Iloilo Metropolitan Times Volume 2 Issue 68

METROPOLITAN

ILOILO

the first business newspaper in metro iloilo

TIMES

VOL. II ISSUE NO. 68

developmental news | critical views www.iloilometropolitantimes.com

June 8 - 14, 2014 Php 12.00

Exodus 31:3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATE Weekly MIDPOINT Rates - May 30 - June 5 , 2014

USD/PHP

43.9000 43.8900

43.8896

43.8839

43.8800

43.8704

43.8700 43.8600 43.8550

43.8550

43.8500 43.8400 43.8300 May 30, 2014

43.8578

43.8374 Jun 1, 2014

Jun 5, 2014

Jun 3, 2014

DTI PRICE 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 Lucky Me! (55g) 13.25 Payless (50g) 13.75

PROCESSED MILK Current Price

7.10 6.30 Current Price

BREAD

Alaska Sweetened Filled 51.30 Milk - Condensed 300 mL Pinoy Tasty (400g) Alaska Filled Milk 37.00 Pinoy Pandesal Evaporated 370 mL Angel Filled Milk Evaporated 410 mL

37.00

(pack of 10 pieces) 22.50 36.80

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

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

UYGONGCO VS NAVA 27.00

Current Price 120.00/kg

FOR EDUCATION’S SAKE: Children are able to wake up early in the morning and walk some half a mile going to school as they are excited to welcome the first day of school.Photo by Ely Naorbe/IMT

‘Cruise and Drive’ good for economy

BY MONTESA GRINO-CAOYONAN Lawyer Helen Catalbas, Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI Regional Director underscored the positive impact of the new ‘Cruise and Drive’ package travel tour to the region’s economy.

Catalbas said the new package tour connecting Panay, Guimaras and Negros Occidental will enhance the economic activities between the three islands.

“It will create more jobs to our people as well as attracting more foreign and local tourists to go in our region,” Catalbas said.

The new ‘Cruise and Drive’ package Cruise /p11

WHAT’S INSIDE

business

CPBO deprives drivers of income 3

BY REYMAR LATOZA

Iloilo City Councilor Plaridel Nava is firm in his claim, saying that he can prove that the proposed Drilon Bridge to be built across the Iloilo River from Arroyo Street to Lapuz area will be constructed for the benefit of the Uygonggo business in Iloilo City.

“I will really show to the city council sa akon privilege speech nga ginpreparar to prove my claim. Ginkuhaan ko guid litrato, documentation ang tanan tanan,” Nava said.

The proposed four lane bridge will be constructed at the back of the new wharf for fastcrafts and roll on-roll off vessels near the milling complex owned by the Uygongcos.

“Ang taytay nga ina is not necessary for the city of Iloilo. In the first place indi man gani necessary nga sayluhon dira ang terminal nga bag-o. Wala kapuslanan ang ginagasto da nga sobra

NEWS

‘No salary increase for teachers this year’ 2

sien milyunes pesos and resulta dira mga Uygongco makabenepisyo,” Nava said.

Nava also pointed out the special dockyard being planned by the Uycongco at the Iloilo River intended for their own boats that will shift flour and fertilizer for their business in the city.

Dr. Felipe Uygongco, for his part, said “We pay our taxes properly and we are not a favored family by the city government. We have a dockyard at Brgy. Ingore in La Paz for our boats to load and unload our supplies and materials. Definitely, we are not using the Iloilo River for it is not advisable.”

The Uygongcos in Iloilo are into the business of flour milling, shipping, hotel, shopping mall, restaurant and import export trading.

“We are also leaving behind our traditional office of holding company La Filipina Uygongco Corp. as the building owner wanted us to vacate the heritage building along Arroyo Street.

We are transferring to another site in Lapuz area,” Dr. Uygongco said.IMT

SPORTS

Alas, Subido building names in Philippine basketball 11

Iloilo Airport awaits P14.5-B

BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE

The Iloilo International Airport is set to undergo a P14.51 billion modernization.

The project aims to decongest the increasing number of passengers travelling through Iloilo International Airport which currently operating over the required capacity Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) said once finalized, the project will be implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme.

“The PPP structure (scheme/ modality, etc) is being finalized by the implementing agency based on pre-investment studies conducted,” the PPPC said.

The project’s feasibility study has been completed, according to PPPC. At present, the airport in Cabatuan is handling direct flights to Hong Kong and Singapore, aside from domestic routes. It

was designed to cater 1.6 million passengers and 11,500 tons of cargoes per year and can accommodate aircrafts as big as an Airbus 330 with a seating capacity of 276.

The Iloilo airport is now the 4th busiest airport in the country in terms of passenger traffic and the 5th busiest in terms of total cargo handled.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the airport catered 1.85 million passengers in 2012.

The PPPC said the expansion project will be implemented by the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.IMT

8 out of 10 BIZ confident in Iloilo’s economy

pulse

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD

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EMAIL ADDRESS

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Gazebo

Iloilo is one of the fastest-emerging zone in the country.

Investments are pouring in which add to the city’s rapid growth.

In a survey by Iloilo Metropolitan Times, 10 individuals were asked about their opinions on the current economic situation and whether the economy is improving or otherwise. Eight people are confident of Iloilo’s growth while two have their lags in confidence.

The eight have expressed their satisfaction by saying thus-“We can see developments by Injap, Megaworld, and Ayala here in the city. It will create more jobs and will put Iloilo on the map for sure! There is economic growth,” said Paulo, a secretary of a credit firm.

“Iloilo’s tourism is getting better, which means, more tourists!

To me, that means, Iloilo economy is improving big that even people from outside are coming here,” Nang Pila, a vegetable vendor in Calle Real stated.

Most of the comments were related to the investment growth of Iloilo and the jobs created by local government units.

8 out of 10 /p11

METRO NEWS

2

METRO

on the road

DENR Acting as one voice, personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 6 kicked off the celebration of Environment Month 2014 with a motorcade. A short program took place at the Freedom Grandstand where the Environment Month 2014 was declared opened by Dr. Alicia L. Lustica, Regional Technical Director for Ecosystems Research and Development Service (ERDS).

This year’s theme: “Raise your voice, not the sea level!” draws attention to the importance of averting the effects of climate change. Sea level rise has been attributed by the scientists to the effects of climate change.

PAGASA THE recent rains showering the Metro Manila area and other parts of the country almost every afternoon is not yet the start of the rainy season, but a transition period, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

DFA In view of the increasingly volatile security situation in Libya, the Department of Foreign Affairs advises all Filipino nationals in Libya to leave the country immediately.

Libya is presently under Crisis Alert Level 3, which involves total deployment ban for returning and newly-hired OFWs to Libya, as well as voluntary repatriation for Filipino national.

DepEd

‘No salary increase for teachers this year’

BY REYMAR LATOZA

The present government has turned down the request of public school teachers in the country for salary increase this year.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said the

salary increase of teachers will not happen this year but there demand could be addressed and considered next year.

“This concern may be studied to be implemented for next year’s budget,” PCOO chief said in a staterun radio interview

BHC reiterates boarders’ rights

BY MONTESA GRINO-CAOYONAN

The Boarding House Commission (BHC) has reiterated the rights of boarders since they are paying monthly fees for board and lodging.

BHC Chairman Ben Palma Jr. said every boarder has the right to ask a copy of permits and contract between him and the operator, which states the monthly rate.

Palma further said operators are obliged to provide their boarders clean and peaceful areas, safe and clean water facilities, functioning fire exits with at least one fire extinguisher, proper waste disposal and favorable ventilation.

He encouraged boarders to report the operators who would refuse to show their contract and permit to them.

The BHC can be contacted through (033)-333-1111, local 508.

ALMOST 600 BOARDING HOUSES IN ILOILO CITY ARE ILLEGAL Meanwhile, the BHC is strictly monitoring 596 boarding houses operating in the city without business

permits.

According to Palma, these erring boarding houses failed to renew their business permits since last year.

He said they are now sending notices of violation to these boarding houses to encourage them to renew their permits and comply with the requirements set by the commission.

Palma said only 612 out of 1,208 inspected boarding houses were able to renew their business permits as of June 3, 2014.

Of the 612 boarding houses, Palma noted that only 502 complied with the requirements based on the existing ordinance while the 110 others are still processing their fire safety certificate and sanitary permit.

The Iloilo City government is implementing Ordinance No. 93-430, as amended, to regulate the operation of boarding houses, including houses for rent, lodging houses, rooms for rent, bed space, dormitories, and apartments.IMT

1:45 teacher-student ratio in WV is manageable, says DepEd-6

It is not mandatory for any public school student, Grade 5 to high school, to pay any fees from June to July. For Kindergarten to Grade 4, no fees are to be paid for the whole school year.

BOC Philippines - The national government posted a P80.9 billion ($1.85 billion) budget surplus in April, more than double the year-ago surplus of P36.8 billion.This was attributed to improved collection by revenue generating agencies, particularly the Bureau of Customs. The January to April budget deficit stood at P3.3 billion, an improvement from the P29.7 billion deficit in the previous year. The fourmonth budget deficit was also 1.2 percent of the 2014 goal. BusinessMirror

DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) released recently a list of “early maturing” and “drought-tolerant” rice varieties which are being recommended by the Philippine Rice Institute (PhilRice) breeders in preparation for the El Niño.An attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology, Pagasa said El Niño is expected to hit the country starting the last quarter of 2014 and would last until the first quarter of 2015. It changes in the normal rainfall pattern generally resulting in varying dryness in most parts of the country. - BusinessMirror

June 8 - 14, 2014

Coloma explained that the increase of salary was not included in the Department of Education DepEd’s budget this 2014 which has already been approved.

“The salary increase of teachers is among the top priorities of the DepEd, however, there are constraints to be considered before the implementation,” Coloma stressed.

Before the start of classes last

week, public school teachers protested against Malacanang for not taking action to their request.

