METROPOLITAN
ILOILO
the first business newspaper in metro iloilo
TIMES
VOL. II ISSUE NO. 59
developmental news | critical views www.iloilometropolitantimes.com
March 30 - April 5, 2014 Php 12.00
Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATE Weekly MIDPOINT Rates - March 21-27, 2014
USD/PHP
45.3000
45.2615
45.2500 45.2000 45.1500
45.2003
45.1985 45.1570
45.1411
45.0979
45.1000 45.0500 45.0000 44.9500 Mar 21, 2014
44.9736 Mar 23, 2014
Mar 25, 2014
Mar 27, 2014
DTI PRICE MONITORING Prime Commodities (25 Oct 2013) Prime Commodities (25 Oct 2013)
CANNED SARDINES Current Price INSTANT NOODLES Current Price
Paradiso (155g) Young’s Town Bonus (155g) Lucky 7 (155g)
12.15 Lucky Me! (55g) 13.00 Payless (50g) 13.25
PROCESSED MILK Current Price
7.10 6.30 Current Price
BREAD
Alaska Sweetened Filled 49.50 Milk - Condensed 300 mL Pinoy Tasty (400g) Alaska Filled Milk 34.50 Pinoy Pandesal Evaporated 370 mL Angel Filled Milk Evaporated 410 mL
35.75
37.00
(pack of 10 pieces) 22.50
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Commercial Rice Regular Milled Well Milled Premium Special (Fancy) Sugar Refined Washed Brown Sugar Cooking Oil Lapad (bottle)
Current Price 35.00/kg 38.00/kg 42.00/kg 45.00/kg 45.00/kg 42.00/kg 38.00/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 120.00/kg 4.50/pc
‘WORSHIP TOURISM’
SUMMER IS HERE! A bowl of Halo-halo from 5G’s refreshment located at La Paz Public Market will surely quench your thirst this hot season. Photo by Reymar Latoza/IMT
“Abolish NFA rice monopoly” BY REYMAR LATOZA
The rice monopoly of the National Food Authority (NFA) on rice importation is “costly, impractical and discredited” that needs to be scrapped, according to the Foundation of Economic Freedom (FEF). FEF is a public advocacy organization composed of economists and sociopolitical thinkers in the country. The abolition of this policy on rice procurement is among the reforms that they are pushing to improve the welfare of consumers, to foster agriculture growth, to reduce graft and corruption and to truly implement ‘Daang Matuwid’. The country should abolish import quotas on rice, adhere to its Abolish NFA /p11
Mila’s Hill
BY KHARIZA JOY SOFIA
“Unity in Diversity”. The Municipality of Buenavista in Guimaras and the different religious sectors will gather for a “Worship Festival”, a first of its kind Holy Week celebration to be participated by six different religious sectors on April 13 – 20, 2014. Roman Catholic Church, Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Calvary Baptist Church, World Mission Seminary & Lift Jesus Worldwide Ministries and the Seventh Day Adventist will partake on this rare occasion. Department of Tourism (DOT) 6 regional director Helen J. Catalbas
labeled the gathering as ‘worship tourism’, saying it’s the first time for these organizations to come together and hold activities on lent season. “I think it is the first time in the province and the country for these religious sectors to gather as one”, Catalbas said. Catalbas added that everyone showed excitement and enthusiasm during her meeting with the different representatives of each religious group. She said after a long time, the religious organizations felt they were given importance by the government. All religious sectors will join Worship tourism /p11
As construction intensifies in Barangay Nipa, Concepcion, Iloilo, the location of the Coal-Fired Power Plant Project of Palm Concepcion Power Corporation (PCPC), another development was revealed last week.
PCPC signed with the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contractor of the Coal Unloading Facility (Jettyport) for the project which will accommodate thecoal cargo vessel and the conveyor for the coal handling system.IMT
Concepcion Plant’s Jettyport ready to roll
Mini Hotel Amenities
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Current Price 120.00/kg
Pedestrianized road ‘rough’
BY ABIGAIL VILLAMOR
The ‘pedestrianization’ ordinance proposed by city councilor Jason Gonzales faced another rough road after the unexpected drawback. City Councilor Plaridel Nava, chairman of the Committee on Transportation disapproved the proposal for further study and recommendation. He said that the proposal is unfavorable to the businessmen along Calle Real. Nava said he received several complaints, including a position paper of the Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (ICLAJODA) and the statement of city congressman Jerry P. Treňas, who shows dissatisfaction over the proposal. On the other hand, Gonzales said that he has a statement of recommendation from ICLAJODA president Boyet Parcon, signifying the transport association’s approval of the program.
