ILOILO
the first business newspaper in metro iloilo
metropolitan VOL. I ISSUE NO. 24
times July 14 - 20, 2013 Php 12.00
developmental news | critical views www.iloilometropolitantimes.com
BOUNTIFUL ILOILO RIVER. It has been a habit for some Ilonggos to go fishing every afternoon in the Iloilo River. For others, fishing is just a form of hobby but for some, it’s more than having fun. They are striving to catch fish in order to provide food for the family. (Photo by Mechel Velasco/IMT)
Drilon targets billboards
BY REYMAR LATOZA
In order to secure safety and provide better view for local and foreign visitors, Senator Franklin Drilon urged Sangguniang Panlungsod to come up with an ordinance banning giant billboards along the Iloilo Diversion Road in Mandurriao district. Drilon said the proliferation of commercial billboards along the Diversion Road is mushrooming that it has become a cause for public concern because it
poses imminent danger to life, safety, and property. He also wants to remove all existing billboards and other commercialized structures along the said area. “These billboards unduly alter the landscape that we intended for our roads and it is counterproductive to our effort to promote tourism in the city and to make our roads world-class,” Drilon said. Drilon also called the attention of Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog
and the city councilors to discourage Ilonggos from selling and leasing their lots for building up billboards along the area so that the continuing renovation and improvements of major roads will not be hampered. State-run news organization, Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported that through the initiative and effort of the senator, the Diversion Road is currently undergoing road widening and improvement “to become another catalyst
in Iloilo City’s bid to host the ministerial meeting of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in 2015.” Drilon said in the report that the efforts being done now to the Diversion Road are first of its kind. Once finished, it will be a road every local executive would want their localities to have. He encourages everyone not to tarnish the efforts of making the roads beautiful and world-class by placing unnecessary huge billboards and signboards on the highways.IMT
HP brings gadgets to Iloilo BY REYMAR LATOZA
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DTI steps to curb undelivered ‘balikbayan’ boxes
BY REYMAR LATOZA
Because of the numerous reports about undelivered balikbayan boxes, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Association of International Shipping Lines Inc. (AISL) inked an agreement to protect and to make sure that all balikbayan boxes will be received by the addressee in the country.
Mila’s Hill
According to DTI, the signed agreement stipulates the sharing of information of lists of accredited sea freight forwarders and those with pending administrative cases or complaints. DTI added the shipping lines may refuse carriage of consolidated balikbayan box shipment if the foreign companies, and/or the Philippine DTI intensifies /p5 Mini Hotel
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Gazebo
The MSI-ECS (Phils) Inc. introduced upto-date HP products to Ilonggo business heads for their company’s IT and business needs. The country’s most trusted distributor presented the world’s most intelligent servers – HP Proliant Gen8 server blades. The said server blades with ProActive insight architecture automate data center tasks to maximize every hour. Along with it are HP ProLiant Gen8
e-Series servers which virtually eliminate tedious, manual tasks that consume time and energy spent innovating for business, HP Proliant Gen8 servers, HP Intelligent Series Racks, HP Rack Solutions, and HP Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS). For more information about the said products, contact Jules Abuel, Product Manager – HP Networking, 6883907, jabuel@msi-ecs.com.ph. IMT
METRO BUSINESS
2
July 14 - 20, 2013
Garin seeks refiling of WVMC corporatization bill
BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN Former Iloilo’s 1st District Cong. Janette Garin, who is now appointed as Undersecretary of Department of Health (DOH) is hoping to refile her passed bill that seeks to convert the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) into a government-owned and -controlled hospital corporation after it was vetoed by President Benigno Aquino III recently. Garin said with the newly-seated congressmen at the House of Representatives, she is optimistic that the six congressmen in the province including Iloilo City will help her refile the bill after deleting some provisions which the President wanted to be deleted. “Definitely, the President agrees to the contract of corporation but he wanted the Sec. 17 (loans) to be deleted. I was not able to refile the bill because of limited time due to elections”, she said. Under the House Bill No. 4546, Sec. 17 (Loans) – its stated that the corporation is hereby authorized to contract loans, credits, and other indebtedness in any convertible foreign currency, from foreign governments, or any international financial institution or fund sources, or any other entity, on such terms and conditions it shall deem appropriate for the
accomplishment of its purposes and to enter into and executive agreements specifying such terms and conditions. Garin added her bill aimed to improve the health care delivery system in the integrated hospitals and assured Ilonggos that there would be no increase in hospital fees once WVMC is already converted into a government-owned and -controlled hospital corporation. Also, part of the bill is to integrate the San Joaquin Municipal Hospital in San Joaquin, Iloilo as subsidiary of a corporatized WVMC. Meanwhile, Alliance to Oppose Corporatization of WVMC (ATOCOW) is now vigilant on the possible refiling of the bill at the Congress. Alliance of Health Workers coordinator Ruth Alinsangao said they have gathered support from several former congressmen in Iloilo, of which some were reelected, on its stand against the corporatization of the WVMC but they fear that with the new set of congressmen, this bill might be refilled beyond their knowledge. “We are happy that the bill was vetoed by the President but we will be vigilant on other things they could do to push this bill especially that the main author (Garin) was appointed as Usec of Health”, she said.
