Friday, June 28, 2013

Editorial

Climate Change Adaptation And Mitigation

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

The World Bank report entitled, “Turn Down The Heat Climate Extremes, Regional Impacts and the Case for Resilience” could be the latest call for sobriety on human excesses against our environment. The die is cast so to speak. The report, covers Southeast Asia that includes the Philippines, shows that temperature will rise to an alarming level of four (4) degrees Celsius temperature in just the next few years. 

Impact could be more catastrophic as the Region is host to thousands of islands where it could totally or partially be submerged as in the Noachian flood. It is projected, based on numerous atmospheric and oceanographic surveys that a mere two (2) degree Celsius increase will lead to 50 cms. rise in sea level by the year 2050. By chance, world population shall have ballooned to 9.3 billion from 7 billion today while Philippines population could reach 150 million from 97 million now.   

According to the UN University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security, the Philippines ranks third on Climate Change Vulnerability test. The top 10 countries are Vanuato, Tonga, the Philippines, The Solomon Islands, Guatemala, Bangladesh, Timor Leste, Costa Rica, Cambodia and El Salvador. 

It could not be denied that destructive impact on climate change is already felt far and wide. Weather aberrations like El Niño, La Niña, hurricanes, tsunamis and forest fires are parts and parcel of our daily existence. As oceans heat up, thousands of square kilometers of coral reefs are bleached white thus reducing capacity of our sea to provide food and weaken natural defense against coastal erosion. On land, water reservoirs dry up to critical levels resulting to power outages, domestic water and irrigation problems.

The alarming food supply and health woes could trigger social and political unrest. Even as Secretary Proceso Alcala has committed to rice self-sufficiency by 2016, NFA has imported recently a total of 280,000 bags of rice from Vietnam. The onset of rainy season deemed unusual at times breeds the so called “wild diseases” affecting people like water-borne diseases, influenza, leptospirosis and dengue. 

What can be done to mitigate the impact of climate change? In other words how can we manage to become resilient?

Well, the DENR has only one answer: stop cutting trees but plant more trees. The 1 billion forest trees targeted under the National Greening program is continuing until 2016. Every Filipino citizen, young and old, rich or poor is encouraged to participate. The LGU does the coordination. 

It is very unfortunate that the Philippines loses up to 210,000 has. of forest land each year according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Majority of the trees cut is done by illegal woodcutters, encroaching on public forests. E.O. No. 123 signed by Pres. Benigno Aquino III declares a moratorium on cutting and harvesting timber in the National and residual forest. It created the anti-illegal logging Task Force. But the order is good only on paper. No one has been prosecuted and placed behind bars even they violated the order. The Philippines has 8 million hectares of denuded and idle forest land. Out of it, only 4 percent of Philippines forests remained as natural habitat for many endemic species like the Philippine eagle and tamaraw. 

Some 18 years ago, the scenario of impending doom and gloom the US Geologic Services reported was taken lightly, branded as highly speculative and misleading. Today, it sounds ominous and compelling. For example the National Housing Authority is set to relocate 20,000 families in Metro Manila whose houses are in high risk areas. The total funding this year is P50 billion which would be a continuing drive in as much as makeshift housing units, clog waterways, exacerbate siltation and dumping of garbage.

For practical purposes, resiliency of people to environmental problems depends on sound eco-friendly practices. Electric cars and trikes may sound high tech but these are practical vehicles of the future. The need to re-invent our lifestyles and work places is paramount as gasoline prices soar to phenomenal heights. The reduction in the world’s carbon footprints mainly carbon dioxide and methane gas is imperative. The use of fossil fuels to generate power must be replaced with renewable energy sources like wind, solar, geothermal, hydro and biomass. 

At farm level, farmers need to plant varieties tolerant to drought, high salinity, flood prone and problematic soils. For instance, sorghum, one of staple crops of India is adopted to grow in both semi wet and dry climates. The popular root crops like cassava, camote, yams and ube are resistant to drought and typhoons. Consumers must recognize the effort of farmers in producing these crops. Consumers must be ready to pay the price for if the farmers will not plant people will have nothing to eat. 

Shallow rooted crops like rice, corn, vegetables (leafy and fruit), soybeans, and peanuts, easily succumb to environmental stress. Recently, Isabela province suffered a P11.0 million loss to agricultural crops as a result of drought in a normally rainy season. This makes planting of permanent agricultural crops is the best option to cope with climate change. Plantation crops that are possible are coconuts, palm oil, rubber and mango which expected bearing age takes 5-6 years. Intercrops like bananas are recommended for early income. Livestock like goats or chicken could be raised for additional income. 

In my 3.3 hectares farm in Cabulihan, Pudiot, Tangalan, coconuts are now luxuriantly growing with jackfruits, bananas, and mango as secondary crops. A small water impounding project for tilapia and ducks in the 120 meter high rolling terrain is being constructed. A modest farmhouse is built for the caretakers. /MP 

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Retirement

Do you have work where you can retire from? Retirement, I mean here is one’s withdrawal from work, business job. It also means the withdrawal of certain equipment like car from its use.

Among millions of people, retirement is becoming more and more of life dream for workers all over the world.

A chaotic global economy coupled with increased life span is forcing many to stay on the job after the age they dreamed of to retire due to the lack of enough savings.

How will they finance their lives’ expenses after retirement if they have not saved? 

