Iloilo Metropolitan Times Volume 2 • Issue 69

Page 1

METROPOLITAN

ILOILO

the first business newspaper in metro iloilo

TIMES

VOL. II ISSUE NO. 69

developmental news | critical views www.iloilometropolitantimes.com

June 15 - 21, 2014 Php 12.00

Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATE Weekly MIDPOINT Rates - June 6-12 , 2014

USD/PHP

43.8000 43.7500

43.7736

43.7662

43.7000 43.6829

43.6500 43.6054

43.6000

43.5855

43.5500

43.5150

43.5000 June 6, 2014

43.5215 Jun 10, 2014

Jun 8, 2014

Jun 12, 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

NIA BEGS CITY COUNCIL 27.00

Current Price 120.00/kg

POVERTY IN A ‘TIGER ECONOMY’. Optimism is soaring that the Philippines is finally becoming an Asian tiger economy, but critics warn that a tiny elite that has long dominated is amassing most of the new wealth while the poor miss out.PHOTO BY NOEL CELIS, AFP

DOT- 6 targets 15% increase in tourist arrivals

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI planned to bait more tourist arrivals this year than that of last year to attain its goal. “Annually, we project at least 15 percent increase in tourist arrivals over the year before. In Iloilo alone, last year, we have more than 627,000 tourist arrivals. We are optimistic that the numbers will grow higher, projecting much more this time,” said DOT6 Regional Director Atty. Helen J. DOT-6 /p11

WHAT’S INSIDE

business

BY REYMAR LATOZA

While Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog confirmed his full support to the construction of P 11.2 billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Phase II (JRMP II), the Iloilo City Council withheld its endorsement to the project due to lack of assurance on the safety of the people in the province and the city of Iloilo. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), as the implementing agency, needs a resolution from the city council endorsing the immediate implementation of the project. During the committee hearing about the JRMP II conducted by the city council’s committee on environmental protection, the city councilors were demanding assurance of the project that it will not put the lives of many residents in danger.

NEWS

NIA Regional Director Gerardo Corsiga said, “the assurance, in terms of the sturdiness of the dam, we will subject the dam design…the finish product yung gagawin naming module to the simulation test. Once there will be a defect on the particular section of the dam we will again redesign.” According to Mabilog, in a report of Philippine News Agency, “the city councilors only wanted a full explanation about the project as they were not informed beforehand.” Mabilog said the project will help stabilize the supply of water in Iloilo City. He further said the “project has a water component of more than 80,000 cubic meters per day aside from power supply of 6.6 megawatts. The project with three dams and 81-kilometer high line canal is envisioned to provide year-round irrigation water within the cities of Passi and Iloilo and 23 other towns.” IMT

SPORTS

Stallion Giligan’s FC Shuts “Iloilo City’s dev’t can hurt or Water quality in Iloilo compliment SMEs” 3 River improved but…… 2 Sparks title Campaign 11

Traffic lights now functional BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE The four newly-installed traffic lights in the major junctions of Iloilo City are now fully functional. The traffic lights in the corners of Infante-Delgado, JalandoniDelgado and Quezon-Delgado Streets in the City Proper, and Rizal-Huervana Street in La Paz district were switched on during the inaugural ceremony on Saturday, June 14. Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said the project is in line with city government’s efforts to discipline pedestrians and ease traffic problems in the metropolis. “We are pleased to have realized this project for this would mean better traffic management and hopefully more disciplined pedestrians,” Mabilog said in a news release. Transportation Management

and Traffic Regulation Office (TMTRO) Chief Engr. Jose Tengco, on the other hand, said a total of 16 traffic light junctions will be completed before the year ends to substantiate and cater the needs and services during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 wherein Iloilo will serve as the host. Next month, the government will rehabilitate two traffic lights in the intersection along Gen. Luna and Molo Plaza. The city government also targets to install traffic lights along the widened diversion road going to the international airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo. The amount for the traffic lights installation came from the P15-million fund diverted from the fountain project at Plaza Libertad. IMT

5 out of 10 BIZ confident in Iloilo City Gov’t

pulse

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD

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Gazebo

When there is motion, there is something to mention. Yes, people have different perspectives on the pouring futile efforts and movements made by the city administration. Naturally. A new poll by Iloilo Metropolitan Times received mixed views from the public - five out of 10 Ilonggos showed their distrust in the government while the remaining half placed in their confidence. The ‘unhappy’ citizens uttered their dislike for corruption, the widening of roads, and the Comprehensive Perimeter Boundary Ordinance (CPBO). “The government should have hasten the road works before the opening of classes or else, traffic – here we go!” exclaimed Sarah, a receptionist. Lanie, an encoder, mentioned her belief that no matter what -- “there will always be corrupt government officials lurking in the 5 out of 10/p11


METRO NEWS

2

METRO

on the road

PAGASA The prevailing synoptic conditions over the country are now characterized by southwesterly windflow, high humidity, and occurrence of daily rainshowers and thunderstorms. This development signifies the onset of the rainy season over the western section of the country.

NNC This time, the celebration of Nutrition Month in July will focus on helping people become nutritionally prepared before, during and after disasters. The National Nutrition Council (NNC) said that it is advancing the theme “Kalamidad Paghandaan, Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan” to make people more aware of the importance of good nutrition and of keeping people, especially children, the elderly and pregnant women healthy enough to withstand effects of calamities.

DOT The Department of Tourism (DOT)-6 said that the active involvement of local government units (LGUs) plays a major role in the agency’s flagship program “Experience Western Visayas First!”. Lawyer Helen Catalbas, DOT-6 Regional Director, said that the flagship program has elevated the awareness level of LGUs here and they have been doing their share in campaigning for their respective locality. DOT-6 “Experience Western Visayas First” seeks to create awareness and increase interest among the people in traveling within the region.

DBM The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has announced the release of P1.97 billion to the Department of Education (DepEd) for the implementation of the AbotAlam program, designed to provide various opportunities for education and possible career and employment for the country’s out-of-school youth (OSY).

Water quality in Iloilo River improved but……. BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE The water quality in Iloilo River has improved but swimming is not yet feasible at the river, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI. Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Raul Lorilla noted the general improvement of water quality in the river especially at Calajunan Creek while Dungon Creek is still way below the standard because of informal settlers squatting along the creek. Lorilla said the fecal coliform concentration decreased from Station 9 to 12 during the summer season from the Pepsi Cola plant to the Iloilo

River. Improvement was also reported from fecal coliform in six stations Quirino ridge, Forbes Bridge, Sooc Bridge, Dungon mouth of the river, upstream Calajunan Creek and the Mambog Creek. Five stations have also shown improvement from coliform concentrations at the Carpenter’s Bridge, Dungon Bridge, Calajunan downstream of dumpsite, Calajunan downstream of industries and the Mambog Creek. Meanwhile, Lorilla said that a resolution was unanimously approved by the Iloilo-Batiano River Development Council (IBRDC)

Poverty incidence in Iloilo rises

BY REYMAR LATOZA

The poverty incidence in the province of Iloilo posted an upward trend, recording 16.7% in 2009 to 20.8% six years after. Iloilo surpassed the national level with only 19.7%, recent data from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) Region VI showed. On average, 20 out of 100 Ilonggos were poor in the said period. Iloilo is among the four provinces in the region that failed to alleviate poverty in their areas. “Poverty incidence in Iloilo and Negros Occidental consistently increased for the past six years. Guimaras and Aklan, however, did not sustain the lessening of poverty incidence for the past 6 years,” NSCB6 said. NSCB added that for a span of six years only the provinces of Antique

and Capiz in the region succeeded in poverty alleviation. The province of Negros registered the highest poverty incidence with 21.6% in 2006, 22.9% in 2009 and 24.9% in 2012 followed by Antique, (42.5%, 34.5%, 23.6%) Capiz, (23.5%, 22.9%, 22.3%) Iloilo (16.7%, 19.7%, 20.8%), Aklan and (32.2%, 36.7%, 20.4%) Guimaras (19.7%, 13.4%, 16.9%). According to the Development Outlook of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region VI, “high poverty incidence remained to be a challenge due to the impact of devastation of Typhoon Yolanda last year.” Poverty incidence refers to the proportion of poor families or population. Iloilo has a total of 102, 924 poor families, according to NSCB-6.IMT

At least 4,000 women abused every year in WV

DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas is intensifying its anti-dengue campaign dubbed “Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue” (ABKD) to stir up community action against the infectious disease. In a media release, the DOH said that ABKD seeks to reinforce the country’s drive against dengue by going back to the basics of comprehensive vector control supported by environmental sanitation and modification. DOH6 Regional Director Marlyn Convocar said that dengue prevention is community action, participation and involvement of the different agencies and the private sector.