The program covers along the JM Basa Street every Sunday afternoon until early evening. Gonzales mentioned the three months experiment on the closing of Calle Real ended by the end of February, scheduled an ordinance to make the pedestrianization program continual through a city legislative measure by April 27, after the Holy Week. Gonzales justified that his program on pedestrianization of Calle Real will benefit the city’s tourism, promote physical fitness, will give lessons of Iloilo’s cultural heritage, show entertainment performances and appreciation of the Ilonggos on the rich history of the city. Gonzales also foresees Iloilo as a “walkable” city through Calle Real, closing the traffic along JM Basa around 3 to 9 PM every Sunday, allowing the people from all walks of life to come and see the many commercial heritage structures that revive the culture and history of Iloilo City. IMT
Iloilo’s power is enough BY REYMAR LATOZA The electric cooperatives in the province and the city of Iloilo assured their consumers of “sufficient” power supply this summer season. Iloilo Electric Cooperative (ILECO I, II, III) and Panay Electric Cooperative told Iloilo Metropolitan Times that they are prepared for a tightness in electricity supply this season and ready in case of power problem. They said that ensuring the continuity of power supply during this season is their top priority. Summer months are considered peak-demand months, wherein the power demand is expected to rise because of increase in consumption. Meanwhile, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the country’s power transmission service provider, said that they are taking full effort to avoid outages. NGCP said that they are securing their power lines and equipment and transmitting power supply from all available sources for an efficient power transmission over the province and the city of Iloilo. A report of Yahoo.com said that the Department of Energy (DOE) is closely monitoring the power situation nationwide to ensure the stability of supply and electric power rates during this season.IMT
March 30 - April 5, 2014
METRO BUSINESS
3
bitcoins alarms bsp
BY MARY PAULINE BALMES
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued warnings on bitcoins after it has come to their attention that virtual currencies are already being exchanged in the country. BSP Deputy Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. said BSP is raising an
alarm these virtual currencies are still unregulated in the country and are not guaranteed by the central bank. “There are no existing regulations which would specifically protect consumers from financial losses if an organization that exchanges or holds virtual currencies fails or goes out of
NGCP turns over 3 classrooms in Dingle
BY REYMAR LATOZA
The newly constructed three classrooms donated by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is the start of new life to the pupils and teachers of Lincud Elementary School (LEC) a few months after the wrath of Super Typhoon Yolanda, according to Ferdinand Sy, assistant schools division superintendent. Sy extended his heartfelt gratitude to the NGCP officials, who funded an over P2.4 million worth of threeclassroom building, during the turnover ceremony on March 25. “Classroom shortage is one of the problems that we have been facing after the typhoon, “Sy stressed. LEC in Dingle, Iloilo was among the schools in the province affected by the said super typhoon, in which classroom buildings were shattered. Jocelyn Palamaira, principal also thanked the NGCP for granting them the classrooms that they asked for. With this project, Palamaira expects an increase to the number of enrollees this year as their school is now ready to cater more pupils and
business,” said in an advisory posted in their website, recently. Furthermore, this currency could be misused in money laundering. “Basically, money laundering has been one of the concerns regarding bitcoins that’s why we’re studying what kind of regulation or arrangement should be put in place,” Espenilla said. BSP has already started their move to regulate digital currency by meeting with owners of the bitcoin exchanges to look for leeway and possibilities for these trading platforms top submit
it is equipped with complete learning and health facilities. “Grades 1 to 3 pupils will occupy the new classrooms while the rooms they will vacate will serve as the schools’ library, clinic and learning resource center (LRC). Prior to this, the NGCP also turned over a communal comfort room in Barangay San Juan, Barotac Viejo. Reagan Alcantara, corporate affairs field officer of the NGCP said that these endeavors are part of their corporate social responsibility. “It is one way of giving back to the community,” Alcantara disclosed. The towns of Dingle and Barotac Viejo are critical host communities of the NGCP where their transmission lines are situated. NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining and developing the country’s power grid and electricity superhighways. Its regular maintenance activities and ongoing projects aim to enhance the system reliability and maintain the quality of power delivered to electricity users. IMT
1.Seizure of personal property of the taxpayer and sale thereof at public auction. 2.File civil suit with proper court; 3.Levy on real property and sale of delinquent property or a usable portion thereof at public auction. However, if at any time before any of the above stated remedies is instituted, payment of the delinquent tax or installment thereof and corresponding penalty hereunder provided is made, it shall free the taxpayer his property from liability to such auction. Penalty for delinquency: Failure to pay the real property tax during the period of payment without penalty of the quarterly installment thereof shall subject the taxpayer to the payment of interest at rate of two (2%) per month of the unpaid amount of a fraction thereof, until the delinquent tax shall have been fully paid. Further, unless the tax, surcharges and penalties are paid before the expiration of the year for which the taxes due except when the notice of assessment levy is contested administratively or judiciary pursuant to the provisions of Sec 226 of RA 7160, delinquent real property will be sold at public auction, and the title to/ the property will be vested in the purchaser, subject, however, to the right of the delinquent owner of the property or any person having legal interest therein to redeem the property within one (1) year from the date of sale, and/ or delinquent owners will be filed judicial action in the court of appropriate jurisdiction. These remedies are cumulative, simultaneous and unconditional, that is, any or all of the remedies or combination thereof may be resorted to and the use or non-use of the remedy shall not be a bar against the institution of the others. Formal demand for the payment of the delinquent taxes and penalties due is not a prerequisite to such remedies; the notice of delinquency shall be sufficient for the purpose. DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS are therefore, requested to pay their delinquent tax or installment thereof to forestall the inclusion of their property in the list of delinquent properties to be sold at public auction. THIS NOTICE is given for the purpose of the sale at public auction of delinquent properties scheduled on November 18, 2014. By virtue of the provisions of Section 260 of Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, you are hereby given NOTICE that the undersigned will sell at public auction sale on November 18, 2014 at the Municipal Hall of San Remigio, Antique the real property or usable portion thereof which are hereby certified to be delinquent in the payment of real property tax, to satisfy all delinquent real property taxes penalties and cost due thereon as of sale. Prepared by: TESSIE J. GUARRA Municipal Treasurer SHERLITA B. MAHANDOG Provincial Treasurer
his password. Third, payment thru bitcoins is immediate, direct and non-reversible; thus, one is not protected. Fourth, its value fluctuates sharply and could permanently drop. Bitcoins started circulating in the country last 2009 and is widely known for its instability. After its launching, a Philippine company put up a trading website for the digital currency called mbtc.ph. (with news from PhilStar, Yahoo and Newsbytes Philippines)IMT
Avida Atria breaks ground in Iloilo
Avida Land recently held the ground breaking ceremony for Avida Storeys Atria and Avida Towers Atria, the residential components of the Atria Park District,Ayala Land Inc.’s (ALI) masterplanned, mixeduse development in Iloilo City that integrates residential, retail and business clusters as well as health care and educational institutions. Present during the groundbreaking were Christopher B. Maglanoc, Avida President, Apollo B. Tanco, Avida Project and Strategic Management Group Head and Elvie C. Gumboc, Avida Sales and Marketing Head together with Avida’s joint venture partners Victor F. Pison, Paul L. Labad, Elsa P. Pison and other members of the Kapideco board. Avida Storeys Atria and Avida Towers Atria are expected to bring a total of 509 units. Both buildings broke ground as scheduled and turnover of Avida Storeys Atria is expected by the first quarter of 2016. Meanwhile, turnover of Avida Towers Atria is scheduled Republic of the Philippines on the third Province of Antique quarter of 2016. Municipality of San Remigio Situated at the OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL TREASURER emerging city center NOTICE OF DELINQUENCY IN THE PAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAX IN THE MUNICIPALITYOF in the vibrant area SAN REMIGIO PROVINCE OF ANTIQUE of Mandurriao, Atria Park District NOTICE is hereby served pursuant to the provisions of Section 254, Republic Act No. 7160 (The Local is a distinct Government Code of 1991) that the Real Property Tax due for the Calendar Year 2014 and previous years, has development that become delinquent with respect to the following: brings a live-work play environment 1.The first installment thereof become delinquent as of April 1, 2014 to Iloilo City. The 2.The second on July 1, 2014 3.The third on October 1, 2014 whole district is 4.The fourth and after December 1, 2014 accessible to the BPO offices of Under the Code, upon the real property tax or installment thereof becoming delinquent, the undersigned is the Iloilo-Ayala charged to enforce collection of delinquent taxes and for this purpose empowered to resort to any of the following remedies to satisfy taxes, penalties and cost.
