EDITORIAL

GSIS e-Card Is Catastrophe

To Pensioners

The Government Insurance System (GSIS) is organized for the "welfare" of the government employees. One of the means the government does is to provide monthly pension for those who retired from the government service upon reaching retirement age and completion of satisfactory service to the government through the GSIS.
However, many former government employees particularly the pensioners are perceiving "the GSIS is making their lives miserable." Instead of promoting their welfare, "the GSIS is making the remaining parts of their lives deplorable".
The latest policy of the GSIS is "no e-Card, no pension". This means that government pensioner will be paid its monthly pension using the e-Card. Any pensioner who has no e-Card, its pension is suspended.
Since the end of World War II, GSIS has been paying its pensioners by checks sent through the postal service. When electronics banking started, GSIS also started paying its pensioners by depositing the equivalent amount of monthly pension to their respective savings bank account, but majority of them are being paid continuously by bank checks.
This December 2006, Mr. Winston F. Garcia, President and General Manager, GSIS sent "Advisory to all GSIS Old Age Pensioners" quoted as follows:
Dear Sir/Madam:
Starting January 1, 2007, your monthly pension will be credited to your GSIS e-Card account. This means that you must use your GSIS e-Card in order to withdraw your monthly pension in any ATM nationwide.
GSIS will no longer use checks to deliver your pensions but will electronically credit them directly to your GSIS e-Card account.
Thereafter, monthly pensions will be credited to your GSIS e-Card account every 1st day of the month.
For pensioners without e-Card, you are now enjoined to enroll at the GSIS Home Office or the nearest GSIS Servicing Office immediately to avoid suspension of your pension payments.
Please be guided accordingly.
(Sgd.) WINSTON F. GARCIA
President and General Manager
This advisory is a catastrophe that hit the petitioners of the members of the Government Retirees Organization (GROL), Inc. and probably all over the Philippines. This is a punch that staggered the GSIS pensioners that will make the twilight of their lives more miserable instead of enjoyable, the basic rationale of the GSIS creation.
Why? The GSIS pension fund is deposited in the Union Bank which has only one branch in Panay and Guimaras Islands located in Iloilo City. Therefore, each GSIS pensioner will get its e-Card in Iloilo City and GSIS, Roxas City. This will oblige each pensioner to travel to either Roxas or Iloilo City who maybe physically handicapped to travel, plus travel expenses that could be used for their food or hospitalization. Since Union Bank is only found in Iloilo City, all pensioners will gather in Iloilo City to withdraw their monthly pension. If they withdrew from other banks, each pensioner will pay P12.00 per withdrawal. Each inquiry will also cost them P2.00. These are a diminution from their only humble amount of pension.
Second, all the pensioners must have reached 70 years or older. At this age, most of them are physically handicapped. Their eye sights maybe blurred, hearing impaired, and quivering hands. Their legs are weak. Even if their minds are strong, their flesh is weak.
And here is Mr. Winston F. Garcia who compels the GSIS pensioners to go to the bank to collect their monthly pension! This "No e-Card, No Pension" policy is more than a super typhoon to strike at government retirees who spent the best part of their lives serving the government.
Perhaps, Mr. Garcia and other GSIS officials will have lots of fun looking with the pensioners queuing with other depositors in a long line to withdraw their money in an ATM booth. Since the PIN number is only known to the e-Card holder, the pensioner may have poor memory, forget it and therefore, just get out of the booth. Due to blurred eye sight and quivering fingers, the pensioner may touch the wrong figures. Once money comes out of ATM, it must be picked out in five (5) seconds or if it lapsed, it will be taken back by the machine. These will surely happen as the pensioners have poor reflexes. Even the e-Card will be captured with any erroneous entry.
Because of physical handicaps, the pensioners will probably stay longer in an ATM booth. Those lining before them to get their turn will get irritated. These will make the pensioners prone to ridicule. Shall we allow this to happen? Shall we allow others to ridicule senior citize?
This "No e-Card, No Pension" GSIS policy is a great mockery to the people who spent the best years of their lives in the government. These pensioners deserve the best treatment so that they may enjoy the remaining years of their lives. To implement this "No e-Card, No Pension" GSIS policy is a worst catastrophe that will make life deplorable or even cut short lives of pensioners for whom the GSIS is created: the welfare of government employees and retirees. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

The Police Visibility

My Akelco bill for the period November 20 – December 20, 2006 was served me this week. The bill shows our family consumed 123 kilowatt hours for the 30 day period which cost P1,094.94 or at an average of P8.83365 per Kwhr. This is P0.599445 higher than my bill last month and P1.5236 higher than my September – October 2006 electric bill.
Comparing this November – December 2006 Akelco bill with our June – July 2006 electric bill, there are three items which increased. They are: 1. generation system charge from P2.9132 to P3.7090. The increase is P.7958 per Kwh or 27.32 percent; 2. transmission system charge from P0.9719 to P1.5133. The increase is P.5414 per Kwh or 55.7 percent; and 3. EVAT consisting of generation, transmission and systems loss from P.148 to P.3595. The increase is P.2115 per Kwh or 142.22 percent.
The general increase from July to December 2006 is P1.794 per Kwh just P0.30 more and the P2.10 per Kwh increase is reached. However, the actual increase power generation cost is P.7958 per Kwh, while the transmission and EVAT increased from P.148 to the present P.3595 or P.2115 or 142.9 percent increase.
There are two questions Akelco may respond as its basic obligation to its client members. First, can Akelco increase transmission rate arbitrarily? Second, is the EPPA final and executory despite request to differ implementation and petition for reconsideration filed by the oppositors?

Aklan EEDD

Governor Carlito S. Marquez, in his regular monthly press conference explained what is his Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) program to the members of the media present. Held at Latte, Andagao, Kalibo, Gov. Marquez with Mr. Consomino cited specific provisions in the Philippine Constitution and the Local Government Code which mandate local government units like Aklan to engage in economic enterprise so that it can raise its own fund. According to Marquez, at present, Aklan is 90 percent dependent upon the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) which is too meager to support the basic requirement of Aklanons. Therefore, the EEDD is aimed to reduce Aklan’s dependency upon the IRA.
Marquez claimed his performance in EEDD is "7" at a scale of 1 to 10 Richter scale where 1 is poor and 10 is excellent. "All the gains achieved in EEDD will be invested in health to improve the health services", he strongly emphasized. According to Marquez, the present number of indigent families in Aklan is 30,000 which he aspire to enroll them 100 percent with PhilHealth, the money for which will come from the EEDD gains such as the Jetty Ports and Agri Aqua.
Marquez cited his Abaca Expansion Program which will cover the municipalities of Libacao, Madalag, Malinao, Makato, Ibajay, Tangalan, Altavas and Balete. Once there is enough fiber to process, a pulp processing center will be put up in Banga and construct a bridge to connect Madalag and Libacao. "Per kilogram of Abaca fiber now cost P40 and with the present production, some P8 million monthly income is realized in Libacao from Abaca", Marquez stressed.
Another project Marquez mentioned is the construction of a commercial port in Barangay Navitas, Numancia where cold storage facilities will be provided to accelerate export of agri aqua products, Aklan crafts and others.

