children are some of the contributing factors in the rise of cases.

She advised that once afflicted, a person should be made to drink plenty of fluid and take ORESOL and increase his body resistance.

Although cases of dengue in Aklan is decreasing, Magpusao warned that people should still be on guard, because when continuous rain sets in in August , cases might againt come up. She still suspects cases might still peak in August, because this was the trend in the past years.

She called on all Aklanons not to be lax on dengue and practice the 4 o’clock habit by cleaning the surroundings and searching and destroying the breeding places of mosquitoes.

“Everybody is vulnerable to dengue, but complications are greater when the patient is very young, or very old,” Magpusao stressed.

Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano called on local officials and residents to keep tourist destinations crime-free and also safe from dengue and other diseases.

He called on mayors of the different tourist destinations in the country to take important measures to prevent the outbreak of dengue in their areas.

Aklan is home to Boracay Island, the province’ and the country’s top tourist destination.

A high incidence of dengue, according to Durano, would scare away both foreign and local tourists.

Based on records of the Provincial Tourism Office in Aklan, tourist arrivals in boracay Island last year already reached the half a million mark. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Pscijourn to be organized in WV soon

Jun Ariolo N.. Aguirre
Kalibo, Aklan- In order to introduce the importance of science journalism in Western Visayas, the Philippine Science Journalists Incorporated (PSciJourn) will be organized in three key provinces in the region: Aklan, Iloilo and Bacolod City.

According to Dr. Rafael Rivera, publisher of the health magazine and a columnists of the Philippine Daily Inquirer the organization of PScijourn in the provinces is needed as the country hopes to host the annual conference of the Worldwide Science Journalists in 2013.

"We hope that we could have more active science journalists by 2013 so we have enough manpower to host the international event," Rivera said.

The Philippines was recently registered as the 23rd member (nation) association of the WFSJ based in Canada.

Vicky Bartilet, mediacore of the Science and Technology Institute of the Department of Science and Technology said that science journalism is comparatively a recent development in the country.

"In Europe and many developed countries, science journalism began during the enlightenment period in the 18th century," Bartilet said.

"Even after World War II, science and technology stories rarely saw in print in Philippine national dailies. Early records of support for S&T information among broadcast networks are also practically non-existent. The closest to what amount as S&T news were most health-related.

The Press Foundation for Asia, and the Philippine Press Institute also made important initiatives in the development of Philippine Science Journalism. PFA established Depthnews in 1968 and created its science service in 1976. Manila-based Aklanon journalist Paul Icamina became the wire service science editor. DepthNews then had subscribers from Asia and United Nations Agencies.

The first to be organized is Aklan province in the Visayas to hopefully invite International Science Journalists to visit Boracay Island in 2013.

Jairus Lachica, the DOST head in Aklan said that the organization will be held on August 8 with the cooperation of media, the campus press and the information officer to elect among themselves the officers of PSciJourn-Aklan chapter.

Bora terminal collection soars high- Maquirang

BORACAY Island- The collection of Boracay terminal port boosted with the six-day daily flight of the Sea Air from Incheon, South Korea to Kalibo Airport, Caticlan Jetty Port Administrator Nieven Maquirang reported.

In his first-half report to Governor Carlito Marquez, Maquirang stated that an over-all P24, 269, 185.02 for January-June report funds was collected from the operation of the terminal including wharfage, terminal fee among others.

"The value is much higher compared to our first-half report in 2006 wherein we only collected P19,489,469, 185.67," Maquirang said.

The operation of the six day- daily flight each week started this July. At the start of the inauguration flight last May, the Sea Air only travels three times a week.

Despite the continuous increase of the terminal collection, however, tourists here didn’t appreciate the increase because of the unsanitary condition of the terminal jetty port’s comfort rooms and the lack of air-conditioning facilities.

"We have already asked the provincial capitol to provide us the necessary funds for the operation and maintenance of the terminal. We hope to recieve the things we need soon," Maquirang said.

The jetty port has been included in the P250 million annual budget approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in the Economic Enterprise Zone.

Boracay policemen inspected

By BAM LUCES

BORACAY – The Regional Internal Affairs Services (RIAS) of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) recently tested the readiness of the elements of the Boracay Special Tourist Police Office (BSTPO).

Called the Annual General Inspection Operational Readiness Security Inspection Test and Evaluation (AGI-ORSITE), it aims to ensure that policemen are always on alert and efficient.

Among others, the men and women of the BSTPO were tested for their knowledge in handling crimes such as robbery and drug pushing.

Their alertness in responding to emergency cases and attack was also checked.

The general inspection is required under the Philippine National Police Reorganization Act of 1988.

ORSITE evaluators also assessed the physical appearance, accomplishments in operations, intelligence, logistics, controllership and police community relations of the Boracay Special Tourist Police Office.

‘Floating coffins,’ a thing of the past

By ULYSSES ESPARTERO

MALAY, Aklan – Floating coffins will be a thing of the past as a result of the “one entry, one exit” policy implemented by the provincial government and enforced by Task Force Bantay Boracay.

Flatboats, used during low tide to transport tourists from bancas to the Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Ports, have been tagged as “floating coffins” as accidents happen onboard, where from luggage to guests fell into the water especially at night.

The Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) proposed that flatboats should be removed from the system because they are dangerous.

Karen Reina of Mandala Spa even described the faltboats as “cheap, old and rusty.”
Even during high tide, tourism stakeholders here wonder why flatboats are used.

The Boracay Association of Resorts, Restaurants and Independent Allies (BARRIA) called on the local officials to protect the tourists and the residents of the island and implement the “one entry, one exit policy” immediately.

“We do not want to wait for misfortunes to happen before we get our acts together. If in the future, they will happen, who will pay for the damages? Who will shoulder the responsibility,” one observer who refused to be named noted.

The Caticlan Boracay Transport Multi-purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) earlier expressed opposition to the system but failed.

Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez said the change in the present transport system in Boracay was reinforced because he the island is the “crown jewel of the Philippines tourism industry.”

PS/Supt. Benigno Durana,Jr., Task Force Bantay Boracay head, urged the island’s tourism stakeholders to abide by the regulations being enforced by the authorities for the good of the island and for the welfare of its people.

from the readers

To the Aklan Governor,

You are the best and one unique example of all the leaders...May GOD allow things and your plans to happen because of your cares and sincerity to all Aklanons...

Mr.and Mrs.Willie Z.Nemis
USA

And the Winner Is..

AND THE WINNER IS ........RACHEL OFORI , the COVER MODEL CONTEST WINNER of the Fourpoints Magazine for their Aug./Sept. 2007 Issue ! ABANGAN & PLS. BUY this ISSUE. It'll be in the Magazine Rack next week.

Rachel de Mariano Ofori the daughter of Dr. Stephen Ofori (of Ghana, Africa) & Faith de Mariano Ofori (of Lezo, Aklan) & the grand daughter of Mr. Emeterio & Mrs. Cristeta C. de Mariano of Lezo, Aklan, who just captured / WON the COVER MODEL of FOURPOINTS MAGAZINE for Aug. - Sept. 2007 Issue. We're very PROUD of Rachel's accomplishment ! Another BUGAE it Aklan / Philippines !

Thanks a lot for publishing her previous announcement & a million thanks for the SUPPORT / VOTES to all the people who voted for her but goes most especially to you Jun Ariolo Aguirre & to the Anwang Aklan Blogspot staff.

As Always,

Nene Aguirre Leacock

"fourpoints is pleased to announce, after much suspense, that the winner of the 2007 Make Me A Cover Model Contest is....Rachel Ofori! Rachel will be featured on the cover of the August/September issue of the magazine and have a feature article written about her inside the magazine. She will also make an appearance at the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando as the new Make Me A Cover Model.

Rachel, a 14-year-old from Lawton, Oklahoma, currently holds the title of Miss Lawton's Outstanding Teen 2007. She is very dedicated to her platform, fighting childhood obesity. She is a first-generation American of Ghanian and Filipina descent.

fourpoints would like to thank all of the young women who entered the Make Me A Cover Model Contest. It is our privilege to get to know so many beautiful, amazing young women. The task of picking just one to place on our cover is never easy. We thank you for your support and all the work you do in your communities."

http://www.fourpointsmagazine.com/mags/fourpoints/news/article.asp?id=426

COMELEC extends registration for barangay, SK elections

Kalibo, Aklan –Aklanons who were not able to register during the scheduled registration from July 22 to 29 to be able to vote for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections set on October 29 of this year can now register themselves, with the go signal given by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for the extension.

The extension of nationwide registration runs from July 24 to 31 of this year for those who would be voting for barangay elections, while for SK, the extension is set July 28-29 and August 4-5.

Lorena Tumbagahan, OIC Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) and concurrently the Election Registrar of COMELEC-Kalibo said that for barangay election voters, registration will be facilitated at Municipal COMELEC Offices and for SK, at barangay halls or schools, wherever is agreed upon.

In barangay halls or schools which are called the filing centers, Tumbagahan said there will be a receiving committee to facilitate the registration, which would be composed of two public school teachers or even government employees if the former are not available.

The extension of COMELEC registration nationwide was brought about by the overwhelming turnout of registrants.

In Kalibo for instance, Tumbagahan said the COMELEC did not expect such big turnout of registrants, considering that the May 2007 elections was just held two months ago and before that, the COMELEC has conducted continuing voters’ registration.

“I was amazed to see that in the course of the eight days of registration, the COMELEC office was swamped from early morning until the evening with a big number of people who lined up for registration. There was even a man who was still confined in a hospital but went out to register and came to the office with dextrose attached to his body. There was also a woman who had given birth by caesarian section, but risked her well-being by lining up to register, even if she had just been operated on five days before. There was also this woman who lined up under the heat of the sun bringing her infant along. I also heard that a pregnant woman who was in the line felt dizzy, so she just went home,” Tumbagahan related when asked of her observations.

Tumbagahan said that since 1997, the COMELEC conducted a continuing registration of voters. She found out too, in the course of the registration period, that some brand new or first-time registrants, have ages ranging from 25, 28, 30 and others 50 up. To be sure, COMELEC-Kalibo looked into the files of the office to see if these people had registered already, but no records were found.

Most of those who registered, according to Tumbagahan, wanted to transfer within the municipality. For instance, Tumbagahan said some Brgy. Buswang New voters registered to transfer to Brgy. Buswang Old or anywhere else in Kalibo; some wanted to transfer from other municipalities, while others came outside the province.

Tumbagahan said COMELEC officers from the different municipalities here also shared almost the same experiences and observations.

The COMELEC here expects that registration during the extended period in Aklan will be peaceful and orderly. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Advisory

This website will be down from July 24-29, 2007 for maintenance. Our apology for the inconvenience.

a tribute to Cardinal Sin

This 13.5 feet tall bronze-crest monument will be unveiled on August 31, 2007 in New Washington Aklan at the Jaime Cardinal Sin Park as a tribute to the heroism of the Aklanon Cardinal during the Edsa Revolution (Jun N. Aguirre)

AKLAN A FREE SYNDICATED ILLEGAL GAMBLING PROVINCE

PO1 Nida L Gregas

PNP Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Benigno B Durana Jr declares Aklan province is not free from illegal gambling but free from syndicated illegal gambling. This information divulged during the 1^st joint press conference of Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) and Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps (APDPC) conducted last July 17, 2007 held at Aklan PPO Multi-Purpose Building, Camp Pastor Martelino, Kalibo, Aklan.

As operational accomplishments shows in Campaign against Illegal Gambling or Violation of RA 9287 from 01 January – 15 June 2007, the Aklan PPO conducted 10 operations with 20 persons arrested and 11 cases already filed in court.

According to PSSUPT Durana, a thorough information dissemination campaign against illegal gambling and intelligence monitoring is being undertaken by the command to neutralize violators. Likewise, all Municipal Police stations were directed to intensify their campaigns and have their individual night watch operations in their respective AOR particularly Kalibo and Boracay areas. (PIO-Aklan PPO)

AKLAN PPO HOSTED PRESS CONFERENCE

The Aklan Police Provincial Office successfully hosted the 1^st joint press conference of Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) and Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps (APDPC) as Police Community Relations celebrates the 12^th year anniversary this July to promote strong partnership between the community and the police force in the Aklan province.

The presscon conducted last July 17, 2007 at Aklan PPO Multi-Purpose Building to strengthen the good media relations. It is also one way of putting up into proper perspective the ties with the members of the fourth estate. A total of 30 Tri-media personality were present on that date. The activity will be conducted regularly every Tuesday at 4 o’clock in the afternoon.

This solicited idea of tri-media and Aklan PPO purposely portrait a transparency in all police activities, and upholding the right of the people to be informed on matters of public interests.

PNP Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Benigno B Durana Jr, congratulates the members of the newly organized press corps who really give their full support to the Aklan PPO in all police activities.

According to PSSUPT Durana, crimes continue to remain very manageable despite the growing urbanization and development of the Aklan province. Out of this year’s total crime volume, 98 incidents or 61.64% are considered index crimes and 61 incidents or 38.36% are non index crimes. Of the 159 crime incidents recorded and investigated, 153 were considered solved, indicating a Crime Solution efficiency of 96.23. An increase in crime solution efficiency of 1.30% compared to 94.93% recorded during the same period last year. (PIO-Aklan PPO)

KADAMAY Against Dengue

The Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) – Aklan, spearheads the July 22, 2007 campaign dubbed as Kampanya Kontra Dengue.

“We are alarmed with the increasing numbers of victims of dengue in some municipalities in the province”, said KADAMAY-Aklan Spokesperson, Nita Tugna. “Though we have doctors here in Aklan, realities speak of the inability of the Local Government of the province to fully provide victims of dengue medical services and assistance that the needs to transport the victim to Roxas City or Iloilo City for complete treatment”. “This brings worries to the families of the victims and would be victims, especially we, in the urban poor areas, for the transport of our patients begets big amount of money with which, we in this sector could hardly provide given that most of us are in “remedyo heneral” in terms of earnings”. Tugna added.

“We also resigned ourselves to the fact, that the incapacity of the local government of the province in answering the health need of Aklanons, is brought about by programs and policies of the national government in this sector. The devolution of Health and privatization have in effect, widened the margin of access of the poor, far from this basic service. Though they are also a victim of this system but the local government must also be critical to this condition and should challenge the national government on this matter”. Tugna furthers.

