Iloilo Metropolitan Times Volume 2 • Issue 76

August 3-9, 2014 Volume II • Issue No. 76 Php 12.00

Isaiah 6:8. Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Iloilo Metropolitan Times

METROPOLITAN

ILOILO

BIZ PULSE

the first business newspaper in metro iloilo

developmental news | critical views

@Ilo2MetroTimes

Ilonggos rate PNoy’s performance

TIMES

www.iloilometropolitantimes.com

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD Public satisfaction or dissatisfaction? Ilonggos’ trust in President Benigno Aquino III is a high fair with an average 6.9 rating out of 10 with ten respondents expressing their views upon the president’s fouryear term.

Jp Peñol, National Youth Commissioner representing the Visayas stated, “Noting his considerable support to the Province and City of Ilonggos rate /p15 HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATE Weekly MIDPOINT Rates - July 24-30 , 2014

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43.3282

43.2500

43.3185

43.2980

43.3000

43.3250

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43.2000 Jul 24, 2014

Jul 26, 2014

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Jul 30, 2014

WATER WOES BLUR APEC

PINK FOR PEACE. This mosque’s bright color is not only meant to be an attraction but also a symbol for peace. Photo by Glen Santillan

IMT aims to collect books for kids

BY REYMAR LATOZA

More big water providers have expressed interest to enter into a joint venture (JV) agreement with the city’s sole water distributor Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD).

Dr. Danilo Encarnacion, MIWD chairman, told Iloilo Metropolitan Times that aside from Maynilad Water Services, Inc., there are other “big players” that showed eagerness to help MIWD.

“We are expecting that at least one of these big players can submit to us their plans and proposals,” Encarnacion said.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog cited the unresolved water problem as the biggest challenge the city is facing, as of now, in preparing for the two high level ministerial meetings for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the Philippines next year.

Mabilog said Iloilo City is “on the

right track” in terms of preparation, but his only worry is the efficiency of water distribution in the city especially in the areas where APEC meeting will be held.

“The City has been preparing since early last year. Tanan handa na, ang indi ko lang klaro nga masabat ang tubig,” Mabilog said.

Iloilo City has been chosen to host the SME Ministerial Meeting to be held on September 21 to 25, 2015 Water woes /p15

“Ilonggos’ buying power is stable”

BY REYMAR LATOZA

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD You grew up. And now, you’re looking to find a new home for your children’s storybooks.

In this regards, Metropolitan IMT aims /p15

The purchasing power of Ilonggos remains “stable”, despite the rise in prices of goods, according to Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.

The mushrooming of 24/7 convenience stores and other investments in Iloilo City indicates that the buying power or the financial capacity of Ilonggos to buy products or services is not dropping.

Ilonggos buying /p15

Despite the rise in prices of goods, the buying power of Ilonggos remianed “steady”

Mila’s Hill Luna St., La Paz, Iloilo City

NEGROS

8 in10 Negros labor complaints resolved

BY REYMAR LATOZA

At least eight out of 10 or 87.3 percent of the labor complaints in the province of Negros Occidental have been resolved by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

DOLE Provincial Director Ma. Victoria Mondragon said the settlements were made through the Single Entry Approach scheme or a 30day mandatory conciliation-mediation approach in a bid to prevent formal complaints from developing into fullblown cases.

Based on the record of the DOLE Provincial Office, a total of 8 out 10 /p15 Mini Hotel

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2

WESTERN VISAYAS aklan

BY CINDY INCENSARIO The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan has adopted a resolution ratifying the Memorandum of Agreement between the Provincial Government and the Department of Transportation and Communications for the acquisition of lot for the expansion of the Kalibo International

August 3-9, 2014

SP RATIFIES MOA ON P175M KALIBO AIRPORT EXPANSION Airport with an allocation of P175 million.

Based on the MOA, the DOTC will be providing funds for the acquisition of lot for the full development of the KIA including construction of additional facilities

CAPIZ

and improvement of existing ones.

Up for expansion are the KIA’s passenger terminal complex, vehicular parking area and access road.

The proposed development is eyed to accommodate bigger aircrafts for the growing volume of passengers and will enhance the efficiency,

reliability and safety standards of the said international airport.

KIA accommodates international flights to and from the regional capitals and cities in Asia. It is one of two airports serving tourists bound to Boracay Island aside from Boracay Airport in Caticlan.

The said resolution was an

amendment to the approved Resolution No. 010, Series of 2013 on July 17, 2013 which authorized Governor Florencio Miraflores to enter into a MOA with the DOTC for the same purpose but involving the amount of P260 million.

It was approved during the July 9 session of the SP. IMT

Investment Promotion Center now open

The government and private sectors here have pooled and spent resources together to come up with an Investment Promotion Center (IPC) and Business Resource Center that was formally opened the Capiz Government and Business Center in Roxas City This was disclosed by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Capiz chapter president and IPC managing director Dale F. Bernas during a simple program and fellowship inside the Center.

The provincial government in concurrence of the Provincial Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (PMSMED) Council and the Capiz Joint Chambers has designated Bernas to direct the IPC services and operations.

PMSMED Council is chaired by businessman Danny So Chan.

“We really hope that we can entice more investors to come in and make Capiz investor-friendly,” said Department of Trade and Industry director Ermelinda P. Pollentes, noting that P1-million worth of fixtures and Information and Technology (IT)

devices will be shared by DTI to the Center.

She also hoped that the Center may be provided with a Global Positioning System (GPS) so that any investor that will come in will be shown on the computer where he may want to invest given a GPS look of the entire province.

The Capiz provincial government offered the CGBC space available and manpower for free for the investment promotion arm of the province.

The opening ceremonies were also graced by Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, provincial administrator lawyer Jose O. Villanueva and PMSMED Council officers and members, among others.

For his part, Chan stressed that the establishment of IPC as embodied in the Provincial Investment Code showed that public private partnership in the province is active and strong.

The IPC inauguration was part of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Week celebration that was also supported by PMSMED Council, Capiz Joint Chambers and provincial government.PIA-6

antique

Sebaste Harbors World’s Tallest Flower A species of Amorphophallus titanium, the world’s tallest flower, was found at Langkaon Area, Bgy. Poblacion in Sebaste, Antique. A certain farmer named Welik Galido found the flower near his riceland in the upland portion of the said barangay, which is near the headwater of Viejo River that is approximately 2 kilometers away from National Highway and more or less 1.5 hours hike. “The flower emits a bad odor during night time,” Galido said. The local government unit of Sebaste will conduct further investigation of the said area and to also confirm if more flowers grow in the said area./(Photo by S.J.I. Barcinal) Republic of the Philippines City of Iloilo OFFICE OF THE SANGGUINANG PANLUNGSOD

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Negros Occidental legislators declare ‘no’ vote for President’s impeachment

EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE 25TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF THE CITY OF ILOILO, PHILIPPINES, HELD AT THE SESSION HALL, NEW CITY HALL BUILDING, PLAZA LIBERTAD, ILOILO CITY, ON TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2014.

PRESENT: HON. LYNDON V. ACAP HON. RODEL F. AGADO HON. JOSHUA C. ALIM, Floor Leader HON. LADY JULIE GRACE L. BARONDA HON. R LEONE N. GEROCHI HON. JASON R. GONZALES (On Leave)

HON. JOSE S. ESPINOSA III City Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer Member HON. CARLOS P. GUARIN, Liga ng mga Brgy. Pres.

Member HON. PLARIDEL C. NAVA II, Asst. Floor Leader Member HON. EDUARDO L. PEÑAREDONDO Member HON. LIEZL JOY ZULUETA-SALAZAR Member HON. JOSE EFRAIN G. TREÑAS III Member HON. NIELEX C. TUPAS

Ex Officio Member Member Member Member Member Member

ABSENT: None.

REGULATION ORDINANCE NO. 2014-333 AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING THE FRANCHISE OF JOROSHELY NORTH BOUND TERMINAL CO., TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A PASSENGER PERIMETER BOUNDARY TERMINAL AT BARANGAY BALANTANG, JARO, ILOILO CITY, FOR A PERIOD OF TWENTY (20) YEARS Sponsored by Councilor Plaridel C. Nava II, duly seconded by Councilors Carlos P. Guarin, Jason R. Gonzales, Lyndon V. Acap, Joshua C. Alim and Rodel F. Agado.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Regulation Ordinance No. 2005-214 and Regulation Ordinance No. 2006-010, the city government of Iloilo, through the Sangguniang Panlungsod, has granted Joroshely North Bound Terminal Co. to operate and maintain a passenger perimeter boundary terminal at Barangay Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo City, for a period of ten (10) years; WHEREAS, the owner and management of the said boundary terminal has applied for an extension of its franchise granted by the city government which has already expired;

Congressmen from Negros Occidental said they will vote against the impeachment of President Benigno S. Aquino III. Third District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, one of the prime movers of the Visayas bloc, said he and 33 other legislators from the Visayas wore a yellow ribbon as a show of support to Aquino during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) Monday.

Benitez said he believes that the President will be able to survive the controversy on the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), key portions of which were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

I believe he would finish his full term in 2016, he said, adding that the President enjoys the support of the majority of the members of the lower House.

Three impeachment complaints were filed against the President on the

issue of DAP, and EDCA or Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

“Impeachment is nothing. It’s not the right time, there is no more time as there are only two years left for the PNoy administration. PNoy still enjoys the support of the majority,” Benitez said.

Rep. Stephen Paduano of Abang Lingkod party-list said, “We should start fresh moving forward. Everything must be appropriatedly approved by Congress like the local government unit operation that they pass a Supplemental Budget if they need additional budget.”

“We will vote against the impeachment because it is clear that DAP was used in good faith,” he added.

For her part, Sixth District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez said, “We should wait first for the decision of the Supreme Court after Malacañang filed the motion for reconsideration.”

“As one of the members of the

committee on justice, I will have to review the impeachment complaints filed against the President to determine if it has substance,” Alvarez added.

Fo u r t h District Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer said the SC’s declaration of DAP as unconstitutional is not enough basis to impeach the President.

The people benefited from the projects funded by the DAP, he said.PNA

WHEREAS, the Committee on Transportation has favorably recommended for the approval of the ordinance extending the applicant’s franchise.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Iloilo, that: Section 1. – The non-exclusive franchise granted to Joroshely North Bound Terminal Co. to operate and maintain a passenger perimeter boundary terminal at Barangay Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo City, is hereby extended for a period of twenty (20) years.

Section 2. – The terms and conditions set forth in Regulation Ordinance No. 2005-214 and Regulation Ordinance No. 2006-010 shall remain effective, applicable and reiterated.

Section 3. – The provisions of the Comprehensive Perimeter Boundary Ordinance shall be strictly and faithfully enforced by the terminal.

Section 4. – The grantee is hereby granted a grace period of two (2) years from approval herof the comply with the requirement of Regulation Ordinance No. 2005-214 and other existing and applicable laws, otherwise this franchise shall be rescinded and declared inoperative.

Section 5. – If any provision of this ordinance is held invalid by a competent court, the remained provisions shall not be affected thereby.

Section 6. – The grantee of this franchise shall cause this ordinance to be published once in newspaper of general circulation in the City of Iloilo and this ordinance shall take effect after ten (10) days from publication date.

ENACTED, July 15, 2014 I hereby certify to the correctness of the above quoted resolution.

