Vol. XIX, No. 20 | May 19 - 25, 2014

>>Kaso ng HIV-AIDs sa Batangas, patuloy na tumataas > News. ...P/2 Vol. 19, No. 20 | May 19 - 25, 2014 E-mail: balikasonline@yahoo.com Telephone: (043) 417.1662 Smart/TNT: 0912.902.7373 Globe/TM: 0917.512.9477 Php 12.00/copy

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UMAASA ang Malacañang na agad aaksyunan ng Kongreso ang limang priority legislative measures na sinertipikahan nito kamakailan.

Sinabi ni Presidential Communications Sec. Sonny Coloma, kabilang dito ang Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act, Fiscal Incentives Rationalization Plan, Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime at renewal ng Philippine National Railways franchise.

GOOD JOB, CONGRESSMAN ABU!” Binabati ni House Speaker Sonny Belmonte si Batangas Congressman Raneo Abu matapos mapasama ang dalawang bills nito sa Priority Measures ng Malacañang.| TITO AGUIRRE ................................................................................................

‘Brigada Eskwela’ na sa mga pampublikong paaralan ISANG linggong magiging abala ang mga magulang, opisyales ng paaralan, mga estudyante at maging ang mga taga barangay sa panimula ng Brigada Eskwela ngayong taong ito.

Itinalaga ng Department Education ang May 19-24 bilang panahon kung saan ihahanda na ng mga pampublikong paraalan ang mga gusali, kapaligiran at mga

kagamitan bago sumapit ang pasukan.

Sa Batangas City, inumpisahan sa pamamagitan ng isang motorcade ang pagdiriwang na sinundan ng isang programa sa Pallocan Elementary School.

Ayon kay Ethel Lualhati, punungguro, Enero pa lamang ay nagpupulong na sila kasama ng mga magulang kung

paano isasagawa ang proyektong nabanggit. Mas dumami rin aniya ang mga magulang na nakiisa sa Brigade Eskwela ngayong taon.

Hinikayat naman ni Adela F. Aguila, OIC Assistant Schools Division Superintendent ang mga magulang na lalo pang makiisa sa proyektong ito.

>>>EDUKASYON..sundan sa P/7

Ang Customs Modernization and Tariff Act at renewal ng Philippine National Railways franchise ay kapwa inakda o principally authored ni Batangas Congressman Raneo Abu. Ikinatuwa ni Congressman Abu ang naging aksyon ng Malacañang na makakapagpabilis ng approval nito.

“Ang Customs Modernization and Tariff Act at renewal ng Philippine National Railways franchise ay parehong makakapagpataas ng antas ng ating Batangas International Port. Ito ang susi sa higit na paglago ng ekonomiya at hanapbuhay ng ating mga kababayan sa lalawigan ng Batangas.”

Ang House Bill 3333 (Philippine National Railways franchise renewal) at House Bill 3339 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) ay kapwa isinumite ni Congressman Abu sa Kongreso noong Nobyembre 2013.| TMA

On lovers and mistresses Food loss and hunger Calabarzon fashion crafts at the Sikat Pinoy fair, opens May 21 p. 2 .......................................................................................................................

S. Luzon business conference p. 6 p. 4 cites vital role of LGUs in ASEAN

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NEWS

Balikas

May 19 - 25, 2014

‘Bilang ng HIV-AIDs cases sa Batangas City, patuloy pang tumataas’ - CHO report NAALARMA na ang ilang sektor sa Lunsod Batangas sa patuloy na pagtaas ng kaso ng may Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Ayon sa tala ng City Health Office, nadagdagan pa ng 88 kaso ang naitala noong 2013 at pumalo na sa 448 na HIV cases sa Batangas City noong Enero 2014 pa lamang mula sa 360 noong 2013. Umabot naman sa 148 ang naitalang dagdag na kaso noong 2013 mula sa 212 noong 2012.

Sa 448 reported cases, 434 dito ay lalaki at 14 naman ay babae habang 118 mula sa bilang na ito ang kabilang sa edad 15-24 years old.

Ikalawa ang Region IV A sa mga rehiyon sa bansa sa dami ng bilang ng may HIV, sunod sa National Capital Region (NCR) na nangunguna o may 50% bahagdan sa kabuuang bilang na 16,964 HIV cases.

Nitong nakalipas na Biyernes, Mayo 16, isang candlelight memorial ang isinagawa ng Batangas City Health Office sa Barangay Balete Relocation Site bilang bahagi ng awareness campaign nito laban sa Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Ang nasabing gawain ay joint undertaking ng CHO sa ilalim ng

programang STI-HIV Aids Prevention Program at ng Batangas Barako Pride, Inc. na isang samahan ng mga lesbian, gay, bisexual at transgender (LGBT).

Ang “Let’s Keep the Light on HIV Batangas City AIDS Candlelight Memorials” ay naglalayong handugan ng panalangin yaong mga namatay dahil sa sakit na AIDS. Ayon kay Dr. Trisha Tenorio, Medical Officer IV ng CHO, sa pamamagitan ng naturang okasyon ay makakapag-promote o makapagbabahagi sila ng mahahalagang impormasyon hinggil sa mga Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) at Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV).

Ipinaliwanag naman ni Mrs Vicky Atienza ng CHO ang ilang mahahalagang bahagi ng Republic Act 8504 o ang HIV & AIDS Prevention and Control tulad ng iba’t ibang means at mode of transmission o pamamaraan kung paano nakukuha ang STI-HIV. Ang mga ito ay ang sexual contact, blood o blood products, needle prick at mula sa gatas ng ina.

Ayon sa mensahe ni City Health Officer Dr. Rosanna Barrion, inaasahan nila na ang nasabing gawain ay magbubukas ng kaisipan ng mga mamamayan tungkol sa AIDS upang ito ay maiwasan.

KONTRA AIDS. Patuloy ang kampanya ng City Health Office at Batangas barako Pride, Inc.

para sa sama-samang pagpapalawak ng kamalayan ukol sa HIV-AIDS gaya ng candlelight ceremony at panayam na ito sa Barangay Balete.| CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Pinaalalahanan ng CHO ang mga residente ng barangay Balete na dumalo sa naturang okasyon na sundin ang ABCDE upang maiwasan ang AIDS o sa pamamagitan ng Abstinence, Be monogamous, Correct and consistent use of condoms, Do not inject drugs at Education & Early Detection.

Hiningi nila ang kooperasyon ng mga tao na makipag-ugnayan sa

kanilang tanggapan upang matugunan kaagad sakaling magkaroon ng ganitong kaso.

Tampok din sa candlelight memorials ang testimonya ng isang HIV positive mula sa Maynila na

isang OFW na nagbahagi ng kanyang naging buhay at karanasan sa loob ng 10 taong pagkakaroon nito.| RONNA ENDAYA CONTRERAS

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Calabarzon fashion crafts at the Sikat Pinoy fair, opens May 21 at the Megamall CALAMBA CITY, Laguna -Fashion crafts of at least eighteen (18) enterprises from Calabarzon will be exhibited and sold at the DTI Sikat Pinoy National Fashion Fair which will open on May 21 until the 25th at the Megatrade Halls, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Calabarzon products include apparels, bags, beauty products, costume jewelry, and footwear.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Domestic Trade, the event - dubbed the ‘Piling-Piling Pananamit Pilipino Sikat Pinoy National Fashion Fair – will gather at least 150 exhibitors from the country’s 16 regions and will put up for sale their best crafts during the 5-day fair.

About 150 exhibitors from 16 regions all over the country will put up their best crafts for sale at the 5day marketing event dubbed ‘PilingPiling Pananamit Pilipino - DTI Sikat Pinoy National Fashion organized by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Quite popular, the Liliw footwear this year is still expected to draw more retail and institutional buyers.

Last year, Liliw footwear makers Jhaz Footwear and Ai-She Footwear posted highest in sales among the Calabarzon exhibitors.

This year, participating enterprises are Chona's Embroidery of Batangas; Sweet Beadworks of Cavite; Ai-She Footwear, Charles and Clara's Footwear, CRH Cerene & Renece Handicrafts, Jhaz Footwear, Lumban Embroidery Association MPC, Makiling Organic

Products, Oryspa Spa Solutions, Red Palm Ventures, and Sarilikha Handicraft of Laguna; Aineo Enterprises, Bryz Bags and Accessories, ELMN Enterprises, Higantes Festival, JCCJ Design Crafts, PATAMABA WISE, and Sofeetica Shoe Boutique of Rizal.

