Iloilo Metropolitan Times Volume 1 • Issue no 27

ILOILO

the first business newspaper in metro iloilo

metropolitan VOL. I ISSUE NO. 27

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developmental news | critical views www.iloilometropolitantimes.com

August 4 - 10, 2013 Php 12.00

Britanico Bridge, of which the blocks used are the same with that of the Miag-ao Church, is a Spanish colonial bridge in Miag-ao, Iloilo. It has a creek flowing underneath and a modern highway built upon it. (PHOTO BY MARY PAULINE BALMES/IMT)

PLDT’s PANGILINAN EYES ILOILO

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES A possible public-private partnership between business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan and Iloilo City government thru Senate President Senator Franklin M. Drilon is being laid under the table.

In an article of Jose P. Vidal in the Senate PRIB,Drilon and Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog met with Mr. Pangilinan and his team last July 30 to brief the group of the business tycoon regarding Iloilo River and efforts, both short and long terms, being undertaken to revive the river and make it the anchor of economic development in the city.

Drilon said that the group of Mr. Pangilinan is examining the entire plan to determine if there can be viable significant

public-private partnership.

“Nothing is certain yet at this point because we are still in the exploratory talks as to which aspect of the rehabilitation plan hey can best intervene in,” said Drilon.

Drilon is hoping, like all Ilonggos would like to see, to get Mr. Pangilinan and his group signed up for Iloilo River rehabilitation.

Drilon told Pangilinan that the Iloilo River is now a finalist in Thiess International Riverprize award, an international environmental feat, due to the countless joint efforts that have been done to help clean and save the 20-kilometer river from further damage.

It is the only river representing the country and the whole Asia along with Bolshaya River

in Russia, Mara River in Kenya, Africa and the Murray Darling Basin in Australia.

The Ilonggo Senator also added that the river used to contain a range of natural and man-made obstructions causing the original flow of the water to change and polluted the water.

According to him, the ongoing redevelopment of the Iloilo River has already shown affirmative effects due to the strong political will and collaborative efforts among its stakeholders.

Drilon also mentioned the bold efforts done by the Iloilo River Development Council which has so far removed 10 derelicts, 38 idle vessels and fish pens. The council has also

P36.9-M small-scale irrigation set

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES

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Iloilo City, 2nd most competitive city

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES Iloilo City seconded the list of the Philippines’ most competitive city in 2012 following Cagayan De Oro. The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) measured the competitiveness of the cities according to economic dynamism, government efficiency and infrastructure.

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said the latest recognition is another manifestation of

Mila’s Hill

the city’s good governance that is well-managed, transparent and innovative leading to continued progress and sustainable development.

Mabilog said despite the challenges, Iloilo City is no doubt one of the Philippines’ most livable cities. “We are striving hard to make it even more sustainable through effective delivery of social services and active collaboration with stakeholders through participatory governance”, Iloilo City /p9 Mini Hotel

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relocated about a thousand families living along the danger zones of the river and its tributaries.

The Iloilo Esplanade, a well-developed public boulevard funded through Drilon’s priority assistance fund, has been also a great contribution in boosting the local tourism and amplifying environmental awareness among its residents.

MVP, as Pangilinan is commonly known for, is a Filipino businessman and the chairman of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), from 1998 up to the present. He is the owner of ABC Development Corporation, Cignal Digital TV and Smart Communications. Jose P. Vidal/ IMT

Thirteen small-scale irrigation project worth P39.6M from the Iloilo Provincial Government and the Department of Agriculture (DA) will commence this year in the province.

Twelve municipalities will benefit from the said project of which construction will start subsequent to the signing of the memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the project between Agriculture Regional Director Larry Nacionales and Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. are set

to sign an agreement for the implementation of the project.

“This is crucial for farmers for it will provide additional source of irrigation in rain-fed areas and prevent soil erosion and flooding,” said the governor.

Defensor said the total funds needed for the construction of the project will come from the DA and 10 percent (P3.69-million) will be shared by the provincial government for its P36.9 M /p9

METRO NEWS

2

August 4 - 10, 2013

Traffic woes need intensive study- Guv

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. wants an extensive study what causes traffic problem in Iloilo City before proposing the total banning of provincial jeepneys entering the city proper.

“Traffic problem in the city could not solve immediately. It needs intensive study to know what causes the problem. Maybe, there’s traffic mismanagement or it could be the provincial jeepneys are the real cause”, he said.

Defensor said he welcomes any invitation from the city government to sit down with them and come-up with mutually acceptable decision.

“This problem could not be solved immediately. This needs deliberate involvement with different agencies so that we could assess what would be the major effects of the products, students and employees coming from different towns in the province as well”, he said.

Earlier, Iloilo City councilor Plaridel Nava wants the total banning of all the provincial

passengers’ jeepneys to enter the city proper to help decongest traffic woes in the city’s main streets here.

Nava said the present congested streets here could only be decongested by amending the Regulation Ordinance No. 2002- 408 or known as the Perimeter Boundary Ordinance (PBO).

As chairman of the Committee on Transportation, Nava stressed he is proposing that all provincial vehicles should only until their designated passenger terminals and could no longer be allowed to enter the city proper.

Nava added he is now finalizing its draft about the proposed amendments to be presented to City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and later to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).

Nava said since the PBO has been approved and implemented since 2002 but traffic congestion in the city proper remain a headache to traffic auxiliaries. IMT

DA-6 honors 2013 regional Gawad Saka awardees

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN

The Department of Agriculture 6 (DA-6) has recognized the eight regional winners of the 2013 Gawad Saka Award at the Sarabia Manor Hotel here on Monday.

The Gawad Saka is a prestigious award being conferred by the DA every year to deserving farmers, fisherfolks and organizations that contributed exemplary achievements in the field of agriculture and fisheries.

Among the individual category awardees were Elenita Alarcon - Outstanding Sugarcane Farmer and John Eric Bernabe - Outstanding High Value Crops Farmer, all of Silay City, Negros Occidental; Engr. Oscar Garin of San Joaquin, Iloilo - Outstanding Coconut Farmer, Renato Catiempo of Bago City - Outstanding Organic Farmer and Reynaldo Espanola of Isabela, Negros Occidental - Outstanding Corn Farmer.

Other outstanding institutional category awardees were Estancia Rural Improvement Club of Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan, who took the Outstanding Rural Improvement Club, Southern Iloilo Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Oton, Iloilo – Outstanding Small Farmer Organization, Sipalay Fisheries and Aquatic

Resources Management Council of Sipalay, Negros Occidental – Outstanding FARMC. Regional winners were given plaques of recognition and cash prizes worth P 30,000 for the individual category and P50, 000 for the institutional category winners.

DA-6 director Larry Nacionales said the award showcases the achievements and success stories of enterprising farmers and fishermen who have boosted their harvest through the use of modern technologies.

“The award has empowered the agricultural achievers by recognizing their noble contribution to agricultural growth through passion, determination and love”, he said.

Nacionales also encouraged more farmers and awardees to continue participating in the implementation of the plans necessary for the agriculture sector and to achieve more 23 regional awardees for next year”, he said.

Three regional awardees were also included in the national finalists. These are the Outstanding Coconut Farmer, Outstanding Sugarcane Farmer and Outstanding High Value Crops Farmer. The awarding will be in October this year. IMT

Faster construction of farm-to-market road pushed

PH’s slogan wins Readers’ Choice award in Japan

BY REYMAR LATOZA

The Department of Tourism or DOT’s campaign slogan,“It’s More Fun in the Philippines” received a global recognition after winning the Readers’ Choice award for the “Fun” category of the Yomiuri Advertising Award 2013 recently.

Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. said that there’s plenty of room for creativity and participation. ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’ is more experiential, dwelling on real and palpable experiences.

“Indeed, what started as a simple slogan has now become a country statement and a badge of pride among travelers, Filipinos and foreigners alike,” Jimenez added.

In a statement, DOT Tourism Attache to Tokyo Valentino Cabansag said “it may be beginner’s luck as this is the first time that the DOT has advertised in Yomiuri, one of Japan’s leading newspapers. We were told that the DOT is the only national tourism organization (NTO) recipient under this category which could mean

one thing: we are undisputedly FUN,” Established in 1984, The Yomiuri Advertising Award aims to invite and engage readers in the best advertisements. The award is composed of two main parts: (1) advertisements created by the readers and (2) advertisements selected by the readers.

With a total of 179,984 or 8.95% of the 2.011 million from January to May this year, Japan is considered as country’s 3rd biggest generator of tourists.

The gradual recovery of Japan’s economy can only bode well for the Philippines which remains a favorite travel destination in Asia. But according to DOT Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr, much can still be done to improve the Philippines as a tourism hotspot.

Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon Jr., head of the Market Development Group said that Japan’s economy is slowly on the rebound and the shift from long-haul to short-haul destinations augurs well for our country which is a favorite resort destination in Asia. IMT

CAAP-Iloilo assures airport security despite insufficient x-ray machines

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN As lean season started, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines- (CAAP) -Iloilo has assured the security of all the passengers at the airport with their present facilities which include two x-ray machines and presence of three K-9 or sniffing dogs roaming around to detect not only explosives but also illegal drugs.

