18 Nabbed in Gun Ban Violations

The Police Regional Office arrested 18 gun ban violators just 18 days of the implementation of the Commission of Election (Comelec) Resolution No. 7764.

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office scored the most arrests with six followed by Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office with three arrests; the Capiz and Guimaras Provincial Police Offices and Iloilo City and Bacolod City Police Offices recorded two arrests each while the Aklan Police Provincial Office made one arrest.

Two members of the Philippine Army were also arrested for the same offense.

SSgt Edwin Demontano assigned at the 524 Engineering Construction Battalion (ECB) in Panaad Park, Mansilingan, Bacolod City was arrested Jan. 16 while PFC Delkin Roca, assigned at 11th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army based in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental was nabbed Jan. 21.

Demontano was arrested by members of the Bacolod City Police Station 3 after Daniel Sarroza, security guard of the PSG Security Agency detailed at Robinson’s Place in Mandalagan, Bacolod City confiscated two hand grenades from his possession.

Roca was arrested for possessing a caliber 9mm pistol with four live ammunitions by joint elements of Kabankalan City Police Station and 6th Regional Mobile Group in a checkpoint at Rizal St, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

A total of nine cases were already filed in court while others are still being prepared for filing.

The Comelec gun ban is in effect beginning Jan. 14 to June 13. (PRO-6/RPCRD)

SC urged protection of children from abuses

Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre

Boracay Island- Acknowledging that this resort island is prone to sex tourism because of diverse kind of tourists that regularly tourists here, the Supreme Court hopes that the provincial government could protect the children especially that the latter is bound to fully implement its 'One Entry-One Exit' scheme here.

SC Assistant Court Administrator Judge Nimfa Vilches came here recently to introduce to local police enforcers, lawyers, social welfare officers and advocates the Implementation of Rules and Regulations on Juvenile Justice System where she herself assists in the crafting of the new law.

"Among other things, the new law barred children ages 18 and below from being charged of criminal liabilities especially on status qou cases such as vagrancy, curfew and even prostitution," she said.

In an interview, Judge Vilches said that she is traveling around the country for some time now to discuss the implementation of the law among concerned government agencies and officials because she believe there is still loopholes that needed to be fix before it could be fully implemented.

"Among the loopholes learned is that the Juvenile Justice Council in Manila needs to recommend to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ask the PNP and the DSWD to have a better coordination on cases dealing with children," she said which she is also a member of the council.

Vilches said that the decision of the provincial government to fully implement the 'One Entry-One Exit scheme in Boracay comes February 15 is a good one but expresses concern if the task force created by the provincial government were trained to secure the children from abuses.

"We in the SC had already trained policemen based in Metro Manila to secure airports and only few in Seaports to watch children prone of abuses. It is only in this year that we are planning to undertake trainings for land-based security measures and that includes Boracay concerns," she said in an interview.

In the previous years, the DSWD have noted presence of minors which are engaged in prostitution and had actually documented cases of child traficking.

Vilches however warned that the law is heavy against those hot-headed pedophiles if a minor engaged in prostitution complained against them.

LGU Lezo conducts symposium on Pinoy Youth: Making Choices, Building Voices

SHEENA U. REYES

Lezo, Aklan – The Local Government Unit of Lezo spearheaded by Acting Mayor Victor L. Fernandez and Dr. Athena C. Magdamit in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Aklan under the able stewardship of Governor Carlito S. Marquez and the Provincial Population Office headed by Mr. Arturo P. Teodosio, Jr. conducted a symposium on Pinoy Youth: Making Choices, Building Voices at Lezo Institute in Poblacion, Lezo, Aklan last January 25, 2007. It was participated by the third year and fourth year high school students of said school. The speakers were Mr. Arturo P. Teodosio, Jr., Provincial Population Officer wherein he discussed “Philippine Population Management Program and Youth Empowerment” where he cleared out minds of the youths that having engage in such problems like early marriages is not an easy thing to do but it needs to be planned and understand that being married is a serious matter that has bigger responsibilities lie on couples; another speaker was Mrs Debbie F. Villaflor, Nurse VI, STI – Coordinator discussed about “A Wholesome Adolsecent” where she stressed out what deadly diseases can cause if they would engage in premarital sex without even thinking of its effects; and the last speaker was Ms. Ma. Doreen Morata, Nursing Student of St. Gabriel College and she discussed on “Adolescent Reproductive Health Program” where she taught what Reproductive Health and Adolescents really are and its functions on self-developments of adolescents.

The purpose of this symposium was to help youths be sensitive in their environment especially in their physical, mental, emotional and social well-beings; to be aware of what is happening now that involves them; to have adequate knowledge about their sexuality and to make them develop their totality. There were lots of attention-grabbing topics discussed by the speakers that really made them understand if who they really are and what could they really be.

This symposium taught them a lot of vital things that a youth should actually know like what would be the effects to them if they would be involved in such threats like premarital sex, early pregnancies, abortion, drug use and other risky behaviors that could definitely destroy their life and on how these can bring damage on their supposedly good future. It also helped them aware and realize that there are still lots of good things to do that have constructive effects on them instead of doing such risky habits that would just bring them into troubles. This really can help them awaken their minds that there are still plenty of possibilities await them and that it is not yet the end of everything for them to fix things up.

It was indeed an achievement for the LGU Lezo and all the participants especially the youths to have this symposium for it certainly made them fully understand things which are very important for self-development.

RP bodybuilding champs to invite Schwarzenegger to grace competition

Perseus Echeminada
The Philippine Star 01/05/2007

A five-man bodybuilding team from Quezon City who won the Mr. and Ms. Universe (mixed category) contest held in Cuxhanen, Germany last month will invite movie actor and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as their guest during the Asia-Pacific Bodybuilding Championship on April 27 to 29 to be held at the Boracay beach resort in Aklan.

Quezon City Assistant Prosecutor Raymund Jonathan Lledo, executive vice president of the Samahan Barbelista ng Pilipinas, said they will send a formal invitation to Schwarzenegger who was a former Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympian titleholder.

"As former Mr. Universe and seven times Mr. Olympian, Gov. Schwarzenegger will be our guest during the competition," he said.

Lledo, who headed the team which won top honors in the recent international competition organized by the National Amateur Bodybuilding Association International (NBBA, Int) said the QC team, which represented the Philippines has stood above 200 participants from 39 countries.

"The tandem of Ma. Cristila Abanto and Ringo Borlain garnered a perfect score and was awarded the Mr. and Ms. Universe, he said.

Abantao, a 27-year-old gym instructor from Quezon City owns the DWAN fitness center and was also 3rd runner up in the Ms. Figure category.

Meanwhile, team mate Roman Cortuna won the second place in the Mr. Universe (short category), losing only to Jose Armengon of Spain.

"This was by far the best showing ever in the history of Philippine bodybuilding," Lledo said.

With the honors garnered in German competition, the Philippine team will host the Asia-Pacific Bodybuilding Championship which is expected to be attended by top bodybuilders in Asia- Pacific countries.

Lledo said they expect to again excel in the coming regional competition which will be highlighted by the presence of Schwarzenegger.

from the sponsors

3rd Installment is Out!

The January issue of the "CARTOON" is now on sale peeps! For P100 only, you can enjoy the new editorial cartoons of the month that tackles the hottest issues in the land such as the Visiting Forces Agreement, Chacha, Media Situation, Oil Spill and many more!

Place your order via e-mail (cartoonskartun@yahoo.com.ph) or you can contact the circulation manager here: 0920-3606199. Please look for Ding.

We are also offering special discounts for bulk orders!All cartoons and comic strips in the book are all original and previously unpublished. We also remind you that the opinion inside each cartoon are most accurate only on the date it was made.

Thank you and please support the independent publishing!

DoJ to file murder raps vs suspects in radioman’s slay

Jonathan Cabrera
KALIBO, Aklan – The Department of Justice directed the Aklan Provincial Prosecutor’s Office to file a murder case against Amador Raz and Jessie Ticar, suspects in the killing of RMN-dyKR’s commentator Roland Ureta.

In a resolution dated January 16, 2007 signed by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, the DOJ reversed the resolution of the provincial prosecutor which previously dismissed the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police against the said suspects.

Ureta was gunned down around 9:45pm of January 3, 2001 by several armed men while he was on his way to Lezo town.

Three years later, a witness named Gerson Sonio came out alleging that he saw Raz driving a yellow motorcycle while his back rider, Ticar shot Ureta three times.Said respondents vehemently denied the accusations of Sonio asserting the he was lying because his father contradicted his statements stating that he was in Iloilo at that time when the incident happened.

After the preliminary investigation of the provincial prosecutor, the complaint was dismissed.But the family of Ureta and some media organizations filed a petition for review before the DOJ.

Gonzales resolved that Sonio positively identified the respondents as the persons responsible for the killing of Ureta.

“Weighed against the denials and alibis of respondents, said witness’ affirmative testimony is stronger than a negative one.”

As regards the lapse of more or less three years before the witness finally told the authorities about the killing, Gonzalez argued that this does not distract from the veracity of the charge.

“This assessment finds confirmation from the fact that we cannot set up, on a permanent basis, a standard form of human behavioral response when a person is confronted with a stranger, startling or frightful experience,” the DOJ ruling said.

CBCP LETTER TO THE DIOCESES AND PARISHES

"Choose wise, discerning and experienced people" (Dt. 1, 13)
"The Church values the democratic system." (Centesimus Annus, 46) These words of Pope John Paul II inspire this letter, which we, your shepherds, write to you as the national elections of 2007 draw near. We seek only one thing: to apply the values of the Gospel to our electoral process.
Elections in a democracy allow citizens to choose freely those who will govern them and be instruments of a better life and a more just society for all. These coming elections in May 2007 are especially important. Many of our current political problems, which have hindered fuller economic development and social justice, especially for the poor, can be traced to unresolved questions concerning the conduct of past elections. As a nation, we cannot afford yet another controversial electoral exercise that further aggravates social distrust and hopelessness.
In these two years past, we are only too aware, it has become easier to succumb to apathy and hopelessness about our country and its political life. But as followers of the crucified and risen Lord, we are called never to lose the hope that creates energy and the love that creates responsibility.
Therefore, this time, we are determined that we come together once more and organize ourselves more effectively than we have done in the past to make this year's elections credible?and as free of violence as possible.
This means that every parish organization and institution?and the BECs most especially?be mobilized to the utmost to do what each can do towards that end. This means too that they must form linkages with one another and with other like-minded civic and religious associations that are working to help clean the dirt from our easily corrupted electoral process.
The Lord of truth and justice be with us all in this crucial undertaking to his greater praise and glory. And may Mary, Our Lady of Peace, intercede for us.