HOLD UP IN KALIBO

At about 6:00 o’clock sundown on Saturday, December 24, the owner of Kim Huat Store was held up. The crime took place in front of his store at Dr. Gonzales St., Poblacion, Kalibo. According to police report, Mr. Tim Bon Chan Tee has just closed his store. He was about to board his car when the unknown suspect grabbed his bag of money, the sales proceed of the day. The suspect shot Tim Bon Chan who was hit on his leg while grappling with the bag of money. Although the suspect got an undetermined small sum of money, Tim Bon Chan got back his bag of money and disarmed the suspect who ran away and rode with his get away motorcycle. The pistol was left with Tim Bon Chan.
The police was informed late after the suspects have escaped. Incidents like this happened because most of the time the police are invisible. Police periodic patrol in places like the Shopping Center will certainly prevent criminality. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Aklan Honors, Awards Outstanding Nutrition Scholars

For helping bring Aklan’s malnutrition level of pre-school kids on continuous downtrend, 17 Barangay Nutrition Scholars were honored recently at this year’s Provincial Nutrition Awarding Ceremony at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center, Buswang Old, Kalibo.
With their certificates of awards, they were also given by the provincial government cash amounting to a total of P40,300.00.
Each of the 17 BNSes got P800.00 as cash incentives, four of whom got additional cash as Provincial Nutrition Scholars.
These four are Luichi Felicidario of Buenafortuna, Nabas, 1st placer, who received P1,600.00; Novie Sucgang, Tabon, Batan, P1,400.00: and Rodelio del Rosario of Agcawilan, Lezo and Arlene Leyson of Bubog, Numancia who tied for 3rd place, P1,000.00 each.
The most remarkable feat, according to Crescini Roxas, Nutrition Dietician II of the Provincial Health Office, Kalibo, Aklan, was attained by Luichi Felicidario for being Nabas town’s outstanding BNS as well as having been adjudged as the number one Provincial Nutrition Scholar which enabled her barangay, Buenafortuna became the number one Barangay Nutrition Committee of Aklan.
The municipal nutrition committee (MNC) of Nabas is also Aklan’s 1st placer, and was awarded P2,700 cash.
Nabas is now on its second year as regional winner in nutrition. If it will maintain this status, it will be a Consistent Regional Winner on Nutrition (CROWN) awardee next year.
The other outstanding MNC awardees are Numancia, 2nd, P2,100; Banga, 3rd, P1,500; and Tangalan, 4th, 1,300.00.
As maintenance awardee, the municipality of Kalibo got P2,700.00.
Ms. Roxas said, "strategies employed by the barangay nutrition scholars in attaining the continuous downtrend in malnutrition prevalence rate among pre-schoolers which, as of this year, is 11.06 percent, down, from 15.75 last year and 21 percent in 2004 - included supplemental feeding, nutrition information education, community/home/school food production, and micronutrient supplementation and food fortification."
She stressed that for school children, it is the Department of Education that monitors the nutritional status of the pupils.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Elma Malbas said, "that in Aklan, day care centers in three municipalities – Tangalan, Buruanga, and Lezo are recipients of the food-for-school program of the national government. Under this program, day care children get a kilo of rice each everyday for 120 days. This is deemed a contributory factor to the improvement of the nutritional status of pre-schoolers." Kindergarten and Grade I pupils who are under the care of DepEd also got the same supply, Malbas added. (PIA) /MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

DMCI Bags Boracay, BPO Projects

The pristine beauty of the world’s best beach Boracay is a view to behold.

DM CONSUNJI INC., a wholly owned subsidiary of construction giant DMCI Holdings Inc., has bagged two contracts worth roughly P1.6 billion to build a facility for business process outsourcing firms for Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) and a hotel on Boracay island for Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
"Construction has picked up, but the private sector has limited activities," said Herbert Consunji, DMCI Holdings vice president. "There are a few clients who engaged in construction on a regular basis. But it’s a promising year. We are back on the radar screen."
Of the total amount, P1.3 billion will be used to build the seven-storey Shangri-la Resort & Spa on Boracay, while P297 million will go to the construction of Robinsons Cybergate Tower 3 on Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong City.
Shangri-la Boracay Resorts consists of nine units of 5-storey guest rooms and 37 luxury villas. It has a floor area of approximately 56,200 square meters.
The hotel will also cater to recreational needs through an outdoor plunge pool or jacuzzi, treetop restaurants, all-day dining coffee shop with outdoor seating, a specialty restaurant, meeting and banquet facilities on the island, ballroom and function rooms, and an outdoor wedding pavilion.The resort will also feature a "Chi" spa which is a separate village complex. The spa village facilities include suites for half or full day use, a yoga pavilion, spa pool and recreational facilities such as outdoor tennis court, swimming pool and marine center with diving facilities.
The Shangri-la Boracay Resorts will start construction this month and is expected to be completed by May 2008.
On the other hand, Cybergate 3 is a 26-storey office building. The lower ground all the way to the fifth floor will be utilized as parking areas. The remaining floors are allotted for office space.Construction will start in January 2007. It is expected to be completed by February 2008.
Also, DMCI said it would withdraw from a joint venture with Vulcan Industrial & Mining Corp. (VIMC) by paying its share of a P40-million loan which was recently secured from Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., VIMC executive vice president Patrick Caoille said.
The loan was supposed to fund the joint venture, which entails the supply of gravel to DMCI from Vulcan’s quarry in Montalban.
DMCI owns 49 percent of the joint venture project, with the Vulcan group holding the balance of 51 percent.
Caoille said DMCI has committed to pay some P18 to P19 million of the said loan. The two have been partners since 1991. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

CAFES Celebrates Agrix Day

The Aklan State University College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences (ASU-CAFES) held its Agrix day on December 13, 2006 at the University Amphitheater, Banga, Aklan.
It was a spectacle and a feast which showcased the talents of the students and staff. It started with doxology and the singing of the National Anthem by the ASU Glee Club, followed by a heart-warming Christmas Carol.
Dean Danilo E. Abayon delivered a short message. He reminded the students of the essence of the celebration and promised a much exciting and wonderful Christmas frolics next year. He declared the formal opening of the Agrix Day in behalf of the University President Dr. Benny A. Palma, who was on official travel in Manila.
Agrix Day is definitely a feast, not only to the eyes but to the stomach as well. One can choose from the array of foods on display, while enjoying the sights of the numerous native parol (Christmas Lanterns) hanging around for the competition, the cute animals showing off its best costumes for the Best Dressed House Pets, and the beautiful plants displayed at the nearby table for the Best Foliage Display. The entries for the various competitions were judged simultaneously while the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) facilitated the Parlor games for the students and faculty.
The afternoon program enthralled the music lovers when the Music Channel Band performed onstage before taking their seats as judges for the much awaited Acoustic Competition and Battle of the Bands. The brief power interruption did not dampen the spirit of the competitors and of the lively audience. The amphitheater was filled with cheers and laughter as the participants performed on stage.
As a grand finale, the students gathered together for the lights and lantern parade in the main streets of Banga. Energized by the morning activities, the students remained the whole night for the Christmas frolics, a night of music and dance. /MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

The Responsible Parenting Movement

By Alex Vidal

"Religion is an illusion and it derives its strength from its readiness to fit in with our instinctual wishful impulses" SIGMUND FREUD.