DENR

Member farmers of the Sinugbuhan Upland Farmers Association (SUFA) gladly received a check with a total amount of Php 680,423.61 as budget allocated for the Southern Panay Reforestation Project to be implemented in Brgys. Tiolas and Sta. Rita, San Joaquin, Iloilo.

June 15 - 21, 2014

BY REYMAR LATOZA Five in every 10 women in Western Visayas were abused in the past 4 years. According to data from the Regional Women and Children Protection Desk (RWCPD) Unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region VI, the cases of Violence Against Women (VAW) in the region soared 54.1 percent to 5,543 in 2013, higher by about 2,000 from the previous year. “Of the total cases only 20.7 percent or 1,146 cases were solved,” report said RWCPD said the average cases of VAW every year is 4,148. “The number of VAW cases from 2010-2013 displayed a wavering trend with 0.9 percent increase in 20102011, 3.9 percent decrease in 20112012 and 54.1 percent increase in 2012-2013,” report added. In the province of Iloilo, VAW cases went up to 1,004 in 2013 from

716 in 2012. The province of Negros Occidental posted the highest increase with 1,659 VAW cases in 2013, followed by Bacolod City with 1,171 cases, Iloilo, Iloilo City with 447, Antique with 413, Aklan with 391, Capiz with 318 and Guimaras with 140. “Across provinces, only Guimaras was successful in their campaign to reduce VAW cases which registered a decrease of 7.9 percent from 152 cases in 2012 down to 140 cases in 2013,” report said. Violation of RA 9262 topped the list of top 5 VAW cases in the region, posting an average of 3,370 cases from 2010 to 2013. “Violation of RA9262 recorded the highest increment of 66.8 percent in 2013. Acts of lasciviousness and rape cases was the next higher increment of VAW cases with 30.0 percent and 17.1 percent, respectively,” PNP-RWCPD said.IMT

recently by “adopting Oplan Sustainable Workplan for Iloilo River Management (IM) as a program for

the improvement of Iloilo River and its tributaries Dungon and Calajunan creeks in Iloilo City.” IMT

Higher funeral, pension benefits granted BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE The compensation benefits under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) have been raised after President Benigno Aquino III signed Executive Order No. 167 (EO 167). The EO mandates both public and private sectors to increase funeral benefits for employees from P10,000 to P20,000. Stephen Barredo, Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) Regional Extension Unit 6 Information Officer, in a report of Philippine Information Agency (PIA), said that “since 1975, the funeral benefit for employees in the private sector was P3,000 and it was only increased in 1993 to P10, 000.”

The funeral benefit for the public sector was only increased to 10,000 last year from P 3,000 in 1975. The president also orders a 10 percent across-the-board increase in the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Pension for all permanent partial disability, permanent total disability, and survivorship pension in the private sector. “The increase in benefits does not require additional EC contributions from the employers as the State Insurance Fund has the capability to finance the increment based on the actuarial studies conducted by the Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System,” Barredo disclosed. IMT

‘We are in the midst of climate change,’ says DENR

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI has urged the community to act against climate change during the celebration of the World Environment Day on June 5 at Brgy. Cag-an, Anilao Iloilo focusing on the theme, “Raise your voice, not the sea level.” DENR-6 Regional Director Jim O. Sampulna stated, “Climate change is upon us and what we will be thinking is how to cope up with it. It can’t be withdrawn. It is already here. Sampulna noted that typhoons moved about 20 kph before, but is now reaching at 450 kph. “That is climate change,” he remarked. He added that the adverse effect of the climate has brought in flooding, rainy showers during warm days, and strong typhoons like Yolanda.

Sampulna said that the DENR is propagating this awareness with the theme, hoping that the sea level will not result to a global meltdown due to the melting of the ice. He remarked that Philippines is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to be hit by it. A tree planting activity was held on that day as part of DENR’s National Greening Program (NGP) to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change affecting on human, economic and ecological securities. The NGP targets to plant and grow some 1.5 billion trees covering about 1.5 million hectares for a period of six (6) years from 2011-2016, in the lands of public domain such as: forestlands, mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domains, civil and military reservations, and urban areas. IMT

Students receive remuneration from government summer jobs

BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD A total of 230 students in Iloilo City of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) have received their compensation for working in different offices of the city government as part of their summer jobs. Chief of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Ma. Elena AC Benitez said the program’s driving purpose is to aid indigent, yet deserving students financially for their educational needs. The SPES students have received a remuneration of P287 per day, 60 percent of which came from the city government and 40 percent from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Regular SPES students have worked for 20 days starting from April 21, while SPES Babies, those who worked continually from three years

up, were accommodated to work for 30 days. SPES STUDENT ON THE LINE Leah Delfin, a SPES Baby, stated that she learned so much from the program especially since she took up a course in Office Administration; and which her work in the office boosted her experience. For three years in the program, she is grateful that it assisted her and her family with their needs especially in school. Like Delfin, Arbyn Vargas, a SPES regular who took up Information Technology, said that being an encoder in the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), it helped him in his course career and family. “I am privileged to be a part of the program,” he said. Benitez called on more students to take part of SPES next summer season. IMT


June 15 - 21, 2014

METRO BUSINESS

3

“Iloilo City’s dev’t can hurt or compliment SMEs” BY GLORIA CONCEPCION MORALIDAD Everybody is beefing up for the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2015, which is only now a half year away. Everybody, including the small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) as well. Iloilo’s economy is yet poised for positive growth with all the developments and obstacles and SMEs are hanging about, said the Iloilo Business Club (IBC). “Though the business climate is very brisk, the outlook is very positive, we also have challenges due to the movement of the developments like the proposal to increase real property tax (RPT) and such. We have to weigh the implications it will affect business with those kinds of developments lately,” said IBC Executive Director

Ma. Lea Victoria E. Lara. Lara stated that even SMEs are in a stage wherein they are all trying to figure out how to ride with the developments of Iloilo. “It’s crucial that they have to evolve, that they can identify clearly the opportunities they can pursue or otherwise the rapid trends of the city can either hurt or complement their businesses,” stressed Lara. She gave an example that small restaurants here could give ways to alter their menu, expand or make way to international cuisines especially Asian dishes because the taste of the potential market is changing. This is in line with the Ministerial Conference on Food Security from October 15 to 17, 2015. “We should patronize our local

City tax collection reaches P1.2-B

BY REYMAR LATOZA Tax collection in the city of Iloilo has reached about P1.2 billion in the first quarter of 2014, according to data from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Region No.11. BIR recorded a total amount of P1,180,146, 244.22 in the first three months of the year, higher by 5.19 percent from the same period of 2013.

Iloilo City accounted the biggest portion in the total revenue collected in the first three months of the year with P1.881,196,401.49 by the BIR Region No.11. Next to Iloilo City is Kalibo, Aklan with P256 million tax collection followed by Roxas City with P188 million; Zarraga, Iloilo with 150 million and San Jose Antique with P107 million.IMT

Sin tax generates P23-B in Jan-April

BY REYMAR LATOZA Sin tax collection in the first four months of 2014 reached P23.02 billlion, higher from P21.74 billion target for the period. The government collected P11.68 billion excise tax from cigarettes, exceeded the target of P10.85 billion by 4.5 percent.