GSIS partakes on gaming industry
BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) maintains a dynamic approach to equity investing by powering opportunities in an unpredictable market. GSIS president and general manager Robert Vergara noted that the country’s biggest pension fund continues to be an investor in the stock market and views unstable market as a chance to load up on stocks with strong fundamentals. “We will increase our exposure whenever there are opportunities to add to our investments at attractive valuation levels as we have done in recent weeks,” Vergara said. The GSIS president said that the agency maintains to monitor and search for alternative investment that will enhance returns despite its low interest rate. GSIS recently partake in the preferred share offering of listed gaming firm Leisure & Resorts World Corp. (LRWC), owning P800million out of the P1.65-billion deal. The non-voting and non-participating preferred shares earned a token of 8.5 percent per annum and are paid partially every year. For each 20 preferred shares, the holders are allowed to one warrant convertible to
common shares beginning on the fifth year. Each warrant, if implemented at a price of P15 or the average weighted trading price for the three months prior will be turned into one common share. Vergara expressed that its investment in LRWC only shows that GSIS has high hopes in the country’s gaming system, which is predicted to profit a total of $2.5-billion on the last quarter of the year. “We believe that the outlook for the gaming sector is attractive in the medium term,” Vergara said. LRWC is a minority investor in the casino business between Henry Sy’s Belle Corp and Macau casino tycoon Melco Crown Entertainment. The two giant corporations have invested almost P4-billion casino and hotel complex within Manila’s rising gaming hub, the Entertainment City. The Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corp. has foreseen that by 2017, Philippines’ yearly casino revenue will streak to $10-billion, with all four casino resorts in Entertainment City operating. As of March, GSIS had P123 billion invested in the stock market, spread in about 60 issues, including blue chips. IMT
PNoy seeks 2.3T budget for 2014
BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA
President Benigno Aquino III aims to acquire a P2.3-trillion national budget for 2014 after he delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22. Budget Secretary Florencio Abad admits that the President will ask the Senate and the House of Representatives to appropriate P2.268trillion budget. Florencio added that Aquino and his Cabinet members are set to discuss the proposed 2014 budget, which is 13.1 percent or P262billion higher than this year’s P2.006-trillion expenditure. The additional resources will go to increased investments in infrastructure, in good governance and anti-corruption, in building human capabilities especially of the poor, through quality education, public healthcare and housing, and in climate change adaptation measures. The said budget scheme is based on a gross national product (GNP) growth of 5.8-6.8 percent, expansion in gross domestic product (GDP) of 6.5-7.5 percent, inflation rate of 3-5 percent, and an exchange rate of P42-P45 to a US dollar. “The growth in the domestic economy as
adjusted for inflation is projected to be at 6-7 percent in 2013 and 6.5-7.5 percent in 2014,” Abad further declared. The agriculture sector is expected to grow by 3.3-4.3 percent, industry by 7.4-8.6 percent, stronger than the 6.6-7.6 percent while pesodollar exchange rate is assumed to maintain around P42-P45/$1 over the near term. The government then foresees to collect P2.025-trillion in revenues, higher than this year’s P1.745-trillion target. The P43-billion additional collection comes from higher taxes on the so-called “sin” products like cigarettes and liquor. The government continues to cut down the budget deficit to a “manageable level of two percent of GDP”. Meanwhile, the focus of the budget program is how to sustain the country’s economic growth and drop it down to the less fortunate. “These gains provide the needed momentum to face the key development challenges in ensuring inclusive economic growth so that the expansion of the economy translates into more jobs and livelihood for the people, larger investment inflows to expand these opportunities, and more significant contribution to poverty reduction,” he stressed. IMT
After the proposed bill was passed in 2011, the ATOCOW has been strongly opposing the enrolled consolidated House Bill No. 4546 and Senate Bill 3381 that they staged several protest actions calling for greater and meaningful budget for health. Alinsangao said even the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) says that the poor Filipinos suffer from the deprivation to access to health the most. “Deprivation to health contributes the most or around 56.5 percent to the overall poverty of the poor in the country. Corporatization through public-private partnership scheme will further deprive the 98 percent indigent patients
Photo courtesy of myphilippinelife.com of WVMC,” she added. The WVMC is the only DOH-retained tertiary referral hospital in Panay and Guimaras islands that is affordable and accessible for the poor. Currently operates on a 300-bed capacity budget but serves 400 to 500 beds daily, excluding out-patients reaching 500 daily. IMT
Iloilo River vies 2013 Thiess International Riverprize
BY REYMAR LATOZA
The Iloilo River is vying an international award, the 2013 Thiess International Riverprize award after chosen as one of the four finalists. Chief executive Matthew Reddy of the International River Foundation based in Brisbane, Australia informed of the Iloilo River as a finalist in the international search through a communication addressed to city environment and natural resources officer Noel Hechanova. Iloilo River is the only one in the Philippines qualified to get the said award. It is competing with three other river finalists - Bolshaya River in Russia, Mara River in Kenya, Africa and the Murray Darling Basin in Australia. City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog considered the river became an anchor of all development and pro-projects such as the Esplanade, housing projects for informal settlers displaced along the river and other danger zones, road widening, completion of circumferential and radial roads and construction of new ports for roll-on and roll water vessels and fast crafts. “The representatives of the finalist rivers are required to attend the 16th International Riversymposium on September 16-23, 2013
in Brisbane where the international grand winner will be announced during a gala dinner,” Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported. The international winner will win one million Australian dollars for projects. The rehabilitation of the Iloilo-Batiano river system was reenergized. Several activities were conducted to regain to bring back the richness of the river, “Sinadya sa Suba, cleanup drives, and strict river monitoring had been greatly contributed in the river’s revival. The city also hosted the first international river summit last May 2012. Iloilo River played an important role in the civilization of Ilonggos- in their lives, history, and culture. It has a length of 15 kilometers with its water flowing from the town of Oton at Batiano Creek and traverses some of the most populated areas in the city, namely, the districts of La Paz, Mandurriao, Molo, Arevalo and the City Proper. The said river has been growing 22 mangrove species. It houses 634 hectares of fishponds with 31 species of fish, crabs and shrimps that provides the livelihood of many fisherfolks. IMT
DOT-6 finalizes list of 7 ‘Bridges of Blessings’
BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN
The Department of Tourism 6 (DOT6) has conducted consultative meeting and brainstorming with different stakeholders in this city to finalize the list of 7 Bridges of Blessings in Iloilo City to be launched on September this year. Among the stakeholders are Department of Environment National Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works of Highway (DPWH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Iloilo City Government, tri-media and private-sector, among others. DOT-6 director Atty. Helen Catalbas said the consultation includes selection of 7 bridges and corresponding blessings, clarifications, suggestions, marketing strategy, roles of stakeholders and proposed itineraries. Iloilo City has 19 bridges mostly connecting the Iloilo-Batiano Rivers and two flyovers which most of these bridges had its own history and story to tell that already been part of the city’s history. The oldest is the historical Forbes Bridge built in 1910 and rehabilitated in 1975. The other bridges that cross the Iloilo River are the QuirinoLopez Bridge built in 1967 and rehabilitated in 2000, Iloilo Bridge or the diversion bridge built in 1982, and the new Carpenter’s Bridge built in 2010 beside the old Carpenter’s Bridge was rehabilitated into a pedestrian bridge.