DTI organizes trade fairs for the micro, small and medium enterprises to be exposed to wider markets particularly corporate buyers and institutional merchandisers.

There will be training seminars and demonstrations, free of charge, on bag accessorizing, online marketing, beadworks, and massage oils. Also, there will be awareness seminars regarding ‘BIR matters and duties of SMEs as responsible taxpayers’.

Schedule of the free training, seminars and demonstrations: May 22 (Thursday), ‘BIR matters and the duties of SMEs as responsible taxpayers’ (0930-1030), Bag Accessorizing (1400-1600); May 23 (Friday), ‘BIR matters and the duties of SMEs as responsible taxpayers’ (0930-1030), Beadworks (1400-1600); May 24 (Saturday), Online Marketing (0930-1030), Hair and Make-up (1400-1600); May 25 (Sunday), Online Marketing (0930-1030), Massage Oils (1400-1600) For more information, contact the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade at telephone no. +632.751.3223, fax no. +631.751.3224, or email bdt@dti.gov.ph.| CHARLIE S. DAJAO

“TIME IS THE MOST VALUABLE THING A MAN CAN SPEND.” - Theophrastus, philosopher

NEWS

May 19 - 25, 2014

Balikas

3

Bantay Dagat volunteers, sumailalim sa pagsasanay SUMAILALIM kamakailan sa isang refresher course training ang may 75 na bantay dagat ng Lunsod Batangas sa Office of the City Veterinarian and Agricultural Services (OCVAS) upang mas epektibo nilang magampanan ang kanilang tungkulin sa pangangalaga ng karagatang sakop ng lunsod.

Ito ay tinaguriang “ Deputy Fish Warden (DFW) Training for Bantay Dagat na naglalayong mabigyan ng sapat na kaalaman ang mga ito sa kanilang mga tungkulin at responsibilidad gayundin sa mga batas na kinakailangang maipatupad upang mapangalagaan ang mga yamang dagat sa karagatan ng lunsod.

Bukod sa monitoring sa pamamagitan ng foot patrol at patrol boat kontra illegal fishing, ang mga bantay-dagat din ang nagsasagawa ng coastal clean up sa mga itinalagang barangay sa kanila.

Nagsilbing resource speakers sina Sonia Elloso ng Provincial Fisheries Office ng Lucena City, Eduardo Salita, OIC-CRM ng San Pablo City, Monro Gulle, OIC ng Navotas Fisheries at Rommel Credo, Aqua-I ng BFAR sa Batangas.

Tinalakay sa nabanggit na referesher course ang lecture on coastal resource management/fish anatomy, detection of fish caught thru explosives, RA 8550 o ang Prohibition at Penalties, grounds for revocation of being a DFW at ang standard operating procedure sa

Arrest, Search at Seizure.

Nagbigay ng welcome address si Asst. City Veterinarian Dra. Loyola Bagui at welcome remarks naman si City Veterinarian Dra Estelita Lacsamana.

Ayon kay Tranquilino Mariano, 58 taong gulang at mahigit sampung taon nang bantay-dagat sa Isla Verde, bagamat hindi sapat sa kanyang walong anak ang kanyang honorarium bilang bantay dagat, hangad niya na makatulong sa pangangalaga sa karagatan lalo na sa lugar na tinitirhan na itinuturing na “center of the center of marine biodiversities”.

Isa pa ring bantay dagat sa katauhan naman ni Ricardo Calaluan, 42 taong gulang ng San Agustin Kanluran ang itinuturing na bayani dahil sa pagsagip sa dalawang bata mula sa pagkakalunod noong April 20.

Siya ay dalawang taon pa lamang bilang bantay dagat at magsisilbi sa gawaing ito hanggang sa abot ng kanyang makakaya.

Hinihikayat din niya ang iba na pumasok sa larangang ito upang makaagapay ng lokal na pamahalaan sa coastal management.

Ilan pa sa mga Gawain ng bantay dagat ay proteksyunan ang mga itinalagang fish reserve and marine sanctuaries sa Pinamucan sa look ng Batangas at Nalayag Point at Punta Pulong Bato Fish Sancturies sa Isla Verde.| RONNA ENDAYA CONTRERAS

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IMPROVED INVESTMENT. Dinaluhan ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto kasama si Senador Ralph Recto ang pagpapasinaya ng New Color Coating Line at Skin Pass Machine ng Puyat Steel Corporation, Batangas Plant sa Rosario, Batangas noong ika-14 ng Mayo, 2014. Kasama si Mr. Edgardo Reyes, Chairman ng Puyat Steel Corporation ay nilibot ni Gov. Vi ang new facility upang bisitahin at obserbahan ang kanilang operasyon.| LOUIE HERNANDEZ

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Safe Motherhood Week, ipinagdiwang sa Batangas IPINAGDIWANG ng may 250 mga buntis mula sa lungsod ng Batangas ang Safe Motherhood Week sa Teachers Conference Center noong ika-14 ng Mayo na may temang “Pagliligtas sa Buhay ng mga Buntis, Katungkulan ng Bawat Mamamayan”.

Layunin ng programang ito na paalalahanan ang mga ina lalo’t higit ang mga nagdadalang-tao na pamalagiang kumonsulta sa health centers upang masiguro ang kaniyang kaligtasan maging ng kaniyang ipinagbubuntis.

Ayon kay Dra. Rossana Barrion, City Health Officer, ang mga

ganitong gawain ay nagpapatunay lamang ng adbokasiya ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas sa pangunguna ni Mayor Eduardo B. Dimacuha na pangalagaan ang kalusugan ng bawat mamamayan sa lungsod lalo’t higit ang mga sanggol.

Hinikayat din ni Barrion ang mga nagdadalang-tao na kung maaari ay huwag magpilit na manganak sa bahay. Napakadelikado aniya nito sapagkat maaaring maubusan ng dugo ang isang ina habang nanganganak at magresulta ng pagkamatay nito maging ng sanggol na kaniyang dinadala.

Dumalo naman bilang kinatawan ni Mayor Eduardo B. Dimacuha si City Administrator Felipe M. Baroja.

Samantala, nagkaroon din ng palaro na tinawag na “Bet on your Mommy” kung saan nagtagisan ang bawat buntis sa pagsagot sa mga katanungan na may kinalaman sa pagbubuntis.

Nanalo sa “Paint Your Ideal Community for Safe Motherhood Contest” si Sharmae Masangcay ng Brgy. 5. Si Masangcay ay tumanggap ng P2,000 bilang cash prize.| MONINA B. FERNANDEZ

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Palawan employment office deploys 208 youths in municipalities under SPES program

FOOD SECURITY.

Masayang nagpakuha ng larawan ang mga residente ng Gawad Kalinga V illage sa Brgy. San Pedro sa Lungsod ng Batangas na recipient ng food security program ni Governor V ilma Santos Recto kasama ang mga opisyal at kinatawan ng Gawad Kalinga Foundation. Bumista ang Gobernadora sa GK Village upang bisitahin ang pag-ani ng mga ito sa kanilang organic farm produce at makipagdayalogo sa lalo pang pagpapalakas ng pagsasaka at food security sa kanilang lugar.| LOUIE HERNANDEZ

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY – Two hundred eight (208) secondary, college students, and out-of-school youths (OSYs) were deployed by the Palawan Provincial Employment and Services Office (PESO) in different municipalities under the Special Privilege for Employment of Students (SPES).

Gemma Bustos, Labor and Employment Officer II of the PESO, said Monday that these secondary and college students including the out of school youths were deployed in 13 municipalities in the province.

Fifteen SPES beneficiaries will be

Organic farming, handog ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa GK Village San Pedro LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Mayo 15 (PIA) --Isang pagbista ang isinagawa ni Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto sa Gawad Kalinga Village sa Brgy. San Pedro sa lungsod na ito upang saksihan ang matagumpay na organic farming program ng mga residente na naninirahan sa nasabing komunidad.

Ang GK Village ay isa sa mga kumunidad o pamayanan na recipient ng programang pangagrikultura ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa ilalim ng kanyang food security program ng tanggapan ng panlalawigang pang agrikultura.

Naging matagumpay ang organic farming ng residente dahil sa masusing pag gabay ng mga farmer techinician na bukod sa pagbibigay kaalaman sa pangangalaga ng mga binhi ay nag bigay kaalaman din sa organic farming.