On the other hand, the excise tax collection from alcoholic beverages hit P11.68 billion, higher 4 percent from the P10.89 billion target. The government targets 22 percent increase to a total of P104.79 billion in excise tax collection from the sin products. IMT

DBM releases P212.9-M for 223 classrooms in WV

BY REYMAR LATOZA A total of 223 classrooms amounting to P212.9 million will be constructed in Western Visayas . The amount is part of the P1.67 billion fund released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the construction of 1,704 classrooms in elementary (5,916) and secondary (1,220) public schools nationwide. The Aquino administration aims to resolve the insufficient number of classrooms to improve quality education in the country. In a news release, Secretary of Budget and Management Florencio Abad said, “After closing the 66,800-classroom gap this year, we are again challenged to address the need for more public school classrooms

across the country.” He said the P1.67 billion will be sourced from the Department of Education. Abad noted that the reconstruction of Yolanda-damaged classrooms is also covered by the budget. “The release made to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) includes funding for the reconstruction of classrooms damaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda,” Abad said. “The release will give the DPWH the funding they need to rebuild damaged classrooms.” “More importantly, these funds give addition attention to repairing classrooms in Yolanda-stricken areas, “ he said.IMT

restaurants at the same time, we give full blast to our foreign visitors. We will have guests coming all over the world especially Asians. If you ride the development wave, one has to evolve. Even if you’re in a construction

business, you have to reach out to foreign needs,” said Lara. She remarked that these are some significant competitive activities for SMEs so as not to be threatened by the developments. IMT

Thousands of college professors may lose jobs due to K to 12 BY REYMAR LATOZA

up 28.2 percent to 102,924 in 2012. This meant that about three in every 10 Ilonggo families earned below the poverty threshold. For the past six years, they were in the ranks of poor with inadequate supply of basic food and non-food needs. “Negros Occidental had the biggest share in the total number of poor families in the region accounting for 45.2% in 2012 followed by Iloilo and Capiz with 28.2% and 10.2%, respectively. Guimaras recorded the least number of poor families at 6,345 or 1.7% of the regional total,” PSA reported. Overall, the region had an increase of about 11,609 families from 353,431 families in 2009 to 365,040 families in 2012 , six years after. The release of poverty statistics were made only every three years, 2006, 2009, 2012 and the next data point would be not have come until a survey in 2015. IMT

Thousands of professors and nonteaching personnel of higher education institutions (HEIs) may become jobless when the new curriculum under the K to 12 program will take effect nationwide in 2016. The country’s basic education system has been extended to 12 years, higher by 2 years before the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 or the K to 12 program was approved and implemented. With the senior high school curriculum, the initial batch of students under the program will proceed to grade 11 in 2016, and grade 12 in 2017 instead of going to college. Rene Tadle, internal vice president of the University of Santo Tomas’ faculty union, in a report of Rappler, a social news network, said estimated around 30,000 professors and 15,000 nonteaching staff will be affected either by retrenchment to prevent losses, redundancy, or early retirement. “Pag walang estudyante, eh di magbabawas sila,” he said He added, “who will be asked to choose early retirement may be too young to retire and too old to find another job. Losing a teaching job also means loss not only of income, but also of benefits.” Banjo Benavidez, officer-incharge (OIC) of the Bureau of Labor Relations at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) considered displacement of faculty members to secondary schools to teach senior high school. IMT

modern format cannot be just about convenience. It should provide other things,” TNS said. “Modern format stores should focus on making shoppers happy in order to encourage bigger spending. Happy shoppers spend more is one of the most under-appreciated truths in retail.” Operators of convenience stores

should “start delivering beyond value. It is about experience, engagement and entertainment.” TNS said the reality is shoppers want the whole experience to be easy. And whilst this sounds simple, actually simplifying the shopping experience presents a number of challenges.” (with a report from Interaksyon) IMT

2159, or the “Act Liberalizing the Entry and Scope of Operations of Foreign Bank in the Philippines” gives opportunities to the foreign banks in the country to expand. The chairman of Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies said the measure will

prepare the country for the upcoming ASEAN integration in which there is free flow of goods, services, investment, capital and skilled labor. “Philippines will have a chance to take advantage of the economic integration,” Osmeña said in a report of Interaksyon.com.IMT

Three in 10 Ilonggo families poor, earning below P18,800 a month

BY REYMAR LATOZA

Ilonggo families need at least P18, 827 monthly incomes to stay out of poverty, a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region VI poverty indicator showed. The poverty threshold in the province of Iloilo rose by more or less P2,000 from P16,448 in 2009 to P18,827 two years later. Poverty threshold is an average monthly income that a family of five should earn to the meet “the basic food and non-food needs”. Non-food includes clothing, transportation, housing, health, education and other daily expenses. Meanwhile, the food threshold in the province is P13,138. Food threshold, according to, PSA is a minimum income every month for basic food that satisfy the nutritional requirements needed by the human body. PSA data also showed that the number of poor families in Iloilo went

Are convenience stores hurting sari-sari stores?

BY REYMAR LATOZA Despite the emergence of various convenience stores and supermarkets in the country, sari-sari stores remained essential to many Filipino consumers. According to Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS), sari-sari stores would continue to satisfy the emergency and quick shopping needs of Filipino consumers. TNS cited two reasons why sarisari stores are still lively in the retail market: the government protects and encourages the traditional stores, and they service the different shoppers’ mission which are emergency shop, quick shop and items that run out of your daily meal shopping. “The modern format store (convenience store) would have to find a value proposition beyond the price or beyond convenience because traditional trade store is all about convenience. So,

Bill allowing full foreign ownership of local banks approved

BY REYMAR LATOZA

The Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill allowing foreigners to own up to 100 percent of domestic banks. Authored by Senator Sergio Osmeña and coauthored by Senator Cynthia Villar, the Senate Bill No.


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”,

Chairperson -Municipal Mayor Co-Chairperson -Sangguniang Bayan -Committee on Health Chairperson Vice Chairperson -Municipal Health Officer Members -Liga ng mga Barangay 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 chikungunya that 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.

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 Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus 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 bybthe 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 Sangguniang Panlalawigan 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) “Aedes aegypti” 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-made containers. B) “Aedes albopictus” 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: -Sangguniang Panlalawigan -Committee on Health Chairperson Vice-Chairperson -Provincial Health Officer Members -Provincial Dengue Coordinator -League of Municipalities Presidents -Liga ng mga 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 Sangguniang Panlalawigan 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 Sangguniang Panlalawigan should 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 Chikungunya Task 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.

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. Penalties-A. 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 ORDAINED by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan 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. This ordinance 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 Sangguniang Panlalawigan 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

RESEARCH AND TRAFFIC

Policy making is not a simple decision making skill. It is a blend of strong will and scientific research. This should be the case in the crafting and implementation of the Comprehensive Perimeter Boundary Ordinance (CBPO) of Iloilo City which is now facing a storm of criticisms from all fronts. The intention is clear and that is to control the number of provincial public utility vehicles entering the city passing through the busy city roads in order to declog the heavy flow of vehicles. However, after a few days of implementation, it is becoming apparently clear that the creation of the ordinance was made without a clear cut research as to how the provincial PUVs have contributed to the congestion of the city roads even without having to mention yet its economic implications. The inconvenience brought about to the riding public is clear especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. The city in its bid to stand by its ordinance and show some kind of strong political will addressed the problems created by the implementation of the CPBO by declaring that the commuters and the people must give the ordinance a chance. It added that it is willing to adjust and recommend amendments if the problems continue. Such vulnerability of the controversial ordinance is in fact a sign of weakness. It is a statement of failure on the part of the framers to prepare a thorough research about the factors of the traffic problems in the city of Iloilo. To date, the city council failed in producing clear cut statistics as to the total number of provincial PUVs in Iloilo; the number of provincial PUVs passing through a certain route in the city at a particular time; the number of provincial vendors per town entering Iloilo City daily; the amount of trading generated out of the products being brought to the city from the municipalities per day and so forth. This only shows how ill-prepared is the city when it formulated its pride- the Comprehensive Perimeter Boundary Ordinance.