ATTESTED & CERTIFIED TO BE DULY ENACTED: (sgd) JOSE S. ESPINOSA III City Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

For and in the absence of the

Secretary to the Sanggunian By: (sgd) REMIA E. REGALADO Board Secretary IV

APPROVED: (sgd) JED PATRICK E. MABILOG City Mayor

BUSINESS 3

August 3-9, 2014

Ilonggos “less optimistic” in Q3 DTIDTI PRICE PRICEMONITORING MONITORING Prime Commodities (April 2014)

Prime Commodities (April 2014)

CANNED SARDINES Current Price INSTANT NOODLES Current Price

Paradiso (155g) Young’s Town Bonus (155g) Lucky 7 (155g)

12.15 13.25 13.75

PROCESSED MILK Current Price Alaska Sweetened Filled 51.30 Milk - Condensed 300 mL Alaska Filled Milk 37.00 Evaporated 370 mL Angel Filled Milk 36.80 Evaporated 410 mL

Lucky Me! (55g) Payless (50g) BREAD

7.10 6.30 Current Price

Pinoy Tasty (400g) 37.00 Pinoy Pandesal (pack of 10 pieces) 22.50

DA PRICE MONITORING Processed and Manufactured Commodities (April 2014) Processed and Manufactured Commodities (April 2014)

Commercial Rice Regular Milled Well Milled Premium Special (Fancy) Sugar Refined Washed Brown Sugar Cooking Oil Lapad (bottle)

Current Price 38.00/kg 40.00/kg 42.00/kg 50.00/kg 46.00/kg 42.00/kg 40.00/kg

27.00

Meat & Poultry Pork Liempo Pigue (Ham) Beef Rump Brisket Chicken Fully Dressed Egg (Medium) Fish Bangus

Current Price

190.00/kg 180.00/kg

260.00/kg 200.00/kg 130.00/kg 4.50/pc

Current Price 120.00/kg

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD

Iloilo’s outlook for the third quarter of 2014 is less optimistic, according to the Business Expectancy report by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The sentiment was also joined by the provinces of Regions I (Ilocos), III (Central Luzon), V (Bicol), and VII (Cebu).

Majority of firms in these regions cited the expected slack in demand during the rainy season as the main reason for their less favorable outlook.

“For the next quarter, businesses anticipated continuing economic expansion as the next quarter Consumer Index sustained its high

170 Private Sector Leaders gather in Iloilo City

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD More than 170 private sector representatives (PSRs) from all over the country gather in Iloilo for the 5th National Regional Development Council (RDC) PSR Convention at Diversion21 Hotel, Benigno Aquino Drive, Iloilo City.

The Convention slated on August 13-15 aims to strengthen the role of the PSRs in the RDC particularly in getting their full support and cooperation in the realization of the updated Philippine Development Plan and Regional Development Plan, 2011-2016.

Moreover, it will be an event for key PSRs to experience Western Visayas’ hospitality and to share their favorable experience of the Region to their networks back home.

Preparations for the event are in full swing in close collaboration with RDC-VI PSRs, local government units, state universities and colleges, regional line agencies, and private companies.

Speakers invited to the convention are NEDA Deputy Director General Margarita R. Songco, Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba, Tourism Assistant Secretary Arturo Pecision Boncato, Jr., Jones Lang La Salle’s Country Director David Leechiu, and National Confederation of Cooperatives Chief Executive Officer Sylvia OkinlayParaguya.

The Regional Development Council (RDC) Region VI, together with the National Economic and Development Authority VI (NEDA VI) hosts this year’s NatCon with the theme “PSRs: RDCs’ Crucial Partners in the Pursuit of Inclusive Growth and Job Creation.”

In lieu to Executive Order 325, the PSRs comprise one-fourth of the membership of the fully constituted RDC. EO 325 specifically promotes their active participation in regional planning, investment programming, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation.

Lawmaker to stores: ‘Give exact amount of change’

level of 48.9 percent, although lower than 50.8 percent in the previous survey,” BSP reported.

This is because in part to the more favorable outlook of firms in the wholesale and retail trade and construction sectors given their expectations of faster demand at the start of the school year and new expansion projects in power generation, telecommunications and building of highways.

However, optimism was again dampened by expectations of firms engaged in manufacturing and hotel

and restaurant services of slack in demand during the rainy season.

“Business sentiment was more upbeat across employment size in Q2 of 2014. Medium-sized firms’ business confidence was the most buoyant, with the CI reaching an all-time high during the current quarter. Small- and largesized firms posted near record-high confidence in the current quarter,” it said.

Nonetheless, the outlook for Q3 of small-sized firms remained unchanged while those of mediumand large-sized firms were less upbeat.

Jalaur project to boost rice production in Iloilo

BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Officer Dr. Ildefonso Toledo said that the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose (JRMP) stage II would further boost the province’s agricultural production particularly rice.

Toledo said that the province has 84,000 hectares of rain-fed areas and 55,000 hectares irrigated and once the JRMP II becomes operational, there would be 34,000 hectares of rain-fed areas that would be watered by the irrigation system.

“The dam project will ultimately change the picture and make the elusive one million metric tons of rice production for Iloilo province achieved or even far exceeded,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, the National Irrigation Administration Regional

Manager Gerardo Corsiga said he is delighted that President Benigno Aquino III has mentioned the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Stage II project in Calinog, Iloilo in his state of the nation address (SONA).

Corsiga said the President is fully supportive of the JRMP II project despite the criticisms hurled on the project.

He also cited particularly the Writ of Kalikasan case that has been filed by former Iloilo Second District Congressman Augusto Syjuco that is intended to derail the project.

“The project will be the biggest dam outside Luzon and is targeted to be implemented in 2015 with a loan from the Korean Exim Bank amounting to P8.950 billion and the national government counterpart of P2.262 billion.” Corsiga added. IMT

DOT-6 targets to convert promotions into sales

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD It’s time to convert it to actual sales.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI pushed their road shows in Singapore and Malaysia recently.

The road show was participated in by tour operators, hotel owners, resort owners, and tourism officers from the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental where they presented before an audience of travel writers and bloggers, agents, filmmakers, their respective tourist attractions.

“These road shows aim to convert the marketing and promotions into actual sales,” DOT-6 Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas said Catalbas noted that Western Visayas (WV) takes pride in being home of the world-famous Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, but the tourism department also wanted other destinations of the region to attract attention.

She explained that the tourism business mission was imperative in boosting foreign tourist arrivals in the region.

Of the total 3.5 million tourists who flocked to the region last year, a total of 717,985 were foreigners.

Moreover, there will be businessto-business transactions between Philippine delegations and their connections to the two countries.

In a previous article by Iloilo Metropolitan Times, to instill tourism awareness in Iloilo City, the tourism department continues to undertake their weekly tourism academe on air over a local radio station in the city and will continuously produce promotional materials in line with their campaign: Experience First Western Visayas.

Catalbas said that these are collateral materials to promote and contribute to delegates in conventions, visitors to DOT office and other travel agencies.

The agency has a constant plugging on the radio in order to reach the grassroots of the city, the people of the barangays, to know the basics of tourism. DOT believed that the more these “grassroots” know tourism, the assets of Iloilo, and the attractions and culture of the place, the more they will be proud of their province and city. (With reports from Manila Bulletin, Tara yap)

“Go Negosyo” to pilot in Iloilo

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD Businesses that fail to hand the exact amount of change to customers may be penalized and face jail-time.

Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian has filed House Bill 4433, which seeks to amend Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

Gatchalian said in a statement that the bill, when once enacted, seeks to stop the practice of many enterprises like supermarkets of handing candies instead of paying the exact amount of change to customers.

“RA 7394 is a government regulation that is aimed at protecting consumers’ rights and welfare. It has been in existence for 22 years with some minor amendments. In order to be responsive to the prevailing times, this measure intends to add another provision in Article 52 to further protect consumers,” Gatchalian stated.

According to Gatchalian, Article 52 of RA 7394 stated that an unfair or unreasonable sales act or practice by a seller or supplier in connection

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD with a consumer transaction violates Chapter I - Deceptive, Unfair and Unconscionable Sales Acts or Practices, whether it occurs before, during or after the consumer transaction.

Moreover, Gatchalian said an act shall be deemed unfair whenever the producer, manufacturer, distributor, supplier or seller, by taking advantage of the environment or surroundings, induces the consumer or gross one-side in favor of the producer, manufacturer, distributor, supplier or seller.

He proposed to amend Article 48 by providing additional circumstance by including that the consumer transaction was denied because of an alleged shortage of coins or change on the part of the seller.

He said that in the process, the consumer is shortchanged by the giving of candies or other items in lieu of money as change or when due to lack of time.

Under the bill, violators face oneyear imprisonment and a fine of not more than P10,000. IMT

The province of Iloilo was chosen as a pilot area for the implementation of the Go Negosyo Act that has been approved by President Benigno Aquino III recently.

“The first project will be in Iloilo and will be located in Robinson’s mall.

We will talk after on how to establish the program here [Iloilo],” Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV said his Iloilo visit.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stated that the approval of Republic Act 10644: An Act Promoting Job Generation and Inclusive Growth through the Development of the micro, small and medium enterprises MSMEs or the “Go Negosyo Act,” authored by Sen. Bam Aquino, is expected to bring government services closer to small businesses through the establishment of Negosyo Centers all over the Philippines.

“With the Go Negosyo Act, the DTI, with the support of LGUs (local government units) and other

government agencies, expects to further boost its assistance to MSMEs to grow and flourish, and intensify the promotion of entrepreneurship in the country,” the DTI said.

Go Negosyo Centers are to be established under the DTI and would facilitate doing business and access to services for MSMEs. The Go Negosyo Centers would be linked to the Philippine Business Registry System (PBRS) to make it easier and faster for entrepreneurs to start and register their businesses at the local level.

Aside f r o m making business registration easier, the Go Negosyo Centers w o u l d a l l o w MSMEs to avail of

other services such as technology transfer, production and management training programs as well as marketing assistance from the DTI, Department of Science and Technology, University of the Philippines – Institute for Small-Scale Industries, Cooperative Development Authority, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other agencies concerned.

MSMEs currently account for more than 99 percent of all establishments in the country.

These businesses provide 66 percent of the total employment in the private sector. IMT

4

NEWS

METRO

on the road

BOC In order to fill up the lack of manpower and further improve its quality of service, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is opening 1,056 job vacancies in first and second level positions for the agency’s various groups, offices, and collection districts across the country.

DPWH The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is at present crafting the Green Building Code (GBC), a separate referral code adherent to the National Building Code and its IRR.

DOH The Department of Health (DOH) considers the Filipino healthcare workers as a priority of Kalusugan Pangkalahatan and continues to address the uneven distribution of workers across the country. “The welfare and advancement of Filipino healthcare workers was and still is among the priorities of the Aquino Health Agenda”, Secretary of Health Enrique T. Ona clarified.

POPCOM

Baby Boy Belo is the 100 millionth baby from this southern city, according to Population Commission (PopCom) 6.Baby Boy was delivered at 11:46 a.m.

Sunday by his mother Karla Belo, 34 , of Brgy. Lanit, Jaro, Iloilo City through normal delivery at the Western Visayas Medical Center.

Baby Boy Belo weighs 2, 690 grams and the fourth child of the family.

His mother gave him a nickname “Dred”, short cut for one hundred.

PNA

DepED The Department of Education (DepEd) continues to make substantial investments in basic education through various programs for all Filipino learners. Secretary of Education Armin Luistro underscored the department’s commitment to ensure that no learner shall be left behind. “Our mandate is to provide every Filipino child with access to quality education,” Luistro said. He added that DepEd’s programs have always been directed at promoting inclusive and learnercentered education for Filipinos.

TESDA

A total of 146,731 Filipinos get jobs as the government invested a total of Php 1.6 billion in training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Assistance (TESDA. The Php 1.6 billion budget for TESDA was through the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).The said budget has helped 223,615 Filipinos to graduate through TESDA.

DOF The Philippine government’s bid to boost spending to ensure that necessary programs are put in place resulted to a 639 percent expansion of budget deficit in June 2014.Data released by the Department of Finance (DOF) shows that budget gap in the sixth month of the year amounted to P62.49 billion, a surge from the P8.45 billion same period in 2013. This after expenditures grew 44 percent to P201.13 billion against the P139.54 billion same period last year.

August 3-9, 2014

Panay-Bukidnon welcomes Jalaur project

BY MONTESA GRINO-CAOYONAN The Panay-Bukidnon in Calinog, Iloilo has finally broken their silence and denied the reports that they are opposing the construction of the P 11.2 billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project-Phase II (JRMP-II).

Contrary to the claim of the militant group Bayan Panay, the PanayBukidnon affirmed their support to the said project Leopoldo Caballero, overall chairman of GMA which is composed of three affected villages - Garangan,

Masaroy and Agcalaga - cleared that they have not given the militant group especially the Bayan Panay any authority to speak on behalf of them.