Citing the important role of teachers in the lives of millions of students in the country, Coloma is hoping that teachers will continue to execute their duties as teachers with diligence and honesty, which the country can take pride of.IMT

Northern Iloilo towns to benefit Canadian economic programs

BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE The province of Iloilo has been included in a joint project of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Canadian Government’s Local Government Support Program – Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED).

A total of 11 provinces qualified for the LGSP-LED, of which four came from Western Visayas namely, Iloilo and its three neighboring provinces Aklan, Antique and Negros Occidental.

Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. said that Iloilo will be embarking on economic and development programs and initiatives with the support of the Canadian government through its

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Moreover, towns in Iloilo that will avail the project are Banate, Ajuy, Barotac Viejo, San Dionisio, Concepcion, Estancia and Carles.

“One of programs that CIDA will be supporting in Iloilo is on tourism development. The Canadian government will extend technical support to programs that could boost the economy of the identified areas,” said Defensor.

The identified areas were chosen based on the inputs of the Provincial Planning and Development Office wherein the community will be provided with capability-building, trainings and strategies to improve their livelihood.IMT

BY MONTESA GRINO-CAOYONAN

The Iloilo City Health Office (ICHO) discouraged students from buying street food and cooler drinks being sold by ambulant vendors outside their schools to prevent acquiring any water-borne diseases.

ICHO Chief Dr. Urminico Baronda said their warning aims to prevent the spread of typhoid fever, diarrhea, hepatitis and other stomach ailments.

Baronda stressed they have been discouraging the public from buying street food that he literally describes as “dirty food’ since most of street food are uncovered and contaminated with bacteria due to unclean preparation.

“We don’t want to advise the

public to buy food on streets because we know it’s dirty. If nobody buys their food then, I’m sure they will stop selling food especially outside the schools,” he said.

Common street food are fish balls, barbecue, and cooler drinks like halo-halo, sun saw (juices) and ice candy.

He advised the students to buy only nutritious food being prepared in their school canteens or from vendors with health cards.

In fact, Baronda said he already dispatched 20 of his sanitary inspectors to inspect public schools and observe how schools manage their canteen including its food handling. IMT

City health warns students from eating ‘dirty food’

BY REYMAR LATOZA The average teacher-student ratio for high school and elementary in Western Visayas is 1:45 or one teacher to 45 students, a far cry from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization standard ratio of 30 students per teacher.

“The ratio (1:45) is still within the standard ratio set by the Department of Education (DepEd). It is still manageable,” DepEd-6 |Assistant Director John Arnold Siena said when asked for his reaction about the present class size in the region.

“We are relying on the creativity of the teachers. They were, actually, trained how to handle a large group of students.

We are also relying on the ability of the principals on how they will balance the number students per teacher,” Siena said.

FAR FROM READY Siena disclosed that there are still public schools in the region that remain dismal a week after the opening of classes, because of damaged classrooms that need to be repaired and lack of teachers and armed chairs.

According to Siena thousands of classrooms in the region were far from ready up to now.

Siena said if not because of Super Typhoon Yolanda, the region would not suffer from shortage of classrooms and teachers.

“Kon wala ang bagyo indi amo ka critical and sitwasyon ta subongang kakulang sang classrooms kag mga manunudlo kay, actually, damu na napakay-o kag nagdugang nga mga classroom sa region kag subong ang gindugang nga mga manunudlo,” Siena said.

“Some Classes are being temporarily held in the alternative learning areas. The repair and construction of school facilities was delayed due to procurement processing.”

DepEd central office allocated billions of pesos for the construction of alternative learning areas for students In fact, Iloilo has given P 8 million to the typhoon-affected schools in the province.

Meanwhile, Siena said last week’s opening of classes in the region was generally peaceful and orderly. MGC/ Rlatoza/IMT

June 8 - 14, 2014

METRO BUSINESS

3

CPBO deprives drivers of income

BY MONTESA GRINO-CAOYONAN The Confederation of Iloilo Provincial Jeepney Owners and Drivers Association (CIPJODA) composed of 35 towns in the province seeks the help of Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. against the Iloilo City Government’s implementation of the Comprehensive Perimeter Boundary Ordinance (CPBO).

CBPO limits the entrance of provincial jeepneys in the city by issuing only four car passes to every town while “first towns” which include Pavia, Leganes, San Miguel and Oton are exempted.

CIPJODA president Proceso Parreño said they are not against the implementation of the CPBO but he suggested that the city government should have considered the effects of the ordinance to the operators, drivers and commuters.

“We are losing almost 50 percent of our daily income while commuters especially the students are experiencing long- delayed travel and suffering from additional

transportation cost as they have to take two to three rides everyday, “he said.

Parreño said they are hopeful that their sentiments will be

Tourism, Evironment inseparable

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI has raised the level of awareness to residents as well as tourists on the importance of preserving the natural environment.

DOT Regional Director Atty.

Helen J. Catalbas said that tourism should be something to promote the sustainability of the environment and great attention and care should be given to it.

With the influx of tourists, the agency was also alerted of the adverse damage the people can cause to a site.

Locals and tourists alike should be aware that they too are responsible for preserving the environment.

With regards to the building of hotels, resorts and tourist spots, environmental clearance certificates are issued by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to

the project proponent before construction of a structure in a particular area begins. This i s also to ensure the protection of the natural environment, stated Catalbas.

At the UNWTO-ASEAN International Conference on Tourism & Climate Change in Legazpi from May 18-20, the Philippine Government taps on the steps the industry needs to take to ensure a sustainable future.

In a report by Travel Daily Media, President Benigno S. Aquino III revealed in his message that the Philippines’ approach to the issue, which includes environmental issues as part of its “local, sectoral and national plans”, which it says will “guide the development of tourism destinations and tourism activities per locality”.IMT

NNC to Parents: ‘Invest in your child’s nutrition’

heard with the help of the governor who asked them to submit their reports containing data that show the number of drivers and commuters affected and income lost, among others.

Meanwhile, the governor is set to

talk with Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog next week.

“I want to talk with the city officials so that we could come up with mutually acceptable solution, “he said.

First year student Joy Alivio of Iloilo National High School said although her town, Leganes, is not directly affected by the CPBO but she could still encounter heavy traffic caused by rushing passengers every time she is on her way to school.

Ruth Plana of Zarraga also expressed discontentment over the ordinance.

Plana said she needs to take at least three rides everytime she will go to the city to do business. Being a day care teacher, receiving only small allowance, it is a burden on her part.IMT

Service sector, real estate fuel WV economy

BY REYMAR LATOZA The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region VI said that services sector will remain to be the “largest contributor to the overall economic growth of the region” this year.

“The good performance of this sector will be brought about by accelerated growths in all its subsectors, particularly trade, health and education services, “NEDA-6 said.

In 2012, the region posted a 7.5 Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth, higher by 0.7 percent from 6.2 percent in 2011.

“The growth of the region’s economy was propelled by the accelerated growths

of the industry and services sector,” NEDA-6 said.

“The services sector has steadily grown from 4.8 percent in 2011 to 7.6 percent in 2012.”

Booming real estate Meanwhile, real estate development especially in the city of Iloilo will continue to be in the forefront of the regional development, said NEDA-6 NEDA-6 cited the ‘boom town’ of one of the country’s biggest property developers.

Megaworld concludes the development of the Iloilo Business Park in Iloilo City. IMT

‘Lagaw-Lagaw’ to instill awareness on SMEs products

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)Iloilo Chapter bats on promoting local products and tourism sites through their “Lagaw-Lagaw” project starting on July.

“Lagaw-Lagaw” means “to roam around,” to which PCCI-Iloilo is to visit municipalities of Panay to market and instill awareness on the goods and tourism of each area every month.

PCCI-Iloilo President Donna Ratilla said, “We visualize that if we are not going to pull off and market these products, they are at the advantage of big businesses. Our concern is to promote our small and medium enterprises. They are mostly located outside the city. The marketing and distribution of these products is a problem. We have lots of beautiful products to be proud of which most people in Panay do not know because it has not been marketed well.”

She observed that there are products and tourism sites of Panay that have not been recognized like Fish Polvoron and Falls of Miag-ao respectively. She stated that locals and tourists alike should visit Tinukib Showcase Center or Cafe Panay to see local products of the province.

Ratilla also stressed that there’s a need for better packaging to prolong the quality of the produce and to make the product more attractive to tourists as well. She challenged investors to heed the call of this problem.

PCCI-Iloilo tapped the Department of Tourism for this project and is in support of the One Town, One Product (OTOP-Philippines) which is to promote goods and products of Filipino towns, cities, and regions, and provide funding for small businesses. IMT

ILED supports redevelopment of Sicogon Island

BY REYMAR LATOZA

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD

Based on the annual Operation Timbang (OPT) reports by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region VI, prevalence of undernutrition among pre-school children was marked down from an average of 7.05 to 6.38 percent from 2012 to the end of 2013.

National Nutrition Council (NNC) 6 National Program Coordinator Nona Tad-y stated that although the statistics went down, there is still the strong presence of malnutrition among preschoolers.

The trend on the prevalence of undernutrition among school children is 16.81. A higher rate than those of preschoolers, Tad-y noted.

“I know parents invest in books, uniforms, tuition and the likes, but they must not forget about their child’s nutrition, so that he or she can perform mentally, physically and emotionally well in school. Fruits and vegetables must be incorporated in their meal,” Tad-y said.

She remarked that various aid and programs from the government were factors noted in the decrease of

prevalence in the region.

SMART REPORTS The National Nutrition Cluster developed a Strategic Response Plan (SRP) to guide the implementation of nutrition services in 81 municipalities that were identified as priority areas in Regions VI, VII, and VIII by the Department of Health Emergency Management Staff (DOH HEMS).