Some politicians once they tasted occupying elective positions dreamed of being re-elected and re-elected. After they have served three continuous terms in the same position, they aspire for another position either in higher or lower level. This is not being due to lack of money saved, but the aspiration to perpetuate themselves with more money and power. They ignore the purpose of the law limiting elective official’s term of office to give chance to others who are equally if not more than able to render public service sans corruption. 

In the Philippines, servant leaders occupying classified positions, the compulsory retirement age is 65 years. But they can retire at 60 years old and receive pension. They can choose what is called “Take All” and no pension. 

The problem with take all is: once all the retirement benefits are fully spent, the retiree is in trouble sourcing money for his normal and decent living requirements. Those who opted for pension will have something coming in cash monthly until they perish.

The employees of private firms can also start receiving pension from the Social Security System at the age of 60 provided they have contributed at least 120 monthly payments prior to their retirement.     

The monthly pension rate is dependent on the member’s paid contributions, the number of years of credited service, and the number of dependent minor children. 

In a study, the Citibank conducted in year 2008, only one (1) out of 10 Filipinos saved for retirement.

After retirement, there is an abrupt change in the day to day activities of retirees. Some have planned activities they will engage in after retirement. However, most retirees have none. This made them stay at home, watching television. They became inactive and they became weak. They became sickly. Some dies early.

In Singapore, its retirement age is 62 years old as provided for in the Retirement Act (RA). However, an employer can mandate retirement age even before an employee reaches 62.
An employer does not pay retirement benefits unless stipulated in the employment contract. Moreover, the employer has the option to reduce up to 10 percent wages and/or fringe benefits and bonuses of employees 60 years or older. This is done if the employer can justify that productivity of an employee performance, duties and responsibilities are reduced.

However, the Singapore government implements the so called comprehensive social security savings plan called the Central Provident Plan (CPP). Under the plan, all working Singaporeans and their respective employers make monthly contributions into three Central Provident Fund (CPF) accounts which are: 

1. Ordinary Account to be spent for specific expenditures like investment, education, and to purchase a home. 

2. Special Account to be spent for the elderly years and investment in retirement-related financial products; and

3. Medicine for medical expenses, hospitalization costs and approved medical insurance.  

In Malaysia, 56 years old for public sector employees retirement age is enforced. Employee is given the option to retire at age 40 years after at least 10 years continuous government service.

Public sector workers have two pension schemes to select from. These include the pension scheme which provides for a monthly fixed income, a service gratuity, and free medical treatment in government hospital. 

The Employees Provident Fund scheme provides for retirement through a mandatory savings account where employees and employers pay monthly contributions. 

For Malaysians working with the private sector, the Malaysian government has a mandatory retirement saving scheme.

It seems that Filipinos and their government are still struggling hard on how to fund life after retirement. /MP 

Justice Carpio to Administer Oaths of Office To 2013-16 Aklan Officials


by ODON S. BANDIOLA

Associate Justice Antonio Carpio of the Supreme Court of the Philippines shall administer the oaths of office of the incoming elected public officials of Aklan. The induction ceremony will be held at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Memorial Sports and Cultural Center, Provincial Capitol, Estancia, Kalibo at 10:00 in the morning on Sunday, June 30.

To be sworn to office are Congressman-elect of Aklan, Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr., Governor-elect Florencio T. Miraflores and reelected Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo.

Carpio will also administer the Oath of Office to the elected and reelected Sangguniang Panlalawigan members belonging to the local administration party. They are members-elect Jose Enrique M. Miraflores, Ramon S. Gelito, Esel Flores and Nelson Santamaria of the West district; and SP members-elect Emmanuel Soviet de la Cruz, Lilian Q. Tirol, and Plaridel M. Morañia of the East district.

SP members-elect Rodson F. Mayor, Harry Sucgang and Roberto M. Garcia, Jr. are still to indicate their interest to join the oath-taking ceremonies with Justice Carpio as inducting officer.

According to the organizer of the oath-taking ceremony, some elected public officials of seven towns in Aklan will join the induction ceremonies with the provincial elected officials.

Farewells On The Last Session Day 

It was not all words of farewell and bidding goodbyes. Rather, it was more work for the 15th (outgoing) Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its last session day, its 21st, on June 26 at its session hall, Provincial Capitol.

The 15th SP wrote finis to the long drawn Administrative Case No. 2 filed by Arturo Gregorio against the incumbent Altavas Vice Mayor Joly A. Solita and his SB Members.

This SP has earlier dismissed the above-cited administrative case but outgoing Gov. Carlito S. Marquez sought a review of the SP action by the investigating committee in the light of the recent ruling of the regional trial court in favor of Gregorio on a separate and distinct petition.

During the June 26 session, the body in plenary decided to declare the case already closed for lack of material time to give way to the request of Gov. Marquez for review.

Also during the June 26 session, the outgoing SP shelved the review of two vital planning documents submitted by the Office of the Provincial Governor to await for the assumption of Governor-elect Florencio T. Miraflores who may introduce new inputs to the plan. These are the Strategic Financial Management Plan and the Provincial Road Network Development Plan initiated by the province’s participation to the road program of AUSAid.

Likewise, in the same session, the annual budget of Libacao carrying total appropriation of P71.978 million was approved but the body disallowed excess appropriations for personal services of 2.6 percent over the statutory limitations.

Likewise, Malay’s MEEDO budget for 2013 of P20M was approved and declared operative in its entirety.