Sa pagbisita ng gobernadora, magiliw na ipinakita ng mga farmer villagers ang kanilang mga pananim na gulay na sumasailalim sa kategorya ng high value crops o yaong mataas ang halaga at pangunahing bilihin sa merkado.

Ilan sa mga ito ang talong, sili, kalabasa, kamatis, okra at mangga

na sinaka at pinalaki sa pamamagitan ng organic farming method.

Sa kanyang pakikipagdayologo sa mga farmer residents, ipinahayag ng gobernadora na patuloy nitong susuportahann ang programang pagsasaka at binigyang kasiguraduhan ang pagpapabuti ng irigasyon o patubig sa nasabing lugar ganun din ang pagsasaayos ng lansangan at pakikpag dayalogo sa mga electric power distributors upang maihatid sa GK village ang serbisyo ng kuryente.| EDWIN ZABARTE

assigned in each municipality, while 25 will render services during the summer at the Provincial Capitol until May 21, she said.

Their stints under SPES, Bustos explained, is in compliance by the provincial government of Republic Act 9547 that is open to young people between the ages of 15-25 years old.

Each beneficiary, she added, will receive P200 per day, where 60% or P120 of their salaries will come from the provincial government, and 40% or P80 will be shared by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Bustos furthered said that in the present implementation of SPES, many beneficiaries are in college, and the rest in secondary level.

“There are OSYs, and they qualified because they were certified by the Department of Social Welfare

and Development (DSWD) to be of good moral character,” she said, adding they were accepted also because they want to enroll in the next opening of classes.

When the program concludes, the beneficiaries will have to submit their accomplishment reports and daily time records (DTRs), Bustos said.

These documents will be included in the payroll that will be processed for the beneficiaries to receive their SPES salaries.

“We hope that the SPES this year will be able to give our beneficiaries experiences that will teach them lessons on the value of working hard to enable them to go back to school.

It is a great privilege, and we hope they do not waste what they will learn,” she said.| CELESTE ANN FORMOSO

OPINION

Balikas

4

May 19 - 25, 2014

Lists, lists, lists, what do these tell us?

By BENJIE OLIVEROS SO many lists of those allegedly involved in the pork barrel scam have come out. The latest is the “official” list from Janet Lim-Napoles herself, which was turned over by Justice Sec. Leila de Lima to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. The list identified those who had dealings with Napoles, which included 10 incumbent senators, two Cabinet members and more than 60 current and past representatives of the Lower House.

Panfilo Lacson also came out with a list, which, he claimed, was given to him by Jimmy Napoles, husband of Janet. The Lacson list identified 10 incumbent senators, former senators Manny Villar and the late Robert Barbers, former Batanes representative and current Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Agriculture Sec. Prospero Alcala, and 68 current and former representatives of Congress. Another list, this time obtained by GMA news, had 13 incumbent senators.

Whistleblower Sandra Cam also has her version of the list, which named 16 senators and 82 congressmen. The Philippine Daily Inquirer published a list, which it culled from the digital files of the relative and former trusted aide of Napoles Benhur Luy, naming more than 100 lawmakers including 25 past and present senators.

There are so many lists coming out that it is difficult to ascertain which is closer to the truth. In fact, this may have been done on purpose to make it difficult to pinpoint and hold accountable those who were really involved in the pork barrel scam.

This brings back memories of the famous I have two CDs press conference of Ignacio Bunye, the spokesperson and press secretary of then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in 2005. Bunye tried to preempt the surfacing of a recording of the telephone conversation between Arroyo and then Commission on Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano where the former was ordering Garcillano to ensure her lead of one million votes over her rival in the presidential race, the late Fernando Poe Jr.. Bunye said the implicating recording was tampered with.

Despite this seeming attempt to confuse the Filipino people, all lists clearly show: 1. The scandalous magnitude of the corruption scam – involving billions of pesos of taxpayers’ money and almost a hundred government officials being implicated – considering that this is just one branch of government, involving just one type of fund and just one operator in the person of Janet Lim-Napoles, surely there are more scams waiting to be uncovered; 2. The incontrovertible proof that corruption in the Philippines is systemic and that there is no way that the Aquino government could not have known right from the start who should be held accountable considering that even key officials of the current administration were involved, and when the lists began to surface, President Aquino was forced to admit that he had seen three versions of the list; 3. The attempted cover up and the real reasons behind the VIP treatment Janet Lim-Napoles has been receiving ever since her “surrender” up to the present and why even President Benigno Aquino III went out of his way to accommodate her and to ensure her “safety;” 4. The impunity in corruption where corrupt officials could just as easily get away with stealing from the nation’s coffers and maintain themselves in power no matter who occupies the seat in Malacañang; 5. Corruption is so deeply embedded in the country’s political, socioeconomic system so much so that it would take no less than decisive, radical measures to restructure the country’s political and electoral, economic, and socio-cultural system to eradicate it.

If the Aquino government does not act on this decisively and hold to account – not just a few lawmakers from the opposition while saving the

>>>PERSPECTIVE..turn to P/5

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perspective

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Food loss and hunger DEVELOPING countries such as the Philippines consider food production and hunger as primary concerns that they need to address. Hunger is real and so is the declining agricultural productivity in almost all countries. The deprivation that the poor suffer and the inaccessibility of natural resources are usually confounded by the occurrence of calamities and other human made catastrophe.

The gap between the rich and the poor is oftentimes shown in the abundance and lack of food in their food tables. Of course, there are other factors that accentuate this gap like access to opportunities and institutions and the relative impact of their choices in public policy making.

The online news outfit Rappler reported that according to the World Food Programme, over 1.3 billion tons of food is lost each year. It continued that the estimated rice wastage that year was 296,869 metric tons (MT), which accounted for 12.2% of the year’s rice imports. The loss amounted to P7.3 billion. It estimated that with the same amount, more than 2 million Filipinos could have been fed (see <http:// www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/53419-foodwastage-ph>).

The food loss in the Philippines is believed to have been caused by “the lack of modern agricultural technologies, resources and skills, infrastructure like irrigation systems and farm-to-market roads, land tenure, support for research, innovation, and agricultural workers contribute to food loss”. (id.)

Meanwhile, the Social Weather Station found out that 17.8% or an estimated 3.9 million families experiencing involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months (First Quarter 2014 Social Weather Survey, fielded over March 27-30, 2014). It explained

that the 17.8% total Hunger in March 2014 is the sum of 15.0% (est. 3.3 million families) who experienced Moderate Hunger and 2.8% (est. 615,000 families) who experienced Severe Hunger (see <http:// www.sws.org.ph/>). The SWS survey disclosed that the national hunger rate of 17.8% consisted of Hunger in Metro Manila at 12.0% (est. 356,000 families), Balance Luzon at 20.0% (est. 1.9 million families), Visayas at 16.7% (est. 701,000 families), and Mindanao at 18.0% (est. 898,000 families). (id) While not directly related with one another, these two sets of statistics reveal the problems that the government have to address. The statistics imply that the efforts of the past and present Philippine administrations did not do much to help our farmers and other food producers in confronting productionrelated concerns. Wrong economic priorities have led to the neglect of agricultural for a long time already. It is no wonder then that the importation of rice and other food products seems an easy solution for the past and present administrations.

The government have to prioritize agricultural production and the recovery of local industries to reverse the trends that the statics mentioned above show.

Curbing or controlling the increase in population will not do much as it serves merely as convenient scapegoat for failing to address poverty. Farmers need help.

Resources should be allocated and technical assistance must be provided so that they can cope up with the requirements of higher agricultural production and farm conservation. While they may be good for the ears, sloganeering does not address the concerns of the poor who toil the soil. Time is passing and unless their concerns are met, the situation of Philippine agriculture will inevitably be irreversible.|

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Ang Mabuting Balita Ang Pangako tungkol sa Espiritu Santo Iscariote), Panginoon, bakit po sa amin lamang KUNG iniibig ninyo ako, tutuparin b ninyo ang aking mga itinuturo. Dadalangin ako sa Ama, upang kayo'y bigyan niya ng isa pang Tagapagtanggol na magiging kasama ninyo magpakailanman. Siya ang Espiritu ng katotohanan, na hindi matanggap ng sanlibutan sapagkat siya ay hindi nakikita ni nakikilala ng sanlibutan. Ngunit nakikilala ninyo siya, sapagkat siya'y nasa inyo at siya'y mananatili d sa inyo.