A cluster nutrition survey based on the SMART (Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions) methodology was conducted in the areas most severely affected by Typhoon Yolanda from February 3 to March 14. Data was collected from a total of 1386 households, 645 children 6-59 months, 265 children 0-23 months and 1424 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in 60 clusters (barangays).

The Global Acute Malnutrition rate, based on weight-for-height in children for 6-59 months, was 4.1%, while prevalence of stunting growth or chronic malnutrition was 30.6%. IMT

A local business and economic group has expressed its support to the redevelopment of the Sicogon Island in the Municipality of Carles, Iloilo by the Sicogon Development Corporation (SIDECO) and Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI), believing it has a significant impact in the regional economy of Western Visayas.

“We believe that SIDECO and ALI in partnership with the Province of Iloilo and the Municipality of Carles will ensure that the redevelopment of Sicogon Island will redound to jobs, livelihood, housing, education, and infrastructure improvement without displacing local sectors, and sacrificing sustainability of the environment,” the Iloilo Economic

Development Foundation, Inc. (ILED) said in a statement.

IlED said Sicogon Island is one of the treasures of the Province of Iloilo that is endowed with white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, coral reefs, abundant marine life and beautiful tropical vegetation which have attracted local and international tourists from the early 70’s.

“It has an undeniable potential to become a major tourist destination, given its established name recall, natural physical attributes, accessibility and strategic location.”

ALI, according to ILED, has established expertise to come up with world class hotel and resort products,

making them confident that their network and resources will be able to develop and promote Sigocon Island as the new haven of international and domestic visitors and modern lifestyle communities.

“We hope the project is given the support of the local government and the local communities because development is a shared responsibility, and the opportunity to share the beauty of Northern Iloilo islands will have a significant impact in the regional economy of the region,” ILED said.

ILED represents more than 350 small, medium and large companies in Iloilo. IMT

BSP allows banks to extend operating hours

BY REYMAR LATOZA From the required six hours a day, Philippine banks can now extend their schedule of operations even without regulatory approval, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Philippines (BSP).

BSP said the Monetary Board bestowed “free hand” to banks to lengthen their operating hours should they decide to extend their services However, BSP said banks still need to submit a prior notice to the central bank Supervisory Department under the new rules.

Under the revised rules, banks are allowed to render full banking services during the extended period, which include deposits, withdrawals, check processing, bank certification, payment order, check re-order, bills and loan payments.

The revised rules also allow banks to render full banking services during the extended period, which include deposits, withdrawals, check processing, bank certification, payment order, check re-order, bills and loan payments.

In a statement, BSP said the new framework recognizes the evolving

needs of financial customers, especially those who require banking services beyond current regular business hours “This is firmly in line with the BSP’s thrust of empowering financial consumers, which is essential to fostering the stability of the financial system,” BSP added. IMT

Republic of the Philippines Province of Antique TANGGAPAN NG SANGGUNIANG BAYAN 5700 San Jose Antique PROVINCIAL ORDINANCE NO.090-2013 AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING AND INSTITUTIONALIZING THE COMPREHENSIVE DENGUE AND CHIKUNGUNYA CONTROL PROGRAM OF THE PROVINCE OF ANTIQUE Author: HON EGIDIO P. ELIO, M.D SP Member, North District WHEREAS, the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines provides the “The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them”, WHEREAS, dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection, is the world’s fastest-spreading tropical disease.

The dramatic .The dramatic increase in the rate of its transmission by its vectors, the Aedesaegypti and Aedesalbopictus mosquitoes, has place over 40% of the world’s population at risk. Dengue has become a major international public health concern. In the Philippines, it is the leading cause of childhood hospitalizations; WHEREAS, chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted by the same vectors as that of dengue, shares some clinical manifestations with dengue, often misdiagnose in areas where dengue is common and can be eradicated by the same measure as those for dengue. While not as fatal as dengue due to the absence of hemmorrhagic complications, it is nevertheless causes debilitating joints pains; WHEREAS, this Ordinance provides impetus to the efforts control dengue and chikungunya in the Province of Antique as it calls for the active participation of community in eliminating potential habitats for mosquitoes- a critical step in reducing the risk of transmission of mosquito-borne diseases; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDRAINED by the SangguniangPanlalawigan of Antique, in session duly assembled, That: Section 1. Title- This ordinance shall be known as “THE 2013 DENGUE AND CHUKUNGUNYA CONTROL ORDINANCE OF THE PROVINCE OF NTIQUE” Section 2.Defintion of Terms- As uses in this Ordinance, the terms below shall have the meanings ascribed to this in this Section. Any words or terms not defined shall be given their plain and customary meanings, unless the context requires otherwise, and shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the purpose and spirit of this Ordinance.

A) “Aedesaegypti” refers to the primary vector of dengue as well as yellow fever, hence it is commonly called “yellow fever mosquito”. It is more closely related to human habitation and breeds mostly in indoor man-madecontainers.

B) “Aedesalbopictus” refers to the secondary vector of dengue which is also commonly called “Asian tiger mosquito” because of its black and white striped and legs. It thrives in natural containers and outdoor habitat and can survive in color temperate areas.

C) “indiscriminate Fogging” refers to the delivery of an insecticide in very tiny articles which only drives away the mosquitoes to other places to find a new breeding grounds.

D) “Kaya-Kulub” refers to the act of turning a water container upside down to drain its content.

E) “Vector” refers to transmitters of disease-causing organism that carry the pathogens from one host to another.

F) “4 O’çlock habit” refers to the elimination of breeding places of mosquitoes in houses, offices and environment by all government and private agencies and the citizenry at 4:00 P.M every day.

Section 3.Provincial debgue and Chikungunya Control Council- There shall be created the provincial Dengue Chikungunya Control Council for the purpose of overseeing the implementation of this Ordinance.

Section 4: Composition of the Council- The council shall be composed of the following: Chairperson: -Provincial Governor Co-Chairperson: -SangguniangPanlalawigan

-Committee on Health Chairperson Vice-Chairperson -Provincial Health Officer Members -Provincial Dengue Coordinator

-League of Municipalities Presidents -Ligangmga Barangay President -Schools Division Superintendent -Provincial Police Director

-Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer

-Antique Medical Society President

-Philippine National Red Cross Representative

-Representative of the Private sector and Non-Government Organizations Provided, that the membership maybe increased by the SangguniangPanlalawigan upon the recommendation of the Council.

Section 5. Meeting and Quorum of the Council- The Chairperson of any (5) members of the Council may call a meeting. The Council shall meet at least once a month or as often as necessary as such a day and time as it may fix. The presence of at least a majority of its members shall constitute a quorum.

Section 6. Power and Functions of the Council- The council shall have the following powers and functions: a.) To establishe and enforce the program and policy on the prevention and eradication of dengue and chikungunya in the Province b.) To regularly monitor and report the incidence or occurrence of dengue and chikungunya in the Province; c.) To order the immediate implementation of all the necessary measure to prevent the spread of dengue and chikungunya should a case be found to be positive in a particular area. d.) To request for appropriation of funds by the SangguniangPanlalawiganshould need arise.

Section 7. Secretariat- The Council shall constitute a Secretariat to e headed by the Provincial Dengue Coordinator which shall keep, gather and update the relative to the Dengue and Chikungunya Control Program of the Province, submit reports to the Council, and perform such other functions and duties as maybe required by the Council.

Section 8.Municipal and Chikungunya Control Coordinating Committee- There shall be created in every Municipality, the Municipal Dengue Chikungunya Control coordinating Committee which shall be composed of the following: Section 9. Powers and Functions of the Municipal Dengue and Chikungunya Control Coordinating Committee- The Committee shall have the powers and following functions: a.) To enforce the following programs and policies promulgated by the Provincial Dengue and Chikungunya Control Council, the Department of Health and the Provincila Health Office; b.) To coordinate the efforts of the Barabgay Dengue and Chikungunya Task force and School Dengue and Chikungunya Brigades within its jurisdiction; c.) To request for appropriation from the Sangguniang Bayan should the need to arise.

Section 10.Barangay Dengue and Chikungunya Task force- There shall be created in every barangay the Barangay Dengue and Chikungunya Task Force which shall be composed of the following: Chairperson - Punong Barangay Vice Chairperson - Kagawad Chairperson on Health Members -Any member to be designated

-by the members of the Brigade Members -Barangay Officials -Barangay Health Workers -Barangay Tanods

-Heads of Schools in the Barangay

-Volunteers and Private sector Representative Ex-Officio Member -Rural Sanitary Inspector Section 11. Powers and Functions of the Barangay Dengue and ChikungunyaTask Force- The Task Force which shall be composed of the following: a.) To enforce within its territorial jurisdiction all programs and policies promulgated by the Provincial Dengue and Chikugunya Control Council, the Department of Health and the Provincial Health Office; b.) To conduct constant educational and information campaign of the prevention of the dengue and chikungunya with all the constituents in the barangay ,with emphasis on the 4S strategy: 1.) Search and destroy the possible breeding places of mosquitoes.

2.) Self-protection measures such as wearing long sleeves or long pants, insect repellent lotions, mosquito nets, coils, sprays and screens.

3.) Seek early consultations at the onset of signs and symptoms 4.) Say no to indiscriminate fogging unless in the presence of outbreaks and epidemics; c.) To urge all residents in the barangay to observe cleanliness and proper hygiene, like proper disposal of garbage, covering of water containers, elimination of stagnant water, “kaya-kulob” and the 4 o’clock daily habit of cleaning the surrounding.

Chairperson -Municipal Mayor Co-Chairperson -Sangguniang Bayan

-Committee on Health Chairperson Vice Chairperson -Municipal Health Officer

Members -LigangmgaBarangay President -DepEd District Supervisor -Chief of Police

-Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer -Rural Sanitary Inspector d.) To inspect all inhabited and uninhabited places in the barangay, including residential homes, commercial establishments, schools, offices, churches and the like, for any items that could serve as a bleeding place for mosquitoes, and cause its disposal; e.) To promulgate other measures that could contribute to the prevention of dengue and chikungunyathat do not contradict the provisions of this Ordinance; f.) To monitor all residents in the barangay for any signs and symptoms of dengue and chikungunya and immediately report such cases to the Municipal Health Office: 1.) Dengue should be suspected when a person has a fever for two (2) to seven (7) days accompanied by two (2) of the following symptoms: severe headache , pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea , vomiting, swollen glands, rash or porrl oral intake.