Bridges built across the Salog River are the Montinola Bridge built in 1956 and Jaro Bridge built in 1982 and the Buhang Bridge built in 2010 across the Jaro floodway. Other city bridges are the six Dungon bridges over Dungon Creek with the first Dungon Bridge built in 1948, Dungon Bridge I, Dungon Bridge II, Dungon Bridge III, Dungon Bridge IV and Dungon Bridge V, all built in 1982, Buntatala Bridge built in 1956, Calajunan Bridge built in 958, Ticud Bridge built in 2000, Bitoon Bridge built in 2010, and the newest Jalandoni Bridge, Drilon Bridge and Nabitasan Bridge. Meanwhile, the two flyovers are Infante which was built in 2008 and the Jalandoni built in 2010. Catalbas said the main attraction here is the Iloilo River wherein most of these bridges have been part of the city which is good to be promoted as a tourist spot. “In modern days, this is part of our job to identify other heritage sites either it’s man-made, natural, lifestyle, or food where we could link our past and history”, she said. On her part, Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Council president Dr. Kristine Treñas said Iloilo City heritage sites particularly these bridges are beneficial and they have their own role in the life of Iloilo City. IMT
BY MARY PAULINE BALMES Passi City, Iloilo’s first component city, is now moving forward towards transformation of becoming a premier city in the heart of the Iloilo province. Re-elected Mayor Jesry T. Palmares said his second term envisions a better Passi City anchored on short, mid and long-term plans that will surely benefit the Passinhons. “Our vision is to make Passi City as the Center of Trade and Commerce in the island of Panay.”, he said. The geographical location of Passi City in the center of Panay and Iloilo Province has contributed to its development from a typical countryside to an emerging urban district after its conversion 15 years ago. For more than forty years, it has been the midpoint of wholesaling and trading in the island through its auction market. It is where livestocks like cows, carabaos, goats and hogs are being sold in public. Palmares added that the coming in of investors indicates a good sign and leverage in the economic growth of the city. “For them to invest in Passi means there is trust in their part. And we would like to support these investors- whether small, medium, or large- by giving them better tax incentives and guarantee them of the support from our city
Abanse Passi! through peace and order, and security,” said Palmares. With the mushrooming new investments in the city, the local government of Passi is also preparing for the newly updated Comprehensive Land-used Plan (CLUP) to be in place to another 10-20 years, incorporating the actual situation if climate change because Passi city is situated in three rivers- Jalaur River, Lamunan River, Hinayan River, Asisig River & Maliao River. “This is to place all zones in proper order. We want to prepare the future expansions in the city in a safer ground and flood-free areas that complements CLUP to ensure investor’s investments,” he said. In agriculture, Palmares said this time they want to focus on high-valued crops like sugar, coffee, corn and other traditional crops as well as fruits and vegetables. “We would like also to help our famers enhance their per capita income. We will also be updating our soil inventory to identify what type of high-value crops are suited in that area,” Palamres added. Palmares also talked big about their newly installed tramline, probably first in Panay. This is set up to raise vegetable in higher elevation and altitude. Also, Passi terminal has closed circuit televisions (CCTV) installed in order
to respond, pre-empt, and secure the people in public places. Palmares is also planning to continue the rehabilitation of the drainage system and bridges, and concreting roads for easier access of farm-to-market roads. To promote healthcare among its constituents, Passi is also establishing satellite hospitals 16 to 21 kms. away from the Poblacion that could cater more than five thousand residents. “Additional banks are also coming in which is a good signal. It means there is money revolving in the area,” he said. Some banks which are already in the city are BDO, PNB, Landbank and Metrobank is eyeing a potential business in the area. On the other hand, while Gaisano Mall serves as a one-stop shop for Passinhons and visitors, Palmares said Robinsons Mall also has their property and SM is already sightseeing. “All in proper time”, Palmares stressed. Passi City will also enhance its eco-tourism programs by developing a more appealing way to market the tourist spots like caves and other destinations within the city as well as the celebration of the renowned Pintados de Pasi. Palmares said “This year, we will strengthen our campaign to market the city to the rest of the
country and to the world with the help of our city tourism office.” In the whole island of Panay, Passi is only the third city next to Roxas and Capiz and the regional capital. Through counterpart bills filed by then 4th district Rep. Narciso Monfort in the house of representatives and then Senator Vicente Sotto III in the Senate, Congress eventually passed a consolidated legislation later to become Republic Act 8496 which was enacted on March 14, 1988. Jesry Palmares was the transition mayor from townhood to cityhood when he was reelected mayor on May 1998 election. Among the first acts of the city mayor was the declaration of tax relief for real property owners. The tax relief covered properties with delinquencies up to 10 yrs. Owners were only made to pay for the principal amount of taxes without penalty or interest. (Pasinhon, 2012) Three to five years from now, Mayor Jesry Palmares envisions Passi City a city rich of past but is bountiful of future, an excellent historical representation of Iloilo Province’s yesteryears but a noble example of what the province could become in the years to come. “We will be doing better, and we are aiming for the best, this year and the coming areas,” he ended. IMT
ILOILO METROPOLITAN TIMES
4
July 14 - 20, 2013
The Royal Garden Hall
BY MARY PAULINE BALMES Along with the city’s aim to become one of the sought-after convention hubs in the country, a paradise-like convention hall was recently opened to cater good food, valuable service and remarkable moments with friends and family. The Royal Garden Hall Convention Center, owned by Mr. And Mrs. Antonio Oppen and Cecile Jamora-Oppen, is another heavenly edifice that would surely entice Ilonggo families in celebrating momentous events in their lives as well as tourists and visitors in holding important affairs and business meetings. The hall is a five-division convention center named after the five flowers namely Bougainvillea, Sampaguita, Rose, Gumamela, and Margarita.
The Bougainvillea is turned into a mini-restaurant for families and friends who would like to dine in and taste international gastronomy like Asian, American and Italian cuisines. The rest of the four halls are occupied and extended for event purposes like small and big conventions, parties, debuts and weddings. A picturesque view of the Iloilo River can also be seen at the back part of the hall while the parking area in front has a capacity of about 7680 cars. The Royal Garden Hall Convention Center is located at Gen. Luna Street, Iloilo City in front of the University of San Augustine. For inquiries and reservations, please contact Sales and Marketing Department at 335-09-31.
The Blest Story Wilyn May as the shop’s opening day coincided with her birthday on May 31, 2013. Wilyn continually strives to improve the features and services of the shop with her creative touch while Cris Paulo supports the shop through graphic design and financial planning from a distance. What’s in the name? To “bless” is to confer prosperity or happiness upon while the word “blest” is a variant of “blessed”. To recognize that every celebration is a blessing is the main thought of the business name. Every occasion that we want to celebrate is indeed a “blest moment”. The name was also chosen to acknowledge being closer to God has made many wonderful things possible in their lives.
BY CRIS PAULO C. YAUN Blest Moments is the brain child of the couple Cris Paulo C. Yaun and wife Wilyn May T. Yaun and was born during day dreams at their work place as OFW’s in Doha, Qatar. Both trained construction professionals, they have always believed that working abroad is not the end (knowing that many OFW’s have grown old in their overseas jobs) but a means to an end which is to come back and start something more productive and sustainable for the family and for the community. They felt that migrating to other countries is not the answer to poverty, but an abandonment of social responsibility. Seeing a good opportunity in
