Broadcasters awed by Boracay’s clean beach line

Malay, Aklan – Anchors and radio personalities of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) is met by the sight of a beach line that is now appealing to the eyes than before with the implementation of the “One Entry-One Exit” law and the prohibition of boats operating along the popular stretch of beach from the northwest to the southern part of the summer capital of the Philippines, Boracay Island.

Participating in the 10^th National Chapter Leaders Conference held this March 9-11, 2007 and hosted by the KBP Aklan Chapter under IBC-DYRG Station Manager Agusto Tolentino, some of the KBP Chapter Leaders are a constant visitor and remembered that the front beach has long since been cluttered with boats of different sizes but it now looked more beautiful than ever with a beach line that all you can see are tourists taking a dip or sunbathing or just strolling down the stretch of sand.

The KBP leaders arrived on March 9 at the Kalibo Airport and met for an audience with Cong. Florencio Miraflores, Gov. Carlito Marquez and Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo at the Capitol before passing by on a tour around the Aklan State University campus in Banga, Aklan and headed to Boracay island afterwards.

It is in this conference that the Broadcast Code of the Philippines is unveiled being the new “bible” for broadcasters working both the television and radio industry to keep abreast in the changing times while adhering to the highest standards of broadcasting. Terence Toriano/

FRONTLINERS UNDERGONE TRAINING ON ERC ISSUANCES

Lovell Gepte-Juliano
Lezo, Aklan- Over 90 personnel of the Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AKELCO) from different area offices gathered here at Engr. Job Y. Besana Hall, AKELCO Compound for a two-day orientation-seminar of the new issuances of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Anti-Pilferage and Consumer Affairs on March 8-9, 2007.

The participants were the front liners of AKELCO composed of Branch Area supervisors, Apprehension team, Disconnection clerk and crews, Contractors, Community Organizers & Customer Welfare Desk officer.

Among the topics discussed were the Magna Carta for Residential Consumers which tackles the rights as well as the obligations of every member consumers of an electric distribution utility, the Distribution Services Open Access Rules, the implications of Pilferage/illegal connection and the legal principles and cases of Anti-pilferage.

AKELCO Legal Division Manager, Gina Enero said, “ this training was designed to promote awareness on consumer rights among the front liners so that they will be able to deliver reliable service not only through reliable power supply but extending the right customer care.

She added that the Customer is the King, thus, we must treat every member-consumer like one.
An open forum with the panel of speakers and a role-play demonstrates the proper procedure in apprehending pilferers serve as the highlight of the training.

This activity is an upshot of similar training conducted by ERC for the Visayas Cooperatives including AKELCO. Mr. Benjie Tocol, AKELCO’s legal assistant and Mr. Wendelyn Reyes, Apprehension Team leader, Andagao area attended the training in Toledo, Cebu City.

Pichay vows cooperative revolution in the Visayas

Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre
Cebu City- Team Unity senatoriable Prospero Pichay Jr vowed to revolutionize the spirit of cooperativism in Visayas region after sectors of cooperative in three Visayas regions (VI, VII and VIII) vowed to support his candidacy.

In an interview, Glen Pichay Plaza, the senatoriable's political coordinator in the Visayas region he said that Pichay met with cooperative officiials in their regional conferences both in Western and Central Visayas and they all agreed to support Pichay after he expressed support in answering the sentiments of the cooperatives.

"Among those concerns raised were the possible adding of the capping rates from P10 million to higher amount on the tax exemption to be provided to cooperatives," Plaza said.

Cooperatives reportedly wanted Pichay to review the pending bills in Congress nine years ago on the proposal and that the P10 million cap for tax exemption is so small amount this days.

"We understand that the cooperatives could not anymore generate revenue because of the increasing prices of commodities and that their operation would surely paralized if the government ask for taxes if they reached P10 million in capital," he said.

It was learned that this was the gist of the consultations of Pichay among Visayas cooperatives. He was in Iloilo for regional cooperative convention last week and is expected to visit Tagbilaran City (region VIII) sometime this week.

Meanwhile, the Pichay campaign trail is expecting to be at the top 14 or 16th rank as soon as the campaign for local election would start on April 1.