reports to the Anti-Money Laundering Council. Aside from money-laundering and other illegal activities, BSP recapitulate four reasons why the circulation of bitcoins is not going to help the economy: First, one could lose his money through virtual currency exchange because it has no legal protection that covers for losses arising from any funds. Second, virtual money could be easily stolen especially once one losses
Avida Land and JV partner Kapideco executives lead the groundbreaking ceremony of Avida Storeys Atria and Avida Towers Atria in Iloilo City. (L-R) Avida Project Development Manager Reginald Alabe, Kapideco President Victor Pison, Avida Project and Strategic Management Group Head Apollo Tanco, Avida President Christopher Maglanoc, Avida Sales & Marketing Head Elvie Gumboc, Kapideco Board Directors Paul Labad and Elsa Pison, and Makati Development Corporation’s Romeo Despues. Technohub, schools (Ateneo de the healthcare institution previously Iloilo and UP Visayas), churches known as University Physicians (Molo Church and Victory Christian Medical Center or UPMC. Fellowship), hospitals (The Medical The Atria Park District is ALI’s City, Iloilo Doctors Hospital, and first integrated, masterplanned, Medicus), the entertainment strip of mixed-use community and largest Smallville, and hotels (Smallville 21 investment in Iloilo. Once completed, Hotel, Westown Hotel, and Iloilo the 32-hectare township will Business Hotel). integrate residential, retail, office Last year, some of noteworthy and hotel components, healthcare milestones that happened at the Atria and educational institutions, as Park District were the groundbreaking well as dedicated spaces for parks of Shops at Atria and the Avida and landscaped areas. ALI and the Project Pavilion, as well as the contract Pison family have partnered in the signing with QualiMed hospital, development of Atria Park District.
DSWD job hiring on going BY ABIGAIL VILLAMOR T h e Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 6 is still hiring field staff as part of its “Listahanan” project. The agency will conduct its second round assessment of poor households in the region this year under the said project. “Listahan”, a rebranding of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR), aims to assess some 1,323,778 underprivileged households in the region this year to update its database of 385,516 poor households who were recognized
through the assessment done in 2009. The DSWD-VI needs a total of 3,741 field staff that includes 110 area coordinators, 553 area supervisors, 2,758 enumerators and 320 encoders in order to meet the task. For area coordinators and area supervisors, qualified applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science or any related course, must have at least two years of experience in a supervisory role, must obtain excellent writing and communication skills, must be computer literate with knowledge and skills on Microsoft Word, and should have an experience in conflict resolution work or being a mediator. Qualified applicants for enumerators must have finished at least two years in college, m u s t possess g o o d interviewing a n d communication s k i l l s , computer
literate with knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office, must have an initiative to learn and contribute to the success of the project, and must be residents of the municipality where they will be assigned. To qualify as encoders, applicants should have finished at least two years in college or any IT-related courses, must have an eagerness to learn and contribute to the accomplishment of the project and must have an encoding speed of at least 35 words per minute. Interested to employ may personally submit their applications to the DSWD regional office in Molo, Iloilo City, and may also have the option to take the qualifying exam right away, DSWD-6 said.IMT
6
METRO OPINION Graduation
EDITORIAL
Disaster imagination
A
fter the wrath of Yolanda, both the public and private sectors in local and national level are formulating measures to lessen, if not to zero, the casualties like that of the killer typhoon. Methodical preventive measures, with the help of science and technology, are devised to provide early warning precautions to the public. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is emphasizing the usefulness of science in boosting the comprehension on term scientific terms during adversities; and improving the disaster planning and preparations from the community to the national level. As they say, Science for Safer Communities! Last 2012, a Doppler Radar station was constructed in Brgy. Buntatala, Jaro, Iloilo City and this is expected to be completed very soon. DOST-PAGASA OIC Deputy Administrator for Operations and Services Dr. Landrico Dalida, Jr gave the assurance to finish it on or before June, the start of rainy season in the country. Worth P100 million, the first doppler radar station in Western Visayas will enhance the agency’s efforts in forecasting upcoming weather disturbance with accuracy and timeliness to prevent vast effect of catastrophes as this can provide concurrent information on rain volume and intensity within 500 kms. Its capacity to clearly identify thunderstorm would be a helpful feature to help lessen the anxiety of the affected residents. With science positively intervening in our plans to reduce risk to happen in our community, might as well contribute our share by participating on various disaster mitigation workshops in our locality and arm ourselves with proper and useful knowledge and skills to survive. The technology around us will only provide us convenience but to take action will still be our option. Preparedness is the key. “Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable.” --Gen. George S. Patton
“ G
raduation”, according to MerriamWebster Unabridged Dictionary, is “ the act of completing a phase of one’s formal education; especially : the act of receiving a diploma, certificate, or degree from a school, college, or university.” Those who have completed their formal education have, so far, received their diplomas or certificates, while those who have not cannot be expected to receive their certificates or diplomas. Parents cannot be expected to be happy to find out that their children have not completed the requirements for graduation of their children. Many children, today, have no remorse to find themselves in such situation that usually results from their laziness and incompetence, their carefree character and disregard of their parents’ sacrifices. The first graduation that parents are happy to see their
children to have is the graduation of their children in elementary school; the next is in high school; and most of all, in college. I don’t have the perfect joy they experience, but I can feel somehow their joy, knowing that their children have graduated. But, of course, after graduation, parents have a lot of questions to face for the good of their children, because a new environment awaits their children. Those who have graduated in college have to worry about employment opportunities for them, where they are going to work, what work they are going to apply for. Some have to prepare themselves for board or bar exams. Some others who have some means may continue their studies in graduate school or take some short courses to get some specialized certificates, while some other else will proceed to take up law or medicine. Graduation is not the end in itself, but a means
I can do it!