Hindi ko kayo iiwang nangungulila; babalik ako sa inyo. Kaunting panahon na lamang at hindi na ako makikita ng mundong ito. Ngunit ako'y makikita ninyo; sapagkat mabubuhay ako, at mabubuhay rin kayo. Sa araw na iyon ay malalaman ninyong ako'y nasa Ama, at kayo nama'y nasa akin at ako'y nasa inyo.

Ang tumatanggap sa mga utos ko at tumutupad nito ang siyang umiibig sa akin. Ang umiibig sa akin ay iibigin ng aking Ama; iibigin ko rin siya at ako'y lubusang magpapakilala sa kanya.

Tinanong siya ni Judas (hindi si Judas

kayo magpapakilala nang lubusan at hindi sa sanlibutan?

Sumagot si Jesus, Ang umiibig sa akin ay tumutupad ng aking salita; iibigin siya ng aking Ama, at kami'y tatahan at mananatili sa kanya.

Ang hindi tumutupad sa aking mga salita ay hindi umiibig sa akin. Ang salitang narinig ninyo ay hindi sa akin, kundi sa Ama na nagsugo sa akin.

Sinabi ko na sa inyo ang mga bagay na ito habang kasama pa ninyo ako. Ngunit ang Tagapagtanggol, ang Espiritu Santo na isusugo ng Ama sa pangalan ko, ang siyang magtuturo sa inyo ng lahat ng bagay at magpapaalala ng lahat ng sinabi ko sa inyo.

Kapayapaan ang iniiwan ko sa inyo. Ang aking kapayapaan ang ibinibigay ko sa inyo; hindi ito katulad ng kapayapaang ibinibigay ng mundo. Huwag na kayong mabalisa; huwag na kayong matakot. Sinabi ko na sa inyo, Ako'y aalis, ngunit ako'y babalik. Kung iniibig ninyo ako, ikagagalak ninyo ang pagpunta ko sa Ama, sapagkat higit na dakila ang Ama kaysa sa akin.|

OPINION Balikas 5 Moralidad at kagandahang asal ang kailangan On lovers and mistresses May 19 - 25, 2014

PROCESS server si Jun sa Metropolitan Trial Court sa isang probinsiya. Nagmamayari si Jun ng isang boarding house para sa mga empleyado ng gobyerno. Madalas nakikitang naninigarilyo si Jun sa paligid ng Korte at umaalis sa puwesto niya kahit oras pa ng trabaho.

Noong Nobyembre 30, 2006 mga 11:55 ng umaga, umalis ng Korte si Jun at umuwi sa bahay niya para mananghalian. Bago kumain si Jun at si Kim na isa sa boarder niya at nagtatrabaho bilang agricultural officer, ay uminom ng tig-isang bote ng serbesa. Nang dumating si Ely na kasamahan ni Kim sa opisina, nag-order pa si Jun ng isang long neck ng brandy. Nagluto si Ely ng kanilang pananghalian. Pagkatapos kumain, uminom pa rin sina Jun at Kim ng isang boteng whiskey.

Mga alas kuwatro ng hapon, bumalik na si Jun sa Korte malapit sa opisina ni Lita na isang court stenographer. Nang nag-alisan na ang ibang empleyado maliban kay Jun at Lita, hinalikan ni Jun si Lita sa labi na medyo lasing pa sa mga oras na iyon at sinabihan si Lita ng “I love you”. Ayon kay Lita madiin daw ang halik na iyon kaya namula ang ibabaw ng kanyang labi.

Inireklamo ni Lita si Jun ng “acts of lasciviousness” sa kasong administratibo at kriminal. Bilang aksyon, inatasan ng Office of the Court Administrator ang Regional Trial Court Executive Judge ng probinsya na imbestigahan, gawan ng ulat at magbigay ng rekomendasyon ukol dito.

Sa imbestigasyon, ikinaila ni Jun ang mga paratang laban sa kanya. Isinumite ni Jun ang kanyang apidabit na siya ring ginamit din niya sa criminal complaint sa kasong acts of lasciviousness kung saan sinabi niya na sila’y magkaibigan ni Lita. Nang hapon na iyon, sinabi ni Jun na inalok pa nga siya ni Lita ng meryenda at wala namang naganap sa kanila.

Ngunit matapos ang imbestigasyon, pinaniwalaan ng Executive Judge ang testimonya ni Lita laban sa pagtanggi ni Jun. Ang konklusyon ng Huwes ay di lamang base sa testimonya ni Lita kung di sa mga salaysay ng iba pang mga testigo lalo na ng Clerk of Court na nagsabing habang pinaguusapan nila ni Jun ang performance rating niya, inamin ni Jun na totoong hinalikan niya si Lita.

Nabanggit din ni Ely sa kanyang salaysay na nagiinuman nga sila Jun at Kim noong hapon na iyon.

Kaya napatunayan ng Huwes na nagkasala nga si Jun ng aktong panghahalay at pinalala pa ng pag-inom niya habang may trabaho pa na madalas naman niyang ginagawa. Inamin din ni Jun na naninigarilyo siya sa paligid ng Korte at umaalis kahit sa oras ng trabaho.

Kaya inirekomenda ng Huwes na suspendihin si Jun ng anim na buwan.

Tama ba ang Hukom?  TAMA. Ang aktong panghahalay o pambabastos at pagiging lasing sa oras ng trabaho ay inamin ni Jun pati na rin ang paninigarilyo niya sa paligid ng Korte at pag-alis ng opisina sa oras ng trabaho ay paglabag sa Supreme Court Administration Circular No. 9-99.

Ang isang empleyado ng Korte na nanghalay o nambastos ng isang kasamahan sa trabaho ay nagkasala ng gross misconduct at imoralidad na makakasama sa interes ng serbisyo.

Ang gross misconduct at imoralidad ni Jun pati na ang paglabag niya sa SC Circular ay mga dahilan upang matanggal siya sa trabaho. Ang mataas na pamantayan ng moralidad at kagandahang asal ay kailangan para sa mga opisyal at empleyado ng Korte. Kung ito’y masisira, mawawala ang tiwala ng tao sa hukuman.

(Dontogan vs. Pagkanlungan Jr., .A. P-06-2620.

October 9, 2009. 603 SCRA, 98).|

........................................................................................................................................................

Balanseng kapangyarihan para sa maliliit na bansa SA mundo ng International Relations at International Politics, ang presensiya ng Estados Unidos sa rehiyon na ito ay mahalaga para magkaroon ng balanseng kapangyarihan ang mga bansang maliliit kagaya natin. Lalo pa ngayon na hindi mapigilan ang pagpapakita ng Tsina ng kanilang kapangyarihang militar. Ang presensiya ng estados unidos ay parang pulis.

Sa isang komunidad, pag may pulis, walang gulo.

Sa ginagawang panggugulo ng Tsina sa bakuran natin sino ang pipigil sa kanila? Tingin ko malaki ang magagawa ng Estados Unidos. Una sila ang pinakamakapangyarihan bansa sa buong mundo at hindi sila papayag na sarhan ng Tsina ang dinadaanan ng mga barkong naghahatid ng produkto sa rehiyon na ito dahil malaki ang epekto nito sa kanilang ekonomiya, kasama na tayo dyan at sa buong mundo. Ibig sabihin iisa ang interes natin. Kung pareho ang ating ipinakikipaglaban at pinaniniwalaan, bakit hindi tayo sumama para lumakas ang tayo at boses natin?  Dapat nating maunawaan na ang Estados Unidos pa rin ang kinikilalang pinakamakapangyarihang bansa sa buong mundo. Tested na rin ang ating pagiging magkaibigan. Hindi lamang noong magkaroon ng problema sa Central Visayas dahil sa bagyong si Yolanda kundi napakarami pang mga pagkakataon.

Logically sa mga problema sa West Philippine Sea na inaapi tayo ng Tsina, kasama na dyan ang banta na magsasagawa sila ng military operatuions na huhulihin nila ang mga Philippine Marines nating nakatalaga sa Ayungin Shoal, isang lugar na nasa loob ng bakuran natin, sino ba ang dapat nating lapitan para tulungan tayo? Pero dapat nating maintidihan uli na hindi ibig sabihin giyera ang hanap natin. Dahil walang bansa ang naghahangad ng giyera. Maging China, USSR at US man yan hindi nila nanaisin ang pumasok sa giyera.