“We are not against the project or any development at the area. In fact, we welcome the project as long as the government will provide what we are asking from them especially to become one of the stakeholders of the project, relocation site, jobs, livelihood and payment for our damaged properties,” he said in vernacular words.

The GMA is considered as the

City gov’t assures no displacement of Central vendors

BY MONTESA GRINO-CAOYONAN The Iloilo City Government assured all legitimate stall holders and transient vendors of spaces in the revitalized market.

Under the revised Terms of Reference (TOR) for the proposed revitalization of the Iloilo Central Market, which was approved by City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, the area of each legitimate stall owner is about the same size as they are currently occupying.

Sidewalk vendors are also assured of appropriate locations as well as access to finance by the private investor in cooperation with the City Special Service Unit (CSSU).

The city government will manage and operate the ground floor of the revitalized market, while the private investor, SM Prime Holdings, will take over the management of the rest of the building.

The ground floor, including those from the peripheral area and the second floor are intended for the vendors.

Also, all legitimate stall holders at the second floor of the heritage building will be transferred to the

ground floor of the new market.

Vendors will use the loading and unloading service bay that will be provided within the new market area.

During the construction period, the developer, at its own expense, will provide temporary market with stalls for the legitimate vendors including transients which will be managed and maintained by the city government.

The city will only allowed investor to construct 5-storey building which the design guidelines is subject to the Implementing Rules and Regulations in complaint with the National Building Code.

The market especially its façade facing Iznart and Rizal Streets is considered as heritage building will be preserved, restored, and integrated.

As general obligation of the investor, it solely responsible for securing financing for the project and maintaining a minimum debt-toequity ratio of 70:30.

Also, the private develop will responsible for the design, plan, build, complete, test and commission the market in accordance with the prescribed design. IMT

Infra projects drive employment growth in WV

Panay-Bukidnon in Calinog, Iloilo. Photo by Montesa Griño-Caoyonan ancestral domain of the Bukidnon informed of their rights and consulted Indigenous Cultural Community of the proposed project through the wherein almost 234 Indigenous People Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) (IPs) will be affected by the project that which is being facilitated by the covers almost 1, 748 hectares.

National Commission on Indigenous Caballero admitted that several Peoples (NCIP), that’s why they come members of the militant group are also up with a collective decision to give their fellow IPs but they belong to a their Free and Prior, Informed Consent separate or breakaway group because (FPIC) to the feasibility study and to of their different ideology. implement its plans and programs in Caballero added they have been the said ancestral domain. IMT

PNoy approves Iloilo’s P17-B Yolanda recovery and rehab plan

BY MONTESA GRINO- CAOYONAN President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday announced the approval of the P17-billion recovery plan for Iloilo to rehabilitate the damages wrought by super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ eight months ago.

Aquino made his pronouncement during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) Monday afternoon at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City.

The President said he already approved the recovery and rehabilitation plans submitted to his office by six Local Government Units (LGUs) that were heavily-affected by the typhoon so that they could start implementing the program.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., who attended the SONA,

PNoy’s grade from Mabilog: 9.5

BY MONTESA GRINO-CAOYONAN

Photo from Iloilo City Construction FB page.

BY REYMAR LATOZA The underemployed individuals or those employed but still looking The Department of Employment for more work decreased to 21.2 and Labor (DOLE) Region VI percent from 24 percent. attributed the increase of employment A report from Philippine rate in the region to the booming Statistics Authority (PSA) also showed infrastructure sector. a downward trend in the country’s The number of employed employment rate. individuals in Western Visayas (WV) The number of jobless Filipinos ticked up to 92.9 percent in the decreased to 7 percent as of end-April January – April period this year from this year, from 7.6 percent of the same 92 percent in the same period last in month last year.

2013, data from the Department of The drop, according to PSA, is Labor and Employment (DOLE) equivalent to more or less 100,000 Region VI showed.

Filipinos.

Regional Director Ponciano The employment rate went up 93 Ligutom of the DOLE-6 said the on percent to 38.7 million Filipinos from going construction of infrastructure 92.4 percent, the previous year. projects noticeably in Iloilo City is the On the other hand, the key driver of the growth in the region’s underemployed workers decreased to employment rate.

18.2 percent from 19.2 percent.

Ligutom also cited the significant “Those working in the service contributions of the Business sector comprised 52.8 percent of Processing Outsourcing (BPO) and the employed, improving from 52.7 the world-renowned Boracay Island to percent, and those in the industry job creation. sector, 16.4 percent from 16.2 percent.

Meanwhile, the unemployment Agriculture workers accounted for 30.7 rate in the region went down to 7.1 percent, down from 31.2 percent,” percent from 8 percent.

PSA reported.IMT

confirmed the approval of the recovery plan, saying he was assured that the budget will be released anytime.

Of the P17 billion, Defensor said the biggest budget is allocated for infrastructure with P 7.3 billion, that would include repair of damaged roads, bridges, irrigation facilities, health, and education programs.

Other allocations are for agriculture with P 2.3 billion; social services, P 2.8 billion; resettlement, P2.4 billion; and livelihood at P2.5 billion.

Defensor said the rehabilitation plan will be injected to 12 heavilyaffected towns which include Ajuy, Anilao, Balasan, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Batad, Carles, Concepcion, Dumangas, Estancia, and San Dionisio. IMT

Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog gave a rating of 9.5 out of 10 to President Aquino’s accomplishments presented in his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“I gave him a 9.5 rating after all his support for Iloilo City especially in terms of tangible projects and effective programs,” he said.

The president gave special mention to for being a “young and dynamic” public official during his on Monday (July 28).

Aquino made his acknowledgement of the mayor on the last part of his speech when he thanked all the public

officials who have done their best.

Mabilog is very thankful that all the efforts and sacrifices he made have been noticed by the President.

“It would only validate the recognition of Iloilo City as No. 1 in government efficiency and in administrative leadership in Western Visayas,” he said.

President Aquino, together with Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon, was in Iloilo City last June 27 for the inauguration of several million-worth of infrastructure projects including the esplanade beautification project, road widening projects, Iloilo River development and housing project, among others. IMT

Philhealth to cover street children, PWDs, IPs

BY REYMAR LATOZA The country’ national health insurance program, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), is set to expand its coverage to street children, persons with disabilities (PWDs), indigenous peoples (IPs) and even surrenderers.

Department of Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona, in a press release, said, “By, 2015, the health department will be expanding the PhilHealth coverage.”

“There are many of our poor Filipinos who are not yet covered

by PhilHealth, for example, the disabled, our street children, IPs and surrenderers,” Ona said.

He added that there is a need to conduct a re-validation or revision

of data starting from the last quarter of this year in order to cover the remaining poor Filipinos.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DWSD) National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) will identify the beneficiaries.

As of now, there are 14.72 million families or almost 50 million individuals belonging to the poorest of the poor and the not-so-poor covered

by PhilHealth.

PhilHealth was created in 1995 to create a universal health coverage for the Philippines. It is a tax-exempt, government-owned and governmentcontrolled corporation (GOCC) of the Philippines, and is attached to the DOH. IMT

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6

OPINION

EDITORIAL

Dip, DAP, Dope

D

ip, DAP, dope. Since when did the good turned bad? If it’s under the ruling of the Supreme Court (SC).

When President Benigno Aquino III motioned that the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) was done in good faith – it was done in good faith.

It was in October 2011 when the DAP was implemented but it was stopped in December 2013, three months after Sen. Jinggoy Estrada revealed that senators, who voted for the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona, received P50 million from the DAP. On June 30, the SC has declared unconstitutional the implementation of DAP

by P-Noy. Over half billion Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) fund went to various infrastructures projects in the province and city of Iloilo.

The list of DAP-identified projects released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), as of July 14, showed that Iloilo benefited from DAP with a total of P550-million worth of projects.

These projects are the National Housing Authority (NHA) Relocation Sites for Informal Settlers along Iloilo River and its Tributaries in Iloilo City with P100 million from the 2011 DAP and the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) in the province with P450 million.

If the projects would halt or would become delayed because of SC’s ruling, Iloilo will be a laughing stock of the country during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in 2015. Some things will be left unfinished or delayed.

Again, DAP projects were done in good faith.

If the law means to serve for the good of the people, then DAP should be constitutional.

August 3-9, 2014

BASHER’S HOLIDAY

T

he recent SONA of Pnoy would be in the column of most writers that enough would be said for and against it. Instead, a certain amount of attention is worth giving on the bashers of SONA and everything the government does, actually. Spell leftists, activists and progressives on these occasions. Of all the loud noises during SONA, people from the left spectrum make the loudest noise and also make it their while to have a holiday and conduct marches, rallies, programs and concerts in almost all the public squares they can find.

Every leftist and progressive group improve their acts and their wares every year. From the daring lightning rallies of the First Quarter Storm during martial law years, our progressive brothers have perfected the act. They do what the public

expect them to do every year but with noticeable improvement year in and year out. They have perfect attendance in every imaginable issue (or non-issue) there is, more so than the attendance of our honorable law makers in Congress. They drive in crowded and overloaded jeeps and trucks from the countryside, with faces of young kids mostly in awe of the city while waving scarlet banners of subdued profanities against the supposed government-US conspiracy on everything. They trudge in their slippers braving the heat and rain, hoping for some dole outs from their turban-clad leaders holding the microphones and megaphones.

The Marcos era and Erap period ‘hakot’ system is now utilized with efficiency since the inception of the party list system in the legislature.

The improvement of the progressive movement has been noticeable at the least in the few years of the party list system, giving the credit to the

sitting party list congressmen in using resources from their office to fund the street actions and activities ala Napoles and her NGOs. Short of calling it anomalous, it is worth looking into how the progressive movement has improved their arsenal. Taking into consideration the efficient system they have employed in the recent years, the progressive movement has increased the creativity of their redress activities. The usual effigy burning, the marches, torch parades and the pomp of the expression of redress is now populated with so much materials worth thousands of pesos. Donations from local and international progressives may not suffice for the grandiose expression the progressives prepare every time they march for any social issue there is that one may delve further into the futility (or productivity, depending on where one stands) of the party list system and how it is currently being exploited.

To dare say that government funds are pitted against the government when these progressives go out in the streets and push the boundaries of tolerance is an understatement, seeing how much the movement has progressed. In the street they have to eat, pay fare and for their materials, banners, colored cloths, masks made of fiber, hire transportation and provide things their people need for a whole day march and overnight camping in the streets just to uphold the ‘cause’. Fighting for the ‘masa’ against the feudal conspiracies of the bourgeoisie and the elite has been the battle cry of the groups in the left spectrum since socialist ideas were transplanted to the Philippine Islands by the Hukbalahap in the 60s. From then on their wares and strategies have improved and noticeably so when the party list system was implemented. The exercise of redress has never been so pompous and expensive after the Constitutional loophole that is the party list system has been exploited.

Let’s forgive this priest – even if he knew what he was doing “F

orgiveness is not always easy.

At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.” --Marianne Williamson Even if Rev. Msgr. Juanito Ma. Tuvilla, the parish priest of Santa Barbara, Iloilo, knew what he was doing and talking, we must still forgive him.

Some of us—especially those scandalized by his alleged “unchristian” acts—might not yet ready to smoke the proverbial peace pipe with him, but we must always be ready to open our hearts, bury the hatchet and let bygones be bygones.

In the new International Version of the Holy Bible, Luke 23:34 quoted Jesus as saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

The only difference is Jesus was the one persecuted in the biblical story that happened more than two thousand years ago.

In Santa Barbara town, Tuvilla was the one accused of persecution by residents of Brgy. Dalid.

Tuvilla’s alleged uncouth behavior started after the burial mass for a dead member of the

Sorongon reported further that Tuvilla called the residents of Barangay Dalid as thieves of carabaos and that the Susvillas were ill-mannered during his homily the following Sunday.

SWITCH Tuvilla threatened to switch off the church’s power supply when he sensed the family still refused to leave after the mass and was taking it long for them to use the premises.

“Ano gusto niyo patyan ta kamu kuryente (Do you want me to switch off the power?),” Barangay Dalid chief Rolly Sorongon quoted the priest as saying.