The outgoing SP likewise approved supplemental budgets of Madalag, New Washington and Banga and Kalibo’s ordinance on the creation of an office for persons with disability affairs was also approved. The body returned the supplemental budgets No. 1 and No. 2 of Numancia without action for failure to submit budget documents to the Provincial Budget Office.

The session ended with farewells and goodbyes for outgoing SP Members Selwyn C. Ibarreta, Gerick M. Templonuevo, Victor Manuel M. Garcia, Jonna I. Morales-Torres, Daisy S. Briones, Raymar A. Rebaldo and Jean O. Rodriguez. /MP

2013–2016 LGU Officials Province of Aklan

On the basis of the COMELEC final, full and official report of the May 13, 2013 election, named hereunder are the elected officials from provincial governor to the sangguniang bayan members. Their term of office starts on July 1, 2013 and ends on June 30, 2016. 

They are Congressman Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr., Governor Florencio T. Miraflores, Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members – Eastern Side: Emmanuel Soviet Russia A. Dela Cruz, Rodson F. Mayor, Lillian Q. Tirol, Plaridel M. Morania, and Harry C. Sucgang; Western Side are Jose Enrique M. Miraflores, Ramon S. Gelito, Esel L. Flores, Roberto Garcia, Jr., and Nelson D. Santamaria. 

ALTAVAS - Mayor Denny Refol, Sr., Vice Mayor Joly A. Solita SB Members: Confesor F. Inocencio III, Ric D’ Cor M. Dalida, Rosario B. Belarmino, Denny B. Refol, Jr., Jonathan S. Villas, Ronnie I. Panadero, Medialin P. Barcelona, and Roger S. Oquendo. 

BALETE - Mayor Teodoro V. Calizo, Jr., Vice Mayor Roman R. Villaruel, SB Members: Patrick F. Lachica, Sylvia V. Yasa, Crispino P. Beltran, Jr., Jacqueline F. Bantigue, Apolinar C. Cleope, Ciriaco T. Feliciano, Agnes D. Recidoro, and Joselito C. Delos Reyes. 

BANGA - Mayor Erlinda M. Maming, Vice Mayor Noel L. Redison, SB Members: Stanley Leigh G. Macahilig, Joselito B. Fernandez, Manuel R. Masangya, Rosemarie S. Piolo, Abe R. Pastrana, Jr., Ronald Ray D. Imperial, Larry T. Maming, and Teddy C. Tupas.

BATAN – Mayor Delfina R. Ramos, Vice Mayor Dante T. Reyes SB Members: William R. Bautista, Jr., Joena B. Parco, Adonis B. Sarceno, Myrlin S. Cortes, Dennis A. Perlas, Medardo S. Placer, Eric A. Del Rosario, and Gloria P. Sugapong.

BURUANGA – Mayor Quezon F. Labindao, Vice Mayor Allan P. Dagohoy, SB Members: Joeven Q. Malayas, Femy C. Dumaguin, Dextero S. Obrique, Macario O. Panganiban, Victor Brian D. Sualog, Manuelito S. Sualog, Jr., Benito P. Sualog, Jr., and Robert M. Obrique.

IBAJAY – Mayor Ma. Lourdes Miraflores, Vice Mayor Plaridel M. Solidum, SB Members: Julio M. Estolloso, Edgar S. Magbiray, Diva S. Agustin, Salvador S. Maagma, Emilio S. Ilinon, Mabini M. Ascaño, Elmer F. Colangoy, and Rano B. Hontiveros.

KALIBO - Mayor William S. Lachica, Vice Mayor Madeline Regalado, SB Members: Mark V. Quimpo, Daisy S. Briones, Augusto C. Tolentino, Ariel O. Fernandez, Rodillo L. Policarpio, Gregorio R. Malapad, Jr., Marc Ace L. Bautista, and Arnaldo M. Tejada.

LEZO – Mayor Victor L. Fernandez, Vice Mayor Philip John B. Buenaflor, SB Members: George R. Villarubia, Redentor U. Taran, Rowen M. Autencio, Asher C. Flores, Jully F. Icasas, Dennis Clifford D. Francisco, Conrado M. Arcenio, and Mary Lucy R. Dela Cruz.

LIBACAO – Mayor Vincent I. Navarosa, Vice Mayor Charito I. Navarosa, SB Members: Aizel M. Villorente, Xandro Z. Zapatos, Winston P. Navarosa, Rodolfo Z. Zolina, Napoleon N. Navarosa, Mila A. Lanciso, Robert Z. Navarrete, and Wenefreda Z. Solina.

MADALAG – Mayor Alfonso A. Gubatina, Vice Mayor Rex T. Gubatina, SB Members: Luis Archimedes F. Orbista, Jr., Decarth N. Gonzales, Joemar V. Legaspi, Sofia R. Nalangan, Cesar R. Nedic, Robert C. Nalaunan, Harold N. Inosanto, and Leoterido N. Navarra.

MAKATO – Mayor Abencio T. Torres, Vice Mayor Nerli F. Dela Cena, SB Members: Rhine I. Roldan, Salvador P. Tenazas, Marcosa T. Rusia, Dino Patrick V. Ta-ay, Renato T. Tordecillas, Adelia C. Taluyo, Randy R. Vargas, and Jose Danilo M. Torrenueva.

MALAY – Mayor John P. Yap, Vice Mayor Wilbec M. Gelito, SB Members: Natalie C. Paderes, Jupiter Aelred G. Gallenero, Rowen T. Aguirre, Frolibar S. Bautista, Danilo G. Delos Santos, Leal B. Gelito, Paterno S. Sacapaño, Jr., and Manuel S. Delos Reyes.