June 15 - 21, 2014

Visayan Fire National Training Center

T

h e Bureau of Fire Protection has come a long way from its lowly origins to becoming one of the most dependable emergency response agency. Nowadays, BFP firefighters respond to floods, road accidents, chemical spills, high and low angle emergency situations, medical emergencies, earthquakes; that is aside from the usual dose of fire responses. Much is demanded from our firefighters, much is being expected from these well rounded emergency responders. The required knowledge and skills to respond to these kind of emergencies are included in the basic and specialization trainings of the BFP, making every new firefighter graduating from the National Fire Training Institute (NFTI) in Canlubang, Laguna a well-rounded and capable emergency responder and firefighter. But this is not so in the past few years. The BFP has been increasing its recruitment quota these past years creating a backlog of un-trained or under-trained recruits. The BFPNFTI have a hard time cramming the required courses to trainees in decrepit, dilapidated and decades old facilities

which are not capable of holding the number of trainees annually. The influx of trainees from all ranks cram the perennially overpopulated training center resulting to undertraining and over population. NFTI is the only training center of the BFP in the whole country and caters to all trainees and recruits. Here comes the Ong family from Roxas City, Capiz who is willing to donate three (3) hectares of land for a Visayan National Fire Training Institute which can accommodate trainees from Visayas and Mindanao. This is more than half of the bulk of trainees going to NFTI Laguna and will definitely unclog the old training center, elevate the quality of graduates, utilize new standards in emergency response training and strengthen the local economy of Roxas City with incidental benefits in the surrounding region due to commerce and tourism. The proposed Visayan National Fire Training Institute was conceived by the current Provincial Fire Marshal of Capiz, CINSP LESTER KENNETH C GIMOTEA, whose draft proposal including costs and estimates have been sent to Senate President Franklin Drilon and Secretary Mar Roxas two years ago. The proposed 800 million, 3-hectare

training center can house 1,500 trainees at any given time. The 1,500 trainee population is an actual and realistic estimate based on the statistics of the old NFTI in Laguna. The basic estimated expenses of a trainee for a 3-month training is ten thousand pesos, multiply that with 1,500 and you can imagine millions pump priming the economy of Roxas City. Add to that the economic benefits for nearby areas like Boracay Island, beaches in Northern Iloilo and Antique and you will get the opportunity for development. The long term benefits would be having firefighters who know their craft, are capable of responding to all kinds of emergencies, a facility that could cater to allied agencies in emergency trainings including local government DRRM’s, tourism, local commerce like food and clothing and the prestige of having the most updated Fire Training Center in the country with international standards. All these are well and good but sadly the powers-that-be have not responded, not even given a glance. A phase by phase construction would still reap the same benefits, albeit in a staggered manner; but not even a single fire sub-station has been approved in the area. It should be noted that the

whole First Congressional District of Capiz do not have fire stations and trained firefighters and rescuers from the BFP. Some LGUs have firetrucks who are manned by inadequately trained civilian contractual employees who does not even care with the efficacy of time in a proper response, much more with proper firefighting, EMS and rescue techniques. And that is despite of the fact that a big area of the First District of Capiz is the catch basin of the Pan-ay River from the Second District flooding the landscape for weeks on end and making roads impassable for days. Any fire incident in the First District is responded by Roxas City BFP, one hour away at its farthest point. A Visayan Fire Training Center where every agency, LGU and firefighter from Visayas and Mindanao can benefit is a sound investment for the potentially lucrative Roxas City. This article is written for the hope that our benefactors in the government (Read: Ilonggo Senators and Cabinet Secretaries) can identify the pros among the cons and finally initiate the realization of this proposal for the greater benefit of the public. After all, it is very hard to find some landed family willing to donate land for such cause.

Never mind if Manny Pacquiao will coach KIA in the PBA (we saw the world’s best boxer pound-for-pound and PBA Commissioner Chito Salud handshaking hands in a sports page recently. In September 2001 when we covered Gerry Penalosa’s WBC super flyweight fight against Masamori Tokuyama in Yokohama, Japan, Salud was impressed more with Penalosa than with Pacquiao, then fresh from winning the IBF super bantamweight crown against Africa’s Lehlo Ledwaba on a 6th round TKO in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s understandable because his father, the late former WBC secretary general Rudy, was Penalosa’s manager at that time).

was tied at 1-1 when world no. 1 Nadal collected his unprecedented ninth French Open title by whipping world no. 2 Novak Djokovic of Serbia last June 8, or five days after his 28th birthday. Nadal holds a special place in the hearts of the Ilonggos. Many local tennis fans can identify themselves with the talented Spaniard, who has won 14 Grand Slam singles titles, the 2008 Olympic gold medal in singles, a record 27 ATP World Tour Masters and a record 15 ATP World Tour 500 tournaments.

Clara, among other victims of sexual abuses by these Spanish ruffians, in Noli Me Tangere.

Rafael Nadal’s roots in Iloilo

“S

o m e people are your relatives but others are your ancestors, and you choose the ones you want to have as ancestors. You create yourself out of those values.” Ralph Ellison In La Paz public market in Iloilo City where we regularly buy our meals, NBA fans wait on tenterhooks if Erik Spoelstra’s genius can prevent Gregg Popovich from becoming an Albert Einstein in court. La Paz district is a football hotbed, home of the finest booters in the region next to the municipalities of Barotac Nuevo and Sta. Barbara when it comes to quality of players. La Paznons so love soccer that they demolished an age-old outdoor boxing arena to further enlarge their football field in the plaza (You should have opposed this unpopular move, former First Lady Ming Ramos; but we heard it was because of your “beautification” project why the iconic boxing ring was obliterated). But when it is NBA finals time, football or FIFA World Cup takes a backseat. NBA championship is a down-the-wire headline-grabbing event. Never mind if super grandmaster Wesley So will soon push the pawns for the Americans in the FIDE chess.

ANALYSIS We are aware that several days after the NBA finals, Ilonggos will continue to make a post mortem analysis whether it is the Spurs or the Heat that will end up bringing home the 2014 NBA title. It would be a crime against sports, meanwhile, if we ignore Rafael “Rafa” Nadal’s most recent recordbreaking conquest of the French Open just because the more glamorous NBA finals and 2014 FIFA World Cup are lording over the sports pages and in the social media nowadays. The NBA finals series between Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs

JARO There are Nadals in Jaro district. Their siblings are mestizos and mestizas and it’s not hard to conclude that they have Spanish blood running in their veins. We heard the Nadals in San Enrique, Negros Occidental also traced their roots in Castellon de la Plana, Torrelavega, Valladolid and Pamplona, Spain. The tennis heartthrob was born in Manacor, Balearic Islands, Spain. We were colonized by Spain for more than 400 years, after all. It is possible some of Rafa’s foreparents had roots in some Filipino families somewhere in the Philippines, if not in Jaro and San Enrique. Some of the friars, according to Jose Rizal’s novels, sired illegitimate children with Filipino women. We remember Maria

MISTAKE Nadal can, in fact, be mistaken for a Filipino if he plays in the SEA Games or Asian Games. There’s a lot of handsome tennis, fencing and even soccer players who look like Rafa. Richard Gomez plays fencing in the SEA Games and his height and physique are similar to Rafa. His hairstyle, color of skin, and the way he dresses outside the clay court (where he is considered the “king”) are similar to some matinee-idol-looking Filipino athletes. No one will question his nationality on the spot if he will carry the RP flag in the World Olympic Games and other biennial events. Unlike decathlete David Bunevacz and brothers Phil and James Younghusband, who really look like children of white parents (although their late mother was a pure Pinay). But the sad reality is Nadal is not a Filipino. Because we hanker for a sports icon so much admired for his skills and talent in clay court, we can always claim Rafa to be our own—but only in our dreams. As we went to press, the 2014 FIFA World Cup blasted off in Brazil, triggering a worldwide sports mania that is felt even in the remotest African countries.

more tasks all at the same time. Most parents of children from ages 9 and up will agree that our children can watch TV, eat dinner, text a friend and update their Facebook walls all at the same time. That is, if we allow them. When it is time to study, children claim that they study better with the music playing while having a bowl of chips to munch on. What do all these imply? When we try to do more than one demanding activity at the same time, most likely we will fail. By more than one demanding activity, I do not mean tasks like crossing the street while talking to a friend. What I mean are demanding tasks like crossing a superhighway while talking to a friend via cellphone unless you want to be run over by a speeding truck. When we are doing more than one demanding activity at the same time, we actually switch back and forth between two tasks which could actually be done more successfully if we do them one after the other. In the book “Rapt: Attention and the Focused Life” behavioral science writer Winifred Gallagher noted that multitasking’s obvious drawback is inefficiency.