“Our Kampanya Kontra Dengue is kick-off activity of KADAMAY as it calls on the Aklanons to join the nationally coordinated protest actions that will be led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan on Monday, July 23, 2007”. Together with BAYAN, KADAMAY will continuously expose the real condition of the people that will be covered with lies by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her SONA on Monday.” “Part of this campaign will be a conduct of community clean up, feeding and deworming of more than 200 urban poor children ages 1 to 10 years old, as well as, a lecture on the preventive measures against dengue”. Through these activities, people would realize the pain of behind the P0.30 per person, per day budget of Gloria Mapagal Arroyo to the health needs of the people, while she and her cohorts, enjoy the blessing of their corrupted billions from the blood and sweat of the people”. Tugna, elaborates.

The campaign will participated by the Aklan Medical Society, Aklan’s Provincial Health Office, Kalibo Municipal General Services Office, Poblacion Kalibo Barangay Council, Students of Dela Cruz Institute for Business and Industry and RECAG.##

Aklanons Against Frustrated Killing and Abduction

Kalibo, Aklan – SAVE MA. LUISA “LUING” POSA-DOMINADO and LEONILO “NILO” ABAO ARADO MOVEMENT successfully launched today through a lunch for a cause and a media forum on Anti-Terror Law at the Conference Hall of Kalibo Municipal Building, Kalibo, Aklan.

“Today, national data speaks of more than 900 hundred documented cases of extra-judicial killings, forcible disappearances and abductions of whom, most of the victims are from the ranks of militant and progressive organizations”. said Fernando Baldomero, BAYAN Muna- Aklan Provincial Chairperson and also a member of SELDA-Panay.

“What happened to Leeboy, Luing and Nilo is just but one of the various forms and of the continuously increasing numbers of cases of human rights violations under the Arroyo administration “. Baldomero added.

The shooting of Leeboy and the abduction of Luing and Nilo are the first cases of frustrated killing and forcible disappearance in the island of Panay, and we fear that this will set a precedence -- given that this regime, have already taken terrorism as policy of the state, as it is clearly manifested by the passage and full implementation of the Anti-Terror Law/Human Security Act of 2007, in the guise of its all-out-war policy against “terrorism”. Baldomero furthers.

Baldomero also added, “we come together to organize ourselves and establish SAVE in the province to preempt the possibility of the killings of the activists—our way of defending our rights as human”.

In resolution passed and approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan, former SP Member Franklin L. Quimpo, the proponent of the said resolution, stressed that the frustrated killing and the abduction of activists regional leaders would also possibly happened in Aklan as claimed by leaders and members of progressive and militant organizations in the province.

“There are also reported cases of warrantless arrest and detention, surveillance and harassments to the council particularly, in the Committee on Human Rights chaired by Hon. Ramon Gelito. Quimpo said."The approval of the resolution thus, signifies our opposition and condemnation to all forms of human right violations and extra-judicial killings”.

“We are in a democratic country and it is sad to note that people who advocate on issues related to this concern with an opposite view to that of the government, are out-rightly declared as enemies of the state, and are usually become victims of illegal arrest and detention, and worst scenario, abducted and killed by the armed element of the state”. Quimpo added.

The launching is being joined in by lawyers, legislators, sectoral representatives, people from the academe, friends of Luing and Nilo in Aklan, local chapters of progressive party lists, militant organization under BAYAN-Aklan, individuals and media. ###

Kalibo Chamber favors high-power rate

By Michael S. Resterio

KALIBO, Aklan- Officers and members of the Kalibo Ati-atihan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) favored the power rate increases if it is only the way for a sustainable electricity supply in the province.

In a meeting held here recently, Larry Barbaza president of the KCCI said that Kalibo-based businessmen are clamoring for more electricity supply to cope with their needed demand for the operation of their businesses.

"But we understand we could not do anything but wait because residents are protesting any power rate increase of the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO)," Barbaza said.
The problem on power shortage in the province stemmed after the Kalibo Regional Trial Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order for the Global Business and Power Corporation to stop distributing power supply to AKELCO.

The TRO was issued after Congressman Florencio Miraflores questioned the controversy hounding the Electric Power Purchase Agreement (EPPA) between the GBPC and the AKELCO.

"In Kalibo, we observed the economic lives are progressing but the only way that progress is disrupted because of the low power supply," Barbaza said.

Barbaza, an owner of a pharmacy, said that among the indicator that Kalibo is progressing is the mushrooming in number of pharmaceutical firms in the town.

"One might think that the Aklanons are sick, but we welcomed the increasing number of pharmacies in Kalibo as a sign of economic growth providing better alternative medical supplies for the residents," he said.

Standard for Electromechanical Meters set for PubCon

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has set the public consultation (PubCon) on the draft “Philippine National Standard for Electromechanical Meters” on 20 July 2007, nine o’clock in the morning (9:00 AM) at the ERC Hearing Room, 15^th Floor, Pacific Center Building, San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Business District, Pasig City.

“It is high time for the electric power industry to have a Philippine National Standard (PNS) for electricity metering equipment to ensure safety, accuracy, and reliability. The standard sets the requirements and parameters for meters and meter-related equipment to ensure their quality and protect the consumers,” ERC Chairman and CEO Rodolfo B. Albano, Jr. said.

The PNS adopted the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and the IEC’s (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards with some revisions to make them applicable in the Philippine setting. The ANSI contains the Code for Electricity Metering which: (1) establishes acceptable performance criteria for new types of AC watthour meters, demand meters, demand registers, pulse devices, and auxiliary devices; (2) describes acceptable in-service performance levels for meters and devices used in revenue metering; (3) includes information on related subjects, such as recommended measurement standards, installation requirements, test methods, and test schedules; and (4) provides a reference for those concerned with electricity metering, such as utilities, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies.

The IEC, on the other hand, (1) covers type tests for electricity metering equipment for indoor and outdoor application, which apply to newly-manufactured equipment designed to measure the electrical energy; (2) applies to electromechanical or static meters for indoor and outdoor application; and (3) applies to operation indicators and test outputs.

The PNS was jointly undertaken by ERC-BPS (Bureau of Product Standards) TC70, a Technical Committee created to develop such standard for electric watt-hour meters. It is composed of representatives from different stakeholders such as the academe, distribution utilities, consumers, suppliers and manufacturers, professional associations, and government agencies concerned.

P5-billion island airport to increase visitors to Boracay and nearby areas

MALAY, Aklan — The construction of the R5-billion Carabao Island Airport, starting October, is expected to serve hundreds of thousands of local and foreign tourists visiting the world famous Boracay island and nearby areas yearly.

The construction of the airport, a private sector initiative, will be completed by 2010.

Steve Tajanlangit, vice chairman of the Boracay Property Holdings, Inc., the main proponent of the project, expressed confidence that the airport will further hasten the growth of tourism on Boracay- Carabao Island corridor.

Tajanlangit stressed that the airport will also generate thousands of employment and spur economic growth and activities not only on Boracay island, but also the entire municipality of San Jose, Romblon, where the Carabao Island is located.

He said his group has already secured a guarantee line from the Phil Exim Bank which shows that the private sector can work hand in hand with the government, especially in the development of tourist destinations.

Once completed, the airport will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that can accommodate even big aircraft doing international flights in contrast to the Caticlan Airport which can only host small planes.

Among the highly reputable and world-class firms that have expressed interest and offered expertise and financial resources to the project is Sellex Sistemo Integrated of Italy. Sellex, which supplies airside equipment, is the main firm of the comglomerate Finmeccanica owned by the Italian government.

Tajanlangit’s group is also seriously considering Changi International of Singapore, which is consistently rated as the world’s best airport operator, to be the airport manager.

Construction management will likely be handled by an American firm with proven expertise in building airports and support facilities for the US Defense Department.

Tajanlangit said the government’s guarantee company has already approved credit clearance for the project, while the Air Transportation Office under the Department of Transportation and Communications has already given its condition locational clearance.

Women’s Rights Delegates Push for an Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at the UN meeting

Atty. Clara Rita A. Padilla

Executive Director

EnGendeRights, Inc.

Geneva, July 19, 2007—The members of the International Women’s Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific (IWRAW-AP) delegation Brenda Campbell, Clara Rita A. Padilla, and Niti Saxena are presently attending the United Nations Open-ended Meeting on an Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR or the Covenant) being held in Geneva this July 16-27, 2007.

The delegates from the States Parties, non-governmental organizations, and experts are discussing the provisions of a draft Optional Protocol that provides the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (the Committee), tasked to monitor the implementation of the Covenant, to receive and consider communications/individual complaints and to conduct inquiries on alleged violations of state obligations to respect, protect and fulfill economic, social and cultural rights.

Clara Rita Padilla, a feminist lawyer and the Executive Director of EnGendeRights, says, “The much-needed Optional Protocol will strengthen access to justice of women on economic and socio-cultural rights including the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health (Art. 12.1, ICESCR), education (Art. 13), work (Art. 6), food and freedom from hunger (Art. 11.1 and 11.2), and housing (Art. 11.1), among others. The proposed mechanism of individual complaints will allow individuals and groups of individuals to file complaints against their states for failure to uphold their rights under the Covenant. The views of the Committee on these complaints would have a significant impact in furthering women’s rights.”

An example of a complaint that can be filed with the Committee is on the right to education of women especially poor, rural, and indigenous women. Statistics show that the higher the educational attainment of women, the less number of children they want. This means less unwanted pregnancies, and lesser women undergoing unsafe, backstreet abortions in the case of the Philippines where abortion is still unsafe and illegal.

Another complaint that can be filed is on women’s right to access emergency contraceptive pills to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Until now, Filipino women including rape victims are unable to access these contraceptive pills due to policies of the Bureau of Food and Drugs Administration and the Department of Health that are contrary to the findings of the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the policies of over 140 nations worldwide that have endorsed emergency contraceptives as a proven safe and effective method of modern contraception including predominantly Catholic countries such as Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Hungary, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Venezuela.

With proper access to health care information and services including sexuality education for adolescents, maternal mortality ratios can be dramatically brought down as seen in the experiences of other countries where maternal mortality has been brought down to less than ten women dying for every 100,000 live births (i.e., Canada, Italy, Spain, UNFPA State of the World Population Report (SWPR) 2006).

In the Philippines, it is regrettable that the maternal mortality ratio has remained constant for the past three years (200 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births, UNFPA SWPR 2005, 2006, 2007). This shows that the Philippines has failed miserably to comply with its obligation under the Covenant to “undertake steps...to achieving progressively the full realization of the rights recognized in the present Covenant by all appropriate means, including the adoption of legislative measures.”

Atty. Padilla says, “It’s just unfortunate that there is no delegate from the Philippine Mission in Geneva who is present here to express their support for an Optional Protocol to the Covenant.” She adds, “We need pressure from NGOs, stakeholders and policy makers back in the Philippines and around the world to support this important process.”

One entry, one exit makes Boracay a hard target for terrorists – PNP

Kalibo, Aklan –Terrorists will only attack when you least expect it. They attack when the target is soft and vulnerable.

Sr. Police Superintendent Benigno Durana, Aklan Police Provincial Office Provincial Director disclosed this in a press conference recently with the Aklan Police Defense Press Corps. This was PD Durana’s answer to a media man’s question on the implementation of the Human Security Act (RA 9372) and its impact on the protection of Boracay Island from terroristic attacks.

Durana said the PNP employs three steps to implement protective laws – intelligence, investigation and target hardening. In the intelligence aspect, Durana said the PNP collects information to protect Boracay Island and preempt any terroristic activity from happening there. On the other hand, he said investigations involve looking at any information that will cause them to believe that there is a presence of terroristic activities already.

According to Durana, if there are vital installations or areas that can be considered a potential target for terroristic activities, the PNP hardens it to make the area a hard target for terrorists.

“The one entry, one exit policy in Boracay Island is one effort of the provincial government of Aklan to make Boracay a hard target for the terrorists,” Durana said.

Durana also disclosed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police has created Task Force Boracay to protect the island. There is also the presence of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard, according to him. However, he also emphasized that in risk management, you can never erase or achieve a zero risk – the purpose of the security system is to lessen the risk present, in order to lessen the vulnerability of a potential target.

July 20 is the official launching by Malacanang of the Human Security act, or RA 9372. HAS took effect July 15 but launching was reset in deference to the July 16-17 National Consultative Summit organized by the Supreme Court.

Philippine Information Agency Director General Dodi Limcaoco, who announced the launching, said victims and survivors of terrorist attacks will converge in Malacanang to mark the implementation of the HAS.

Members of Congress and the Senate who were instrumental in passing the law, members of the Anti Terrorism Council, Cabinet secretaries and members of the diplomatic corps are expected to join the launching rites, with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expected to deliver the keynote message. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Casiño takes oath before Justice Carpio

Bayan Muna second nominee Teddy Casiño today took his oath as
partylist representative in simple yet meaningful ceremonies before
the associate justice who penned the Supreme Court's decision
dismissing the Arroyo administration' s rebellion case against 50
underground and legal leftist personalities, including the Batasan 6.

Associate Justice Antonio Carpio swore Casiño into office at 3:00 pm
today at the Supreme Court's Dignitaries Lounge.

Casiño, 38, was accompanied by his wife Karapatan spokesperson Ruth
Cervantes and other members of the Casiño family.

In a statement, Casiño thanked voters for renewing Bayan Muna's
mandate in the last elections. "We rededicate ourselves and our party
to pursuing our program of New Politics despite attempts to annihilate
us politically and physically. We will push for reforms for the basic
masses and the middle class who bear the brunt of political, economic
and social crises under the current dispensation. "

He also expressed hope that the Supreme Court will give way to the
petition for certiorari which the partylist group filed against the
Commission on Elections that aims to prohibit the election body from
implementing the First Party Rule.

"At the very least, Bayan Muna deserves to obtain the current maximum
of three seats after having obtained more than six percent of total
partylist votes. Unfortunately, the First Party Rule negates the
popular mandate we won fair and squre," said Casiño.

Bayan Muna contends that the First Party Rule and the three-seat cap
are illegal and unconstitutional and violates the principles of
proportional representation.

International law expert and human rights lawyer Neri Javier
Colmenares is Bayan Muna's third nominee.