2.) Severe dengue should be suspected two (2) to three (3) days after the resolution of fever when the following symptoms appear: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, fatigue, restlessness, and signs of bleeding. Proper medical care is urgently needed to avoid further complication and death.

3.) Chikungunya should be suspected when high fever is accompanied by the following symptoms: severe joint pains at the lower back, ankle, knees, wrists or phalanges; joint swelling, rash, headaches, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting; g.) To require suspected and confirmed to be put into isolation such as keeping them under mosquito nets or in a screened room during the period of illness, to help stop the spread of the disease. h.) To request for appropriation of funds from the Sangguniang Barangay should the need arise.

Section 12. School Dengue and Chikungunya Brigade- There shall be created in every school, both public and private, the School Dengue and Chikungunya Brigade which shall be composed of the following: Chairperson -School Head Members -Class Advisers -School Health Personnel -Non-teaching Personnel -Class Officers -Student Council Officers -Studet Organization Officers Ex-Officio Member -Rural sanitary Inspector Section 13. Powers and Functions of the . School Dengue and Chikungunya Brigade- The brigade shall exercise all the pertinent and applicable powers and functions of the Barangay Dengue and Chikungunya Task Force, as enumerated in Section 11 herein, within its jurisdiction.

Section 14. Prohibited Acts- The following shall be considered as prohibited acts: a.) Allowing water to collect or storing water in uncovered containers, thus making them breeding places for mosquitoes; b.) Failure by lot owners, caretakers or administrators to clear their properties including those that are unoccupied , of breeding places for mosquitoes; c.) Obstructing, hindering or opposing any officer, agent or member of the Barangay Dengue and Chikungunya Task force or school Dengue and Chikungunya Brigade in the performance of his or her duty as such in this Ordinance; d.) Destroying any placard, notice or signage used in the enforcement of this Ordinance e.) Indiscriminate fogging Section 15.PenaltiesA.for Violation of this Ordinance by an Individual. a.) On the first offence, a written warning from the Barangay Dengue and Chikungunya task Force, receipt from which shall be duly acknowledge by the violator. b.) On the second offense, a fine of One thousand pesos (P 1,000) and/or imprisonment of not more than one(1) year, at the discretion of the court.

On top of the aforementioned penalties, if the owner, caretaker or administrator fails or refuses to clear his or her property of breeding places of mosquitoes, the barangay Dengue and Chikungunya Task Force shall implement the clean-up at the expense of the property owner; c.) On the third offense, a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (Php3,000) and/or imprisonment of not more than one(1)year , at the discretion of the court; B. For violation of this Ordinance by a group of persons and establishment.

The following penalties shall be imposed on the president or the manager in case of a company, corporation or association; the owner, proprietor or operator in case of a single proprietorship; or the administrator in case of government property, office or building. a.) On the first offense, a written warning from the Barangay Dengue and Chikungunya Task force receipt of which shall duly acknowledge by the violator. b.) On the second offense, a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (Php3,000) and/or imprisonment of not more than one(1)year , at the discretion of the court; On top of the aforementioned penalties, if the officials of establishment fails or effuses to clear their property of breeding grounds of mosquitoes,The Barangay Dengue and chikungunya Task Force shall implement the clean-up at the expense of the establishment; c.) On the third offense a fine of Five Thousand pesos (Php5,000), imprisonment of not more than one (1) year and/or suspension or revocation of business permit and license to operate, at the discretion of the court; Section 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations- The Provincial dengue and Chikungunya Control Council shall formulate the implementing rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Ordinance.

Section 17. Budgetary Requirement- Funds necessary for the operation of the Council and the implementation of this Ordinance shall be initially charged against the appropriation of the Provincial Health Office under the Annual Executive Budget. Thereafter, such sums as maybe necessary for the continued implementation of this ordinance shall be appropriated according under the Annual executive Budget.

Section 18.Separability Clause- If for any reason, any section of this Ordinance shall be unconstitutional or invalid, other sections which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 19. Repealing Clause- All Ordinances, resolutions and issuances are part thereof, including those that were enacted by the municipal and barangay councils, that are inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Secition 20.Effectivity Clause-This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30)days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Antique.

APPROVED

ATTESTED:

CERTIFIED CORRECT: (SGD) RHODORA J. CADIAO Vice Governor/Presiding Officer

(SGD) J. TURALBA GABIN Secretary to the SangguniangPanlalawigan APPROVED/DISAPPROVED: (SGD) EXEQUIL B. JAVIER

Governor Cc. All concerned.

Submitted: 20 Nov. 2013 Approved: 27 Dec 2013 Released: 27 Dec 2013

Republic of the Philippines Province of Antique TANGGAPAN NG SANGGUNIANG BAYAN 5700 San Jose Antique Provincial Ordinance No. 2012-073 AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE LITTERING, DUMPING AND THROWING OF GARBAGE OR ANY KIND OF WASTE IN OPEN OR PUBLIC PLACES AND ESTABLISHMENTS AND IMPOSING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF Sponsor: Hon. Rosie A. Dimamay Vice Governor/Presiding Officer Hon. Victor Condez Board member Hon. J. Tobias M. Javier Prov’l Ord. No. 2012-073 BE IT OR DAINED by the SangguniangPanlalawigan in a regular session assembled THAT: Section 1.Title. This Ordinance shall be known as Anti-Littering ordinance of the Province of Antique.

Section 2. Policy- The Provincial Government of Antique shall protect and advance the right of the people to healthful, orderly and clean environment /surroundings in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

Towards this end, the Provincial Government shall endeavour to develop rules and regulations that will require establishments, either public or private, to maintain the cleanliness of their frontages and adopted areas to avoid dirty surroundings and clogging of canals and water ways.

Section 3.Defintion of Terms- As used in this title the following shall be construed thus: a.) Litter- the act of scattering or intentionally departing oneself from any trash or paper forsaken of value of usefulness. b.) Dump- the act of unloading or deposit waste at the area not designated for garbage collection. c.) Throw- the act of tossing, flinging, hurling wastes or any of its kind to undesignated places. d.) Public places- any area that is owned by LGUs and commonly converging point of the general public such as market, plaza, cemetery, government owns structures and streets. e.) Private places- any property and establishments owned by a private person. f.) Business- the activity of buying and selling goods and other properties of value. g.) Business establishment- a business firm or company doing business operations in the Province of Antique. h.) Garbage- Worthless or objectionable materials, a compilation of trash or anything that creates anxiety to human senses. i.) Trash- an empty and unusable cellophane ,paper ,cartoon, bottle ,plastic remains of perishable goods, food wrapper, cigarette butt and the like. j.) LGUs-refers to the eighteen (18) municipalities in the Province of Antique. k.) Province- refers to the Provincial Government of Antique l.) Anti-Littering Police- means the authority deputized to carry the implementation of this Ordinance. m.) Official Violation Receipt (OVR)- the ticket or citation issued for violating the anti-littering ordinance with corresponding cost of fine and community service for those who cannot afford to pay the fine. n.) Receptacle and/or garbage bins/containers-refers to a set of receptacles exclusively for biodegradable, non-biodegradable and recyclable wastes.

Section 4. Regulated Act- It is unlawful for any person, natural or juridical to litter, dump or throw garbage or any kind of waste in open or public places and establishments, except in places duly designated by the Provincial or Minicipal Government as garbage disposal area.

Section 5. Rules and Regulations- the following shall be observed meticulously: a.) Persons wlking or strolling in public places such as plaza, parks ,sidewalks and alleys should throw their disposable wastes of any kind only to the designated garbage disposal area. If there is no receptacle provided, they should retain them or place it in their pockets for disposal at home; b.) All Local Government Units (LGUs) shallput garbage containers or receptacles, especially in the plaza or along the road so hat the passersby have a place to put their garbage; c.) Puclic utility operators must provide garbage container or receptacles inside their public utility vehicles; d.) Persons riding in public utility, or private vehicles should place or throe their wastes at the receptacle provided in the vehicle, and not to the window of the said vehicle; e.) All educational institutions, wheter private or public; all commercial and industrial establishments such as, but not limited to; hotls, restaurants, cinema or movie-houses, groceries, sari-sari stores, mini-marts and all other similar establishments, shall clean their estate, yards, immediate premises and frontage; f.) All garbage, debris and other wastes shall be placed inside a proper receptacle for collection of the garbage collector; g.) All business establishments and educational institutions operating within the Province or Municipality are hereby required to provide their own respective garbage container or receptacle which shall be placed in an appropriate place within the respective area; h.) Receptacles places at the designated area by the LGUs shall be collected regularly by the garbage collector duly assigned for purpose ;and i.) It shall be the sole responsibility of the Local Government Unit (LGU) concerned to the effectivity and efficiently implement the provisions of this Ordinance.

Section 6. Each LGU shall deputized their chosen Anti-Littering Task force coming from the Philippine National Police (PNP) , Barangay Tanod or civic Association’s pool for the actual implementation of the Ordinance Section 7. The person caught by the deputized Anti-Littering Task Force violating this Ordinance shall be issued Official violation Receipt (OVR) with corresponding fine ranging P100.00 to P500.oo and to those who cannot afford to pay the administrative fine, a community service will be required of them in lieu of the fine.