Ang presensiya ng US sa rehiyon ito ay parte ng

rebalancing ng power sa buong mundo. Kung gusto nyo po itong maintindihan, puwede nyo pong basahin ang mga konsepto sa International Politics and International Relation. Kapag nabasa nyo ng buo ito, maiintidihan po nyo na hindi giyera ang hanap ng US kundi ito ay isang stratehiya sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan sa regiyong ito ng mundo.  Ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon sa West Philippine Sea ay hindi dapat humantong sa initan at pormahan sa pagitan ng Tsina at ng mga maliliit na bansang nakapaligid sa kanya kung taktikang pangangaibigan ang kanyang ginamit at isinisulong.

Kaya huwag tayong magsawang iparating sa mga pinunu ng Tsina ang ating protista sa kanilang paglalapastangan sa karapatan natin. Kumbinsihin natin sila na maaari silang maging big brother sa rehiyon na ito. Ipaliwanag natin sa kanila na ang pagkamkam sa kayamanan dagat ng ibang bansa ay mali sa konsepto ng pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan sa rehiyong ito at hindi rin ito makakatulong sa malaking problema hinaharap nito sa loob ng bansa nito.  Pinasalamatan ko nga pala ang unit manager ng Land Bank sa loob ng Villamor Air Base na si Leovina Isaguirre sa pagtulong sa akin na makuha ko kaagad ang Checke ko noong Friday.|

..................................................................... <<<PERSPECTIVE..from P/4

Lists, what do these tell us? members of his administration, political party and his allies, – ALL those involved then it would also show that Aquino’s much-hyped anti-corruption drive, under his presidential campaign slogan “kung walang korap, walang mahirap” (If there is no corruption then there would be no poverty), is just a painful joke that it has been playing on the Filipino people.| WWW.BULATLAT.COM

BY this time, I can tell that we are all either so bored or agitated -- and yes, angry -- with Janet Napoles, PDAF, corruption in high places, that perhaps we all need somehow some refreshing break from it all. So now, how about shifting our attention to the more mundane but scintillating stories of "lovers" and "mistresses" for a change? Here goes.  LEGAL WIFE --Today's trending "teleserye", by all accounts, is ABS CBN's "THE LEGAL WIFE" that starts at 9:20 every evening. I have not really followed and watched it but when I get home not too late at night before a serial ends at 10 pm, I usually catch the end part simply because my wife Beth or the household girls are hopelessly glued to that TV show. I can change channels only when they're done (although I always insist on having the last and final say in the house which in this case is the emphatic "yes, dear!" ) So, I somehow get a little glimpse of the high drama -- and the thrill --that surround the forbidden romance between a married man , Adrian ( Jericho Rosales) and Nicole ( Maja Salvador) with an anguished wife Monica ( Angel Locsin) discovering how best friend Nicole stole Adrian from her. The latest episode this week is about Nicole being preggie and demanding attention -- and support --while Adrian and wife Monica ( still unaware about Nicole's latest predicament) are planning to cool it off in far away Canada to try to work things out or pick up the pieces or whatever. How it will end is still everyone's guess.  TRUE TO LIFE ? -- The story seems so true to life that many righteously angry wives identify or personify themselves with downtrodden Monica who is cheated and who, in their eyes no less is a "martyr" of sorts.

However, at times they also ridicule and scold her for being "too soft" or "too naive" to deal with the situation. Other viewers, but not too many, quietly " feel "for Nicole who flirted with and snared philandering husband Adrian but who has feelings ( and rights?) too as the "second woman" - especially now that she's pregnant . I also suspect that some men and husbands quietly envy Adrian's lucky streak as someone enjoying "both worlds" but grievously sinning, mistaking and recklessly doing it "too close to home" for comfort --- Monica and Nicole being the best of friends.  MOVIEMAKERS --- The prime time story puts in public focus the travails of a family beset and besieged by "another woman" . It is so provocative and watched by many that Facebook netizens express their angsts in the social media by posting real life reactions, to the glee of the telenovela scriptwriters and moviemakers who astutely maneuver the human drama by whetting the appetite of the transfixed viewers who are at times agonizing or angry or happy depending on how the story twists and undulates. When the going gets rough, we at times sit up and reassure ourselves that this is just a movie but at the back of our minds, we try and blot out the thought that this can be happening in the real world of ours. State of denial can be therapeutic in certain cases although we know many still have succeeded in keeping similar and real-life trysts within the unseen confines of their secret boudoir. It bothers the ordinary wife or woman no end when she watches the show and instinctively curses and spews expletives against Nicole -- although , some of them unconsciously wondering about the thrill of being Nicole perhaps with their fantasized and unfulfilled secret dreams of being the "other woman" that they cannot do in real life! Some women in their righteous indignation must be curious too of how it is to be one like Nicole. I heard one lady friend saying she would prefer Nicole than being Monica coz it's more exciting and she fantasized about this, see? ( I would not be surprised if this reaps a whirlwind of protests.) I also heard husbands who complained that they had no idea whatsoever of what was going on in the movie but somehow bearing the brunt of their wives "warnings" and importuning upon coming home from work. Indeed, the public has internalized it and has experienced what experts call as the "temporary suspension of disbelief" enabling the viewers to live the characters that they see on the screen.  AFFAIRS --- This reminds me of a coffee table book authored by my friend, Julie Yap Daza, a pert Manila journalist and "coquet" ( ooops, she may resent this adjective coz this is too mild to describe her. Hahaha! ).

The title of her 2012 book is "MISTRESSES PLAY, MEN STRAY, WIVES STAY" which she autographed and gave me a copy sometime ago. An earlier book was titled "ETIQUETTE FOR MISTRESSES". Both contain juicy narrations of actual, mostly secret, love affairs of the "rich and the famous" friends of hers in Manila that she stumbled into as a journalist.

A few days ago, I rummaged through my shelves hoping to refresh my memory by resuming the guessing game of "whos who with whom" in Ms. Julie's book but I couldn't find it again. Although they were not named, one could identify the persons referred to, mostly public officials. As we know, the more famous and high placed they are, the more salacious the

>>>DUREZA..turn to P/6

BUSINESS

May 19 - 25, 2014

S. Luzon business conference cites vital role of LGUs in ASEAN integration SANTA ROSA CITY, Laguna — The vital and indispensable role of local government units (LGUs) in the country’s preparation for the 2015 ASEAN Integration was highlighted during the 23rd South Luzon Area Business Conference held in this city Wednesday.

With the theme “Proud Pinoys!

Rising to the Challenges of ASEAN Integration,” resource speakers in this year’s regional business conference stressed on the important role that LGUs will play to attract more investors and make local industries become more competitive in the face of global economic integration.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Lilia De Lima said that local government units (LGUs) perform crucial roles being the first point of contact by any investor.

For starters, the PEZA chief said that LGUs should assure potential investors on the viability and safety of locating their business in the country. ”Accentuate on the positive and downplay the negative,” De Lima said as she noted some folk’s tendency to selfflagellate when receiving visitors.

He also advised local executives to first convince and bring the investors here before asking on what they can do for the community or other “corporate

social responsibilities.”

“Competition in 2015 would be intense, but if we do it right, we can do it,” De Lima said.

For her part, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Calabarzon Regional Director Josefina Castilla-Go said LGUs can help prepare for the ASEAN economic integration by coordinating with government agencies to increase awareness and information.

Go said DILG is currently working for the identification of current major industries that might be exposed to regional competition and the major and niche industries that can compete regionally in consultation with experts to improve marketing strategies. ”LGUs should also identify possible tourist destinations and proper maintenance and promotion of the existing sites while improving local transportation and communication infrastructure,” Go said. ”Local governments must also provide trainings and orientation programs to the labor force who are potential workers in ASEAN neighboring countries,” she added.

The LGUs have also been ordered by the DILG to provide technical and financial assistance to local small and medium enterprises and the same financial support to local farmers/fisher folk.

Related to these, the DILG has already embarked on capacity building seminars for LGUs to be more efficient in terms of improving the local economy and empowering local businesses to be

more competitive through training and financing opportunities with the ASEAN Economic Community economic agenda, Go said. ”For the security and safety of business locators, the LGUs should provide support to the local police force and local security officials to be more effective keepers of the peace in order to further attract potential investors and tourists,” Go said.