For the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines,
+ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO, D.D.
Archbishop of Jaro
President, CBCP

from the readers

" I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."

Where do you stand?

Light or Darkness
Do good or Do evil
Pro-Life or Pro-Choice
Culture of life or Culture of death
God or Evil

" I call heaven and earth today to witness against you: I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the LORD, your God, heading his voice, and holding fast to him."

Marianito Hernandez
marianitohernandez@sbcglobal.net

from the sponsors

Libacao: Discover and Explore

(www.libacao.gov.ph)

Libacao Aklan is a fourth-class interior municipality 29 kilometers southwest of the capital town of Kalibo and located in the borders of Antique, Capiz and Iloilo provinces in Panay Island in Central Philippines. It has vast land area, a relatively colder weather condition and beautiful natural scenery consisting of green valleys, upland farms, high mountain ranges, virgin forests, tropical flora, fauna and wildlife and numerous waterfalls, natural springs and wild rivers and creeks.

It is also rich in natural resources and minor forest products and blessed with fertile lands and climate favorable to agriculture which enabled the town to become the leading producer of abaca fiber in Western Visayas and major producer of rice, cattle, bananas, copra, vegetables, bamboos, root crops and fruit such as; lanzones (seedless, duco, longkong, native and wild varieties),durian. marang, mangosteen, seedless pomelo, rambutan and local oranges in the province and has all the potentials to produce high value crops, tropical flowers, vegetables and fruits.

The town's 24 barangays are now accessible transportation except for the remaining 2 which could only be reach by foot, with the farthest would take a day of hiking. The use of motorcycles has become the practical means of public conveyance in the locality, almost all of these areas are inhabited by indigenous people with the distinct ethnic culture and traditions spared from undue influence of modern civilizations. Thus, Libacao is considered the repository of Aklan's ethnic culture.

Specifically, Libacao's forest areas serves as the main watershed of the Aklan River is said to be the remaining forest cover in the Island of Panay and endowed with so many natural springs and waterfalls and breathtaking scenic beauty and mountain ranges, including the imposing Mt. Nangtud, the Highest peak in Central Panay with GPS (Global Positioning System) recorded height of 2,150 meters. This could be found in barangay Dalagsaan on the southwest portion of Libacao bounding the Municipalities of Tibiao and Barbaza in Antique and belongs to the mountain ranges of Mt. Baloy. Indigenous people in the area called it "Iglangit" meaning gateway to heaven beacause of the clouds and fogs that surround its peak. Mountaineering groups from Bacolod and Iloilo treeked an average of 3 days to reach the peak.

Libacao's wild river at the head water of the Aklan River. This covers the river stream from barangay Dalagsaan to Loctuga and is suited for "Bamboo Rafting Challeng", a rare and unique tourism adventure which was made the front cover of Discover Philippines magazine (vol. 11, Issue 3, 2005) and was featured twice in national television ABS-CBN's "Magandang Gabi Bayan" (October 1 and November 30, 2005). It also has a yearly "Baesa Karera and Parada" Festival which is being held every November 24th during the town's municipal and religious fiesta and the "Kali-ugyon Festival" every December 30-1st day of incoming year.

Mayor Charito I. Navarosa and local officials now spearheaded the opening of Libacao as another tourist destination in Aklan that would compliment the "white beaches' of the world famous Boracay with attractions to include; bamboo rafting, kayaking, inland and mountain biking, rough-riding motoring, air gliding and many more.

Moreover, Libacao is the site of the proposed multi-million dollar Hydro Electric Power Project of the California Energy, Int'l, a US-based company and subsidiary of Mid-American Holdings, a Global leader in the production, supply and distribution of energy.

(photo grabbed from Discover Philippines magazine)

from the readers

Thanks for your continued interest in PESCP!

To begin with the annual, i.e. 13th ann. report will be put next week into the net as a link to our website. We would be happy to provide you with a hard copy if you update us on your current postal address.

With regard to the bird flu in Asia I would like to ask you for patience until next week when I am back in the office and have access to my data files. Then I would let you have the most recent account by BirdLife International on the current situation regarding the topic.

With regard to the GEF proposal on the Central Panay Mountain things do not look as good as half a year ago, due to some hassles of the decision making mechanism in the government. We hope to supply you with details at some later point in time.

Pls. let us have for constructive perusal any writing on the project that may come from your esteemed pen.

Best wishes,

Eberhard Curio

Three parties in Aklan election eyed

Jun Ariolo N. Aguirre
Kalibo, Aklan- At least three national parties will vie for several posts here in May 2007 elections, two of which are allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,

The incumbent local Tibyog party (united) now being led by Congressman Florencio Miraflores said their party is still a solid rock composed of Governor Carlito Marquez and Vice Governor Atty. Ronquillo Tolentino and will be loyal to the Lakas CMD of Mrs. Arroyo.

Their challenger however came from Kampi being led by business woman-banker Mabeth Mobo-Garcia, wife of Ibajay mayor Jun Garcia which is a founding member of Tibyog. Mabeth is reportedly being groomed as the regional political coordinator of KAMPI leader Presidential Management Staff Mike Defensor.

Also reportedly supporting the candidacy of Garcia is Arroyo allies’ businessman Teddy Haresco.

For the United Opposition (UNO), the group is being led by Charter Change panelist Anthony Acevedo which is a relative of Bayan Muna Teodoro Casino and Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo, also a Tibyog supporters.

It was learned that Mabeth Garcia has united with two political women leaders’ former Aklan rep. Gabrielle Calizo and Vicky Ramos. The three locally known as ‘Tres Marias’ are still to decide whom of them will be running against Marquez for Governor.

Earlier, Mabeth told local media that she wanted for gubernatorial posts but Ramos and Calizo are also eyeing the said posts.

from the readers

the bishop of Kalibo has also his State of the Diocese Address delivered late last year. It would be worthwile to put it on line rather than the article published in New City about my person. You could have a copy in the chancery office. Ty for informing about your new site!

Fr. Am Mijares
Focolare

from the readers

politicking in kalibo is still very rampant...i have herd the news from people around me that cong miraflores is a relative of the del rosario and wants to put del rosario the judge for the kuhlmann case...its unethical...torralbas lawyer is a del rosario. and congressman miraflores wants to grant bail to this guy...philippines is in deep shit....hope people on my birth country would change im so ashamed to be a filipino if this things keep on going..

foxxy_v

NEA salutes AKELCO, 70 other EC’s

Lovell Gepte-Juliano
The Aklan Electric Cooperative Inc., (AKELCO), along with seventy other EC’s in the country will be given recognition by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) for their selfless display of Bayanihan spirit as members of the TASK FORCE KAPATID BALIK-ILAW volunteers in restoring the electric power in the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon.

According to NEA Administrator Edita S. Bueno , this is to bestow the well-deserved honor and appreciation for the participation of all linemen and engineers in the rehabilitation of lines devastated by typhoons Caloy, Milenyo & Reming in the Bicol.

Last December 2006, AKELCO formed TASK FORCE KAPATID BALIK-ILAW in response to NEA’s call to help Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO) in their “Balik-Ilaw” project, which aims to speed-up power restoration in the whole franchise area of ALECO. The team composed of twelve (12) Linemen and led by Engr. Wayne Bocala and Foremen Melvin Torres and Teody Iradon immediately headed for Albay.

The team were tasked to repair the primary backbone lines of Tabaco substation and rehabilitate the distribution lines in the town of Malilipot, Tabaco, Albay.

In Malilipot, clearing operations, hauling of poles, digging and construction of 12 kms distribution lines were their task. It tested their skills and endurance in repairing the damaged electric power lines throughout the said areas to hasten power restoration. With that, they came back very satisfied for a job well done.

“To be a part of the NEA-EC TASK FORCE KAPATID BALIK-ILAW program for twelve days is a fulfilling job . It made me realize that to save other people from distress without reservation is a true meaning of unity ” explains Engineer Bocala.

TASK FORCE KAPATID was conceptualized by former NEA Administrator Fr. Francisco G. Silva. AKELCO was one of the first beneficiary of the said Task Force since its formation on September 2002. The first project done by the Task Force in AKLAN was the rehabilitation and upgrading of Boracay distribution lines. Linemen and Engineers coming from the different coops in the Visayas and Mindanao came over to assist AKELCO in its rehabilitation projects.

Today, It had become a Standard Operating Procedure of NEA with the assistance of TRANSCO and NPC with the cooperation of all EC’s to immediately provide technical relief assistance to any electric cooperative devastated by typhoons. Immediate restoration of power is the primary task of the Task Force.

The momentous ceremony will be held on January 31, 2007, at the HESA, NEA office, Quezon City. The awarding of plaques of certificates will be given by NEA officials and Board of Administrators. This event will be participated in by contingents coming from the different EC’s led by their General Manager, Board President and of course the Team leaders of their respective TASK FORCE KAPATID BALIK-ILAW.

Germany gives P568M for forest and mangrove rehab in Visayas

BY ERNAN BALDOMERO
SAN JOSE, Antique – The government of Germany will allocate funds amounting to P568, 749, 995 for the community based forest and mangrove management program in Panay and Negros.
The project is spearheaded by the national government through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) targetting the rehabilitation of forest and mangrove covers, livelihood assistance and rural infrastructures for the provinces in Panay and Negros.