During the "Media Forum on the Responsible Parenting Movement" spearheaded by the Commission on Population (POPCOM) Region VI last December 21 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, Director Vicente "Bugoy" N. Molejona, echoing the memorandum issued by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, emphasized the need to promote the Responsible and Natural Family Planning Program’s primary policy objective, three years birth spacing and breastfeeding which are "good for the health of the mother, child, family and community."
Molejona said, "to mitigate poverty and hunger, which are aggravated by large family size and increasing population, President Arroyo directed the Department of Health (DOH) and the Commission on Population (POPCOM) to formulate and carry out an aggressive and systematic strategy to promote Responsible Parenting and Natural Family Planning."
Objectives: To empower the Filipino Families through Responsible Parenting in order to: 1. Make couples aware of their basic responsibilities as parents, awakening in them a sense of responsibility and commitment towards their family, neighbors community, society and nation as a whole; and 2. Consider responsible parenting as a way of life towards the attainment of Sustainable Human Development.
Molejona also explained the difference between "parenting" and "parenthood." Parenting, he said, is "the skills, experiences, abilities and responsibilities involved in rearing and educating a child. The will and the ability of parents to respond to the needs and aspirations of the family and children." Parenthood, he stressed, is "the state of being a parent. Traditionally, it means being a biological father or mother to a child. When adoption is involved, it means the legal mother or father (or parents) of the child."
In a power point presentation, Molejona presented the "Economic Burden of Infant Formula: P430 million spent on health care costs—hospitalization, health facility visits, drugs; one billion pesos of lost wages attending sick to children; P320 million for funeral costs. In the "Economic Burden of Infant Formula": P21.5 billion is wasted every year on infant formula plus an unnecessary expenditure that burdens Filipino society, he said. Meanwhile, on the burden on the poor, Molejona said 25 percent of formula-fed infants are poor; 30 percent of their income wasted on formula; and a further burden dragging many deeper into poverty./MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Tita Linda Belayro

Sa Punta It Baeangaw

Si Mariz hay isaeang ka onga nga taga Holandya. Nagabantay imaw it mga karnero kada agahon. Ko isaeang agahon ngato, may nagtunga nga baeangaw sa eangit. Nadumduman nana ro hambae ko anang lola nga sa punta it baeangaw hay may banga nga puno it bueawan. Pagkagabi-i, nagdamgo imaw nga may nagtunga nga baeangaw. Guin sundan nana rong punta nga idto makita sa pihak nga bukid. Guin tabuk nana rong mga kasuba-an, guinsaka ro mga kabukiran agod sundan kon siin gid ro punta it baeangaw.
Owa nana napan-uhi nga amat-amat eon nga nagadueom. Rong katapusan nga silak kong adlaw hay nagatama sa mga tubi ag nagakinang-kinang nga pareho it bueawan. Nagdueom eon sa anang nahamutangan, indi nana makita rong daean pa-uli. Nagtinangis imaw. Bangud sa pagtinangis nahabugtaw dayon imaw.
Pagka-aga, nag-adto imaw sa eati agod bantayan ro andang karnero. Pag odto ro-adlaw, samtang naga kaon imaw ko anang baeon, may magueang nga nagpaeapit kana agod mangayo it pagkaon. Guinta-o lang nana ro anang pagkaon bangud sa kaeo-oy sa magueang. Maangan-angan, may nagtunga nga baeangaw, ogaling kueang rong kolor it baeangaw. Sa anang pagpamantaw, guintaw-an imaw it dueaw nga panyo ko magueang. Guin was-was nana rong panyo, tan awon rong baeangaw nga may tabong panyo sa printe ko anang mata. Nangin kumpleto rong kolor it baeangaw.
Masunod nga adlaw, may nagtunga eon man nga baeangaw, kumpleto eon ro anang kolor. Matsa nagahibayag kana ag nagapasaeamat nga guin balik rong dueaw nga kolor. Suno sa mga mangin aeamon, rong pagkueang kong dueaw hay dueot it kahakug it tawo sa mga materyal nga bagay. Abo nga kabuhi rong naduea sa pag-inosoy kon siin makita rong manggad. Abo man nga pagtiis agod mag angkon kong manggad ag kadayawan ro tawo.
Paagi kay Mariz, ro isaeang ka simply nga pagta-o it pagkaon sa isaeang ka ginagutom hay simbolo nga may una pa guihapon nga mga tawo nga malimpyo it tagipusuon. Ro andang mayad nga hinimu-an hay naga pa kumpleto sa kolor kong nakueangan nga baeangaw. Royon rong banga nga bueawan nga guina hambae nga makita sa punta it baeangaw.
Sa kada mayad nga hinimu-an, maisot man o mabahoe hay bueawan nga memorya nga atong guinatipigan.
Rong pagpangabuhi hay kapareho kong pag-eatay sa baeangaw. Pagtukad sa mga kabukiran ag pagtabok sa kasuba-an agud makita rong banga nga bueawan. Sa kamatuoran, owa it bueawan nga naga hueat sa pihak it baeangaw. Rong bueawan hay rong kalipay nga matuman ro kada handum ag maeampasan naton ro tanan nga pagsubok sa atong kabuhi.. HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

MC New Coast Set To Proceed With Boracay Project

By Cheryl M. Arcibal

The businessman George Yang said, his real-estate projects in the tourist destination Boracy Island is on track despite moves to reclassify the area as forest and agricultural lands.
Yang, whose company Golden Arches Development Corp. owns the local franchise of the McDonald’s fast food said his condominium hotel development in Boracay island is outside the Presidential Proclamation 1064, which reclassifies more than half of the Boracay Island into a public agricultural land.
"The land has title. We don’t have problems with it," Yang told reporters. The proclamation, which was issued by President Arroyo this year, states the Department of Environment and Natural Resources may "dispose" and alienate lands classified as agricultural . . . at public bidding at their market value pursuant to law, with the occupant-claimant owner, being given only the preference to buy by matching the highest bid at the auction sale."
The Supreme Court Has Yet to Resolve the Case
Boracay residents and resort owners have asked for the nullification of the proclamation before the courts, warning that it will hurt tourism because operators of these tourist areas in Boracay may hold off development plans for what many consider an "island paradise."
Yang, who is also an owner of the MC Home Depot Inc., partnered with Fil-Estate Group to put up MC New Coast Inc. last year to complete the property development in Fairways and Blue-waters in Boracay.
MC New Coast is planning to put up 10 luxury hotel and residential villas within the Fairways and Bluewaters estate. Each building will consist of 30 units to be sold on a time-sharing scheme.
Among the joint venture projects is Balaihara Newcoast Villatel, a 2.25-hectare condominium hotel development in Boracay, which opened this year composed of nine low-rise buildings. /MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Security for Asean Delegates Still in Place

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit has been moved to January next year but measures in this island resort remains in place.
For now, however, the Philippine National Police (PNP) can relax a bit. The summit may have been moved but the "peak season" in this island has started.
Peak season refers to that time of year when tourists flock to Boracay. It starts around October and lasts until May of the following year.
Before the postponement, the PNP placed its personnel here on "high alert" in anticipation of some summit delegates swinging to this world-famous island.
Chief Supt. Geary Barias, regional police director, promised tighter security measures for the delegates from 10 Asean nations.
For now, however, the focus of the police’s attention are not the summit delegates but the regular tourists enjoying the island.
Boracay has also started implementing its one entry, one exit policy, using Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Ports. Barias added, "the security measures of the Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office is strengthened. When the summit blasts off next month, Barias said more uniformed policemen will be deployed to the Caticlan jetty port, the main-jump off point to the island, and the Cagban jetty port.
"The security in the island is a regular concern of the police even if there is no international gathering," Barias said. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Education Week at ASU