MALINAO – Mayor Wilbert Ariel I. Igoy, Vice Mayor Josephine I. Iquiña, SB Members: Richard I. Iquiña, Edwin Y. Garcia, Frederick I. Rey, John Ruen I. Yerro, John I. Rondario, Gregorio V. Imperial, Jr., Raul R. Quinisio, and Eleanor G. Agustino.

NABAS – Mayor James V. Solanoy, Vice Mayor Romeo M. Dalisay, SB Members: Zenaida S. Cezar, Ricardito G. De Asis, Cognito D. Palomata, Sr., Flochebel Ann S. Pascua, Carmen T. Palanog, Joselito S. Coching, Zenaida D. Bangcaya, and Rhuna F. Tipgos.

NEW WASHINGTON – Mayor Edgar R. Peralta, Vice Mayor Jesus B. Quimpo, SB Members: Jessica R. Panambo, Jazel P. Bautista, Junie D. Repiano, Gerry C. Andrade, Ruperto I. Cayetano, Sonie C. Gacay, Raul G. Sucgang, and Celia C. Dela Cruz.

NUMANCIA – Mayor Jozyl Isidore T. Templonuevo, Vice Mayor Evangeline M. Ibabao, SB Members: Jerome T. Vega, Domingo Ibabao, Adelma Regalado, Bayani M. Cordova, Arcel Tabuena, Romeo Ricafuente, Prospero I. Templonuevo, and Jorelle V. Maribojo.

TANGALAN – Mayor Gene T. Fuentes, Vice Mayor Jed A. Tirol, SB Members: Stanley T. Aguirre, Efren M. Tampos, Jay E. Tejada, Julio S. Rabe, Rhean F. Yap, Alexander N. Tefora, Glenn F. Tigson, and Guillermo T. Manares, Jr. /MP

SP Approves Aklan Towns Regular & Supplemental Budgets


by ODON S. BANDIOLA

The Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the regular 2013 annual general fund and economic enterprise development budgets of the towns of New Washington, Banga and Ibajay during its 20th Regular Session on June 19, 2013.

The supplemental budgets for 2013 of the towns of Balete and Kalibo were also approved. As recommended by the Provincial Local Finance Committee (PLFC), SP declared operative in its entirety the 2013 annual general fund budget of New Washington which appropriates more than P74 million and the 2013 municipal economic enterprise development office budget which appropriates P14.79 million.

Declared operative, in part, is the 2013 annual budget of Banga appropriating P73.568 million. The SP however disallowed appropriations for loan amortization amounting to more than P9 million as the provincial legislative body has previously disapproved an ordinance of Banga authorizing the chief executive to contract a loan with banking institutions for failure of the local government unit to secure a seal of good housekeeping from the Department of Interior and Local Government.

In the same regular session, the SP approved but declared inoperative in part the annual general fund and MEEDO budgets of the town of Ibajay. 

Ibajay’s regular 2013 budget appropriates P78.113 million while its MEEDO budget is P8.82 million. Appropriation of about P2 million from the 20 percent Development Fund for contribution to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) was disallowed.

The PLFC favorably recommended to the SP the approval of Supplemental Budget No. 1 of Balete with total appropriation of P5.2 million; Supplemental Budget No. 1 of Kalibo with total appropriation of P0.779 million. The above stated budgets are approved.

The approval of Supplemental Budget No. 2 of Banga was deferred while awaiting for the PLFC recommendation.

Referred to the SP Committee on Appropriation for review are the annual budget of Libacao which appropriates P71.978 million; Malay MEEDO budget of P20 million and Supplemental Budget No. 1 of Madalag likewise appropriate P1.714 million.

The SP during the previous sessions approved the annual general fund and MEEDO budgets of Kalibo, Malay, Madalag, Malinao, Balete, Buruanga and Tangalan. /MP

Friendship Between Cops And Journalists

by ALEX P. VIDAL

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” HELEN KELLER

The friendship or “good working relationship” forged by some members of law enforcement agency and media practitioners dates back during the time when publishers and (radio) station managers assigned reporters to cover the police and military beats.

The purpose of deploying beat reporters is for the newspaper, radio and TV stations to get accurate, objective and independent stories as fast as possible. 

Like a man and a woman who develop and become lovers because of frequent meetings in workplace, some law enforcers and beat reporters cultivate a strong bonding during and after office or duty hours. 

Beat reporters and law enforcers compliment each other. Friendly lawmen making life easy for beat reporters by giving them easy access to crime stories that make earthshaking headlines. Big stories that will earn for enterprising beat reporters credit to their editors and publishers and station managers.

Friendly beat reporters helping some law enforcers earn pogi points for promotion and good public image by highlighting their achievements in prime time news and front-page stories.

PLATONIC LOVE

But there are cases when this law enforcer-beat reporter develop platonic love-like union, an aberration rather than a source of pride and inspiration for both parties. When they engage in cover-ups--some beat reporters in cahoots in irregularities or abuses perpetrated by their friends in uniform; law enforcers tolerating the misconduct of beat reporters; when both the law enforcer and beat reporter engage in unholy alliance to violate the law and commit a travesty of justice.

At the Iloilo City Police Office, I once knew of one radioman whose notoriety as “fixer” was known even to his colleagues and other police officials. He was actually a volunteer “beat” reporter for one radio station and did not have any salary. His regular presence in the Police Precinct 1 would make some people suspect he was a civilian agent or employee of the station.