DENR-Antique information officer John Temana said that the program gears towards the improvement of environmental conditions and reduction of poverty started in 2004 through the formulation of proposals, Philippine-German negotiation in 2005 where the project was confirmed.

A feasibility study was conducted followed by a KfW appraisal mission and later the project was endorsed to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for approval.

Based on the feasibility study, Panay and Negros islands are facing environmental and ecological concerns. It has been found that it is already suffering from depletion and degradation of its forest and coastal resources that affects an approximately 900,000 hectares or 36% of the total land area.

Large parts of Panay and Negros is the location of steep mountains which covers around 1/3 of its total land area can also be found many critical watersheds which are already barren and are prone to erosion.

In the economic and social analysis, the people in the two islands has limited economic support and social infrastructure such as village whole-sale markets for the produce, water system, limited opportunities for generation of income. An average of 33% of all families in the program provinces fall under the poverty threshold.

Temana said that the objectives of the program in to enable participating people’s organization and village households to manage forests and mangroves sustainably and adopt more sustainable and productive upland farming systems which will contribute in their food security, income and living conditions.

Among the program areas are the 5 provinces in Western Visayas - Aklan, Antique, Iloilo and Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental in Region VII. The identified project cores sites are the municipalities of Kalibo, Malinao, Tangalan, New Washington and Batan in the province of Aklan; Patnongon, San Remigio, Sebaste, Sibalom and Tibiao in Antique; Carles, Dingle, Maasin, San Dionisio, and San Joaquin in Iloilo; Candoni, Cauayan, Ilog and Kabankalan in Negros Occidental and Bayawan, Bindoy and Sibulan in Negros Oriental.

He added that the components of the program focus on the rehabilitation of forests and mangroves, improvement of livelihood options, improvement of rural infrastructures and capacity building. In order to successfully implement the project, the local government concerned would tap the help of people’s organizations (POs) with Community Based Forest Agreement (CBFMA) or CADT, establishment of multipurpose tree plantations.

“The main target of the program is the reforestation of the 9,000 hectares of denuded forests through the introduction of sustainable forest management, while allowing the utilization of existing plantations which has an approximately 26,000 hectares established in CBFMAs in Panay and Negros added by 14,000 has. of private plantations,” Temana said.

In the rehabilitation of mangrove areas would be initiated through planting of buffer strips along coastline and river banks and support in wood and non-timber forest products processing and marketing through Pos and farmer associations. The project would also give support to sustainable upland agriculture including permanent tree crops, irrigation schemes thus increasing land productivity.

He said that people in the communities could likewise benefit on the said project through the introduction of viable livelihood options, resource-based small and medium enterprises, processing and agro-forestry products. Improvement of rural infrastructures such as farm-to-market roads would also be implemented added by the establishment of potable water supply, irrigation schemes and village drop-off markets.

Capacity building programs for the POs for the formulation of project proposals, business plans and financing requests and for the DENR, Land Bank of the Philippines and local government personnel’s as the project implementing agency in active involvement in the community based resource management to effectively provide the required extension and support services. For the period of seven (7) years

The funding agency is the German government through KfW Bank that would finance the total program costs of 8.5 million euros where 2.8 million euros will be given as grant and 4.2 million euros as government loan, and GOP contribution of 1.75 million euros.

State of the Province Adress

We are continuing our march, towards the highway to economic prosperity and social progress!

The roadmap provided to us by the united political leadership of this province is being pursued with vigor and determination, to succeed. Soon, we shall reach our destination. We are winning the war against poverty and economic deprivation, for our people.

Ladies and gentlemen, this will be my third and the last in my first term, state of the province address. And, whatever the almighty God wanted me to do from hereafter, that, I shall do!

LET ME EXPRESS, therefore, MY GRATITUDE TO THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE SANNGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN UNDER THE STEWARDSHIP OF VICE GOVERNOR KEL FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RENDER A FULL ACCOUNTING OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS PRESENT PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATION INCLUDING OUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE FOR AKLAN. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE.

DAMPENER BY THE END OF THE YEAR

Late last year, A NATURAL CALAMITY STRUCK OUR PROVINCE AND PEOPLE DAMPENING OUR DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS. THE DEVASTATION WROUGHT BY TYPHOON SENIANG WAS SO GREAT AND WIDE, THE STRONGEST IN TWO DECADES, BRINGING DAMAGES WORTH ABOUT HALF A BILLION PESOS TO CROPS, FISHERIES, LIVESTOCKS, INFRASTRUCTURE, GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS, WHILE KILLING SIX PEOPLE, INJURING MANY AND RENDERED THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES HOMELESS WHOSE DWELLINGS WERE PARTIALLY OR TOTALLY DAMAGED.

WE MUST THANK THIS CHAMBER FOR ITS IMMEDIATE ACTION BY DECLARING A PROVINCEWIDE STATE OF CALAMITY ON DECEMBER 10, 2006, A SUNDAY, A DAY AFTER SENIANG STRUCK, THROUGH RESOLUTION NO. 06-462, AND AUTHORIZED YOUR PROVINCIAL SERVANT TO RELEASE FUNDS FOR RELIEF, RESCUE AND REHABILITATION EFFORTS.

SUBSEQUENTLY, TO MITIGATE THE SUFFERINGS AND ASSUAGE THE PAINS BEING EXPERIENCED BY THE TYPHOON VICTIMS IN THE PROVINCE, WE PROMPTLY DISTRIBUTED RELIEF GOODS WORTH P900,000.00. THE FIELD OFFICE IN REGION VI OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT ALSO SENT FOODSTUFFS AND USED CLOTHING WORTH P350,000.00 WHILE THE FIELD OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN WESTERN VISAYAS SENT TO US ASSORTED MEDICINES WORTH P67,500.

THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN JOEBEN T. MIRAFLORES ARE NOW READYING RELEASES OF FUNDS FOR EMERGENCY SHELTER ASSISTANCE FOR THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES RENDERED HOMELESS.

THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT WILL ASSIST THOSE DISPLACED IN MALAY AND BURUANGA WHERE SOME 962 FAMILIES HAD BEEN RENDERED HOMELESS AT P2,000 EACH, OR A TOTAL OF SOME P1.92 MILLION. CONGRESSMAN JOEBEN WILL TAKE CARE OF THE HOMELESS FAMILIES IN NABAS AND IBAJAY NUMBERING 1290, ALSO AT P2000 EACH, OR A TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OF P2.58 MILLION.

ASIDE FROM THE RELIEF AND EMERGENCY SHELTER ASSISTANCE, WE RELEASED P1.5 MILLION FOR THE MUCH NEEDED REPAIR AND REHABILITATION OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES, PARTICULARLY OUR JETTY PORTS AND TERMINALS IN BARANGAY CATICLAN AND CAGBAN, BORACAY. WE ALSO PROVIDED P1 MILLION WORTH OF TARPULIN WHICH WE USED AS TEMPORARY ROOFINGS FOR SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN MANY SCHOOL SITES IN IBAJAY, NABAS, MALAY AND BURUANGA. TO RECALL, WE HAVE ALSO TO SPARE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN QUEZON AND BICOL PROVINCES HIT BY LANDSLIDES AND MUDSLIDES. WE RELEASED P250, 000 FOR EACH PROVINCE.

P664.244 MILLION 2007 ANNUAL BUDGET

WE THANK THIS AUGUST BODY FOR THE SPEEDY REVIEW, PASSAGE AND APPROVAL OF THE 2007 ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT THROUGH MARATHON SESSIONS ON NOVEMBER 28, 29 AND 30, 2006. THIS IS A RECORD ACCOMPLISHMENT. THIS WAS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE PROMPT PREPARATION OF THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET BY OUR LOCAL FINANCE COMMITTEE WITH THE COOPERATION OF OUR DEPARTMENT HEADS.

THROUGH APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE NO. 06-006, THIS CHAMBER APPROVED AND ENACTED THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR 2007 CARRYING A TOTAL APPROPRIATION OF P420,259,032 AND THROUGH APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE O6-007, THIS AUGUST BODY PASSED THE 2007 ECONOMIC ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT BUDGET WITH TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS OF P243, 985,667.00, OR A TOTAL OF P664,244,699. The biggest budget so far in the history of aklan.

SUBSEQUENTLY, THROUGH PROVINCIAL ORDINANCE NO. 2006-033, THIS CHAMBER LIKEWISE APPROVED THE LIST OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED UNDER THE 20 PERCENT INTERNAL REVENUE DEVELOPMENT FUND CARRYING TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS OF P73,161,225 AS ENDORSED BY THE PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 5, SERIES OF 2006. THIRTY FIVE MILLION PESOS 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.

OUR BUDGETARY APPROPRIATIONS FOR THIS YEAR UNDER THE GENERAL FUND INCREASED BY ABOUT P52.57 MILLION OVER THAT OF LAST YEAR WHILE OUR EEDD BUDGET INCREASED BY P44.5 MILLION.

IN OUR REVENUE PROJECTIONS FOR 2007 UNDER THE GENERAL FUND, OUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT HAS AN INTERNAL REVENUE ALLOTMENT SHARE OF 87%, WHILE LOCAL REVENUES COMPOSED OF OPERATING AND MISCELLANEOUS REVENUES AND LOCAL TAXES ACCOUNT FOR THIRTEEN PERCENT.

WE ARE PLEASED TO INFORM YOU THAT THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT HAS INCREASED OUR NEW INTERNAL REVENUE ALLOTMENT SHARE IN THE AMOUNT OF P367,675,848.00 MILLION, HIGHER BY ABOUT P58 MILLION COMPARED TO 2005 OF ONLY ABOUT P309 MILLION.

AT THIS POINT ALLOW ME TO THANK OUR DEPARTMENT HEADS, MRS. GRACE P. MACAHILAS AND HER STAFF OF THE BUDGET OFFICE, MRS. MAVIC SALIDO AND HER STAFF OF THE ACCOUNTING, MR. EVAN TIMTIMAN AND HIS STAFF OF THE TREASURES OFFICE, AND ENGR. ROGER M. ESTO AND HIS STAFF OF PPDO.

THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE IN AKLAN IS VERY ENCOURAGING, EVIDENT OF THE GOOD BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT CLIMATE IN OUR PROVINCE.

BIR AKLAN HAS COLLECTED A TOTAL OF P395.629 MILLION, EXCEEDING ITS LAST YEAR TARGET OF P388.962 MILLION BY MORE THAN P6 MILLIION. OF THE TOTAL, ABOUT P108.115 MILLION WAS COLLECTED IN BORACAY ISLAND, ABOUT 67 PERCENT HIGHER THAN THE 2005 COLLECTION OF P64.4 MILLION.

WE SINCERELY THANK THE INNOVATIVE COLLECTION EFFORTS OF OUR REVENUE DISTRICT OFFICER MS. LILIVIC GATDULA AND BIR STAFF.

THERE IS REASON FOR US TO BE ELATED WITH THE COLLECTION PERFORMANCE IN OUR CATICLAN AND CAGBAN, MANOC-MANOC JETTY PORTS AND TERMINALS. COLLECTIONS ROSE DRASTICALLY DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS, P17.896 MILLION IN 2005 AND ALMOST DOUBLED RISING TO P30.650 MILLION LAST YEAR. THERE IS NO DOUBT INDEED THAT THE EEDD THAT WE HAVE BOTH CREATED AND NURTURED WOULD BE A SUCCESS STORY FOR AKLAN, AND ITS PEOPLE GIVEN ANOTHER YEAR OF OPERATION.

THANK YOU MR. EVAN TIMTIMAN AND HIS STAFF OF THE TREASURERS OFFICE, MR. NIEVEN MAQUIRANG AND HIS STAFF OF CATICLAN AND CAGBAN JETTY PORTS, AND MR. REX VICTOR B. CONSEMINO AND HIS STAFF OF EEDD FOR THE EFFICIENT management operation and COLLECTION EFFORTS.

WE PIN OUR HOPES IN THE REAL PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIONS WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE GENERAL REVISION PROVINCEWIDE. REAL PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS BY THE END OF 2006 INCREASED TO P5.321 BILLION FROM THE PREVIOUS TOTAL ASSESSED VALUE OF ONLY P1.599 BILLION. THIS WILL TRANSLATE TO SOME P53.21 MILLION TOTAL REAL PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIBLE. THE SAME AMOUNT WILL GO FULLY TO OUR SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND, FROM WHERE WE SOURCE THE FUNDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES, AS WELL AS, THE HIRING OF OUR LOCAL SCHOOL
BOARD TEACHERS. LAST YEAR WE PAID MORE THAN P3.O MILLION OUT OF OUR SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND FOR THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF VARIOUS SCHOOL PROVINCEWIDE.

THIS WILL GREATLY HELP AUGMENT LOCAL REVENUES. WITH THE RECENT COMPUTERIZATION OF REAL PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION AT THE PROVINCIAL LEVEL WITH THE TOWNS OF KALIBO, MALAY AND NEW WASHINGTON, WE HOPE TO IMPROVE ON OUR COLLECTION EFFICIENCY THROUGH THE YEARS UNTIL WE HAVE FULLY COMPUTERIZED THE REAL PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTION IN THE WHOLE PROVINCE.

WITH THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE-OR ELECTRONIC GOVERNANCE AND WITH THE 100% COMPLETION OF THE DATABASE BUILDUP FOR THE COMPUTERIZATION OF THE REAL PROPERTY TAX ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM, THE PROVINCE WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS AMOUNTING TO A TOTAL OF P96,276,252.30 FOR THE BASIC RPT AND BY THE SAME AMOUNT FOR THE SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND OR A TOTAL OF P192,552,504.60 DELIQUENT ACCOUNTS.

LAST YEAR OUR LOCAL REVENUE GENERATION PROJECT THROUGH REAL PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION HAD BEEN ADJUDGED OUTSTANDING IN THE REGION, WITH ALTAVAS TOWN AS THE MOST OUTSTANDING AT THE MUNICIPAL LEVEL CATEGORY AND THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN AT THE PROVINCIAL LEVEL CATEGORY.

THANK YOU MRS. MARY JANE A. REBALDO AND MR. KOKOY SOGUILON AND STAFF OF THE PROVINCIAL ASSESORS OFFICE.

OUR PRUDENT FISCAL MANAGEMENT DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS IN THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ENABLED US TO BE ABLE TO FULLY REDEEM THE P40 MILLION BOND FLOATATIONS BY THE MIDDLE OF LAST YEAR. THIS HAS ELICITED RECOGNITION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE THAT IT HAS CITED THE JETTY PORT AND TERMINAL PROJECT FUNDED BY THE BOND FLOAT TO BE ONE OF THE SUCCESS STORIES FOR ECONOMIC ENTERPRISES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS IN THE COUNTRY.

WE WERE ALSO ABLE TO FULLY REPAY OUR OUTSTANDING REMAINING LOANS FOR OUR HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THE PROVINCIAL EQUIPMENT POOL. THE TIGHT WATCH OVER OUR PROVINCIAL FINANCES ENABLED US TO RELIGIOUSLY PUT UP THE COUNTERPART FUNDS FOR THE P139 MILLION-WORLD BANK/DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE LOGOFIND PROJECT WHICH IS THE UPGRADING OF THE STRUCTURES AND FACILITIES OF THE DR. RAFAEL S. TUMBOKON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL.

AKLAN’S TOURISM CONTINUES TO RISE

ALONG WITH AGRICULTURE, TOURISM STILL REMAINS ONE OF THE ANCHOR INDUSTRIES OF THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN.

BY YEAREND, THE NUMBER OF VISITORS IN THE RESORT ISLAND OF BORACAY SURPASSED THE HALF A MILLION MARK REGISTERING 558,084 TOURIST ARRIVALS. ABOUT 33 PERCENT OF WHICH, OR 183,385, ARE FOREIGNERS, 61 PERCENT, OR, 342,052, ARE DOMESTIC TOURISTS, AND THE REST, 30,197 ARE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS.

THE TOTAL TOURIST ARRIVALS FOR 2006 TRANSLATE TO A MONEY VALUE CIRCULATING IN THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN OF P10.2 BILLION IN TERMS OF TOURISM RECEIPTS, P4.9 BILLION CONTRIBUTED BY LOCAL TOURISTS AND P6.3 BILLION BY FOREIGNERS.

THE 2006 ARRIVALS INCREASED BY TEN PERCENT OVER THAT OF 2005 WHICH REGISTERED 499,487 VISITORS.

WE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT TOURISM PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES OF THE DIFFERENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS, THE LIKES OF THE WESTERN VISAYAS TOURISM COUNCILS ASSEMBLY IN OCTOBER WHERE LGU KALIBO ROMPED OFF WITH SEVERAL MAJOR AWARDS.

THANK YOU MS. KARINA ROSSEL RUIZ AND STAFF OF THE PROVINCIAL TOURISM OFFICE FOR CONTINUOUSLY CREATING MARKET FOR TOURISTS.

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGHS IN AGRICULTURE

IN MY FIRST TERM, WE HAVE INTRODUCED MAJOR INNOVATIONS IN AGRICULTURE. IN CROPS PRODUCTION PARTICULARLY RICE, LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION AND IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMERCIAL PLANTATIONS FOR ABACA AND CARABAO MANGO.

STARTED LAST YEAR WITH THE INITIAL 66 HECTARES PLANTED TO HYBRID RICE IN THE TOWN OF NEW WASHINGTON, AKLAN’S RICE GRANARY, WE HAVE EXPANDED HECTARAGE OF RICE FARMS DEVOTED TO HYBRID RICE PRODUCTION TO 863 HECTARES TO INCLUDE PROJECT LOCATIONS IN KALIBO, NUMANCIA AND MAKATO. RICE HYBRIDIZATION RESULTED IN THE AVERAGE RICE PRODUCTION OF NOT LESS THAN 150 CAVANS PER HECTARE BUT SOME FARMERS REALIZED YIELDS OF 210 CAVANS PER HECTARE PARTICULARLY IN BARANGAY CAYANGWAN, MAKATO.

THE RICE HYBRIDIZATION PROGRAM HAS TRAINED A TOTAL OF 39 FARMERS AND AT ONE TIME HAS PRODUCED A TOTAL OF 1746 BAGS OF F1 HYBRID RICE SEEDS WHICH WERE DISTRIBUTED NOT ONLY TO LOCAL FARMERS BUT ALSO TO FARMERS OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, ANTIQUE, ILOILO AND GUIMARAS. NOW, WE ARE KNOWN IN WESTERN VISAYAS AS THE HYBRID RICE SEED CAPITAL. TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THIS GROUP OF FARMERS ENGAGED IN HYBRID RICE SEED PRODUCTION, WE WERE ABLE TO ACCESS THEM TO A BRIDGE FINANCING WITH THE LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES FOR TWO MILLION PESOS.

IN LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION, WE ARE FAIRLY SUCCESSFUL IN OUR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION OF LARGE ANIMALS. THIS PROJECT COVERS SIX MUNICIPALITIES WHERE LARGE ANIMAL POPULATION SUCH AS CATTLE AND CARABAOS ARE QUITE HIGH IN NUMBER, ALSO COVERING FIFTY BARANGAYS. LAST YEAR, WE HAVE ARTIFICIALLY INSEMINATED A TOTAL OF 357 CATTLE AND 110 CARABAOS. FROM IT, WE PRODUCED CALF DROPS OR OFFSPRINGS OF 110 CATTLE AND 25 CARABAOS. STILL, IN THE PREGNANCY STAGE, ARE 48 CATTLE AND 12 CARABAOS. WE WILL BE BUYING THESE OFFSPRINGS FOR OUR LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION AT THE 8-HECTARE ANIMAL BREEDING CENTER IN CAYANGWAN-TINA, MAKATO, AKLAN AIMED TO INCREASE LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION FOR COMMERCIAL MEAT OR FOR DISPERSAL TO OUR LIVESTOCK RAISERS. We are going to establish our own cattle fattening project to be included in the economic enterprise department, as we aim to supply the requirement of our province with high quality meat or beef.