entrepreneurship, they started planning their venture since 2011 gradually researching on how to build an enterprise. Aside from the “pasalubong” that they bring back to Doha for friends every vacation time, they also brought along with them business books to study. Finally, after much prayer and thought, Wilyn May decided to resign from her job in a large construction firm to start and manage the family business in the Philippines. Cris Paulo and Wilyn have a natural love for children and so it was the direction they took for Blest Moments. They describe it as something that they have always wanted to do aside from construction, with both having artistic inclinations. It must be God’s gift to
What is Blest Moments? Blest Moments is a party needs and gift shop where you can find great value at reasonable prices. Items include balloons, party hats, loot bags, piñata, selected toys and gift Items, children’s bags and selected school supplies, souvenir items, candles, confetti’s, greeting cards, gift wrappers, plates and cups, cakes and decorations, chocolates and candies. They also offer services such as gift wrapping (free at a minimum purchase), rental of tables and chairs, personalized invitations/ thank-you cards, clowns, stage design, popcorn cart rental, sweet corn cart rental, and Costume Design. The Blest Vision The Blest Moments vision is to be the leading party needs and gift shop in Iloilo and that it will eventually have branches in other places. The Blest Mission The Blest Moments mission is to provide quality products and services at reasonable prices and to
bring smiles to children Contact details: Location: # Door 5 Asiatic Bldg. Valeria Extension St., Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo City, Philippines Tel. +63 33 300 0159 Like their Facebook page at: www. facebook.com/yourblest
July 14 - 20, 2013
METRO ENTREPRENEUR
Gain More Profit and Spend Less Capital in a Small Business BY MARY JANE UBAY
WEESAM EXPRESS
ILOILO - BACOLOD - ILOILO DEPARTURES 6:30 am 8:10 am 9:50 am 11.30 am
FARE:
One Way
Non-aircon
1:10 pm 2:50 pm 4:45 pm
(All charges in) (W3 only)
P250
aircon P340 a local of Dao, Capizis owns ECO. FC. aircon P435 CRIS J Valeria Special Lumpia ROUND TRIP PROMO aircon P585 Wrapper delightedly shared his ECO. FC. aircon P665 humble beginning as Schedule subject to change without prior notice. an entrepreneur. He For details please call: was then an in-charge ILOILO (033)337-3282 / 09228660338 BACOLOD (034)709-0630, 433-9125 of his brother in-law’s lumpia wrapper strong motivation to stay in this kind of business business then eventually he took the for eighteen (18) years. responsibility in operations of the said It was in 1995 when CRIS J Valeria Special business. Unfortunately, his brother Lumpia Wrapper started its operations with the in-law lost his interest to continue the capital amounting to Php 2,000.00 only. The Mr. Jomari business that later on caused the business Batican own road for Mr. Batican’s business is not that easy at er J Valeria Sp to die down. This pushed Mr. Jomari ecial Lumpia CRIS the especially at beginning of course. Though he’s Wrapper Batican to open his own lumpia wrapper familiar with the business that he is running, but business. All his experiences became his what challenged him was how to gain customers. They spent overtime specially during holiday seasons in order for them to cope up with the consumers’ needs. Good to know that during that time, they’re earning the profit of at least Php20,000.00 for every 55 sacks of flour that they used. As the demand for supply arises, more and more One of the p rocess how lu mpia wrapp entrepreneurs became attracted er made to get involved to the same Packaging business Mr. Jomari Batican had started. Among those who found the business interesting and profitable were Mr. Rex Pardilla and Mrs. Josephine Pardilla. The married couple said that highest percentage of their earnings have been coming from their out of town customers. They are from Miagao, San Joaquin, Tigbauan, Leon, Dumangas, and Barotac Nuevo Iloilo. It’s also interesting that this kind of business employed even the handicaps. When you decide to visit the store of Mr. Jomari Batican, you will also pass by other lumpia wrapper makers, which will give you a chance to meet the handicapped personnel of the other store. It’s admiring to see persons with broken hands striving to do their job as lumpia SEN. MANNY VILLAR was recently conferred the 2013 Outstanding Professional of the wrapper makers. It will surely leave an admirable Year Award in the field of Real Estate Service by the Professional Regulation Commission for impression to anyone, that disability or lack of “revolutionizing the housing industry as the biggest homebuilder in Southeast Asia, having education is not a hinder to strive and to make built more than 100,000 houses for the poor and middle class Filipino families”. Villar was the best in your lives. For Mr. Jomari Batican accompanied by his wife, Senator-elect Cynthia Villar, during the Awards Night held at Manila this kind of business is worth the praise, or the Hotel’s Fiesta Pavilion in Manila. admiration. IMT
Every entrepreneur has their own story to tell. They all have unique beginnings, ups and downs in their businesses. Mr. Jomari Batican
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[against it] at DTI or has no DTI accreditation to engage in freight forwarding business. As of the present, DTI’s Philippine Shippers’ Bureau has listed 633 elegible firms. Since 2008, DTI recorded 550 complaints of missing balikbayan boxes.
METRO OPINION
6 EDITORIAL
U
What’s with the “F”?
niversidad ng Pilipinas (UP) t o Un i b e r s i d a d n g Fi l i p i n a s (UF)? Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to Bangko Sentral n g Fi l i p i n a s ? B i n i b i n i n g P i l i p i n a s might also be changed to Binibining Fi l i p i n a s ? – C ’m o n ! W h a t’s w i t h t h e F ? There has been exchange of views and o p i n i o n s a m o n g s o c i a l l y - a w a re Fi l i p i n o s about the recent pronouncement of t h e Ko m i s y o n n g W i k a n g Fi l i p i n o (KWF) to change the name of country from “ P i l i p i n a s” to “ Fi l i p i n a s” . A wider scope of Pinoy netizens, m o s t l y a r e e x p r e s s i n g t h e i r d i s a p p r ov a l to the alteration of the commission stating how it would change ever ything and would require us a few steps back. A c c o r d i n g t o K W F, t h e i r d e c i s i o n was based on a historical point o f v i e w t h a t d u r i n g t h e Sp a n i s h Colonial Era, Sp a n i a r d s named t h e c o u n t r y “ Fi l i p i n a s” . Sp a n i a r d s came first before the Americans. K W F, a s m a n d a t e d b y t h e l a w t o conduct further and thorough research to help in the preser vation of the native language of the Philippines, gradually introduces the use of “ Fi l i p i n a s” in g ov e r n m e n t seals, letterheads, and other materials with a t t a c h e d e m b l e m s . It a l s o u r g e s t h e institutions and companies with the n a m e “ P i l i p i n a s” t o s p e l l i t “ Fi l i p i n a s” . O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , Ma l a c a ñ a n h a s y e t to disclose and give statement regarding t h i s m a t t e r. L e t’s s e e h o w t h e y w o u l d r e a c t i n t h e c o m i n g d a y s . M a y b e t h e y’r e still on the process of weighing things. Will this transformation in the Philippine language be easy for us? If i t i s a b o u t u n i t y, w i l l i t u n i t e u s ? T h e answer would always depend on how one v i e w s t h e i s s u e . O n e t h i n g , h o w e v e r, i s s u r e — t h a t i t w o n’t b e e a s y f o r u s . Many of us would often say how deteriorated our culture is because we n e g l e c t t o u n r a v e l a n d a c k n ow l e d g e w h a t is really ours. But now that people have c o m e u p a n i d e a t o u p h o l d o u r i d e n t i t y, i s n’t i t u s n o t a c k n o w l e d g i n g i t a l s o ? C h a n g e i s a l w a y s h a rd . It i s n e v e r e a s y. Bu t re m e m b e r t h a t i t i s a l w a y s i n e v i t a b l e . The pros and cons are all spices of life. I n t h i s c a s e , l e t’s j u s t w a i t a n d s e e h o w t h i n g s w o u l d g o a n d m a y b e w e’ l l eventually embrace these changes. A f t e r a l l w e’r e a l l Fi l i p i n o s a n d all we want is what is best for our c o u n t r y. We l l , u n l e s s y o u d o n’t w a n t .