New Airport-Iloilo manager Frederick San Felix said the security at the airport could still be strengthen if the seven other nonfunctional x-rays could be repaired soon.

San Felix said that was the first concern he wants to share with Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. as he officially assumed office effective July 18.

Although, San Felix said said so far there is no mayor incidents happened inside the airport premises because they have enough security personnel to secure the area including passengers, air crafts and airport vital installations.

In response, Defensor will report this concern directly to Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya who known to be the governor’s close friend.

Defensor said x-ray machines are very important for security purposes and this kind of problem needs immediate solution and attention.IMT

OCD-6 and PHAP Cares strengthen partnership

BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) appeals to the government for faster construction of infrastructure projects and develop the existing ones to lessen local farmers’ logistics and spoilage costs at the same time profit more on their production.

Also, these projects will allow consumers to buy the farm goods at economical prices, according to PCCI. PCCI said that the chambers of commerce in South Luzon, in particular, were looking for “physical connectivity of South Luzon to markets through the privatization, rehabilitation, expansion and modernization of the Philippine Railway System passing through Manila to the Bicol Region.

“Connector roads are basic to cutting the costs of logistics. The earlier that perishable goods and services from South Luzon are delivered to markets, the lower the costs of spoilage, the lower the borrowing costs, and the earlier the

entrepreneurs earn their returns,” PCCI president Miguel B. Varela said.

Varela added that the enhanced transport infrastructures have significant role on creating additional jobs, generating higher profit as well as dispersing the benefits of high economic growth to the poor.

South Luzon chambers advised the government to begin the process right away for the plans are “already on the shelf ”. The members acknowledge that it takes time for the government to finish the feasibility and engineering studies, including the bidding and awarding of the projects.

The said particular covers Regions 4A (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon or Calabarzon); 4B (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan or Mimaropa); and Bicol.

All of these proposals target to raise investments and incomes in the agricultural sector, adding more farm goods to consumers as well as creating livelihoods. IMT

The Office of Civil Defense-6 (OCD-6) has strengthened and expanded its public-private partnership initiatives with the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) Cares Foundation for the Phase II of “Pagpakigbuylog sa Pagpangaman Project”.

The Phase II project will be implemented in 10 pilot barangays of Calinog, Iloilo which includes Barrio Calinog, Cabagiao, Poblacion Ilaya, Poblacion Delgado, Cahigon, Lampaya, Bamban Pequeno, Guiso, Dalid, and Badlan Pequeno.

OCD-6 director Rosario Cabrera said the project focuses on preparing people’s health in the event of disasters especially those in isolated and disaster prone provinces in Region 6.

Along with his humanitarian missions, Cabrera said they are working together with their private partner to develop the capacities of the local government especially the local disaster risk reduction and management council (LDRRMC) on participatory risk assessment, contingency planning on disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and later the pharmaceutical management and good governance training to make quality medicines more accessible to the people in the region.

Cabrera said part also of its partnership includes other health services such as deworming,

immunization, medical, dental missions and among others are also included on the program to cope with health problems and develop a disaster resilient community.

Based on hazard mapping and assessment report of the Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB), 25 percent of barangays mostly located along coast and hinterlands are hazard prone, depressed and nutritionally at risk.

Also, based on the rapid geohazard assessment conducted from 2006-2010, the provinces of Iloilo, Antique and Negros Occidental have the most number of barangays with high vulnerability to landslides.

In Iloilo, the municipalities of Leon, San Joaquin, Tubungan, Igbaras, Miagao, Lambunao, Calinog, Alimodian, Janiuay, and Concepcion have most number of high-risk barangays to landslides.

In Antique, eight municipalities topped the most number of barangays as highly prone to landslimes namely San Remegio, Laua-an, Patnongon, Hamtic, Valderrama, Barbaza, Sibalom and Tobias Fornier.

Also, several towns in Negros Occidental that have the most number of high risk barangays are La Castellana, Calatrava, Salvador Benidicto, Isabela, Pontevedra, Murcia, Cauayan, Cadiz City, San Carlos, and Kabankalan City.IMT

August 4 - 10, 2013

METRO BUSINESS

3

PNoy promotes 3 economic bills

BY MARY PAULINE BALMES

Three economic bills are being pushed

by His Excellency President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to continue the agenda of positive change and hasten the bid for economic growth.

These three bills are the Amendment to the Cabotage Law to strengthen competition and lower costs of air transportation; The Fiscal Incentives Rationalization bill; and the The Land Administration Reform bill.

Aquino said these laws will help sustain and improve on the reforms that have established.

“Let us amend the Cabotage Law in order to foster greater competition and to lower the cost of transportation for our agricultural sector and other industries”, said Aquino.

He also encouraged everyone to enact the Fiscal Incentives Rationalization Bill,

so as the incentives provided to businesses become even clearer and more accountable.

“We also have to focus on the Land Administration Reform Bill, given the need for convergence among agencies tasked to oversee our land holdings, and thus ensuring that they can fulfill their collective mandate with increased efficiency”, he added.

Aquino believes that there is no shortage of Filipinos who are ready to pitch in, and this is the source of the change that Filipinos now experience.

He explained that the strategy is to maximize opportunities for all, especially for those most in need. “We are not content to wait for the trickle-down effect; we cannot leave their fate—their receiving the benefits of progress—to chance. What we call inclusive growth—this all-encompassing progress—is the principle that drives every initiative, every action and every decision of

your government. The only ones who will be left behind are those who chose not to venture onwards with us, simply because they did not seize the opportunity.”

The basic principle of planting and sowing reflects the same kind of theory in this undertaking.

“Widespread opportunity is the key to comprehensive and sustained progress.

Let us not forget that these opportunities are but seeds. We must water them with diligence, nourish them with determination, and cultivate them with dedication.”

The President also affirmed the government’s commitment to expand the reach of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and reminded lawmakers it is time to amend the SSS Pension scheme.

In his 2013 State of the Nation Address (SONA), he acknowledged the task is not yet done. “The road ahead of us is long; and we never said it would be easy—or that we could tread this path free of challenge. But I do not doubt our capacity to overcome any obstacle.

We did not achieve our current success by chance. Let us not allow this transformation to be temporary; let us seize this opportunity to make the change permanent.

He reminded Filipinos: “It will still be you who will make certain that what we have begun here will continue; you will be the ones who will make sure that we will completely eradicate corruption; you will be the ones who will make sure that we will never again stray from the straight path.

BW/IMT

PH imports shrink in July

SSS aims increase in contribution rate

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA

Social Security System (SSS) president and chief executive officer Corazon de la Paz presented to the members of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines the general picture of increasing the contribution rate of its members so as to maintain viability and be financially healthy.

SSS aims to lift contribution rate to 20 percent from the present 8.4 percent.

“The rate hike would gradually restore the fiscal health and actuarial life of SSS since the increase in the contribution rate is part of the actuarial design of the organization’s program,” De la Paz said.

SSS contribution rate is one of the lowest in the world. Government Service

Insurance System (GSIS) goes up to 21 percent, while Singapore has 32 percent; China with 30 percent,; Malaysia, 23 percent; Egypt with 30 percent; and Turkey with 20 percent.

The agency’s weakening actuarial life is credited to poor conformity of its members with their registration and contribution obligations. Only 33.33 percent of the 24-million SSS members contribute.

“To address this problem, the SSS is in the process of enhancing its existing collection system, expanding its collection network, improving the capacity of the field inspectorate, and strengthening prosecution policies against delinquent employers,” De la Paz disclosed.IMT

Tariff on exported flour pushed

BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA

BY REYMAR LATOZA

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala finally signed administrative order that recommends increasing the provisional tariff on Turkish flour to 20 percent from the present 7 percent.

Philippine Association of Flour Millers’ (PAFMIL) data showed that export price of Turkish flour reach $348 per metric ton while domestic flour costs $470 per metric ton.

PAFMIL Executive Director Ric M. Pinca said that if the government will remain passive about the problem, Turkey will be able to control over the Philippine flour industry by 2017.

Turkish flour exports to the country rise by 16 percent in 2011 and 71 percent in 2012 yet the local flour industry increase only by 1 to 2 percent.

“If this trend continues, there will no longer be a flour milling industry in the Philippines in just a few years, and should this happen, the entire country will be left at the mercy of Turkey for our flour supply.

One only needs to look at the trend to realize the danger to our food security the threat of unimpeded Turkish flour entry brings,” he said in a statement.

PAFMIL earlier petitioned for the DA to look into the alleged dumping of Turkish flour in the country. However, Pinca disagreed, saying dumping of the Turkish flour will defy the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Dumping is exporting a commodity at lesser prices than domestic prices.

PAFMIL embodies the seven oldest small flour mills in the Philippines: RFM Corp., Liberty Flour Mills, Wellington Flour Mills, Universal Robina Corp., General Milling Corp., Philippine Flour

The Philippine imports had declined in the month of July.