By: ACRelingo & MSAcoritay

The Aklan State University Banga and Makato Campuses were filled with excitement and cheer as they celebrated the Education Week from December 11 to 15, 2006.
The Week-long celebration started with a thanksgiving mass at the ASU Banga Amphitheater. It was followed by the formal declaration of the Opening of the Education Week 2006 with the theme: "Issues, Concerns and Challenges of the New Teacher Education Curriculum".
On its second day of celebration the students of Center For Teacher Education (CTE) and other colleges joined in parlor games, truly making it their day. In the afternoon, the "Pamaskong Handog ng CTE" was held. It was a fun-filled day, showcasing the various talents of the CTE students and faculty. The amphitheater was filled with deafening cheers when the faculty took the center stage and groove with the music, proving that the ASU-CTE faculty are not only great in the classroom, they are wonderful entertainers as well.
Meanwhile, the ASU Teacher Education Center, Makato Campus celebrated the Education Week with the theme; "Learning to know, to do, to live together and be in a global society" on December 13 to 15, 2006.
The three-day events were filled with intellectually and physically challenging activities. There were Physical Fitness Presentation, Exhibit Viewing and Quiz Bee for the first day. Several Skills Contests for the students were held on the second day. Afterwards, Technology Demonstrations were conducted featuring the Cassava Chiffon Cake by Professors Alma I. Irader and Erly D. Regatalio of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) Home Technology Department and Waste Recycling by Prof. Elena Tumbokon of TEC.
The three day affair ended with a Choral Contest and awarding ceremonies in the morning and a Christmas party in the afternoon of December 15, 2006. /MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

EDITORIAL

Arm Only The Police, Never Civilians

PNP Director General Oscar Calderon announced yesterday, December 21 the formation of a task force and the deployment of an elite team in Abra to prevent more violence. This is an offshoot that followed the murder of Congressman Luis Busamin, Jr. of Abra.
According to Calderon, Task Force Abra is led by Sr. Supt Eugene Martin task to assess the peace and order situation in the area.
Martin is the deputy chief for operations of the PNP Cordillera region. It will provide security of Abra from insurgency, criminality and all private armed groups. The task force is now validating the effectiveness of the police in Abra and to determine the need to replace these policemen from other provinces.
Bersamin, a congressman from Abra stood as sponsor at the wedding of his niece. While in the churchyard of Mt. Carmel church, New Manila, Quezon City. He was shot and died on the spot together with his bodyguard. The assassin, after killing Bersamin, just walk away to a waiting motorcycle. He was chased and fired upon by another Bersamin bodyguard. He just fired back, then moved away as a backrider on a motorcycle waiting by the road side.
A car wash boy was accidentally hit during the exchange of fires.
House Speaker Jose de Venecia, revealed this week, the police had arrested a former soldier. A pistol was also recovered believed to have been used in the Bersamin killing. Further, de Venecia revealed, hired killer received from a mastermind an initial sum of P200,000 for the killing. These information all came from Director General Oscar Calderon, revealed de Venecia.
The Bersamin murder case is about to be solved if this information de Venecia believed are true. The PNP seems to have uncovered the detail of the Bersamin killing like the mastermind and the amount paid. The arrest of all involved is a matter of time.
With this Bersamin murder the PNP must have established a new speed of crime solution especially after the suspects of the murder are apprehended.
But can the police do it? If it is done, Congressman Bersamin, Jr. will be afforded justice fast which has eluded others. There are so many high profile murders which until today remain mystery.
Take the case of Nida Blanca, the late Congressman Henry Lanot, Fortus Seachon and Marcial Punzalan, even former Sen. Benigno Aquino. In Lezo, Aklan, the police faces blank wall who ambushed Roland Ureta, a radio announcer of RMN–DYKR. Bombo Radyo Manager Herson "Boy" Hinolan’s murder case was solved, However, until today, the arms of the law are very short to catch the suspect. The warrant of arrest is just remaining a document, so meaningless, unserved.
Despite intense public pressure and the customary assurances of concerned authorities who would look for and catch the suspects and bring them to justice, several criminals enjoy hiding. However, what we realized is, "the case is under investigation. Will not stop until we bring back the suspect".
For six years of the Arroyo presidency, how many leftists activities and journalists were gunned downed by death squads? Did the authorities come out with any report and identify who were behind them?
These killings appear to have encircled the Filipinos. Unless something drastic is done, the Philippines will be the haven for criminal activities. With this crime frequency, as if the perpetrators are beyond the reach of the law and the law agents are inutile in bringing them to justice.
It is now time for the police to speed up crime solution and let justice system punish the guilty swiftly.
Let only the police be armed as all civilians has no business carrying a gun. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurial Farmer

By Ambrosio R. Villorente

Will Mayor Rebaldo Start
Public Market Reconstruction Now?

I am happy to greet and wish a Merry Christmas to my readers. May you will always be in peace, happiness and contentment. Happiness is the greatest gift to mankind from God. let us thank Him for that.
RICE MARKET POLICY
The present government policy on rice appears to be an instrument of unfairness. It is leading people to improper nutrition that in the long run, result to poor health of the population.
In the National Census and Statistics records, the annual per capita intake of rice has increased from 105 kilograms five years ago to 119 kilograms at present or an increase of 13.34 percent.
This record is the reverse of what is in Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. All those nations are rice eating countries like the Philippines but rice per capita intake have been considerably reduced. Their peoples had changed their eating habits. Today, they are consuming more fruits and vegetables with diminishing quantity of rice. Better still for those peoples have increased too their meat, milk and fish intakes over the years.
However, not in the Philippines for Filipinos had been increasing their rice intakes and reducing fruits, vegetables, meat, milk and eggs.
According to several observers, which views I support, the increasing rice intake and the diminishing fruits, vegetables, meat, milk and eggs is due to the following:
1. Rice, either locally produced or imported, is always available in the markets which price is pegged at P18 to P20 per kilogram; and
2. Since the price of rice is comparatively low compared with other food stuffs, consumers tend to over eat rice.
POOR NUTRITION
While the quantity of food intake maybe enough, the food nutrient present is imbalance. People with this low nutrient diet will be vulnerable to the attack of diseases. They will have stunted growth.
Grains such as rice is rich of carbohydrates and to eat more of this with less vitamins and minerals will enhance obesity. If this trend will continue, Filipinos will be obesed. They will tire easily and become highly susceptible to diseases.
On the part of the producers, the farmers may gradually shift from planting rice to other high value crops. Since market price of palay is pegged at P10 per kilogram notwithstanding the unabated increased cost of production such as land rental and real estate tax, farm inputs and transportation cost, farmers will just stop planting palay and just buy it in the market. They will shift to other high value crops.
At this time, it is cheaper to buy rice in the market than to produce it in the rice paddies. NFA has just announced the bidding for the importation of 500,000 m. t. of rice abroad for delivery early next year.
The rice program of the government does not only need a review. It must be carefully studied, rationalized and revised with the view to promote the rice production and consumption system.
The rice production and marketing program must mutually promote social justice among the producers, traders and consumers. Revise the rice industry system so that the farmers will be justly compensated for their efforts and investment, let the consumers pay justly for the rice they purchase and consume and regulate the margin of profits of rice traders…..
Let the politician deal rice strictly as food and economic commodity rather than an instrument of politics.

PUBLIC MARKET
Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo
has announced the temporary transfer of fish and meat vendors from the Kalibo Wet market to the Bagsakan, Oyo Torong, Kalibo. He announced further that he is asking the vendors to vacate the fish and meat section of the public market because that will be rehabilitated.
Of course who will not like the proposal? The repair is for the best interest of both three which are the vendors, the buyers and the Kalibo local government. The fish and meat vendors accept the idea but request that they be allowed to transfer any place near the public market. They will sure lose both customers and income in Oyo Torong as proven last year.
But, does Mayor Rebaldo has the money now for the market repair? I was told he has yet to borrow from a bank to spend for the repair. Should the fish and meat vendors transfer, will Mayor Rebaldo start the renovation during this christmas season? During the Ati-Atihan season? It is doubtful. He is yet to find the cash for renovation.
After the Ati-Atihan in January 2007, is infrastructure project allowed to start during the election period? The earliest Mayor Rebaldo can get going in the rehabilitation of the Kalibo Public Market is after he has gotten the cash for the project and after the election ban. This is probably in July 2007.
However, it will be happiness if he has the money now regardless of source and start the reconstruction now.
POLITICAL DYNASTY
It is now fixed that the local and national elections will be held on May 14, 2007. This column wishes this new year will bring in new government officials who are honest and trustworthy to manage the affairs of governemnt. /MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Entrepreneurial Farmer

By Ambrosio R. Villorente

Will Mayor Rebaldo Start
Public Market Reconstruction Now?