THANK YOU DR. GERVASE RADISLAO AND STAFF OF THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL VETERINARIAN.

OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED LATE LAST YEAR WAS OUR UPLAND CROPS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM WHERE WE OPTED TO MAXIMIZE PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PLANTATIONS FOR COMMERCIAL HIGH VALUE CROPS LIKE CARABAO MANGOES.

OUT OF THE 37.5 HECTARES PLANTED IN 2005, WE ADDED ANOTHER 16 HECTARES LAST YEAR OF MANGO PLANTATIONS SPREAD IN SEVEN MUNICIPALITIES WITH 44 FARMER BENEFICIARIES THEREBY GENERATING EMPLOYMENT FOR ABOUT 130 MANGO PLANTATION WORKERS.

THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT PROVIDED FREE QUALITY PLANTING MATERIALS, THE GRAFTED CARABAO MANGO SEEDLINGS, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

IT IS NOW TIME TO MAKE INTERVENTIONS IN OUR ABACA INDUSTRY SO THAT WE COULD MAXIMIZE ADD-ON VALUE TO THE TRADITIONAL SHIPMENT OF ABACA FIBERS FOR EXPORT IN BALES.

BUT WE MUST EXPAND OUR ABACA PLANTATIONS FIRST BEFORE WE COULD EVEN PLAN FOR AN ABACA PULP FACTORY INTENDED TO EXPORT ABACA PRODUCTS IN SEMI-PROCESSED AND PROCESSED FORM TO MAXIMIZE INCOME FOR OUR ABACA FARMERS AND TRADERS.

FOR THIS REASON, LAST YEAR, WE ESTABLISHED MORE ABACA PLANTATIONS IN FOUR BARANGAYS IN LIBACAO, THE ABACA CAPITAL OF AKLAN, TWO BARANGAYS IN MADALAG, ONE IN BANGA, AND ONE IN IBAJAY WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 113 HECTARES WITH 110 ABACA FARMER-BENEFICIARIES.

WE HAD ALREADY PROVIDED THE BENEFICIARIES WITH SUCKERS TO BE ABLE TO START PLANTING. WE APPROPRIATED FUNDS IN OUR 2007 BUDGET FOR THIS PURPOSE OUT OF OUR 20 PERCENT IRA DEVELOPMENT FUND, P2 MILLION FOR THE OVERALL ABACA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, P0.4 MILLION FOR ABACA TISSUE CULTURE AND PRODUCTION PROJECT AND ANOTHER P0.4 MILLION FOR ABACA PULP ENTERPRISES. WE HOPE TO ESTABLISH AN ABACA PULP FACTORY IN THE TOWN OF BANGA IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.

THANK YOU PDO STAFF, FIDA, OPA AND ASU FOR THE COORDINATED EFFORTS FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE ABACA PROGRAM

OUR FISHERY SECTOR ALREADY INITIATED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SEAWEEDS DEMONSTRATION FARMS AND NURSERY PROJECTS IN RECOGNITION THAT THIS MARINE ALGAE HAS VARIOUS USES, AND HAS BIG MARKET DEMAND COMMANDING HIGH PRICE IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET. THESE ARE LOCATED IN BOTH WESTERN AND EASTERN PARTS OF THE PROVINCE TO DETERMINE VIABILITY BECAUSE OF THE DIFFERING WEATHER CONDITIONS IN EACH OF THE LOCATION IN AKLAN. THESE WILL BE IN BARANGAY TAMBAC, POBLACION, POLO, CAWAYAN, OCHANDO AND FATIMA IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF NEW WASHINGTON WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 760 SQUARE METERS, BARANGAYS SANTANDER, BEL-IS AND ALEGRIA IN BURUANGA WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 1800 SQUARE METERS, AND IN POBLACION, MALAY WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 500 SQUARE METERS.

AS PART OF OUR FISHERY RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, WE INSTALLED LAST YEAR 637 UNITS OF CONCRETE ARTIFICIAL REEFS IN BARANGAY POLO AND TAMBAC IN NEW WASHINGTON, IN NAVITAS AND CAMANCI NORTE IN NUMANCIA, BARANGAY BEL-IS AND SANTANDER IN BURUANGA, IN BAYBAY, MAKATO AND BARANGAY MABILO IN KALIBO. WE ALSO ESTABLISHED MARINE STOCK ENHANCEMENT PROJECT, ALSO IN BARANGAY BEL-IS BURUANGA WITH 6000 PIECES OF ABALONE.

INSPIRED BY THE KALIBO BAKHAWAN ECO PARK, MANGROVE REFORESTATION PROJECTS HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED IN GUINBALIWAN, NEW WASHINGTON AND IN BARANGAYS ODIONG AND CABUGAO, ALTAVAS.

WE CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN OUR FRESHWATER HATCHERY AND DEMONSTRATION FARM IN BARANGAY NALOOK, KALIBO WHERE TILAPIA FRIES AND FINGERLING ARE BEING DISPERSED TO BENEFICIARIES ENGAGING IN FRESH WATER AQUA-CULTURE WHILE AT THE SAME TIME SERVING AS DEMONSTRATION FIELD FOR AQUA-CULTURE TECHNOLOGIES. LAST YEAR, WE DISPERSED 8000 PIECES OF CATFISH AND HITO FINGERLINGS IN PROJECT SITES IN NEW WASHINGTON, TANGALAN, NUMANCIA AND BURUANGA. SOME 16,130 PIECES OF GET EXCEL TILAPIA FINGERLINGS HAD BEEN DISPERSED TO FIFTEEN FARMERS IN VARIOUS BARANGAYS ENGAGED IN TILAPIA RAISING.

ANOTHER PROJECT THAT WOULD INTEREST YOU ALL, IS CUTFLOWER PLANTATION IN LIBACAO, AKLAN. WE ARE DOUBLING OUR EFFORT TO INCREASE THE PLANTATION THIS YEAR.

THANK YOU MR. DELANO T. TEFORA, MS. SALOME P. DAVID, MR. WILLIAM CASTILLO, MR. EDWIN ROME, MR. ULDARICO LAS PIÑAS AND STAFF OF THE PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURIST OFFICE.

OUR MINES AND GEO-SCIENCES DIVISION TASKED TO SAFEGUARD AND REGULATE EXTRACTION OF OUR NATURAL WEALTH HIDDEN BENEATH THE BOWELS OF THE EARTH, UNDER THE EEDD, IS CLOSELY MONITORING THE ACTIVITIES OF OUR PERMITEES NOT ONLY TO MAXIMIZE COLLECTION OF FEES BUT ALSO PREVENT DESTRUCTIVE EXTRACTION ACTIVITIES ENDANGERING OUR ENVIRONMENT. Most especially the erosion effect of the wild river along the river banks.

WE HAVE A TOTAL OF 21 QUARRY PERMITEES AS OF THE END OF LAST YEAR, 17 FOR COMMERCIAL SAND AND GRAVEL, 2 FOR INDUSTRIAL SAND AND GRAVEL, ONE FOR CLAY EXTRACTION AND ANOTHER ONE FOR SMALL-SCALE MINING OF MANGANESE. PERMIT HOLDERS ARE ALLOWED TO OPERATE IN THE TOWNS OF BANGA, BURUANGA, IBAJAY, KALIBO, LEZO, MADALAG, MALINAO, NABAS AND NUMANCIA. THIS CHAMBER HAD LAID DOWN RULES AND REGULATIONS INCLUDING THE IMPOSITION OF FEES FOR QUARRY PERMITEES. LAST YEAR, WE COLLECTED ABOUT TWO MILLION PESOS FROM THE FEES IMPOSED BY OUR PROVINCIAL ORDINANCE.

THANK YOU MR.BERNARDO RODRIGUEZ JR. AND ENGR. VALENTIN TEODOSIO OF EEDD MINES AND GEO-SCIENCES.

INVESTMENTS AND EMPLOYMENT GENERATION

PER ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AKLAN PROVINCIAL OFFICE, INCREMENTAL EMPLOYMENT FOR DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY IMPACTED AGENCY ACTIVITIES REGISTERED 5001, FIFTY-FOUR PERCENT HIGHER THAN TARGETED FOR LAST YEAR. INDUSTRY SECTORS WHICH ABSORBED THE HIGHEST EMPLOYMENT ARE THE FOOD PROCESSING AND THE LOOMWEAVING SECTORS.

TOTAL INVESTMENTS POURED IN THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN AMOUNTED TO P958.534 MILLION OR AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 157 PERCENT THAN 2005 PERFORMANCE, P933.4 MILLION OF WHICH CAME FROM SOME 1400 NEW BUSINESSES REGISTERED WITH THE DTI. THE GREAT BULK OF THE INVESTMENT FIGURES CAME FROM NEW RESORTS AND HOTELS IN THE RESORT ISLAND OF BORACAY.

SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN THE PRIORITY LIST OF DTI REALIZED SALES INCOME OF P172.9 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 14 PERCENT OVER THAT OF 2005’s P151.7 MILLION. THE LOOMWEAVING, FOOD PROCESSING AND THE GIFTS AND HOUSEWARES SECTORS SURPASSED SALES TARGETS.

THE QUALITY OF OUR PRODUCTS WAS FURTHER RECOGNIZED WHEN OUR LOOMWOVEN PRODUCTS ACQUIRED THE QUALITY SEAL FROM THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE, THE FIRST FOR INDIGENEOUS FABRICS. THE KALIBO ONE-TOWN-ONE PRODUCT IN LOOMWEAVING WAS CHOSEN AS THE REGIONAL MODEL FOR WESTERN VISAYAS, ALSO AS THE TOP SELLER IN REGION VI AND THE 2^ND TOP SELLER IN THE 1^ST VISAYAS OTOP FAIR AT SM-CEBU TRADE HALL.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH DIRECTOR ERMELINDA POLLENTES AND DTI STAFF, LOCAL SME PRODUCERS, HUGOD AKLAN, AND EXHIBITORS.