AHSE Holds Forum and Strategic Planning

Sally Villasis
BANGA, Aklan – The Associate in Health Science Education (AHSE) students of the Aklan State University – School of Arts and Sciences in cooperation with the Aklan Provincial Government conducted a whole day dissemination forum and strategic planning on March 7, 2006 at Barangay Venturanza, Banga, Aklan.

In the opening program, an inspiring message of the Provincial Government, Hon. Carlito S. Marquez was delivered by the Provincial Administrator Atty. Diego M. Luces. In his message, he acknowledged the leadership of the ASU for initiating meaningful activities in the community. He also recognized the contributions of ASU in the APG’s development efforts particularly in the field of education.

The results of the baseline study on the state of health of the Barangay Venturanza residents conducted by the second year AHSE students were disseminated to the participants.

The activity aimed to uplift the current health and economic status of the Barangay Venturanza residents by providing venue for dialogues among the residents, Barangay officials, community leaders and heads of government agencies in the Municipality of Banga.

The identified community health problems such as family planning, maternal and child health, violence against women, teenage pregnancy and environmental sanitation were tackled during the dissemination forum. This was followed by strategic planning designed to determine appropriate interventions to the identified problems.

The representatives of the Rural Health Unit (RHU), Provincial Health Office, and Soroptimists International also joined the forum.

1st men’s group in WV opposing VAW launched in Aklan on Women’s Day

Kalibo, Aklan –The first-ever movement in Aklan and in Western Visayas composed of men opposing Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) was launched here during the province’ March 8 celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s Month.

Called the Aklan MOVE (Men Opposed to Violence Against Women and Children Everywhere), the organization will be the core group of gender-sensitive men who are anti-VAW advocates from both the public and private sectors.

The group will take on the challenge to lead other men and women in the advocacy to end VAWC.

It is seen that involving men in the advocacy is a crucial response to end VAWC as studies show that men are mostly the perpetrators of violence and abuses against women and children.

Installed by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez as one of the highlights of the celebration of Women’s Month of the province, Aklan MOVE’s AD HOC Committee is chaired by Hon. Franklin Quimpo, Aklan SP member and president of the Aklan League of Philippine Councilors (PCL), with Engr. Lucio Sta. Maria from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) as Co-Chairman.

Members who also made their commitment to Aklan MOVE include Aklan SP members Ananias Solina, Ramon S. Gelito and Santiago Regalado; Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) Provincial Director Benigno Durana and heads and representatives of government agencies, non-government oroganizations, student leaders and the academe.

Before Governor Marquez who installed them and major Aklan officials like Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores and Guest Speaker, Judge Marietta Homena Valencia of the Regional Trial Court, local government officials, members of the Aklan Gender and Development Commission (AGADC) and women’s groups from various municipalities, the Aklan MOVE officers and members committed themselves to speak out against VAWC, encourage other men not to commit or condone VAWC and never to be silent on VAWC, encourage other men to join the advocacy against VAWC and establish a resource network on it.

In leading Aklan MOVE, SP member Franklin Quimpo said they hope that their united voice in Aklan is more than enough to stop VAWC.

"We will work with all men of all ages to stop VAWC, Quimpo vowed. (PIA/VGVillanueva)

It’s ‘Tres Marias’ in Aklan – Binay

Noel Cabobos
KALIBO, Aklan – Amidst the vehement denial of a political group here who claims to be representing the United Opposition (UNO) in the province of Aklan, UNO president Jejomar Binay finally declared that the all-female political triumvirate popularly known here as “Tres Marias” is the official local party of the opposition group against Tibyog.

“I would like to make it clear that Vicky Ramos has been chosen by the grand coalition of all opposition political parties to be our gubernatorial candidate in Aklan and at the same time the provincial chairman of UNO,” Binay said in an interview with the top-rated morning public affairs program Straight to the Point of RMN-dyKR hosted by Jonathan Cabrera.

Binay also confirmed that along with Ramos is former congresswoman Gabrielle Calizo who will run for vice governor and newcomer Mabeth Mobo-Garcia for the congressional post.

According to Binay, the decision was the result of the deliberation of the Arbitration Committee chaired by former Ambassador Ernesto Maceda.

“This simply follows that the initial nomination given to Karen Ambito-Galvan and Anthony Acevedo is no longer in effect.