I am happy to greet and wish a Merry Christmas to my readers. May you will always be in peace, happiness and contentment. Happiness is the greatest gift to mankind from God. let us thank Him for that.
RICE MARKET POLICY
The present government policy on rice appears to be an instrument of unfairness. It is leading people to improper nutrition that in the long run, result to poor health of the population.
In the National Census and Statistics records, the annual per capita intake of rice has increased from 105 kilograms five years ago to 119 kilograms at present or an increase of 13.34 percent.
This record is the reverse of what is in Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. All those nations are rice eating countries like the Philippines but rice per capita intake have been considerably reduced. Their peoples had changed their eating habits. Today, they are consuming more fruits and vegetables with diminishing quantity of rice. Better still for those peoples have increased too their meat, milk and fish intakes over the years.
However, not in the Philippines for Filipinos had been increasing their rice intakes and reducing fruits, vegetables, meat, milk and eggs.
According to several observers, which views I support, the increasing rice intake and the diminishing fruits, vegetables, meat, milk and eggs is due to the following:
1. Rice, either locally produced or imported, is always available in the markets which price is pegged at P18 to P20 per kilogram; and
2. Since the price of rice is comparatively low compared with other food stuffs, consumers tend to over eat rice.
POOR NUTRITION
While the quantity of food intake maybe enough, the food nutrient present is imbalance. People with this low nutrient diet will be vulnerable to the attack of diseases. They will have stunted growth.
Grains such as rice is rich of carbohydrates and to eat more of this with less vitamins and minerals will enhance obesity. If this trend will continue, Filipinos will be obesed. They will tire easily and become highly susceptible to diseases.
On the part of the producers, the farmers may gradually shift from planting rice to other high value crops. Since market price of palay is pegged at P10 per kilogram notwithstanding the unabated increased cost of production such as land rental and real estate tax, farm inputs and transportation cost, farmers will just stop planting palay and just buy it in the market. They will shift to other high value crops.
At this time, it is cheaper to buy rice in the market than to produce it in the rice paddies. NFA has just announced the bidding for the importation of 500,000 m. t. of rice abroad for delivery early next year.
The rice program of the government does not only need a review. It must be carefully studied, rationalized and revised with the view to promote the rice production and consumption system.
The rice production and marketing program must mutually promote social justice among the producers, traders and consumers. Revise the rice industry system so that the farmers will be justly compensated for their efforts and investment, let the consumers pay justly for the rice they purchase and consume and regulate the margin of profits of rice traders…..
Let the politician deal rice strictly as food and economic commodity rather than an instrument of politics.

PUBLIC MARKET
Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo
has announced the temporary transfer of fish and meat vendors from the Kalibo Wet market to the Bagsakan, Oyo Torong, Kalibo. He announced further that he is asking the vendors to vacate the fish and meat section of the public market because that will be rehabilitated.
Of course who will not like the proposal? The repair is for the best interest of both three which are the vendors, the buyers and the Kalibo local government. The fish and meat vendors accept the idea but request that they be allowed to transfer any place near the public market. They will sure lose both customers and income in Oyo Torong as proven last year.
But, does Mayor Rebaldo has the money now for the market repair? I was told he has yet to borrow from a bank to spend for the repair. Should the fish and meat vendors transfer, will Mayor Rebaldo start the renovation during this christmas season? During the Ati-Atihan season? It is doubtful. He is yet to find the cash for renovation.
After the Ati-Atihan in January 2007, is infrastructure project allowed to start during the election period? The earliest Mayor Rebaldo can get going in the rehabilitation of the Kalibo Public Market is after he has gotten the cash for the project and after the election ban. This is probably in July 2007.
However, it will be happiness if he has the money now regardless of source and start the reconstruction now.
POLITICAL DYNASTY
It is now fixed that the local and national elections will be held on May 14, 2007. This column wishes this new year will bring in new government officials who are honest and trustworthy to manage the affairs of governemnt. /MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Aklan’s Typhoon “Seniang” Final Report Out

The PIA Kalibo, Aklan reported that one week after "Seniang" hit Aklan, the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) in Kalibo, Aklan finally released its consolidated report on the damages wrought by the typhoon in Aklan except one municipality which failed to submit.
The PDCC, chaired by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez and manned by Provincial Civil Defense Executive Officer Ret. P/Maj. Paquito S. Saratiosa, revealed that the typhoon damage reached P478,742,365.50 brought about by destructions of lifelines (roads, bridges, telephone and electricity); structures (schools, hospitals, government offices); agriculture crops, fisheries and poultry/livestock.
Hardest hit are the towns of Malay (where Boracay Island belongs) with P118,504,780.00 total damage; Ibajay, P100,805,000.00; Nabas, P87,195,000.00; and Buruanga, P66,930,000.00. These municipalities are all located in the western side of Aklan.
There are still areas in these municipalities without electricity.
Towns in the eastern side of Aklan also incurred damages and experienced deep and strong floods, however, those which are landlocked had minimal damage because there are no fishponds. It reported no damage in agriculture crops and structures.
Houses which were totally destroyed reached 2,621 mostly in the western part of Aklan making 11,512 persons homeless. Some 10 persons including a one-year old girl were reported dead, 82 were injured and 1 remains missing.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan in Kalibo, declared Aklan in a State of Calamity, enabling Governor Carlito S. Marquez to authorize the release of calamity fund to address the financial requirements of rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts of the provincial government.
The resolution also enables government workers of Aklan to avail of calamity loans. The Pag-IBIG fund in Kalibo has already started receiving applications for Calamity Loans of members. This is the first time for Pag-IBIG to grant this kind of loan in Aklan.
On the other hand, government employees in Aklan are also waiting for the official announcement/directive of GSIS executives as to the availment of Moratorium on Loan Repayments of GSIS members in typhoon-affected areas for five months starting December 2006 until April 2007 as published in major newspapers, as well as Calamity Loans of P10,000.00 up to P15,000.00 depending on their record of creditable services; longer repayment period; lower amortization; and waiver of penalties and surcharges.
Boracay Suffers P44M Damage From ‘Seniang’
Nestor P. burgos, Jr., reported typhoon "Seniang" (international codename: Utor) inflicted damages on the vacation island of Boracay valued at least P44 million.
Susan Trinidad, executive director of the Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI), which is composed of the owners of resorts, restaurants and other businesses on the island, said damages to structures of resorts and other businesses reached P35 million.
This amount does not include the speedboats, yachts, and motorboats damaged or destroyed by the strong winds and huge waves that hit the island on December 9 and 10, Trinidad said.
At least 45 resorts incurred damages after strong winds toppled electric posts, uprooted trees and pried off roofing materials, according to a report of the Boracay Special Tourist Police Office (BSTPO). The island has more than 200 resorts, hotels, restaurants and other business establishment.
Two boat operators died at the height of the typhoon and two others remain missing, officials said. But the Department of Tourism (DOT) and resort owners said the damages had "minimal effect" on tourist arrivals on the island although the BFI said it would take at least two weeks before the situation returns to normal.
Helen Camarista, DOT assistant regional director in Western Visayas, said they have received reports of cancellations of reservations for 12 rooms in two resorts.
"The resorts are still fully booked especially by balikbayans [Filipinos returning from abroad] and foreigners who will spend their Christmas and New Year on the island," Camarista said.
Trinidad said the bulk of tourists are expected to arrive this week, when the island would have substantially recovered from the effects of the typhoon.
She placed the cost of lost income due to cancellations at P2 million although she added they are still waiting for reports from their members.
Transportation between Boracay and Caticlan, the jump-off point from the Aklan mainland, remained crippled as up to 60 percent of boats were damaged or set adrift by the winds and sea currents.
AFTER TYPHOON
Electricity, water and internet connection had been restored two days after the strong winds and heavy rain toppled electric posts, uprooted trees and damaged houses and resorts.It took about two weeks before operations of the popular island-resort is back to normal, Nenette Aguirre-Graf, president of the Boracay Foundation Inc., a group of owners of resorts, restaurants and other businesses on the island, said.
Residents who lost their homes temporarily stayed at school buildings or with relatives, said Congressman Joeben T. Miraflores. Senior Insp. Christopher Prangan, acting chief of the Boracay Special Tourist Police Office, said 45 resorts were damaged and 63 passenger motorboats were damaged or missing.Around 768 houses have been damaged or destroyed in the island’s three villages—372 in Yapak, 240 in Balabag and 156 in Manoc-Manoc.
Two boat operators identified as Raffy Andrade and Panfilo Navarette died at the height of the typhoon. Two others identified as Mario Magallanes and Edmar Aban were missing, said Prangan. Miraflores said the typhoon battered the northwestern area of Aklan especially the towns of Malay, Nabas and Ibajay. /MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