Among his modus operandi was to act as “negotiator” or “fixer” of cases involving moneyed characters mostly accused of rape and other crimes that require imprisonment for the culprits. He acted as “runner” for corrupt prosecutors in the Hall of Justice, corrupt investigators, victims, and the suspects. An Indian national escaped imprisonment after the radioman-cum-fixer managed to convince the family of a 16-year-old female rape victim to drop the complaint in exchange for a large amount of cash. Everyone was, of course, “happy” including the corrupt lawyer who represented the victim. 

CESAR MANCAO

The case of former police superintendent Cesar Mancao is one example of how effective and useful is the friendship between law enforcers and mediamen. While agents of the National Bureau of Investigation are agonizing to track down the elusive fugitive, journalists were able to freely conduct interviews with him in a hideout. 

They continued to have direct communications with him despite his difficult situation. Mancao trusted the journalists, who helped him air his grievances in public.

Mancao definitely has developed friendship with some journalists when he was active in police service. They would never reveal his whereabouts. A good example of the adage that says, “Be good to people on your way up because you will meet the same people on your way down.” /MP

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Babaye Sa Parola

Ro parola maeapit sa pantalan ro guina obrang haeampangan ko mga onga kon adlaw nga owa it klase. Kon gabi-e, guina obra man nga warangan ko mga binata ag daeaga kapin pa kon mahayag ro buean. 

May mga binatilyo nga managob eon naga uli. Isaeang bes, pag abot it alas dose, may hakita sanda nga isaeang ka babaye nga naka suksok it puti ag naga koe-koe imaw it eapsag. Guin paeapitan nanda ogaling golpe nga naduea. Nag eapta ro balita sa natabo. Agod mapamatud-an, nag kangay it mga tanod ro kapitan it barangay agod magbantay. Pag abot it alas dose it gabi-e, nagpakita eon man ro babaye nga may koe-koe nga eapsag. 

Guin paeapitan ko kapitan ag guin singhan kon ano ro anang ikabulig. Naga tangis ro babaye hasta naduea. 

Pagkaaga, guin usisa ko kapitan ro bilog nga barangay kon may krimen nga natabo. Guin usisa man nana ro andang listahan kon may natabo nga krimen. May hakita imaw nga lista it pagkamatay ni Perlita, isaeang ka kinse años nga babaye nga natip-eang it isaeang ka eaeaki nga may asawa. 

Pagkasayod ko eaeaki nga naga daea o naga nabdos ro babaye, guin sampit nana ko gabi-e ngaron ro babaye sa parola. Suno sa pag usisa, idto nana guin patay ag guin eobong sa binit it parola. Owa naka sayod ro mga pumueoyo kon sin-o ro nagpatay kay Perlita. Owa eon man makita si Perlita sa andang lugar. Nag eaom sanda nga nagpanaw si Perlita sa Manila. 

Ro kaeag ni Perlita hay naga pangayo it hustisya. Nagapakita imaw kada mahayag ro buean agod mapukaw nana ro mga binata ag matukiban ro natabo mga limang dag-on eon ro tumaliwan. 

Guin kutkot nanda ro guin eobngan kay Perlita. Idto hakita ro mga toe-an ko pobreng dalagita. 

Halin nga natukiban ro krimen ag haeobong sa sementeryo ro mga toe-an ni Perlita, owa eon imaw naga pakita sa parola. Owa man mabuhayi, may naka sugid kon sin-o ro nobyo ni Perlita nga guina patihan nga nagpatay kana. Hadakpan si Gomer ag guin preso. Owa imaw makabalibad tongod guina tub-eag imaw ko anang konsensya. /MP

Garbage: Kalibo’s Attraction


GARBAGE - the dictionary says, is spoiled or waste food as from a market or kitchen that is thrown away; it is any worthless, unnecessary or offensive matter. Some good examples of garbage are shown in the above picture. These garbage are placed inside plastic bags and hanged by the fence along the road very near the Aklan Freedom Shrine, Kalibo, Aklan. These garbage attract attention of the people passing by. It shows the culture of the people residing in the neighborhood. 

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Editorial

by Julian Linden

NBA Miami-San Antonio Basketball Preview

MIAMI (Reuters) - One of the most turbulent championships in National Basketball Association (NBA) history will reach its climax on Friday, June 21 when the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs meet in the decisive seventh game of the Finals.
Basketball fans in the United States have been whipped into a frenzy of excitement by what has already been a classic series full of wild fluctuations and escalating drama.

The teams have raised their games to new heights, producing an extraordinary standard of play and athleticism which peaked with Miami’s exhilarating overtime win on the 6th game that tied the series at 3-3.

With everything on the line for Game Seven, the stakes could not be higher with millions of people around the world expected to tune in for Thursday’s grand finale.

“They’re the best two words in team sports, ‘Game Seven,’” said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra.

“Our guys aren’t looking for games that are less meaningful, but for games that are more meaningful. And there’s nothing bigger than a Game Seven.”

As defending champions, Miami are overwhelming favorites to win the title. They were almost unstoppable during the regular season, winning a franchise-record 66 games, including a 27-game stretch that is the second longest in NBA history.

With LeBron James, the sport’s best player and biggest star, at the peak of his powers alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the Heat’s ‘Big Three’ seem a sure bet to win back-to-back championships.

When they are on their game, few teams can contain them, and the crowds in South Florida love it, whooping and hollering as they pile on the points against overmatched opponents.