E
veryone h a s inside of him a piece of good news.” This was a statement uttered by a young girl who has gone thru horrifying circumstances during the Holocaust. Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl, had to live most of her life in hiding because of the Nazi occupation in her home country, Germany. She was finally placed in a concentration camp with her sister. They were treated like animals in the camp – they had to strip naked for disinfection, their head shaved and had to be tattooed with a number in their arms for identification. A n n e finally died of typhus epidemic in the camp. Most people in this young girl’s situation would have been
hopeless and wished to die. Anne, on the other hand, saw beyond the situation. She remained hopeful and full of spirit even if she lived a very miserable life. She always had an “I can” disposition. In her book, The Seven Basic Psychological Needs, Dr. Honey Carandang mentions the fourth need as the need for a sense of competence. It is knowing deeply that we are good at something and that we have a flame that can light the world. In a study made among happy and successful people who were asked how they “made it”, two factors come into play that contributed to their success and contentment: 1. They experienced a sense of competence. They knew what they were good at. 2. They met an
The people’s decade BY MONG PALATINO QUESTION EVERYTHING (Bulatlat.com) f the future generation will ask us about Philippine politics during the early years of the 21st century, what should we tell them? Perhaps some historians will name it as Erap’s decade. In 1998, Joseph Estrada became the most popular Philippine president in terms of number of votes. Two years later, he became the first president to be impeached by the House of Representatives. He was ousted from power in 2001 despite the heroic attempt of his supporters to bring him back to the Palace through the underappreciated Edsa Tres. He was found guilty of plunder and spent almost seven years in detention but he remained popular among the masses and politically influential. His (legal) wife and two children were elected senators, he almost became president again in 2010, and he is now the mayor of the country’s premier city. Or maybe it was Gloria Arroyo’s decade. After all, she got more votes than Erap in 1998. She benefited from Edsa Dos and became president in 2001. She remained in Malacanang until 2010 which made her the second-longest serving president of the Republic in the past half century. She survived several coup attempts, she faced-off with the country’s most famous actor in the 2004 polls, and she foiled all impeachment cases filed against her. Despite being unloved by the masa, her cabalens elected her to Congress in 2010 and 2013. But in terms of luck, it’s probably a BS Aquino decade. He was elected congressman in 1998, senator in 2007, president in 2010, and he
I
is still the country’s most eligible bachelor. Because of his support for Gloria, he was appointed Deputy Speaker in 2004, the same year when 13 farmers were massacred in the Cojuangco-owned Hacienda Luisita. He became president largely because of the enduring legacy of his parents, the popularity of Kris and James Yap, and the billions of his uncle Danding. His victory in 2010 proved that the Aquinos are the most powerful political dynasty in the country’s modern history. The Marcos restoration was sealed during this period. Bongbong and Imee dominated Ilocos politics as governor and member of Congress. Twenty-five years after Edsa, the wife and children of the late dictator were holding elected positions in government. Imelda apparently was able to reclaim her sequestered assets because she was the second richest solon in the 15th Congress. The ambition of Mar Roxas and Manny Villar to become president led to the mini-revival of the Nacionalista-Liberal rivalry in 2010. Mar as Mr Palengke topped the senate race in 2004 while Villar was able to serve as speaker of the Lower House in 1998 and senate president in 2007. In the end, Mar yielded to BS Aquino but he lost to Binay and got married to Korina. Villar, on the other hand, failed to convince the public that he grew up in a ‘dagat ng basura’ and that he is no ‘Villaroyo’. The NacionalistaLiberal rivalry in 2010 became an electoral coalition in 2013. During Erap’s time, there was a silent battle for supremacy among the young traditional politicians represented by the so-called Spice Boys and Bright Boys. Edsa Dos made
March 30 - April 5, 2014
for further responsibility. It provides a qualification for a new responsibility that is not surprisingly easy to take. It energizes one to prepare himself/ herself for such responsibility. So we notice that the graduation rites are followed by celebrations, with cheers and applause, with gifts for the graduates, or congratulatory remarks for them. This is for the purpose of rewarding their efforts, crowning them for their victorious struggle to earn their education. This is for the purpose of affirming the graduates’ capability to meet the demands of life. This is for the purpose of encouraging the graduates to proceed confidently to the challenge of new heights. Bill Gates, the leading wealthy person in the world, once said on the importance of college education, “It concerns me to hear young people say they do not want to go to college because I did not graduate. For one thing, I got a pretty good education even though I did not stay long enough to get my degree. For another, the world is getting
more competitive, specialized and complex each year, making a college education as critical today as a high school education was at one time.” It is really good to graduate in college, because those who graduate enjoy the presumption of being better than those who have not. They have the edge when it comes to competition for employment, and they can proceed to learn specialized fields of endeavour. And they can be expected to finish the job entrusted to them. For all those who have graduated, congratulations and good luck! For those who have not, work it out.# **** IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HER MOM. I wish to congratulate Niña Longno Molina for having earned her degree in Dentistry and being cited as Best in Clinical Practice! Your family is happy for you! Wishing you all the best in the footsteps of your mom!# Send feedback to: arnoldcares@yahoo.com
inspirational person at some point in their lives – someone who believed in them and recognized their worth. It is not about having the best of everything. I have known of a lot of people who have almost if not everything that they need yet they live sad lives because that have never felt a sense of competence. Everything was offered on silver platters that they never had to exert any effort at all. On the other hand, some people have little or nothing in life, yet they rise to become the best in their field because they believe they can succeed. They know in their heart that they are good at something and it is that knowledge which will help them reach their dreams. When I was just starting out as a guidance counselor, I met a wonderful spiritual person who made me see my worth. She
walked with me and helped me become the person that I was meant to be. She made me see that I had gifts which I must share so I can change the world in my own little way. She believed in me and because of that countless other people believed in me and saw my worth. From that day on, no matter what I go through and no matter what people say about me, I believe that I know myself better. I have a flame that can light the world. I am because I can. Just like Anne Frank, situations may get the better of us, but deep in our hearts we should know that we have a good heart. Let us not live our life in vain. Be useful and bring enjoyment to all people, even to those we’ve never met. Just like what my spiritual mother always says, “Be Jesus to others!” Next week, read about why it is important to belong and be connected. Have a fruitful week!