United Coordinating Body Launches APEP

The Aklan Abaca Production Expansion Program (APEP) was launched this week as one of the priority projects of Aklan. The launching was led by former Congressman Allen S. Quimpo, Executive Director of Aklan Rivers Development Council with the participation of the members of the United Coordination Body of the APEP. It was held on December 19 at the SP Session Hall, Capitol, Estancia, Kalibo.
In a simple ceremony, Dr. Benny A. Palma, ASU President welcomed the participants present and briefed them of the present activities of the ASU as far as abaca is concerned.
Engr. Roger M. Esto of the PPDO introduced the members of the United Coordinating Body. Atty. Allen S. Quimpo presented the contents and objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding which was followed by its signing by the respective representatives to the APEP. In behalf of Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino gave his message where he stressed the importance and significance of abaca to the people directly affected, to the province of Aklan and to the Philippine economy as a whole.
At present, abaca (musa textiles) is planted in some 1,500 hectares in the town of Libacao. The program envisions to increase the area cultivated next year to another 3,300 hectares specifically in Libacao 2,000 ha, Madalag – 1,000, Balete – 25; Altavas – 50, Ibajay – 50; Malinao – 100; Makato – 25 and Banga – 100.
Mayor Denny Refol of Altavas and Roberto Garcia, Jr. attended the launching. Other mayors concerned with the program who are Mayor Teodoro Calizo, Jr. of Balete, Mayor Charito Navarosa of Libacao, Mayor Dominador Illio, Jr., of Malinao, Mayor Rex T. Gubatina of Madalag and Mayor Ramon Legaspi, Jr. of Makato were not present during the launching.
Abaca is a traditional field crop of Aklan. Its fiber served as clothing materials of Aklanons during World War II. Abaca fibers were woven into "sinamay", dyed for aesthetic effect. The cloth were made into "pinukpok" to soften its fibers and then sewn into trousers, dresses and other wears.
Known as Manila hemp, abaca fibers were made into cordage for maritime uses. The farmers used abaca ropes for large cattle and for tying. Abaca pulp is manufactured into security papers for printing paper money, checks and documentary stamps.
The utilization of abaca dwindled after plastic came into being. Maritime industries shifted from the use of abaca cordage to the synthetic fibers. However, because of environmental problems accompanying the use of plastic, abaca is again becoming important because it is environment friendly abaca, being a natural fiber.
Governor Carlito S. Marquez projects abaca as an industry which may alleviate the status of the marginalized upland farmers and simultaneously protect the watershed areas of Aklan. It will also reduce if not stop timber poaching activities and prevent forest degradation and soil erosion.
The program is envisioned to provide abaca planting materials, production loans to planters, improve the present method of planting and plantation management, modern decortication process and pulp processing and improve the market system geared to increase net income of abaca farmers. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

United Coordinating Body Launches APEP

The Aklan Abaca Production Expansion Program (APEP) was launched this week as one of the priority projects of Aklan. The launching was led by former Congressman Allen S. Quimpo, Executive Director of Aklan Rivers Development Council with the participation of the members of the United Coordination Body of the APEP. It was held on December 19 at the SP Session Hall, Capitol, Estancia, Kalibo.
In a simple ceremony, Dr. Benny A. Palma, ASU President welcomed the participants present and briefed them of the present activities of the ASU as far as abaca is concerned.
Engr. Roger M. Esto of the PPDO introduced the members of the United Coordinating Body. Atty. Allen S. Quimpo presented the contents and objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding which was followed by its signing by the respective representatives to the APEP. In behalf of Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino gave his message where he stressed the importance and significance of abaca to the people directly affected, to the province of Aklan and to the Philippine economy as a whole.
At present, abaca (musa textiles) is planted in some 1,500 hectares in the town of Libacao. The program envisions to increase the area cultivated next year to another 3,300 hectares specifically in Libacao 2,000 ha, Madalag – 1,000, Balete – 25; Altavas – 50, Ibajay – 50; Malinao – 100; Makato – 25 and Banga – 100.
Mayor Denny Refol of Altavas and Roberto Garcia, Jr. attended the launching. Other mayors concerned with the program who are Mayor Teodoro Calizo, Jr. of Balete, Mayor Charito Navarosa of Libacao, Mayor Dominador Illio, Jr., of Malinao, Mayor Rex T. Gubatina of Madalag and Mayor Ramon Legaspi, Jr. of Makato were not present during the launching.
Abaca is a traditional field crop of Aklan. Its fiber served as clothing materials of Aklanons during World War II. Abaca fibers were woven into "sinamay", dyed for aesthetic effect. The cloth were made into "pinukpok" to soften its fibers and then sewn into trousers, dresses and other wears.
Known as Manila hemp, abaca fibers were made into cordage for maritime uses. The farmers used abaca ropes for large cattle and for tying. Abaca pulp is manufactured into security papers for printing paper money, checks and documentary stamps.
The utilization of abaca dwindled after plastic came into being. Maritime industries shifted from the use of abaca cordage to the synthetic fibers. However, because of environmental problems accompanying the use of plastic, abaca is again becoming important because it is environment friendly abaca, being a natural fiber.
Governor Carlito S. Marquez projects abaca as an industry which may alleviate the status of the marginalized upland farmers and simultaneously protect the watershed areas of Aklan. It will also reduce if not stop timber poaching activities and prevent forest degradation and soil erosion.
The program is envisioned to provide abaca planting materials, production loans to planters, improve the present method of planting and plantation management, modern decortication process and pulp processing and improve the market system geared to increase net income of abaca farmers. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