But the Spurs, chasing their fifth championship since 1999, have answered the challenge with their own ‘Big Three’ of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

As former champions, the three veterans know what it takes to win and have used all their streetwise knowledge to rattle the top-seeded Heat.

Every game, every quarter, every minute, every shot and every rebound has been fought over, with players leaping and diving on the hardwood for any possession.

“That’s what this series is about, it’s the competition,” said Spoelstra. “It’s not just statistics. It’s not all the other storylines. It’s about the competition against an equal opponent.”

SEESAW BATTLE

The first six games were a seesawing battle with the teams alternating wins and losses. If that pattern continues in Game Seven, San Antonio will be crowned champions but history favors Miami, who have the homecourt advantage.

Of the 17 previous NBA Finals that have gone seven games, the visiting team has won three times. The most recent was 35 years ago when the Washington Bullets upset the SuperSonics in Seattle.

“I don’t really care what it’s been like for anybody else at any time,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich growled. “All I know is we have had a hell of a year, and we have an opportunity to win a championship tomorrow night. That’s all that matters.”

The series was elevated to one of the all-time greats after Tuesday’s breathless encounter, which has been described as one of the greatest games in NBA history after Miami pulled off a miracle comeback.

Needing a win to keep the series alive, Miami trailed by 13 points late in the third quarter and by five with 28 seconds to play in regulation after they had already fought back to take the lead.

Ray Allen, the sport’s greatest three-point shooter, drained one from behind the arc with five seconds remaining to force overtime, where Miami went on to snatch a 103-100 victory.

James scored a game-high 32 points but no one is under more pressure than him in Game Seven. He is not only playing for a second championship but his place in history.

Despite being awarded the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award four times, including this season, the 28-year-old continues to earn unflattering comparisons to Michael Jordan, who won five MVP awards and six championships with the Chicago Bulls.

James is appearing in just his fourth Finals. He lost his first with Cleveland then his second after moving to Miami three years ago.

He broke through for his first win last season but knows only too well he will bear the brunt of the blame should Miami fail to repeat.

“It is what it is. I understand the moment for me,” said James.
“I’m going to be excited. I’m going to have some butterflies. I’ll be nervous, everything. That’s how I should be.” (Editing by Frank Pingue) /MP

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Solemn, Festive, Expensive Induction Program

The installation of LGU Kalibo officials for the term July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2016 is replete with all the ingredients of socio-civic-political-economic affairs.

It was held at Magsaysay Park, Kalibo in the afternoon of Friday, June 14.

Almost all sectors of Kalibonhons were represented as the area of Magsaysay Park was fully occupied with people who share the victory in the election of May 13 of Mayor William S. Lachica, Vice Mayor Madeline A. Regalado, and Sangguniang Bayan members Mark Vega Quimpo, Daisy Sucro Briones, Augusto C. Tolentino, Ariel O. Fernandez, Rodillo L. Policarpio, Gregorio Malapad, Jr. Mark Ace L. Bautista and Arnaldo M. Tejada.

The induction program started with a holy mass officiated by Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc with five other priests.

The holy mass over, it took for several minutes more before the installation of the new and re-elected municipal officials of Kalibo started. Inspite and despite of the rain, the program continued. It was a blessing from heaven. 

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez was present. However, he left Magsaysay Park after the Holy Mass. 

The induction program started with invocation which consisted of prayers of various religious denominations existing in Kalibo. The invocation over, Pambansang Awit Ng Pilipinas, Aklan Hymn, and Kalibo Hymn followed sang by Kalibo DepEd teachers.

The intermission numbers were performed by world class Aklanon artists via songs and dances. The models who wore clothes made of Aklan’s finest, the piña fiber were fantastic, so pretty handsome and elegant. The induction program was a real extravaganza emceed by Mr. Ron Bautista and Ms. Sharon Moises Duzaban. 

Hon. Marietta Homena-Valencia, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, Kalibo, Aklan administered the oath of office to the officials individually. The SB members were sworn to office, one after the other.

The first to take his oath of office was Hon. Mark Vega Quimpo who garnered the highest number of votes during the election among the SB members. The last sworn to office was Hon. Arnaldo M. Tejada, the number 8 as to the number of votes garnered.

The induction of SB members over, Vice Mayor Madeline Regalado was installed as Vice Mayor. The last to take his oath was Mayor Lachica. 

The oath taking ceremony is solemn where the close family members of each Kalibo official stood witnessed.

According to some estimates, LGU Kalibo must have spent P350,000 to P400,000 for the induction affair. 

This is not to mention some donations from businessmen who do business in the Kalibo municipal hall. I was told, brandy on each dinner table was donated. 

An American man said, “who will give you something for nothing?”

Indeed, the LGU Kalibo installation of the July 2013 - June 2016 officials was solemn, festive, and expensive. There were more delicious food, wine, intertainment. It epitomized the love of Filipino as well as the Aklanon to spend more during fiestas to entertain visitors, guests, and relatives regardless of the family’s economic status.  Never mind the cost but mind the enjoyment.

Among the eight members of the Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan, only four will return for the 2013 - 2016 term. They are Hon. Mark Sy, Hon. Nilda Buyoc-Tambong, Hon. George Quimpo, and Hon. Peter Gene Lao. /MP  

RC Kalibo Donates Medical Equipment


RC Kalibo delivered District Simplified Grant Donation (DSG) to Bgy. Naile, Ibajay, and to Bgy. Bakhaw Norte, Kalibo, Aklan last week. The grant consisted  of 3 nebulizer pumps, 3 sphygmomanometers, and 3 stethoscopes. These equipment will be used for emergency purposes Photo at right above shows Pres. Dennis Lim, PP Vady Marin with barangay officials of Bakhaw Norte, Kalibo.