July 14 - 20, 2013
Saving on Government Spending
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liminating g r a f t corruption is a major step to save billions and billions of pesos for the government. Iloilo City motorists may have wondered why we are confronted by dayto-day travel inconvenience due to massive road repairs, maintenance and widening. But it’s actually one of the many answers to saving on government spending. DPWH nowadays no longer encourages asphalt overlaying but rather road cementing on the concreting of our national roads for them to last longer. General Luna street was built in the 50’s and it’s not a surprise why until in the early 2000, it continued to be strong. Meaning, it’s half a century of saving millions of pesos. But when some enterprising government officials stepped in, there went the asphalt overlaying. As a result, the road that had lasted for half a century became a subject of periodic asphalting that may probably have lasted for eternity had it not for the Noynoy Aquino presidency where asphalting is a no-no! In terms of government publication, why would it spend millions to advocacy plugs and information dissemination with privately owned and highly commercialized media outfits when there are actually plenty of state-owned media outfits? PTV, NBN, RPN and IBC tv stations are government-owned. Radyo ng Bayan is also governmentowned. The government
spends a lot for advertisement contracts and bidding publications. Not to mention the sizeable salary grades and incentives of their (the state-owned media outfits) employees as well as their operational expenses. The religious sector and various foundations also enjoys free taxes when in truth, theirs is a lucrative business. Salaries are too big, allowances are more than enough to dwell within the vows of poverty and civic duties; donations are unlimited; and an increasing profit-oriented business engagements away from purely religious rituals have been institutionalized. Government money is spent to build houses for informal settlers who do not pay taxes and the ones who bleed the state’s financial resources in cleaning up waterways they pollute, and the ones who became instant beneficiaries of government dole outs whose privileges are taken from the tax-paying professionals and establishments. The Philippine Postal Corporation is fast becoming an irrelevant agency of the government as it fails to attune itself from the higher demands of courier services against its private competitors. It’s existence is made even alienable in the advent of online accessibility to communication. What made it worst is the post offices’ poor handling of mails and couriers of few people who still patronize their lamentable system. Recommendations to have this agency attached to other government agencies makes sense. PCSO and PAGCOR’s infinite source of funds should also be properly allocated other than caring it off with the dangerous “ President’s social fund “ system. Leaving funds of unimaginable quantity to boundless discretionary powers of one dispensable man every six years spells extreme danger. Serving the sick and the needy does not legitimize the short sightedness of the frequently hyped programs and services. Government money should be spent to long-term sustainable livelihood programs that will eventually deload the government from borderless giving of alms. And the countryside must have equal stake in the shares of Imperial Manila.
ROLIHLAHLA’S voice
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5 years ago, on July 18, 1918, a man whom we now know as Nelson Mandela was born at the tiny village of Mveso in South Africa and was given the name Rolihlahla by his father. To some he is either a communist or democratic socialist, but to me, he is a statesman of men and women of goodwill, regardless of race, creed or nationality. As of this writing his life is being extended with a lifesupport system. He can no longer breathe on his own and deliver his message to us. But his life goes beyond that. His message is as important today as when it was made. I have culled some of his thoughts, convictions, and realizations on certain matters from his autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom”, which he started writing in 27 years or 10,000 days that he was a political prisoner. His message calls for our introspection as secular people and as a nation. On obligations of man, he wrote, “In life, every man has twin obligations – obligations to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community, his country.” On the life of freedom fighters and on being a father he disclosed: “it seems to be the destiny of freedom fighters to have unstable personal lives. When your life is in struggle,
as mine was, there is little room left for the family...To be the father of a nation is a great honor, but to be the father of a family is a great joy. But it was a joy I had far too little of.” On matters of freedom, he has this to say: “ I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free – free in every way that I could know. Free to run in the fields near my mother’s hut, free to swim in the clear stream that ran through my village….It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion, when I discovered as a young man that my freedom had already been taken from me, that I began to hunger for it. At first, as a student I wanted freedom only for myself, the transitory freedoms of being able to stay out at night, read what I pleased , and go where I chose. Later, as a young man in Johannesburg, I yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms of achieving my potential, of earning my keep, of marrying and having a family – the freedom not to be obstructed in a lawful life.” He continued, “But then I slowly saw that not only was I not free, but my brothers and sisters were not free. I saw that it was not just my freedom that was curtailed, but the freedom of everyone who looked like I did. That is when I joined the African National Congress, and that is when the hunger for my own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of my people….Freedom is indivisible; the chains on anyone of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me.” About his mission: “I saw my mission as one of preaching reconciliation, of binding the wounds of the country, of engendering trust and confidence. I knew that many people, particularly the minorities, whites, Coloureds, and Indians, would be feeling anxious about the future, and I wanted them to feel secure. I reminded people again and again that the liberation struggle was not a battle against any one group or color, but a fight against a system
In the case of NSO, why do people spend a lot from paying every sheet of authenticated natal documents? In the absence of national I.D. system, why are we drowned from the burdens of paying for every document that we also own? Don’t you think being born from parents who religiously pay taxes to the government, and from jobless parents who obey Philippine laws are reasons enough to to be relieved from these payment nuisances? Sad, but the government spend a lot from these redundant transactions and pass on half of it to the public. It’s a waste of time, money and effort for both the public and the government. An economist in Europe once described our government spending as “ unnecessary and time-consuming “. “ Half of Western countries owe their continued existence from professional taxes because they also pay salaries and wages bigger than the world’s standard. But it does not apply to the third world where the world’s standard is way lower, and where economies rely not on professionals but on the greatness of their raw materials like your country (Philippines). Common sense dictates, in a country where government spending is too much, the motivation to raise and collect taxes is also too much “. Fighting graft and corruption is one great government saving mode, but it does not stop there. There are more we can do about if only mercy is placed in the proper perspective. If the government can sharpen its pangs to delinquent taxpayers, the same courage must be exercised to stagnating agencies of the government. Mercy has limits. Options are limitless. Those who have not maximixed the full potential of their offices are not as callous as our current government system. If closure is not an option, merger has become an acceptable form of sound financial management to an ailing economy. If the private sector can lick candies with former industry nemesis as in the case of commercial banks, and consortiums have become an economic balancer, I think the government can do better. Way, way better! of repression.” About courage: “Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea. I have seen men stand up to attacks and torture without breaking, showing a strength and resiliency that defies the imagination. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. I felt fear myself more than I can remember, but I hid it behind a mask of boldness. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” In negotiating with the head of government: “I ask him to place his cards on the table face upwards. Let us work together openly. Let there be no secret agendas. Let him not persuade us that he would be the last speaker because he wants to abuse that privilege and attack us in the hope that we won’t respond. I am prepared to work with him in spite of all his mistakes.” This is what he realized on human nature: “I always knew that deep down in every human heart, there is mercy and generosity. No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate , they can be taught to love, for love comes naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards, perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going. Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.” On how he fared in his journey: “I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest…But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.” We have so much to learn and quote from Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. May his voice resound in our lives.
METRO OPINION
July 14 - 20, 2013
Extreme Coffee
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ere I am at a coffee store near the Mall of Indonesia in Kelapa Gading, East Jakarta, eyeballing the exquisitely designed packs of extreme coffee popularly known in the Philippines as kape alamid but tagged worldwide as kopi luwak (pronounced luwa). The last time I took a cup of the brewed 10-gram powder in Serpong Jakarta, the exotic drink costed me PhP415 which translates to a hefty amount of PhP41,500 per kilo in the world market. Not bad for something that underwent a 3-hour fermentation inside the gut of a Palm Civet Cat (Paradoxurus hermaproditus) and passed out as excreta. The story goes that when the Dutch colonists established coffee plantations in Indonesia, they prohibited the locals from picking ripe coffee cherries for personal consumption. The violators were meted harsh punishment. A myth was also circulated that drinking coffee was not good for the health of the village folk so for a long while most of them stayed away from it. Eventually, however, some of the plantation workers saw lots of civet cat
droppings with embedded coffee beans. They found clump after clumps of fresh and dried dropping on soil surfaces, rocks, tree branches, etc. Gathering was different from picking the cherries from standing plants so they reasoned out that no rule was being violated. The collected beans were washed, dried, dehulled, roasted, pounded into powder, and brewed. The aroma and taste were so good that soon the Dutch themselves were enjoying the drink and paying the locals to gather huge quantities of kopi luwak for export to other countries especially those in the west. In those times and even until now, demand continues to exceed supply, driving the equilibrium price to a dizzying level. Musangs or civet cats are natural quality controllers. They select only the ripe and best cherries especially those that are free from pod-borer infestation. The fleshy pulp or outer hull gets digested inside the stomach through endogenous digestive secretions. This process triggers the release of proteolytic enzymes that break down the bean proteins, causing shorter peptides while liberating good amino acids. Consequently, 25 different flavors which would have been locked inside the beans
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Which planet did you come from? Can Ilonggo writers really exploit the newspapers? Last time I checked with my newspaper writers, they all claimed that they are the ones who are exploited! Haha. So okay, I did use the newspaper to propagate the myth of Peter Solis Nery as the premier agent provocateur of Western Visayas. But you have to remember at least two points: First, that I worked so hard to back up that claim; and I tell you, it is not easy to be a superstar and to be me at the same time. Second, that those newspapers could hardly pay me, so I had to get my reward some other way; in my case, feed my vanity for a shot at local stardom! I’m just sorry everything worked in my favor. I turned out bigger than all those newspapers combined! Newspapers come and go, but Peter Solis Nery is here to stay!