Section 8. Penalty Clause- any person who violates the provision of this Ordinance shall endure the penalty of: a.) 1st offense -fine of One Hundred Pesos (P100.00) b.) 2nd offense -fine of Two Hundred Pesos (P200.00) c.) 3rd Offense -fine of Five Hundred pesos (P500.00) However, for those violaters who cannot afford to pay the corresponding Administrative Fine ranging from one hundred pesos (P100.00) to five hundred pesos (P500.00), as imposed, community service will be required of them ranging from three hours to eight hours depending on the gravity of the offense or the frequency of the commission of the offense.

The following are the range of penalty corresponding to the number of times the offense committed: a.) 1st Offense – three (3) hours of community service b.) 2nd Offense- five (5) hours of community service c.) 3rd Offense- eight (8) hours of community service The following are the forms of community service which shall be meted the violator at the discretion of the Local Chief executive: 1.) Cleaning the vicinity of the Municipal Hall or Baranagay Hall; 2.) Street sweeping within the vicity of the municipal plaza; and 3.) Coastal clean-up within the Municipality concerned.

Section 9. The amount of money collected and erived from the implementation of this Ordinance shall accrue to the Trust Fund of the Local Government Unit concerned, duly opened for the purpose, which will be used for the efficient enforcement of this Ordinance, in the foerm of incentives of the Anti-Littering Police and all other related expenditure for the effective enforcement of this Ordinance.

Section 10. An amount of Five Hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) shall be appropriated by the Provincial Government in the preparation of the next Annual budget FY 2012 and the succeeding years thereafter, which shall be utilized for the effective and efficient implementation of this Ordinance.

Section 11.Separability Caluse- if for any reason any section or providion of this Ordinance, or any portion hereof, or the application of such section, provision or portion hereof to any person, group circumstance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the reminder of this Ordinance which shall not be affected by such declaration, shall remain in force and effect.

Section 12. Repealing Clause- All other Ordinances, administrative orders, rules and regulations or parts tereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 13.Effectivity. Thisordinance shall take effect fifteen 9150 days after its publication in at least one (10 local newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Antique for at least three (3) consecutive weeks.

Approved, on motion of vice governor Dimamay and duly seconded by Member Denosta with no objection coming from other Members.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED:

(SGD) PLARIDEL SANCHEZ VI SP Member/Minority Floor Leader Temporary Presiding Officer

(SGD) J TURALBA GABIN Secretary to the sangguniangPanlalawigan APPROVED/DISAPPROVED: (SGD) EXEQUIEL B. JAVIER Governor Cc. All concerned.

Submitted: Jan 20 2012 Approved: Feb 22 2012 Released: Feb 28 2012

6

METRO OPINION

EDITORIAL

Public Markets and the Cycle of Corruption.

T

he investigation of the Market Committee and the task force created to dig deeper into the abyss of alleged irregularities, corruption and mismanagement of the five public markets in Iloilo City is going nowhere.

For some time now, the issues on illegal collection, unremitted collections and stalls for personal rent were only discussed and consumed in the papers and airwaves of the different local dailies and radio stations with no direction at all.

It was mentioned earlier that the Local Economic Enterprise Office headed by the controversial Vincent de la Cruz will be bearing the brunt of the investigation as the markets and the slaughterhouse of the city are all under the said office.

It is unfortunate that to date, the investigators have not properly laid down on the table the terms of reference of the investigation. As it appears, the whole city has been held hostage by the mere mention of the name of Vincent de la Cruz and the LEEO. In finding for the truth over the supposed acts of irregularities, there was not even a categorical mention that de la Cruz will or was placed under investigation. Eventually, for fear of technicalities, the city mayor relieved de la Cruz from LEEO and appointed him as consultant to the private public partnerships entered into by the city government.

The charismatic Councilor Rodel Fullon Agado, chair of the Committee on Markets and Slaughter Houses managed to declare in public that eventually they will be naming the “tuklo” (thief ) in the markets. But that was it.

To date, after a series of announced deadlines for press briefing purposes, the investigators are still investigating and verifying the issues regarding the management of the markets. Not to soon, another set of issues will come out and will put the investigation in the public markets behind and under wraps.

It is not too far that the personalities accused of corruption will soon find their way in getting elected or appointed to new positions. The cycle of corruption continues meantime.

June 8 - 14, 2014

Dregs of sports; Iloilo media fun run “W

hat i s it they want from the man that they didn’t get from the work? What do they expect? What is there left when he’s done with his work, what’s any artist but the dregs of his work, the human shambles that follows it around?”

-WILLIAM GADDIS

heavyweight championship at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Zidane’s widelycondemned foul on Materazzi was blamed for France’s failure to win the World Cup in that year as he was sent off in the 110th minute of the game, thus he wasn’t able to participate in the penalty shoot-out won

by Italy, 5-3.

WORKING MEDIA Race organizers asserted the fun run was for working media practitioners only and Erwin, they insisted, was a bodybuilder and owner of Winner’s Gym. Julius admitted he was not a full-fledged reporter but

a “trainee” of the radio station. “It’s OK importante naka exercise ‘ta,” he gamely submitted.

Erwin insisted he was also a journalist because he contributed sports columns in the defunct Western Visayas Daily Times. His assertions, however, fell on deaf ears.

In fairness to our friend, Erwin, race organizers did not specify that sports contributors were not qualified. They were guilty of estoppel for allowing Erwin and Julius to sign up for the race only to disqualify them when they won.

But that is already water under the bridge. Uytiepo, an amiable and dyed-inthe-wool marathoner and sports scribe rolled into one, remained to be our friend and is still active in sports until today.

I admit I could never beat Erwin and Julius in any marathon again.

-o0oAfter reviewing some journals and videos related to the FIFA World Cup, we stumbled into a feature story about France’s Zinedine Zidane, author of soccer’s dirtiest foul in history.

The way soccer fans all over the globe ribbed Zidane for headbutting Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the chest during 2006 FIFA World Cup Final in Berlin, Germany, can be compared to the way fans denounced the act of cannibalism by Mike Tyson when he bit off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear in their rematch billed “The Sound and the Fury” on June 28, 1997 for the WBA

DREGS If they were notoriously labeled as “dregs in soccer

and boxing”, Bruce Bowen of NBA’s San Antonio Spurs also joined them in the rank in terms of infamy and sports hooliganism.

Bowens, 42, was considered the dirtiest NBA player in league history.

NBA writer Kelly Scaletta described Bowens as “everything that Ron Artest was or Scottie Pippen was with one twist that can only be described as malicious.”

He first joined the Miami Heat in 1997 before going to Boston Celtics in 1999 and Philadelphia 76ers in 2000 before returning to Miami Heat until 2001. He played as small forward for the Spurs until 2009.

Scaletta observed that Bowen had a tendency to slip his foot under opponents feet when they went up for a jump shot. When the players came down they would ruin ankles and knees.

“Such a move can devastate a player’s career and Bowen’s habit resulted in several players, including Steve Francis and Vince Carter, getting injured,” Scaletta stressed.

“Even when it’s not resulting in injuries, the fear of an injury can throw a player off his rhythm. Bowen, even without the move was one of the great defenders in the leagues history and didn’t need to resort to the habit.

That tendency, along with the same kind of great but dirty play that the other great defensive wings on here had, earned him the top spot on the list (of dirtiest NBA player in league history).”

ow do y o u see yourself?

Do you see someone beautiful and strong when you look at the mirror?

Do you see someone who is not afraid to face tomorrow?

Or do you someone small and insignificant? Self-image is the way you think about yourself and your abilities and appearance. When you see yourself as someone who is capable of changing the world through your good deeds, that is the image you send to your children. When you are confident, they see you as someone who can move mountains and accept all challenges that come your way.

Self-image determines how our children do in school, what our children choose to do with their lives, how and what our children achieve, whom and how well our children love, how our children socialize and whom they choose as friends and how they deal with peer pressure.

In the book “Helping Our Children Do well in

School,” authors Dr. Queena Lee-Chua and Maribel Sison – Dionisio note that the most important skills for improving the parent-child relationship is encouragement. This happens when we focus on the assets and strengths of our children to build self-confidence and selfesteem. One positive effect of true encouragement is that our children accept and learn from mistakes. Parents help their children develop the courage to be imperfect. Building a high self-esteem without backing it up with anything solid leads to a false, inflated image of one’s real capabilities, arrogance and feelings of entitlement.

This creates a low self-image which can lead children to be uncommunicative sometimes, have trouble making friends, do not live up to their potentials, become aggressive, often seem angry, are shy and always seem scared of many things.

How then do we build our children’s positive self-image?

The following guidelines in the book “Helping Our Children Do Well in School” would be very helpful:

1. Focus on the children’s assets and strengths to build their self-image and feelings of worth. Start by giving one or two encouraging lines a day. Focus on what is good about your child or the situation. See the positive.

Compliment children in each of these areas: social skills, appearance, expressiveness, intelligence, coordination and cooperativeness.

2. Accept children as they are. Don’t show that your love and acceptance are dependent on their behavior.

Be supportive even during times when they are not at their best or when they fail.

3. Have faith in them so they will have faith in themselves. Let them know their worth.

Recognize improvement and effort, not just accomplishment. Respect your children because that lays the foundation of their selfrespect.

4. You can influence a person’s behavior by changing your expectations of him/ her. Lack of faith in children makes them anticipate

failure. Standards that are unreasonably high invite failure and discouragement.

5. Avoid comparing brothers and sisters, even subtle hints of competition. Respect the uniqueness of each child.

6. Use encouraging words because these build feelings of adequacy.

7. Model positive behavior.

Avoid double standards where you insist on your being a parent and them being just your children.

If we put into practice the principles mentioned above without causing undue pressure or anxiety on the child, we encourage positive attitude and behavior in our children. We act as the support system of our children. Before we know it, they will be the forces that will change the world and make it a better place.

Be positive. Be a good role model. In the end, our children will see it and they will live it. And the world will be such a beautiful place to live in for our future generations.