Photo right below shows Pres. Dennis Lim, and IP Mona Magayanes turning over the medical equipment to Hon. Marivic S. Tormon, Barangay Captain of Naile, Ibajay, Aklan  /MP

DOF Grants Aklan P6.89 Million

by ODON S. BANDIOLA

The Province of Aklan received P6.89 million grant from the Department of Finance (DOF) for topping the department’s Municipal Development Fund Office-Performance Based Grant System (MDFO-PBGS). Aklan is among the 10 provinces-grantees throughout the country. 

Aklan is a participating province in the DOF-MDFO-PBGS grant system. The other nine participating provinces are Mountain Province, Agusan del Sur, Northern Samar, Misamis Occidental, Sarangani, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Davao Oriental and Romblon. 

The participating provinces are rated according to Governance and Financial Accountability indicators. The Province of Aklan scored 37 points out of the total score of 42.

The participating provinces are assessed on governance indicators like Planning Structure, Public Participation and Performance Monitoring and Feedback. Likewise, assessment indicators under Financial Accountability include Cash Management, Internal Control, Commission On Audit (COA), Findings on Prudent Spending, COA Audit Report, Asset Management, Computerization, Procurement, Publication on Procurement, Publication and Documentation.

Through Appropriation Ordinance No. 2013-002, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan during its 20th Regular Session on June 19, 2013, appropriated the grant amount of P6.89 million to Pook Eco-Tourism Development Project in Pook, Kalibo, Aklan for the Phase 1 development which includes the construction of a Wooden Wharf, Coastal Protection, Road Improvement and Trading Post.

In the annual budget for 2013, the SP has appropriated from the 20 percent Development Fund the total amount of P1.25 million as counterpart fund of the provincial government for the same project.

During the 2nd Special Session of the SP on August 20, 2012, the provincial board has authorized Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with DOF-MDFO-PBGS for the province’s participation to the grant system. /MP

DOF Grants Aklan P6.89 Million


by ODON S. BANDIOLA

The Province of Aklan received P6.89 million grant from the Department of Finance (DOF) for topping the department’s Municipal Development Fund Office-Performance Based Grant System (MDFO-PBGS). Aklan is among the 10 provinces-grantees throughout the country. 

Aklan is a participating province in the DOF-MDFO-PBGS grant system. The other nine participating provinces are Mountain Province, Agusan del Sur, Northern Samar, Misamis Occidental, Sarangani, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Davao Oriental and Romblon. 

The participating provinces are rated according to Governance and Financial Accountability indicators. The Province of Aklan scored 37 points out of the total score of 42.

The participating provinces are assessed on governance indicators like Planning Structure, Public Participation and Performance Monitoring and Feedback. Likewise, assessment indicators under Financial Accountability include Cash Management, Internal Control, Commission On Audit (COA), Findings on Prudent Spending, COA Audit Report, Asset Management, Computerization, Procurement, Publication on Procurement, Publication and Documentation.

Through Appropriation Ordinance No. 2013-002, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan during its 20th Regular Session on June 19, 2013, appropriated the grant amount of P6.89 million to Pook Eco-Tourism Development Project in Pook, Kalibo, Aklan for the Phase 1 development which includes the construction of a Wooden Wharf, Coastal Protection, Road Improvement and Trading Post.

In the annual budget for 2013, the SP has appropriated from the 20 percent Development Fund the total amount of P1.25 million as counterpart fund of the provincial government for the same project.

During the 2nd Special Session of the SP on August 20, 2012, the provincial board has authorized Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with DOF-MDFO-PBGS for the province’s participation to the grant system. /MP

National Brigada Eskwela for Education In Libacao

by Richel de los Reyes-Cipriano


Brigada Eskwela is one of the school activities that the Department of Education (DepEd) implements for the benefit of all students in their respective school with, the theme “Isang Dekada ng Bayanihan sa Paaralan.” 


Headed by Mr. John Razie Z. Isagan, School District Supervisor, the Municipality of Libacao, Aklan and the Libacao National Forestry Vocational High School joined the National Brigada Eskwela for Education on May 20-25, 2013.


Teachers and administrators of different schools, parents, municipal and barangay officials, Local Government Unit, stakeholders, pupils and students of different schools in the municipality participated in Brigada Eskwela.


In Libacao, Aklan, it started with a parade at 7 in the morning which went through the Poblacion. It ended at the Libacao Central Elementary School grounds.
A short program followed in which speakers stressed the significance of the activity. 


Bayanihan sa Eskwelahan was done for one week.


It aimed to prepare the respective school facilities for the incoming school year through the join effort of teachers, parents, and stakeholders who used their time to fulfill their roles in the upkeep of the school. 


“Education to be effective is to have the support and cooperation of all parents, teachers, students, and stakeholders for the improvement of school facilities”, Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa pointed out.


This environment is   conducive to learning. /MP

NSO Stays In Aklan Serbilis Center Works For Quick Easy Service

This year 2013, clients of NSO-Aklan’s Serbilis Center will enjoy a quick and more convenient service in securing civil registry documents when the ‘six sigma quick wins’ program will be implemented.