The ability to do two things simultaneously is impaired because both tasks draw on one or more of the same information-processing systems in the brain. For activities that involve language, such as talking to another person, watching TV, or simply thinking, there is only one route that we use to send input and receive output. However, cognitive scientist David Meyer of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, says, “If you are trying to listen to someone on the phone while typing an email, one has to give way so we can put focus in the other task. This means that even if we get the job done, our recall of the activities is fragmented and harder to retrieve than it would have been if we gave each task our undivided attention. Multitasking is dangerous for learning. In a research done on American children about five years ago, it was found that the American youth spend an average of six and a half hours a day in the electronic world. Filipino youth are catching up on this much to the detriment of their capacity to learn. More and more students get diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and many

students find it difficult to pay sustained attention in class. Activities that are worth doing require focus and attention and many of our children cannot sustain these. David Meyer says that “children need to work at developing the capacity for the concentrated, sustained attention required to succeed in many endeavors, not just to go about them like a butterfly flitting from one flower to another. Gallagher has this to say to the multi-tasking generation: “If you grow up assuming that you can pay attention to several things at once, you may not realize that the way in which you process information is superficial. When you are finally forced to confront intellectually demanding situations in high school or college, you will realize that you have traded depth of knowledge with breadth and thus, you have stunted your capacity for serious thought.” Let us show our children how productive it is to live a focused life by showing them that we can slow down and put things in their proper perspective. Focus on the essentials. Learn to pay attention to details. Life is so beautiful if we slow down and smell the flowers!

It’s Time to Focus and Pay Attention

D

o you consider yourself a multi-tasker? Are you proud of being able to do 5 things at one time? Do you tell your friends that you’re lucky because you could easily switch between cooking dinner, feeding the baby, washing the clothes, cleaning the room and still be able to update your Facebook wall all at the same time? Many moms and even dads these days claim that they are experts at multi-tasking. However, how many of us can say that we succeed in all the tasks that we do at the same time? Was the food that you prepared for dinner while washing the clothes and cleaning the room worthy to be eaten by your hungry family? Did you wash the clothes squeaky clean while feeding the baby as you were commenting on a friend’s photos on Facebook? We are in a multi-tasking generation. We are the multi-tasking generation. And it did not happen as a coincidence that this is also the attention deficit generation. This is the message we as parents are sending to our children. It is okay to do 3 or


June 15 - 21, 2014

METRO OPINION

THE WORST IS YET TO COME

I

ntermittent rains with the onset of Southwest m o n s o o n have finally brought temporary respite from the summer heat but meteorologists warn of extreme cyclones that could be spawned by the El Niño phenomenon in the following months. Central Philippines might again succumb to devastating repeats of similar havoc caused by Typhoon Yolanda no matter how prepared and equipped are the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the different LGUs, and the people along the typhoon’s trajectory. These, also in spite of the the Tacloban Declaration drawn up by 280 participants during the recent Asia-Europe Meeting’s (Asem) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Conference in Manila. The declaration per se is redundant as all hell breaks loose whenever a sort of “Category 5” Typhoon comes to town. “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” How prophetic was

Walt Kelly when he first quoted the phrase for the 1970 Earth Day poster. In the context of the Yolanda aftermath, many opportunities were missed because of discordant responses to emerging events. We should have capitalized on the tremendous outpouring international support from individual philanthropists, humanitarian organizations, and scores of sympathetic countries by firming up strong and lasting relationship with them. On their scorecards, we failed miserably. How many of us who were recipients of gifts whether in cash or kind were able to express our sincere appreciation to donors on immediate basis? Apparently, the resounding majority of us did not. Empirical studies have shown that repeat donations happen only when the recipients said “thank you” the last time. Just reflect on the substandard shelters we made for the typhoon victims, our inequitable distribution of relief goods, our dependence on dole outs, our high propensity to be mere spectators and not doers

of kind acts. We made politicians as convenient scapegoats when the real enemy is us. And soon, we will be in another dire situation. The El Niño that is confronting us now has made 2014, on global basis, the hottest year in recorded history. And 2015 can even be worse. Extreme weather - sustained heat waves, prolonged droughts, and stronger typhoons is an El Niño distinctive. Geographically, the most vulnerable places are Asia and the Americas where deep below the tropical Pacific Ocean, water has warmed up anomalously from the influence of Pacific trade winds. Propelled eastward by the winds, the enormous mass of warm water gradually has moved into the surface and interacts with atmospheric elements. The troubling results are increased ambient temperatures and erratic weather patterns. In Indonesia, severe droughts in some islands are currently worsened by El Niño. Brush fires in California and Australia have intensified. Peru fishermen report of dwindling anchovy catch. And in Philippines, the sweltering

THE ICON IN MAGENTA W

hen did y o u r Foundation release the new logo? The first of June. Last month, I decided that I wanted to redesign my website to spark a new interest in it so I contacted an artist that I worked with from way back in my first newspaper job in 2000, and while we were talking, the idea of a logo just came up in my head. He said, if I have the money and the imagination to conceive what I want, he could execute it for me.

I work for it or not. I thought that my Foundation’s color should reflect those qualities and my vision. Also, I know that inyour-face magenta appears odd, eccentric, and sometimes down right scary to some people— especially if they don’t understand that bold magenta also stands for compassion, kindness, and devotion to please others. Well, I am really not worried about what other people think, only what I can accomplish. I’m clearly magenta in spirit, and so I cannot go with any other color for my logo.

What color is the logo? Magenta. An action color, magenta stands to mean creative, engaging, and inspirational. I know that I have a magenta aura because I am free-spirited, creative, and fun loving. I prefer an alternative lifestyle, I am clearly an artist, and I am always getting a reaction from people whether

What’s the shape of the logo? Right now, the logo has two images: a nontrivial right-handed torus knot, and an outline of my face from a picture when I started the Foundation. The torus knot, also known as a trefoil knot after the three-leaf clover plant, has my three names—PETER, SOLIS, and NERY, on the bands, along

Who are the scholars of Hiligaynon Literature? Let me introduce four wonderful women who have done historical and critical studies on 20th century Hiligaynon literature. They are 1) Doreen Gamboa-Fernandez+ with her The Iloilo Zarzuela 1903-1930 (Ateneo Press, 1978); 2) Lucila Hosillos with her Literature:Texts and Contexts (Aqualand Enterprises, 1992); 3) Corazon Villareal with her Translating the Sugilanon: Reframing the Sign (UP Press, 1994), and 4) Ma. Cecilia Locsin-Nava with her History & Society in the Novels of Ramon Muzones (Ateneo Press, 2001). The Iloilo Zarzuela 1903-1930 was a response to the inspiration (i.e. Claro M. Recto’s unwavering interrogation of PhilippineAmerican relations) and challenge (i.e. irrelevance of literary studies) brought by the nationalist reawakening in the 60s. It helped that Fernandez had the nationalist writer and scholar Bienvenido Lumbera (now National Artist for Literature) as her mentor in Philippine drama at the Ateneo de Manila University.