the Spice Boys popular but many of them got infected by the Gloria virus. Meanwhile, some of the Bright Boys became senators like Alan and Chiz. Pacquiao conquered the boxing world before joining politics. After an embarrassing defeat in 2007, he moved to another district and became congressman in 2010. It was also a Manny V. Pangilinan decade. With the backing of some Indonesian friends, he bought top performing local companies and public utilities. He is a celebrated philanthropist, political kingmaker and self-confessed plagiarist. Some are belittling him for being an alleged dummy of a foreign tycoon, but his billions can still do many wonders in the coin-operated Philippine politics. What about the organized Left? The National Democratic Front signed a comprehensive human rights agreement with the government in 1998. Leftist groups played a big role in the ouster of Estrada, especially in mobilizing people in the streets. Bayan Muna topped the partylist polls in 2001 which inspired other progressive groups amd marginalized sectors to seek representation in the succeeding elections. To the surprise of everybody, the Left became more active in the electoral arena by fielding candidates in the partylist, local elections, and even in the senate race. Meanwhile, the armed communist movement seemed to gain a stronger presence and influence in the Mindanao island. Looking back, it was not anybody’s decade. It was actually the people’s decade. The people who went to Ayala in 1999 in defense of civil liberties, in particular media freedom. The people who joined Edsa Dos, the masa of Edsa Tres. The college cadets who walked out of their campuses and succeeded in abolishing ROTC. The students who shouted ‘No To Iraq War’
at the Luneta Grandstand in 2003. The anti-Arroyo crowd: the hecklers, truth seekers, and the millions of voters dismayed by the cheating and stealing in the Gloria government. The street protests ignited by the Garci expose, corruption scandals, and ConAss. The mourners during the funeral march for FPJ, Ka Bel, Cory, Dolphy, and Jesse Robredo. The opinion poll respondents, audience ratings, and the anonymous online commenters. The social media crowd from bloggers to micro-bloggers. The farmers who marched from Mindanao to Manila, the urban poor defending their homes, the workers resisting the neoliberal machine. The refugees, evacuees, and victims of climate injustice. The Million People March. The People Surge. The people resisting, fighting, advocating, occupying, organizing. Today, assessing the validity of a political campaign or event is done by comparing it with the standards established by People Power. It’s very rare to see or hear politicians speak of the need to continue the unfinished struggle of our forefathers. What they often emphasize is their adherence to the principles of People Power. Perhaps what is needed today is the fusion of these two powerful themes. The merging of the past and the recent past. Fighting for ‘People Power’ to continue the ‘Unfinished Revolution’. In other words, claiming to speak in behalf of the people, the masa, or the bosses is nothing but empty posturing if it is not complemented by a concrete fidelity to the politics of ‘People Power’ and ‘Unfinished Revolution.’ This is the radically-proper way to understand the meaning of events and icons that dominated the country’s politics in the past decade. (No copyright infrigement intended for publishing this article in the newspaper.)
March 30 - April 5, 2014
METRO OPINION
7
How to write award-winning stories – Part II
E
arlier, you summed up story writing as Plot and Words. What does that mean? Let’s hypothesize that I would need four days to write a story. Well, I would need Day One to think out the plot from beginning to end. Then, I would write out the whole story on Day Two, revising the plot when necessary, but with a first draft as a concrete output. After that, I would spend Days Three and Four working with words. Would you care to elaborate on the use of words in crafting winning stories? For my stories, I spend as much time, if not more, with words crafting as with my plotting. After all, I think that vocabulary and style are what separates writers from jokers. Words are ways by which a writer gives his/her story nuance, pathos, humor, and personality. I seriously believe that there are only
nine or ten archetypical plotlines in all of literature, but why we have so many stories is only because each telling plays on the magic of words. Stories should be about the beauty of details. How often do you use details? As often as I need to involve my readers. Everybody can say, “My dog farted.” But great writers like me can amaze you with certain touches and magical use of words: “My sad little adopted Pekingese puppy, Mr. Woolly-Doody, restlessly turned in circles trying so hard to catch and bite his tail off as his tummy grumbled and groaned until he finally got dizzy and couldn’t hold it anymore, so with sad Mr. WoollyDoody puppy eyes, my Pekingese helplessly let off the most villainous, most miasmatical stink bomb the world ever smelled without so much as a teeny-weeny sorry bark.” Now, compare everyman’s three words, and my masterful 69 words, conveying the same thing.
Do you always use the first word you think of? Absolutely… not! Although I must admit that when I am deeper into the story, my vocabulary becomes naturally and spontaneously glorious. I think that it has something to do with the story finally being clarified for me as I go along; and then, of course, when you are already in that imagined world, everything becomes magically easy. What can I say? I am shy in beginnings, but once I get my footing, I am unstoppable. Ha! So, it is perfectly normal for me that my first sentence or first paragraph vocabulary is banal and pedestrian, but usually, on the third or fourth paragraph, I begin to be inspired and possessed so that my terminology starts to soar and becomes stylish, sophisticated, suave, swanky, and chichi. How likely are you to discard words that you have already committed to paper?