This is the objective of the review and assessment on the Serbilis Center held on June 13, 2013 by NSO Civil Registry Department Director Lourdes J. Hufana, Unysis Australia Project Director David Thomas, and Civil Registry System Project Implementation Manager of Unysis Philippines Al Castro.

According to Castro, it is important to review and evaluate the existing procedures being enforced in the outlet to determine what steps should be removed or maintained to improve the process and attain a higher efficiency performance. 

To realize this purpose, the concept of ‘six sigma quick wins’ will be applied. Six sigma seeks to improve the quality of business processes by identifying and removing the causes of errors or inefficiencies. Quick wins, on the other hand, is designed to head off client’s frustration at delays towards more substantial improvements.

“There are steps implemented in Serbilis Center that are not necessary,” Mr. Thomas said.  “Through this scheme, we will quicken the process by reducing the steps from screening of the application form to releasing of the documents so that it will only take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete the transaction. When this is done, it will result to less operating costs, higher revenues and more satisfied clients,” Mr. Thomas explained.

On the average, there are about 400 clients throng to the Serbilis Center everyday coming from Aklan, Capiz, Antique, and Romblon to secure copies of birth, marriage and death certificates including certificate of no marriage record (CENOMAR).

“The request of these clients should be released immediately so that they will have time making other transaction,” Director Hufana agreed.

Meanwhile, Provincial Statistics Officer Blas M. Solidum reiterated to all Aklanons not to believe in rumors that NSO-Aklan will be transferred to Capiz or Iloilo.

“There is no truth about it because NSO and the Serbilis Center are steadfast to stay in Aklan to provide quality statistical and civil registration products and services,” Solidum assured. 

The Serbilis Center is the project of NSO in partnership with Unysis Philippines. /MP

Broca’s Brain

by ALEX P. VIDAL

“They were apes only yesterday. Give them time. Once an ape--always an ape. No, it will be different...Come back here in an age or so and you shall see...” -- THE GODS, DISCUSSING THE EARTH, IN THE MOTION PICTURE VERSION OF H.G. WELLS’ ‘The Man Who Could Work Miracles (1936)

If we think we are a gift to mankind because we possess extra-ordinary geniuses, would we allow our brains to be stored in formalin to retard spoilage and display in museum after we die?

Many of us today probably possess brains that are qualified to be preserved for purposes of research and benefit of science, like Broca’s brain.

In his book, Broca’s Brain, reflections on the romance of science, the late astrophysicist Carl Sagan discussed the exploration of the universe; that is, it is about science. Sagan analyzed diverse topics--from a crystal of salt to the structure of the cosmos, myth and legend, birth and death, robots and climates, the exploration of the planets, the nature of intelligence, the search for life beyond the Earth.

“But I hope will emerge, these topics are connected because the world is connected, and also human beings perceive the world through similar sense organs and brains and experiences that may not reflect the external realities with absolute fidelity,” explained Sagan. 

In all of our four-billion-year history of life in our planet, in all of our four-million-year history of the human family, Sagan said, “there is only one generation privileged to live through that unique transitional moment: that generation is ours.”

MUSEUM OF MAN

During his visit at Musee de l’Homme or Museum of Man in Paris in the 1970’s, Sagan saw a container from the shelf which he closely examined. The label reads: P. Broca. “In my hands was Broca’s brain,” quipped Sagan.

P. Broca was Paul Broca, a surgeon, a neurologist and an anthropologist. He was a major figure in the development of both medicine and anthropology in the mid-19th century. Sagan said, Broca performed distinguished work on cancer pathology and the treatment of aneurysms. He made a landmark contribution to understanding the origin of aphasia--an impairment of the ability to articulate ideas.

Sagan described Broca as “a brilliant and compassionate man” who was concerned with medical care for the poor. 

“Under cover of darkness, at the risk of his own life, he successfully smuggled out of Paris in a horse-drawn cart 73 million francs, stuffed into carpetbags and hidden under potatoes, the treasury of the Assistance Publique which--he believed, at any rate--he was saving from pillage. He was the founder of modern brain surgery. He studied infant mortality. Toward the end of his career, he was created a senator,” Sagan disclosed.

Broca founded a society of “freethinkers” in 1848. Almost along among French servants of the time, narrated Sagan, “he was sympathetic to Charles Darwin’s idea of evolution by natural selection.”

GRATITUDE

T.H. Huxley, “Darwin’s Bulldog,” remarked that the mere mention of Broca’s name filled him with a sense of gratitude, and Broca was quoted as saying, “I would rather be a transformed ape than a degenerate son of Adam.” For these and other views he was publicly denounced for “materialism” and, like Socrates, for corrupting the young.

Broca died in 1880, perhaps of the very sort of aneurysm that he had studied so brilliantly, disclosed Sagan. At the moment of his death he was working on a comprehensive study of brain anatomy. He had established the first professional societies, schools of research, and scientific journals of modern anthropology in France. His laboratory specimens became incorporated into what for many years was called the Musee Broca. Later it merged to become a part of the Musee de l’Homme.

“It was Broca himself, whose brain I was cradling, who had established the macabre collection I had been contemplating,” recalled Sagan. “He had studied embryos and apes, and people of all races, measuring like mad in an effort to understand the nature of human being. And despite the present appearance of the collection and my suspicions, he was not, at least by the standards of his time, more of a jingoist or a racist than most, and certainly not that cold, uncaring, dispassionate scientist, heedless of the human consequences of what he did. Broca very much cared.” /MP