Helping ‘well-meaning’ social dev’t amateurs from abroad

JEREMAIAH M. OPINIANO,

Institute for Migration and Development Issues


MANILA—CLICKS at the mouse press Antonina “Tonette” Binsol’s attachment to her homeland.

At one click, Binsol barrages Yahoo! email groups with numerous appeals to raise funds for an Aeta child’s scholarship, a livelihood project, and multiple other development initiatives. At another, this assistant manager at Mizuho Securities in Japan has raised the needed amounts and sends the money to intended beneficiaries.

All that philanthropic effort Binsol tries to execute —from the first mile (Japan) to the last mile (the Philippines)— using her computer. She never forgot thanking 50 Filipino donors from seven countries through the website of Binsol’s cyber nonprofit group Tulong Pinoy Movement, www.tpmovers.org.

Binsol won’t be clicking her mouse anymore: the 36-year-old died in Japan recently. “She tries to ensure that the resources are used properly,” shares Rotarian Jimmy Cura during Binsol’s wake here in Singalong area. “Tonette is trying to put a system to her efforts at helping the Philippines.”

It has been a best-effort basis for migrant philanthropy, an endeavor Binsol does “’so well’ and with all heart,” says Francisco Aguilar, Jr., another former overseas Filipino. Hundreds of other Filipinos abroad, grouped as members of the same Pinoy hometown, the same neighborhood overseas, the same Alma Mater, and more of whatever are similar in them, manage whatever they can just to help.

Some of these Filipino overseas donors admitted they need help to their private philanthropy, last recorded in 2003 as a US$218 million resource that’s already a third of the same year’s official development aid from foreign governments (some US$776 million).

“We cannot always do the dirty work from our end,” says Honesto Tria of the US-based Save-a-Tahanan, Inc. (STI). For 20 years, a partner back home —Save-a-Tahanan Movement Philippines— has been implementing grassroots community projects in five provinces with at meager total budget of US$5,000 a year.

It is even hard to raise funds for such long-term community development work, narrates chair Marisa Robles. “We are just a ‘mom-and-pop’ group, and STI is happy to have survived this long.”


In spite of that, recent studies in migrant philanthropy have posed a hard reality: Even if Filipino migrant donors address “immediate needs” like food, school supplies, and medical equipment, the developmental impact of these is “piecemeal,” writes Filipino-Canadian Jon Silva in his master’s thesis at Simon Fraser University.

This situation “already undermines the perception that these (donations) are worthwhile,” Silva observed.

These Filipinos abroad, who are primarily workers and residents in foreign lands, are not professional social development workers, observes American Fulbright scholar Shawn Powers in his evaluation of four US-based Filipino donor groups’ projects. “They are ‘well-meaning amateurs.’”

But Filipino migrant philanthropy has another side to it: nonprofit groups, government agencies, and a host of other stakeholders ask money directly from them. These groups have the machineries in place so that migrant donors do not worry much where the donations went or if these were misused.

Take Gawad Kalinga, whose socialized housing program costs P50,000 per home, as an example: P210 million from overseas Filipino donations, equaling to 4,200 homes to poor Filipinos.

When the Bacolod City-based Negros Economic Development Foundation helped facilitate the P100,000 donation of Negrosanon USA for water systems in identified barangays in the city, “they were happy and learned the value of working with a partner in the Philippines,” narrates Executive Director Rose Depra.

Given the prominence of overseas Filipinos as a target market (both as billion-dollar consumers and as million-dollar donors), everybody wants a piece of migrants’ disposable and “investible” incomes.

But when one gets to face them, and hears their own problems while overseas, “you will just pause and say I’ll not yet ask money from them,” narrates development NGO worker Anna Leah Sarabia during her sortie with Filipinos in Canada last year.

Migrant philanthropy can even be an anti-thesis if the donor from abroad is on the receiving end, like former Singapore-based domestic worker Luisa Tayco, whose deluge of family and business-related problems earlier this year just made her almost helpless.

While other Filipinos abroad have helped her in some way, she was quick to point at government agencies: “I have asked for a loan,” narrates the president of Pinokyos Welfare, “and I was just passed around from one office to another.”

“Isn’t it that we here at home should be the first ones to help overseas Filipinos?” asks Marietta Paragas of the Cordillera Network of NGOs and People’s Organizations (CordNet).

“We admit we need help in our development projects back home,” says Tria, carrying with him a P3 million project proposal (covering three years) that is looking for an interested local donor. STI has the money to match a local donor’s interest, he reminds.

STI still searches for help. So do migrant donors like Tayco, who clings on to a piggy bank in her Novaliches, Caloocan City canteen just to continue her Pinokyos spirit while reintegrating into mainstream Philippine society.

“I really want to help,” Tayco says, to the wonder of those who have helped her since she has been into all kinds of problems. “Please help us and our dreams for the country

Migration Conference

The Institute for Migration and Development Issues is inviting everyone to Pursuing Efficiency and Meaning by ‘Changemakers:’ The Second National Conference on Filipino Migrant Philanthropy, set August 1 and 2 at the University of Santo Tomas-Thomas Aquinas Research Complex. Participation costs P500 per person .Inquiries and expressions of interest may be sent online (ofw_philanthropy@yahoo.com) and by mobile phone (+639178238260).

Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of economy – Gov. Marquez

Kalibo, Aklan -- “If taxes are the lifeblood of the government, entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the economy”.

This was Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez’ way of praising Aklan’s Small and Medium Entrepreneurs here, when he gave his message at the opening program of the SME Forum held June 18 at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training here.

The activity, spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry here under Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes, was held in support of Aklan’s micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs).

The activity was an opportunity for the MSMEs to exchange ideas, discuss concerns and be updated on issues or events affecting their respective industry sectors.

“The theme of the National SMED Week, ‘Ang Galing Mo Pinoy! Go Negosyo’ is a very appropriate theme, as we focus on our SMEs, who help us pave the way from poverty to prosperity. SMEs have the whole support of the provincial government, and no matter how small our budget is, there is always something for our Aklan SMEs”, Governor Marquez said.

He also told the group that the provincial government has started improving the trade fair venue at the Goding Ramos Park at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, so that in the forthcoming trade fairs and product showcases here, the area will be more convenient and spacious for the exhibitors.

He also reminded the entrepreneurs to be sincere and transparent in their dealings with their clients, and never violate the rights of others.

“We Filipinos have the capacity of starting small and ending big. There are many people who are models of entrepreneurship, including Aklanons. One I can cite is the departed former mayor of Batan, Mayor Herodutos Ramos, who started his venture as a cottage industry that became a plastics empire. As the economic backbone of the province, let us make Aklan progressive, and then we can say ‘Ang galing mo Aklanon! Go Negosyo!’, Gov. marquez said.

For her part, DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes said figures are on the uptrend as far as SMEs in Aklan are concerned. She said the number of investments is up and growing; many Aklanons have jobs triggered by the SMEs, and many businesses have sought registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SECs).

Pollentes said the flourishing of business in Boracay Island is a big advantage for Aklan’s SMEs, so products should always be upgraded, innovated and developed to compete with other SMEs from other provinces which also make Boracay as a market for their products.

“We are also doing our best to make business in Aklan environmentally-friendly, together with other concerned agencies here,” Pollentes assured everyone.

The SME forum was attended by SMED members coming from the different government agencies here, small and medium entrepreneurs and the local media. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

P15 million Aklan River irrigation rehab project to start soon – NIA

Kalibo, Aklan –The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) here is ready to implement the repair and rehabilitation of the Aklan River Irrigation System.

The river irrigation/rehab has a budget of P15 million, which is funded under the P1.0 billion allocation program of the NIA.

According to NIA-Aklan, it has already prepared a program of works for the project which includes Contract Works with an estimated cost of P10,156,018.95; force account works, P2,675,731.50; institutional development, P675,358.55; overhead cost, P742,891.00; and management fee, P750,000, for a total of P15,000,000.

NIA-Aklan revealed that a public bidding under contract works was conducted by the Regional Bids and Awards Committee headed by the Chairman, Engr. Oliver A. Cervantes recently at the NIA office in Linabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan.

The winning bidder, G.F. Rovero Merchandizing, is set to construct the 2.65 kilometers Bench Flume.

NIA-Aklan revealed that the project will rehabilitate 680 hectares of irrigated rice lands in the municipalities of Kalibo, Banga and New Washington in the eastern side and Lezo and Makato in western side, serving 836 farmer beneficiaries.

This NIA project is seen to increase Aklan’s rice production and enhance the hybrid rice program of the provincial government here. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Bantay Boracay bares One Entry, One Exit Policy results

By Ulyses Espartero

KALIBO, Aklan - Under the leadership of Police Senior Supt. Benigno B. Durana, Jr., the Task Force Bantay Boracay recently bared the results of the One Entry, One Exit Policy.

The implementation resulted to the following: “resolved the long-standing problem of pumpboats moored along the white beach at the three boat stations, depriving tourists of a safe swimming area and polluting the all-important beach with oil and other wastes from motorboats and their operators enforced port-to-port disembarkation and embarkation for tourists, and assure full inspection of passengers and their cargoes.”

The policy, an initiative of the provincial board, has the full endorsement of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Marina, the latter to effectively regulate the operation of sea craft in the area and get rid of what media has called the ‘primitive’ and ‘backward’ tourist transport to and from the island. Before the implementation of the policy, porters carried tourists in their shoulders to and from the flatboats.

The Caticlan Jetty Port and Passenger Terminal (CJPPT) in mainland Malay and Cagban Jetty Port in Barangay Manoc-Manoc in the island were placed under the operation of EEDD, according to Asst. Department Head Rex Consemino.

In 2006, Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez signed a Memorandum of Agreement with DOT and Marina relative to the implementation of Provincial Ordinance No. 05-016 creating the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD).

Under the agreement, the Marina now accredits persons and entities engaged in the business of delivering tourism-oriented services upon the endorsement of the provincial government of their application. It will also lead in the conduct of the continuing trainings and reeducation process of all persons involved in the operation of tourism business.

CJPPT Administrator Architect Niven Maquirang confirmed that Marina established a satellite office at the jetty port for accreditation purposes.

As a response to the growing clamor for change in the transport system, DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta and Marina Regional Director Armi Arcilla endorsed the full implementation of the provincial government’s policy. The endorsement was made in a bid to streamline and put in order the movement of tourists, goods, and sea and land transports to and from the island.

Folks grieve for two heroes

KALIBO, Aklan- Residents of Barangay Mandong in Batan here are in grief for the death of the two people whom they consider as heroes.

Last Monday, Batan folks mourned as many of them boarded their vehicles and waited for the arrival of the remains of the 26-year-old Corporal Jonard Alianza.

Alianza, a member of the Philippine Marines, was among those 14 killed and mutilated by the suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Basilan.

After Alianza’s body was flown over to the Iloilo Airport via the C-130 military plane, it was fetched by a 6-by-6 vehicle of the 12th Infantry Batallion, Philippine Army based in Camp Libas, Banga Aklan.

The fallen marine was welcomed by a motorcade by a group of residents as he was nearing his hometown.

This July 18, thousands of residents are expected to troop the Kalibo Airport to wait for the remains of another local hero 63-year-old Herodutos Ramos, a former mayor of the town, who had ruled for three consecutive terms.

Ramos died in Manila Doctors Hospital on July 13 at 7 pm, due to a lingering illness.
Ramos is considered as a local hero as he was instrumental to the significant change on the lives of the residents when he assumed his post in 1998. Batan is considered the seafood capital of Aklan.

"He paved way for economic development for providing basic infrastructures such as farm to market roads, and prioritized health, and peace and order," said a town resident who requested anonymity.

Despite failing to graduate in school because of poverty, Ramos became successful in plastic manufacturing business in Metro Manila.

To pay respect for the death of the two heroes, half-mast flags are already ordered by the Batan municipal government in all schools and government institutions.
Alianza and Ramos are expected to be buried on July 21, 2007.

Soldiers, Aklanons plant 19,000 trees today

Kalibo, Aklan-- Some 19,000 trees today, July 18, will be planted by soldiers of the 47^th Infantry Battalion, personnel of the Aklan Community Defense Center, government workers from the national and local government units and students as part of their contribution to the government’s Green Philippines program.

According to the Capt. Antonio Tumnog of the 47^th IB based in Camp Jizmundo, Libas, Banga, the planting area for the activities is at Brgy. Panayakan in Tangalan, Aklan. The tree planting activity starts at 8:00 a.m.

Of the 19,000 tree seedlings for the tree planting activity, seven thousand were provided by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources here, while the 12,000 seedlings, consisting of fruit and non-fruitbearing trees, were propagated by the personnel of the Aklan Community Defense Center.

The Aklan Community Defense Center group is joined in the activity by schools here with ROTC units like the Aklan State University and the Northwestern Visayan Colleges. The Aklan 1^st Ready Reserve Battalion is also with the CDC group.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, along with other national government government agencies, civic and volunteer groups, are also joining the tree planting.

The tree planting activity in Aklan initiated by the soldiers was originally scheduled June 29 and was reset for today.

Capt. Tumnog said the tree planting today is just a kick-off activity as the Philippine Army aims to continue this program not only in Aklan or in Western Visayas but in the whole country. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

from the readers

u r doing a great job by providing online news its pretty convenient.

scott ryan

Philned sought Visayas-wide ‘poster-free’ tourism zones

By MICHAEL S. RESTERIO
BORACAY Island- The Philippine Network for Eco-Tourism Development (PhilNed), a non-government organization based here and in Metro Manila, have sought the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the provincial government of the tourism areas and the youth federations network to campaign for a 'poster-free' tourism zones here in Visayas.
Dadjmar Amores of PhilNed said they have already informed the DENR of their concern on the latter's presentation and updates for environment projects and activities recently held in this resort island.
The campaign is already being supported by the United East Visayan Community in Eastern Visayas headed by Ronel Alicer, along with several youth organizations.
The campaign is specifically to seek for banning of commercial and political posters using tarpaulins and panaflex signage.
Amores cited an example of several cellular phone networks having a network war on publicity by displaying a number of posters, resulting to abuse of environment and an eye sore for both foreign and local tourists here in the island.
"We understand the business side of these promotional ventures. But most of these Manila-based companies claimed that they are environment-friendly in their campaigns but the results proved otherwise," Amores said.
Because of this, the Philned recommends that tourism areas should provide common strategic areas for publicity materials and suggests the use of recyclable objects such as plywoods instead of tarpaulins.
"We will even like to ask the companies to hire local artists for their publicity materials as it will not only encourage creativity but also provide livelihood among the locals," Amores said.