OUR PROVINCIAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICE IS IN THE FOREFRONT FINDING EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR PEOPLE IN THE LABOR FORCE.

OUR PESO SERVED A TOTAL OF 4,596 CLIENTS LAST YEAR, EITHER APPLYING FOR JOBS, BOTH LOCAL AND ABROAD, OR AS APPLICANTS FOR NBI CLEARANCE AND PASSPORTS OR POSE QUERIES ON IMMIGRATION AND VISA REQUIREMENTS. IT ALSO ENTERTAINS COMPLAINTS FROM CLIENTS FOR ACCESSING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, OVERSEAS WORKERS WELFARE ADMINISTRATION AND OTHER MATTERS INVOLVING OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS.

FIFTEEN DULY LICENSED RECRUITMENT AGENCIES CONDUCTED RECRUITMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE PROVINCE FOR JOB VACANCIES ABROAD PARTICULARLY IN THE CARRIBEAN COUNTRIES, HONGKONG, TAIWAN, SINGAPORE, KUWAIT AND ELSEWHERE. OUT OF THE 585 APPLICANTS, 194 WERE SUCCESSFULLY DEPLOYED FOR JOBS IN THE SAID COUNTRIES MAJORITY OF WHICH WHERE DEPLOYED IN THE CARRIBEAN COUNTRY, Remitting millions of dollars to our dear province, and pump priming our local economy.

WE WERE ABLE TO LAUNCH THE FILIPINO MIGRANT WORKERS DESK FOR THE PROVINCE, THE FIRST IN REGION VI, COURTESY OF A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BY AND BETWEEN THE OWWA REPRESENTED BY ADMINISTRATOR MARIANITO D. ROQUE AND THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN REPRESENTED BY YOUR GOVERNOR.

TESDA IN ITS COMMUNITY BASED TRAINING PROGRAMS TURNED OUT A TOTAL OF 1301 GRADUATES IN FOOD PROCESSING, TOURISM TRADES, HEALTH AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS. ITS SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS MONITORED A TOTAL OF 1330 ENROLEES IN 14 TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS OF WHICH 509 HAD ALREADY GRADUATED.

THANK YOU MS. VIVIAN R. SOLANO AND STAFF OF THE PROVINCIAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICE AND TESDA PROVINCIAL STAFF.

IN MARCH 2006, WE LAUNCHED THE SIXTEEN TINDAHAN NATIN PROJECTS IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER FOR JOB CREATION, DSWD AND THE NATIONAL FOOD AUTHORITY. A TOTAL OF 88 BENEFICIARIES WERE IDENTIFIED FOR THE TINDAHAN NATIN PROJECT WHO WERE ALL ACCREDITED , 74 OF WHOM WERE GRANTED SOFT LOANS BY THE DSWD WHILE THE REST ARE SELF-FUNDED.

ALSO FUNDED BY DSWD REGIONAL FIELD OFFICE, LAST YEAR OUR PSWDO WAS ABLE TO EXTEND A TOTAL OF P1 MILLION FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE KAUNLARAN PROJECTS TO SEVEN SEA-K ASSOCIATIONS IN THE TOWNS OF MALAY, MAKATO, MALINAO AND KALIBO.

THANK YOU MS. ELMA MALBAS AND STAFF OF PSWDO.

DETERMINED TO IMPROVE HEALTH SERVICES

WE ARE, AS EVER, DETERMINED TO IMPROVE IN THE DELIVERY OF HEALTH SERVICES PARTICULARLY IN OUR HOSPITAL SYSTEM.

WITH THE INTEGRATION OF THE TWO DISTRICT HOSPITALS IN ALTAVAS AND IBAJAY AND THE DR. RAFAEL S. TUMBOKON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL INTO THE EEDD, WE ARE VERY HOPEFUL THAT HOSPITAL OPERATIONS CAN BE SELF-SUSTAINING WITH THE END-GOAL OF DELIVERING HEALTH SERVICES EFFICIENTLY , ADEQUATELY, AND WITH HUMAN TOUCH AT LEAST COST.

WITH THE FULL OPERATION OF THE UPGRADED AND EXPANDED DR. RAFAEL S. TUMBOKON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL LATE LAST YEAR, WE HOPE TO EARN FROM HOSPITAL OPERATIONS AND SAID EARNINGS TO FULLY SUBSIDIZE ITS BUDGETARY REQUIREMENTS.

WE ARE NOT ABANDONING THE HEALTH INDIGENCY PROGRAM OF THE LGU. AS A MATTER OF FACT, WE HAVE MAINTAINED IN OUR ANNUAL BUDGET P8 MILLION FOR FREE MEDICINES AND CONFINEMENT OF CHARITY PATIENTS.

WE ARE ABOUT TO COVER FULLY ALL THE INDIGENT FAMILIES IN AKLAN UNDER THE UNIVERSAL COVERAGE PROGRAM OF THE PHILIPPINE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AKLAN CONGRESSMAN FLORENCIO T. MIRAFLORES. THIS CHAMBER HAS JUST AUTHORIZED THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT TO ENTER INTO A TRIPARTITE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT RELATIVE TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MEDICARE SA MASA PROGRAM. THIS WILL ENTAIL ADDITIONAL P5 MILLION FROM THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND THE COUNTERPART P5 MILLION FROM THE PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE FUND (PDAF) OF CONGRESSMAN JOEBEN AS THE LGU PREMIUM COUNTERPART FOR THE UNIVERSAL COVERAGE.

WITH THE IBAJAY DISTRICT HOSPITAL AS REFERRAL HOSPITAL, THE NORTHWEST AKLAN INTER LOCAL HEALTH ZONE COMPOSED OF THE MUNICIPALITIES OF TANGALAN, IBAJAY NABAS, BURUANGA, NUMANCIA, MAKATO MALINAO AND MALAY WAS ADJUDGED AS THE OUTSTANDING INTER LOCAL HEALTH ZONE IN REGION VI, AKLAN PROVINCIAL HEALTH BOARD WAS AWARDED AS THE MOST OUTSTANDING, LIBACAO MUNICIPAL HEALTH OFFICE AS THE MOST OUTSTANDING MHO, CATICLAN JETTY PORT AS MOST HEALTHY PORT AND OUTSTANDING NEW BORN SCREENING PROJECT WAS AWARDED TO THE AKLAN MISSION HOSPITAL.

UNDER THE UPGRADED DRSTMH, EMPLOYEES IN THE SAID HOSPITAL WITH REGULAR APPOINTMENTS INCREASED FROM 257 IN 2005 TO 383 LAST YEAR WITH 46 PHYSICIANS AND THE REST WITH THE NURSING SERVICES AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF.

WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE FAIRLY NEW STRUCTURES OF THE DRSTMH, CERTAIN MEDICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT HAD BEEN PURCHASED TO MAKE THE HOSPITAL COMPETITIVE, HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT LIKE THE CHEMICAL ANALYZER, ELECTROLYTE ANALYZER, HEMATOLOGY ANALYZER AND REAGENT REFRIGERATOR. ACQUISITION OF THE CT SCAN IS NOW IN THE PIPELINE.

THE HOSPITAL LABORATORY IS A VERITABLE SOURCE OF INCOME. LAST YEAR, SOME 109,408 LABORATORY EXAMINATIONS HAD BEEN CONDUCTED INSIDE THE HOSPITAL OR AN INCREASE OF 14.7 PERCENT OVER THAT OF 2005.

TO PROVIDE HUMAN TOUCH IN THE HOSPITAL SERVICES, THE NURSING AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF UNDERWENT TRAINING AND EFFICIENT CUSTOMER RELATIONS LAST YEAR WHILE THE ER STAFF HAD UNDERGONE ORIENTATION ON STRESS MANAGEMENT.

THE DRSTMH HOSTED TWO MEDICAL MISSIONS BENEFITING 97 PATIENTS WHO UNDERWENT MEDICAL AND SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR FREE. THIS IS THE RESULT OF OUR ESTABLISHED LINKAGES WITH AKLANONS ABROAD, PARTICULARLY IN THE UNITED STATES, WHO ADOPTED THE OB WARD.

OUR HEALTH INDIGENCY PROGRAM HAD SERVED 9,670 PATIENTS COMPARED TO 2,859 IN 2005 WHO WERE PROVIDED WITH FREE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE WORTH P5.673 MILLION ASIDE FROM MILLIONS WORTH OF FREE MEDICINES.

WE ASSURE EVERYONE THAT WE HAVE NOW THE BEST DOCTORS PARTICULARLY SURGEONS IN THE PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL SUPPORTED BY COMPETENT MEDICAL STAFF.

THANK YOU DR. EMMA CORTES OIC-PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICER, ALL OUR DOCTORS, NURSES AND MIDWIVES AND STAFF OF OUR HOSPITALS IN THE PROVINCE

THROUGH THE PROVINCIAL SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, WE HELPED INDIVIDUALS IN CRISIS SITUATION. WE SPENT OUT OF PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT FUNDS MORE THAN P600 THOUSAND TO SOME 395 INDIGENT BENEFICIARIES FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE INCLUDING OTHER FORMS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE LIKE BURIAL, TRANSPORTATION, FOOD ASSISTANCE AND EMERGENCY SHELTER ASSISTANCE.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

WE ARE CONTINUING TO SPRUCE UP THE PHYSICAL AND STRUCTURAL FACE OF THE SEAT OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT, THE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, THE ROAD NETWORK SURROUNDING AND ACCESSING IT INCLUDING THE PERIMETER FENCE. OUR INFRASTRUCTURE ARM, THE PROVINCIAL ENGINEER’S OFFICE, HAS SPENT ABOUT P20.3 MILLION IN FACELIFTING THE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL STRUCTURES AND GROUNDS. OUR PEO IS ALSO SET TO CONSTRUCT THE 3-STOREY BUILDING FOR OUR SCHOOL OF NURSING OUT OF THE PROPOSED LOAN OF P35 MILLION. COMPLETED CIVIL WORKS AT THE NEW DRSTMH IS ABOUT P114.361 MILLION.