United Coordinating Body Launches APEP

The Aklan Abaca Production Expansion Program (APEP) was launched this week as one of the priority projects of Aklan. The launching was led by former Congressman Allen S. Quimpo, Executive Director of Aklan Rivers Development Council with the participation of the members of the United Coordination Body of the APEP. It was held on December 19 at the SP Session Hall, Capitol, Estancia, Kalibo.
In a simple ceremony, Dr. Benny A. Palma, ASU President welcomed the participants present and briefed them of the present activities of the ASU as far as abaca is concerned.
Engr. Roger M. Esto of the PPDO introduced the members of the United Coordinating Body. Atty. Allen S. Quimpo presented the contents and objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding which was followed by its signing by the respective representatives to the APEP. In behalf of Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino gave his message where he stressed the importance and significance of abaca to the people directly affected, to the province of Aklan and to the Philippine economy as a whole.
At present, abaca (musa textiles) is planted in some 1,500 hectares in the town of Libacao. The program envisions to increase the area cultivated next year to another 3,300 hectares specifically in Libacao 2,000 ha, Madalag – 1,000, Balete – 25; Altavas – 50, Ibajay – 50; Malinao – 100; Makato – 25 and Banga – 100.
Mayor Denny Refol of Altavas and Roberto Garcia, Jr. attended the launching. Other mayors concerned with the program who are Mayor Teodoro Calizo, Jr. of Balete, Mayor Charito Navarosa of Libacao, Mayor Dominador Illio, Jr., of Malinao, Mayor Rex T. Gubatina of Madalag and Mayor Ramon Legaspi, Jr. of Makato were not present during the launching.
Abaca is a traditional field crop of Aklan. Its fiber served as clothing materials of Aklanons during World War II. Abaca fibers were woven into "sinamay", dyed for aesthetic effect. The cloth were made into "pinukpok" to soften its fibers and then sewn into trousers, dresses and other wears.
Known as Manila hemp, abaca fibers were made into cordage for maritime uses. The farmers used abaca ropes for large cattle and for tying. Abaca pulp is manufactured into security papers for printing paper money, checks and documentary stamps.
The utilization of abaca dwindled after plastic came into being. Maritime industries shifted from the use of abaca cordage to the synthetic fibers. However, because of environmental problems accompanying the use of plastic, abaca is again becoming important because it is environment friendly abaca, being a natural fiber.
Governor Carlito S. Marquez projects abaca as an industry which may alleviate the status of the marginalized upland farmers and simultaneously protect the watershed areas of Aklan. It will also reduce if not stop timber poaching activities and prevent forest degradation and soil erosion.
The program is envisioned to provide abaca planting materials, production loans to planters, improve the present method of planting and plantation management, modern decortication process and pulp processing and improve the market system geared to increase net income of abaca farmers. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Cebu Summit Postponed To January 10 - 14

The new dates of Cebu Summit is January 10 – 14, Ambassador Marciano Paynor, secretary general of the National Organizing Committee (NOC) of the 12th ASEAN Summit, announced recently. The proposed new dates for the Cebu Summit, is one month after the original dates. In a press conference at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC), Cebu City, Paynor said, "the ASEAN senior officials and the Philippines as chairman of the ASEAN standing committee have proposed Jan. 10-14, 2007 as the new dates for the ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN Plus Three Summit. The dates would be subject to the availability of the leaders, "although he quickly added that" the ASEAN senior officials are almost 100 percent sure that the ASEAN leaders would be able to make it on the said dates. "Most ASEAN countries are willing to adjust to the new dates", Paynor added.
According to Paynor, within one week, the senior officials could pass on the decision of their leaders to the NOC. As originally scheduled, many meetings related to the summit will be held at the brand-new CICC and that is one advantage of postponing the summit, the CICC facilities could be further improved.
"It was one of the best dry-runs that we had," Paynor said. Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, during the press conference, said that although they went through a "very disappointing setback," it nevertheless gave them the opportunity to "improve ourselves and to toughen ourselves. Cebu moves and will continue to move forward," Garcia said.
Earlier, the foreign ministers of ASEAN expressed their full support to the deci-
sion of the Philippines to reset the Cebu Summit because of typhoon "Seniang" which was forecast to hit Cebu province on the eve of the summit, December 10. The typhoon, however, skirted Cebu City but hit the northern part of Cebu province, particularly Bantayan Island and neighboring towns, where power and communication facilities were knocked down by strong winds.
The fishing industry in Bantayan Island was also affected by the typhoon. According to Paynor, the January summit could dispense with some of the preparatory meetings, like the senior officials’ meetings which have already discussed most of the documents to be passed on to their respective leaders, the meeting of the Eminent Persons Group, and the economic ministers meeting. On Friday, December 8, the ASEAN economic ministers winded up their meetings after they signed six economic agreements that would further expand economic cooperation in the region. Four of the six agreements signed are for the intra-ASEAN trade while the two others are economic agreements expanding trade with China. /MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Boy Scouts Honor Volunteers, Officials

Hon. Carlito S. Marquez, Governor of Aklan led the honorees of the By Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), Aklan Council during the National Court of Honor held to recognize the valuable support and contributions given to the Boy Scouts movement in Aklan. The award ceremony was held in CAP Bldg., Archbishop Reyes Street, Kalibo, Aklan on December 15, 2006.
Some 322 awardees for the years 2005 and 2006 received their respective medal and certificate from the National Court of Honor composed of Mr. Ernesto F. Melgarejo – chairman and Hon. Nelly M. Briones, Engr. Victory M. Fernandez, Dr. Victorina S. Laroza, Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente.
Of the 322 awardees, 206 are service medal awardees while 116 are medal of merit awardees. Governor Carlito S. Marquez was awarded the Silver Medal of merit with Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino who was awarded Gold Medal of Merit.
After the distribution of awards, Vice Governor Ronquillo
C. Tolentino, BSP chairman, Aklan Council gave his message. He stressed the importance of boy scouting and its contribution to the molding of youth’s character and citizenship and leadership development. He gave his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all involved in the scout movement.
In the morning of December 15, a short program and "Pasaeamat Luncheon" were held in the BSP headquarters, Veterans Avenue, Kalibo. It was held in honor of the avid supporters of boy scouting and for the successful celebration of the Golden Anniversary of BSP, Aklan Council and the holding of the 23rd Jamborette in the Altavas National High School as host, Altavas, Aklan.
Recognition and certificate were given to Altavas Mayor Denny D. Refol, DSC Salcedo B. Sabino, IH Antonio L. Sindal and Jamborette Staff members. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Sagaynon In Boracay Slay Gives Up

By Nestor P. Burgos, Jr.

The self-confessed killer of a Swiss-Filipino resort owner on Boracay Island surrendered last week, six months after stabbing dead his former employer.
Jesus Palbaquer, 25 of Brgy. Luna, Sagay City, admitted he repeatedly stabbed Araceli Villanueva-Hugg on June 19 in her room at the third floor of the family-owned Bamboo Beach Resort near Boat Station 3, on the southern end of Boracay Island.
"I killed her because I could not take the way she treated her workers," Palbaquer said when he was presented to reporters at the regional police headquarters in Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City.
Resort staff found Hugg’s body with multiple stab wounds inside her room on June 20. Hugg, 48, was married to a Swiss national. Her husband Paul and two children were in Switzerland when she was killed.
The killer and his victim are townmates, both are from Sagay City in Negros Occidental.Palbaquer sought the help of radio station Bombo Radyo in Bacolod City in surrendering to the police after operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation and policemen started looking for him at his cousin’s house where he stayed for two months in Barangay Ma-ao, Bago City. He said he spent nine days in a sugarcane field to elude the investigators before deciding to surrender.The Regional Trial Court, Branch 9, Kalibo, Aklan had issued a warrant for Palbaquer’s arrest on November 3 for robbery with homicide. No bail was recommended.
Investigators said, "between P40,000 and 50,000, and a mobile phone were missing from the victim’s room".
Palbaquer admitted that he took the victim’s mobile phone but denied that he stole any money."I surrendered because I knew that whoever was after me wanted to kill me and I wanted to clear my name on the things that I did not do," Palbaquer said.
Palbaquer claimed that Hugg only gave him an allowance of P2,000 for two months after working around seven months at the resort. He did not return to work after she told him to take a vacation.
But he said he was driven to kill her after she laid off two of his friends without paying them their wages before he returned to Boracay in June.
He said he waited for the victim to come to her room and stabbed her with a butcher’s knife as she opened the door. He then stayed with relatives in Negros Occidental, first in Victorias City and later in Bago City.
Chief Supt. Edwin Pfleider, deputy regional director for administration of the Police Regional Office 6, said Palbaquer will be presented to the Kalibo RTC and will be detained in Aklan. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Tita Linda Belayro