The No Impact Experiment
W
e at De La Salle University in Manila engaged in a one-week carbon cleanse program dubbed as No Impact Experiment last March 24-30.This was organized by the DLSU Campus Sustainability Office (CSO), Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center (BNSCWC), and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (VCRI), in partnership with Redraw the Line, a project of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and The Media Alliance. It was an invitation to “perform small acts to reduce environmental impact, protect our planet, and enhance the quality our life.”
The organizers released examples of these small acts and small steps that make a difference to serve as guide to registered participants who committed themselves to observe these every day for a week. Monday was about Thrash, and the challenge was “Waste Not. Small steps provided were: Go paperless. Print double-sided. Or don’t print. Rid your life of paper towels. Bring a used sachet for the sachet recovery bin. Dispose of PET bottles and aluminium cans in the proper bins. Use reusable eco bags and containers. Tuesday was about Transportation. We were encouraged to “Burn Calories” by taking a
Walk/LRT/MRT, bus or jeepney/ Carpool with friends. Wednesday was for Food and “To Eat Healthy” by drinking local, eating local, eating vegetables, eating less meat, ordering just enough food, or ordering a half portion, and loving food by not leaving crumbs for the “duende.” Thursday was Energy day and the challenge to reduce our use by doing the following: Take the stairs. Unplug electricity when not in use. Google less. No TV. Use laptop/tablet only for work. Observe Daily Green Hour. Friday was for Water. The challenge: “Save Water.” The steps: Finish your drink. Bring your own tumbler or mug.
Because I am such a lover of words, three years ago, the answer to the question would be, “Not very likely.” But as I grow as a writer, I have learned to let go of first ideas, of finest phrases, of clever conceits, especially if they don’t serve the purpose of the story. In the past, I really didn’t have much use of colloquial Hiligaynon, and maybe that is why, for my stories in Hiligaynon, I was always drawn to stories that I can set in the past, when Hiligaynon was glorious, splendid, and enthralling; when people are accurate, and say “himpit” or “exacto” instead of “intsakto” or “tsakto.” I understand, of course, that the world is changing, and stories of this generation have to be told in their own language. Still, I cannot just give up the fabulous and magnificent heavenly Hiligaynon that I know, and have cherished for so long. That’s why, more than ever, I am committed to the Hiligaynon dictionary project of my Foundation. Don’t buy bottled water. Turn off tap when soaping hands or brushing teeth. Run water gently when needed. Saturday was for Giving Back, the challenge to “Share” by picking up a trash, planting a tree, giving time, joining eco-advocacy campaigns, or making contributions (e.g., Haribon, Plastic-Free Philippines, WWF Philippines, Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines). Sunday was to experience EcoSabbath, the challenge to “Rest.” Steps include: Pray and be grateful. Don’t use any energy-consuming device. Spend time with family & friends. Sleep well. Participants were also encouraged to self-document and to self-reflect to evaluate the impact of the experiment and to share insights
What happened to the dictionary project? The Hiligaynon dictionary project of The Peter Solis Nery Foundation is temporarily shelved, but it is something that I really want to complete in the next two or three years. I envisioned it while I was a working nurse, and obviously, I underestimated the work, and miscalculated my time. Now, that I am retired, I can give it some focus; but, you see, my Foundation also has many other interesting projects going especially for the promotion of new Hiligaynon literature. There’s the Peter’s Prize for Excellence in Hiligaynon Writing, and at this time, we are having the contest for The Saddest Love Story Ever Told. After this two-part series on how to write winning stories, you really should read my next column for the contest details. Who knows, you could be the next big writing star! in platforms like social networking sites. Yes, I participated. I have been observing an eco-lifestyle for years. This means using paper bag instead of plastic, and bringing my own Iloilo-bought libon at the farmer’s market on Sundays. Each day, I try to observe the basic rule of “less sugar, less carbo” and “everything in moderation.” When I’m tired, I take hot shower and sleep early. I have stopped drinking soft drink and been consuming less rice. I boil organic egg, saba, sweet potato or yam or yakun for breakfast. I feel light and alert. I walk. Of course, I could be stubborn at times with ‘digital detox.’ That is why I am already excited for the summer break so I can turn off my smartphone with its unlimited internet access, hit the beach or trek a mountain, and enjoy relative isolation and obscurity.
Why can’t many Filipinos tell truth from satire?
O
n November 4, local satire news site SoWhatsNe ws (SWN) came out with the article ‘Jinggoy Estrada Arrested After Trying to Smuggle Money Inside His Breasts to US.’ The piece poked fun at the Senator and his suspicious Stateside trip amid the pork barrel brouhaha, of which he is allegedly a key player. What should have just gotten a few chuckles, though, prompted a social media circus. Many Filipino netizens took the article for the truth and started sharing the piece. Others wondered out loud whether the report was legitimate, and some even contacted Rappler just to confirm whether the “news” had actually happened. Social media was abuzz with speculation, and it had to take an official denial from Estrada’s team to calm everyone down.
Just kidding This would have been understandable if the article’s satire was too subtle. The Philippine government and its motley crew of misfits has generated many uncanny moments, from ‘wheelchair defenses’ to day-long diatribes on the sanctity of embryos. However, many parts in the article clearly screamed satire, such as: “We asked him what it was,” said SFIA Head of Security Trevor Philip Ogg. “The cocky son-of-a-bitch answered me by asking ’Don’t you know who I am?’” (Lest he risk his job,
a head of airport security wouldn’t dare call a senator an SOB in his official media statement.) Or this: Estrada apparently introduced himself as “THE sexy senator from the Philippines,” and that the bulge on his chest was the result of intense [sic] workout regimen he undertook months prior. (The odds that this came out of Jinggoy’s mouth in all seriousness are slim to none.) The idea that Jinggoy would dare to smuggle cold cash in his chest through US airport security is ridiculous in itself, and should elicit doubt in anyone hearing about it. Plus, the upper right corner of the article page clearly displays a disclaimer, stating that SWN is satirical and fictional. It doesn’t take much to figure out that the report was fake.