In a report of ABS-CBNNews.com, it was the first that Philippine imports fell in three months in July on slower electronic shipments, highlighting weak demand from the country’s main trading partners as the global economic slowdown bites.

Although the country’s top import, electronics increased to 4.8 percent in July from a year earlier, but from the previous month, electronics were down 16.2 percent.

Based on the data of statistics office the Southeast Asian country posted a trade deficit of $236 million in July, bringing the cumulative deficit in January to July to $4.23 billion.

Jeff Ng, economist at Standard Chartered Bank in Singapore said that although partially deflated by a high base, the poorer-thanexpected import growth in July reflected the

extent of supply disruption from the storm that hit the Philippines in July. As a result, the country thinks the contraction in import growth is a one-off and import growth should likely increase again in future months.

Accounting for 11.6 percent of total purchases, Japan was the country’s top import source in July, followed by China with 10.9 percent, and United States with 10.1 percent.

Imports from Eastern Asia, the top import source by economic bloc accounting for 39.9 percent of total, were up 8.2 percent in July from a year earlier.

Imports from Southeast Asia and the European Union, the second and third top economic blocs, were up 4.3 percent and up 1.7 percent, respectively.

Apart from electronic parts, other top imports in July were mineral fuels, industrial machinery, transport equipment and cereals.

(ABS-CBNnews.com/IMT)

Palm Concepcion Power Corporation (PCPC), the joint venture of Palm Thermal Consolidated Holdings Corp.

(A Brown’s subsidiary) and Jin Navitas Resource, Inc., who will undertake the construction and operation of the 135MW Coal-Fired Power Plant project in Concepcion, Iloilo, recently signed a term loan facility agreement with Asia United Bank Corporation(AUB). The term loan facility proceeds amounting to Php2.5 Billion will be used by PCPC to partially finance the Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) and financing costs of the Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) power generation project, under an EPC contract engaged earlier this year.

“This agreement is a testament that AUB recognizes what this power project can deliver when it commercially operates.

We are delighted to have the support of AUB as we continue to work our way in realizing our ultimate objective which is to

by 2016 in a reliable and cost-efficient manner, “Mr. Roel Z. Castro, PCPC President said in a statement.” Also, we are pleased to mention that BDO Capital and Investment Corporation who acted as the Lead Arranger and Sole Book runner for the term loan facilities, contributed tremendously in achieving this milestone for the project,” he added. PCPC’s first unit of 135MW coal-fired power plant in Iloilo is expected to be operational by mid2016. ABCI is a listed company primarily engaged in real estate, agribusiness and has ventured into the utilities and energy industry in recent years through Palm Thermal Consolidated Holdings Corporation, and other subsidiaries such as Hydrolink, which recently signed a hydropower service contract with the Department of Energy (DOE); and Peakpower Energy, Inc. (PEI) which is set to implement other projects in Mindanao.

Mills, and Pilmico Foods Corp.

Secretary Alcala assured that there will be no increase in prices when the dumping issue is addressed.

“Flour millers have given us the guarantee that they will not increase prices,” he said.

On the contrary, the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association (FCBA) is against the recommended tariff increase.

FCBA explained that if the tariff on Turkish flour increase, small bakeries will have no other option but to also increase the price of the bread for they cannot manage higher operating costs.

“We want the local flour millers to lower their prices so that we can still afford flour, especially that there is a plan to increase provisional tariff on Turkey,” Mr. Lim said.

Benito Lim, FCBA president said that there is a tendency that the price of Pinoy Tasty will go up by 3 to 4 pesos per pack, while Pinoy pandesal’s price can increase by 1 to 2 pesos.

Pinoy Tasty is a lower-priced bread loaf, which is a joint program of the government and private sector to give low-cost bread. IMT

Palm Concepcion signs agreement with AUB provide the needed additional capacities

METRO TOURISM

August 4 - 10, 2013

First District: Iloilo’s Heritage Destination

By Bombette G. Marin Photos by Jun Fuerte, Jose de Luna and Bombette G. Marin Iloilo is one of the most incredible provinces to visit for history lovers. It is full of historic monuments centered around the city. The towns are blessed with a great variety of Spanish influence where every location offers a range of superb churches, cemeteries, watchtowers and bridges. Exploring each town visitors will enjoy a privileged journey back in time where you can discover Iloilo’s important cultural heritage.

In the First District of the province of Iloilo you will find unique places where one live history at each step. Visitors will discover outstanding examples of Spain’s rich, varied cultural treasures.

We start in the town of Oton being the gateway of Christianity, along with Cebu and Manila as the focus of Spanish colonial domination. It was recorded that Miguel Lopez de Legaspi brought knowledge of Spain to Ogtong (now Oton) in 1566. They settled in the area where it became the center of administration of Iloilo. The town also expresses their pride as a once flourishing Malay Port (somewhere near the Batiano River) where regular trade and cultural contacts already existed even before the coming of Spanish authorities in the country. Written records reveal that Chinese and Southeast Asian ceramics found in the Oton tell the story of how the town forged social and commercial ties with China and its neighbors. In the 1960s anthropologists Alfredo Evangelista and F. Landa Jocano excavated in Barangay San Antonio and found a death mask made of very thin gold with one piece used to cover the eye and the other piece placed on the nose. Pre-Spanish ceramic trade wares had also been retrieved. Golden necklaces and other semi-precious stones were also recovered. Oton is 10.2 kilometers from the city.

authentic look.

TAYTAY TIGRE is an old stone bridge where tiger stone structures are placed in both sides of the bridge. Built by Augustinian priests during the Spanish rule, it is the smallest in Iloilo with its 4.5-meter length. It was also known as the Spanish Arch Bridge and is situated along the highway a few meters away from the town plaza.

Guimbal Church

The ST. NICOLAS OF TOLENTINE PARISH or Roman Catholic Church of Guimbal occupies an area of 1.22 hectares and was built in 1774 by Father Campos. Its outside walls are of yellow sandstone made of adobe blocks locally known as Igang. The facade of the church is flanked by two round pilasters with white floral carvings. The church belfry of 4-storey high was also built as a watchtower for incoming raids from Moro pirates. It was originally facing the street across which is the sea. When the municipal plaza was built at its back, the back side was converted into the front side to make it the church facing the plaza.

Guimbal is 29 kilometers from the city.

Miagao Church

Tigbauan Church

TIGBAUAN The iconic ST. JOHN OF SAHAGUN PARISH in Tigbauan is considered to be the oldest existing church in Western Visayas.

Constructed in 1578, it is the only church of Latin-American Churriguesque style, a lavish piling up of surface ornamentation, especially stone carvings. Inside the church is a wide array of carefully laden tile mosaics such as the station of the cross and the altar bearing Dante’s interpretation of heaven and hell. On its churchyard remained a marker of what used to be the site of the first Jesuit boarding school for boys in the Philippines established in 1592 and renowned that time for their liturgical music during church services. Tigbauan is 22.5 kilometers away from the city.

MIAGAO The municipality of Miagao is more well- known than the other places on this list.

Situated 40.5 kilometers away from the city, Miagao is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Baroque-Romanesque style of ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA PARISH was constructed in 1786 and completed in 1797. It was built as a place of worship and as a watchtower to protect the natives from Muslim pirates that regularly pillaged the town. The huge stone blocks were quarried at Sitio Tubog in San Joaquin and in the mountains of Igbaras. The church sinks six meters deep in the ground with walls 2.5meters thick including the outside buttresses. It boasts of its native façade with a unique explosion of botanical motif: coconut, banana, papaya tree and a stylized guava fruit. Its centerpiece is San Cristobal in rolled pants carrying the child Jesus. It was declared as a National Shrine in 1973 and was included in the World Heritage List, the only one in the Visayas and Mindanao, under UNESCO in 1993.

Guimba Watchtower

GUIMBAL The Bantayan or Moro watchtower is one of the most valuable ruins Guimbal built centuries ago. They have lasted the centuries with remarkable strength. The town has three such towers that remain to this day and that you can still see with your eyes are found in Barangays Tuguisan, C. Colon and Pescadores where one can get an unfettered and more

Taytay Boni

TAYTAY BONI in Barangay Igtuba, Miagao is considered to be one of the nine surviving Spanish bridges in the Philippines.

Named after Boni Neular, the construction foreman and major carpenter, it was constructed in 1854. Made of stone blocks, the bridge connected Miagao to neighboring Guimbal.

It was still used after World War II but was

damaged in 1948 by a strong earthquake that resulted to the destruction of the middle part of the bridge and the crumbling of its walls.

It is approximately six meters high with walls a meter thick. Its waterway is said to have a dimension of 2.44 meters high and 2.74 meters wide.

San Joaquin Church

SAN JOAQUIN San Joaquin is situated 53 kilometers from the city, on the edge of the southern portion of Iloilo bordering the Province of Antique. Its most impressive feature is the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SAN JOAQUIN. Built in 1859, it is considered as the most militaristic church in the Philippines where the pediment’s bas relief sculpture entitled “Rendicion de Tetuan” reveals the cavalry and infantry led

by St. James, the Moorslayer, breaking the Moorish defenses under a minaret tower against a landscape of date palms. The sculpture was so intricate that even the expression of wounded soldiers is visible. Skilled masons, famous sculptors and celebrated painters and craftsmen from Spain and Mexico were employed for the construction of the church. It was constructed in 1859 and finished in 1869.