Kin asks Arroyo to give justice to Alianza's death

By Michael S. Resterio
KALIBO, Aklan- The family of beheaded marine Leonard Alianza wants President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to give justice to the former's brutal death in Basilan recently.Alianza was one of the 14 marines who were beheaded by believed to be members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The President gave the marines full military honors.
Alianza's mother, Mila of Barangay Mandong Batan, Aklan, said that her son’s decapitated body is scheduled to be flown over to the Kalibo Airport by a C-130 plane this week.
"I do not want my son to join the marine but he insisted and said he could protect himself from harm because he’s a criminology graduate," said Alianza’s mother.
Last year, Alianza was promoted to a corporal rank from a private first class after he was among those marine groups who killed Abu Sayyaf leader Khadafy Janjalani in a legitimate military operation.
Unconfirmed reports said that Alianza refused to be promoted to a corporal rank if his other colleagues who joined the operation will not be given due honors too.
Alianza, who graduated from the Northwest Visayas College here, went to Manila and worked as a security guard in a commercial bank after failing the Philippine Coast Guard examination.
After several months of working, he went home to Batan and passed the examinations after a councilor from nearby town encouraged him to join the marines.
After he finished his training, he was immediately deployed to Mindanao and became a full pledged marine of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

DA orders thorough probe on Quedancor fund mess

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap has ordered a thorough audit of the loan portfolio of the Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corp. (Quedancor) due to the more than P500 million unexplained losses to the government.

In a press conference during the 34th anniversary celebration of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) held in Tigbauan, Iloilo on Friday, Yap said information reached him on the mounting complaints from hog raisers in Western Visayas on the non-assurance of contracts by farmers and Quedancor regarding the loan assistance in feeds and other inputs needed to enhance the hog industry.

Initial investigation revealed that in 2005, a shortage of pork meat in the local market was reported. Then DA Secretary Luisito 'Cito' Lorenzo ordered Quedancor, thru its president Nelson Buenaflor, to release funds for the hog industry, which will be lent directly to hog raisers for them to buy hogs and the needed feeds and other inputs.

More than P500 million were released by Quedancor for the program.

However, many farmers and hog raisers particularly in the Western Visayas region, complained of not receiving such assistance from Quedancor.

When asked what happened to the supposed program and where the fund is now, Yap said Quedancor could not clearly explain the status of the project.

Buenaflor has been on leave and could not reach for comment since the issue was brought out in public. A reliable source from the DA said he (Buenaflor) filed an indefinite leave for his graceful exit from the agency.

At present, Quedancor is being run by its management committee until Malacanang appoints Buenaflor's replacement.

Quedancor is one of the government financial institutions (GFIs) that has been ordered revamped by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

"As chairman of the Board, I asked the Quedancor management committee to come out with a report on its portfolio," Yap said.

He also directed the Commission on Audit (COA) for a complete auditing of the Quedancor funds to determine the exact amount involved in the fund mess.

"To appreciate the true picture of Quedancor, we need to start based on accurate financial figures," Yap stressed. (PNA)

Aklan all set for POPCEN 2007

Kalibo, Aklan -- The province of Aklan is all set for the conduct of the 2007 National Census of Population (POPCEN) this month of August.

Provincial Statistics Officer Blas M. Solidum said materials for the census have started arriving in Aklan already.

Trainings for various groups who will supervise the census had been held already, after which will follow the training for the 212 enumerators who will go around barangays here for the national activity.

Solidum said POPCEN aims to take an inventory of the total population of the Philippines and collect information about their characteristics which are vital in the formulation of policies and programs for development.

Covered in this year’s census are all households in Aklan including institutional population of hospitals, military camps and rehabilitation centers, Solidum bared in a recent radio interview here.

“We call on the full cooperation of Aklanons in this Census of Population. Your answers to the questionnaires are very important for the government planners and legislators to formulate plans and laws for your benefit. The result of the census will determine how many schools still have to be built in our province and how many teachers still need to be hired, among a few”, Solidum explained.

Solidum added that the total number of a province’ population will determine the amount of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) it should be given by the national government.

The result of this year’s census could also determine if Aklan could already be divided into two Congressional Districts; and if a city could already be created in Aklan.

“People should not be afraid to answer the questions in the census. The National Statistics Office assures confidentiality in the census, nobody else will see their answers. We just appeal to them to give the correct answers and information”, Solidum said.

“Be counted in the 2007 Census of Population”, Solidum implored Aklanons. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Alert! Obituary

Please pray for the eternal repose of former Batan Mayor Herodutos Ramos who passed away at around 7:00 pm from a sickness in a hospital in Metro Manila Friday the 13th. Details of his death will be announce later.

Barangay, SK elections will go as scheduled – COMELEC

Kalibo, Aklan –Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections will go as scheduled if there are no laws approved and passed to reset the elections.

This was the latest statement from the Provincial COMELEC Office here, issued by OIC Provincial Election Supervisor Lorena Tumbagahan in a press conference she called for the local media here recently.

Tumbagahan said that as part of preparing for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, the COMELEC is having a special registration of voters for the political exercise, scheduled on July 15-22.

Tumbagahan said all municipal offices in Aklan will be open on these dates to accept registrants, from 8:00 to 12:00 in the morning and from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m.

For SK, a registrant must be 15 years old but below 18, a Filipino citizen and a resident of the place where he is voting for six months. If he turns 15 several days before October 29, or the day itself, the day of the election, he will be allowed to register.

For those going to vote in the barangay elections, a registrant should be a resident of the Philippines for one year and has resided in the area where he is going to vote for six months, according to Tumbagahan.

COMELEC –Aklan anticipates that many people will still register for the barangay and SK elections and expects lots of transferees just within the province.

The holding of the barangay and SK elections on October 29, 2007 is mandated under RA No. 9340, which was enacted to reset the supposed-to-be barangay elections 3 years after 2002.

Republic Act No. 9340, enacted September 22, 2005 resetting the Barangay and SK elections spells that under this act, the subsequent synchronized elections after the initial one held on July 15, 2002 is rescheduled on the last Monday of October 2007 and every three (3) years thereafter.

Under the republic act, the term of office of said officials elected in the October 2007 election and subsequent elections shall commence at noon of November 30 next following their election. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Dengue claims first victim in Aklan, cases rise

Kalibo, Aklan – The dreaded dengue disease claimed its first Aklan victim on the first week of July here, and cases in the province continue to rise, bringing to a total of 78 from January to the first seven days of July of this year.

Dr. Maria Magpusao, Chief of the Technical Services Division here of the Provincial Health Office revealed that from July 1-7 period alone, 23 cases were already reported, while many are still coming in after the period. In June, 23 cases were also reported, but the figure applies for the whole month and not just for a week.

Dr. Magpusao said the cases may still peak in August because it had been observed yearly that there are more cases during this period.

To control dengue, Dr. Magpusao said everybody should clean the surroundings by destroying places where dengue-carrying mosquitoes lay eggs like stagnant and clear waters collected in old tires, drums, cans and coconut shells that store rain water. One must also increase his body resistance by drinking plenty liquid, eating nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, and having enough rest.

For those in schools, Dr. Magpusao advised that school children must ensure that there are no mosquitoes under their desks before sitting down in class; teachers should make sure that water containers in the classrooms are covered; and if the schools maintain lagoons, fish should be placed there to consume the mosquito wrigglers – or they should just place sea water in the lagoon so it would not be made a breeding area of mosquitoes.

Daily now, Dr. Magpusao said she and her group from the Provincial Health Office go around the province to meet with barangay officials whose areas have reported cases of dengue to inform them how they should manage and clean their surroundings to prevent cases from increasing.

As there are now four dengue strains, Dr. Magpusao is advising that once a person gets well from dengue, he must rest for at least 7 days to be sure that he is truly cured, so another strain would not affect him.

The Department of Health, for its part, is advising people to practice the 4S in defeating dengue – Search and Destroy, by destroying breeding places of mostquitoes; self-protection measures – by increasing one’s body resistance; seeking early consultation by going to health centers and hospitals once fever has set in for two days; and saying no to indiscriminate fogging.

The DOH also calls on hospitals to have dengue express lanes so patients having dengue would be given immediate attention. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)


Barangay, SK elections will go as scheduled – COMELEC

Kalibo, Aklan –Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections will go as scheduled if there are no laws approved and passed to reset the elections.

This was the latest statement from the Provincial COMELEC Office here, issued by OIC Provincial Election Supervisor Lorena Tumbagahan in a press conference she called for the local media here recently.

Tumbagahan said that as part of preparing for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, the COMELEC is having a special registration of voters for the political exercise, scheduled on July 15-22.

Tumbagahan said all municipal offices in Aklan will be open on these dates to accept registrants, from 8:00 to 12:00 in the morning and from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m.

For SK, a registrant must be 15 years old but below 18, a Filipino citizen and a resident of the place where he is voting for six months. If he turns 15 several days before October 29, or the day itself, the day of the election, he will be allowed to register.

For those going to vote in the barangay elections, a registrant should be a resident of the Philippines for one year and has resided in the area where he is going to vote for six months, according to Tumbagahan.

COMELEC –Aklan anticipates that many people will still register for the barangay and SK elections and expects lots of transferees just within the province.

The holding of the barangay and SK elections on October 29, 2007 is mandated under RA No. 9340, which was enacted to reset the supposed-to-be barangay elections 3 years after 2002.

Republic Act No. 9340, enacted September 22, 2005 resetting the Barangay and SK elections spells that under this act, the subsequent synchronized elections after the initial one held on July 15, 2002 is rescheduled on the last Monday of October 2007 and every three (3) years thereafter.

Under the republic act, the term of office of said officials elected in the October 2007 election and subsequent elections shall commence at noon of November 30 next following their election. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Rebaldo wins Aklan Mayors League Prexy uncontested

Kalibo, Aklan – In a unanimous and uncontested victory, the Mayors League of Aklan has a new President in the person of the dynamic and the most awarded Local Chief Executive of Kalibo, Raymar A. Rebaldo, who is also the very first mayor from the capital town of Kalibo to occupy the position in an election this 12th of July 2007 at the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Office.

With only two mayors from the far off towns of Madalag and Libacao absent, Mayor Rebaldo’s nomination was uncontested while the newly elected Mayor of Ibajay town, Ma. Lourdes “Lulu” Miraflores, Congressman Florencio Miraflores’ wife occupied the Executive Vice Presidency position.

The Mayors League of Aklan decided that there will be a Vice President each to occupy the Western Side and Eastern Side of Aklan where Mayor Elvie Templonuevo of Numancia gets the Eastern Side and Mayor Edgar Peralta of New Washington got the Western Side. The Secretary General is Mayor Dominador Ilio, Jr. of Malinao, Treasurer is Mayor Kathyrine Refol, Victor Fernandez of Lezo as Auditor, and the Press Relations Officer is Mayor Elvie Templonuevo of Numancia. The rest of the mayors automatically become the members of the Board of Directors including those who are not present during the election.

Mayor Rebaldo’s assumption as president of the Mayors League of Aklan will bring more weight in the continuing drive to develop the tourism industry of the capital town with Kalibo Airport receiving seven direct flights a week from South Korea and cultivate an atmosphere where investors and businesses may be encouraged, and also continue to push towards urbanization and citihood.
Meanwhile, Prof. Rommel Banlaoi, the Center Director of the Mayor’s Development Center and a consultant to the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), is the guest of honor during the election who presented a Power Point Presentation to the Aklan Mayors regarding good governance and the beginnings of the LMP. Terence Toriano

Marquez lauds Aklan Medical Society

By ULYSSES ESPARTERO
KALIBO, Aklan – Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez recently cited the Aklan Medical Society for its achievements and contribution in the development of the province.
“The AMS has sustained its commitment in bringing various developments and advances in health as the provincial government supports the national government’s effort in producing technically competent and patriotic medical professionals in the province,” Marquez told Panay News.
“It has provided significant contributions and helped advance the knowledge and competence of doctors in the province,” the governor added.
It may be recalled that the AMS was recognized by the Philippine Medical Association during its Centennial Convention held on May 23 to 26, 2007, Edsa Shangri-la Hotel, Mandaluyong City with six major awards: Icasiano Award – PMA Award for Most Outstanding Component Medical Society, Category IV awarded to Aklan Medical Society; PMA Award for Most Active Component Society in Environmental and Sanitation Projects awarded to Aklan Medical Society; PMA Award for Most Outstanding Physician for Component Societies awarded to Dr. Cynthia C. dela Cruz; PMA Leadership Award awarded to Dr. Cynthia dela Cruz; PMA Award for Most Outstanding Component Society Secretary awarded to Dr. Christine Lane T. Yanguas-Yu; and PMA Award for Most Outstanding Component Society Treasurer awarded to Dr. Merlita Bautista.
For SP Member Gerick M. Templonuevo, the awardees of these prestigious and highly coveted awards were chosen for highlighting the work, dedication and sacrifices of those in the medical profession.

Direct Korean flights benefit Aklan SMEs, product sales up

Kalibo, Aklan –Sales from products of Aklan’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) here are picking up with the entry in Aklan of direct international flights from Incheon, South Korea to Kalibo Airport.

The direct flights, which started May 11 of this year, are now sustained on a daily basis through the Asian Spirit airline.

According to DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes, the rise in sales in Aklan-SMEs-produced food items displayed at the Kalibo Airport remarkably increased since the landing of direct flights from South Korea. Sales of other goods, like souvenir items and loom-woven products also rose, according to Pollentes, not only in the Kalibo Airport area but in other outlets in the province.

Pollentes also revealed that besides being displayed and sold here in Aklan and generating good sales, some local food products also found their way to big malls and other outlets in Western Visayas and some parts of the country.

“SMEs are the backbone of the economy, and have a big role and impact in the province’ economy and industries, especially in the tourism aspect”, Pollentes said.

SMEs also generate jobs, thus helping the government in its target of creating 10 million jobs for the Filipinos.