THIS YEAR, WE EXPECT TO FULLY TAKEOVER THE OPERATIONS OF THE SEAPORT BUILT AND CONSTRUCTED BY THE PHILIPPINE PORTS AUTHORITY IN BARANGAY CATICLAN, MALAY, WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT NOW BEING REVIEWED AND FINALIZED.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NATIONAL SEAPORT IN BARANGAY NAVITAS, NUMANCIA, AKLAN, ALSO TO COMPLEMENT THE SEAPORTS WE HAD IN BATAN, DUMAGUIT AND POBLACION NEW WASHINGTON AND THE SEAPORT IN MALAY. WE HAD ALREADY BIDDED OUT AND AWARDED THE TASK OF PREPARING THE FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR THE NAVITAS SEAPORT.

WE ALSO HOPE TO FULLY OPERATIONALIZE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THE INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM OR ILS AT THE KALIBO AIRPORT SO THAT IT CAN CATER TO DIRECT REGIONAL FLIGHTS FROM THE DIFFERENT ASIAN CAPITALS IN SUPPORT TO OUR EVER GROWING TOURISM INDUSTRY. WE ARE ABOUT TO WIND UP WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE ILS FACILITIES.

THOUGH THIS IS A TALL ORDER, WE HAVE SERIOUS PLANS OF LINKING BANGA AND MADALAG THROUGH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BRIDGE AND THE PLANS ARE NOW BEING READIED BY OUR PEO TO INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF FARM TO MARKET ROADS IN LIBACAO AS SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE TO OUR EXPANDED ABACA PLANTATIONS MAINLY LOCATED IN THE SAID TOWN.

STILL ON-GOING PROJECTS IN 2006 BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE PEO IS VALUED AT ABOUT P162 MILLION. FUNDING WAS SOURCED FROM SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGETS PASSED BY THIS CHAMBER FOR SAID PURPOSE, CAPITAL OUTLAYS IN OUR REGULAR BUDGET, 20 PERCENT IRA DEVELOPMENT FUND, SCHOOL BOARD FUNDS, LGSEF OF OUR PROVINCE AND THE DOF’S AND WORLD BANK’S LOGO-FIND.

ALSO LAST YEAR, OUR PEO HAS COMPLETED THE CONCRETING OF ROADS SPANNING 1,283 LINEAL METERS BRINGING THE LENGTH OF PROVINCIAL ROAD NETWORK ALREADY CONCRETED TO 101,216 LINEAL METERS, SOME 35.44 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL PROVINCIAL ROAD LENGTH OF 285,581 LINEAL METERS. THE CONDITION OF OUR PROVINCIAL ROADS REQUIRES MASSIVE UPGRADING WHICH WE HOPE TO DO SOON.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH ENGR VICTORY FERNANDEZ, ENGR EDELZON MAGALIT, AND PEO STAFF.

WE HAVE FAIRLY WELL-PAVED NATIONAL ROADS, THANKS TO THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS.

WE MUST THANK THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS FOR THE FAIRLY WELL-PAVED NATIONAL THOROUGHFARES SPANNING FROM ALTAVAS VIA CATICLAN TO BURUANGA. WE HAVE IN THIS PROVINCE, A TOTAL OF 162.094 KILOMETERS OF NATIONAL ROADS EXISTING, 89.225 KILOMETERS OF WHICH ARE ALREADY CONCRETE ROADS, 53.495 KILOMETERS ARE ASPHALT ROADS, AND ONLY 19.374 KILOMETERS REMAINING AS GRAVEL ROADS.

WE CONTINUE TO PURSUE EFFORTS FOR THE UTILIZATION OF INDIGENEOUS AND RENEWABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY, IN OUR CASE, THE MIGHT OF OUR RIVERS SYSTEM, THE AKLAN RIVER PARTICULARLY AND ITS TRIBUTARIES THAT CAN CAPABLY SUPPLY ADEQUATE HYDRO POWER FOR OUR PROVINCE AND EVEN THE REGION.

FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR THE UTILIZATION OF THE HEADWATERS OF THE AKLAN RIVER AT BARANGAY DALAGSAAN, LIBACAO, AKLAN AS A SOURCE OF A HYDRO POWER PLANT IS CURRENTLY BEING UNDERTAKEN BY CALIFORNIA ENERGY AN INTERNATIONAL FIRM. THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY CONTINUES TO MAINTAIN THE HEADWATERS OF THE TIMBABAN RIVER AT BARANGAY MARIA CRISTINA, MADALAG, AKLAN AS ONE OF ITS PRIORITIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYDRO-SOURCED POWER PLANTS. HOWEVER, BOTH REQUIRE LONG GESTATION PERIODS BEFORE THEY CAN BE FULLY OPERATIONAL.

WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE TWO HYDRO POWER PROJECTS IN LIBACAO AND MADALAG WILL BE STARTED THIS YEAR.

WE MUST BE EQUALLY THANKFUL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM WHOSE VERY NOVEL CONCEPT OF AGRARIAN REFORM COMMUNITIES AS A WHOLISTIC APPROACH TO SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT HAD PROVEN TO BE VERY BENEFICIAL TO OUR PEOPLE PARTICULARLY TO THOSE COMMUNITIES OF AGRARIAN REFORM BENEFICIARIES.

THE ARC CONCEPT BROUGHT MULTI-MILLION PESO INVESTMENT NOT ONLY TO INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT GENERATION BUT ALSO TO INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FACILITIES.

WITH THIRTEEN ARCs ALREADY LAUNCHED AS OF LAST YEAR COVERING 12 TOWNS AND 79 VILLAGES IN THE PROVINCE, DAR THROUGH VARIOUS NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE AGENCIES HAD POURED NO LESS THAN P200 MILLION TO FARM TO MARKET ROADS, IRRIGATION PROJECTS AND BRIDGES IN ARC COVERED AREAS. THAT WAS FOR ABOUT 76.15 KILOMETERS OF FARM TO MARKET ROADS, 27 PROJECTS IN ALL WITH 19 ALREADY COMPLETED AND 8 PROJECTS STILL ON-GOING WORTH P142.732 MILLION. IT WAS ALSO ABOUT NINE IRRIGATION PROJECTS SERVICING 1,666 HECTARES OF RICE FARMS WITH A TOTAL COST OF P49.971 MILLION TO INCLUDE THREE BRIDGES WITH A TOTAL LENGTH OF 1,316 LINEAL METERS COSTING P7.868 MILLION.

THESE INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES GREATLY HELPED PROMOTE AGRARIAN PEACE IN ARC COVERED AREAS WHILE PROVIDING MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREATER PRODUCTIVITY RESULTING IN INCREASED INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

THANK YOU PARO DAN MARTELINO AND DAR STAFF.

TO THE OTHER AND THE REST OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN THE PROVINCE WHO ARE PARTNERING WITH THE LGUs PARTICULARLY WITH THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT IN THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT OF OUR PROVINCE AND PEOPLE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

WE ARE ALSO PARTICULARLY THANKFUL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES FOR BEARING WITH US AS WATCHDOG IN THE PRESERVATION OF OUR ENVIRONMENT PARTICULARLY IN OUR ECO-TOURISM ZONES AS MEMBERS OF THE PROVINCIAL TASK FORCE KALIKASAN AND TASK FORCE BANTAY BORACAY.

PEACE AND ORDER AND SPORTS

THE PAST YEAR HAD BEEN GENERALLY PEACEFUL FOR THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN AND OUR PEOPLE,

CRIME SOLUTION EFFICIENCY OF OUR POLICE IN AKLAN FOR 2006 WAS 93.03 PERCENT WHICH IS AT PAR WITH OTHER PEACEFULL PROVINCE.

AT THIS JUNCTURE, MAY I ACKNOWLEDGE THE HONORS GIVEN TO US AKLANONS BY OUR LOCAL HEROES WHO EXEMPLIFIED THE BEST IN OUR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE FIELD OF SPORTS: IN THE PERSON OF OUR YOUTHFUL WOODPUSHERS MIRA MIRANO, SUSAN GRACE T. NERI AND JAN FRANCIS MIRANO, HIGH AND LONG JUMPER MERILY TEODOSIO AND BOXER ROB MONTERO.

THEY ALL MADE US PROUD IN NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SPORTS COMPETITIONS.

WHILE WE HOPE TO ASSIST AND STRENGTHEN OUR SPORTS PROGRAMS WITHIN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM, WE ARE DETERMINED TO PURSUE PARALLEL SPORTS PROGRAM UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT. BUT WE MUST CONSOLIDATE AND INTEGRATE ALL OUR EFFORTS BY REVITALIZING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING THE PROVINCIAL SPORTS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. WE HAVE THE PROVINCIAL SCHOOL BOARD FUNDS AND THE 20 PERCENT IRA DEVELOPMENT FUND AS SOURCES TO INITIALLY LEAN ON FOR OUR SPORTS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

THANK YOU MR. FRED NERI AND OUR SPORT OFFICIALS, DEPED AND CHED OFFICIALS OF OUR PROVINCE

GENERAL SUPPORT AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES, ENVIRONMENT

UNDER THE RESPONSIBIITY OF OUR PSWDO, WE ARE CONSISTENT WITH OUR CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMS PARTICULARLY IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FUNDED WITH P23.57 MILLION FOR THE THREE YEAR PERIOD FROM 2007-2009 FOR WHICH 70 PERCENT, OR P16.5 MILLION, COMES FROM THE COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN AND THE REST TO BE SHOULDERED BY THE PROVINCE AND THE MUNICIPALITIES PARTICIPATING.