She confessed that this research on the zarzuela of Iloilo was the result of her “being not only an Ilongga who loves theater, but also a student of Philippine literature concerned with providing a close look at one form, one period, and one locale in Philippine dramatic history.” Fernandez utilized historical data. She culled from accounts written by travelers to the Philippines in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, documents related to the region and specifically Iloilo, and on the boom and decline of the sugar industry in Negros to reveal that the rise and fall of Iloilo zarzuela depended on the economic-political conditions that shaped the consciousness of the period. She traced the rise of Iloilo zarzuela on the opening of the Iloilo port facilitated by American consul Nicholas Loney in 1855 that positioned Iloilo at the top of commercial shipping industry, to the burgeoning of trade and exports of fabrics. She posited that this fueled the competition between the Spanish mestizos (concentrated at Jaro) and the Chinese mestizos of the Molo parian that eventually triggered the “la immigracion Ilongga” (term of Francisco Varona)

with 13 stars. Thirteen, of course, in numerology means great blessings from God. Sure, it can mean destruction or revolution in the Tarot, but it is always some chaos with hope, excitement, and desperation for God’s promise to be fulfilled. Uh, and now many people are pictured in The Last Supper portrait? As a Karmic number, 13 is the number of upheaval so that new grounds can be broken. That sounds very much like the indomitable Peter Solis Nery, and his Foundation, doesn’t it? The stars, in my dream interpretation book, signify brilliancy, achievement, and lofty ideals—again, a trifecta of the Peter Solis Nery personality!

7

summer is still on but progressively waning. Just how exactly does a super typhoon evolve with El Niño as main driver? Having taught meteorology for about 10 years, let me explain the matter in the simplest possible terms. The process of typhoon development, from low pressure area formed just above (or below) and beyond the equatorial doldrums takes about several days depending on sea surface temperature and upper level wind conditions. Warm water and air (low pressure) are the precursors while light winds (high pressure) aloft allow severe thunderstorm development. A spin or rotation (anti-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis force) develops when the air within the circulation is pulled inward toward the center. High winds start to spiral inward through bands of thunderstorms and these suck up ocean moisture, creating thunderstorm clouds in the upper stratosphere and cool off. The

storm grows as it harnesses the ocean moisture for incremental energy. As the air near the center of the storm condenses, it generates heavy downpours, releasing tremendous amounts of heat and energy. The barometric pressure in the center of the circulation moves to the surface, takes in more air and energizes the storm as the air rises to about 15,000 meters above sea level, propelling it outward and allowing room for more rising air. Some air descend toward the center, warm it and create the nearly cloud-free eye. The evolution is near complete and the storm becomes clear and present danger when it matures into a super typhoon. The good news is, we are nearly off the long drought in the country. The bad news is, we are about to enter the months of living dangerously. We are nearing the phase when above usual downpours will likely bring deluge across Philippines and offscale wind intensity will be the new normal. The worst is yet to come. I just hope and pray that I am way off tangent on this one.

wonder about my guts to attempt and save the Hiligaynon language and literature from extinction and corruption, at least they will have a beautiful face icon to remember me by. Then, they will finally see that I am not just a beautiful soul in the inside, but rather a pleasingly handsome dude on the outside, too. Forget about what you have heard about my vanity. It is for the benefit of the future generation that I stamp my face on every good thing that I do. People always want a face to match the name, or to see abstract ideas concretized; I’m giving you the face of “inspiration,” so why are you complaining?

thought of that? I am telling you, I do not do things blindly, or impulsively. When we are all dead and gone, those we leave behind will thank me for my foresight. And the logo, the icons, I can assure you, they will stand the test of time.

What’s the importance of the face icon? For now, perhaps none whatsoever, but in the days to come, when I am old and weary, or perhaps dead, and people

Do you really need two images? Again, perhaps I don’t, but I’m paying for my logo, so what’s your problem? It’s my Foundation, it’s my money that I’m spending, it’s my logo! When the time is ripe, I can decide to drop one of the icons, or use one exclusively for a specific purpose. Have you

What do you intend to achieve with the logo? Other than immortality? Haha! First of all, I think that the design and execution are very pretty; and I would like to be remembered for bringing into our world beautiful things. If I can popularize these icons and make people smile, or spark a play of their imagination, the logo will have achieved its purpose. But it is not lost on me that people are commercially branding everything nowadays. I want to sell Peter Solis Nery as an icon in magenta, a paragon of inspiration and daring. I know that I’m not a brand for everyone, but I want to be there for those who need me.

to the underdeveloped yet sugarfriendly soil of Negros Occidental that consequently led to the development of the hacienda system. Fernandez chronicled that zarzuela was brought to Iloilo in 1880 through 1) Spanish troupes and actors; 2) Manila-organized troupes with Filipino actors, and 3) societies of aficionados like the Sociedad Lirico-Dramatica and the Sociedad Aristica-Recreativa founded in Iloilo with members from the Spanish mestizo and Filipino communities. Pointing to the debate of Tulihaw and Tamsi (pseudonyms) on komedya (regarded as “spectacles that give lie to our culture and brutalize the public”) and zarzuela (where one is believed to learn virtues and proper behavior) published in Makinaugalingon of Rosendo Mejica in 1915, Fernandez argued that the rise of zarzuela was largely due to the patronage of Spanish, foreign, mestizo, and Filipino elites who did not only produce and build theater houses like the Teatro Malhalbour and The Iloilo Grand Opera House but participated in it as well as major performers. And since the hacenderos of Negros

traveled to Iloilo for business and entertainment provided by zarzuela, Iloilo became the center of social and cultural life that it was known as the “Queen City of the South” from the middle of the 19th century to the early 20th century. She identified that it was the seat price of the zarzuela and its language (Spanish) that alienated the larger part of the Hiligaynon society. But when it was written and performed in Hiligaynon, its audience included not only the elite and the middle class professionals but the working class as well. It declined however, Fernandez noted, due to: 1) the centralization and modernization of the centrifugal sugar mills in Negros that displaced laborers commonly known as sacadas, in effect, worsened the economic condition that gave rise to popular uprisings, one of which was led by the famous zarzuelista Jose Ma. Nava; 2) the advent of technology with its new forms of entertainment such as the vaudeville and movies, thus, even though zarzuela was continually written and staged after 1930s, the reception already turned sour. Fernandez introduced the

zarzuela masters Valente Cristobal (1875-1945); Jimeno Damaso (1885-1936); Angel Magahum (1867-1935); Serapion Torre (1892-1942); Jose Ma. Ingalla (1888-1944); Jose Ma. Nava (1891-1954); Eriberto Gumban (1861-1926), and the only female zarzuelista - Miguela Montelibano (1874-1969). Her research materials were collected from the Makinaugalingon and Kadapig sa Banwa; the library of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo; the private collection of the family of the writers, and from Fernandez’s own friends in Iloilo. She interviewed significant numbers of Iloilo residents who were part of the golden age of zarzuela. This book includes representative texts from these masters, bibliographical notes, synopses and a discussion of the process from manuscript (structure, plot, characterization, the songs) to stage (director and producer, casting, actors and actresses, rehearsals, the music, the apuntador, the scenery and props, the costumes, makeup, lighting, financing), the major theaters, the beneficios and tours, the censorship, and the audience.

Who Are the Scholars of Hiligaynon Literature? (Part 1 of 4)


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June 15 - 21, 2014

METRO TOURISM

9

Twenty one – derful reasons to come home to Antique… (2) By: Ronald V. Gayatin & Leah Marlie Pagunsan-Tambanillo Antique Provincial Tourism Office