Fool me once Unfortunately, this is not the first time that a satirical article has fooled Filipinos, including columnists. Mosquito Press, another satire news site, came out with the piece ‘Harvard study finds that Filipinos are the world’s most gullible people.’ In a moment of sheer irony, Philippine Star columnist Carmen N. Pedrosa wrote about the piece thinking it was real, even referring to its bogus statistics. In another example, secularist group Filipino Freethinkers came out with the satire piece ‘CBCP trademarks the term Catholic,’ featuring the fictional CBCP Commission on
Franchising and Life, or COFAL. Tabloid Abante Online soon came out with a copycat story, unwittingly presenting satire as truth. Abante even contacted retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz for his reaction, which Cruz readily gave.
Guessing game Why do many Filipinos mistake satire for truth so easily? It seems that other cultures are no longer as boggled by satire, and now accept and enjoy the form for what it is. The US has The Onion, The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report; the UK has Monty Python; Germany has the Heute Show; and Japan has Torijajiira Hoso. The Philippines, however, has yet to have a popular site or show that is unabashedly satirical, without having to fall back on cheap laughs. It is still in a state where putting out a single piece of satire can keep a senator’s communications team up at night. In the case of the SWN piece, many netizens reason that people think so lowly of Jinggoy, they’d believe any negative thing said about him. The real reason, however, may go far deeper than this need for schadenfreude. It’s possible, through a flawed educational system, that many Filipinos were not taught to think critically enough. And if you can’t think critically enough, grasping satire may be more difficult than it should be. Cutting classes According to
the
Philippine
Education Sector Assessment Project, the state of Philippine education is worrisome. The overall quality of education has deteriorated; there is a shortage of qualified teachers; children dropping out and remaining out of school is fairly common, etc. Furthermore, the 2009 World Bank Philippines Skills Report states that university graduates are lacking in foundational skills, including critical thinking. The local school system isn’t exactly churning out smart cookies. This trend may worsen in the next generation of students, due to recent policies and suggestions given by the Department of Education (DepEd). The new K to 12 program implemented by the DepEdsqueezes in more subjects in less time. Learning how to read can’t be rushed; education, in general, isn’t something to be doled out piecemeal. How can you be sure that a student has properly grasped a text if the bell has already rung? Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro has even admitted that jejemon, a local slang rife with grammatical errors, may be used in teaching preschoolers if deemed necessary. A faulty foundation in language will spell trouble for students in the long-run. Moreover, the K to 12 program also lacks a proper science subject, with science and health concepts merely “integrated” into other subjects. This is troubling, as a solid understanding of the scientific method goes hand in hand with critical thinking. With the teaching of reason, logic,
and language compromised, how can a child develop into someone who can easily read a piece of satire – which relies on spotting absurdities in the text? Get smart A population that can read and absorb satire properly is, at the heart of it, one that enjoys the benefits of a good education. Thus, the fact that satire continues to be received so naively here is a sign – however unusual – that education is not being valued enough, or being valued correctly, by those who manage it. We need to change how young Filipinos are taught. We need to change how we see the act of educating others. A Philippines made up of confident, critical thinkers is a Philippines that knows how to tell fact from fiction, chooses between right and wrong, and, ultimately, unburdens itself of the people who steal power and abuse it. Not only will proper education prevent Filipinos from mistaking satire for truth, but it will also prevent the unsavory events that inspire satire to begin with. – Rappler.com Marguerite de Leon is a Social Media Producer for Rappler, and editorin-chief of the Filipino Freethinkers’ website. iSpeak is a parking space for ideas worth sharing. Send in your contributions to move.ph@rappler.com. (No copyright infrigement intended for publishing this article in the newspaper.)
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March 30 - April 5, 2014
Our visit to the on-going construction of a new farm to market road at Barangay Pandan, Dingle rewarded us with an insight on how senior citizens can still remain productive despite advancing age. Being in the countryside offers a big advantage to these people who can putter around their yard and exercise their limbs and muscles and thus prevent atrophy and debilitation. Manong Manny Dator, a resident since birth of Brgy. Pandan is in his mid-70s and tapping the coconuts in his front yard is his way of spending his time. With about 6 coconuts planted close to each other, he has defied farming logic of close spacing where it is assumed that closely spaced plants will not bear fruits, or nuts in the case of coconuts. Just about 5 meters apart, his coconuts, the yellow dwarf variety once made popular by the Philippine Coconut Authority, are tapped for its sap or plant juice and either drank as tuba or fermented sap or directly made into vinegar. To make things easier for him, he has connected the coconuts with a series of big bamboo poles so once he is up tapping one floral shoot, he can proceed to the next palm without getting down, a tedious and painful task for him at his age. On a given day, his six palms produce not less than 5
METRO AGRICULTURE
9
SENIORS AND STILL FULL OF ENERGY
liters, which if sold as fresh tuba or slightly fermented sap will sell for not less than P100.00, but will sell for P225.00 if fermented to vinegar in one month or more. Manong Manny ages his stocks of vinegar in a corner of his home lot where buyers can simply pass by and get their stocks. He has systematically arranged the bottles so that he knows instantly which bottles are already acidic and ready to sell. With his family, Manny is getting his whole yard ready for a possible renovation into a home type resort and eating destination in the barangay. The soon to be completed road building project would now make his place easy to access and visitors can partake of clean healthful coconut sap drink, fresh young coconut, fresh vegetables and freshly killed native chickens. His vinegar sells for about P15.00 per lapad or the flat bottle originally containing rum, whiskey or brandy (330 ml.), while his tuba sells for about P20.00 per liter. Nearby is Manang Regina Villasana who specializes in raising improved native chickens. Her stocks originally came from the darag strain now being popularized by the academe at WVSU and CPU. She complained that apparently that strain in synthetic and prone to diseases because of heavy inbreeding so she decided to do her own brand of breeding. She looked for fast growing strains and started again with the commercial day old chicks intended for growing to 1.5 kilos in 30 to 40 days. She chose the pullets to breed with a rooster from the darag batch and incubated the eggs through the surrogate hens that sit on eggs. Every new generation, she selects same colored chickens to mate for the next generation. Now she has a brood of eight hens colored brown red just like the color of kabir chickens. They also approximate the size of these imported breed but her strain or breed is more resistant to diseases since their genetic make up is just like the darag chickens
Manang Regina Vilłasana holding her set 4kg rooster that came out of her native chickens too. But her total population is never below 100 heads of all ages because of the regular batch that she sells. People already know her and go to her regularly to buy her native chickens. They find her chickens healthy and antibiotics free. M a n a n g Regina has a practical feeding method. She feeds her newly hatched chicks with a commercial ration for two weeks after which, she gradually shift them to her homemade ration she she herself makes. Once the chicks are ready to be ranged, she directs them together with the surrogate hen to the pile
Manong Manny Dator beside one of the palms he taps for coco sap which naturally ferments to contain alcohol and further ferments to become vinegar of leaves which she purposely collects and wets thoroughly so that termites will gradually colonize. Termites are
excellent feed for chickens as their bodies are rich in amino acids and fats. Termites are also highly digestible. The surrogate hen teaches the chicks how to scratch and feed among the piles of leaves and other debris. Using this method, Regina not only saves on feed and management but also gives her chickens the best nutrition. At her age, Regina is sprightly and full of energy because of the farm environment and the availability of vegetables that her family grows. Like any progressive farmer, she indulges in healthful food year round by growing them herself. She keeps abreast of the latest in farming because she is a member of the Communitybased Participatory Action Research, a project of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 6 under the able leadership of Director Larry Nacionales.