THIS IS WHERE THE FOOD FOR SCHOOL PROGRAM OF PRES. ARROYO WILL BE COURSED THROUGH AND WE HAVE TARGETED THE TOWNS OF TANGALAN, BURUANGA AND LEZO FOR THIS PURPOSE. WE ARE ALSO PARTICULARLY CONCERNED WITH THE PLIGHT OF OUR DAY CARE WORKERS THAT LAST YEAR, BECAUSE OF THEIR SMALL ALLOWANCE, WE GRANTED 425 OF THEM P2,000 EACH AS LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE. WE MUST, BECAUSE THEY ARE THE FRONTLINERS IN CARING FOR OUR CHILDREN WHO ARE PRE-SCHOOLERS UNDER THE ROOFS OF THE DAY CARE CENTERS.

OUR PSWDO CONTINUES TO BE THE FOCAL OFFICE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE INTEGRATED DELIVERY OF SOCIAL SERVICES MAINLY FUNDED BY THE DSWD WITH COUNTERPART FROM THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT. THE SAME OFFICE IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR OTHER SOCIAL PROGRAMS FOR THE WELFARE OF THE DISABLED AND SENIOR CITIZENS, YOUTH WELFARE, AND WOMEN WELFARE.

THESE SOCIAL PROGRAMS ARE FURTHER STRENGTHENED BY A PROVINCIAL ORDINANCE PASSED BY THIS CHAMBER, THE FAMILY AND CHILD WELFARE CODE, APPROVED LAST YEAR.

PARALLEL TO THIS, WITH THE PPDO AS THE FOCAL OFFICE, WE ARE SETTING ASIDE FUNDS FROM OUR 20 % IRA DEVELOPMENT FUND TO STRENGTHEN OUR GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT POGRAM IN THE PROVINCE AND ORGANIZE AND INSTITUTIONALIZE THE GAD COMMISSION AND THE OPERATION OF THE AKLAN COMPREHENSIVE CENTER FOR WOMEN.

AS A JUMP OFF FROM THE FAIRLY SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNFPA FUNDED PROGRAM ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH FOR AKLANONS IN ADOLESCENT AGE, A SEPARATE UNIT IS LIKEWISE HANDLING OUR CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE SPREAD OF HIV/AIDS AND OUR PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION SEEMS TO SERVE AS A MODEL FOR OTHER LGUs IN THE REGION AND IN THE COUNTRY.

THE 6^TH COUNTRY PROGRAMME OF ASSISTANCE ALONE THE PROVINCE OF AKLAN HAS RECEIVED INTERNATIONAL AWARD THROUGH MS. MARANATHA ESTRADA- FIRST PRIZE WINNER OF THE VIOLET RICHARDSON AWARD YOUNG WOMAN COMMUNITY VOLUNTARISM. AKLAN IS AN INTERNATIONAL NOMINEE TO THE FELIPA AWARDS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN AND GAY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSON. ALSO RECOGNIZED INTERNATIONALLY AS BEST /USEFULL PRACTICE ON HIV AND AIDS AS FEATURED IN THE UNAIDS WEBSITE.

LAST YEAR, WE FULLY OPERATIONALIZED TWO ADDITIONAL DEPARTMENTS IN THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT, ASIDE FROM THE EEDD, AND THESE ARE THE PROVINCIAL POPULATION OFFICE AND THE PROVINCIAL COOPERATIVE OFFICE.

WHILE THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR AND OUR PROVINCIAL HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OFFICE WERE TRYING THE DIRECTION FOR A LEAN AND MEAN PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT BUREAUCRACY, WE CANNOT DO OTHERWISE, BECAUSE OF PRESENT DAY REALITIES.

AS OF LAST YEAR, THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT, THE LARGEST BUREAUCRACY IN THE PROVINCE, HAS TO CONTEND WITH 801 REGULAR PLANTILLA POSITIONS, 972 CASUAL AND JOB ORDER EMPLOYEES, THE BULK OF WHICH ARE DEPLOYED IN OUR HOSPITALS, 18 CONTRACTUAL PERSONNEL. OUR PHRMO WILL HAVE A LOT TO DO IN STRUCTURAL, ORGANIZATIONAL AND FUNCTIONAL STREAMLINING TO MAKE THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESPONSIVE AND EFFECTIVE IN THE SERVICE OF OUR PEOPLE THERE WILL BE A LOT TO DO TO CHANGE FOR THE BETTER WORK VALUES AND ATTITUDE AND IMPROVE WORK EFFICIENCY AND RESPONSIVENESS FOR THE GOOD OF OUR PEOPLE. AND, PHRMO WAS TRYING HARD THROUGH THE CONDUCT OF RELEVANT TRAININGS AND SEMINARS FOR OUR WORK FORCE.

THANK YOU MRS. ELLEN TOLENTINO AND STAFF OF THE PROVINCIAL HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICE.

WE ARE HAVING THE PROVINCIAL COOPERATIVE OFFICE TO STRENGTHEN AND REINFORCE THE COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT IN THIS PROVINCE AS A VEHICLE TOWARDS A COMMUNITY WHERE THERE IS EQUITY, DEMOCRACY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

THANK YOU MRS. LILIAN REY AND STAFF OF THE PCO.

THE POPULATION OFFICE WAS GIVEN ITS OWN IDENTITY TO CHART PROGRAM DIRECTIONS ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS AFFECTING POPULATION FOR GREATER QUALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF OUR PEOPLE. AND SO, IT WILL NOT BE CONCERNED OF POPULATION GROWTH ONLY BUT ALSO WITH RESOURCE GENERATION, NETWORKING AND SOCIAL MOBILIZATION, REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND SUSTAINABLE RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.

THANK YOU MR. ARTURO TEODOSIO JR. AND STAFF OF THE PPO.

IN ALL OF THESE EFFORTS, BEHIND US IS OUR PROVINCIAL GENERAL SERVICES OFFICE PROVIDING OVERALL SUPPORT SERVICES BY BEING THE CUSTODIAN OF ALL OUR PROPERTIES AND ASSETS AND SO LAST YEAR, ALL OUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT-OWNED MOTOR VEHICLES HAD BEEN DULY REGISTERED AND INSURED. THE OFFICE HELPED US IN THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES. LAST YEAR ALONE, IT HAS PROCURED HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES WORTH P31.8 MILLION AND BIDDED OUT A TOTAL OF 317 PROJECTS AND SERVICES. THE BEAUTIFUL FACE OF THE CAPITOL GROUNDS IS ALSO THE OFFICE’S RESPONSIBILITY.

AKLAN IS ONE AMONG THE FEW PROVINCES IN THE COUNTRY WHICH HAS IMPLEMENTED THE E-PROCUREMENT PROGRAM.

THANK YOU MS. MEDELIA SOLANOY AND STAFF OF PGSO.

PROVIDING US INTERNAL CONTROL AND AUDITING AND HELP US IN SOUND FISCAL MANAGEMENT IS OUR PROVINCIAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE. OUR BRAIN AND WORKHORSE IN SETTING PROGRAM DIRECTION AND BUILDING ITS FRAMEWORK THROUGH STUDIES AND RESEARCHES AND OFTENTIMES SET DEVELOPMENT POLICY DIRECTIONS IS OUR PROVINCIAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.

THANK YOU MS. MAVIC SALIDO AND STAFF OF PACCO.
THANK YOU SINCERELY ENGR. ROGER M. ESTO AND STAFF OF PPDO.

MAY I AGAIN EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE TO THE HONORABLE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN WITH THE VICE GOVERNOR KEL TOLENTINO AT THE HELM FOR BEARING WITH MY EXECUTIVE GOVERNANCE OF THIS PROVINCE FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS AND A HALF. WITH 492 RESOLUTIONS, 34 PROVINCIAL ORDINANCES, 7 APPROPRIATION ORDINANCES PASSED LAST YEAR, THIS CHAMBER IS INDEED DYNAMIC AND MADE MY JOB EASY AND SMOOTH SAILING. IT HAS TO BE NOTED THAT MANY OF THOSE ORDINANCES WERE CONSIDERED HISTORIC AND LANDMARK LOCAL LEGISLATIONS.

I WOULD LIKE ALSO TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SINCERE BUT HUMBLE EFFORTS OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN ALLEN S. QUIMPO IN STEERING THE DIRECTIONS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AKLAN RIVERS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE MASTER PLAN FOR OUR AKLAN RIVERS SYSTEM HAD BEEN ALREADY FINALIZED WHICH MAY NEED THE NOD OF THIS AUGUST BODY. TO INCLUDE THE WATER USERS FEE, I THINK THIS WILL NEED THE CONFIRMATION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN.

AS I CLOSE, PLEASE ALLOW ME TO SAY THANK YOU TO CONGRESSMAN JEOBEN MIRAFLORES, THANK YOU VICE GOVERNOR KEL TOLENTINO, THANK YOU SP STEVENS FUENTES, THANK YOU SP DAISY BRIONES, THANK YOU SP PLARIDEL MORANIA, THANK YOU SP SONNY REGALADO, THANK YOU SP ERIBERTO VENUS, THANK YOU SP PETE GARCIA, THANK YOU SP GERICK TEMPLONUEVO, THANK YOU SP SELWYN IBARRETA, THANK YOU SP RAMON GELITO, THANK YOU SP PCL REP. PRESIDENT FRANKLIN QUIMPO, THANK YOU SP ABC FEDERATION PRESIDENT ANANIAS SOLINA, THANK YOU SK FEDERATION PRESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE KAIZAN VICTOR FERNANDEZ, THANK YOU SP SECRETARY ODON BANDIOLA AND ENTIRE SP STAFF.

THANK YOU HEADS AND STAFF OF NATIONAL OFFICES, THANK YOU HEADS AND STAFF OF NGO’S, THANK YOU OUR FRIENDS FROM THE MEDIA, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, A PLEASANT GOOD MORNING.

ABU GUID NGA SAEAMAT!!!