The DILG official also urged LGUs to implement Regulatory Simplification Project (RSP) and craft a Roadmap for Business-Friendly and Competitive LGUs through their Business Development Plan that would include the streamlining of the Business Permit and Licensing Services and simplified application of registration procedures.

Meanwhile, Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas said the city government, in coordination with national government agencies, has set up a research group in partnership with the business sector, academe, banking sectors, labor groups and media to contribute on how the business community can maximize the benefits from the ASEAN integration. ” The business sector in the city is not only a source of income but also our partners in progress and we assure them that our constituents would continue to provide excellent service to the business sector. With our indomitable spirit, we are ready to face the challenges of the ASEAN integration,” Arcillas said.| SAUL E. PA-A

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DTI set to conduct 2-day Diskwento Caravan TRECE MARTIRES CITY, CAVITE, May 15 (PIA) – The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry announced that a 2day “Balik Eskwela” Diskwento Caravan will be held on May 22-23 at the parking area beside the Government Center Building here.

In a press conference held last Tuesday, May 13, DTI provincial director Noly Guevara explained that the

caravan is a partnership with local manufacturers and retailers of school supplies and basic prime commodities in the province. About 17 exhibitors already confirmed their participation.

These manufacturers will offer products at discounted rate ranging from 10 to 20 percent to enable the consumers especially the parents to buy goods at reduced price. Commodities on sale are school supplies,

LEGAL NOTICE EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE DEED OF SALE NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late SPS. ANGEL B. ALCAYDE SR. and MAURAA. ALCAYDE, who died intestate on November 1, 1998 and June 16, 1983, respectively, consisting of two (2) parcels of land, both situated at Sampaguita before Pitogo, bauan, Batangas, to wit: (1) covered

by OCT No. 14138 / Tax Dec. No. 05-0024-00116, with an area of 2,376 square meters, and (2) covered by OCT No. P-14642 / Tax Dec. No. 05-0024-00150, with an area of 8,974 square meters, respectively, have been extra-judicially settled by and among their heirs with Deed of Absolute Sale, per Doc. No. 274; Page No. 55; Book No. XXXX; Series of 2014 of ATTY. NESTOR C. FERNANDEZ, Notary Public.

Pahayagang Balikas / May 19, 25 & June 2, 2014

bags, shoes, uniforms, lunch boxes, umbrella, raincoats, rice, basic and prime commodities.

Guevarra said they are expecting that the 2-day caravan will exceed the target sales of Php150,000.

During the 2-day caravan, side activities such as free haircut will be offered by trainees of the provincial Technical, Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), an SME corner limited to local food and handicraft producers with at least 10 percent discount will be given to the customers, and DTI staff will distribute information material on fair trade laws.

Since 2011, DTI-Cavite has been conducting Diskwento Caravan to different places in the province. With positive results of the implementation, the project continues to address the needs of the consumers particularly the marginalized sectors of the

society.

The expansion of ‘Diskwento Caravan’ aimed to bring basic and prime commodities at discounted prices to the consumers in the countryside. (PIA-Cavite) Macrohon-Nuño said the virus was detected in 2010 when it affected fishponds in Cebu, Bulacan and Zamboanga del Sur. “Its presence is practically all over the Philippines as represented by the geographical location of the provinces that were attacked by said virus which are situated in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” said Macrohon-Nuño in filing House Resolution 783.

She explained the WSSV only attacks crustaceans like prawns, shrimps and crabs.

Recently, the virus made its presence felt recently in Zamboanga City affecting three barangays namely Vitali, Tictapul and Mangusu according to the legislator.| PNA

6

<<<DUREZA....from P/5

Of lovers and mistresses

whispered stories become. But that does not mean only the rich and the famous are into this situation. I know of jeepney drivers or lowly laborers who also indulge similarly. The forbidden seems to attract and fascinate. It whets the appetite and the imagination. Yes, to love and feel loved is a universal indulgence. It comes in different hues -- from the sublime, the platonic, the moral and the purely physical. It knows no bounds. Or so it seems.

But a word caution first before I get into trouble with the wife ( Beth, in flesh and blood not fictional Monica, mind you) for indulging in this sensitive topic, lest I falsely project my seeming expertise in this line. (with tongue- in- cheek?

Hahaha!). I can however try to feign real knowledge from my work as a lawyer, a counsellor, a public official, a journalist.

But that won't fly. Maybe, as a person who loves to love and loves to be loved by everyone can be a good excuse for such competence. Of course, everyone wants to love and be loved in whatever way. Who doesn't? C'mon let's all admit it.  HUSBAND STUCK ---A few days ago, in one of my naughty moments, I posted this brief piece on my FACEBOOK wall that I got from a friend’s text message. It goes like this: “A man from Kuala Lumpur tells his wife that he has a business appointment in Beijing for the weekend. He informs her that he will fly on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.

Now..... he’s been stuck for 2 months in his girlfriend’s house and doesn’t have the faintest idea how to go home.

(ANY SUGGESTIONS?) hahaha!”

Oh boy! The reactions from my FB friends came in torrents! All sorts: “Good for you bastard!” or “Lucky wife now enjoying his insurance”; “Stuck with the b*tch!” “Get lost husband. I’m the legal wife so I get the pensions, insurance...”

Another bright idea from a retired police officer: “Get someone to call wife and ask for ransom money for your release by making up the story that you were kidnapped on your way to the airport”. One quick reply to the kidnap for ransom ploy: “What if the wife offers to give more money to the kidnappers so they keep the husband forever instead.?” And a lot more.

Interesting. Fascinating! (NOTE: More suggestions still welcome if you wish. )  CROSSING THE LINE --- I notice there is now more openness among many in talking about and dealing with relationships beyond the “normal bounds”. Where before they were talked about usually in hushed and whispered tones, there is more “public discourse” (not acceptance, I’m sure) of this reality. I have a theory. A lot of these recent developments have something to do with the onset of the cellphones, the internet and other revolutionary methods of communications.

Today, most persons are virtually “interconnected”. Intimate human feelings and wants, including physical appearances (those posted profile photos for example) are no longer confined in the usual circles but are instantly shared and expressed in cyberspace or in privacy with others. Usual boundaries are breached. Even time and space are no longer delimiting -moderated only by one’s personal moral standards or personal preferences or tastes or inclinations. Naturally, the possibilities and temptations of going beyond normal moral bounds are there for all to deal with. Connecting with someone, whether in person or in cyberspace, whether licit or illicit, legal or otherwise are now within everyone's fingertips. It can simply mean that "crossing the line" is no longer that difficult. I need not specify the obvious -- lest I also unnecessarily disclose how my own free spirit flies. (oooops!)  LIFE’S ANTIDOTE --- With the “ooohhs & aaaahhs” and the raves of “THE LEGAL WIFE”, expect other enterprising moviemakers to push the button further with other similar plots and storylines. It’s good for the cash register! It may render passe and moot the wholesomeness of daytime soap “PLS BE CAREFUL WITH MY HEART” as too good to be true and shunted aside by types similar to THE LEGAL WIFE, although the latter is heavily dramatized, more down-toearth and -- who knows --a more accurate and palatable portrayal of today’s romantic foibles behind closed doors that are coming more and more out of the closet. Whatever the outcomes, more entertaining movies like these can be good numbing antidotes to the otherwise dreary and hard part of living that we all must face day to day. So -- go, go, go Adrian, Nicole and Monica! You make our day -- Napoles et al, notwithstanding! And one final note: is there anyone planning to do “THE LEGAL HUSBAND?” -- the shoe on the other foot may just be as entertaining! ( jessdureza@gmail.com)

Tawag na sa Pahayagang Balikas Telephone No. (043) 417.1662 * 0917.521.9477 * 0912.902.7373 para sa inyong pagpapalathala.

Nicetas E. Escalona, Lifetimes Editor

LIFE TIMES gamit. Malaking tulong ang magagawa sa taimtim na panalangin o dasal upang makaiwas sa hindi kanaisnais na mangyayari Sagittarius (Nob. 23Dis. 21) - Ang iyong kinatatakutan ay hindi maiiwasan na darating. Hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay maaari kang umiwas o tumakas sa bagay na ayaw mo, kaya ihanda ang sarili at buong tatag na harapin ang dapat harapin.

Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Ngayon masusubukan kung gaano katatag ang iyong pagtitimpi dahil magiging sentro ka ng biro at kantiyawan o may taong makapagpapainit ng iyong ulo. Kung magagalit ka, talo ka dahil sisirain ang iyong buong araw.

Aquarius (Ene. 20 - Peb. 18) - Iwasan ang makiusap dahil hindi ka pagbibigyan. Sariling sikap ka ngayon dahil maging ang magulang o kaibigan ay hindi ka matutulungan kung ikaw ay may kailangan.

Pisces (Peb. 19-Mar. 20) - Dalawa ang uri ng tao, mapagsamantala at napagsasamantalahan.

Napabilang ka ngayon sa napagsasamantalahan kaya upang maiwasan maging alerto, mapagmasid at huwag ibigay kaagad agad ang tiwala kahit kanino lalo na sa hindi lubos kilala.

Aries (Mar. 21-Abril 19) - Huwag tantanan ang ginagawang pagsisikap para sa kaunlaran dahil nasa tamang landas ka ngayon. Huwag hayaang lumiko o lumihis ang tinatahak na daan upang maagap na makarating sa patutunguhan.|

‘I am a Christian, I have not apostatized’ Understanding absurdity of condemning woman to death for converting to Christianity KHARTOUM (Zenit.org) - “I am a Christian, I have not apostatized.” Thus Sudanese Doctor Maryam Yahya Ibrahim, declared to the court, after a Muslim religious tried for 30 minutes to convince her to “return to Islam” or retract her apostasy. The story, namely Maryam’s nightmare, who is a 27-yearold mother of an almost twoyear old boy and eight months pregnant, shows what a long way some Muslim countries have to go to ensure the fundamental rights of their citizens. On May 15, 2014 she was sentenced to death for apostasy and to 100 lashes for adultery. Initially, in August of 2013, Maryam was arrested, accused of adultery, on the basis of article 146 of the Sudanese Criminal Code, because she is married to a Christian with whom she has had a son.

During the trial, in February of 2014, Maryam stated she was a Christian and, therefore, the accusation of apostasy did not apply, on the basis of article 126.

Many Sudanese activists protested outside the courtroom, holding posters with the following writings: “No to the prosecution of religions,” “No constriction in religion,” “Respect the freedom of religions.” The embassies of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Holland issued a joint communique asking for respect of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Amnesty International mobilized immediately.

However, to understand fully the absurdity of what is happening to the young Sudanese mother and wife, to understand the atrocity of the

brutal verdict issued in Maryam’s case, it is necessary to review her life briefly.

Maryam was born of a Muslim father and an Ethiopian Orthodox mother.

For Islam, the marriage of her parents is correct because, in Islamic law, a Muslim man is allowed to marry a woman belonging to the People of the Book, namely, a Christian or Jewish woman. However, Islamic law does not provide for the opposite case, so Maryam was accused of adultery because she married “illegally” a Christian who, as provided in the Shariah, did not embrace Islam before marrying.

But is Maryam a Muslim or a Christian? She affirms that she is Christian, but the court considers her a Muslim and condemns her as such.

On the basis of what is clearly affirmed, not in the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Man of 1948, to which the diplomats and Amnesty International appeal, but in the Cairo Declaration of the Rights of Man in Islam of 1990, which refers to Sudan, Maryam is a Muslim. One reads in the Preamble: “desiring of contributing to the efforts carried out by humanity to guarantee the rights of man, to protect him from exploitation and persecutions and to affirm his freedom and his right to a fitting life, in conformity with Islamic law, which in article 11 states that “man is born free…” Despite this, article 5 affirms that “men and women have the right to get married, and no restriction based on race, color or nationality can impede them from exercising this right,” not to mention the

restrictions just mentioned which have to do with the religious membership of the future spouses. However, it is in article 11 that the key affirmation is found: “Islam is the natural religion of man (al-islam huwa din al-fitra). It is not licit to subject the latter to some form of pressure or to take advantage of his eventual poverty or ignorance to convert him to another religion or to atheism.”

Article 11 is based on the expressed concept, be it of Koranic verse 30 of the sura XXX “Therefore, turn your face to the true Religion, in purity of faith, first Nature in which God hasmen,” be it by the saying of Mohammed transmitted by Abu Hyrayra “Every child is born with the a natural disposition to Islam (fitra) , it is, then, his parents who make him Jewish, Christian or Zoroastrian.” On the basis of what Islam has just shown, it does not provide for a sacrament similar to Baptism and it considers every person born of a Muslim father as physiologically Muslim. This would be Maryam’s case according to the Sudanese court. But once again the woman’s life contradicts what

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Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) Sa ayaw o sa gusto mapipilitan kang kumilos dahil sa pangangailangan. W alang ibang dapat sisihin sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon kundi ang sarili.

Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) Dahil masigla ka ngayon maraming matatapos na gawain na hindi iindahin ang pagod. Disiplina sa sarili at konsetrasyon sa ginagawa ang dapat upang maiwasan ang pagkakamali o mapahamak.

Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) - Huwag sayangin ang lakas at pagod sa paggawa ng mga bagay na hindi gaanong kailangan dahil dito mapo-focus ang iyong atensyon.

Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - Pag-ibig ang dahilan kung bakit ka maligaya, masigla at agresibo. Pag-isipang mabuti ang bawat hakbang na gagawin kung may kaugnayan sa pag-ibig at damdamin.

Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Kung hindi maaabot sa isip ang solusyon sa problema lalo na kung tungkol sa pag-ibig, walang masama kung kumunsulta sa psychic­. Magiging magulo ang iyong isipan at kailangan ng tulong ng higit na nakakaalam.

Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) - Huwag magtaka kung marami ang lalapit sa iyo dahil sadyang signos mo ito ngayon. Kung ang lalapit ay may kailangang bagay, kung kaya huwag pagkaitan ngunit tiyakin na makatwiran ang ibibigay na tulong.

Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - Nasa signos na may mawawalang bagay o may mangyayaring damage sa

is upheld by the judges. At six years of age, the father abandoned Maryam and her mother, hence if in this absurd story a guilty one must be found, it’s the Muslim father who entrusted his daughter to the woman he had married and who brought her up in her faith.

Therefore, Maryam is right when she affirms that she is a Christian, because she has not known any other religion in her life.

The case of the young Sudanese woman is still more emblematic of so many other accusations of apostasy because, if the sentence is confirmed, it would be a dangerous precedent that would consider an apostate one who has never changed his creed or never knew he belonged to Islam.

Fortunately, the woman’s pregnancy and the rules of Islamic law in this regard, make it so that the sentence cannot be applied for the next two years or at the end of the nursing period. In this lapse of time the international organizations, diplomacy, and public opinion must oblige whoever affirms religious liberty to affirm it outright, otherwise, there is no liberty.|

.............................................................. <<<EDUKASYON... mula sa P/1

‘Brigada Eskwela’ na sa mga pampublikong paaralan Aniya, maging ang mga opisyales ng mga barangay ay kaagapay na rin sa pagsasaayos ng mga silidaralan, kapaligiran at kaayusan sa loob at labas ng mga paaralan.

Ang Brigada Eskwela ay

7

May 19 - 25, 2014

isang nationwide activity ng mga public schools at paghahanda bago magbukas ang klase sa mga pampublikong paaralang elementarya at sekundarya sa Hunyo 2.| ALVIN M. REMO

Pinoy recipes. Lutuing Pinoy Estopadong manok

Cooking Directions: 1. Marinate chicken overnight with soy sauce, lemon and pepper. (You could also shorten this part by marinating it for 30 minutes and it should be fine. (Left over Rotisserie Chicken works perfectly for this dish too).

2. In a pan, brown the potatoes and carrots. Set aside. In the same pan, brown chicken quarters, set aside. Saute garlic and onions, put back the chicken quarters. Add a dash of pepper and 2-3 bay leaves.

Give it a quick stir. Add the soy sauce, white wine or vinegar, and chicken stock,Make sure to deglaze the pan. Those brown bits add flavor. You may add the celery at this time and throw in some carrots (leave some for later). Now all you have to do is simmer it for 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked. Bring back the potatoes and carrots until they are cooked. To thicken the sauce, add bread crumbs until you've achieved a slightly thick gravy like sauce.

Enjoy!