Embarrassed and shocked, Dioso retorted angrily “Paano ka nag pari? Bastos ka man (How did you become a priest?

You are ill-mannered),” Sorongon quoted Dioso as saying.

The village chief, who reported the incident to media, claimed the incident shocked the people inside the church.

Rev. Fr. Alfone Marie Berbegal, who celebrated the requiem mass for the dead Susvilla family member, never questioned why it took the family too long to use the church to thank mourners.

To compound the matter,

PULPIT The priest’s diatribes in the pulpit reportedly further enraged the family and residents of Sorongon’s barangay.

Sorongon’s fellow village chiefs Jeffrey Suarnava (Barangay Sangcate), Noel Suezo (Barangay Daga) and Tim Padilla (Barangay Zone 5 Poblacion) also reportedly confirmed Tuvilla’s alleged misbehavior toward some residents.

The scandal has erupted into scandalous proportions as it came in the heels of an incident in Cebu where 59-year-old Fr. Romeo Obach humiliated an unwed teenage mother during the baptismal of her child inside the Sacred Heart chapel in Mandaue City last July 6.

When the video of the incident recorded by the girl’s 12-year-old sister went viral, Fr. Obach panicked and realized his mistake.

The girl has forgiven Fr. Obach after he wrote her a letter of apology and visited her to personally say sorry for his “cruel” words.

Forgiveness means the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) of Santa Barbara should withdraw the petition asking for Msgr. Tuvilla’s ouster.

ARCDIOCESE Now that his alleged misdemeanor and arrogance has been reported to the Archdiocese of Jaro which has the direct supervision over erring priests, let’s allow the chips to fall where they may and wait for the proper sanction, just in case there is one.

But hatred must be removed from our hearts.

The enmity happened with no bloodshed. Everything was a product of emotional outburst.

No property was lost. No life was wasted. No one was harmed physically. If Jesus can forgive, why can’t we ordinary mortals?

Like Fr. Obach, we are confident that Msgr. Tuvilla must have realized his mistakes—human as he is.

After all, to err is human; it is a divine to forgive, as Alexander Pope had said.

If Msgr. Tuvilla is willing to face his enemies and bury their hatchets, reconciliation isn’t farfetched.

Community leaders, municipal and provincial officials should mediate a reconciliation move between the two parties.

Let’s listen to Matthew 6:1415, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

pleasant and productive day then choose to have one. It’s all about your perception and what you choose to believe and do.

2. There is a lot you CAN control. – There are plenty of things in life that are out of our control, but don’t let this fool you into believing that your life as a whole is out of your control. The reality is, the life you are living is almost entirely by your own design. You have made many little choices along the way that led you down the road you’re currently traveling. Saying that your life is out of your control is a copout – it’s what other people want you to believe so that they have an easier time getting you to do what they want you to do.

3. You do not need anyone’s constant approval. – The need for approval is like an addiction. If you base all your actions on the approval of others, ultimately you find yourself running in place, sacrificing your own happiness. Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket.

Learn how to say “no” to people and obligations that do not add value to your life. Your time on this planet is precious. As the saying goes, “What you do today is important, because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.” Don’t wait around for

someone else to give you permission to live.

4. Complaining is useless unless you can suggest a solution. – Do not be a constant complainer.

It doesn’t help you and it certainly doesn’t help your relationships. If you do not like your current situation, work towards changing it, but don’t just sit around complaining about it.

Complaining will only make others nearby not want to be around you.

Be someone that looks at the positive aspects of situations. And if you do find a problem that needs to be addressed, be someone that suggests a solution. The bottom line is that you will never get to where you want to be by complaining about where you are now. Each step in your life is preparing you for the one that comes after it.

5. Success is a lifestyle, not a result. – We all want to achieve success, but we need to remember that success in not a specific achievement.

Success is not crossing over some arbitrary finishing line. It’s the ability to fight the good fight day in and day out. Success is strength – the strength to keep pushing and to keep living your life on your own terms. Success isn’t an end result. It’s a state of being.

You don’t win success. You are a success every day.

6. The fact that you haven’t

given up is a success in itself. – It may give you little comfort to think about how you’re still waist deep in the struggle, but the truth is you are one of the strong people with the guts to keep at it. Many people give up before they even begin, but not you. No, you wake up every day and get things done. You crawl inch by inch against the current because you refuse to give up. You refuse to accept mediocrity. You refuse to listen to others when they tell you that you’re not good enough. You’re still in it, fighting the good fight.

7. In every tough situation, kindness must be attempted first. – People may make ugly comments.

The airline carrier may lose your baggage. Another driver may cut you off in rush-hour traffic. These situations will happen daily. The question is: How are you going to respond? Although your first response, like many others, will be to get upset, why not try a different approach? Anger in these situations never solves problems. People are far more likely to respond aptly to kindness. And you can be kind and be firm at the same time. Get your point across without sacrificing your integrity. It’s the only response you will not regret later.

8. Bullies and energy 12 things /p15

Susvilla family of Barangay Dalid on July 19.

Ricky Dioso, a family member, was thanking those who attended the mass for the dead Susvilla family member inside the Santa Barbara Church when Tuvilla suddenly grabbed the microphone and chided the grieving family.

12 Things We Need to Remind Ourselves of When We Wake Up S

ome days can seem so heavy that on the following day we end up waking up and not having a good feeling about life. I had one of those days recently. The universe, however, has a way of making me feel better by orchestrating people, events and even email messages to make me feel better.

I got this email from Marc and Angel Chernoff and I feel it is best that I share these 12 points with you. Sometimes it helps to change our perspective and outlook in life early in the morning to make our days better. These 12 points will help us put into perspective the things that should truly matter as we live each day.

1. Today can be great, but only if you make it so. – Why do we often feel so powerless? Because we convince ourselves that we are.

We wait for things to be given to us – entitlements. But in life, there are no true entitlements, and the truth is that if you want something then you need to make it happen for yourself.

You need to work for it. Whether or not today is a great day doesn’t depend on the weather. It doesn’t depend on your “mood” (that’s also within your control). It doesn’t depend on anyone else. If you want to have a

OPINION 7

August 3-9, 2014

All Things Bright and Beautiful A

lthough I was in Medan, North Sumatra when President Aquino delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28, I waited patiently for a copy of the transcript of his message.

I read that after the usual preliminaries, he gave his bosses a flashback of their hapless situation before he came on board. “Dirty politics” he said, “caused the Philippines to sink in despair.” He reported that the “matuwid na daan” main driver under his watch was responsible in propelling the country towards the right track of economic recovery, development, and expansion.

What followed was a long litany of recitations anent TESDA’s accomplishments and how the disbursement acceleration program (DAP) and the Expanded Conditional Cash Transfer Program have benefited thousands of Filipinos; embarking on

prudent budget and fiscal management; funding and implementing projects from enhanced tax collections; improving debt management; creating good investment climate; paving the way for open sky policy; improving business climate; pursuing better relations between labor and management, and; massive spending on infrastructure.

He also highlighted how his administration was able to respond effectively to natural calamities; reported the achievements of those in the uniformed services and on-going modernization of the AFP; told about resetting of the button at Customs, importing more rice to stabilize local supply, and funding the mechanization of agriculture.

It came as no surprise that President Aquino took potshots at his critics for sowing seeds of dissension.

They oppose, he said, the Jalaur MultiPurpose River Project, job creation, more school and classrooms, housing

resettlement program, empowerment of the indigenous people and Muslims, free hospitalization, and AFP modernization.

He lamented that these noisy individuals are up against reforms because their main agendum is to overthrow the government.

Like his previous SONAs, the recent delivery was not replete with praising members of his cabinet, allies and few in the political opposition, entrepreneurs, and religious leaders for their respective contributions. It was strange, however, to read the transcript of the President’s message where there was nary a mention of God’s faithfulness in the lives of Filipinos, considering that we pride ourselves of having the most number of Christians in Asia. Last year, that aspect was a near miss in the SONA. This time it was a complete omission.

The video testimonials were overkills. Almost everyone knew that those were scripted and edited to near perfection. Much delivery time

REDESIGNED WEBSITE W

h e n did you start your website— www. petersolisner y.

com?

My first website was created in August 2010, but it was launched on September 11 together with my book “100 Erotic Sonnets from the Hiligaynon.” The book was published on August 8 in the USA, but I timed the dual launching event in the Philippines on the anniversary of the 911 disaster to deflect the idea of terrorism from the minds of people. My event was to give life, make love [not war], and construct new worlds. Paying homage to the Twin Towers, it was billed “Peter Solis Nery’s Towering Achievements of 2010.”

How often do you redesign your website?

Actually, the re-launch yesterday, August 1, was really the first redesign ever. Maintaining a website is not cheap, and mine is a duty-free website. You use it without any obligation to me. I don’t run it for profits, but only to help those

students who research about me, and to entertain my fans and followers. In the last four years, I kept the original design of my website, and just added updates to it only once or twice a year. In my newly redesigned website, I decided that I should have a blog that I can maintain by myself without going through a paid webmaster. I know that I don’t want to update it daily, but updates will decidedly be more frequent than once or twice a year.

Why did you start a website?

I’m not a computer geek, but the idea was planted in my mind by someone who is. He thinks that I am famous enough to have my own website, have one Internet hub where my fans and followers can get all the information about me. The idea appealed to me, and I found it convenient because after 2008, I was receiving a lot of requests from students for manuscripts or copies of my literary works, and quite often, an accompanying biography. I don’t want to disappoint people, but I found it tedious to remember where I saved the files on my computer, so I finally said yes

to a website.

What’s in the new design that wasn’t in the original?

I have already mentioned the Blog.

In addition, there are now easy buttons to click on to connect to Facebook and Twitter so that people can share and comment on the things that they discover on my website. I have also expanded the category tabs to include information and news about my Foundation, which was only established in September 2012. The Hiligaynon tab has three sections now: Stories, Poems, and The Hiligaynon Revolution of 2014. The first two, along with my Biography, are usually the frequented sections for school research about my literary career. But I added the section on my language revolution because I know that it is a historical event that will continue to haunt us in the future. The new website is also an official carrier of The Peter Solis Nery Foundation logo so you can expect some magenta in the color scheme.

How is your website different from just another writer’s or artist’s blog?

could have been saved if the exhibited characters were instead presented live and muted rather than shown through recorded sights and sounds.

Surely President Aquino cannot be faulted when he chose a more reflective rather prospective message.

The honeymoon phase has ended a while back and he simply wanted to remind his bosses that he has done his best to lead them towards the straight path that they deserve to tread.

While he missed stating what others wanted to hear such as addressing the power and water situation, Freedom of Information Bill, port congestion, public-private partnership direction, slow internet connection, plight of the OFWs, food insecurity, supply chain problem, and issues related to ASEAN Economic Community, he has until 2016 anyway to submit his test paper, “finished or not finished”.

The SONA was marred, however, by violent protests and water cannons had to be used against protesters.

Elsewhere in the country, some militant-

activists also staged rallies and burned effigies of the president.

Such is the beauty of democracy.

As long as the protests are non-violent, everyone has the right to express his or her own contrary views. Those who abhor free enterprise, however, will continue to find ways and means to topple the present dispensation because of their misplaced notion that “Democracy is like two wolves and a lamb voting on what’s for dinner.”

While others maintain that President Aquino delivered a weak fourth SONA, I find it to be well-crafted, inspiring, and emotionally-laden instead. It was also very instructive in that, as I previously implied, he preferred to pay tribute to his bosses and supporters for the positive accomplishments of his administration rather than giving back all the glory to God. I hope that his sixth and last SONA next year will include God’s sovereignty in our national lives. Only with God’s guidance and blessings can we truly expect that all things will be bright and beautiful for Philippines.

Oh, you mean other than me being more famous than them? Haha!