This month, according to DTI-Aklan, the country is also celebrating the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Week and some activities in the province, spearheaded by DTI, had been lined up for the observance, like the SME Forum and the conduct of an Advanced Training on Fabric Construction, aided by the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) and the local government unit of Kalibo.

The SME forum is an opportunity for Aklan Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) to exchange ideas, discuss concerns and be updated on issues or events affecting respective industry sectors, while the Fabric Construction training will be an opportunity for skilled weavers from the different weaving houses here to acquire new weaving styles and patterns as well as new techniques.

The Fabric Construction Training, which will be held for five days, will have 16 participants. DTI-Aklan said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will also assist in the training by renting looms for use of the participants.
(PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

job hiring

SPA CENTRALE is looking for a MANAGER...asap.
28-32Y.0. Good in Marketing and Sales or has
experience. A college graduate of MANAGEMENT/MARKETING
or any 4 years course. Please pass your resume to SPA
CENTRALE. For inquiries call 5088418 OR TEXT
09266722145.

OR you could send your resume thru this email address.

Thanks much.
Wein
(weinstone@yahoo.com)

from the readers

Myabe kaibahan ito sa Tibyog-tibyoggroup, abangan ang susunod.

Dentor Aguila

Aklan children to benefit from Early Childhood care program

Kalibo, Aklan -- Thousands of Aklanon children from the province’ six municipalities will benefit much from the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program of the government, now ready for implementation here this year.

According to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) here, these municipalities are Altavas, Banga, Buruanga, Libacao, Malay and Malinao, and their selection for inclusion in the program was based on their children’s mortality rates.

For the ECCD program, Evangeline Gallega of the PSWDO here who is designated as ECCD Assistant Provincial Officer, said a total of P23.57 million will cover the program in three years, which will be equally divided among the 6 municipalities.

Of this fund amount, P16.5 million is being provided by the Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) through the Council for the Welfare of Children, and while the local government units here will provide a counterpart of P7.07 million.

Gallega, who attended the Visayas Cluster of the Seminar Workshop on ECCD recently in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, said that in the case of Aklan’s counterpart fund, fifty percent of the P7.07 million will be shouldered by the provincial government while the six municipalities will share equally the remaining fifty percent counterpart.

“The 3-year implementation of the ECCD program in Aklan will focus on the improvement of day care centers and barangay health stations, conduct of supplemental feeding, micronutrient supplementation to pregnant and lactating mothers, Vitamin A supplementation for children, new born screening, and tetanus toxoid immunization for pregnant mothers”, Gallega said.

Gallega said that one unique aspect of the ECCD program which will be practiced in the barangays is the supervised neighborhood play, wherein a mother who cannot leave her household to bring her child or children to the day care center, will take charge herself of a learning activity among children in the neighborhood. Under this arrangement, she will be given play and learning materials and act as a day care worker for the neighborhood children, but only in the vicinity of her home. The mother, however, should make sure that the area is safe for the children, and conducive enough for the children’s learning and playing activities.

The ECCD program will be implemented all over the country, according to Gallega. In Western Visayas, the province of Capiz has a year ahead of implementing this program while the remaining provinces are now readying necessary arrangements for the program’s implementation this year.
Here in Aklan, with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s fast passage of a resolution updating the Local Development Plan for Children and adopting the 2007-2009 ECCD Investment Plan and Work for Financial Plan as requested by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, the first tranch of the fund amounting to P5.5 million will be released July 15 this year which will be equally divided by the 6 municipalities.

The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) was created through PD 603 under the Office of the President, but is now under the Department of Social Welfare and Development through E.O. 630 issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The ECCD, on the other hand, is mandated under RA 8980, according to the PSWDO here.

Aklan’s Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Elma Malbas is ECCD’s action officer. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Aklan SP to probe ‘fake doc’ issue

By Noel Cabobos
KALIBO, Aklan--As the issue on the hospital chief who allegedly faked he results of his medical licensure examination and became chief of three district hospitals here has alarmed health professionals and local officials in the province, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan finally took cognizance of the issue and wants to resolve the issue with dispatch.

The Board in its session yesterday passed a resolution to conduct an investigation on the appointment of Antonio Viray III who allegedly faked the result of his licensure examination taken on August 2001.

Proposed by Board Member Daisy Sucro-Briones, a member of the Committee on Health and Social Services, the resolution said the appointment of Viray showed “laxity” and “gross negligence” in the appointment process and has “unduly deprived qualified physicians to the post” held by Viray.
Viray had worked as chief of Malay District Hospital, Buruanga District Hospital and Ibajay District Hospital before he reportedly went into hiding shortly after the exposure of the anomaly.


The Daily Guardian’s Jonathan CabreraThe Board has invited The Daily Guardian’s Jonathan Cabrera to the July 18 session of the Sanggunian to shed light on the issue. Cabrera, who holds documents regarding the issue, had reported on the controversy.
Cabrera, also program director of RMN-dyKR and president of Aklan United Media Association, said a document he received showed that Viray got a general rating of 70.50% as certified by Marilou Brilliantes, VAU unit head of the PRC records management division, and as verified by Elsie S. Julian, in contrast to what Viray submitted to the human resource and management office showing he passed with 77% rating.
In a PRC certification dated June 28, 2007, a marginal note indicated that the minimum passing general rating required for the examination taken by Viray was 75%, Cabrera said.
Relatedly, the Aklan Medical Society (AMS) had sent a query to the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), the umbrella organization of doctors groups nationwide, if the AMS can act on Viray’s case.
Also, it already passed a Board resolution imposing stricter measures in the membership to the AMS.
Aside from Cabrera, the Board shall also invite Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, Cynthia dela Cruz who chairs the AMS, Evelyn Ejar who is the provincial chief of the Civil Service Commission, Ellen Tolentino who is the chief of the provincial Human and Management Resource, and Viray himself.
Reliable sources however said that Viray had already left the country.

TDG tried but failed to reach him for comment.

Photojournalist scores unauthorized use of photographs

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
An Aklan-based freelance photojournalist has scored the unauthorized use of photographs he took in the campaign materials of Aklan officials in the last elections.

Joe Haresh Tanodra, 42, alleged that photographs that he took of Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores, Gov. Carlito Marquez and former Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino were used without his permission in the 2007 calendar and t-shirts distributed by the provincial government.
He said thousands of copies of these calendars and t-shirts were distributed to the province’s 17 towns during the Christmas party of the Tibyog Akean, the political party of the three officials, last December 18 and during the campaign period.
Tanodra who is based in the capital town of Kalibo in Aklan has been a photojournalist for 24 years and is a contributor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and European Press Photo Agency.
He wrote a letter to Marquez in May about his complaint but he said he has not been compensated for the use of his work.
In his letter, Tanodra said that he had allowed the use of his photographs by provincial information officer Ulysses Espartero "for journalism purposes."
But he said he was surprised to see the photographs in the calendars and t-shirts.
"Doubtless some print or publication establishments had made money out of my photographic creative works at my great expense and prejudice," said Tanodra in his letter.
He said the unauthorized use of the photographs violated his rights under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Republic Act 8293).
"As a struggling photojournalist barely living in a hand to mouth existence, the undersigned felt that he had been exploited and shortchanged by (Espartero)," said Tanodra in his letter.
Tanodra told The News Today that he was "insulted" by the use the photographs for commercial and political purposes.
He is seeking a stop to the use of his photographs without his permission and for compensation of the photographs used in the calendar and t-shirts.
When sought for comment, Espartero said he used the photographs in the calendar but sought the permission of a local photo studio that Tanodra was connected. He said he was willing to compensate the photojournalist but claimed that Tanodra refused to talk to him.
"The fact remains that I did not give permission for the use of those photographs," said Tanodra. He said it was Espartero who ignored his repeated calls and text messages asking when he complained of the use of the photographs.
Espartero denied that he had knowledge of the use of the photographs in the design of the t-shirts distributed by the officials’ political party.
Tanodra has sought the help of media organizations and photographers groups to compel the provincial government to compensate him for his work.

Nation observes National Science and Technology Week

By Joy M. Lazcano

Science and Technology Media Service

The Department of Science and Technology leads the nation in celebrating the National Science and Technology Week on July 16-20 with activities aimed at promoting development-oriented technology products and services, and innovation.

Activities are built around the theme 'Science, Technology, and Innovation for Progress', with focus on technology innovation for micro to small and medium enterprises or MSMEs. There will also be lectures on important and current scientific and environmental issues in the country and globally.

One of the activities set for this year's celebration is the 'Open House Centerpiece Exhibits' in four science communities in Bicutan, Manila, Diliman, and Los Banos.

Experts invited by DOST's National Capital Region office will hold seminar on Food Packaging and Labeling, Proper and Safe Usage of Food Additives, and Energy Audit.

Meanwhile, DOST's Industrial Technology Development Institute will also conduct training courses on basic liquid detergents and fabric conditioner formulation, virgin coconut oil production and its by products, and specialty soap making. Visitors especially students are also invited to visit its memorabilia section and learn more about the history of science in the country from the early American era to the present.

For its part, the National Research Council of the Philippines will organize lectures on Global Warming and Alternative Energy, and feature film shows on global S&T issues mainly for elementary and high school students.

In addition, DOST's Science Education Institute will steer the country's first-ever National Youth Science Summit at the Museum of the Filipino People on July 18. The summit will bring together many of the country's promising science and math students and youth leaders.

Meanwhile, Metals Industry Research and Development Center, another DOST agency based in Bicutan science complex, will conduct technology demonstration on wrought iron, electroplating, metal casting, and plastic injection.

The other science communities including those in DOST regional offices will also hold their own technology-oriented exhibits, seminars, and related programs.

Rebaldo receives award anew, from AFP this time

Kalibo, Aklan – “Please don’t be alarmed when you see me in a Philippine Air Force Battle Dress Uniform in a weekend or any day, your mayor has not lost his senses but I am just going to my duties as a Reservist,” joked the suave mayor of Kalibo, Raymar Rebaldo during an interview with LGU-Kalibo’s Ka-Tribu Radio on receiving the Military Commendation Medal from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the province of Capiz this July 7, 2007 along with other active duty and reserve AFP Commissioned and Non Commissioned Officers and Enlisted Men.

Rebaldo received the Military Commendation Medal because of his achievements as the Squadron Commander of the Philippine Air Force Reservists Association-Aklan Chapter including his exceptional performance during the Unit Active Duty Training (UADT) in Kalibo, Iloilo and Guimaras and for reviving the PAF Reservists in Aklan and the neighboring provinces after 20 years of disappearance.

The Philippine Air Force Reservists in Aklan has been notable in their volunteerism especially during calamities working hand in hand with the Aklan Ready Reserve Battalion of the Philippine Army and the Kalibo Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council.

The award was handed down by virtue of General Orders Number 98 of Major General Horacio Tolentino from the Headquarters of the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Command in Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu Lapu City.

The Military Commendation Medal is given to the personnel of the AFP, both active duty and reservists, who have demonstrated exemplary efficiency, devotion and loyalty to their respective services, their country and their duty. Terence Toriano/

Aklanons to pay lower power bills this month

Kalibo, Aklan – Aklanons will be paying less for their electric consumption this month of July.

This is because the Aklan Electric Cooperative Incorporated (AKELCO) here announced that the power rates to be charged this month will be lower by P1.35 compared with that of the month of June for almost all types of consumers.

For residential, commercial, public buildings and street lights consumers, the rates will be as low as P1.3 while for industrial consumers, the rate will be P1.35.

According to AKELCO, the lowered rate was due by the non-implementation of the blended rate of National Power Corporation-Global Business Power Corporation.

The NPC rate was charged alone to all consumers for this month of July, in compliance by AKELCO of the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) of the Regional Trial Court in connection with the implementation of Electricity Power Purchase Agreement (EPPA) Contract between AKELCO and the GBPC.

Also, the generation charges of NPC-GENCO also decreased, so the total charges lessened in all types of consumers.

Coincidentally, the Department of Energy (DOE) headed by Sec. Raphael Lotilla also announced that electric consumers will have reduced rates in their billings starting this month. The power rate cut, which will be reflected in the June 26-July 25 billing, is due to the seasonality of the rates and the full recovery of some components of the Energy Regulatory Commission approved deferred accounting adjustments (DAAs).

According to NAPOCOR, customers in the main grids will enjoy a per kilowatt-hour reduction of P0.4733 in Luzon, P0.1836 in the Visayas, and P0.2758 in Mindanao. The effective rates after the reduction will now be P4.4911/kwh in Luzon, P2.9056/kwh in the Visayas, and P2.4820/kwh in Mindanao.

Further rate reductions are expected due to the positive performance of NAPOCOR since 2005. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

THE BEST SPA SERVICE…ONLY@SPA CENTRALE

Wrapped up with our hectic schedules these days, it’s hard to find a moment of peace. It is essential to find time to de-stress, think and re-energize. Setting aside a few moments a week to pamper the self will make a huge difference. At SPA CENTRALE, we are committed to give each and every client an experience of purposeful leisure summed in our company philosophy of LIVE WELL. LOVE LIFE. PAMPER YOURSELF!

Spa Centrale is the ultimate relaxation destination. This day spa’s entrance was conceived to give off a peaceful ambiance in its nature minimalist theme of glass, bamboo, river stones and muted lights. A selection of soothing music combined with the spa’s serene setting is a potent mix to relax the senses. Believing that an ideal spa environment is created by a combination of nature and nurture, Spa Centrale placed great emphasis on hiring people with the right attitude and potential and equipping them with the proper training.

Spa Centrale provides privacy for each client with individual rooms equipped with cabinets for the client’s personal belongings. There are male therapists for male clients and female therapists for female clients. The spa’s facilities includes: 10 individual rooms for all body services (massage&scrubs), a 6 seater sauna, Foot Spa room, Facial Area and a mezzanine area with two relaxing chairs for Express Head and Back Massage.

Spa Centrale is the innovator of the Spa Party – the latest trend that mixes fun and leisure. Be it a birthday, anniversary, bridal shower, corporate meetings, or any special occasion, Spa Party Centrale comes in 3 affordable packages: P5, 000.00 package for a group of 10; P10, 000.00 for a group of 15 and P15, 000.00 for a group of 20. The package includes spa services, exclusive use of the spa, buffet set-up and a complimentary bottle of red wine for the celebrant.