hat can your readers and fans expect from you this time? I’ve always been an exciting writer: a little crazy, but always brilliant and inspired. So my readers will definitely always have that. But in addition, I have traveled the world, lived a fantastical life in exciting Los Angeles for seven years now, gotten married, lost a father, ran a full-marathon, and still seem to be in my top writing form. I guess those will ultimately figure prominently in my writing. But of course, I will still keep my writing bias for the arts, culture, literature, and my own personal journey into becoming a renaissance man. I always like writing about myself, and for the same reason that I flourished as the most conceited newspaper writer in Western Visayas from 2000-2007: I do not want to be sued for libel. If I only write about myself, who can I hurt? Of course, many people missed that point the first time around. There were those who were so consumed by envy thinking that I was exploiting the newspapers to promote myself. Well, did you—exploit the Ilonggo newspapers?
Are you bitter about your years working in the Ilonggo newspapers, about not being paid enough? No! Wherever in hell did you get that idea? I love my newspaper years. I love my former newspaper affiliations. I love my publishers! They’re the most wonderful people in Iloilo to me. I’m still friends with most of them. They all respected my need to move on to bigger
Pokalilomata!
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t all started with their viral banana song and now they’re on their way of dominating the center stage of cinema mainstream with their own “The Minion” movie in 2014. The little yellow army, which acts as supporting characters in the movies’ “Despicable Me 1 and 2”, with their gibberish talk and songs, had set up a new record on animated movies as Despicable Me became of the 10 th biggest animated movie in US history. According to Entertainment Weekly, the movie Despicable Me 2 topped the box office in 36 out of 38 countries it played. What is with these minions? You may ask. Minions’ first appearance was in 2010 on the first installment of Despicable Me, featuring the voices of Steve Carell, Russell Brand, Kristin Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove. The movie is all about a villain named Gru, who decided to pursue his long time plan of stealing the moon, after another villain stole one of the pyramids in
Egypt. Adding a sweet flavor to the story was the three little girls Gru decided to adopt: Agnes, Margo and Edith. Assisting to all his evil plans are the “minions”, the tiny yellow army talking in “unknown” language, which certainly caught the attention of the viewers with their contagious laugh and cuteness. In the end, the girls turned Gru’s life upside down and changed him from an evil villain into a sweet loving parent, greater than his own mother. On the second installment of Despicable Me, the minions are back, along with Gru and the girls. This time, Gru was kidnapped by an agent and asked to help the Anti-villain league caught the one responsible for stealing a whole research facility lab. The movie was lesser evil as the first movie but this time, the minions have been kidnapped and turned into evil minions. The movie ended with Gru saving his minions and the love of his life, with the help of his girls. You may ask, what is this all about? Well, this is about why don’t
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are freed. The resulting drink is almost acid-free and non-bitter with the taste bordering between aromatic coffee and chocolate. In Sumatra, only few coffee farmers are aware of the fortune that they can earn from kopi luwak production. However, for some village folk especially in Jawa, keeping civet cats in confinement and feeding them with ripe coffee cherries for subsequent harvesting of the droppings and processing the beans into kopi luwak have become lucrative enterprises. Presently in the Philippines, a farm in Davao and another one in Cagayan de Oro have combined wild civet cat population of about 300. Animal rights activists are up in arms and are actively lobbying with some ASEAN-member countries to end this cruel and exploitative practice. Depriving the civet cats from normal living in their own natural habitat is indeed ecologically unsound and biodiversity unfriendly. In the tiny cages, these nocturnal animals get disoriented, eat poor diets, and consequently die while still young. There is another horrifying flip side to the story. Civet cats are trapped or hunted, sold, and slaughtered for their exotic meat. In both lowland and highland areas, locals consider
them more as pests because they feast indiscriminately on the fruits of industrial crops and like to poach eggs and dine on small poultry as well. Some of the captured cats discovered competing with food supplies are shot at will, bludgeoned to death, or else poured with steaming water. In one North Sumatra kampung predominantly populated by Batak Toba ethnics, we are piloting a scheme where civet cats are released into a coffee plantation with its perimeter cordoned by black fishnets. This is a paradigm shift from the usual practice of confining the civet cats in cages for kopi luwak production. Not only are the cats secured from human predation but are given supplemental foods consisting of papaya, banana, and other native fruits for balanced nutrition. Meanwhile, their droppings are gathered by the locals for processing into coffee, thereby empowering them with additional employment and income. Environmentalists want to let people know that thousands of civet cats are kept in horrible conditions in the hope that this will put them off their coffee. But to kopi luwak aficionados, who cares? As long as they get to enjoy every drop of the extreme coffee, all is well in the world.
and greener pastures when I left them. They knew that they couldn’t contain a free spirit like me. My ego is bigger than their pastures! If at all, it was the marketing people that soured things for me with those newspapers. But they’re virtually non-existent, then and now, as far as I am concerned. I understand the business side of the newspaper; the marketing department is like the legs and arms. But as everyone who ever read me knows, I was the heart of every newspaper I worked with. Newspapers were interesting when I wrote for them, when I left them, they were nothing but por kilo recyclables. I don’t think that I would ever say it again, but I guess I will now: When I left the newspapers I worked with, they became cheap pamahidariputan. So how can I be bitter? The Ilonggo newspapers gave me my self-confidence. And because they could not pay me enough, I learned my true worth. I realized that I was really… priceless. Newspapers can be bought by politicians, and they still are, but Peter Solis Nery cannot be bought by newspapers! Newspapers cannot afford me. Greatest proof: I write what I write because I can. Now, that’s real power! So, other than the subject of the great Peter Solis Nery, what else will you be
writing about? Are you kidding me? Is that even a question? As the latest Palanca Hall of Famer, and author of twenty books at last count, I think that I have proven that I can write almost anything and have critical and box office success. Now, the question is, What do our readers want to read from Peter Solis Nery? Because if they want high literature, they can buy my books. If they want quality writing for free, they can visit my website, www.petersolisnery.com. If they want action and on the spot brilliance, they can subscribe to my Facebook pages, for I maintain at least four others not counting my personal Peter Solis Nery account. Currently, my most popular Facebook pages are The Peter Solis Nery Foundation, and How to be Happy with Peter Solis Nery. You see, I’m a brand name now. And I pretty much know how to successfully market myself. Ilonggo newspapers have always been heavy on politics and negative journalism. I have always been the breath of fresh air because I refuse to join the crowd. I’m sure there will be hits and misses in this new column, but I swear that I will always try to bring joie de vivre. Surely, I will still hang nincompoops who will try to criticize me, but only to the delight of my fans. Dunutonanghisaon!