The limestone used in the construction of the church is found along the seashores on Punta Talisayan, Punta Malagting Tubus, Talus and Sinugbuhan in San Joaquin.

Father Tomas Santaren, a Spanish priest, built the church with himself as master architect, assisted by a layman engineer, Don Felipe Diaz, and with an array of skilled masons, famous sculpture, celebrated painters and craftsmen from Spain and Mexico. The church is made of gleaming coral stone called “sillar,” shaped rectangularly into a given dimension. On February 4, 1896, Father Santaren died and was buried right under the altar of the church. In 1974, the church was declared a national shrine.

In 1982, reconstruction and restoration of the church was initiated by the National

Historical Committee.

A little further down from the church along the highway is the fantastically preserved ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY OF SAN JOAQUIN. For any history lover, this is a fantastic place to visit on a day trip. This coral stone walled cemetery with an iron gate is fenced by wrought iron with walls of carved stone. The two pillars supporting the decorative archway were ornately carved with flowers and tendrils showing the influence of Gothic architecture. Its 20-steps ascending stairway is flanked a stone balustrade on both sides leading you to the grandiose hexagonal mortuary chapel popularly known as “Camposanto.” Made of coral rock, it was built in 1892 and was recently restored.

For the history enthusiast, this south countryside tour allows visitors to appreciate the beauty and history of the first district that should not be missed in every visit to Iloilo. For more information, please contact the Office of Culture, Arts, History and Tourism, Iloilo Province at (033) 3384910.

August 4 - 10, 2013

BY REYMAR LATOZA

METRO ENTREPRENEUR

Blazing a trail

WEESAM EXPRESS

ILOILO - BACOLOD - ILOILO DEPARTURES

6:30 am 1:10 pm in his life, Mr. Roger Esmaña 8:10 am 2:50 pm For others, the world is a gigantic battle strived to trek the road of what 9:50 am 4:45 pm 11.30 am ground for glory and honor. But for a 36-year- he believed is right.

FARE: (All charges in) old man the world is a mere place for all beings.

Manong Roger has One Way For others, life is absolutely complicated. For been called “The Rubber Non-aircon (W3 only) P250 ECO. aircon P340 him who has no wife and no children, life is still Man” by those who knew FC. aircon P435 hard, yet it is less complex. For others, there are him, because of his creative ROUND TRIP PROMO aircon P585 lots of choices to consider and to choose from. products mainly made of ECO. FC. aircon P665 For him who did not graduate high school, rubber. He proudly claims Schedule subject to change without prior notice. there are only that his furniture business in For details please call: two ultimate barangay Cagbang, Arevalo, ILOILO (033)337-3282 / 09228660338 BACOLOD (034)709-0630, 433-9125 choices, it is Iloilo City is the only one in Iloilo. unique out of the rubbers he saw around. No either to be part It was in 1997 when he discovered that one taught him and he never had any formal of the problem he has the artistic hands. It was a sudden idea trainings. or to be part of that came into his mind to assemble scrapped He started from a single chair and the solution. rubbers and form them into chairs, tables, unexpectedly, many people in their community Despite of all cabinets, cages, and others. He said it was his in Buenavista, Guimaras appreciated his the unfortunates imagination that led him to make something work. He never thought that it will become his business, until he received an order from a prominent family. Because he didn’t want to go through construction works or to stay jobless for the rest of his life, he exerted full effort to do better in his craft. He started from a small capital; and from then on his earnings might not that big, but he is contented to have enough for a simple life.

Now, he has two workers who assist him in his business, they are temporarily situated in a vacant lot of his friend inside a subdivision in brgy. Cagbang, Arevalo.

He said that aside from its uniqueness, his products were proven durable. “The costs are affordable and reasonable. With four thousand pesos, they can already own a long-lasting center table with four chairs” he Mr. Roger Esmaña Furninture set made of rubber. said.

San Miguel Operators And Drivers Association People- oriented work needs people orientedperson, with skill, brilliance, and initiative. These are the words that best describe the men behind the success of San Miguel Operators and Drivers Association. Erdito Castillo, a mechanical engineer who has been working as maintenance supervisor at Abassamei International group of companies based in Riyahd, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and at present President of SAMODA, said that the secret to the success of their organization are consistency and discipline. Since he acquired his position in 2009, he started programs that made SAMODA known.

The organization introduced a unique scholarship grant, the “libre pasahe sa mga estudyante”. This scholarship lessens the financial burden of the students of San Miguel who are studying in the city. As recipients of that scholarship, each student has to participate to the clean-up drive SAMODA has initiated. Five Barangays had already undergone the clean-up drive project of the SAMODA scholars; these are Barangay Consolation, Sta. Teresa, Sto. Angel, San Jose, and the town proper.

The SAMODA President himself is looking for ward to help maintain the cleanliness of the Aganan River in San Miguel.

He said his love for fishing made him pursue this advocacy.

Aside from scholarships, SAMODA leaders and members are also extending their help to the bereaved families. The organization lends a couple of jeepneys as funeral transportation for the commiserative. As a response, the citizens of San Miguel fully appreciate the genuine kindness of the people behind SAMODA. Erdito Castillo said that their organization established rules; three (3) days to one (1) month of suspension are implemented as consequence to any violations a

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member would violate.

In the movie Spider Manwith great power comes great responsibility, for SAMODA people success is near to those who are obedient, and to those who have self- discipline. We should admire the consistency of the SAMODA leaders.

Without it all rules reflects nothing. IMT

From P4,000, his net income is P2,000 per order.

He added that in a month, they are receiving 20 to 25 orders. Most of his customers are businessman, teachers, and ‘balikbayans’ (Filipinos who worked abroad). In a day they can able to finish one set or one order.

For orders you can contact Mr. Roger Esmaña at 09094645509. IMT

METRO OPINION

6 EDITORIAL

Pork Barrel They say there are only three people who can make or break the filthy system of government corruption in the country- the suspect, the victim, and the witness. The suspect would be the one who’s willing to steal everything in exchange for money and power. The person who have been robbed or stolen with is the victim. And the witness is the person who may or may not be there during the felony but had used his senses in proving that the suspect is capable of doing such act.

One of the major issues being discussed in the four walls of our government, for many years now, is the function of the pork barrel. Some want this abolished. Others want this regulated. But there are some whose stand is uncertain because they know themselves that these actions could affect their professional and even their personal motives.

Pork barrel is the appropriation of government spending for localized projects secured solely or primarily to bring money to a representative’s district. Typically, “pork” involves funding for government programs whose economic or service benefits are concentrated in a particular area but whose costs are spread among all taxpayers. In Philippines Politics, it is technically what they call Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

Recently national newspapers have been boisterous in publishing investigative reports about discussion on pork barrels which revived a widespread public interest. The subject of the report was the alleged P10-billion development funds scam by a syndicate using bogus non-government organizations (NGOs) to obtain funds for ghost projects.

One of the biggest daily in the country exposed a certain Janet Lim Napoles who owns JLN Corp., a trading company, with her brother with her brother Reynald “Jojo” Limon the alleged tapping of public money from the PDAFs of five senators and 23 Congressmen into their personal accounts – These senators were Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr, Juan Ponce-Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Gringo Honasan. Congressemen dragged to this were Rizalina Seachon-Lanete of Masbate’s third district, Conrado Estrella III of Pangasinan’s 6th district and Rodolfo Plaza of Agusan del Sur; and Samuel Dangwa, of Benguet. It was also learned in the report that the banks accounts of the bogus NGOs and of Napoles as well as properties acquired in the course of the scheme and 28 other solons were linked to the scam.

It was also mentioned in the reports that Napoles was once connected to the P728-million fertilizer fund scam and the misuse of the P1.782-billion Malampaya fund. However, she denied all these allegations.

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), an independent, non-profit media agency that specializes in investigative reporting, did a follow-up investigation on the vulnerability of the pork barrel to abuse and to corruption citing the lack of transparency and accountability in the system: Under the pork system, the known tasks of lawmakers are only to identify what projects they want funded at the start and monitor and sign on to project completion, at the end. Of course, in between they get to plaster their names and faces on project tarps or propaganda, to make sure voters remember them come election time. Whatever else lawmakers do, or how they exact commissions from pork funds, are secret, typically paperless transactions. There are also “porklike” funds in the national budget that are prone to corruption because the disbursement details are seldom disclosed to the public and the funds seldom accounted for. (PCIJ, July 2013) This case has not yet given verdict. As usual, expect the worse. It will only be talked about for a few months then set aside for a while until it will be forgotten. That should not be.

A never-ending story of corruption will never be put to an end for as long as there are people who are willing to do it and people who did nothing but to be victimized.

The suspect may not had been indentified for now; the witnesses may have opted to shut their mouth and pretend nothing has happened but one certain truth shall prevail- the Filipinos will always be a victim of corruption.