In its three years of operation, Spa Centrale has proven to its clients that the best spa service can also come at an affordable cost. Spa Centrale has gift certificates available for individual services and for packages. Buy ten gift certificates and get one FREE!

SPA CENTRALE is centrally located at the ground floor of Perpetual Succor Business Center (formerly VEGA) # 38 Jalandoni Street Iloilo City. It’s 20 minutes ride from the airport and 15 minutes ride from the pier. It’s also 5 minutes away from Robinson’s Mall, 10 minutes from SM City and 15 minutes from Gaisano Mall. For inquiries and reservation CALL (033) 508 – 8418 or EMAIL:spacentrale@gmail.com

Mayor Navarossa in KCTN

Watch out for the interview of Punto De Vista (Tele Radyo) hosted by Noel Cabobos in Kalibo Cable TV to Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa on July 11, 2007 at 8-9 p.m!

CBCP Pastoral Statement on the 2007 National Elections

We are grateful to the many people who worked hard for honest and clean elections last May 2007. In a special way we commend the lay groups under the leadership of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), the National Movement for Free Election (NAMFREL), the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA), the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, the Catholic Media Network, and the newly organized Legal Network for a Truthful Elections (LENTE). Their efforts undoubtedly contributed to the emergence of a new political consciousness among the electorate. In many cases, the voters were not naively allured by popular personalities or by those who gave away much money. We thank the thousands who, in various capacities, devoted themselves to achieving Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful and Peaceful Elections (CHAMP).

Nevertheless, we are mindful of the many evils that continue to plague our electoral exercise. As we have done in the past, we condemn the dirty conduct of elections in some provinces. The buying, padding and selling of votes have embarrassingly become systemic and threaten to become a cultural element of our elections. It has been reported that some voters went to the precincts only when first paid by some candidates. We also express our disapproval of candidates coming from the same family or clan, thus keeping power and influence within the family. We hope and pray that implementing norms be approved to arrest the spread of this malaise.

Likewise we protest against the injustice done to people as their right to choose their leaders was desecrated. We are horrified by the violence inflicted on innocent people during the campaign and election periods. But we are equally edified by the heroism of those who defended the sanctity of the ballot, even to the point of death.

It was an achievement in itself that elections were held on May 14, 2007. But given a climate of social distress and hopelessness, the challenge was how to restore credibility to the electoral process as a core democratic institution for resolving political conflict, and how to get the citizenry, especially the youth, to become politically engaged. On the whole, despite the deep flaws in the process and its administration, the last election maybe said to have been a qualified success with the results generally reflecting the popular will (e.g. only 5 percent of the contested positions are being questioned).

Vigilance, Volunteerism and Coordinated Action.

For the first time since 1992, the Church-based groups, PPCRV, NAMFREL, NASSA worked closely together and were better prepared and organized to make a qualitative impact on the elections, even in Muslim Mindanao. A new group called LENTE (Legal Network for Truthful Elections) was organized on the initiative of One Voice with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) as co-convenor— the first time that lawyers, paralegal volunteers were mobilized for electoral work. LENTE focused on the weakest link in the electoral process—the canvassing of votes at the municipal and provincial levels. These groups agreed to coordinate their work through a grouping called VforCE (One Million Volunteers for Clean Elections). The doggedness of these groups, despite the limited time to organize and coordinate, contributed to the deterring large-scale fraud. VforCE offered a framework for coordinated election. The May 2007 elections indeed led to a manifestation of volunteerism and vigilance, underscoring the critical importance of collaboration and partnerships, and providing concrete opportunities for citizen engagement in various aspects of electoral process.

There also were signs of increased maturity among the electorate as the election results demonstrated that sheer popularity/celebrity status and huge media expenditures do not necessarily translate to election victory. These results may also be an indicator of some success in the voters’ education efforts. The citizen groups, including Church-based organizations, have worked on this for years.
But the last elections also showed the continuing dominance in the Philippines of a few political families, and revealed the persistence of vote-buying as a serious problem (including pay-offs not to vote) in a social context of widespread poverty and gross inequality, even if there were a few positive stories of reversals of these old trends. Much remains to be done in the area of political recruitment and financing of alternative candidates, and thus in the development of genuine political party system in the Philippines. That is why the flawed party list law and its problematic implementation is real cause for concern. There were also signs of alienation from the electoral process among the citizenry: a lower-than-usual voter turnout (60-65 percent of registered voters), including a very low level of participation from overseas absentee voters (14 percent).

Agenda for Electoral Reforms and Continuing Political Involvement

Both the positive and negative experiences of the last elections point to a number of important electoral reforms that needed to be pursued:

1. A full revamp of the Comelec, beginning with the appointment of a new chair and commissioners with unquestioned integrity and competence, especially in systems and management. These appointments are going to be in the hands of the President and the Commission on Appointments of the Philippine Congress, and it is our collective responsibility to monitor closely the process of selection, appointment and confirmation. There should also be serious efforts to de-politicize and professionalize the bureaucracy.

2. Holding those responsible for anomalies in past elections and the recently concluded ones accountable to the people. Good career people in the Comelec can be the catalyst for the renewal of the institution.

3. Modernization of the electoral system in time for the 2010 presidential election. There should be broad-based and transparent discussions on what type of poll automation is appropriate and how it is to be piloted and implemented.

4. Particular attention should be given to ARMM and the problem of warlordism, because it is of the scale that can affect the national elections. We also owe it to the voters in those areas who are effectively disenfranchised when elections are not meaningful, truthful and free. Historically, those in power have found it useful to rely on the brazen exercise of power through intimidation, violence and fraud.

5. A review of laws affecting the electoral system. Among the most urgent are the reform of the party system, party-list law, overseas absentee voting, political dynasties, the “legal” entry of nuisance candidates, and the formulation of an agenda for institutional reform.

6. The development of mechanisms for deepening the political education of voters (e.g. Pinoy Voter’s Academy and Gabay Halalan), fostering public accountability of politicians to the electorate (e.g. Bantay Pangako) and sustaining coordinated political engagement especially among the youth, the citizens’ groups, and Church-based organizations (e.g. VforCE).

7. Cleansing and publication of the voters’ list long before the day of election.
As we appreciate and thank the men and women of good will and courage who influenced our last election, so do we thank the Lord for continuing to guide the journey of the Filipino people.

For the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines:

+ ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, D.D.
Archbishop of Jaro
CBCP President
July 8, 2007

ERC responds to IPP concerns on the mandated public offering

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), on its own initiative, promulgated the implementing rules on public offering requirement as per Resolution No. 18, Series of 2005. Recent clamor of generation companies (GCs) (for ERC to issue guidelines on how this requirement shall be complied with) necessitated the ERC to seek opinion from the Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC), particularly on the public offering requirement of not less than fifteen percent (15%) of their common shares of stocks under Section 43 (t) of Republic Act No. 9136.

“The ERC deemed it necessary to seek guidance from the JCPC considering the complexity of the issues which require an examination of the legislative intent behind the imposition of said requirement,” ERC Chairman and CEO Rodolfo B. Albano, Jr. said. “Further study on the matter and proper coordination with the relevant government offices, such as the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are also required before coming up with the guidelines,” Chairman Albano added.

In its 18 July 2006 letter to the JCPC, the ERC conveyed the concerns of the electric industry stakeholders, particularly: (1) Whether or not the five-year period of compliance under the law is mandatory; (2) Whether or not the public offering requirement can be complied with only by listing with the PSE; (3) Whether or not the GCs under a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) scheme are in compliance with the public offering requirement; and (4) Whether or not GCs organized as partnership are covered by the public offering requirement notwithstanding that they have no common shares of stocks to sell.

“This is still work in progress involving novel legal questions. We ask all concerned to bear with us. Rest assured that the ERC, in consultation with the JCPC, will soon address these issues,” Chairman Albano concluded.

P2 million PGMA scholarship fund for Aklanons still open

Kalibo, Aklan –A total of P2,480,000 fund under the PGMA Training for Work Scholarship Project is still available for Aklanon students who are interested to study but were not able to enroll this school year due to poverty and other reasons.

According to Ely Arensol, Technical Education and Skills Development Specialist of the TESDA Provincial Office here, these students has still until Friday, July 13, to avail of the scholarship slots, as the schools offering the courses agreed to wait for them pending necessary arrangements.

Arensol said that to avail of the scholarship, an interested applicant should coordinate with the Office of the Municipal Mayor in his town as the scholarship coupons will be available through the endorsement of the local chief executives.

TESDA-Aklan also revealed that the Congressional District Office, through Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, and the Office of the Governor, through Governor Carlito S. Marquez, is also distributing these scholarship coupons.

According to TESDA-Aklan, a coupon for a certain training qualification under the ladderized education program is worth P5,000 each, while a coupon for a Caregiver course is worth P15,000 each.

According to TESDA, of the 40 coupons each given to the Congressional District office and the Office of the Provincial Governor, 2 slots are for Caregiver course, while 38 are for ladderized courses. For the municipal mayors, of the 20 coupons each, 18 are for ladderized courses while 2 are also for caregiver courses.

Currently, TESDA-Aklan bared that enrolment in the schools here offering ladderized courses through the coupons are still minimal, so the office arranged with these schools to give the students until Friday to enroll, while at the same time coordinating with the different executive offices as to the status of the distribution of the scholarship coupons.

TESDA-Aklan said the training for work scholarship project is the government’s answer to the country’s unemployment problems. Once a student obtains a certain qualification, he can get an assessment test from the TESDA, which in turn will issue him a Certificate of Competency which he could use when applying for a job abroad.

In the case of those who would take a Caregiver’s course, it is imperative that the school should arrange for the student’s employment abroad after graduation, according to TESDA-Aklan.

Schools offering ladderized courses here are the Panay Technological College and the Aklan Polytechnic College. Other colleges here including the different campuses of the Aklan State University, are applying for inclusion to the ladderized education curriculum through TESDA. Caregiver schools here include the San Lorenzo College, the Northwestern Visayan Colleges and the Lifeline International.

The scholarship coupon is valid until December 31, 2007, signed by Sec. Augusto Syjuco, TESDA Director-General, Sec. Arturo D. Brion of the Department of Labor and Employment, the governor, the congressman or municipal mayor as endorser. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Government retirees protests against GSIS

Jun Ariolo n. Aguirre
Kalibo, Aklan- About a hundredths of retired government employees and officials rallied in front of the Aklan provincial capitol Monday to protests the alleged inefficiency in performance of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Ambrosio Villorente, president of the Government Retirees of Libacao (GROL) told this writer that among those they are protesting agains the GSIS were their demands for transfer of the GSIS-Kalibo office; the 'No E-Card No Pension' policy; questioning the legality of the Union bank as the official bank of the GSIS and the resignation of GSIS chief Winston Garcia.

The GSIS-Kalibo is currently located at the third floor of the Aklan provincial capitol building. The protesters said they have a hard time in climbing the stairs since they are already old and that the capitol has no elevator for an easy climb at the office.

"If President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo failed to accept the resignation earlier tendered by Garcia, then we might as well support the ouster of the president," Villorente told this writer.

"We also question the legality of the Union bank because why did the GSIS declared the said bank as their official bank since there are many government owned banks such as the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Landbank which the government could use," Villorente added.

Atty. Jesusa Ruby Teruel, GSIS-Kalibo chief said during the protest rally that they have already submitted the GROL concerns to the central office and are awaiting for their possible recommendations to mend ways to the protesters.

Servant's Server

July Observances in Schools:
Taking into Curriculum Integration

Dennis Bontogon

As a teacher, to take into account the interest of the pupil populace, monthly observances and celebrations shall be integrated into curriculum because schools and learning centers played as the most important vehicle for the teaching and learning of national values and developing in the Filipino learners on the significance of the observances and celebrations.

National Science and Technology Week. It is observed on the second week of July. Pondering on it, the catechism states, "Science and technology are precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all. They must be at the service of all human person, of his inalienable rights, of his true and integral good, in conformity with the plan and the will of God."

National Children's Book Day. An observance on the third Tuesday of the month purposely for the appreciation and developing the love for reading especially in the formative years of children as the foundation to love for learning thru reading.

National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week. As provided by the Presidential Proclamation No. 361 dated August 19, 2000, it is observed on 17th to 23rd days of July. The significance is the awareness on disability prevention and rehabilitation as necessarily applied on the disability. Hence, the culminating activity is focused on the 23rd day of July as the birthdate of Apolinario Mabini who became paralyzed after two years when he obtained his law degree in 1894. In spite of his disabilities he was active in writing to promote reforms in the Spanish colonial administration and known as the Sublime Paralytic and the Brains of the Revolution.

Nutrition Month. Mandated by the Presidential Decree No. 491 dated June 24, 1974, a month long celebrations that highlights the right nutritional practices for the school populace. And this month theme, "Healthy Lifestyles ng Kabataan, Landas ng Kinabukasan." Practically, the church teaches, "Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good."

National Disaster Consciousness Month. Presidential Proclamation No. 137, s. 1999. The theme for this month, "Safe ka ba? Programa Laban sa Kalamidad Tungo sa Pag-unlad." As the National Disaster Coordinating Council thru the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council, disaster preparedness programs and activities shall be abreast with the local schools. In schools, curriculum disaster content learning area like Science and Health and other related subjects shall integrate disaster consciousness in order to be aware and be prepared for the purpose. Nevertheless, schools are taking into account earthquake drills and other co-curricular activities like Boy/Girl Scouting and Red Cross Youth which has training and activities for the disaster and emergency preparedness.

And so, be part of the celebrations and observances whatever possible can be, whether in school, government programs, NGOs cause for this month or even in a simpliest personal way - for the common good.

from the contributors

(Editor's note: We are also open in several informations and press releases that our readers want to share certain kinds of inforations for our Aklanon readers worldwide)

Health Advocates Praise Nations at International Tobacco Control Conference

Call for Urgent Action Against Secondhand Smoke, Cigarette Smuggling

Quezon City Philippines, 7 July 2007 – The Framework Convention Alliance, representing over 300 organizations from more than 100 countries, applauded nations attending negotiations on the World Health Organization’s tobacco control treaty for taking strong action that will protect health and save millions of lives around the world.

But for lives to be saved and illness avoided real action must be taken by governments at home.