Filipinos make these kinds of movie? They certainly did one 3D animated movie, the RPG Metanoia, which for me was a good start to open opportunities for Filipinos to create animated characters that will be a hit to the kids and taught them lessons in life. It’s time for us to go see some feel-good movies which can awaken our childish heart again. Have any of you seen “The Lorax”? or “The Cat in the Hat”?, the former was animated but the latter was not. These movies are great, no drama but will really teach you simple things in life. I mean, aren’t you tired of too much drama and heartbreaking scenes you see on teleseryes everyday? What we see are violence, people cheating on their husbands and wives, children mistreated by her “madrasta” because of what her parents have done. It’s the same story all over again. It becomes so predictable that sometimes you know what will happen next. Media is a powerful technology. Yes, that is true. Why do you think you watch TV for? Of course, to know what is happening everyday. If you are a public figure, your life is
as good as an open book because the media will stalk you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s the media, who feeds your thoughts each day. You may not be aware of it but the media is already shaping your stand against things. As one of my teachers in the high school told us, “there are many ways to kill a cat”, there are certainly many ways on how to influence people without using too much violence. The minions are just characters in the movie but they bring out the child in each of us. They certainly made us drool over them to the point that we also want to have them in our life. They can really make you smile, especially with their “underwear” song, which is their version of I swear and they also have their own version of the song YMCA. The point here is, why don’t we make characters that will bring out the good and happiness in us instead of hatred and tears in our eyes? It’s not that we forget our problems, but it’s about putting a smile in our faces while feeding our soul with hope knowing that there are like minions who will make us laugh and will never leave us even on our darkest hours.
July 14 - 20, 2013
METRO AGRICULTURE
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The Abundance of Iloilo River
ILOILO RIVER. Aside from its picturesque view, the Iloilo River is also home to a variety of fishes. Currently, the river is nominated for 2013 Thiess International Riverprize Award. BY MECHEL VELASCO Streaming from the heart of the Philippines, the City of Love tributary redevelops triumph of maintaining beneficial activities and providing homes for different species. Iloilo River is actually an estuarine flowing from Oton in Batiano River
and crossing the Iloilo City districts of Lapuz, Lapaz, Mandurriao, Molo, Arevalo and the city proper. Its intrinsic natural setting took part in shaping the history of Iloilo even until today. It mirrors the disciplinary actions of the residents and the different organizations on how to sustain
Boracay resort management prepares in Greening workplaces in the resort-island
About 70 members of the Boracay Beach Resorts Management, together with stakeholders from the public and private sectors, attended the recently concluded Green My Enterprise or Green ME Productivity Seminar conducted by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in the world famous Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. The orientation was a result of the commitment of DOLE Region 6 Director Ponciano M. Ligutom to the resort management group during their meeting last May 19 as an initial step to a year-round converging in greening workplaces in the resort-island. The discussion focused on the concept, values and benefits of Green Productivity as well as techniques in achieving it such ways as waste prevention, resource conservation and pollution control. Atty. Stephanie B. Tabladillo of the DOLE-Institute for Labor Studies shared the Department’s experience in “Green our DOLE Program”. She discussed what Green Job was all about. According to her, Green job is an activity done for the combined reasons of material gain (economic development) and protection and care for the environment (environment protection). Likewise, Director Ligutom pushed for the “Green Our Workplace” program here in Region 6, particularly in Boracay to protect and sustain the island’s “fragile” tourism industry. According to him, this greening program should be integrated in the various activities of
Boracay-Industry Tripartite Council (ITC) to ensure its successful implementation. He then directed Aklan Field Office Head Mr. Vidiolo C. Salvacion to connect all activities of the Council towards greening the resort-island. Before the activity ended, the participants came up with recommendations for greening Boracay like assessing Green practices in the workplace or the possibility of introducing Green dimension in the workplace; determining the skills requirements for this transition; checking human resource availability within the community; coordinating/collaborating with education and training institutions for the production of the needed human resource; and, coming out with adjustment measures to facilitate just transition. The stakeholders manifested their full support to the implementation of the program. Mr. Victor G. Andres, Project Manager of San Miguel Corporation TransAire Development Holdings Corp.-Project Management Office, committed financial assistance to the initiative. On the other hand, Mr. Francisco Narbonita of Crown Regency expressed his support to the campaign. “We are already practicing greening our workplace by recycling waste materials and buying/ selling plastics,” he said. Malay Municipal Administrator Godofredo B. Sadiasa suggested having a meeting with stakeholders to draft a covenant or a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing the agreements and expectations of the parties. He designated two personnel of Malay as focal persons for the program.
bounty hidden treasures. The act of volunteerism and the valuable support from Local and Provincial Government Officials since then, uphold the sustainable development of the river. The tightened policing of Bantay- Suba Task Force Chairman of every Barangay located in riverside communities, headed by former councilor Ely Estante, in cooperation with other local officials and City Government, the creation of Iloilo River Development Council, students and residents, helped a lot in bringing back the enthralling river into life. “If the people only know how to maintain discipline, even in a simple act, they are helping the river. If they are only aware of what they can offer to the river and the community…. If they only know that river can give them the abundance, life for us would be easier.” Former Councilor Ely Estante told us. The abundance of our river started to fuel the resident’s livelihood especially those that
depends on fishing. It served as habitat for fish species such as bangus, tilapia, and sea bass. Sometimes crabs and shrimps were caught also, especially when low tide comes. It can be a starting place for fishpond cultivation because of its free connection to the open sea. Its reserved water quality dwells also mangrove species. According to the report by Noel Z. Hechanova, Executive Director of Iloilo River Development Council on September 27, 2010, Iloilo River maintains a high level of productive biological activities. It is also a home to 22 of the country’s 35 mangrove species and the rare emerald shrimp species, metapenaues insolitus. It only shows that Iloilo River is not scarce or poor, it is rich. If plenty of hands will cooperate, plenty resources will be harvested. The profusion of the river is now flowing up to the international arena, being acclaimed by the International River Foundation among the finalist for the Thiess International River prize award. IMT
South Korea extends help to boost PHL agri-sector BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA Philippines received a $22-million fund from South Korea through Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica), which will be used for irrigation facilities, earth filled dam, and access roads in the province of Isabela. The project called “Adapting to Climate Change Impacts through the construction of water Impounding facilities in the Philippines, will receive huge assistance from South Korea, according to Koica. The act only proves South Korea’s deep commitment in aiding the Philippines achieve its target, not just in climate change but also in agricultural development and economic growth. “The project will mitigate climate change by managing water resources, and will, likewise, help farmer-beneficiaries improve their agricultural productivity through the effective usage of water impounding facilities,” South Korean
Ambassador to the Philippines Hyuk Lee said. The said project intends to lessen the unfavorable effect of climate change and improve water management through the construction of an earth-filled dam, irrigation facilities, multipurpose access roads; and reforestation of watershed area along the Pasa river in Isabela province. Koica in cooperation with National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the provincial government of Isabelas will implement the project, which, once completed, will irrigate 980 hectares of lands, build forest cover to 465 hectares of agricultural lands, and create accessible road for transporting farm produce. In 2010, Koica also provide $3-million grant for the livestock sector and P649-million for construction of four rice-processing complex Santa Barbara, Pangasinan; Pototan, Iloilo, Pilar, Bohol; and Matanao, Davao del Sur in 2009. IMT
METRO SPORTS
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July 14 - 20, 2013
DBT qualifying games showcase fiery performance BY REYMARLATOZA The battle of five teams in the ‘under14’ category of the Developmental Basketball Tournament (DBT) sponsored by Iloilo Basketball League (IBL) is getting tougher and more intense. Basketball teams from Central Philippine University (CPU), Colegio de Imaculada Concepcion (Pototan Iloilo), Iloilo National BY REYMAR LATOZA “Actually it applies to everything, if you don’t really want it, STOP IT!, don’t waste your time and your parents’ time and money. It’s useless. But if it is what your heart dictates, then keep pushing yourself. Don’t miss the opportunities that come your way.” Rikka Michel V. Duarte, 19, is a passionate swimmer for ten years. She started swimming since she was in elementary. Rikka is 5’1’’ tall and weighs 49 kgs. Her parents, Mr. Leo Salvador Duarte and Mrs. Ma. Encarnacion Duarte had been so supportive to her career in swimming. Aside from swimming, Rikka has also a great interest in broadcasting. She is now a Junior broadcasting student, at the College of Communications, West Visayas State University. Last Year she got 1 gold, 5 silvers, 2 bronse in the National SCUAA held at Dapitan, Zamboanga Del Norte. To know more about Rikka, here’s the uncut interview of IMT with her. you?