In 1992 when I won the Nike Marathon Media Fun Run at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand in Iloilo City, there were two runners who actually finished ahead of me: Erwin Chiongson and Julius Padilla.

Erwin, who sprinted to the finish line like a zebra, breasted the tape unmolested first. He was followed by Padilla, then utility personnel of DyRI Radyo Agong (now RMN Radyo Mo Nationwide).

I was satisfied with a third place.

But, lo and behold, a commotion erupted in the finish line while we were clearing the cobwebs. I saw our friend, event organizer and Cebu Freeman columnist Raffy Uytiepo, shaking his head while Erwin was arguing with race organizers. Not far was Julius, who was a picture of disbelief.

They were disqualified. I was declared the winner!

STOP “Ladies and gentlemen, this bout has been stopped at the end of round number three, the referee in charge, Mills Lane, disqualifies Mike Tyson for biting Evander Holyfield in both ears, the winner by way of disqualification and still the WBA champion of the world, Evander ‘The Real Deal’ Holyfield!’ Holyfield won the WBA’s boxing championship, prize, money and trophy because of Tyson’s disqualification,” ring announcer Jimmy Lennon declared some 25 minutes after the violent brawl.

Tyson, who claimed he only retaliated after Holyfiled headbutted him, was obviously frustrated that he could not nail down and intimidate Holyfield and was believed to be himself scared enough that he deliberately got himself disqualified.

Zidane’s and Tyson’s bizarre attitudes shocked the world since they were considered to be the greatests in their sports.

Building our Children’s PositiveSelf-Image H

METRO OPINION

June 8 - 14, 2014

Gas Guzzlers O ne

hot

Wednesday, this writer was at the Government Service Insurance System Building at Plaza Libertad for a transaction. Spotting a vacant parking slot beside a red plated van (not with GSIS) was a blessing but when the engines were turned off, the hum of the van’s engine and air conditioning is clearly audible.

After almost 45 minutes inside the GSIS, this writer went back to the parking lot and lo! the van is still there, engine is still running and the air conditioning is groaning to fight back the heat. Next stop was at the Land Bank of the

Philippines. A local government service vehicle is also parked beside this writer’s car, engines running and air conditioning groaning while somebody inside is taking a nap, obviously enjoying the cool environment while waiting for his supervisor. it is blatant abuse and it is happening everywhere.

Amid the constant rise of fuel prices and the burgeoning government expenses on services, government drivers still show wanton disregard for prudence in using fuel for service vehicles.

Most of the time one can witness government vehicles emblazoned with official seals of respective offices and with red plates parked

on some street or office have their engines running while the drivers are waiting for their bosses to finish their transactions and errands.

Most government drivers never get out of their service vehicles, unless for a smoke. They retreat in the comfort of these air conditioned vehicles against the heat of the sun.

This should not be so.

Government vehicles used this way is an abuse in itself and these government drivers should be taught to be prudent in using government resources. Supervisors and officials who are responsible for the service vehicles of their agencies should observe and correct this wrong attitude of drivers. We all know that fuel procurement for government agencies go through

competitive or negotiated bidding and mostly are protected from fuel price increase as they are paid in bulk upon completion of the bidding process. This habit of going to the authorized gas station with a trip and fuel ticket to fill up the service vehicle’s tanks have ingrained a very wrong notion in the minds of the drivers: that there is unlimited fuel supply for their agencies and money is no problem as it is the government who is paying. Hence, the gas guzzling habit of government drivers.

With the government’s effort towards greater transparency and accountability, government officials issued with service vehicles should pay attention to what their drivers are doing when they are waiting in

@PETERSOLISNERY IN TWITTER W

hat June rituals do you do?

Because June is the time for school reopening in the Philippines, I always try to learn something new even though I am way past schools and universities. Last year, I finally decided to learn how to drive. This year, it is simply getting into Twitter. I’m also taking more control over my website which will undergo a total facelift this month.

I don’t see myself growing to be a techie, but I don’t want to die without trying Twitter.

Why tweet now?

I’m just trying to catch up with technology. Facebook was founded in February 2004, and I didn’t join it until 2008. Already, I am overwhelmed by Facebook, and I see how it is taking up too much

of my time. But I do like the fact that it is a convenient way for me to get in touch with my friends, family, and fans, especially in the Philippines. Twitter was founded in March 2006 so I’m eight years behind this micro-blogging phenomenon. I don’t know how much Filipinos love Twitter, but last month a friend convinced me to try it. She believed that I should be out there, and develop my strong online presence.

What is your Twitter account? @petersolisnery, of course.

It’s “peter solis nery” with no capitalization. Check it out, and follow me. I’m still figuring things out, but I want to build my own particular voice so I’m not really big on retweeting right now. If you get a chance to visit Twitter, I’d like for you to pay attention to my bio note where I actually dropped my social

networking philosophy. Instead of disclosing that I’m a retired nurse, or a writer, and a language specialist, I declared: I am a proud sponsor of the word INSPIRE. I have lofty ideals for joining Twitter.

I am convinced that my purpose in Twitter is to help others develop their fullest potential.

Who do you follow on Twitter?

I didn’t know what I was doing.

When I signed up, I was “forced” to follow a certain number of people. Like twenty. Like I couldn’t proceed with my registration if I didn’t choose which people or entities to follow. I really didn’t want to follow anyone other than Pope Francis, Dr. Oz, and Ashton Kutcher, so I just threw in Kris Aquino, Sharon Cuneta, and Chris Pine (and only because he signed an autograph for me). Then, I had to follow five “real” people from my

What PECO did not tell you (2) B

y far, you are now aware that the new office building of Panay Electric Co. (PECO) amounting to P67.5million was financed not from the windfall profit collected by PECO owners but rather from consumers’ contribution in the form of paying increased rate in Distribution Charge.

The bad news does not only end there. From the point of view of PECO, a building was worth investing for it will help boost the poor image of PECO among its consumers.

With a tinge of arrogance, the justification of PECO right in the face of the attending commissioner of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) during the hearing can be summarized into a simple message: we need a new building for it would “solve the poor image of the company.”

There are other reasons in the list which one would find unacceptable. First, it was viewed as a better alternative instead of maintaining a rented office space at the Manfred’s building for the company can save a lot on cost of operations.

Second, a new building would improve coordination work between the management and

the engineering and technical departments of the company.

The set-up during that time had its various departments separated in two different places of work. In addition, the new building would also house an additional unit - the information technology and communications department and a facility to be used in monitoring the electricity prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

Mind you, during that period (2011) PECO’s rental of that dilapidated space was P340,000 monthly. The cost of which is something that we are being charged with under the Distribution Charge. Yes, it was also consumers who were paying for it. The submission of PECO’s application to the ERC has good timing in mind - PECO’s contract was about to end and renewal of the contract has the potential to double the cost of office rental.

According to PECO, a new building will be beneficial to consumers instead of paying rent. We, from the side of the interveners believe on the contrary, because it was not only costs and benefits that we were considering, but rather who in the end will own the

building as its asset.

Again, here’s what the NEL Consultants Ltd. have to say about it. “On the information technology and communications departments, it can be said that IT could also be a solution when it comes to improving communications between different departments, even if these departments are not located in the same building.

It is therefore also somewhat difficult to use the driver of communication as one of the main drivers of the new building.”

Moreover, NEL Consulting Ltd. stressed that “it is a question of looking at the benefit from having a staff in one single building versus the high cost of the new building which proves to be challenging.”

The consultants also elaborated on the area of the office rental. “. . . it would appear at a glance that the rental fee currently being paid

by PECO is low in comparison with the capital layout of the new building.” Yet looking at cost-benefit analysis, the consultants found out that in as far as cost of rental versus the new building, it appeared that the rental option provides a net benefit to consumers.

list of contacts.

Do you like tweeting?

I’m a most loyal consumer. I am really so comfortable and used to Facebook now that I actually miss it when I’m away from it for more than three days. On Facebook, I feel like I really know my audience. I have my 5,000 friends and some 370+ followers, who always let me know they “like” or read my posts. But ask me again in a month’s time. I’ve only been on Twitter for a week. The good thing about Twitter is, what I tweet goes directly to my Facebook.

7 parking lots and streets. This abuse of government fuel resources and the wrong kind of thinking should be stopped, and it should start primarily from the bosses of the government agencies. The values of prudence, delicadeza and love of country is lost among these drivers.

Government employees should be the first to exemplify these as they are the vanguards who are tasked to protect the resources of our country. What the government drivers are showing is just a macro level view of the wanton disregard for the values of prudence ever present in government service. We cannot move forward as a nation if this is not corrected; let us start with the government drivers and their gas guzzling habit. seek inspiration online. She thinks that I am a very wise and effective life coach. Obviously, I’m not on Twitter to promote a business, because I have none. To forge my celebrity? If true, what is wrong with that, especially if I continue to use such celebrity status to influence people to dignify their lives with a certain sense of freedom.

What do you hope to achieve with Twitter?

I guess, just to be really out there for others. My friend, the one who really encouraged me, said that because I am so inspirational, I should be accessible to people who

Do you really like being a celebrity?

From the film capital of Hollywood in Los Angeles, I have retreated to the suburb of Reisterstown in Maryland. Does that answer your question? Fame is important to me only in so far as I am able to put a smile on people’s face, and to lift up their spirits when they are feeling down. Unlike movie stars, I don’t profit from my celebrity. But it sure makes me more than a man when I provoke a good thought or a kind action in other people.

The position of the interveners on the matter somehow blended with the findings of the consultants. It illustrated that the net benefit in costs that will be derived from PECO’s new building will only be realized after 20-years or after 2031. Isn’t it nice and lucrative business?

From the analyses of PECO, NEL Consulting Ltd. shared that “prior to 2031 it would appear that the rental option provides a net benefit (to consumers) when looking at costs.”