Seriously, I am not a blogger [not yet anyway], or a blog follower, but I’ve seen and read some. My website is nowhere near those blogs, and I don’t think that I’ll go that way. My website is basically a repository of my important literary works, and an archive of my place in history. The only stories I publish on my website are my award-winning and most historic pieces. Also, since I have started to track my media mileage after my 2012 induction to the Palanca Awards Hall of Fame, all news about me are all verified and cross-referenced with original writers/publishers and publication dates. I don’t think that ordinary bloggers have that methodical and painstaking process to document and pay attention to historical details.

Most bloggers are out to just express themselves. My website is a public record of how my life is played out in literary and journalistic history.

each tab, hover around words, and click on everything they can click on.

Discover things ABOUT me—read my “official” BIOGRAPHY, or what the PRESS and publications say, or how my friends PROFILE me. Learn about my art—read some of my Palancawinning STORIES and select POEMS in HILIGAYNON, know more about my FILMS and watch the trailers.

[When you access my YouTube channel, see more VIDEOS.] Do you know how many BOOKS I have written since 1993?

They’re all in there—scanned covers and more. How am I the Champion of Hiligaynon? Track down the development of my FOUNDATION— understand its mission, OPERATION, and LOGO; and read about its own PRESS coverage. Research the HILIGAYNON REVOLUTION OF 2014 that I started to wage, and that the Foundation continues to pursue for the advancement of the Hiligaynon language and literature. Oh, and if they need to CONTACT me, use the tab to find my email addresses and links to click on to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. So, visit me now at www.petersolisnery.com. Welcome to my website, welcome to my world!

How often should people visit your website?

I think that people should visit it at least once, and have a general idea of its entire content, feel free to explore

Binagyo sa Bicol, ang Magayon kag Maogmang Lugar

N

atingala ako nga may pamirit sa limug ka akun miga.

Ginapabalik na ako kananda sa Naga kang ma-cancel dun ang mga klase, opisina, kag ang akun flight pabalik sa Manila Lunes pa lang it hapun. Martes it gabi-i ang balita nga paghugpa sa lupa kang bagyo nga si Glenda. Sa pensar ko, puwede man ako magpalipas kang bagyo sa Albay hay rugya run ako. Nami kag lapad ang akun Kalachuchi Room sa Balay de la Rama, sangka boutique bed&breakfast.

Kun magguwa ako sa terrace, atubang ko ang Mayon Volcano. Kun ilibot ko akun panuruk, ang malagtum nga taramnanan kag kabukidan. Parapit, pagduko, ang hardin kang mga kalachuchi - nagapugati. Nagdiretso ako rugya Domingo it hapon. Biyernes ako it aga nag-abot sa Naga kag gin-asikaso ka dyang akun miga, sangka kilala nga iskolar kang Bicol kag manunudlo sa Ateneo de Naga diin nagtugro ako kang talk parte sa atun epiko nga Hinilawod kang Sabado it hapon.

Pero may sense of urgency sa anang limug kag sinsero nga pag-ulikid kanakun. Nakulbaan man ako; daw kagrabe gid kang ginapaabot nga bagyo.

Pensar ko, hinali may kadu nga matabo kanakun, indi nanda ako mabuligan dayon. Indi man ako makapangayo ka bulig kananda. Sobra darwa ka oras sakay kang van ang distansya kang Naga City kag Daraga, Albay. Doble rugya kun bus. Bisita na ako kag abyan.

Indi ko gusto nga ma-guilty tana ukon magkabalaka. Bahul nga posibilidad ang black-out kag bisan may darwa ako ka power bank, maubos dya. Kag ano mahimo ko bisan may baterya ako kag signal kun wara tana?

Martes it aga, pagkatapos kang pamahaw, nag-check-out ako kag

nagpahatud sa traysikul sa paradahan kang van pa-Naga. Wara it byahe.

Nagatarithi. Duro pa ang mga tawo sa sagwa. Wara it pagdali ukun pagkabalaka. Sa pensar ko, buyu sanda nga pirme ginabagyo, rulubsan. Padayon ang pagka-ordinaryo kang aga. Pero pribado gilang nga mga sarakyan ang garulubas. Hambal ka drayber, ihatud na ako sa terminal kang bus.

Wara pa kami makaabot sa terminal, may bus nga nagapondo sa binit kang karsada, naga-pick-up kang mga pasahero. Pa-Manila! Pagsaka ko, kalabanan mga pamatan-un ang pasahero; mga naga-obra sa Manila.

Wara it pagdali ang drayber kag kunduktor. Nagkabalaka ako nga basi bisan man-an nanda nga may bagyo, wara sanda it pagpangaman amo nga ma-byahe pa. Pasimpalad para sa adlaw-adlaw nga kita. Basi sahi sanda ka mga tawo nga gina-ugtasan kang gobyerno kag pribado nga mga tawo kag organisasyon nga saku sa pagbulig tatap kanatun sa panahon kang mga kalamidad pero ginapabungul-bungulan, hasta magbasulanay gilang kag maghinulsul kun madisgrasya. Ordinaryo ang bus, ordinaryo ang mga pasahero: hinali madisgrasya, posible man mabalita pero hay indi gid pagtutukan. Mapatay ako nga indi mabuligan. Naka-leave ako sa obra; na-cut akun insurance: wara ako it healthcard. Daw tampa kang kaimulon ang asik kang tarithi halin sa bukas nga bintana kang bus. Amo dya ang mangin imol, liwan.

Pero naga man, bisan amo dya akun mga napamensar, wara it mga balud sa akun dughan. Kampante ako, nga daw anad run man gid parehas kang iba nga mga pasahero sa tuig-tuig nga pagbisita kanatun kang mga bagyo kag baha. Kang Hunyo, nag-byahe ako pa-America.

Duro man akun kulba pero mayad man, wara man it natabu nga kadu. Nakabalik

ako kag wara it nagbag-o sa mga posisyon ka akun mga gamit sa condo. Ang sobre nga ginbilin ko para sa akun pamilya, in case of untoward incident, naka-selyo gihapon, nakatungtong sa lamesa, ingud ang planner kag pencil case. Salamat, nagpadayon ang nomal ko nga kabuhi, amo nga naka-biyahe rugya sa Bicol.

Nag-andar ang bus, padayon ang tarithi, hasta magbaskug-huraw-baskug sa nagkalain-lain nga mga banwa, hasta makaabot kami sa terminal sa syudad kang Naga, tapos-igma. Salamat sa Dios! Gin-alaw-alaw ako kang kotse ka akun miga. Naghapit kami sa sangka restaurant para sa take-out. Nakapangape ako. May baterya ang akun iPhone, may internet, nakasunod kang balita online. Padayon ang normal nga kabuhi. Hasta mag-gabi-i, pagkatapos iyapon, pasado alas otso, kag magwaswas ang baskug nga hangin dara ang uran.

Nadura ang kuryente.

Mabatian ang pagturuklab kag paghurulog kang mga bagay sa guwa.

Naga-igut ang hangin. Nadumduman ko ang nabatian nga mga istorya halin sa mga kasimanwa nga survivor kang Yolanda sa Culasi, Antique: nga daw may kaugalingon nga mga mata ang hangin, kag mga unto nga nagapagutbagrut. Atat na atat mangwaswas, mangrangga, mangbari – manglimpyo kang kalibutan. Rugya ang kamatayun, matira ang matibay!

Mahambal nga equalizer ang kalamidad: manggaranun kag imul maapektuhan kadya. Huod, tanan kita apektado, pero sa nagkalain-lain nga level. Salamat, maysarang ang pamilya ka akun miga. Natumba ang mal-am nanda nga puno kang bougainvillea sa gate kag nagharam-us ang palibot kang balay sa mga dahon kag sanga kang mga kahoy kag tanum pero hilway kami tanan sa katalagman. Wara naramigan, wara nagutum. Black-out

kag mabuhayan ang pagbalik bangud duro ang nagkaturumba nga mga poste amo nga hapon kang Miyerkules, nag-check-in kami sa hotel. Amo dya ang nagakatabo kananda sa syudad kang Naga, tag-ururan man ukon tagirinit nga wara it kuryente: ang mga maysarang, naga-check-in sa hotel.

Salamat nga zero casualty ang na-report halin sa probinsya kang Albay, ang sentro kang bagyo. Amo gali nga ginpabalik na gid ako. Mas makatalagman ang Albay bangud sa bulkan nga Mayon.

Huwebes it gabi-i run ako magbalik sa Manila, kang ma-resume ang biyahe ka mga bus. Sleeper bus kang Isarog Line ang akun ginsakyan.

Comfortable hay lapad, isara lang ako, kag makaturog. Naka-backpack lang ako pero nadugangan dya. Nagbakal ako kang mala-basket nga bag himo sa abaca sa sangka tiyangge sa Cagsawa kang mag-agto rugto para sa view kang Mayon kang Lunes it aga. Rugya nasulod ang mga pinamakal ko: souvenir t-shirt, botelya kag pakete kang pili nuts sa nagkalain-lain nga raha, set kang place mat, tsinelas, kag mga kahita himo sa abaca – export quality sa barato nga presyo. Saku ang text kang gurang ko halin sa balay sa Antique.

Gakabalaka bangud sa mga balita sa TV parte sa Bicol. I-uli ko kananda sa balay ang mga pinamakal. Sa status update ko sa Facebook, may pira ka mga abyan, kasimanwa, kag mga estudyante nga nag-comment, “take care.” Salamat lang ang akun masabat: budlay isulat ang nagahapulas sa dughan. Pang-regalo ko run sa Christmas ang pinamakal nga mga souvenir item.

Bugu ang akun sabat sa mga text ka akun gurang; direct to the point.

Masabadan pa ako kun kis-a, hay ang tuod karia, ginahulat ko nga makaabot, nga hasta wara pa ako maka-abot sa balay, indi pa ako anay makabalita,

hay ang kabuhi ilabi na kadya nga mga adlaw, sa sangka pisuk ka mga mata, pwede magbag-o. Sa sangka sala lang nga pagliko kang drayber, mahulog kami, mabunggo, ukun ano man. Ang akun paghipus sangka pag-ampo sa kun ano man ang mahimo matabo. Sangka paghanda kang kaugalingon. Amo nga nagpalaba gid ako kag nagpa-plantsa sa hotel kang pantalon kag t-shirt para isuksok sa dyang byahe pabalik sa Manila. Dignidad sa panahon kang bagyo kag rotational brown-out. Amo man dya siguro ang pamensarun kang drayber kag kundoktor kang bus, kag kang mga pareho ko nga pasahero kag lagawan: ma-stranded man, ma-delay, pero indi mapunggan kang bagyo kag kun ano man nga hitabo ang pagpadayon sa pag-obra, pagpalangga, pagpangabuhi: bulkan kang atun kalipay, kahulugan, pulos. Amo nga naga-kadlaw pa kita – hehehe, natumba ang akasya; hehehe nagpanaw kami sa baha.

Absurd man pero amo dya ang atun coping mechanism. Daw dulum sa guwa, nga indi ko mamasnahan kun ano kaduro ang nagturumba nga mga kahoy, poste, balay, kag salamat, makaturog ako bisan bugu. Bisan pa may paglabay sa akun pamensarun kang mga tawo nga naga-barakwet; mga imahen nga nalantaw sa TV kag sa mga newsfeed sa social media, kag sa dyang tion, sa mga karsadahun kang Bicol, kilala nga maogmang lugar (happy place): ang Albay bilang magayon (beautiful), ang Naga bilang anang tagipusuon kag syudad para mangin pilgrim, indi lang turista.

Naglampas ako sa husto nga paranaugan pag-abot sa EDSA sa Manila. Nalipat ako maghambal sa kunduktor. Wara dya nangin problema.

Nagabanaag ang kasanagun, wara it uran, wara it baha, kag buhi ako.

Republic of the Philippines Province of Iloilo Municipality of Dumangas

CLIMATE FIELD SCHOOL (CFS) FOR FISHERIES Agriculture is continuously being challenged by natural hazards of various forms (typhoons, floods, landslides, droughts, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes).There is the mounting concern on the rising frequency and severity of natural hazards and disasters due to Climate Variability and Change.

Climate plays a vital role in aquaculture. The Fisheries sector especially our fisherfolks are the most vulnerable sector and are likely to be the first affected at all times. This upward trend of natural disaster incidence continuously disrupt agriculture and food systems.