This is the decision of the United Opposition and all party members must abide by it,” he emphasized, adding “they were already informed about this” referring to PDP provincial chairman Vic Inserto who was questioning Maceda’s pronouncement.

Earlier, Maceda announced in an interview here over Straight to the Point Program the Tres Marias candidacy in time with the press conference called by Galvan announcing their candidacy purportedly under UNO.Maceda, who is also senior political adviser of UNO, said that obviously UNO preferred the group of the Tres Marias because of their strength, massive political alliance and well-oiled machinery.

“Let’s face it. The Tres Marias are far stronger, have strong political backing plus a well-oiled machinery which can topple down the re-election bid of the administration bets in Aklan. They can better represent the United Opposition there,” Maceda noted.

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DOT, MARINA back one entry, exit policy

BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO

BORACAY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) are supportive of the full implementation of the One Entry, One exit policy.

The policy is now enforced by the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) and the Task Force Bantay Boracay under the leadership of Police Senior Supt. Benigno B. Durana, Jr.

It maybe recalled that last year, the provincial government represented by 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).

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

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.

For purpose of accreditation, MARINA established a satellite office at the jetty port, confirmed CJPPT Administrator Architect Niven Maquirang.

The DOT Regional Office on the other hand may recall and cancel any permit, license, clearance and certifications issued in violation of Ordinance No. 05-032 or the One Entry/Exit Policy.

MARINA has reiterated its full support to the policy according to Regional Director Mary Ann Armi Z. Arcilla.

“Finding the thrust of provincial government to heighten security in order, we have asked the Philippine Coast Guard to apprehend unregistered vessels or those with expired Certificate of Public Convenience (CPCs) plying the Caticlan Boracay,” Arcilla said.

DOT Regional Director Edwin C. Trompeta endorsed the policy, which according to him will “put in order the movement of tourists, cargoes and sea and land transports to and from the island.”

“For many years, DOT has seen the chaotic disembarkation of people and goods from Caticlan to Boracay and vice versa,” Trompeta, also an Aklanon, said.

Trompeta stressed this chaotic and uncontrolled activity at ,many points have contributed to the rise in many illegal activities in the island.

Among these activities are overcharging, double payments, unsafe and dangerous transfers and tensions to the visitors and in many instances resulting to loss of property and even death when boats capsize because of overloading.

As a response to the growing clamor for change in the transport system, the DOT strongly and unequivocally endorses the full implementation of one entry-one exit policy of the provincial government.

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.

Trompeta stressed the provincial leadership of Aklan should be encouraged and congratulated for the vision to see through the horizon of making Boracay a world-class destination by ensuring the convenience, comfort and safety of tourists and visitors to the island.

According to Vice Gov. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, the provincial government has invested sizeable funds to tourism support infrastructure facilities particularly in the resort island of Boracay.
This is the very reason why the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed and approved a provincial ordinance implementing the regulations of the one entry-one exit policy to and from Boracay for the preservation, protection, security and safety of the provincial tourism assets and resources.

Prov’l hospital expansion, a legacy

BY ULYSSES V. ESPARTERO
KALIBO, Aklan - The hospital’s expansion into a second level referral (non-teaching) hospital will always be remembered as the greatest achievement and legacy of effective and efficient health service delivery to the people of the present united leadership.

Under the united leadership of Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores, Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Gov. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Aklan took courage in having the project realized utilizing the loan proceeds from the World Bank with local funds from the province as equity.

The provincial government of Aklan and the Municipal Development Fund Office – Local Government Finance and Development Project (MDFO-LOGOFIND) entered into a memorandum of agreement for the latter to provide a loan to Aklan in the amount of P139 million.

According to Dr. Myrtle M. Pelayo, DOH Representative and a member of the Provincial Health Board, the provincial hospital is considered Aklan’s showcase of health service delivery system.

“The provincial government takes pride in having completed the expansion and rehabilitation of the provincial hospital not solely relying on the meager resources of the provincial government. It was in fact a product of sheer determination and resolve. The upkeep and cleanliness of the expanded hospital has been acclaimed as comparable to our best and private hospitals in the country,” she added.