“Nations representatives should be congratulated for working very hard but the conference outcomes are really just the bones: not until the meat is added by governments putting these decisions into practice at home will we see lives being saved,” Jose Leonidas, Executive Director of The Conference of Public Health Advocates said, “Urgent action needs to be taken to protect people from secondhand smoke and to stop the illegal trafficking in tobacco products which increases tobacco use and loses governments billions of dollars in tax revenue each year.”

In particular, the Framework Convention Alliance (FCA) praised nations for taking these important actions to implement the tobacco control treaty, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control:

· 147 Nations adopted an international standard for protection from secondhand smoke that calls on governments to enact laws requiring 100 percent smoke-free workplaces and public places. This is the evidence-based standard that will guide nations in meeting their treaty commitments to protect citizens from secondhand smoke. The FCA calls on nations to quickly enact comprehensive smoke-free laws that implement the new global standard.

· Nations agreed to fund and launch expedited negotiations on a binding protocol, or side agreement to the treaty, to combat the illicit trade in tobacco products. This protocol is critical to reducing tobacco use and its devastating consequences around the world because smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes are sold at lower prices than legal products, contributing to higher tobacco consumption and greater rates of tobacco-related illness and death.

· (IF NEEDED) Nations also agreed to establish a working group to draft comprehensive guidelines on the implementation of the treaty provisions that call for a ban on domestic and cross-border tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

In the Philippines, it was estimated that 20,000 people die every year due to tobacco related diseases. In June 2003, the government enacted into law the Tobacco Regulatory Act or Republic Act 9211. The law needs to be fleshed out in the local municipality level and its major cities to attain some basic provisions like smoke free public places, bans on advertisement and cigarette pack warning.

The Philippines also host a factory of Philip Morris Inc. at Batangas City.

The Conference of Public Health Advocates would continue working in advocating in the local and city level the need for smoke free places, advertising bans and implementation of cigarette pact warnings.

For more information Conference of Public Health Advocates, mobile: 0917 856 6747

The Framework Convention Alliance is made up of almost 300 organizations representing over 100 countries around the world. It was created to support the development, ratification, and implementation of the WHO FCTC.

(Submitted by: Prof. Jose Leonidas, anti-smoking advocate and a sociology professor Meriam University)

Confab on OFW donations set Aug 1-2 in UST

Representatives of the US-based Filipino donor groups Feed the Hungry and the Greater American Siquijorian Association, as well as the state-run Commission on Filipinos Overseas, turn over pocket-size dictionaries to public schools in Siquijor recently. Quiet development missions such as these are examples of what is called Filipino migrant philanthropy, of which a second national conference on the said subject will be convened this August 1 and 2 at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila

Photo by Leo Alih (Greater American Siquijorian Association)

HONG KONG-based domestic worker Thelma Unite sings self-composed songs to raise funds for public elementary schools in her hometown of Ballesteros, Cagayan. Members of the US-based network Federation of Mindanao Associations in Southern California are fancied at raffle draws that offer cars as grand prizes¡Xand for bringing proceeds of these draws to their hometowns in southern Philippines.

And a group in Faroe Islands, named Faroese Philippine Services, has put the island in the trajectory of the Filipino global presence (Faroe Islands belongs to Europe, and is located below Iceland). FPS, unknown to many, has been supporting elementary schools in Nueva Vizcaya and Aurora provinces¡Xtwo of the country's poorest provinces.

These are examples of what is called migrant philanthropy, or donations coming from Filipinos abroad to support development projects in the homeland. The most recent data (2003 Balance of Payments data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) showed that channeled cash donations alone from Filipinos abroad have reached US$218 million.

But have these efforts by overseas Filipino "changemakers," especially directed at their hometowns in rural Philippines, truly made a difference?

Determining how Filipino migrant philanthropy has impacted on Philippine life and Filipino social development work will be discussed in a national conference this August 1 and 2 at the University of Santo Tomas¡VThomas Aquinas Research Complex in Manila.

The event, dubbed Pursuing Efficiency and Meaning by 'Changemakers:' The Second National Conference on Filipino Migrant Philanthropy , hopes to gather Filipino donors abroad and Philippine-based stakeholders from the non-government, government, private and academic sectors to dissect the dynamics surrounding donations from overseas Filipinos.

Resource persons who are experienced overseas migrant donors and development workers coming from various parts of the Philippines are expected to participate in the two-day conference, which is being organized by the nonprofit Institute for Migration and Development Issues (www.filipinodiasporagiving.org ). The Peace and Equity Foundation and The Asia Foundation are supporting the conduct of this conference.

Conference attendees will also get a glimpse of who these overseas Filipinos are, and the economic and psycho-social issues they face. The book Good News for the Poor: Diaspora Philanthropy by Filipinos (published by the Association of Foundations) writes that if interested parties will not look at the lives and conditions of overseas Filipinos, they cannot harness the fullest potentials of migrant philanthropy and their family and collective remittances.

Filipinos abroad who will be here in Manila during the time of the conference are invited to participate, as individual donors and as representatives of Filipino groups overseas.

Participation fee to the conference costs PhP500 per person, with participants assured of caliber discussions and a wealthy package of information materials on Filipino migrant philanthropy. IMDI convened the first national conference on June 9-10, 2005, also in UST.

Interested parties here and overseas wishing to attend the conference may contact the Institute (c/o Jeremaiah Opiniano) at +639178238260, and at ofw_philanthropy@yahoo.com

from the readers

Seattle Guy, Anonymous, how the hell do I know whether he passed the board or not? What do you think of me, member of the board of examiners? All the info I know was based from what I read here - nothing more.Now if you wish to condemn the guy without trial, just do it yourself. Be the plaintiff, the prosecutor and the judge, and the hangman! You don't need my yes or no. Don't involve me.Talks are cheap. Tongues don't have bones!


Aklanon man ra

EPPA’S INJUNCTION MAY RESULT TO AKLAN’S POWER SHORTAGES

“Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc., (AKELCO) will follow the order” said AKELCO’s General Manager Wilfredo A. Ortiz.

This is in reaction to the Regional Trial Court’s denial of AKELCO and Global Business Power Corporation’s (GBPC) joint Motion for Reconsideration in relation to the Temporary Restraining Order filed by Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores which seeks to stop the implementation of the Electricity Power Purchase Agreement (EPPA) between AKELCO & GBPC (then Mirant Global Corporation).

Following the order, OIC-G.M. Ortiz sent a letter dated July 3, 2007 to GBPC Management informing that AKELCO will temporarily suspend getting the supply of power from GBPC’s power plant until the Petition for Prohibition and Certiorari before the court of appeal is given due course.

Said letter was also furnished to Aklan’s top local government officials and agencies such as the National Electrification Administration, Dept. of Energy, Philippine Tourism Authority, Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan, and the Provincial Governor. Likewise to top organizations in the island of Boracay, the Boracay Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) and Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI). Moreover, the letter was also sent to the Bishop of Kalibo, Most Rev. Jose Romeo Lazo.

AKELCO however is apprehensive that stopping GBPC from generating power will result to power shortages in Aklan especially in the island of Boracay being at the tail end of the Visayan Power grid.

AKELCO’s record shows that in 2006, there are more than 60 Manual Load Shedding request from National Power Corporation. From January up to May this year, NPC has requested seven load shedding.

AKELCO’s power quality is also affected. OIC-for Engineering Dept., Engr. Rogen Delos Reyes, reported that as of yesterday, power voltage in the island of Boracay is down to 60 KV only. The standard power voltage should be 69 KV. Low voltage quality according to Engr. Rogen Delos Reyes will result to damage of some appliances and equipments.

The EPPA was entered into by AKELCO to ensure adequate, affordable and reliable supply of power in view of the inability of the NPC to supply all the power requirements of Aklan.

AKELCO’s EPPA with Mirant Global was approved on August 2, 2006. It has undergone the strictest scrutiny required by law, having been approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), a quasi judicial body.

Aklan Catholic College has a new president

BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO

KALIBO, Aklan – Aklan Catholic College (ACC) has a new President to manage the academic and non-academic activities of the college beginning Academic Year 2007-2008.

Most Rev. Jose Romeo O. Lazo, Bishop of Kalibo and Chairman of ACC Board of Trustees said the impressive educational background and track record in institutional management being the Rector of Sto. Niño Seminary indicates his competence and commitment to provide proper direction in pursuing the mission, vision and goals of the college.

In his letter to Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, Lazo stressed that the installation of Fr. Joebert Villasis as the new president will be held on July 9, 2007 at 3:00 P.M. in the St. John the Baptist Cathedral.

“Together with the officials of CHED Region 6, DepEd Aklan, local government officials, alumni and other stakeholders, we will make this event in catholic college and in the academic life of Fr. Villasis truly significant, memorable and a celebration of thanksgiving,” Bishop Lazo added.

Marquez, an outstanding alumnus of the college, said the provincial government admires

Aklan Catholic College for its commitment in providing dynamic management, highly qualified, competent faculty and staff endowed with strong sense of Christian values, technology-based instructions, support for educational innovations and development, efficient and effective delivery of educational services and adherence to the total development of man for God and country.

The Aklan Catholic College aspires to be the prime mover in Aklan of quality, excellent and relevant educational programs responsive to the human resource needs of the country.

It envisions to produce competent, productive and globally competitive, patriotic Christian professionals through the enrichment of its academic programs, conduct of viable researches, need-based community extension services and inculcation of strong moral values.

Former Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino, also an alumnus of the college, said expectations are abundant that the dream of achieving a university status under the present administration shall be pursued with vigor./

DAR inaugurates road, irrigation facility in Makato

BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO

KALIBO, Aklan – The rehabilitation of two infrastructure projects in Fatima Agrarian Reform Community in the town of Malinao was recently inaugurated.

Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez said these two projects are the Sugnod-Bulabud Farm-to-Market Road with Spillway bridges and the Bulabod-Rosario Communal Irrigation System.

The projects are two of the 20 infrastructure projects in Aklan carried out with assistance from DAR-ADB Agrarian Reform Communities Project (ARCP) and the local government unit of Makato.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino reported the road project carried a total project cost of P5,307,187.70

“The irrigation system provides the production needs of 175 rice farmers of Barangays Bulabud and Rosario with guaranteed supply of water for 90 to 180 hectares of rice land enabling for two to three cropping seasons in a year and significantly contributing to the food security of Malinao,” he added.

It may be recalled that Malinao LGU and the BURONA Irrigators Association signed into a Memorandum of Agreement to undertake operation and maintenance of the facility and to ensure that it continues to serve far into the future.

On the other hand, the P5.3 million Sugnod-Bulabod FMR includes three spillway bridges in separate locations along its length traversing the Bulabod River.

“The road provides the 527 residents of Barangay Sugnod all-weather access to services and markets and provides children with a safer and more convenient passage to schools.

The project was made possible in partnership with the Sipac ARBs Multipurpose Cooperative and the Sugnod and Bulabod Barangay Councils.

Hydro Power Experts visit Libacao

Dateline LIBACAO

By: Alex E. Dionela

A group of foreign experts in the design, construction and operation of hydro power projects visited this town to validate technical data and other information obtained by the on-going topographic survey being conducted by a Manila-based surveying firm as part of the feasibility study and engineering design preparations relative to the proposed Aklan Hydro Power project in this municipality. This is the 5^th electric power project in the country of the California Energy Int’l., a US-based company and subsidiary of the Mid-American Holdings, the world leader in energy power generation business.

In this particular trip with Raymond Cunningham, Business Development Executive of Cal Energy were Peter Crighton of Maunsell-Phils., a London-based engineering firm that specializes in hydro power projects, Jim Palmer, an expert in tunnel design and construction, Phil Naughton of Leighton Contractors, an Australia-based general contractor engaged in the construction of mega-structures and few other technical men of their respective companies. All of these firms are reputable institutions in the industry that operates in many parts of the world.

They came on June 19^th all the way from Manila to Kalibo airport via direct flight of a chartered private plane and by another chartered chopper from Kalibo airport to Poblacion in Libacao and to the proposed project site in barangays Manika, Oyang and Dalagsaan.

These foreign visitors were welcomed by Mayor Charito Navarosa and other local officials in an improvised landing area at the dried portion of the Aklan River in Poblacion. And before proceeding to the proposed project site, a brief conference was conducted by the aforesaid top Cal Energy official in order to orient local officials on the purpose of the trip and discuss other issues relevant to the project.

The itinerary of travel included, the aerial reconnaissance survey of Libacao’s political territory, particularly the watershed area and the actual ocular survey of the proposed location of said project’s major components, such as the dam, tunnel, power plant and road ways.

Thereafter on June 29-30, another group consisting of three Filipino engineers of Leighton Contractors came over to assess local condition and look into the most convenient way of transporting said project’s construction materials and supplies from Manila to Libacao and finally to the project site in barangays Manika, Oyang and Dalagsaan, all in this town.

Please log on to website: www.libacao.gov.ph

Aklanons urged to have lands titled through DENR

Kalibo, Aklan –The Department of Environment and Natural Resources here is enjoining Aklanons whose lands are still untitled to avail the services of the office in having their lands titled.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Raul Lorilla said that here in Aklan as well as in other parts of the country, people can have their lands titled through the DENR through three different categories – free patent, homestead and miscellaneous sales.

Lorilla said there are still many Aklanons whose lands are untitled, even as they had been staying on these lands for many years. Lorilla also appreciates the fact that here in Aklan, land is well distributed to the people, unlike in other provinces in Western Visayas where land ownership is only limited to a few well-off families.

“Almost all Aklanons here own land, no matter how small the area is. Land ownership and distribution are very apparent here in Aklan”, Lorilla said.

To have their lands titled, Lorilla said Aklanons can go straight to the DENR office here and assigned personnel will attend to their needs.

A person can have his land titled through free patent if he has been occupying the land for more than 30 years and has been religiously paying its property tax. He can only avail of a maximum of 12 hectares, and if the land he is applying for title is only 5 hectares and below, the PENRO can approved it; if more than 10 hectares, the DENR Regional Executive Director will be approving, but if it is more that 10 hectares, the DENR Secretary will be the approving official, according to Lorilla.