With the advent of climate variability and change statistically

significant change in fisheries production is observed. The face of Climate Change lower yields of fish farmers due to extreme Climate events (floods, droughts, typhoons,

sea level rise and temperature).

This initiative for our fisheries sector is centered on the need of such tool as climate information and weather forecast to be important in planning and decision making to improve aquaculture operation practices.

Among the issues and challenges of climate variability and change in the fisheries sector is the increasing frequency of weather extremes, sea level rise, increase pests, diseases and predators and the changing patterns of precipitation and rainfall which affect growth and development of fish and other fishery resources.

Here now, climate variability and change is progressing and changing, the current challenge lies in keeping up with the rapidly increasing need for adaption measures, capacity building for stakeholders to cope with adverse condition.

Last January 9, 2014, the Climate Field School (CFS) for

Fisheries was launched in partnership with the Regional Integrated Multi Hazard Early-Warning System (RIMES) based in Thailand. The Climate Field School (CFS) for

Fisheries is now implemented and piloted in Barangay Bacay, Dumangas,Iloilo. The Climate Field School of Dumangas is the first in the Philippines.

CLIMATE FIELD SCHOOL FOR FARMERS An innovative approach using forecast application for agriculture and climate change adaptation program Dumangas experiences two extreme conditions; drought during dry season and flooding during the rainy season – 65% of the total area of the town is inundated.

Consequently, farmers experience difficulty in maintaining their crops. As the local government took the initial step to help the farmers adaptive capacity and to mitigate the impacts of climate change, the good Mayor Rolando B. Distura collaborate on the establishment of the Climate Field School (CFS) Program in 2007. The CFS was first launched in Indramayu, Indonesia and Dumangas is the first in the Philippines and second in Asia to adopt this program.

Aside from being able to connect with the farmer’s adaptive capacity, this program also aims to address poverty and reducing vulnerability and their causes.

The Climate Field School (CFS) is an innovation and a strategy for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as model. The CFS is a product of coordination and collaboration between the Local Government Unit of Dumangas , the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), USAID, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and the Iloilo Provincial Agriculturist Office.

The CFS aims to enhance the capacity of agricultural extension workers, farmers, and rural women to understand and apply weather forecast information to reduce disaster risks and be able to adapt to climate variability and change. The program focused more on improving farming practices, adapting new technology and integrating climate forecast information towards agricultural development.

Vital to the CFS is the AgroMeteorological Station. The Agromet Station was established in November, 2002 manned by PAGASA trained weather observer who helps farmer participants of the CFS through its forecast of local weather conditions.

The CFS is conducted once a week for twelve (12) weeks.

It enables the participants to understand different climate related risks in agriculture. It aims to know the importance of climate in plant growth and development and also the rice crop management system. It aims to familiarize the participants on weather and climate, forecast interpretation and application to mitigate the impacts of disaster either natural or man-made. Also, to integrate weather and climate information on disaster management and agricultural planning which helps farmers in their decision making and in their farming practices, thus increase yields.

Climate plays a vital role in agriculture, the sector needs climate

information as a tool in disaster management and agricultural planning, guiding our farmers to have an appropriate and productive farming practices.

Past experiences of the occurrence of calamities has taught farmers , rural women, agricultural extension workers on how to cope with adverse condition. Adapting to climate change can be beneficial in farming by obtaining the right information helps farmers producing and earning more.

By virtue of Municipal Ordinance No. 2011-02, a resolution declaring the Climate Field School as a learning institution for climate forecast application. It is an innovative way of addressing the problems on low productivity and extreme climate events through capacity building of farmers.

To date, the CFS had produced 554 farmer graduates conducted in 23 barangays, 84.40 % of the graduates affirmed to practice what they have learned from the program.

Program evaluation, FGD results showed, that there is an increase in production of up to 30-35% yield/ hectare and reduction in the use of farm inputs. Through the CFS, the farmer participants have become

Identifying Climate Risk and Management by a local personnel trained by PAGASA

Orientation Briefing of Participants more knowledgeable and equipped with the technology to improve farming practices.

Moreover, the farmers are

now able to understand the process of forecast interpretation, translation and communication for agricultural practices.

Republic of the Philippines Province of Iloilo Municipality of Dumangas

PEACE AND ORDER

PNP Accomplishments Illegal Drugs No. of Persons Apprehended: 24 Status: 16 On trial & 6 On bail Illegal Fishing No. of Violators Apprehended: 18 Fine: c/o Treasurer’s Office

BFP Accomplishments Fire Code fees collected from January during the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) until May 2014 ******** amounted to P105,110.00.

Dumangas District Jail

No. of Inmates: 42 Livelihood program: Rags Making Religious Activities: Bible Study Recreation & Sports: Chess Joining LGU activities Dumangas Annual Fiesta Celebration Bayani Challenge

Construction of a modernized Type C Jail Facility at P.D. Monfort North, Dumangas, Iloilo with 3,000 sq. meters.

Deployment of New Jail Officers: 1 Jail Nurse 1 Jail Dentist

MDRRMC ACCOMPLISHMENTS Conducted two (2) Skills Training

- 495 Participants

- 60 Participants

Skills Training of Punong Barangays, Sangguniang Barangay ChairmanCommittee on Peace and Order, Barangay Tanods and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) on June 16-July 09, 2014 at Dumangas Municipal Plaza Training on Emergency Rescue, First Aid, Basic Fire Fighting and Water Search and Rescue for DREAM and Rescue Volunteers on August 27-30, 2013 at Liga Hall and Sapao, Dumangas

Conducted 5th Dumangas Rescue Olympics on July 15, 2014 at Dumangas Municipal Plaza to 15 Barangay finalist during the Semi-Finals on Skills Training of PBs, Sangguniang Barangay Chairman-Committee on Peace and Order, Barangay Tanods and Brgy. Peacekeeping Action Team

Champion – Barangay Basa-Mabini 2nd Place – P.D. Monfort South 3rd Place - Sulangan

Existing & New Sets of MDRRMC Rescue Equipment

Purchased additional 20 sets of VHF Handheld Radio and 16 units Emergency Solar Lamp for disaster preparedness and mitigation

Republic of the Philippines Province of Iloilo Municipality of Dumangas

HEALTH SERVICES

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

TARGET

ACCOMPLISHMENT

1584 132 465

1687 161 512

Inspection of Industrial Establishment a. Issuance of Health Certificate b. Issuance of Sanitary Permit

SOCIAL SERVICE – AICS Programs/Services AICS Program Pre-Marriage Counselling Program for the Elderly (Social Pension) Social Pension – Retroactive Payment Assn. of PWD – Dgas., Inc. (APD-DI) Day Care Service Prog.Feeding Program

No. of Recipients 1,007 1,125 149 164 167 47 74

Period

Budget Allocated

Jan – July 22, 2014 Jan – Dec 2013 Jan – July 2014 3rd Qtr. 2013 4th Qtr. 2013 1st Qtr. 2014 1st & 2nd Qtr. 2014

P 896,850.00 815,500.00 ----243,000.00 243,000.00 70,500.00 195,000.00

2013-2014 2014

1,585,200.00 1,743,600.00

34 Brgys.

1,321 Day Care Children 1,453 DCC

4Ps Grant Released Period

Jul – Aug 2013 Sep – Oct 2013 Nov – Dec 2013 Jan – Feb 2014 Mar – Apr 2014

2,299 2,335 3,119 2,296 2,296

No. of HH Paid

Total Amount of Cash Paid

P 5,059,000.00 5,160,500.00 6,909,600.00 5,049,700.00 3,697,700.00

TOTAL P 25,876,500.00

Republic of the Philippines Province of Iloilo Municipality of Dumangas

INFRASTRUCTURE Implemented Projects for CY 2013 - (Roads)

Name of Project

Location

Appropriation

Status

FUND

REPAIR/REHAB A PORTION OF ROAD

Burgos St., Dumangas, Iloilo

P 1,112,000.00

Implemented

Gen. Fund

CONCRETING OF ACCESS ROAD

Dacutan, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 100,000.00

Implemented

20% IRA

CONCRETING OF BARANGAY ROAD

Maquina, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 100,000.00

Implemented

20% IRA

CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD

Bantud Fabrica, Dumangas,

P 1,000,000.00

Implemented

MOA w/ DPWH

CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD

Victorias, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 200,000.00

Implemented

MOA w/ DPWH

CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD

Maquina, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 200,000.00

Implemented

MOA w/ DPWH

CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD

Pulao, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 200,000.00

Implemented

MOA w/ DPWH

Implemented Projects for CY 2013 - (Structures)

Name of Project

Location

Appropriation

Status

FUND

CONSTRUCTION OF TALIPAPA

P.D. Monfort North, Dumangas,

P 350,000.00

On going

Provincial

REHABILITATION OF MP BUILDING,

Pulao, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 150,000.00

implemented

Provincial

CONSTRUCTION OF WATER SYSTEM LEVEL II

(10) Barangays, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 880,000.00

On going

REHABILITATION OF MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING Ilaya 1st, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 500,000.00

On going

CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOL BUILDING

Dumangas Central Elem. School

P 500,000.00

On going

REHABILITATION OF MP BUILDING

Tambobo, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 200,000.00

Nat’l. Bided

REHABILITATION OF MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING Tabucan, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 500,000.00

Nat’l. Bided

REHABILITATION OF MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING Tamboilan, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 200,000.00

Nat’l. Bided

CONSTRUCTION OF MULTI-PURPOSE PAVEMENT

Ilaya 1st, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 200,000.00

Implemented

CONSTRUCTION OF MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING

Lacturan Elem. School,

P 150,000.00

Implemented

MOA w/ DOH MOA w/ DOH MOA w/ DOH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH

CONSTRUCTION OF HEALTH CENTER

Sulangan, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 200,000.00

Implemented

REHABILITATION OF MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING

Mabini, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 200,000.00

Implemented

REHABILITATION OF MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING

P.D. Monfort South, Dumangas,

P 100,000.00

On going

CONST. OF FLOOD CONTROL/ DRAINAGE

Aurora del Pilar, Dumangas,

P 200,000.00

Nat’l. Bided

CONSTRUCTION OF MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING

Bacay, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 200,000.00

Implemented

CONST. OF MULTI-PURPOSE PAVEMENT

Tambobo, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 100,000.00

Implemented

CONSTRUCTION OF MULTI-PURPOSE PAVEMENT

Cansilayan, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 100,000.00

Implemented

CONST. OF MULTI-PURPOSE PAVEMENT

Cansilayan, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 200,000.00

Implemented

CONST./REHAB/REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR

Dumangas NHS, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 500,000.00

Implemented

CONST. OF MP PAVEMENT

Compayan, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 200,000.00

Implemented

REHAB OF MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING

Ilaya 3rd, Dumangas, iloilo

P 200,000.00

Implemented

REHAB OF MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING

Rosario, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 200,000.00

Implemented

REHAB OF MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING

Bantud, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 200,000.00

Implemented

MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH MOA w/ DPWH

Implemented Projects for CY 2014

Name of Project

Location

Appropriation

Status

FUND

CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOL FENCE

Tamboilan Elem. School

P 100,000.00

Implemented

Provincial Aid

REPAIR/IMPROVEMENT OF MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING

DNHS, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 650,000.00

On going

Provincial Aid

REPAIR/IMPROVEMENT OF MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING

Barasan, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 100,000.00

Implemented

Provincial Aid

REPAIR OF FENCE (TAPABIA)

Paloc Bigque, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 20,000.00

Materials delivered

Provincial Aid

REPAIR/REHAB OF ROOFING OF THE PUBLIC MARKET

Dumangas, Iloilo

P 1,500,000.00

On going

RAY/ DILG

REPAIR/ RENOVATION OF BARANGAY HEALTH STATION

Balabag, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 400,000.00

On going

MOA w/ DOH

IMPROVEMENT OF GYM

P.D. Monfort North, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 90,000.00

On going

Gen. Fund

REHAB OF ULTRA BASKETBALL COURT

Public Plaza, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 100,000.00

Implemented

Gen. Fund

REPAIR/REHAB OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM

Public Market, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 70,000.00

On going

Gen. Fund

WOMEN SEWING CENTER

Balud, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 100,000.00

Implemented

Gen. Fund

REPAIR OF TRISIKAD SHED

Dumangas, Iloilo

P 192,500.00

Implemented

Gen. Fund

CONSTRUCTION OF SHED FOR MOBILE PUMPING STATION Tamboilan, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 45,500.00

Implemented

Gen. Fund

REPAIR OF ROOFING OF FISH SECTION

Public Market, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 161,500.00

Implemented

Gen. Fund

CONSTRUCTION OF STONE MASONRY

Maquina, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 300,000.00

Implemented

Gen. Fund

IMPROVEMENT OF MUNICIPAL BUILDING (LOBBY)

Dumangas, Iloilo

P 73,800.00

Implemented

Gen. Fund

REPAIR/IMPROVEMENT OF DRAINAGE CANAL

Talusan, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 99,500.00

On going

20% IRA 2014

REPAIR/IMPROVEMENT OF DRAINAGE CANAL

Tabucan, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 120,400.00

On going

20% IRA 2014

CONSTRUCTION OF FARM TO MARKET ROAD

Tamboilan, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 100,000.00

On going

20% IRA 2014

CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL STREET LIGHT

Sitio Agho, Paloc Bigque, Dumangas, Iloilo

P 50,000.00

Implemented

20% IRA 2014

Damages 1. Balud-Maquina Farm to Market Road with an estimated cost of P 150,000.00.