Limang Prinsesa Ag Andang Pangsaot Nga Sapatos

May limang ka prinsesa sa kaharian it Umbria. Kada adlaw, naga pangayo sanda it bag-o nga sapatos sa amang hari.
Surrender rong tanan nga sapatero una sa palasyo tongod kada adlaw, kinahangean nga may ma obra sandang mga sapatos para sa mga prinsesa. Nangawa rong hari kun pam-an, ngani ana nga guin pa usisa. Guin pabantayan nana sa gwardiya. Umabot rong tungang gabi-i, nasayran ko mga prinsesa nga may nagabantay kanda. Guin taw-an nanda it prutas rong gwardiya. Nahakatoeogan ro gwardiya ag nakatakas rong limang prinsesa.
Pagkaaga, samad eon man ro sapatos ko limang prinsesa. Masunod nga gabi-i, daywang ka guardiya eon rong guin destino agud magbantay. Maw man gihapon rong natabo, nahakatoegan rong daywang ka gwardiya tongod guin butangan it pang patoeog rong aeak nga guin painum ko mga prinsesa kanda.
Tongod sa resulta sa daywang gabiing pag gwardiya, nagpamando rong hari nga kon sin-o rong makatukib kong sekreto it mga prinsesa hay may mabahoe nga premyong mabaton.
Isaea si Petrus nga nag presentar agud tukibon rong sekreto it mga prinsesa. Nabaton imaw, busa nag gwardiya. Nag inum imaw it pangontra sa toeog. Pag-abot it tungang gabi-i, nagbangon ro mga prinsesa. Samtang nagpakuno-kuno si Petrus nga toeog, nagpado-eong rong lima sa sekreto nga aeagyan sa idaeom it palasyo. Guin sundan ni Petrus rong lima nga nagsakay sa isaeang ka baroto. Hatukiban ni Petrus idto gali sa tabok hay masyadong mahayag ag may binayle. Hakita ni Petrus sa anang paglingling, nga nagsina-ut rong limang prinsesa hasta paka aga. Pagbagting it orasan, dali-dali nga bumalik eagi si Petrus. Naabutan imaw nga hitsurang toeog ko mga prinsesa.
Pagkaaga, guin sugid ni Petrus sa hari rong tanan nga anang nakita. Guin patawag it hari ro limang prinsesa. Sa pagpangusisa kong hari, guinsugid nga ro lima hay guin taw-an it eana it isaeang ka magueang. Rayang eana hay ipahid eang sa andang sapatos kon maghalin sa palasyo. Idto sanda guina-daea sa isaeang ka baylihan ag magsina-ut pakaaga nga owa makabatyag it kaga-oy.
Agud mapamatud-an, nag-adto gid ro hari idto sa baylihan. Paagi sa eana nga anang gin pahid sa sapatos, nagsina-ut imaw kaibahan ko limang prinsesa. Tongod sa kaga-oy ag may edad eon rong hari, natumba imaw ag namatay.
Sa pagtaliwan it hari, owa eon magbinayle rong limang prinsesa. Isaea kanda rong guin pakasaean ni Petrus, Si Petrus ro nangin hari. Agud mapadayon rong pagbinayle, kada Sabado hay may paindis-indis nga gina hiwat una sa palasyo sa pinaka mayad magsa-ut. Ro ap-at ka prinsesa rong nagadumaea sa rayang pa indis-indis. Halin kato, masadya eon perme una sa plaza it palasyo, pero owa eon guina gamitan it eana. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

ATTY. PEDRO M. ICAMINA

Retired Executive Judge

Regional Trial Court, Kalibo, Aklan

Peacefully joined his Creator on
December 16, 2006.
His remains lie in state at his residence,
Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan
Interment will be on December 23 after a holy mass at St. John, The Baptist Cathedral, Kalibo, Aklan at 2:00 P.M.
at the Kalibo Municipal Cemetery

mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Palay Farmers Benefit From FOBB

Aklan farmers particularly members of the AKLAN SEED GROWERS in Kalibo and SANDONA Development Cooperative in Barangay Guinbaliwan, New Washington, Aklan continue to benefit from the NFA’s Farmers’ Option to Buy Back (FOBB) program. The Aklan Seed Grower and SANDONA Development Corporation are being chaired by Ret. Gen. Frederique R. Romero and Mrs. Joyce M. Delos Santos respectively. They are the first ever in Aklan to avail of this government enhanced marketing program.
In the FOBB program, the palay deliveries of both the individual farmers and institutionalized farmer organizations/cooperatives are procured just like in the regular procurement transaction. They are provided with a ready market for their produce and working capital while waiting for a good price of the traders. They have the option to buy-back the same volume of palay sold to the agency within the period of six months for resale to traders, millers or other interested buyers who may offer higher price than NFA’s maximum price of P10.25/kg for individual and P10.50/kg for FOs/cooperatives.
To date, the NFA Grains Center in Linabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan has procured 1,325 bags of palay from the Aklan Seed Growers and 1,276 bags of palay from SANDONA Development Cooperative or a total of 2,601 bags. NFA Aklan Provincial Manager Pablito G. Gemarino said, they have a waiting period until April 2007 wherein they could reap the gain anytime as private palay trading would allow.
Other farmers, FOs/cooperatives who are interested to participate in the program are welcome to visit NFA Office, Linabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan for more detail. Just contact Ms. Judith Tindog. /MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Japan Assures JPEPA Brings No Toxic Waste

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe assured his country would not dump toxic wastes in the Philippines. This assurance may put to rest all allegations and speculations on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye said recently. In his weekly column "The View From the Palace" which came out Monday (Dec. 11), Bunye said Abe’s assurance should also move the Senate to immediately ratify the agreement so that the two countries’ residents could benefit from it.
"The assurance made by Prime Minister Abe should dispel once and for all the unfounded allegations and speculations about the JPEPA and we expect that this will result to its speedy ratification by the Senate," Bunye said. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi signed the agreement on the sidelines of the 6th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM-6) last September in Helsinki, Finland.
Under the agreement, duties imposed on almost 95 percent of Philippine exports will be waived while both parties will eliminate tariffs on almost all industrial goods within 10 years from the date the agreement is enforced. Aside from this, overseas Filipino workers, (OFWs), particularly service providers such as nurses and caregivers, will be accepted in Japan. "The JPEPA was made possible due to the "deeply-rooted partnership" between the two countries "over the years on the basis of mutual respect and common interest", said Bunye. He assured that this partnership will remain intact "in this new era of cooperation in economic development, human security and regional integration. We stand behind the JPEPA as an instrument for Philippine prosperity and stability and as a monument to our mutually beneficial relationship with Japan," Bunye stressed. The JPEPA was transmitted by Malacañang to the Senate for ratification last Nov. 17. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com