THERE are days when you are so inspired that even a simple dish could turn into a “special” one. When you love what you do, it definitely shows on the result and cooking is no exception. … and when you love what you do, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to prepare a dish… just like that one time when I made this dish my husband was all praises.

So let me share with you what my husband calls: simple homecooked meal that look so special… but where I come from this dish is what we call Estufadong Manok: Ingredients: 1 whole chicken or leg quarters 2 tbsp cooking oil 1 onion quartered 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup soy sauce 3-4 tbsp white wine (cane vinegar is used traditionally) 1 1/2 cup chicken broth 1 stalk celery 2 medium sized carrots 2 medium potatoes, sliced 3 bay leaves black pepper and salt to taste

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PAHALANG 1 Salakay 6 Kalibo ang kabisera 10 Karpintero 11 Batong hiyas 12 Una sa takdang oras 13 Taksi 14 “K” sa tinaguriang pambansang ilong 15 Tambol 18 Tasmania: daglat 19 Husgado 22 Pangatnig 23 Natural 24 General Manager 25 Palagi 27 Tunog ng relo 28 Inagurasyon 30 Sulsol 32 Kalihim ng DILG 33 Bundok sa Bataan 34 Taas 36 Thompson, swimmer

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37 Paluwal PABABA 1 Uri ng saging 2 Bena 3 Isla sa Malaysia 4 Overtime 5 Sagabal 6 Tatay 7 Bawasan 8 Pamamapak ng kanin 9 Pagdurugo 10 Infant formula milk 16 Flower sa Tagalog 17 Biblical personality 20 Exit sa NLEX 21 Ilit 25 Lunsod sa Florida, USA 26 Amoy 27 Malaking sasakyan 29 Iyon: ibang anyo 30 Sungayang hayop 31 Ire 35 Tipo ng dugo

>Wanna be featured here? Please contact us at 0917.512.9477 | 0912.902.7373 | 043.417.1662 for inquiries.

Ronalina B. Lontoc, Special Project Editor

F.E.S.T.

......................................................................... >>>FESTIVALS & FEASTS..., EVENTS..., SHOWBIZ & SPORTS...TRAVEL & TRENDS<<<

May 19 - 25, 2014

8

Sights and Sounds of Bohol Exhibit sa SM City Batangas ORMAL na binuksan sa publiko ang photo exhibit ng “Sights and Sounds of Bohol” o Talan-Awon Ug Kasikas sa Bohol sa SM City Batangas.

Ito ay isang fund-raising project na naglalayong makatulong sa Diocese of Tagbilaran sa rehabilitasyon ng mga nasirang simbahan na pawang mga cultural heritage churches at iba pang cultural treasures sa Bohol dulot ng 7.2 magnitude na lindol noong October 15, 2013.

Ayon kay Pinky San Andres, Project Manager ng Sights & Sounds of Bohol, ang photo exhibit na ito ay isang learning tool upang malaman at higit na maintindihan ng mga mamamayang Pilipino ang kalagayan ng cultural treasures ng Bohol at mahikayat silang tumulong sa rehabilitasyon nito.

Ito ay proyekto ng Cultural Center of the Philippines at National Commission for Culture and the Arts sa pakikipagtulungan sa SM Supermalls.

Tampok dito ang mga larawang kuha ng respeta-dong travel photographer na si Noel San Andres sa mga UNESCO recognizedchurches at structures tulad ng Kapitolyo ng Tagbilaran at Albur Parish, San Pedro Church sa Loboc at Immaculada Concepcion dela Virgen Maria sa Baclayon at iba pa pang heritage site ng Bohol.

Ang nabanggit na photo exhibit ay nagsimula noong November 30 sa SM North Edsa. Mula Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga at Batangas, itatampok din ang naturang proyekto mga SM malls sa Mindanao at Visayas at magtatapos sa Bohol sa Hulyo ng taong kasalukuyan.

Ang ribbon- cutting ceremony ay pinangunahan nina Atty.

Antonio Pastor, Executive Director ng Batangas Provincial Cultural and Historical Commission at myembro ng Batangas City Cultural Affairs Committee, SM City Batangas Mall Manager Rosalinda Gabriel, Asst. Mall Manager at Mina Buenaflor.

Dumalo din sa opening ceremonies ng photo exhibit sina Taal Tourism Officer Arch. Robert Arambulo.

Ang exhibit ay tatagal hanggang May 19 kung saan bukas sila sa pagtanggap ng anumang tulong na pinansyal na makakatulong sa rehabilitasyon ng mga nabanggit na gusali. |

P

GNG. BATANGAS WINNER.Iginawad ni Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto ang

tropeo na kumikilala kay Mrs. Marie Grace Manalo ng Cuenca bilang Gng. Batangas 2014 Winner. Ang koronasyon ay ginanap noong ika-9 ng Mayo 2014. Kasamang nagwagi sa patimplak sina Mrs. Gemmeli Panopio ng Mabini, 1st Runner Up; Mrs. Lea Cueto ng Taysan, 2nd Runner Up; Mrs. Cristina delos Reyes ng Calaca, 3rd Runner Up at Mrs. Maria Carla Garcia ng Bauan, 4th Runner Up.| LOUIE HERNANDEZ

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Natatanging Batangueño, kinilala ng konseho

KINILALA ng Sangguniang Panlunsod ng Batangas sa regular na sesyon nito noong ika-12 ng Mayo ang isang katangi-tanging Batangueño na tinanghal na magna cum laude sa University of the Philippines Los Banos sa kursong BS Civil Engineering.

Siya ay si Mart Daniel Clanor, 22 taong gulang ng barangay Libjo Lamao, Batangas City. Si Clanor ay valedictorian noong elementary at high school sa Carmel School of Batangas.

Aniya, bata pa lang ay pangarap na nyang maging isang inhinyero. Ang kanyang pamilya aniya ang kanyang naging inspirasyon upang magsikap sa kanyang pagaaral.

Bagamat nahirapan at napressure na makipagsabayan sa mga kaklase na mula sa Science school, nagsilbi itong hamon

upang lalo nyang pagbutihin ang pag-aaral.

Naniniwala siya na bukod sa kanyang taglay na angking talino at sipag sa pag-aaral, may kaakibat na swerte aniya ang kanyang natamong karangalan.

Malaking tulong din aniya ang pagkakaroon ng matibay na pananampalataya sa Diyos upang makamit niya ang kanyang tagumpay.

Payo niya sa mga nagnanais ding mag-excel sa pag-aaral na huwag sayangin ang pagkakataon na ibinigay ng mga magulang na makapag-aral at pagbutihin ang anumang kursong papasukin.

Kasalukuyang nagtatrabaho bilang review teacher ng UPCAT si Daniel at magsisimulang magreview sa Hunyo para sa pagkuha ng Civil Engineering board exam sa Nobyembre.| RONNA ENDAYA CONTRERAS

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES Company Registration Consulancy & Processing

E-mail us at: balikasonline@yahoo.com Call/Txt: 0917.512.9477 | 0912.902.7373

Go away from drugs....

Harness your talents at

D’ BLADES JAMM We welcome home-grown bands, students, amateur jammers.

BLADES Centre, Guades Comp., Purok 3, Calicanto, Bats. City For inquiries and schedule, Call of Text 0912-902-7373 to 74.

Fun Day with Aeta Community, binisita ni Gov. Vi

DINALAW ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto ang Aeta Community sa PutingKahoy, Rosario, Batangas, Mayo 14. Ito ay bilang suporta at pagbibigay tulong sa kanilang komunidad.

Nagdaos ng programa na pinangunahan ng Provincial Assistance for Community Development Office. Nagkaroon ng palaro at paligsahan sa pag-awit upang mabigyan ng kasiyahan ang mga pamilyang naninirahan doon.

Ginanap din ang Medical Mission sa pangunguna ng Provincial Health Office. Pinagkalooban din ng

pitong (7) sets ng toilet construction package na kinapapa-looban ng isang (1) toilet bowl,tatlong (3) bags ng semento, tatlumpung (30) hollow blocks at tatlong (3) steel bars bilang pagbibigay ng importansya sa kalinisan at kalusugan ng bawat pamilya.

Namahagi ng school bags para sa mga day care students at grocery items para sa mga pamilyang nandoon ang Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.| ELFIE ESTRELLA ILUSTRE

Services Offered: * Rehearsals * Rentals * Tutorial *Band Service We also offer: Photobooth Service for all occasions.

Call: 043.417.1662