2. Cayos-Bantud Fabrica Bridge with an estimated cost of P 300,000.00.

3. Bantud Fabrica Farm to Market Road with an estimated cost P 50,000.00.

4. Brgy. Maquina Farm to Market Road with an estimated cost P 50,000.00.

5. Brgy. Balabag (Slaughter House Road) with an estimated cost P 30,000.00.

6. Brgy. Compayan Farm to Market Road with an estimated cost of P 100,000.00.

7. Brgy. Rosario Farm to Market Road with an estimated cost of P 100,000.00.

8. Brgy. Balabag (Mega Dike) with an estimated cost of P 1,500,000.00.

9. Motorpool/ Grain Center with an estimated cost of P 1,000,000.00.

Total Estimated Cost: P 3,280,000.00

14

TOURISM

August 3-9, 2014

Beads of Clay

BY BOMBETTE MARIN

Photo courtesy of Pastor Gaudencio Boko Jr. Iloilo has a long affiliation with clay production. Ilonggos are incredibly adept at various utilitarian and decorative arts and, obviously, some are very talented with clay. In the towns of Pavia, Miagao, San Dionisio and San Miguel, clay work is part of their tradition for many of years. They make cooking pots, bricks, cornices and architectural ornaments that are principally used up to this day. Each is crafted by hand, one piece at a time, from native clay and then fired in backyard kilns. The finish products are purchased directly from the artisan or group that made them. All pieces will vary slightly in color, shape and size.

Though clay bead making is not as popular as pot making, it can provide endless possibilities for homemade jewelry, gifts and decorations. In Estancia, Iloilo, Pastor Gaudencio Boko Jr. is known for his beautiful terra cotta bead creations.

Started producing terra cotta beads in 1999, Pastor Boko was inspired by his artist friend whom he met in Palawan. His inclination for arts made him involved to producing

clay loose beads where he individually fire handmade them in his backyard in Purok Villa Reyes. Terra cotta beads make great homemade jewelry, and would be awesome if made into bracelets and necklaces as gifts for friends and family.

As a creative project, his terra cotta beads are truly unique.

Some are round, tubular, shaped like river rocks, large or small and any size in between. It is individually costumed and made with meticulous placement, some with many detailed bits and pieces. Some are baked in several different stages and then compiled into one beautiful bead.

Pastor Boko mentioned that making terra cotta beads at home is a simple activity that requires clay and a few other household items and that making clay beads at home is a simple activity that requires clay and a few other household items. The beauty of terra cotta is that it is all natural. One may say it matches your skin.

Terra cotta comes from an Italian

Photo courtesy of Pastor Gaudencio Boko Jr.

word, terra meaning earth and cotta meaning baked. It is Photo courtesy of Pastor Gaudencio Boko Jr. a highly-durable and weatherresistant clay that is shaped and baked the heavy element of the clay. Yet they for a specific use. It also refers to its are sturdy and tough enough that red-orange hue. The clay is baked in a you do not have to worry about them special oven called a kiln at very high breaking when you are wearing them. temperatures for many hours. This Married to Rizzel Geronimo of allows the water that was previously Estancia, Iloilo and blessed with two soaking the clay to dry out. kids, the artist is permanently residing His terra cotta clay beads and in Estancia where he continuously pendants are surprisingly light in develops his passion for art. He was weight. The kiln firing removes all the inspired by arts and crafts and often water from the clay, the water being thinks about what things he can put

beads on, or what pieces of art he can translate into jewelry. Aside from being an artist, Pastor Boko is also is deeply involved with Share an Opportunity, an International Christian founded child focused NGO where he is the Holistic Development Facilitator.

For more information, you may get in touch with him thru his mobile number at 09199647509 or email at gsamanbukojr@gmail.com.

Guimaras: A province with potential Written by Alvin I. Dacanay IF there’s a phrase that best describes Guimaras, it’s probably this: “the island of opportunities.” Tourism officials in the province think it is, since they adopted the phrase as their own and used it in their promotional materials. It’s easy to understand why: Guimaras—which is holding its annual Manggahan Festival this week and will celebrate its 22nd anniversary as a province on May 22—is not only blessed with fertile fields that yield what many say are the world’s sweetest mangoes, but also with emerald-green hills, pearlwhite beaches and aquamarine waters that offer enterprising people the opportunity to develop them and help fulfill the province’s potential as a top tourist destination.

Those promoting this opportunity are public-sector players—the Guimaras provincial government; the Department of Tourism in Region 6 (Western Visayas); the Guimaras Provincial Tourism Office, led by Tourism Officer Angeles Gabinete; the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council; and the Canadian government-backed Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSPLED)—who, with their partners in the private sector, are making progress in this regard. One could note this progress in the enterprises that are enhancing the island’s budding reputation as an agricultural-tourism hub.

Farm to plate ONE of these enterprises is the 24-hectare Springbloom Farms in Sibunag town, which was established in 2010. According to owner Gerard M. Camiña, Springbloom utilizes intercropping, which allows him and his workers to grow several crops,

founded McNester Food Products in August 2003. Her company, based in Buenavista municipality, produces a wide range of novel—and tasty—food items using Guimaras’s most valuable agricultural product—mango ketchup, mango spaghetti sauce, mangocalamansi concentrate and mango jam, among many others. These unique products have proven to be quite popular with the locals, as well as with out-of-town visitors, such as this writer, who learned that the LGSP-LED has been supporting Tubongbanua with her product demonstrations and with marketing her creations, which have yet to reach a bigger market.

Natago Beach in Guimaras Island Philippines

Mangoes of Guimaras Island depending on the season and other conditions. These include bananas (the lacatan variety; the farm produces 2.5 to 3 tons of the fruit per week), papayas (the so-called Red Lady variety; 1.5 to 2 tons per week), pineapples (the Smooth Cayenne variety; at least 1 ton per week), pomelos (the Magallanes variety; these are ready for harvest by next year) and calamansi (between 2,500 and 3,000 calamansi trees are planted in Springbloom).

A few weeks ago, Mr. Camiña and his wife Luth opened at Springbloom the Terraza at Camiña Balay nga Kawayan, which offers what they call a “farm-2-plate” experience to visitors.

Those who avail themselves of this

Taklong Island in Guimaras emerging culinary experience are treated to native beverages, delicacies and dishes whose fresh ingredients include crops harvested from Springbloom and from nearby plantations. They are also treated to a soothing view of nearby Lawi Bay, which can be seen from the terrace of the cozy and spacious bamboo house, which, Mr. Camiña says, can accommodate 40 guests.

In neighboring Jordan municipality is another, slightly older farm: the 8-hectare Guimaras Wonders Farm. Established by Austrian expastry chef Erwin Griesser and his Filipino wife Rose in July 2001, this organic farm, like Springbloom, grows a number of fruits, including lacatan

Guimaras Island bananas, calamansi, mangoes and pineapples. But unlike the Camiña farms, the Guimaras Wonder’s Farm also raises livestock—free-range chickens from the Czech Republic and Israel, carabaos, cows and goats, as well as native black pigs. Educational tours at the farm are informally conducted

by Mrs. Griesser, who, unsurprisingly, has proven to be a very knowledgeable guide and a passionate advocate of organic farming.

Another woman who is as knowledgeable and very serious about her work as Mrs. Greisser is Rebecca C. Tubongbanua, a former overseas Filipino worker-turnedrespected farmer-scientist who

Only a handful SPRINGBLOOM Farms, Guimaras Wonder’s Farm, McNester Food Products—these three enterprises are only a handful of the many that are helping Guimaras realize its potential as a leading agritourism destination in the country. The fact that they continue to succeed in their endeavors despite the challenges that they surely face at different points testifies not only to the hard work of their owners, but also of their employees and the province’s inhabitants as a whole. The fact that they seized the chance to embark on those endeavors should encourage more people like them to do the same. After all, where better to do that than the island of opportunities? As Guimaras celebrates its Manggahan Festival this week, that’s worth keeping in mind.

For more information on Guimaras, visit www.guimaras.gov.ph or e-mail guimarastourism@yahoo.com. For more details on the enterprises featured here, call Springbloom Farms at (033) 336-5075 or (33) 336-3858, and e-mail McNester Food Products at mcnester@ yahoo.com.

15

August 3-9, 2014

SPORTS

Ateneo de Iloilo’s Big Blue Run for scholarship program LeBron to play with jersey number 23 again in Cleveland

BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE As part of the Big Blue Run - a fun run for the on-going scholarship program of the Ateneo de IloiloSanta Maria Catholic School, alumni, students, parents, teachers, and friends of the Atenista jog along the city streets.

This annual event initiated by the Ateneo Alumni Association (AAA), in collaboration with the schools Parents-Teachers Association (PTAs) from its grade school and high school departments, is in line with the 56th year celebration of the founding of the AAA and the feast of the Jesuit institution’s patron St. Ignatius of Loyola.

According to AAA president Felix Gorriceta III, the fund-raising activity wishes to continue to help our on-going scholarship program and other serviceoriented advocacies.

“This is our way of living the Magis (more), of loving the Lord and serving others that the school has taught us,” he added.

The fun run includes 3K, 5K,

Wearing a dominant color blue shirts, Atenista jog along the city streets as part of the Big Blue Run. and 12K events with registration fees men and women; 5K run, men and at PhP300, PhP400, and PhP500, women open; 12K run, men and women respectively. Limited edition Ateneo open.

Meanwhile, additional Ateneo loot Fun run T-shirt is free for all official participants while free loot bags will be bag prizes are being offered to the top 15 elementary girls and boys, top 15 high given for the first 500 finishers.

Also cash prizes are up to all top school girls and boys, and top 10 faculty three winners under the following men and women. The run is open to all categories: 3K run, Elementary boys and interested parties who share the mission girls, high school boys and girls, faculty of the Ateneo. IMT

Corporal Salak recoups PHL Super Liga victory

Corporal Tina Salak, Most Valuable Player posed with her Generika Army teammates as they proved supremacy in Philippine Super Liga All Filipino Conference.

BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE Age doesn’t matter!

This was proven by Tina Salak as she remained to be one of the best volleybelles in the land at 38 by winning the Most Valuable Player award of the recently concluded Philippine Super Liga All Filipino Conference.

The 38-year-old setter was

12 things...from page 6

vampires are not worth worrying about. – We sometimes allow the wrong people to take up too much space in our heads and hearts. We meet energy vampires and bullies regularly – especially when we live in a big city or work in a large, cutthroat corporate environment. These individuals will try to get to you – they will try to influence you and become a part of your life because they find their own life to be mundane. They already poisoned their own lives and now they are looking to poison yours. Don’t let them get to you.