The consultants were situated in a similar plain with the interveners. We were all looking at costs and benefits and guided by the question: is it moral; especially that the consumers are paying for both – the rental, if PECO will continue renting a space at Manfred’s building or construct a new building. Either of the two options, consumers will pay.

The position of the interveners and the findings of the consultants have shown that the new building will be least beneficial to the consumers. Consumers will only start to enjoy (if ever that will ever happen in the future) the benefits of PECO’s new building after 20-years or after 2031.

The Performance-Based

Regulation (PBR) Method adopted by the ERC provided an excellent opportunity for PECO owners; in particular, and power distribution utility owners, in general, to acquire additional wealth by squeezing the pockets of defenseless consumers.

The method legitimized the robbery of consumers’ hard-earned money by granting PECO the authority to charge everything required from the company to operate in the Distribution Charge.

It likewise allowed PECO owners to further enriched themselves and take home a clean profit. This is the reason why PECO can now afford to exercise a little corporate social responsibility by donating houses for the poor through groups like Gawad Kalinga.

Unknown to the consumers whether they are from the residential, commercial, or industrial sector, PECO has victimized them multiple times over. In the coming years, its owners will continue to gather the sweetest stories from their dreams at night while consumers will continue to confront the nightmares of its blatant inefficiencies, oppressive corporate practices and unjust charges in the face of our equally incompetent government officials. ###

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June 8 - 14, 2014

METRO TOURISM

9

Twenty one – derful reasons to come home to Antique… (1) By: Ronald V. Gayatin & Leah Marlie Pagunsan-Tambanillo Antique Provincial Tourism Office

The recent seminar conducted by DOT Region 6 was somehow an eyeopener for this writer. It was held in Mambukal Resort in Murcia, Negros Occidental and well, I have no choice but to leave my comfort zone (read : my children , my house, my Office, my province) and sail the angry seas that midafternoon of March 23, 2014. Off to Negros Occidental I went, along with other participants in the five provinces of Region 6. No rough seas or storms prevented us; it was part of our job as Tourism Office staff, stakeholders, tour operators/ guides. Naturally, the Tourism Officers of the other provinces were there. Amidst the not-so-fair weather, Mambukal’s Baguio-like atmosphere welcomed us, nevertheless.

We learned many valuable things in that seminar and we appreciated our own “brand of service” and at the same time, acknowledged the uniqueness of the other provinces’. Being “neighbours”, there seems to be a slight difference in traditions and cultures, in fact, there are more similarities. The learning we compiled will be presented in yet another seminar, this time, national in scope to come up with the “general” Filipino Brand of Service.

The two-day seminar-workshop was over in so short a time and before I knew it, I was packing my bags , this time bulky with “pasalubongs” and heeding for home. I sure missed my Province even after a grand trek around Mambukal Resort and plunging into its hot spring for two hours. We frolicked in the drizzle as we went from one amenity to another in Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City but no, it could never replace the joy and the delight I felt while trekking uphill into the wonderful Bugtong-Bato Falls in my “second” hometown of Tibiao.

In the L300 van going home to Antique that sunny Wednesday, something strange awakened within me, that indescribable feeling of longing and of belonging. Honestly, it was the first time, that I stared long enough in the “welcome arch” erected in the mountains of Hamtic, that sign which says : “Welcome to Antique, the Binirayan country.” For the nth time that I had passed thru this boundary arch, I had seen, I had read the signage, and yet it was the first time that the message struck me hard.

So what’s in Antique that makes me so proud and so “attached” to it?

Brian Jacques in “Mossflower” meant it well when he wrote : “Gaze into the fire, young one. Listen to me and I will tell you the story.”

History reveals that in the early time, around 1212, ten datus from Borneo with their families, followers and slaves landed in what used to be called Aninipay at a place called Sinugbuhan in San Joaquin, Iloilo. The place then was inhabited

by Negritos ruled by Marikudo. It was from Marikudo that Datu Sumakwel purchased the island for one gold sadok and one gold necklace. The island was later divided into three sakops, namely Hamtik, Aklan and Irong-irong. Hamtik was placed under the superior Datu Sumakwel, who found Malandog where the first Malay settlement in the Philippines was established.

During the Spanish invasion, Antique was created into a politico-military province with Hamtik as its first capital (1780). In 1796, Antique, known as Provincia de Bugasong was given an independent status as a province. Later it was transferred to San Jose de Buenavista and remained until the present.

From then on, the Antiqueños were placed under two more foreign conquistadores – the Americans whose noble policy the Antiqueños enjoyed the most because self-government was given to them. It was during this period that Antiqueños elected the late Ramon Maza and the late Angel Salazar Sr. as their Constitutional Convention delegates in 1934.

Under the Japanese occupation, the Antiqueños experienced many untold hardships, thus many of them evacuated to the mountains and joined the guerrilla movement.

After the Japanese period, came the declaration of Philippine Republic when Antiqueños “produced” the The participants from Antique during the Validation Seminar Workshop most powerful congressman in the of Filipino Brand Of Service, Module II held @ Mambukal Resort, Murcia , Philippines. Tobias A. Fornier held Negros Occidental, with Dr. Edwin Dumagpi of Guimaras State Colleges (in red the position of the Chairman of shirt). The author is wearing pink sweater (center). the Committee on Appropriations, thereby giving lots of development to Antique.

I grew up witnessing how Antique was transformed from a “poor” province inhabited by sacada to a province where pride in one’s noble beginning slowly evolved. I witnessed how the first Binirayan was celebrated, and thus a bit of this pride was inculcated in my mind until I met some nasty remarks from my classmates in the State University asking “sa diin na ayon ang Antique? Inang damo aswang?”

With a shattered pride and a resolute purpose to defend my beloved banwang hamili, I replied “absent kaw guro kang gintudlo ang geography ay?”

Until today, Antique Province owns the distinction of being the seat of the First Malay settlement. We all knew that it was in the shores of “Malindog” that the ten Malayan datus built their homes because there was abundance of food from the sea and the river as well. These were the forebears that made us all proud because we came from their race – noble and freedom – loving.

For several occasions, I acted as tourist guide/escort to the crew of TV networks, national and regional bloggers, The old baroque church in Anini-y students on educational tours, and media familiarization tours as they visit Antique. I consider myself so lucky because I get the chance to see Antique and feel its splendour, from south to north, from its ridges down to its reefs, from summit to the seas.

Out of these tours and trips around the Province, I came up with these twenty-one wonderful reasons to come home to Antique:

ANTIQUE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. San Jose, Antique

NOTICE OF MEETING TO ALL MEMBER-CONSUMERS:

ANTECO 37TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY (AGMA) July 5, 2014, Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm Gov. Evelio B. Javier Sport Center Binirayan Hills, Brgy. 5, San Jose, Antique

Coop 2013 Operation and Accomplishment will be taken up as well as important issues and concerns affecting the Cooperative and its member-consumers.

PRE-REGISTRATION in all ANTECO Offices will start on JUNE 24 – JULY 3, 2014 (8AM– 5PM) or on JULY 5, 2014 at ANTECO Garage Bay, San Jose (8AM-1PM) Your presence and active participation is hereby enjoined. Please do come on time.

(SGD) EDEN T. PACETE Secretary Attested by:

(SGD) VICENTE M. PAINAGA, JR. President

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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IMT Fun Time

ARIES:

You won’t win any races at the beginning of the week; going slow will be your MO. It’s good to exercise patience, and there’s a kind of quiet force that comes along with not rushing anyone. That said, by Wednesday, you’ll be rushing all around. People who send you long, gushing emails will get a one-sentence response. Friends or coworkers who want an in-depth discussion of the details on Thursday will have to wait for a better day. Friday finds you flirting with you-know-who, but nothing heavy. Parents and relatives are a prominent part of your weekend -- or they’re on your mind.

TAURUS:

LIBRA:

Beauty hits you over the head on Monday -- it’s everywhere. If you are in the middle of a romantic courtship, this is going to be a meaningful week. If you’re not in the middle of a romantic courtship ... well, wait a few days. Who knows? Tuesday is like a duet between you and you-know-who, and Wednesday is suited for deep communication. Try to go out and experience what the world has to offer you and your special someone on Thursday and Friday. Newness is good. Harmony is in the air. This weekend, take long walks through local parks. Look at the plants. Look at the sky.

Ah, the old give-and-take. An opponent may be a stronger force than you on Monday, but this is not an armwrestling competition. Ceding a minor victory at this point may be the key to getting what you want at a later date. Boldness and bravery are key on Tuesday as well. But in all your valiance, don’t ignore the fine print this week, on Wednesday and Thursday especially. Be careful in any matters relating to money or business; taking a risk on Friday won’t pay off. Being yourself this weekend will pay off though -- in ways you’d never imagined.

GEMINI:

SAGITTARIUS:

The obstacle that plops down in your path on Monday may shake you up a bit, but stay the course. Focus. You knew there would be obstacles, but they’re just part of the fun.

Tuesday surrounds you with talkative people, but all you feel like doing is standing back and listening. By Wednesday, though, you’re ready to join in on the conversations. Thursday and Friday find you feeling better and more ready for the future than you’ve been in a while. (Also, someone’s clearly head over heels for you, which is fun and flattering.) This weekend, be thrifty.

You and your best friend are attached to each other -- at least by phone -- at the start of the week. Communication is key. How else are you going to get everything done? You see the value in having a trusted pal, and so does your trusted pal. By Wednesday, though, you start wondering if less talk and more action is in order. (It is in order. You’re right.) Thursday is not a boring day, and neither is Friday.

In fact, what with everything going on, there’s a chance you’ll lose sight of the bigger picture. And what is the bigger picture? Where are you headed?

That’s a question for the weekend.

A big lunch on Monday fills your belly and puts a huge smile on your face. You are deliriously happy around other people these days -- even family members -- especially when food is involved. A social dinner on Tuesday is not a bad idea. Wednesday and Thursday, you have your sights set on wilder, more ambitious ways of spending your time. You are in the mood for adventure; you are in the mood to buck authority. Don’t resist this positive impulse -- it’s about time you came out of your shell! This weekend is about new beginnings. Express yourself. Insist that the spotlight stay on you.