METRO SPORTS
March 30 - April 5, 2014
11
Ilonggo bike enthusiasts aim special lane Abolish NFA...from page 1
commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and desist from subsidizing the losses of NFA from consumers, FEF said in a press release. Citing the scheduled import of NFA to some 1,000 metric tons of rice this year, FAF said that it is a “blatant admission of the failure of the government’s rice self-sufficiency policy. “Instead, the demands of the market have been met by smuggled rice, which deprives the government of much-needed tax revenues and imports by favored dealers of the NFA, leading to suspicions of graft and corruption, FAF said. FAF further said that the
BY MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN
continued reliance causes the increase of rice prices. Government should focus on income and food security, instead of incurring huge losses in subsidizing NFA. IMT
Worship tourism...from page 1
Ilonggo bike enthusiasts aim to materialize their dreams having a special bike lane all throughout the six districts of this city following the successful first bike festival hosted by the city government on Sunday.
a total of 15 organizations will hold activities the whole year round. If every organization will have 500 delegates, it will add up to the tourist arrival”, Catalbas disclosed.IMT
Bike festival director Ronald enthusiasts coming from different Sebastian said the festival aims areas in Iloilo, neighboring provinces to promote a healthy lifestyle, and other regions particularly from environmental-friendly and at the General Santos City and Metro same time promote local tourism. Manila. He added through the event, the The bike fun run covered a total ity government might consider their of 25 kilometers around the city that request to have a special bike lane in started and ended at the Megaworld each district so that bikers will have business park in Mandurriao District also their road sharing. here. “We want also a special lane Prior to the highlight of the for our bikers because this is very event, a bike exhibit was opened at the economical way to save money instead Robinson’s Place to show more that of using car which contributed a big 50 bicycles including mountain bikes, factor to our air pollution”, he said. triathlon bikes, folding bikes, vintage Ilonggo Senate President Franklin bikes and other sports bicycles mostly Drilon and Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog used by the Ilonggos. IMT led the e v e n t which was participated Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JESUS by almost COSTANILLA CASAS known as lot no. 3, Block 121, 500 A, Pcs-06-00072 situated in the District of Jaro, City b i k e of Iloilo, Island of Panay containing an area of two
the procession on Triumphant Entry a huge advantage for the tourism “Domingo de Ramos” on April 13. industry. The World Mission Seminary & Lift “This will not be the only activity Jesus Worldwide Ministries will hold involving the other religious sector, a Summer Youth Camp from April 14 to 16. Republic of the Philippines Roman Catholic will Province of Iloilo handle Via Crusis (Way of Municipality of Dumangas the Cross) at Marian Shrine OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR while the Iglesia Filipina Independiente will host the NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION Pagdakop on Holy Thursday. The two will join hands for the In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to Procession of pasos on Good the publict that GRACE M. HORTINELA haas filled with this Office a petition Friday. for change of first name from MERRY GRES to GRACE in his birth certificate The Calvary Baptist Church will have an Easter of MERRY GRES ALANG MAHINAY who was born on 01 FEBRUARY 1982 Musical Presentation on at DUMANGAS, ILOILO and whose parents are WILFREDO Z. MAHINAY April 19 and the Seventh Day and JOSEPHINE G. ALANG. Adventist will run Women’s Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition Ministries Convention from April 18 to 20. with this Office not later than _______. Catalbas said the convention would bring about 500 delegates from outside March 30 - April 5, 2014 Guimaras. She said this is
NOTICE
hundred nine square meters with Transfer Certificated of Title No. T-80639 is the subject of the deed of adjudication with waiver as per doc. no. 1276, page no. 237 book no. V series of 2014 of notary public ATTY. MEL GABAR M. TOLENTINO. March 30 - April 5, 2014
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Pacifica P. Parreño known as lot no. 1740 B to G of the Cadastral survey of Potatan, Iloilo Covered by TCT no. T-19983 area of 1,690 sq. m. more or less has been adjudicated by NIDA GUSTILO NADANZA and that she sold the portion of lot 1740-E with and area of 632 sq. m. more or less equivalent at P 150,000.00 to Tessie M. Paracale as per doc. no. 12, page no. 97 book no. XXXI series of 2014 before Notary Public Ex Officio JUDGE EVA SAUL PADILLA. March 30 - April 5, 2014