The expansion of provincial hospital, now under the supervision of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Emma Cortes, is anchored on two major objectives: (1) to serve as one of the economic enterprises of the province to generate additional revenues; and (2) to provide better and efficient health services to Aklanons.

The project components included the construction of a three-storey building, canteen, hospital façade and mortuary; rehabilitation of the old buildings (north, main and south buildings, doctors’ and nurses’ quarters); construction of new power house; upgrading of existing powerhouse; improvement site; and other major items. Also included are the procurement of transformers, air-conditioning units, generator sets, x-ray machines, ultrasound machine, hospital beds, furniture, curtains and other hospital furnishings.

Four rooms of the hospital ground floor will be utilized as private doctors’ clinics for rent. This is one way to encourage Aklanon doctors based in Manila to practice their profession here in Aklan and at the same time, be of service to their province mates. Located at the 2nd and 3rd Floors of the building are about 35 rooms, which will serve as private rooms for hospital patients.

Provincial Government and Services Officer Medelia Solanoy earlier stressed the procurement of modern and updated hospital equipment will save Aklanons from expense and tedious travel to Iloilo and Manila just to avail of adequate diagnosis and treatment.

It maybe recalled that the provincial hospital was built in the 1930s when Aklan was still part of Capiz. After World War II, the hospital was authorized to have a bed capacity of 30, which was increased to 59 beds in 1956, then 75 in 1961 and finally to 100 beds in 1975. It was later renamed to Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital Despite an almost 150 percent bed occupancy, it remains a 100-bed hospital. Hospital beds ate now placed it its hallways to cope with the increasing volume of patients.

AFFORDABLE HOSPITAL SERVICES
EEDD Chief Rex Victor Consemino said the provincial hospital is one service area considered as viable avenue for enterprise development merged under the EEDD to spur generation of much needed revenues for the province and in return, provide better services and effect client satisfaction. The provincial hospital expansion shall pursue sustainable growth and development through innovative generation of financial resources for effective quality and accessible service delivery.

It must be emphasized that while the provincial government is challenged to open new economic frontiers, maintain fiscal stability and promote responsible stewardship for good governance and public service, the indigency program for Aklanons who wanted to avail of hospital services shall be pursued with vigor and without let up for public service remains a top priority of the present administration.

Aklanons are also assured of affordable hospital services compared to privately-run hospitals in Kalibo especially rates on minor and major operations and admission to private rooms.

“The hospital expansion is a major development in our health services program and will mainly benefit our poor constituents, a major concern of the Arroyo administration. It will also be a flagship of the province’s EEDD program,” Marquez stressed. ■

IRA up by P20-M

BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO
KALIBO, Aklan - The Provincial Budget Office headed by Mary Grace Macahilas reported an increase of P58 million

“We are pleased to inform you that the national government has increased our new IRA allotment share in the amount of P367,675,848 million, higher compared to 2005 of only about P309 million,” Gov. Carlito S. Marquez said.

This is a welcome development, said Marquez, especially now that the provincial government is serious in the implementation of projects and programs funded through appropriation ordinances.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan chaired by Vice Gov. Ronquillo C. Tolentino has passed and approved five most important appropriation ordinances for 2005.

Lawyer Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino said approval of the Annual Executive Budget of the General Fund for 2007 and the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) for 2007 took the provincial board three-day marathon sessions.

“Passage of these two most important documents had been very meticulous and were approved after lengthy debates among the members of the august body,” he added.

The provincial government’s General Fund Budget as provided in Appropriation Ordinance No. 06-006 carries a total appropriation of P420,259,032 while Appropriation Ordinance No. 06-007 which enacted the EEDD budget for 2006 carries a total appropriation of P243,985,667 or a total of P664,244,699 which financial analysts said the biggest budget so far in the history of Aklan.

The provincial board also approved P73,161,225 budget for programs and projects to be funded under the 20 percent Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Development Fund for 2007.

“A total of P35 million of the 20 percent IRA Development Fund will go to General Services sector to include contractual, statutory and special projects and activities, P4.7 million for social development and P33.4 million to economic development,” Marquez stressed.

“In our revenue projections for 2007 under the General Fund, our provincial government has an IRA share of P87% while local revenues composed of operating and miscellaneous revenues and local taxes account for 13 percent,” he added.