Why swimming? What makes it special to
Rikka:Swimming is my life now; it is my passion, and soon my profession. I’m a swimmer for 10 long years and I can say everything is special - memories, experiences, learnings, and EVERYTHING! It’s priceless! :-)It made me a better person. How did you learn swimming? Rikka: I remembered the year when the
High School (INHS), Children’s Integrated School of Altatiera (CISAT), and Team Cougars are showing extreme performance in the hardcourt. In game 7, CPU defeated CISAT, 63-33. In game 8, Cougars bowed down to INHS, 49-42. From first quarter all the way to the end of the game INHS led the game, 17-7,
25-14, and 38-23 respectively. In game 9, INHS upset CISAT, 59-35. CISAT never got a chance to break the lead of INHS from first to fourth quarter, 20-6, 3315, and 46-22 respectively. In game 10, Pototan won over cougars with one-point margin, 36-35. The fight between became highly intense. Pototan edged
with small margin from first to third quarter. In fourth quarter, Cougars had able to break the lead of Pototan until the 3 last seconds of the game. Pototan was saved by the point shot, grabbing the lead from Cougars. IBL’s Developmental Tournament aims to discover and develop potential Ilonggo Basketball players. IMT
The Unwavering Swimmer
construction of our swimming pool in Antique was still underway, one time, while my dad was driving home, he suddenly told me that I will be the 1st swimmer to bring honor and pride in Antique that he’ll be proud of. I just laughed at that time. Maybe Swimming was really destined for me. We have our beach near our house, sometimes if we have time, we swim together, but I got my formal training in swimming from my beloved coach Jo Reuel Galindo. What kind of swimmer are you? Rikka:“I am determined swimmer in my mind and heart. I’m disciplined and responsible. I’m merciless when it comes to competition. But I’m friendly and approachable. Im simple and can mingle to everyone.” How do you prepare yourself before the competition?
Rikka: When the competition is nearing, aside from tremendous practice, I choose to be alone and listening to music motivates and makes myself in focus. In that way, I feel less nervous. I do some stretchings. I drink a lot of water. I also do breathing exercise to keep my mind out of destructions and make my body at ease. I do think positively that I’ll gonna win. And the most important, I pray to God for guidance. Challenges you had encountered before and how did you survive it? Rikka: There was a competition, and few minutes it startsed I suffered from migraine and my parents panicked. Despite of it, I did not stopped me from continuing the game. I recalled all the hardships I went through before the competition. I approached my coach and I told him that I’ll do everything to win. I went to the ready bench with
no fear and with full confidence. I endured the pain I felt because I am really determined to win. What are your learnings? Rikka: I learned everything in swimming. I learn to discipline myself. I strictly follow all the things required. I gain my self-confidence, courage and overcome my fears. I learned to respect everyone. I learned to accept my defeat, and I’m taking it positively. And most of all, it made me realize the essence of hard work and sacrifice. My coach and dad always say to be humble. What can you advise to those who are interested swimming? Rikka: Just enjoy you’ll enjoy every bit of it! Always put in mind, ‘wag maging malaki ang ulo’, develop discipline and keep your determination in yourself. IMT
MetroMisc
Vaping is ‘IN’, smoking is ‘OUT’
BY REYMAR LATOZA Despite of the two competing views whether it is 100% safe or still harmful to human health, many are now shifting to ‘vaping’ from the traditional smoking. It is believed as less harmful and safer alternative to smoking. ‘Vapers’ who are commonly young people who are using e-cigarettes or electronic cigarettes. E-cigarette is a product of technological advancement that gained favor among Filipinos. ‘Vaping’ is the act of inhaling water vapor through a personal vaporizer or
electronic cigarette. Vaping eliminates 4000 chemicals and carcinogenic compounds that come from real cigarettes, without compromising the act of ‘smoking’ itself. Vaping can also contain nicotine as an option for maximized effect of cigarette smoking. (http://www.vapingapela.com) In Iloilo, more Ilonggos are now persuade to try vaping and eventually embrace this habit as substitute to smoking. They considered it as better to health, not expensive, and no second hand smoke. With this, there are several individuals
and groups had ventured to this kind of business. Ivape is among the local providers of e-cigarettes in Iloilo city. It started on August last year and since then it patronized by Ilonggo vapors. Ivape strongly believes that vaping is 100% safe to human health. Ivape explained that E-JUICE or E-LIQUID used is a water-based liquid that contains the 12 mg. maximum dose of Nicotine, Propylene glycol (food grade), Vegetable glycerine (creates smoke), and Flavoring. All mentioned ingredients have no evidence of being a carcinogen. Ivape further shared Doc. Konstantinos Farsalinos statement “Nicotine is not the killer.Nitrosamines and combustion products kill the smoker. E-cigarette does not have combustion, but it has evaporation. Evaporation occurs at temperatures 80-100
degrees Celsius. Combustion of cigarette is done at 800-900 degrees Celsius” Ivape’s target market are regular cigarette users with rate ranges from P400 to P200,000 per unit. It includes tube, battery, cartridge, atomizer, e-juice, and tip. The types of e-cigarette available in Ivape are the following: High content of nicotine, medium content of nicotine, low content of nicotine, and zero content nicotine. Ivape also supports the city’s antismoking campaign, they encourage vapers to observe proper places where smoking and vaping is allowed. Ivape is located Egl Building Jv Jocson St., Dulonan Arevalo, and 2nd Floor Jallen Home. You can contact them at 09173144999/ 09998814481, and (033) 501-9675. IMT