On Monday, you’re dreaming of the woods: camping, trees, a crackling fire. You may not be able to dart off into a forest any time soon, but do your best to spend some time in an environment that in some way relaxes you. By Wednesday, you will likely feel the opposite of relaxed as flighty people zip all around you. Anyone who makes you nervous doesn’t deserve a lot of attention, so be short and sweet on Thursday. Cut to the chase on Friday as well. This weekend, you’ll be able to dote on one special person, and nothing makes you happier on Sunday than giving someone else a back rub.

As much as you’d like to be spending the day in the park, Monday is all about work: your career, your standing -- stuff like that. Your reputation is on the up-and-up, in fact, and on Tuesday you feel like something of a celebrity. The circle of people around you is constantly lavishing you with praise, so put that circle of people to good use. Creative brainstorming figures into your day on Wednesday, and there’s plenty of time for socializing on Thursday and Friday. This weekend has you feeling sensitive and being particularly honest. A bubble bath on Sunday would end the week beautifully.

You are not one to spend a lot of time looking back, but at the start of the week your head is in the history books. Or it’s in some of your old journals. Or you’re asking an old relative a lot of prying questions. Something tells you there are relevant lessons for you somewhere in the past -- and you’re right. Someone who shares your interest in history might turn into a romantic interest overnight (on Wednesday or Thursday), and Friday will be romantic as well. Small projects around the house will occupy your weekend.

LEO:

VIRGO:

Your head opens up on Monday, and you have visions of far-off lands. And you start thinking improbably about philosophy. And you try to devise new excuses to express yourself to people. On Tuesday, these impulses graduate into outright soulsearching. Research and analysis suddenly seem fun to you on Wednesday, and a logic puzzle captures your imagination. Thursday and Friday have the potential to be either stellar or stifling, depending on how you play your hand. (Go for stellar. It’s an attitudinal thing.) This weekend, you’re energized by being around other people.

KU

SCORPIO:

Energy levels are high on Monday, and you and your friends are tighter than ever. You’ve been longing for romance lately, and on Tuesday you’re going to be treated to some.

Decadence, affection and sex appeal all figure strongly. Check you out!

The second half of the week finds you distracted (it’s pretty obvious why) and feeling out of character. Someone’s on you to sign a legal document on Thursday. Don’t. An impulse buy at a department store tempts you. Resist.

Friday is a good day to communicate with someone on an emotional level, and some great food is in your future this weekend.

CANCER:

S U DO

MEDIUM

Answer for May 18-24, 2014

The rule of the game are simple: You simply fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3x3 squares contains all the digits from 1 to 9 without repeats or omissions.

CAPRICORN:

AQUARIUS:

PISCES:

Love and beauty abound at the beginning of the week: romantic notes, poetry, artwork, delicious dinners -- you get the picture. If you’re single, this energy may manifest itself in a few days of incredible creativity. Creativity will carry you through the week, actually, although Wednesday and Thursday are days of business and mutability. The moment you finish building a house of cards, someone breezes into the room and it topples. Alas ... life. Don’t be too specific in your hopes for Friday, and you won’t be disappointed by what comes your way. This weekend will be barrels of fun.

Across

1 Micro-organism that can cause disease (9) 8 Less frequent (5) 9 They suffer for their principles (7) 10 Unsuitable designation (8) 11 One fifth of a fiver (4) 13 Kind of beard (6) 14 Waste time (6) 16 Mug (4) 17 Box for Earl Grey, perhaps? (3,5) 19 Mean figure? (7) 20 More feeble (5) 21 Erase (6,3)

Answer for May 18-24, 2014 Down

1 Electronic providers of price and inventory information (3,5) 2 Upward curve of a road surface (6) 3 International monetary unit (4) 4 You wish! (2,4,6) 5 Unfortunate incident (12) 6 Soft cheese, like thick yogurt (7,5) 7 In need of no further explanation (7,5) 12 Knight of the Round Table and close friend of King Arthur’s wife, Guinevere (8) 15 Attached to this (6) 18 Tug (4)

June 8 - 14, 2014

METRO SPORTS

11

Alas,Subido buildingnames inPhilippinebasketball

BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE Two young athletes in the field of Philippine basketball are slowly making their names in the hard court as they were discovered, played and improved their own skills by means of shooting, offense and even in defense.

Renzo Subido, the top scorer in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) juniors division last season and Kevin Alas, the former Letran star in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) were being noticed as they both played well in their respective

games this season.

Subido has just obtained a release from De La Salle, allowing last year’s UAAP high school top scorer to suit up for University of Santo Tomas as early as the coming Season 77 of the league. He is actually covered by the controversial residency rule that requires an incoming freshman who transferred from one UAAP school to another to sit out for two seasons before becoming eligible to play. The Zobel point guard averaged 20.1 points per game during his stint with the Junior Archers in Season 76 and topped the rest of the league in threepoint conversions with 30.

On the other hand, Kevin Alas of NLEX has been named the Most Valuable Player of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup. The former Letran star earned 29.9 statistical points, beating Reil Cervantes of Blackwater Sports (29.50), and Jason Ballestros of Jumbo Plastic Linoleum (24.20).

Alas was given the trophy before Game Two of the NLEX-Blackwater Sports finals series on Monday at the Mall of Asia arena while Subido is currently part of the Philippine team to this year’s FIBA-Asia Under-18 Championships in Doha to be played this August.

Brazil sets $856 million for World Cup security

BY ELYROSE NAORBE Brazilian officials say they are setting aside about $856 million and preparing 157,000 soldiers and police officers for the security plan for the month long World Cup. Defense Minister Celso Amorim told a news conference Friday that Brazil is “perfectly prepared” to guarantee security for citizens and visitors to the dozen cities hosting the soccer tournament beginning June 12.

Justice Minister Jose Eduardo

Cruise...from page 1 travel tour is part of “Experience Western Visayas First” tourism program of the tourism department to promote the region’s bests.

“Now, our dream connecting these islands is no longer a dream but it is already a reality. Despite the absence of the proposed bridge connecting Iloilo and Guimaras, we will connect

Cardozo said authorities don’t anticipate protests as intense as those seen during last year’s Confederations Cup, a warm up for this year’s championship.

The ministers said the money will be used to buy equipment including patrol cars, aircraft, computers and non-lethal weapons, and for specialized training for such things as terrorism prevention and handling explosives, as well as expanding intelligence services.

Sports Inquirer/IMT

8 out of 10...from page 1 these three islands through the help of our roll-on, roll-off (RORO) vessels Catalbas said the new tour package will be launched this week where several invited guests will be experiencing the first tour for two nights and three days.

She added there were already two tour operators in the region selling the

new package.

The director also said Iloilo, where most heritage sites are located, will be the jump off point going to Guimaras via roro wherein tourists will have a chance to experience eating the sweetest mangoes and visit several tourist destinations.

In the afternoon of the same day,

first-day, the RORO vessel will take the tourist bus from Sebaste wharf along Sibunag town going to Pulupandan wharf in Negros Occidental.

Catalbas said the tour in Negros will cover the northern, central and southern part of the province which will take two nights for the tourists to stay before going back to Iloilo.IMT

However, one of which have lags in their confidence said that corruption in the government is still pervading and will only hinder Iloilo’s economic spurt that investments will only deteriorate in time.

Ying, a nurse, said,” Investments are coming in, signaling higher prices, yet the salary remains the same.” IMT

12

METRO SPORTS

June 8 - 14, 2014

elasto painters furnish unforgiving victory over Aces

Rain or Shine showed no signs of letting up in the fourth apparently determined to get the largest possible margin owing the crowd inside the Philsports as they dominated the game fiercely all throughout the play.

On the hand, Alaska import Henry Walker was the only Ace who came up with a double-digit scoring with 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists.

BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE Establishing a 51 point difference to record Alaska’s defeat as the fourthmost lopsided loss in the PBA, Rain or Shine import Arizona Reid led a way with a sensational 48 points thrashing the Aces, 123-72 in the Governors’ Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The 51-point difference was the fourth-most lopsided loss in the PBA, and the worst point margin since Shell beat Tanduay, 154-100, on November 16, 1986.

Import Arizona Reid established a franchise-best record for most points in a game with 48, a mark previously by Sol Mercado’s 45 in 2010. The forward converted 18-of-26 from the floor, including 5-of-8 from the three-point line, to go with 10 rebounds.

Arizona Reid led away with 48 points to came up with unforgiving victory against Alaska Aces.

Rain or Shine broke the game wide open as early as the second quarter during a 31-10 offensive clinic, bannered by Arizona Reid, Jeff Chan, and Ryan Arana, which left Alaska in the dust.

Giving them the early upper hand against Alaska squad, Beau Belga scored eight of the Elasto Painters’ first 12 points but Jvee Casio and Cyrus Baguio both answered back hitting consecutive triples to draw within two, 15-13. Alaska watched four different Elasto Painters score on the break during an 11-6 run. Henry Walker though hauled a three to beat the quarter buzzer to whittle at Rain or Shine’s lead, 26-22.

Rain or Shine brought the hammer down in the second quarter, as the three white shirted players of Coach Yeng Guiaos’ Ryan Arana and Jeff Chan raining three’s followed by Arizona Reid’s cutting to the basket, for a 31-10 blitz, 57-32. The Aces took consolation in an 11-3 swing in the last three minutes as Casio and Vic Manuel scrambled to trim the deficit at halftime, 60-43.

Reid and the Elasto Painters continued a huge run in the open space early in the third. A couple of charities by Raymond Almazan marked the biggest lead of the game to that point, 87-55, with just over two minutes left to play.

Alaska’s offensive struggles continued, and they limped to an 89-61 finish at the end of three quarters.