Smoking Kills

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embers of the Philippine Medical Association and New Vois Association of the Philippines headed by Dr. Leo Olarte and Emer Rojas, respectively, urged President Aquino to undergo medical checkup after they, too, observed his chronic coughing during the recent SONA. This elicited an immediate assurance from presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda that the President is in good condition. “Smoking de-stresses him” he added.

New Vois fired back that by not quitting cigarette, the President does not only endanger his health but most importantly shows a negative example to Filipinos.

Cigarette smoking has been scientifically proven to cause up to 30 percent of cancer deaths. Cancers of the larynx, pharynx, lung, oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, cervix, kidney, and bladder are cursively linked to cigarette smoking.

But smoking’s greatest killer is circulatory or cardiovascular disease. Lung cancer, based on the U.S. Center for Disease Control report, is responsible for 28% of smoking related deaths while 43% are attributable primarily to heart disease and strokes.

The Mayo Clinic website states that tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemical compounds, more than 250 of which are toxic.

These include formaldehyde, arsenic, cadmium, benzene, polonium, carbon monoxide, tar, nicotine, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, cyanide, acetone, butane, DDT, sulfuric acid, Freon, geranic acid, methoprene, and

maltitol.

In spite of the existing ban on cigarette commercials, it is very alarming based on global survey reports that more than 25% of adults in the Philippines smoke daily.

This translates to about 17.3 million adult Filipinos hooked on smoking. By gender, 14.6 million are males and 2.8 million are females. Most alarming is that 30% of adolescents ranging from 13 to 15 years old are current smokers, too. About 20,000 smoking-related deaths occur in the country everyday.

Filipinos ranked next to Indonesians in terms of size of smoking population.

The tobacco lobbyists in Indonesia are so powerful and regulatory controls are so weak that the authorities are unable to curb effectively the high smoking incidence across the broad spectrum of society.

Humongous billboards are prominent along major road lanes and intercity toll highways. You watch TV and out pops an AVP that shows how an ordinary guy can be transformed into a cool and adorable person just by puffing cigarettes.

Some adverts depict teens able to overcome adversaries, climb mountain peaks, and dwell in a world filled with freedom, adventure, romance, and excitement. News tabloids, magazines, and radio also promote smoking without restraint.

It is said that smoking has become a way of life for 70% of men aged 20 and over, and if you don’t smoke, it’s like you’re not Indonesian. Additionally, how can you break up the unholy alliance between the government and the tobacco manufacturers when the latter generates revenue of about USD7.2 billion for the former every year?

According to an anti-tobacco group, our country loses nearly 500 billion pesos (USD11.5 billion) annually from healthcare costs and productivity losses from smoking. This figure negates the claim of brand manufacturers that the tobacco industry is a positive contributor to the government’s revenue. Realistically, the tobacco industry’s contribution is much lower than the government’s budget allocation in treating citizens with tobaccorelated diseases.

At the home front, we admire the serious implementation of the Iloilo City Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance

(CRO 2006-150) as it restricts smoking in public places and on public land transportation. We also laud its campaign against second-hand smoking.

Stats show that about 50% of non-smokers are exposed to passive smoking inside their own homes, at worksites, public transportation, restaurants, and even in government buildings.

In many countries, second-hand smoke is already regarded as carcinogen.

When you notice a person having a persistent, worsening cough, and chest pain; shortness of breath from a partial lung blockage, and; repeated respiratory infections and coughing up blood, chances are that person has lung cancer either from primary or second-hand smoking.

Advocates of Health Justice Philippines said that “If the current administration falls short of implementing measures to reduce tobacco consumption among its citizens, the health risks and economic losses will certainly become too much to bear in the near future”.

Is the government doing too little to address a massive problem? Smoking addiction in the Philippines has reached full alert way back years ago but the negligible price increases through tax reforms failed to deter Filipinos from smoking.

Tobacco products are characteristically price inelastic such that a 10 percent increase in taxes on tobacco products will translate to only 4 to 8 percent decrease in consumption. Imagine the number of lives that could have been saved annually if our legislators were able to pass an excise tax of 80% (as recommended by the World Bank) on tobacco products last year. That should be tantamount to a reduction in tobacco usage of up to 64%, or theoretically 11 million decrease in the number of smokers.

Aggressive regulations like prohibiting tobacco companies from advertising at point-of-sale and providing promotional discounts; requiring text and graphic warnings on cigarette package, and; a comprehensive smoking cessation program for those who wish to quit will surely liberate more Filipinos from the evils of smoking.

In similar vein, innovative strategies to provide livelihood to displaced tobacco farmers should be aggressively pursued through public-private partnership.

We still need your leadership and inspiration, Mr. President. Time to zap your cigarette craving.

regard to this issue, despite the fact that it brings beauty to the city with the reconstruction of the old capitol building beside the imposing new capitol building.

As we pass by along the diversion road – the Benigno Aquino Avenue - everyday, at about 7:00 o’clock in the morning and 5:45 o’clock in the afternoon, there are only a few PUJs from the province taking the route, but they are often full of passengers. For about ten private vehicles, there are rarely one or two of such PUJs. Many provincial commuters, especially after office hours in the afternoon, have to wait for quite some time across SM City Iloilo for provincial PUJs to pick them up. These commuters usually have something to carp on the traffic situation in the city and cannot do otherwise but to bear with it, unlike the city commuters who can do something about their complaints on traffic problems because the latter possess the power to change or retain the leadership in the city government: the power to elect their leaders.

But do we know exactly the real intention for such intended amendment? Other than an exercise of its power or prerogative, is the intention fair? Reasonable? Or just?

Given that the intention is fair, reasonable and just , I don’t think that this will end the problem on traffic of vehicles in the city. Even if there is finality in the infrastructure and business development in the City of Iloilo, the traffic problems in the city cannot be totally eased.

One’s solution to traffic problem can make or break one’s elective position, because this kind of problem affects the day to day activities of the rich and poor alike; the business establishments - like, SM City, Robinsons’ Place, Gaisano City

Mall, Iloilo Supermart; the government and non-government offices. Such offered solution can either fast track or slowdown one’s business or services. Or this can either help flourish or deaden one’s business or services.

This reported intended amendment can be treated as a solution to some traffic problem. At this time, there is an ongoing implementation of infrastructure development projects in the city as well as creation of new business area. Such development requires the need to open new or extend routes - an opportunity for common carrier business in the city. As a saying goes: “When one door is closed, another one opens.” I would rather say, “When one traffic problem is solved, another one arises.”

So where do we stand now? And what direction are we going to take?

I think it is best to revisit our city’s history. For several decades, the provincial PUJs have given vibrancy to business and life in the city proper.

They have been a part, a partner, of development in the city. As such, any decision affecting their route should take into consideration this historical fact. This reminds me of what our national hero Jose Rizal said, “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa kanyang pinanggalingan ay hindi makarating sa kanyang paroroonan.”

If the situation really calls for amendment, I believe there is a way to avoid the total prohibition of provincial PUJs to enter the city proper or their current route. As one maxim states: “If there is a will, there is a way.” To lighten us up, I maintain: If there is a wheel, there is a way.

Whatever it is, I submit to the good judgment of the city government, though I await to see that, in exercising its prerogative and power, it would not lose its good sense of history – letting the provincial “car pass” to the City Proper.# ***Send feedback to: arnoldcares@yahoo.com

Traffic

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he reported intended amendment to the perimeter boundary ordinance of the City of Iloilo to totally prohibit the entry of provincial public utility jeepneys (PUJs) to the city proper is disturbing.

This issue has called the attention of many, as this will cause a lot of trouble and difficulties, once more, to provincial commuters and concerned provincial PUJ drivers and operators. At least at this point, they have already, in a way, adjusted to the situation when they cannot sometimes directly go to the City Proper from the province, when there is no available “car pass”.

Nonetheless, it is the prerogative and within the power of the city government on how the traffic of vehicles in the city is regulated.

Sad to say that, although the seat of the provincial government is in the city proper, it only has persuasion at its disposal to influence such traffic regulation.

It is bereft of power to regulate the traffic in the city for the benefit of its own constituents that daily transacts business with it or avail of its own services at its own building. It can hardly protect the interests of its constituents in

August 4 - 10, 2013

METRO OPINION

August 4 - 10, 2013

Religion and Me

gain. We have to plant in order to grow fruits.

There was this stor y of a kid named Tyler. He was a nine year old boy fighting a fatal illness.

Despite being weak, Tyler remained strong and happy. What makes him memorable was during his battle against cancer, he was writing letters to God. All of which are not for himself but for his neighbors in the community. It hurts him to see his mother always worr ying about him as well as his brother so he wrote all his worries to God. Tyler always sends his letter through the postman. The new postman, not knowing what to do with the letters, went to the church to give to the preacher Tyler’s letter.

The preacher, knowing God has a purpose, told the postman to keep them and read them for the Father has given it to him on purpose. The man, having troubles of his own, admired Tyler’s courage and later on read the letters he wrote. Tyler was able to change his heart and eventually his community’s lives.

Tyler died after months of fighting his illness.