All the eighteen municipalities that comprise the province have their own story to tell, to flaunt. Let’s begin from the south – ANINI-Y prides itself as a quaint aqua-adventure paradise. As it is situated at the southernmost tip of Panay Island, it is very ideal for water adventure. If they still go out to find Nemo somewhere, tourists who dive into the deep seas of Anini-y will find him there, along with many other lovely creatures and corals. If Mambukal has its sulphuric spring, Anini-y has Sira-an Hot Spring , the jump off point to Nogas Island,

one of the remaining uninhabited white sand island in Panay. Writers and crew of Living Asia Channel who visited Nogas were mesmerized by the lovely calachuchi canopy, it’s far better than the one they saw in Japan., they said. Its baroque St. John Nepomuceno Church will surely make one wonder how the natives of that place laboured so hard in order to build that grandeur of a church. Passing through TOBIAS FORNIER, UPV students broke into

chuckles when they saw the sign on the gate of the Catholic cemetery : “Kami karon, kamo dason”. I made them chuckle some more when I pointed to them the “biggest” atis signifying that this Barangay produces the sweetest atis in the whole of Antique. But no, there’s more to Tobias Fornier than all these trivia. This is the place that best exemplify the tag line of Antique – this is where the mountains meet the sea. If you drop by Punta Hagdan, you will understand why. The town also takes selfimportance when they tell the story of their Sambayang Festival, a colourful celebration of life and thanksgiving held every last week of February. Diving and snorkelling are the activities that one must do when visiting Tobias Fornier. Historians will fall in love with HAMTIC, a sleepy yet a place full of relics that are of great importance to us Antiqueños – the Malandog marker, the Campo santo of the Spanish regime and the national shrine of General Leandro Fullon. And lest one forgets, Antique’s folk hero, Evelio B. Javier was born in Brgy. Lanag, a hinterland barangay of this town. His statue was erected in their plaza, making its constituents mighty proud that a hero once walked in its soil. SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique’s capital is aptly named because of its “good view”. Legends would tell that Moro pirates would rob the town

whenever they chanced to land along its shores. One day, their plot to raid the rich community was aborted when a robed man, believed to be St. Joseph sent the pirates away with just a wave of his hand. The place then was named San Jose in honor of St. Joseph. When the Spaniards came and settled in San Jose, they found that the town has a good view, especially when seen from atop its hill, the famous La Granja Hill, so they added the Spanish phrase “de Buenavista”. For indeed, San Jose town has a good view and lots of tourist attractions to boast. Its coastal areas house a good reserve of marine products. It is also home to many beach

resorts. The only surviving bahay na bato in Antique is in San Jose, along Gobierno St.- the Gella Azurin Mansion, said to be over two hundred years old. The EBJ Freedom Park is situated at the center of the town, this was named after then Governor Evelio B. Javier, for this was the very place where he was shot to death by armed men on February 11, 1986. The Museo Antiqueño inside the old capitol houses Evelio’s memorabilia and other distinct Antique artifacts.

One of the famous landmarks is the San Pedro ruins, a remnant of a Spanish church, its walls are still intact and the San Pedro parishioners are now using the ruins as the “sepulchre” of Christ during Good Friday. It also houses the Lourdes Grotto, the “chapel” of Divine Mercy and the statue of Pope John Paul II, recently canonized saint of the Catholic Church. Ten kilometres from the capital town of Antique is the largest town named SIBALOM, the town that prides itself as home to the only virgin forest in this side of Panay, the Sibalom Natural Park situated on top of Mt. Porras. At its foot is the Mao-it River where semi-precious stones such as jade and agate can be found.

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


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IMT Fun Time

ARIES:

The clean slate is refreshing, isn’t it? On Monday and Tuesday, the future is indeed bright. You are walking proof that hard work, with or without luck, is the key to success. The hard work that must be done on Wednesday and Thursday is of the ‘getting through frustrating times with a smile on your face’ variety, but you are a pro at this. What’s frustrating may simply be that so much is up in the air; focus instead on relieving someone else’s frustrations and yours will vanish. Friday and Saturday find you in great spirits -- and, possibly, hiking boots -- and Sunday is relaxing.

TAURUS:

LIBRA:

Monday and Tuesday are utopian. Your world is full of people with whom you feel a deep, startling connection. Plus, everything is insanely funny. Some of your friends should be considered national treasures. Wednesday and Thursday, helping other people cope with their stress is a deft way of handling your own. Friday and Saturday are relatively stress free, although they are intense -- a one-on-one relationship (either business or romantic) dominates. Matters that seem outside of your hands are, in fact, very much in your hands. So no excuses! Sunday is beautiful. Your domestic life is something of a volcano on Monday and Tuesday, and an eruption seems imminent. But, as you are in no mood to be scalded by projectile lava, you’re willing to negotiate; compromise suddenly seems like a good option. Wednesday and Thursday, if the problem persists, apply your imagination toward solving it. A solution you haven’t thought of, but that would make everyone happy, might be at hand. Friday and Saturday, drop everything to help someone else. If you find yourself lugging a television out of a moving truck, consider it exercise. Sunday is galvanizing.

GEMINI:

SAGITTARIUS:

A caterpillar, given the right resources and a certain amount of time, becomes something unrecognizable. On Monday and Tuesday you’re going to learn a few more things about transformations. The radical change you experience will almost surely be intellectual and/or political, but it will alter everything. Wednesday and Thursday, the change is affecting you in funny, unpredictable ways; but good friends and old standbys dominate Friday and Saturday. Nice that, while some things change, others stay the same. Sunday overwhelms you with new information.

You receive new ideas on Monday and Tuesday the way the Earth receives light from the sun -- fully, warmly, gratefully. New trees of thought are taking root in your brain. No wonder your hair looks funny! Seriously, kick vanity to the curb this week and focus on things that actually matter. Wednesday and Thursday, the second you’ve found your keys you’ve lost your cell phone; your mind is simply elsewhere. Friday and Saturday, games, productivity and men figure strongly. The beach may or may not figure in, depending on your proximity to it. Some details need your attention on Sunday.

Money matters are muddled at the week’s start -- it’s hard to figure out how much you have, and it’s hard to figure out what you want to spend it on. If you’ve had your heart set on something that you might not be able to afford after all, then it’s time to teach your heart some flexibility. Wednesday and Thursday, money is not much of an issue because it doesn’t cost anything to daydream (which is what you do just about all day long for two days straight). On Friday and Saturday the most pressing challenge involves an authority figure, but Sunday is social and, food-wise, extremely filling.

You are aiming for the right goals, but your strategy for accomplishing them needs some work. Think about making a change on Monday and Tuesday -- but only a small change. The big picture is right on. Wednesday and Thursday, putting your thoughts in writing not only makes them clear to everyone else; it also makes them clearer to yourself. Friday and Saturday, your family is tugging on your sleeves for attention. To give them the time they deserve, you might have to postpone something else. On Sunday, get away to the woods, the beach, a romantic restaurant -- something like that.

You have enough self-respect to stand up for yourself in a social situation, and even though some may interpret this as arrogance, the wisest among your friends know better. That said, you’re always better off getting other people to talk rather than listening to your own voice. Patience is a beautiful quality. Wednesday and Thursday, decision-making is not a snap, and decision-making around money is a bad idea period. Your frame of mind is more suited to creative endeavors. Friday through Sunday, be spongelike, ready to receive ideas from everywhere, including from people who rarely speak up.

The start of the week is inspiring -- as inspiring as the cathedrals were to Monet, or the sunflowers to Van Gogh, or the pigeons in the grass to Gertrude Stein. Everything you see seems to fit your mood, as if the world is a projection of your inner beauty. Others find you attractive and exciting, and may tell you so. Lost in all this on Wednesday and Thursday, you are hardly thinking about, say, money, which might pose a problem. If it does, you still won’t be thinking about it. Friday and Saturday find you in one of your wide-eyed philosophical moods. Sunday is utterly fascinating.

LEO:

VIRGO:

Rubber was invented utterly by accident. Let that be a lesson to you on Monday and Tuesday, when the impulse toward experimentation strikes you. Likewise, on Wednesday and Thursday, you should consider all that you stand to learn from your friends rather than, say, all that you could be teaching them. What do you know for sure? In terms of practical steps toward a goal, not a lot gets done this week until Friday, which is a whirlwind of activity and progress. Saturday is propelled by a sense of purpose in the world, and a philosophical conversation on Sunday is emboldening.

KU

SCORPIO:

It’s not like you’ve been rubbing your socks against the carpet, but there’s a lot of static electricity in the air on Monday and Tuesday. Expect your interactions with others to be charged (so, therefore, if someone ends up barking at you, or you at them, chalk it up to the stars). Wednesday and Thursday are best spent arm-in-arm with someone who understands you intuitively, the way a fish understands water; but Friday and Saturday are destined to be fraught with dilemmas no matter what you do, dilemmas of the small but vexing variety. Take all the time you need. Sunday comes as a relief.