A homestead title on the other hand, could be granted to a person seeking to establish an abode and land cultivation. He could apply for a maximum of 5 hectares with a very minimal application fee. Under the miscellaneous sales application, meanwhile, the land applied for is for residential purposes only, with the person actually occupying the unencumbered land where he has already introduced improvements. Maximum area that could be applied for is less than 1,000 square meters. The land will be appraised by an appraisal committee depending on location, and the applicant could opt to pay for the land in cash or on a staggered basis.

Lorilla said this is the scheme applied to residents of Sooc River Bed here in Kalibo, and numerous residents had already availed of DENR’s titling program under this scheme.

“Residents who availed through the miscellaneous sales titling are even up to date in payment of their dues”, Lorilla revealed.

PENRO Lorilla assures that upon completion of requirements, processing of titling papers will be fast as there is an administrative division taking charge of the services at DENR-Aklan.

“The titling program through the DENR is continuing and affordable because this service is subsidized by the government,” Lorilla emphasized. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)

Outdoor Tobacco Advertising Ban

June 30, 2007 marks the beginning of the 2^nd Session Conference of the Parties to the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) held at the United Nations Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand.

The FCTC, considered a landmark treaty, is the first international treaty on public health. It was developed in response to the current globalization of the tobacco epidemic. It is an evidenced-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health by requiring state parties to adopt 100% smoke free environments, advertising bans, and pictorial health warnings among others.

The first session Conference of Parties was held in Geneva last year that saw the initial process of guiding implementation of the treaty. The second Conference of Parties (COP2) must carry on the momentum towards effective implementation of the Convention.

The end-goal really is to put a stop to the death toll which we see to increase in 2006 to one death every 6 seconds from one death every 10 seconds. Opening day of COP2 saw the unveiling of the death clock showing that to date 33,050,693 people have died from tobacco-related disease since the start of the countdown in 25 October 1999.

As people all over the world work to slow down the tobacco epidemic, Philippines will be contributing its share by implementing the outdoor advertising ban on July 1. According to RA 9211: “Beginning July 1, 2007, all outdoor advertising shall be prohibited. No ( tobacco advertising) posters and other materials may be posted except inside the retail establishments.”

The civil society represented by the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control Alliance of the Philippines (FCAP) is anticipating violations by the tobacco industry. According to Dr Encarnita B. Limpin, president of FCAP, “The tobacco industry, especially the giant, Philip Morris, whose lawyers actually sit in the Inter Agency Committee Tobacco meetings, is attempting to exclude retail establishment signages (e.g. sari sari stores) from the outdoor advertising ban despite the clear provisions of the law”.

However, the IACT as a mere administrative agency that is not in the position to interpret the law may only apply it as it is written”.

“There are criminal penalties for violating the outdoor advertising ban ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 pesos, imprisonment and revocation of permits and licenses and we sincerely hope that the tobacco industry assists these poor sari-sari-stores in removing or replacing the store signages concerned in order to avoid penalties that they may be liable for”, added Dr. Limpin.

LIBACAO: at the forefront of development

(Inaugural address of Mayor Charito I. Navarosa during the oath-taking ceremony of municipal officials held on June 30, 2007 at Libacao, Aklan)

To our distinguished guests of honor and inducting officers, the Honorable Joeben T. Miraflores, the dynamic Congressman of the Lone District of Aklan and Honorable Carlito S. Marquez, the most energetic and enterprising Governor of the Province of Aklan, our special guest for today, my close friend the incoming Mayor of the municipality of Banga, Mayor Antonio “Antong” Maming, our special friends from Manila who are helping us out in our tourism and agriculture programs, Mrs. Rica Cortes-Rentzing and Mr. Mandy Jimenez and his better-half, our Honorable Vice Mayor Ramon Zapata and the newly elected and re-elected members of the Sangguniang Bayan, our beloved Barangay Captains and other barangay officials, teachers and school officials, other guests, “mga pinalangga kong mga kasimanwa”, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

First of all, I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to all of you for joining us today, in this very important occasion, the inauguration of our duly elected municipal officials who will serve this town in the next three years.

Let me also express my sincerest thanks and grateful appreciation to all of you for that full support and overwhelming votes you had given us during the last elections. At least the result of that election was a clear manifestation that the big majority of our people are fully supportive of our development program and advocacy for good governance.

As far as I am concerned, this is supposedly my third time to be sworn in into office as your humble Municipal Mayor. First in 2001 when I fortunately won with only a 3-vote margin, second in 2004 with 846 and this time, with an overwhelming 7,834, the biggest so far in Aklan in this election and said to be unprecedented in the political history of Libacao.

I made special mention of the increasing votes that I have obtained through these years purposely to emphasize the strong mandate that you had given me which simply mean - high approval rating on the many things that we had done for the past six years.

With this fresh mandate and high approval rating hence, we are again tasked to pursue what we had started. However, this time with renewed vigor and added determination so as to achieve at the earliest possible time the goals and objectives that we had set upon ourselves - the development and progress of our beloved town of Libacao

In other words, we will be at all times vigilant in maintaining the peace and order that we had already achieved. We will continue on improving and to construct more farm-to-market roads. To pursue our program in agriculture, by expanding our abaca industry and by introducing high value crops, fruits, vegetables and cut flowers, We will also continue to promote our town Libacao as another tourist destination in Aklan, by constructing the needed access roads and tourism facilities,

The most important project that we are very bullish about is the early implementation of the proposed Aklan Hydro Electric Power Project of the California Energy International whose top management, technical people and consultants are all working hard fast-tracking the completion of the feasibility study and engineering design with the hope to begin actual project construction before the end of year 2007.

Another prospect for this year is the possible sourcing out by the Metro Iloilo Water District from Libacao of potable water for its service area, which includes the City of Iloilo and the ten other neighboring towns. Both project proponents and prospective investors are very much interested about this project because Iloilo today is experiencing a serious water shortage whose demand for more water is increasing due to the expected tourism and economic boom brought about by the opening of the new Iloilo International Airport.

These two major economic projects side by side with our tourism and agriculture programs had put Libacao at the forefront of economic development in the province and in the region. A good reason enough for all of us Libacaonons to be hopeful and optimistic because it is now very clear that we are facing a very bright future that promises a better life for all of us, for our children and our children’s children.

These upcoming economic prospects in our town brought about by the entry of foreign and local private investments will no doubt generate multilateral employment opportunities for our people and substantial revenue for our LGU. Subsequently, this will result in increase in money circulation, the improvement of the local economy and would enable all types of business in the locality to grow and prosper. All these and more will pave the way for our people to so many possibilities of earning a living for themselves and their families.

Should that time come when our LGU shall have sufficient funds out of the revenues that may be derived from these big private investments, with the concurrence of our Sangguniang Bayan, I propose the granting of free high school education in the four high schools in the municipality, the Libacao National Vocational High School, Guadalupe National High School, Loctuga National High School and the Ortega Integrated School and free college education in the Libacao College of Science and Technology. The granting of scholarship grants in prestigious colleges and universities to all high school valedictorians and salutatorians, free hospitalization in the Libacao Community Hospital and medical allowance to all our senior citizens. The giving of extra monthly allowance to all municipal employees, policemen, public school teachers, college instructors, day care workers, barangay officials and barangay tanods. Others whom I failed to mention but who may be qualified to receive this benefit will also be considered later on.

These economic opportunities and benefits that are in store for Libacao are the compelling reason why I left the opposition to join the administration party of Tibyog Akean. A decision that was hard for me to do because I have to turn my back to my colleagues in the opposition, people whom I am already very comfortable with and who had been on my side during hard times. That would also mean setting aside my personal pride and dismissing party loyalty. But the time had come when I have no other recourse but to make a personal sacrifice for the greater good of our people. This is because I wanted Libacao to get its fair share of provincial and national funding for development and not be deprived of the economic opportunities that are coming its way. I am very glad that you had joined me, especially our local leaders in this shift of party affiliation without hesitation, for the sake of our beloved town - Libacao

And true enough, our joining the Tibyog Akean is now giving us good results. As Congressman Miraflores here and Governor Marquez are both committed to support us and are now fully supporting us in all of our development endeavors.

So in order to sustain the momentum of our initial success and economic growth, I would like to take this opportunity to ask our municipal officials, our municipal employees and all government employees for that matter, our barangays officials and all sectors of our society to join me in this herculean task of building a much better community for our people. To set aside our personal pride and political differences in order to be one and united in purpose and direction. This I ask because, this is the only way where we could hasten the attainment of our ultimate goal – the development and progress of our beloved town Libacao.

To all our detractors and to those who still refused to believe in what we are doing, please refrain yourselves from misleading our people by way of disseminating wrong information and baseless speculations. Because in doing so you are disrupting our work and confusing our people. After all, what we are doing is not only for ourselves but for all of us Libacaonons.

So, again thank you very much to all of you and good day.

AKLANON GETS MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA(OAM)

Woodridge, Queensland, Australia resident, Ruth Tagala Palmani, received a Medal of the Order of Australia(OAM) recently for her service to multiculturalism.

Mrs. Palmani, a native of Joyao-joyao, Numancia, Aklan, who has been a Woodridge resident for the past 16 years, was included in the Queen’s Birthday 2007 Honours List as one of the recipients of the OAM through the Governor-General (Her Majesty QueenElizabeth’s representative in Australia) to celebrate the Queen’s birthday last June 11, 2007. The Investiture ceremony at which she will be presented with the insignia of her award is expected to be done in September or October this year. Meanwhile, starting June 11, Mrs. Palmani has been entitled to use the initials “OAM” after her name.

Mrs. Palmani’s award came up as a recognition of her service to multiculturalism, particularly through assistance and support to the Filipino community in south east Queensland. The OAM award, said to be the highest honours an Australian can receive from the Queen, citedMrs. Palmani’s multiple positions of community involvement. These included her role as a case officer for the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs(DIMIA). There, Mrs. Palmani assisted in the planning and implementation of Harmony Day – an event aimed at promoting community harmony and addressing issues of racism in Australia.

Mrs. Palmani was also a consultant editor of resource booklet Living and Working in Logan. For several years, she was an organizing committee member of Filipino festival Bayanihan, she worked at the Logan City Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre (now MultiLink) as migrant employment officer, and was a resource speaker at Job Search Training for Filipino migrants. Mrs. Palmani who is also a radio presenter and panel operator on Radio 4EB’s Filipino radio program, now works at the Boystown Logan as a youth worker.

According to Mrs. Palmani, as far as she knows, there are only two other Filipinos in Queensland who have received the OAM award before – Agnes Whiten OAM (one of the Filipino pioneers in Queensland) and Orland Vargas OAM (President of Filipino organizations in Queensland and nationwide).

Coming from humble beginnings, Mrs. Palmani, was a consistent honor student since grade school at the Numancia Elementary School (now Numancia Integrated School), thru her high school at the Madyaas Institute graduating as the Class Salutatorian and worked her way thru college to earn a degree in AB English as a Magna Cum Laude. She earned her Master’s Degree in English from the University of the Philippines Diliman as a college scholar. She was the Head of the Related Subjects Department at the Roxas Memorial College of Arts & Trades (now ASU Kalibo) at the time she migrated with her family to Australia.

Mrs. Palmani, is married to German “Jim” Cortes Palmani, former Station Manager of the IBC-DYRG, with whom she has three children, namely: Jimmy, who works as a case officer for DIMIA and married to Liezl Constantino of Laguinbanua West, Numancia, who is connected with the Australian Broadcasting Co; Rino, who works with a private firm and married to Meribelle Teodosio of Kalibo, who is now a nurse in London, and; Anna Ruth, who will be working as an English teacher in Japan come August this year. (with reports from the Albert and Logan News, June 13, 2007 and The Reporter, June 13, 2007)/

re-post (as requested)

Please support our fellow Aklanon

HI Guys !

We need your votes / support for Miss Rachel de Mariano Ofori by logging on @ this website:http://www.fourpointsmagazine.com & from there just follow the instructions.
Okay? Thanks a lot my friends for supporting / voting my niece Rachel.

(Rachel has been selected as one of the TOP FIVE Finalist for the "Fourpoints Magazine" for the next Cover Model for their August - September issue. Please HELP Rachel WIN by VOTING her on the line.)

As Always,
Ne Syder Aguirre Leacock

FAKE DOCTOR?

Aklan hospital chief in ‘hot water’ for conflicting board exam ratings
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY
ILOILO City – The chief of a community hospital in Aklan province has disappeared following a media report questioning the authenticity of his being a physician. Did he actually pass the licensure examination for doctors?
Documents leaked to Panay News revealed that Dr. Antonio Villanueva-Viray III – last known address is Brgy. Naisud, Ibajay, Aklan – has two ratings in the Board of Medicine – one, that he passed, and the other, that he failed.
On August 22, 2005, Gov. Carlito Marquez promoted Viray as Medical Officer IV with a salary grade of 20.
Viray was then detailed at the Buruanga Medicare Community Hospital with an annual salary of P213,588.
Prior to his promotion, Marquez appointed Viray as permanent employee at the Malay Municipal Hospital in Malay, Aklan on October 16, 2004.
Viray started with a salary grade of 18, receiving an annual salary of P190,092.
Viray’s appointments had a certification from Ellen Tolentino, Aklan Provincial Personnel Officer. It stated that Viray had complied with all the necessary requirements under the Civil Service Commission.
Also, Marquez certified that Viray’s appointment “ha(d) been screened and found qualified by the province’s Personnel Selection Board.”
As governor, Marquez chairs the selection board.
Based on one document, Viray failed in the licensure examination for doctors given on August 2001 by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the government agency responsible for licensing professionals.
The document bore the logo and letterhead of the PRC.
The Board of Medicine result was signed by Rodolfo P. de Guzman, Chairman, Board of Medicine, issued on August 21, 2001.
Viray’s rating in the board examination was 70.50.
In the lower right portion of the document were numbers 01-0059729, believed to be the control number of the sheet.
Viray’s address in the document was 44 Mapagkawangga St., Quezon City, Metro Manila.
Curiously, in another similar document, Viray passed the Board of Medicine with a rating of 77.00.
The document was signed by a certain Alfonso Anao, Commission Chairman, issued on August 25, 2001. This time, Viray’s address was Marian Park, Arnaldo Boulevard in Roxas City, Capiz.
The second document showed Viray had completed the board examinations taken on August 11, 12, 18, and 19, 2001 in Manila.
Viray’s exam number was 013325. The sheet number found at the lower right portion of the document was 01- 9824704.