Tyler is an example of a true born Christian; not because he was baptized in a Christian church but

because he believes in God and never gave up praying. He prays to God ever yday, even for the little things that happened to him. On one of his letters, he thanked the Lord for making his mom smile again, which his mom never did for a long time.

We should all be like Tyler.

We should pray ever yday without ceasing. We can always pray silently for the Lord can hear what is truly in our hearts. For so long, we have forgotten praying because we are all full of problems and worries. Let your troubles go away by seeking spiritual help. Our countr y has been sick for a ver y long time but we should pray for our countr y to continue doing well. When ever ything seems to be impossible, believe, for there will come a miracle.

No matter what religion you are in, as long as you believe in God, you should pray. Being a Christian is not measured by how many times one goes to church ever y Sunday neither how much he donates on the church. A true Christian is measured by how strong his faith in God, by how clean his intentions are, by how sincere his prayers are and how he practice what he preach.

So, have you write a letter to God?

online for entries, and I also had to scout for judges. I shortlisted the entries myself, sent them out to the judges, and waited for the results. Sure, I enjoyed it, but the process was rather wear ying for me. I figured that after September, we should campaign for entries in the 2014 edition among schools.

And since I anticipate a bigger participation among the young, I decided that next year, I should have stories in various genres like Ver y Short Horror, Ver y Short Humorous, or Ver y Short Modern tales, et cetera. I’m also thinking of conducting the 2014 contests quarterly instead of monthly.

31 deadline, and a first winner announced on Januar y 6, which is my birthday. Then, the next deadline would be March 31, and we will name another winner on April 6. And so on, until the next grand prize awarding ceremony on September 6, 2014. In addition to the campaign for participation, I will personally oversee the publication of the 2013 submitted entries in October through December for an anthology book, which will be launched on Januar y 6, my birthday, and the traditional date for the feast of The Three Kings. It will be “my birthday gift” to the world.

How so?

Well, running a monthly contest is rather tedious. Especially that I am almost a one-man team. My experience since Januar y has not been easy. I personally campaigned

Why after September?

Because that coincides with my annual visit to the Philippines, and as previously mentioned, The Peter Solis Ner y Foundation was founded on September 6. Actually, I’m arriving in Iloilo on August 23 to start my vacation, but we will have the awarding ceremonies around our first Foundation day, if not on September 6 itself. After that, I will personally launch our school campaign by visiting several colleges, universities, and high schools in the city and province of Iloilo. I have decided that our 2014 quarterly writing contests will start in October, have a December

So there will be four Peter Prizes next year compared to the two this year?

At least four. I mean, who knows what I’ll think of in the next few days. And for as long as I have the money to run the contests and award the prizes, who is going to stop me carr y out the Foundation’s missionvision of promoting, preser ving, and propagating Hiligaynon Literature?

For 2013, it’s just the Ver y Short Stor y and the Love Poetr y contests.

For 2014, I can see, at the ver y least, contests for horror stor y, love stor y, humorous stor y, modern fair y tale, erotic stor y, children’s poetr y, and love poetr y.

car, attends red carpet events, meets celebrities, shops like a grammy starJimmy Choo here, Herve Leger there, Christian Louboutin here, Channel and Louis Vuitton there. Name it!

She needs not to close her eyes and imagine the world revolving around her ‘coz all these things are right in front of her very eyes.

Now, tell me dreams are for free.

Yes, maybe for them.

At 22, I’m here striving to become a better person. Life’s realities have taught me to accept the fact that I cannot have everything I want and that in order for me to get what I want, I need to work hard.

At 22, I know she’s also striving to become one. She enrolled herself in a

good school, took up the course she’d been dreaming of, and now living her dreams in Hollywood.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not envy of her. It’s just that as I read the articles written about her and her mom’s involvement in a government-related scam, I cannot help but dig into her and criticize her lavish lifestyle.

Given that they’re truly a millionaire sans the affiliation of her family to the government, I think it’s impractical to spend all your millions to what they call as “luho”.

If only I have millions and billions of money, I would rather give these to the needy. Probably, I’ll have my own foundation and do charity works to the far flung areas of my community.

I’ll establish my own business and help other find jobs. Of course, I’ll

buy something for myself but it won’t be as glamorous as she has done to herself.

But you know what, I also pity her.

While she’s having everything under the sun at the age of 22, she’s putting herself into confusion about what real happiness is all about.

At 22, I may be thinking of ways to pay my debts and bills, buy food for my everyday consumption, divide my priorities by giving up some of my wants to pave way for my needs, but I’m happy with my life now. It may not be perfect, but it’s worth living.

At 22, I’m contented with my life but I always tell myself to strive harder to achieve my dreams.

At 22, I wonder if she’s truly happy with her life now?

Things we have right now may give us happiness but it’s all temporary. We only live once, but if we live right, ONCE is enough.

hen was the last time you talked to God? This morning? Last night?

A week ago? A month ago? Have you ever talked to God? Filipinos are known to be one of the most conser vative and religious people in the world. More than 90 percent of the population are Christians; 80 percent are Roman Catholic while 10 percent comprise other Christian denominations. Between 5 to 10 percent are Muslims, of which are those who live in Mindanao, Palawan and Sulu Archipelago.

Spaniards were the ones who taught the Filipinos of Christian doings and beliefs. We were taught the sign of the cross, the sacraments, the prayers, the doctrines among others. We were taught that God is the most powerful and creator of all things we see on earth. We were taught of the Ten Commandments that ever y Christian should live by. We were told to read the bible ever yday to feed not our hungr y mouths but our hungr y soul.

Do we practice what we preach?

Do we live by the rules we read?

Do we follow what God has told us to do? Are we all worthy of being

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called a Christian? Do you go to church and listen to the gospel? Do you understand the gospel?

Last Sunday, the gospel taught us to be persistent in our prayers and trust that our Father in heaven is making all things according to His plans. When is the best time to pray? Some would say when we are in trouble. Some would say when we are down and needs someone to comfort us. Some would say when we need something. Have you ever prayed because you are happy? Have you ever prayed because your wish has been granted? Have you ever prayed because you wake up in the morning?

What do you do when your prayer has been answered? What do you do when your prayer takes too long to be answered? What do you do when your prayer is not answered?

People nowadays often mistake waiting as a no answer. We usually give up on something because we have not found the answer, yet. We stop praying because we get tired of waiting. Have you forgotten what God told us? Seek and you shall find.

Knock and you will be answered.

ACT. That is what ever ything is all about. We have to act in order to

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ever y month for the Ver y Short Stor y writing contest by posting them on the wall of The Peter Solis Ner y Foundation on Facebook, or by sending them to 500tinaga@ gmail.com. The deadline was ever y 25th day of the month. A monthly winner was announced usually on the 30th or 31st. The prize is one peso for ever y word of the stor y.

Two runner-up stories were also chosen, and were made eligible for the next month’s contest. In September 2013, the winning stories of each month will compete for the championship, where the grand prize winner will receive a to-die-for medal, and a cash prize equivalent to the stor y’s word count multiplied by 10 pesos for each word. Also, there’s a chance for publication: all submitted entries will be collected and edited for publication by the end of the year. Unfortunately, for 2013, the contest is only open online, and Facebook submission (by posting on the wall of The Peter Solis Ner y Foundation) is preferred. But things could change after 2013.

hy did your Foundation create the Ver y Short Stor y contest?

I love short stories. If a novel is like an ocean of ideas, the short stor y is like a tiny pebble that causes ripples of thoughts in my mind. It may not be as long as the novel, but it still has the power to tickle the mind. I usually write my own stories 15, up to maybe 20, pages long, but that is such a drag.

I would sometimes spend weeks writing an 18-page stor y. Wouldn’t it be cool to be able to tell a short stor y in just one page? One page: that’s about 500 words, or less, in double space. How can you make a full stor y, not just a joke, in less than 500 words? Now, that is the challenge, and the bigger challenge, still, is to tell it in the Hiligaynon language. Thus, The Peter’s Prize for Ver y Short Stor y Contest.

Does the Ver y Short Stor y contest carr y a cash prize?

We often say that our words don’t count, or are not worth anything. But imagine being paid a peso for your ever y word that is counted! So, I said, for 2013, write and tell a stor y, in 500 words or less, in Hiligaynon, on any theme, using any style, and submit them

At 22...

At 22, I’m still this typical young professional, who dreams of becoming a millionaire so that I could have everything I want- drive my own car, build a house for my family, travel the globe, etc. Name it! Sky is the limit.

All I have to do is close my eyes and imagine the world revolves around me. Then, poof!

Reality kills. It does. I hear a sound in my subconscious whispering “Hey! Wake Up! That’s impossible to happen!

At 22, she’s living my dreams. She owns a P80M worth of apartment in one of the luxurious residences in Hollywood, drives her own Porsche

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August 4 - 10, 2013

METRO AGRICULTURE

9

The Profits of Integrated Farming System

1) Productivity: IFS provides an opportunity to increase economic yield per unit area per unit

time by virtue of intensification of crop and allied enterprises.