CANCER:

S U DO

MEDIUM

Answer for June 8-15, 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:

You have a hard time focusing on Monday and Tuesday, what with all your plans for saving the world on your mind. Why people don’t think harder and better about the things that matter baffles you. On the other hand, you’re easily distracted yourself. Finding a balance is a struggle that won’t go away. Wednesday and Thursday, you’re blessed with more energy than you know what to do with -- and lots of time. Self-transformation might ensue. On Friday and Saturday, you believe you’re onto something. But are you, really? Is it just a ruse? Pursue this. Sunday is low-key.

Across

1 Stoop with knees bent (6) 4 Durable finish for walls (6) 8 “Go” signal (5) 9 Detachable section of a magazine or newspaper (4-3) 10 Cold drinks (3,4) 11 Opinions (5) 12 Preserver of one’s dignity (4-5) 17 Tag (5) 19 Privileged member of a group (7) 21 Gag (7) 22 Sag (5) 23 Every twelve months (6) 24 Nag (6)

Answer for June 8-15, 2014 Down

1 Fag (6) 2 Lose fen (anag) (7) 3 Boat with paddles (5) 5 Israeli city (3,4) 6 Hag (5) 7 Lacking in insight (6) 9 A footballer’s wife (4,5) 13 Army officer (7) 14 Old British soldier (7) 15 Tritely sentimental (6) 16 Right (6) 18 Strong, light wood (5) 20 Move furtively (5)


June 15 - 21, 2014

METRO SPORTS

11

Stallion Giligan’s FC Shuts Sparks title Campaign

Azkal striker Ruben Doktora. BY EDWIN CARO LARU-AN With two games remaining for the UFL season, defending champion Stallion Giligan’s FC solidify its

DOT-6...from page 1 Catalbas. Catalbas noted that the factors of growth in the consideration of attracting more tourists are based on three strategic directions that the tourism industry is following. First, on hand, is the creation and development of more competitive tourism products and tour packages; second, is the improvement of connectivity by air land and sea including tourism infrastructures; and third, is of tourism governance in the local government units (LGUs) and the human resource development program, trainings that DOT is conducting as well as private sectors

standing in the fourth spot of the table with 10-8-4 win-draw-loss record after a 3-1 win against Loyola Meralco Sparks on June 10. for tourism stakeholders and tourism frontliners. “What they [tourists] are looking for are the old heritage buildings, because Iloilo is being projected as a nature and culture destination. They are also looking for the resorts whether they be upland, beach or island resorts among the attractions. And of course, they are keen on the once in a year festivals of Iloilo led by Dinagyang and the Iloilo Paraw Regatta,” stated Catalbas. Nationally speaking, DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said that they are keen on targeting six million foreign tourist arrivals for 2014. IMT

James Younghusband takes the opening goal for the spark on the 12th minute. Stallion Import Junior Dame Gaye finds the back of the net for the equalizer on the 48th minute. Cameroon native Belinga Blanchard took stallion for the lead in the 57th minute 2-1, Iranian Striker Masood Shadideh sealed the win for the Stallion after a goal on the 80th minute. Stallion played without team Captain and Azkal striker Ruben “Balot” Doctora, Jr. due to injury. The Barotac Nuevo Native was injured during the AFC cahllenge cup in Maldives. Medical examination showed he has tears in his Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Medial Collateral Ligament, and Lateral Collateral Ligament, thus requiring surgery. He will be out for five to six months after his operation and will miss Peace cup, Suzuki Cup and stallion games. Stallion will face Pachanga Diliman FC and Global FC for their remaining matches slated on June 19 and 26 respectively. ECL/ESN/IMT

5 out of 10...from page 1 capitol or city hall.” “CPBO, a traffic solution? Maybe, yes. But the road construction brought in some problems. There’s still traffic, especially that it’s the start of classes. I don’t think the government’s idea of CPBO is a good one especially when it’s paired with the road works at the moment. It’s still not helping.” The other half felt optimistic

Iloilo City assures better hosting of Nat’l PRISAA

BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE Iloilo City assured other competing regions in the country of a more improved hosting of the upcoming 2015 National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) competition. Iloilo will host the National PRISAA in the second week of April 2015 after Bacolod City failed the efforts to hold the hosting of the event. Iloilo hosted the National PRISAA in 1992 and 2007 while Bacolod City hosted the event in 2004. Western Visayas (WV) PRISAA

executive director Roger Banzuela said his many suggestions were noted during the Annual Strategic Planning Meeting at the Quezon City Sports Club on June 6 wherein it was attended by 17 regional presidents and executive directors. Meanwhile, WV regained the overall championship by collecting 99 gold, 54 silver and 74 bronze medals from Central Visayas that managed an 80-42-29 medal haul. Last year, Tagum City hosted the National PRISAA at the Davao Del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.IMT

about the government’s actions, expressing their hopes that the officials can address the needs of the city. Aisa, an administrative officer, said that she and her office partner hail from another province, yet noticed the economy of the city is improving. She gave a thumbs up for the government. “We have job fairs and other activities led by the government. Plus, with the investments going about, it

will sure to bring many employment opportunities,” said Aimee, an office clerk. “Mayor Jed Mabilog listens to the youth. The government has programs, activities and contests for the young ones, like the Iloilo Video Contest. It shows that the government wants the younger generation to be part of the whole nation-building,” stated Jane, a student. IMT


12

METRO SPORTS

June 15 - 21, 2014

Ginebra Kings take down San Miguel Beermen BY ELYROSE S. NAORBE

Despite of a 12-0 run record, serving Ginebra‘s nine turnovers all in the fourth quarter, San Miguel Kings failed to secure the ball game as the crowd’s favorite were able to show aggressiveness through locals’ solid triangle defense putting the Beermen to their fourth spot in the Governors’ standing after posting an 10598 wire to wire victory. The “Clash of the Titans” was anticipated in the ball game as both first over-all draft pick on their respective season, Junmar “The Kraken” Fajardo and Greg “Gregzilla” Slaughter will be battling out to prove supremacy in the game. Coach Jeff Cariaso praised Slaughter, who posted a big game in his first professional matchup against June Mar Fajardo. Slaughter's midrange game was a weapon that helped open up the floor for Ginebra as he posted 19 points and 11 rebounds. Ginebra (5-2) vaulted to the top spot in the standings to tie Talk 'N Text and San Mig Coffee. The Beermen (4-4) have lost three of their last four

charities but Tenorio snatched the rebound, prompting the intentional foul. Tenorio made both, 101-95, with 29 seconds left. A triple from Beermen could not able to close the gap as the clock runs out giving Ginebra their share of top spot in standings Reggie Williams led all scorers with 37 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals. June Mar Fajardo added 23 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Sol Mercado finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and 10 assists.

"The Clash of the Titans" between Junmar “The Kraken” Fajardo and Greg “Gregzilla” Slaughter in their Governors' Cup match-up.

games and slumped to sixth place. Greg Slaughter opened the first with an easy dunk while LA Tenorio was looking for their shots early in the game, combining for 13 points as Ginebra raced to a 17-8 lead. June Mar Fajardo struggled to be a consistent presence in the paint for the Beermen, who came within three points before falling behind after the first period, 25-16. Reggie Williams carried San Miguel as they tried to fight back from a 32-19 deficit early in the second quarter. Ginebra got away the baskets with good transition at the paint via Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar, but the Beermen made inroads before the end of the half. Sol Mercado and Fajardo ran pick and rolls to record for their last 11 points, though Ginebra led 49-41 at the halftime mark. Zaccheus Mason took advantage of San Miguel's careless interior defense and scored inside as Ginebra ripped the Beermen with a 16-9 run to close the quarter. JJ Helterbrand put the finishing touches on the period with a pull-up jumper in transition, securing an 84-65 lead. After trading misses, Mason drew contact on a drive and converted two from the line with 45 seconds left in the fourth. Tubid drilled a triple off a San Miguel timeout, but they unintentionally fouled Chris Ellis. The wingman missed both


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