9. If someone hurts you, don’t take it personally. – Truth be told, if someone hurts you, chances are, they have been hurt themselves. So do your best to never take anything too personally. Don’t let compliments get to your head and don’t let insults get to your heart. Most people can only give others what they have received themselves. All your actions and words should come from a place of love,

Ilonggos rate...from page 1

Iloilo, with humongous projects and programs in support to infrastructure development and the delivery of basic services, I rate him 9.”

Two citizens pointed out their views saying, “Ang visible lang to me is the things he is doing with corrupt politicians. Kung dira siguro, I’ll rate him 7.”

“Well, he may not be the best president, but at least he made some positive progress. I can give him 7 for that.

Six more individuals gave a 7 seeing the bullish growth of the Philippines under his administration. Majority of them approved of PNoy’s “tuwid na daan,” good governance with him replacing corrupt officials under his administration.

“He may not be perfect; he has lot of mistakes which made the country angry, but all-in-all, I think he’s done

instrumental in Generika-Army’s successful title run that made it the only franchise to win a championship in the first three conferences of the fledgling league - a surprise, really, considering she wasn’t even a part of the team at the start of the tournament.

Salak, an Army corporal, begged off from the Lady Troopers’ campaign in the All-Filipino Conference as she opted but not everyone will be loving in return, and that’s OK. As Miguel Ruiz explained in his book The Four Agreements, when you do not take anything personally, you liberate yourself. You can open yourself to the world, freely, and not have to worry about the judgments of others.

10. Your focused presence matters. – While modern technology can be life-changing in many beneficial ways, there is an aspect of this technology that greatly interferes with our lives and relationships. Do not be so addicted to a screen that you miss out on the opportunity to enjoy real life unfolding in front of you. Learn to disconnect. Learn to slow down. Give people your full and undivided attention. Do not seek mindless stimulation on a screen for no reasons, and refocus on nurturing real human connections.

11. Good things in life end too soon when they aren’t appreciated.– This isn’t to say that appreciating what you have

better than the past two presidents,” Allen , a marketing officer, said.

“Damu improvement subong ang Pilipinas, daw naging well known na kita sa mga developments kay kadasig guid under his term,” said Jessa, a sales officer.

However, Pol, a secretary strongly gave PNoy a 4 stating that the president does not know how to decide what to do on things – “forgive Hong Kong or not, DAP or no DAP, PDAF or no PDAF, PNoy Abnoy, tuta ng America!” he exclaimed.

The Pulse Asia survey, conducted from June 24 to July 2, showed a drop in the performance and trust ratings of President Benigno S. Aquino III. The latest public opinion survey shows that President Aquino’s performance rating declined from 70 percent last March to 56 percent, while his trust rating dropped from 69 percent to 53 percent. IMT

to continue attending military school to strengthen her bid for a promotion.

But after the Lady Troopers lost their first two games without their setter and acknowledged leader, Army was left with no choice but to beg Salak to go back in active duty.

That proved to be the major turning point for Army as the rejuvenated Lady Troopers won their next six games on the way to retaining the championship. The newly crowned MVP, however, was quick to play down her role in the three-peat.

“Hindi naman dahil sa akin ‘yun,” she said after the three-set sweep of finals rival RC Cola-Air Force, 25-22, 25-19, 25-16, before a jampacked crowd at the Astrodome on Saturday. “ Salak confessed that she was determined to sit out the last tournament, as she wanted to give way to younger counterparts. Following another successful tour of duty with Army in the PSL, Salak said she will return to processing her promotion, which she hopes to finally get this year. IMT when you have it comes naturally – our minds tend to consider the possibility that the grass on the other side is greener. But we need to mindfully remind ourselves that life isn’t about constantly upgrading things. To live a happy, fulfilling life we have to learn to appreciate and love what we have. If you fall in love then do your sincere best to nurture your love. Don’t wait for things to end before you start appreciating them.

12. Today is a blessing. – Think about how many people die every minute of every day and you’ll begin to realize that waking up in the morning is a blessing.

We don’t live in a world of perpetual peace, but one laden with bouts of chaos.

On top of this, accidents do happen and people get severely injured and die because of them. Getting another day to breathe, to experience life, and to do something meaningful is the greatest gift one can receive. Make today count!

IMT aims...from page 1 Global PH Communications Co., the publisher of Iloilo Metropolitan Times, formed a book donation event for the benefit of Chameleon Association Inc. - a humanitarian organization that provides protection and rehabilitation services to young Filipino girls who have suffered abuse – and the towns of Bingawan and San Enrique.

The company plans to collect at least 200 new or gently-used storybooks.

After he made his come back to the Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA superstar, LeBron James will be wearing jersey no. 23 again.

BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE After he made his come back to the Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA superstar, LeBron James will make another nostalgic return when the NBA season starts.

Now that LeBron James has let everybody know where he’ll be playing next season, the biggest question left on everybody’s mind, naturally, is: what number will he wear?

After his contract ended in the Miami heat where he played tremendously to bagged for two consecutive championships, LeBron James will go back to wearing jersey No. 23 in his return to Cleveland.

James famously swapped out his No. 23 for No. 6 when he jumped from

Water woes...from page 1

to be attended by 700 delegates, and the Food Security Week Meeting tentatively slated on September 28 to October 6, 2015 to be participated in by 900 delegates.

On the part of Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD), the city’s sole water distributor, Encarnacion said that they are working hard to give immediate solution to the problem ahead of the two APEC meetings in Iloilo City.

“This should have been a collaborative effort, indi lang iya sang MIWD. Actually bal-an naman na nila – ang private sector kag ang city and provincial government,” Encarnacion stressed MIWD targets to have an additional supply of water in the first quarter of 2015.

Encarnacion said that there P150-

8 out 10...from page 1 63 complaints have been filed from January this year.

According to Mondragon, of the cases, 34 involved the grant of a total of P994,590 in monetary benefits to 168 workers.

The objective in forming a book donation event for the benefit of communities is to tap in kids and children who don’t have enough financial assistance to education and a little adventure in books.

Individuals are being encouraged to participate in the project by donating new and used ones in good condition suitable for children between the ages 13 years and below You can drop off the books until

Ilonggos buying...from page 1

In fact, he said that the consumers’ purchasing power in the city is “more stable compared to other cities outside Metro Manila”.

“Kon damu naga-open nga convenience stores kag nagasulod nga investments sa city, meaning nakita sang mga investors ang sustainability diri sa syudad,” Mabilog said.

Ministop, 7-Eleven, Monsterific, i-mart and Quix Mart are among the

convenience stores with several branches in the city that serve consumers 24/7.

These, according to Mabilog, show that Iloilo City is “really attractive” to investors.

“Kon continues ang investments, continues man ang growth sang city,” Mabilog said.

The mayor also said that even without the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial

Cleveland to Miami in 2010. He claimed at the time to be giving up No. 23 out of reverence to Michael Jordan. But he was still with the Cavaliers when he put in the paperwork, and in hindsight it seems equally possible that the switch was part of an image and legacy overhaul, a way of keeping his NBA worlds separate as he planned for a future with the Heat.

James tweeted “23 it is! It’s only right I go back. 2 3=6 we still family 6.”

The tweet included an Instagram post with photos of James holding his No. 23 Cavaliers jersey on draft night, him later in a new version of the Cavs’ jersey and a one of him in his high school jersey.

James wore No. 6 in four seasons with Miami and with the US Olympic team.

He used No. 23 in high school and during seven seasons in Cleveland. IMT

million loan has already been approved by the board of directors of the Development Bank of the Philippine (DBP).

“The amount will be handed to us within this year. As to the date, we don’t know yet,” he said.

Regarding to the P211-million financial assistance from the national government, Encarnacion said they are still waiting for the financial confirmation.

During his visit in Iloilo in June, President Aquino said the Local Water Utilities Administration had endorsed a request of the MIWD to the Department of Public Works and Highways for financial support to address the water supply problems of the water district.IMT In 2013, DOLE-6 responded to 496 requests for assistance (RFAs), or 86.7% of the 572 RFAs received, and recovered a total of P10.598 million in monetary benefits for 1,312 workers in the region. (with a report from BusinessWorld)IMT. Aug. 23 at Suite 1, 3rd Flr., Cristina Colonnade, Cor. Huervana-Rizal Sts., Lapaz, Iloilo City.

For more information, you can call us at 0927-9252-734 // 508-50-51.

Donated books should provide positive, uplifting themes, as many of the children are facing difficult challenges in their lives.

Your support means the world to the children. IMT meetings in 2015, the city’s economy is in positive movement.

“Even without APEC, ang city maskin indi man mareach ang peak, pero will continue to grow,” Mabilog said “Actually subong mabatyagan tana ang progress maskin indi ma operational ang iban nga mga proyekto. When Ayala Megaworld, SM, Gaisanno, Doubledragon will start operating fully dira ta paguid makita anddaku economic impact sa city.”

Mabilog added.IMT

16

METRO BACOLOD

August 3-9, 2014

359 ARBs receive CLOAs The distribution of CLOAs and awarding of APCP loans as well as recognition of ARBOs are part of the department’s anniversary celebration.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Teresita Mabunay said that the celebration showcased the realization of CARP’s mission of

securing the new ARBs’ tenure on the CARP-awarded lands, and eventual rural poverty alleviation in the agrarian reform areas.PIA-6

Doctors, diabetics and pharmaceutical companies marked the Diabetes Awareness Week July 27 to August 2 with activities to enhance awareness on diabetes.

The celebration kicked off Sunday with a Family Fun Day at the Sacred Heart Compound in Bacolod City attended by regular patients and partners of their regular diabetes check up every last Sunday of the month.

Diabetics and their families walked around the compound to shed some sweat before the start of the lectures conducted by members of the Diabetes Information Team Incorporated (DIT).

Dra. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, a member of the DIT said that the fun day is to make people aware how important diabetes is and how grave the complications are.

“If your diabetes is left untreated, it can lead to so many complications. Now, even juveniles or kids who may or may

not have family history of diabetes should be checked regularly,” Gensoli added.

This was affirmed by Dr. Jovy Vergara of the City Health Office who said that there are more cases of diabetes in children even below five years old, which are commonly acquired through food especially those fond of eating in fast food chains and these are not genetic but acquired type.

According to Vergara, the most basic prevention of diabetes is to do a lot of exercise and diet, medication only come in third.

“It doesn’t mean that if you are diabetec, you need to take in medicines right away, you really have to improve your lifestyle first. Take in nutritious food, those that are less in fat and less in sugar and do a lot of physical activities like exercise,” Vergara said.

Latest findings reveal that household chores are not considered

as an exercise, you really have to walk or move to make your heart pump because the number of heart rate is the basis and not sweating since we are in the tropical country that even if you are sitting down, you can sweat. Even gyms now are air conditioned because what is important is the pumping of the heart, Vergara added.

Vergara urged parents to encourage your children to move around and be active, especially now, children are hooked into tablets and computers and watch what they eat.

Adults should compute their body mass index, which according to Vergara should ideally, the female waist circumference should not be more than 80 cm or about 31 inches while male is 90 cm or about 35 inches and the ratio of waist to hip for female should be .85:1 and 1:1 for male, waist should not be bigger than hip.PIA-6

Bacolod highlights importance of diabetes awareness

The Department of Agrarian Reform North Negros gave out Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) and loan support from the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) to agrarian reform beneficiaries.

About 359 ARBs from 10 municipalities received their CLOAs dividing the 397.964 hectares of land holdings.

The 10 municipalities and cities in North Negros Occidental include Escalante City, Toboso, Calatrava, Sagay City, Cadiz City, Manapla, Victorias City, E. B. Magalona, Silay City and Salvador Benedicto.

Ceremonial check amounting to a total of P17,057,184 as APCP credit support were turned over to five Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations with a total of 193 ARB-members from Cadiz, Victorias and Silay cities.

Meanwhile seven ARBOs from Escalante City, Cadiz City, E.B. Magalona, and Silay City received certificates of recognition for their initial successes in utilizing the APCP credit assistance in maintaining collective farm operations, sustaining farm employment and generating substantial dividends to ARB-members and their households.