2) Profitability: Use waste material of one component at the least cost. Thus reduction of cost of production and form the linkage of utilization of waste material, elimination of middleman interference in most input used.

Working out net profit B/ C ratio is increased.

3) Potentiality or Sustainability: Organic supplementation through effective utilization of byproducts of linked component is done thus providing an opportunity to sustain the potentiality of production base for much longer

The Ecosystems Research and Development Services (ERDS) of DENR Region 6 had conducted a two-day training seminar entitled “Production and Marketing of Bamboo Woven Products: Enhancing on Business Enterprise through Techno Mart” among farmer beneficiaries at the ABC Hall of Maasin, Iloilo, just recently.

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the DOST funded the pilot project that trained 50 farmers from five People’s Organizations under the umbrella of “Katilingban sang Pumuluyo nga naga- Atipan sang Watershed sang Maasin” (KAPAWA) based in the locality, in the art of planning, starting, and doing business while setting the stage for introducing new products into the market such as sawali wall and ceiling panels, and coasters.

In her message during the seminar, Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Research Alicia L. Lustica in behalf of Regional Executive Director Dr. Adeluisa G. Siapno, commended the efforts of PCAARRD in providing logistical support to this marginal farmers to be given technical knowledge on how to improve their bamboo products and likewise to all the participants for their time in grabbing this opportunity to enhance their skills in bamboo weaving and how to finally market their products.

RTD Lustica assured the farmers of the DENR’s full support to ensure their bamboo weaving project will become successful.

Representatives from KAPAWA, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Local Government Unit of Maasin, Iloilo and other partner organizations applauded the project to provide even more source of livelihood and augment family income of farmer-participants. Maasin Mayor Mariano G.

Malones graced the occasion by sharing his own experiences working with the bamboo industry and discussed its potential for uplifting the local economy hoping to inspire the participants and spark their commitment in building a better future.

RTD Lustica gave an insight on how to ensure progress and the succeeding steps towards a sustainable and successful bamboo project.

Misses Rachel Nufable and Yolanda Gallenero from the DTI lectured on the intricacies of business plan preparation and the rudiments of business promotions and marketing. Ms. Nona A. Libo-on and Mr. Neil G. Gigare of the ERDS discussed the development of an effective plan of action so as to realize the goals and objectives of the project. The participants expressed great joy and contentment in learning a lot from the training program and realizing that they must assign price to the materials needed along with their labor to cover the realistic costing of every bamboo product to gauge product profitability.

The PCAARRD-funded project was designed to upgrade current works and practices of the bamboo weavingindustry in Maasin using sustainable development principles developed in Techno Mart. RED Siapno believed that through hard work and full cooperation among farmer beneficiaries, this project will go a long way and would even set to inspire other farmers to also emulate not only for the local community and the province but also for the country in general.

DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje exemplified this undertaking as a way of uplifting the plight of the marginal farmers as an answer towards the goal of the Aquino Administration in alleviating poverty. A second training is being developed for the creation of new designs and is set for the last month of this quarter.IMT

Integrated farming or integrated production is a commonly and broadly used word to explain a more integrated approach to farming as compared to existing monoculture approaches. It refers to agricultural systems that integrate livestock and crop production and may sometimes be known as Integrated Biosystems.

What will be your benefit if you are doing an integrated farming system?

DENR 6 Upgrades Bamboo Weaving in Maasin

P36.9 M...from page 1 maintenance.

These irrigation systems will be constructed in Concepcion, which will have two projects, and in Pototan, Mina, Cabatuan, Lambunao, Tigbuan, Miagao, New Lucena, Leon, San Miguel, Janiuay and Balasan.

The project aims to boost the agricultural productivity of the province, expand the economic resources among farmers, and help in sustaining and improving the rice production not only in the region but in the whole country as well being its second largest rice producer. IMT

periods.

4) Balanced Food: We link components of varied nature enabling to produce different sources of nutrition.

5) Environmental Safety: In IFFS waste materials are effectively recycled by linking appropriate components, thus minimize environment pollution.

6) Recycling: Effective recycling of waste material in IFFS. 7) Income Rounds the year: Due to interaction of enterprises with crops, eggs, milk, mushroom, honey, cocoons silkworm. Provides flow of money to the farmer round the year.

8) Adoption of New Technology: Resources farmer ( big farmer) fully utilize technology. IFS farmers, linkage of dairy / mushroom / sericulture / vegetable. Money flow round the year gives an inducement to the small/ original farmers to go for the adoption technologies.

9) Saving Energy: To identify an alternative source to reduce our dependence on fossil energy source within short time. Effective recycling technique the organic wastes available in the system can be utilized to generate biogas. Energy crisis can be postponed to the later period.

10) Meeting Fodder crisis: Every piece of land area is effectively utilized. Plantation of perennial legume fodder trees on field borders and also fixing the atmospheric nitrogen. These practices will greatly relieve the problem of non – availability of quality fodder to the animal component linked.

11) Solving Fuel and Timber Crisis: Linking agro- forestry appropriately the production level of fuel and industrial wood can be enhanced without determining effect on crop. This will also greatly reduce deforestation, preserving our natural ecosystem.

12) Employment Generation: Combing crop with livestock enterprises would increase the labour requirement significantly and would help in reducing the problems of under employment to a great extent IFS provide enough scope to employ family labour round the year.

13) Agro – industries: When one of produce linked in IFS are increased to commercial level there is surplus value adoption leading to development of allied agro – industries.

14) Increasing Input Efficiency: IFS provide good scope to use inputs in different component greater efficiency and benefit cost ratio. http:// www.agriinfo.in /IMT

Iloilo City...from page 1 he said.

Followed Iloilo City are San Fernando, Pampanga; Butuan City and Bacolod City.

Along with this endeavour, Iloilo City topped city in the Philippines for Government Efficiency category as judged in terms of transparency and accountability, public finance, performance recognition, business responsiveness and basic government services. It was followed

by Bacolod City and Cagayan De Oro. Furthermore, the top three cities under the economic dynamism index category are Quezon City; Koronadal; and Marikina City, while the top three municipalities are Calasiao, Pangasinan; San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte and Sta, Cruz, Laguna. They were measured thru business registration figures, employment and financial institutions.

For infrastructure, Naga championed, followed by San Fernando in Pampanga and Cagayan de Oro while for municipalitiesDaet, Mexico and Virac. The winners were based on the road networks in the area, basic utilities and registered vehicles.

Iloilo City was awarded in the preceding year by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the preceding year Excellence in Administrative Governance (Champion), Excellence in Valuing Fundamentals of Good Governance (Champion), Excellence in Social Governance (Champion) and Excellence in Environmental Governance (first runner-up) and was also recognized thru the “Gawad Pamana ng Lahi” and Seal of Good Housekeeping for its laudable performance in all forms of public governance. IMT

METRO SPORTS

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August 4 - 10, 2013

DBT ’16-under’ category blasts off

BY REYMAR LATOZA The hard-court was heated up of fast and intense actions showcased by young basketball players, during the opening of Developmental Basketball Tournament (DBT) ’16-under’ category organized by Iloilo Basketball League (IBL), Sunday, July 28 at Ateneo de Iloilo Covered gym.

Eight teams took the challenge and eager to battle for the championship crown. These teams are Assumption Passi City, Iloilo National High School (INHS), Central Philippine University (CPU),

Westbridge, Cougars, Bario Obrero National High School (BOHNS), Bing Conlu Center (BCC) team A and BCC team B. In game 1, Assumption Passi upset BCC team A, after edging more than thirty points, 63-21.

In game 2, INHS won over BONHS, 65-54.

The rest of the games will be held in Mandurriao covered gym, every weekend, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

IBL’s Development Tournament aims to discover and develop potential Ilonggo Basketball players. IMT

The true-blue table tennis player

BY REYMAR LATOZA “Losing is not an option,” A 20-year-old pharmacy graduate is always determined to win in all of her competitions. She is Helinda Marie Chua Muleta. She is 5’7” tall and she weighs 138 lbs. She graduated at the University of San Agustin.

Her parents, Mary Anne C. Muleta and Nestor G. Muleta have been supportive to her since she started playing table tennis. From elementary to college Helinda has been full of zip in giving sense of pride to her schools.

Elementary: F i l - C h i Amateur Athletic Federation 2004 gold (singles event) Secondary: Iloilo Prisaa 2005 - gold (team event), 2006 silver (team event), 2007 - silver (team event),2008 silver (team event) Integrated meet 2008 - gold (team event), Western Visayas Regional Prisaa 2008 - gold (team event), Palarong Pambansa 2009 Helinda Marie Chua Muleta bronze (team event)

Tertiary: Iloilo Prisaa 2009 - silver (team event), 2010 - silver (team event), Western Visayas Regional Prisaa 2010 - gold (team event), Prisaa National Collegiate Games 2011 - bronze (team event), Prisaa National Collegiate Games 2011- bronze (doubles event), Iloilo Prisaa 2011 - silver (team event), Western Visayas Regional Prisaa 2011 gold (team event), Iloilo Prisaa 2012 - silver (team event), Western Visayas Regional Prisaa 2012 - gold (team event), Prisaa National Collegiate Games 2013 - gold (team event) and Prisaa National Collegiate Games 2013 - gold (doubles event) Here’s the uncut interview of IMT with Helinda, the true-blue table tennis player.

Why TABLE TENNIS? What makes it special?

Helinda: “At first, I didn’t see myself playing table tennis; it was my Mom who encouraged me to play because she was also playing it before. Table tennis is one of the uncommon sports here in the region, so it was such a challenge for me to join something that’s less known. It doesn’t only saves me from boredom, but it also made me learned a lot especially about life.”

How did you learn playing TABLE TENNIS? Helinda: “I started playing table tennis when I was in grade 6, it was around 2004. I had coaches and trainers who helped me developed my skills and techniques. It was not easy to learn such sport, but perseverance and love pushed me into not quitting. “

What kind of TABLE TENNIS player are you?

Helinda: “I am quite a dedicated player.

Everytime I’m free, I really prefer to play, because I believe that practice can surely improve a player’s capabilities. I’m also an offensive player; I usually like to strike first. I’m also very practical with my errors. Admitting and acknowledging your errors will make you more conscious of avoiding them. For me, losing is not an option.”

How do you prepare yourself before the competition?

Helinda: “Just like all athletes, I, together with my other teammates, train hard for weeks or even months. Monday to Saturday every after class, I see to it that I never fail to practice. But I never over practice myself to avoid getting sick and fatigue. A healthy body is a must, so enough sleep and good food should be taken into consideration.”

What are the greatest challenges you had encountered before?

Helinda: “There was a competition before where I never won, there were also times that I felt like I am left behind and I am not part of the team.

Those moments really made me cry and wondered if table tennis is really for me.”

What are your learnings?

Helinda: “One important thing table tennis thought me was time management. I was a studentathlete and balancing studies and trainings was not easy. There were times that I have to miss my classes for the tournaments, but I make sure to catch up with the lessons and my professors allowed me to take make-up exams. Just like any sport, table tennis teaches sportsmanship, discipline, determination, and of course friendship.”

Who is/are your inspiration/s?

Helinda:“My only inspiration is my family, because all I ever wanted is for them to be proud of me.”

What advice can you give to those who are interested in playing TABLE TENNIS? Helinda: “Go! Pursue your interest. Don’t be discouraged to those who say that table tennis is very difficult to learn and play. If you really want to be the best in any sport, you really have to pass through hardships. Love and enjoy what you do; difficult and impossible are never been in the vocabulary of those who are truly determined. Also, there are lots of good coaches and players here in Iloilo to help you.” IMT

MetroMisc

School is Cool

BY CRYSTALE MAY DE GUIA “Every child has a dream. We will make it happen.” This slogan represents what the Dream Makers Academy aims to every kid they handle.

The school was founded year 2012 under Mrs. Althea Baldonado as their directress.

According to Teacher Thea, it wasn’t really that hard managing and starting a school because of her enthusiasm and capabilities in handling the youngsters, fellow teachers and parents.

“Because of my passion to teach, I was able to surpass the one year fully operation and will go beyond years. I always pray to God,” said Teacher Thea.

What the school can offer?

The Dream Makers Academy, a community based school, stands at Imperial Homes V, Guzman St., Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

According to Teacher Thea, the school is located near the residential areas to minimize the travel and ensure the safety of the children.

“Children gain knowledge more when they are not stressed-out due to long trips,” she added.

As a DepEd Supervised school, they also have their government permits (R-VI) for PreSchool No. E-643 and for Grades 1, 2 and 3, it is No. E-644.

The school’s primary aim is to educate Pre-School and Elementary level using the best combination of Montessori, Multiple Intelligences and SPED Teaching Methodologies.

They also offer the Computer Integrated Curriculum wherein teachers support the child’s natural love of learning by merging the latest educational advancement with the latest computer technology.

According to Teacher Thea, all of their teachers make use of the computer, other tools and resources to present their every day lessons.

Children will learn more effectively when all their senses are stimulated.

Learning is enhanced through hands-on

interactive computer use. Each child learns to use the computer to explore their lessons in English, Math and Science.

Excellence learning experience is ensured by limiting the number of pupils per class as their highly qualified teachers with many years of experience in pre-school education commit to provide the quality of service.

The school also convenes to the DepEd standard of Pre-School Curriculum.

In phonics, children will learn literacy and reading, reading comprehension, spelling and listening skills development. When it comes to mathematics, children will learn the number recognition, counting numbers in quality and quantity, they will also develop their critical thinking and creative problem solving. In geography, children will learn about the continents, different places in the world, its wonders and people. Science subject is also present. In this subject children will learn about the parts of the body and their senses, animals, plants, solar system, matter and energy.

Writing, language and spelling,

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vocabulary reading and storytelling is also at hand.

The school doesn’t only offer academic teaching but also provides a well rounded program that includes fun and play as well as musical and talent expressions through their events and special programs.

Aside from these regular programs of the school, summer classes is also offered that is to maximize the child’s capabilities and time. Some of the lists of programs offered during summer are literacy and reading, mathematics, arts and craft wherein they will learn self-expression and social communication skills.

Declamation coaching and ballet dancing are some of the extracurricular activities that are being offered by the school.

The Dream Makers Academy is your partner in raising your bright, happy and talented child.

Every day is an enrollment day so give your child a headstart. IMT

A Holistic Journey to Rejuvenate BY CRYSTALE MAY DE GUIA

Passion when not fully utilized is useless. Your like a catterpillar who yourself know that you’re capable enough to become the greatest butterfly ever. That’s why we need to converted this passion into something worthwhile, like in business.

Dr. Reysa Alenzuela, owner of the renowned Home-0-pathy Home Service Therapies confessed of how she started her most-loved business.

Going back to the times when Dr. Reysa was still working as the Director of Thomas Jefferson Information Center, Embassy of the United States in the Philippines.

Her work was never easy.

Her work-load was full and pressure was everywhere. For five consecutive years of working in a stressful yet blissful environment, Dr. Reysa used to

pamper herself by way of visiting a spa.

“I’ve already visited almost all the spa’s in Metro Manila and foreign countries during travels because I want my body to relax and rejuvenate and that my hobby of going to spa was developed,” said Dr. Reysa.

At present, Dr. Reysa Alenzuela is the Academic Coordinator (BLIS) at the University of San Agustin at the same time a University Lecturer at the Central Philippine University.

At the age of 33, she converted her passion to business. According to her, she does have the knowledge on business management especially she knows the business very well.

All of her staffs were well-educated and well-experienced when it comes to therapy so no wonder their services are sought-after by regular customers. With all the names to be used in her business, she choose Home-O-Pathy Home Service Therapies for the reason that Home-OPathy reinvents the spa experience to a holistic journey to rejuvenate, heal and invigorate mind and body in the convenience of home or any other relaxation venues.

Home-O-Pathy offers a variety of mind-body rejuvenation. It is devoted to providing holistic methods of massage, body work and energy work.

Home-O-Pathy also offers retreats and bookings in personal or private events that will enable participants to cope with the urban’s jungle hustles and bustles with relaxation services, customized detoxification treatments and wellness packages promoting a commitment to a proactive healthy lifestyle.

These are the basic services Home-O-Pathy offers.

First, the Champisage or Indian Head Massage, in this massage, the head, neck and face are massaged to manipulate energy channels. The goal of the service is to clear the blocks that cause a build-up of negative energy that can result to a variety of ailments.

Next, the Pediatric Massage which is used as complementary and alternative treatment, the

manual manipulation of soft tissue to promote health and well being for children.

The third one is the Sweddish Massage that is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes to relax the entire body. This massage is also beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins and improving circulation.

Shiatsu is also available. It is a “finger pressure” massage consisting of finger and palm pressure, stretches and massage techniques to cope with stress, muscle pain, anxiety and depression.

They also offer Lomi-Lomi or “masseur”, a Hawaiian hard massage using knuckles and elbows to run and press in and out.

What is special in this spa is their Home-OPathy Signature Massage that is a combination of reflexology, shiatsu, sweddish and lomi-lomi provided for one and a half hours for ultimate relaxation.

Foot Reflexology and foot spa is also available.

Their very unique nail therapy is one of a kind. It is their way of making simple manicure and pedicure a therapy by blending organic, natural and non-abrasive products.

They also have this fruit facial wherein it is with the natural way of rejuvenating and hydrating the face using only products as ingredients like lemon, milk, yogurt or honey or oatmeal and some fruits in season.

Lastly, their aromatherapy facial, it is a very relaxing experience enhanced with the use of essential oils. For treatments, they are using hypo-allergenic ingredients and essential oils like primrose, which has a light scent for rose for relaxation; grapeseed, a hint of citrus and sweet scent which promotes a happy mood and eucalyptus which has a calming effect.

To know more and experience their natural way relaxation, you may visit their place at HomeO-Pathy Home Service Therapies, Ground Floor, EV Bldg., Jalandoni St., Jaro, Iloilo City (near Alberto’s Pizza). IMT